The Crusades-XVI

THE
CRUSADES
OF
21ST CENTURY
BY RIAZ AMIN
Vol-XVI
CONTENTS
DEFINING MOMENT 4
PATHETIC PLIGHT - PART FOUR 6
MALALA DAY...51
BOZZ KASHI .80
RIGHT TO DEFEND...113
INQILAB: FOR MANKIND: PART ONE .153
WHO ARE JUDGES?..224
MURSI AND SECULARS ..291
WILLING AS EVER ...323
INQILAB: FOR MANKIND: PART TWO366
PLUNDERERS PERTURBED ...409
TATTOOED TALIBAN ..452
INQILAB: FOR MANKIND PART THREE .495
ANOTHER YEAR GONE ...560
PRINCE CORONATED ..592
INQILAB: FOR MANKIND PART FOUR 619
NEW ARMY DOCTRINE..,662
COME ARMY! COME ...695
NUMBER EIGHT 738
SAVED WHAT!768
INQILAB: HOW - LA TO ILLA .823
BJP IN PAKISTAN .872
VICTORY LAP 923
DIALOGUE: NO EXECUTION .958
INQILAB: HOW EXPLAINED994
CUSTODIANS OF SYSTEM 1045
BLAME GAME...1079
INQILAB: HOW THE TUSSLE-I..1115
BENGALI BLOODBATH .1160
PEACE OR CEASEFIRE..1194
AVAILING TRAGEDIES .1234

INQILAB: HOW THE TUSSLE-II........1273
A DECADE LATER ..1328
TARGET PAKISTAN ...1357
DEFINING MOMENT
Yesterday the Americans cast their votes to choose between Romney
and Obama as their President for the next four years. They kept up the
American tradition; Barack Obama was allowed second term in the White
House. President of the US is also the supreme commander of the armed
forces, so he will lead the Crusaders for four more years.
During the election campaign, Obama told the voters that the
defining moment has come. Such sentences are often uttered by candidates,
who intend benefiting from democratic systems in election season. That
defining moment passed yesterday.
Having availed the defining moment common Americans, like all
commoners in democracies all over the world, will now sit back and wait for
four years for another defining moment to come their way. Meanwhile,
they will hope that Obama will provide them relief by getting America out
of economic depression.
For rest of the world; nay! For Islamic World it is Obama as the
supreme commander of the Crusaders, not the President of the US, who
matters the most. The defining moment has brought no change for them,
except the advantage of knowing the man with whom they have to deal for
another four years.
For them it is not a matter of moment or moments; Muslims have to
bear with another defining decade. They have been through one defining
decade and a year of the second has also passed and by the time the reappointed supreme commander of the Crusaders will relinquish the post,
more than half of the second decade would passed.
The years to come will bring no respite for them from the wrath of the
holy warriors from Europe and their descendents inhabiting North America
and other lands. But the rulers in Islamic World, barring few exceptions, will
look forward to muster favours from the well acquainted master, especially
those in Pakistan.
The ruling coalition placed in Islamabad, has served well its American
masters by bringing Pakistan to the brink of political chaos and economic
collapse. While the puppet rulers expect rewards, their foreign masters feel
that they are closer to achieving the goals of demilitarizing and
denuclearizing Pakistan.
The politicians of Pakistan, in power or otherwise, seem quite

oblivious to this harsh reality. They are pre-occupied in their favourite sports
of plundering and mud-slinging. Pakistan or people of Pakistan appear
nowhere in their concerns.
This game of accusations and counter-accusations is played day in and
day out as there is plenty that could be used to blame each other. The focus
is on how forcefully an allegation or counter-allegation is hurled at the
opponents, so that the opponent is left with no option but to duck down.
The aim is not to put anyone to shame or be ashamed but to push the
opponent onto the back foot. This is also resorted to against threats
perceived from non political quarters, two of which stand out prominently
i.e. Army and Judiciary. The politicians believe that the best defence against
these two threats is to ridicule and defame them with a view to taming the
judges and generals.
The contemporary politicians have evolved a consensus as regards the
Army. It is considered a common enemy of all politicians. It may be a
news for some that the founder father of this strategy against Army was
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, generally projected as a brilliant politician produced in
Pakistans short history.
ZAB used to ridicule Army by blaming it for disintegration of
Pakistan. He would avail every opportunity to ridicule Army by mentioning
its defeat at the hands of its arc rival. He would proudly boast of securing
repatriation of ninety thousand prisoners of war, as if he had played no role
in that defeat and that was no matter of shame for him
In that act, which was frequently enacted, his political brilliance was
in stark display. He deliberately ridiculed the Army over a national tragedy
in which he had played key role, in fact, that tragedy began and ended with
him appearing in the lead-role.
Today, Pakistan is ruled by his political children, who seemed to be
excelling in upholding his legacy. Like him, they are only interested to be in
power no matter what happens to Pakistan. For that eventuality they have
made necessary arrangements; most of them hold dual nationality.
7th November, 2012
PATHETIC PLIGHT
PART FOUR
The last chapter of the series comprises of Allamahs poetic works
taken from his two books titled Zarb-i-Kalim and Armaghan-i-Hijaz. Large
portion of the second book consists of Persian poetry, but no Persian poetic
work has been included in this volume; herein only a few poems have been
picked. First, the Zarb-i-Kalim.
SUBMISSION TO FATE
Tun beh Taqdir
Issi Quran mein hai abb tark-e-jahan ki taalim; jiss ney Momin ko
banaya meh-o-parvin ka amir.
[Meh-o-parvin: Chand aur taarey.]
The Koranic teaching that did bring the Moon and Pleiades within human: Is
now explained in manner strange, 'Twixt man and world to cause a breach.
' '

Tun beh taqdir hai aaj onn kay amal ka andaaz; thhi nihan jinn kay
aradon mein Khuda ki taqdir.
[Tann beh taqdir: Taqdir kay ghalat mafhoom per yaqin kar kay kochh na
karna aur iss intizar mein baithhey rehna keh jo kochh hona ho ga ho jaey
ga.]
Their mode of work has changed entire, before the freaks of Fate they bow:
They had a say in what God decreed, but Muslims have now fallen low.
' ' '

Thha jo nakhoob ba-tadrij khoob hoa; keh ghulami mein badal jata hai
quomon ka zamir (fitrat, sarisht).
What was so evil has by steps put on the shape of good and fine: In state of
bondage, as is known, the shift of conscience is quite sure.
[Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah]
6
THE DECLINE OF MUSLIMS
Mosilman ka Zawal
Agarchih zar bhi jahan mein hai qazi-ul-hajaat; jo faqr sey hai mayassir,
tawangri sey naheen.
[Qazi-ul-hajaat: Hajitein ya zarooratein pori karney wala.]
Though wealth and gold provide the worldly needs of man; but
what Faqr can bestow, no wealth or gold e'er can.

Agar jawan hon meri quom kay jasoor-o-ghayoor; Qalandri meri kochh
kam Sikandari sey naheen.
[Jasoor-o-ghayoor: Dalir aur ghairatmand.]
If youth of nation mine were jealous of their creed; my Qalandar's state
won't mind Alexander's might indeed.

Sabab kochh aur hai, tou jiss ko khod samajhta hai; zawal bandah-e-Momin
ka bi-zari sey naheen.
[Bi-zari: Doulat ka nah hona.]
With ease you can divine to some thing else is due: Penury can not cause
decline of Moslems True.

Agar jahan mein mera johar aashkar hoa; Qalandri sey hoa hai, tawangri
sey naheen. [Johar: Slahiyat. Ashkar: Zahar.]
Wealth has played no part to bring my worth to light; my Faqr this spell has
cast, the share of wealth is slight.
IJTEHAD
Ijtihad
[Jo batein Adami ko pehley sey maloom hon onn ko damagh mein dobarah
tartib dey kar natijah akhaz karna.]

Hind mein hikmat-e-Din koeyi kahan sey seikhhey; nah kaheen lazzat-ekardar, nah afkar-e-amiq (gehrey).
There is no place in Ind where from to learn; the tenets that the Muslim
Faith concern. They are devoid of zeal for godly acts, and are not wont to
seek its basic facts.

Kahan halqah-e-shouq mein woh juraat-e-andaishah; ah mahkoomi-otaqlid-o-zawal-e-tehqiq.
[Juraat-e-andaishah: Sochney ki taqat. Taqlid: Pairwi. Zawal-e-tehqiq:
Tehqiq ka nah hona.]
The mystics, who were keen their Faith to spread, are silent now and thought
for them a dread. Alas! The state of bondage deprives of zest, slaves tread
the beaten path and relinquish quest.

Khod badaltey naheen, Quran ko badal deytey hein; hooey kiss darjah
faqihaan-e-Haram bitoufiq.
[Faqihaan-e-Haram: Mosilman ulema.]
The jurists are helpless to such extent can't change themselves, but would
change Koran's content. How sad, the jurists can't shift their outlook, but
would prefer to change the Holy Book.

Inn ghulamon ka yeh maslak hai keh naaqas hai katab; keh seikhhati
naheen Momin ko ghulami kay tariq.
8
These abject slaves opine and cling to creed that Holy Book is full of flaws
indeed. They think it incomplete for this fact because it fails to teach the
slavish tact.
MULLAH OF THE MOSQUE
Mulla-e-Haram
Ajab naheen keh Khuda takk teri rasaeyi ho; teri nigah sey hai poshidah
Adami ka moqam.
Teri namaz mein baqi jalal hai, nah jamal; teri azan mein naheen hai meri
sehar ka payam.
I do not wonder if to God you find approach. You know not rank of man for
which you need reproach.
Your worship is devoid of grandeur, charm and grace. Your Call to Prayer at
morn leaves cold and does not brace.
INDIAN MUSLIM
Hindi Mosilnan
Ghaddar-e-watan oss ko batatey hein Brahman; Angraiz samajhta hai

Mosilman ko gadagar.
Brahmans dub him as foe to native land, the English call him beggar on
other hand.

Punjab kay arbab-e-nabawwat ki shariat, kehti hai keh yeh Momin-eparinah hai kafir.
[Punjab kay arbab-e-nabawwat: Mirza Ghulam Mohammad ki taraf
asharah.]
The Code of Prophet born in Punjab says: This ancient Muslim owns many
pagan ways.

''
Awazah-e-Haq othhata hai kabb aur kidhar sey; maskin sakam mandah
darein kashmakash andar. (Mera chhota sa maskin dil issi kashmakash
mein rehta hai).
When and whence the call to truth shall rise, my humble heart is feeling
much surprise?
HOLY WAR
Jihad
Fatwa hai Sheikh ka yeh zamanah qalam ka hai, dunya mein abb rehi
naheen talwar kargar.
It is the verdict of the Shaikh that pen is stronger than the sword: The
sword has lost its might and force, tile pen has gained a firmer hold.

Laikan janab-e-Sheikh ko maloom kaya naheen? Masjid mein abb yeh
waaz hai bisood-o-biasar.
But does not the august Shaikh take cognizance of this bitter fact: That this
lecturing in the mosque can never make the least effect?
10

Taigh-o-tafang dast-e-Mosilman mein hai kahan; ho bhi, tuo dil hein mout
ki lazzat sey bikhabar.
[Tafang: Bandooq.]
In hands of Muslims of the world, where can the gun and sword be seen? If
equipped with such deadly arms, to suffer death they won't be keen.

Kafir ki mout sey bhi larzta ho jiss ka dil; kehta hai kon issey keh Mosilman
ki mout mur.
At sight of heathen's natural death, if one with fear and fright is filled; no
one directs a man like that to get in Holy War be killed.

Talim oss ko chahiey tark-e-jihad ki; dunya ko jiss kay panjah-e-khoonin
sey ho khatar.
[Panjah-e-khoonin: Khoon sey bhhara hoa haath.]
A man, whose bloody claws for world with risk and danger much are
fraught; must avoid the Holy Wars, to give up wars he must be taught.

Batal ki faal-o-fur ki hifazat kay wastey; Europe zirah mein doob gaya dosh
ta kamar.
[Faal-o-fur: Shaan-o-shoukat. Dosh ta kamar: Kandhey sey kamar takk.]
The West is bent to mount a guard on false, untrue pretentious show. It is
armed with weapons dread, is clad in mail from top to toe.

Hum pochhtey hein Sheikh-e-Kalisa nawaz sey; Mashraq mein jung shar hai
tuo Maghrab mein bhi hai shar.
11
[Kalisa nawaz: Girja nawaz; Issaiyuon ko khosh karney wala.]

We like to ask the holy Shaikh, who holds the shrine in high esteem; if war
for West is heinous crime, how far in East can harmless seem?

Haq sey agar gharz hai tuo zeba hai kaya yeh baat; Islam ka mohasbah,
Europe sey dargozar.
[Mohasbah: Pochh gichh; ihtisab.]
A man concerned with truth alone can never this much proper deem that East
for sins must reckoning face, but crimes by West may lighter seem.
BEWITCHED BY THE WEST
Afrang zadah
(1)

Tera wajood sarapa tajali-e-Afrang; keh tou wahan kay amarat-garon ki
hai tamir.
[Tajali-e-Afrang: Europe ki chamak.]
Magar yeh paikar-e-khaki khodi sey hai khali; faqat niyam hai tou,
zarnigar-o-bishamshir.
[Zarnigar: Soney kay naqsh wali.]
Your being whole from head to foot reflects the West; her masons in you
have shown their art at best.
Devoid of Self, your frame from clay and water made is like a spangled
sheath that has no steel or blade.
12
(2)

Teri nigah mein saabit naheen Khuda ka wajood; meri nigah mein saabit
naheen wajood tera.
Wajood kaya hai, faqat johar-e-khodi ki namood; kar apni fikr keh johar hai
binamood tera.
In God's existence you don't believe, you have no existence, I conceive.
Life means to bring Self's merits hid to show, take heed, your Self is quite
devoid of glow.
INDIAN ISLAM

Hindi Islam

Hai zindah faqat wahdat-e-afkar sey Millat, wahdat ho fana jiss sey woh
ilhaam bhi ilhaad.
[Wahdat-e-afkar: Khiyalat ki yagangat. Ilhaam: Khoda ka paigham. Ilhaad:
Kofar, bi-dini.]
Oneness of thought and Faith alone can make a Society last for long: That
revelation is schism indeed that fails to make this bond much strong.

Wahdat ki hifazat naheen bi-qowwat-e-bazoo; aati naheen kochh kaam
yahan aqal-e-Khudadad.
13
Oneness of thought and Faith can be defended with arms robust and strong.
The wit that God bestows on man does not befriend a man for long.
!

Ay mard-e-Khuda! Tojh ko woh qowwat naheen hasil; ja baithh kissi ghaar
mein Allah ko kar yaad.
O man of God, you lack such strength, go seek retreat in cave forlorn; arid
sit there like a hermit old, worship Almighty Lord night and morn.

Miskini-o-mehkoomi-o-noumeidi-e-javed; jiss ka yeh tasawwaf ho woh
Islam kar ijaad.
[Noumeidi-e-javed: Hamaishah ki naommeidi.]
Devise such faith whose mystic thought may have mien meek and slavish
trend. And side by side there may persist despair that has no bound and end.

Mulla ko jo hai Hind mein sajdey ki ijazat; nadaan yeh samjhta hai keh
Islam hai azad.
The leave allowed to Muslim Priest to bow and bend, 'fore God to pray
makes that artless fellow think that Ind is free from foreign sway.
DEFEATISM
Shakast
Mojahidanah hararat rehi nah Sufi mein; bahanah bi-amali ka bani sharabe-alast.
14
[Alast: Roz-e-azal Adami ney alast-a bah-Rabbekom (kaya mein tomhara

Rabb naheen hon) kay jawab mein qalo bala (han Tou Rabb hai) kaha
thha.]
The mystics of the present age are devoid of warrior's rage: The claim that
they are rapt with wine of Last and turn from Code Divine.

Faqih-e-shehar bhi rahbaniyat peh hai majboor; keh maarkey hein shariat
kay jung-e-dast badast.
The jurist has such bent of mind that makes to monkish mode inclined, in
Holy Wars take rock-like stand, they are just combats hand to hand.

Garaiz-e-kashmakash-e-zindagi sey, mardon ki; agar shakast naheen hai
tuo aur kaya hai shakast.
Man's flight from conflicts of life, or escape from its heat and strife if these
not be abject defeat, what else is then a mean retreat?
FERVOUR FOR ACTION
Masti-e-kardar
Sufi ki tariqat mein masti-e-ahwal; Mulla ki shariat mein faqat masti-egoftar.

The mystic mode has naught except the inner changes of the heart. The talk
of Mullah on his creed is merely piece of fiery art.

Shaer ki nawa mordah-o-afsordah-o-bizouq; afkar mein sarmast, nah
khabidah nah baidar.
15
The Poet's song of zeal; bereft is dead and struck with frost: To outward eyes
he seems awake, though in thoughts completely lost.

Woh mard-e-mojahid nazar ata naheen mojh ko; ho jiss kay ragg-o-pay
mein faqat masti-e-kardar.
Alas! My eyes do not behold the Holy Knight whose fervour high may cause
his blood to seethe and boil in veins that lend such might to thigh.
THE TRUE GUIDE
Mehdi-e-barhaq
Sabb apney banaey hoey zindan mein hein mehboos; khawar kay swabat
hon keh Afrang kay siyyar.
[Mehboos: Qaidi. Khawar: Mashraq. Swabat: Jo harkat nah karey.]
The sedent nations of the East, or active dwellers of the West; are inmates of
such dungeons that were built by them with zeal and zest.

Piraan-e-Kalisa hon keh Sheikhaan-e-Haram hon; ney jiddat-e-goftar hai,
ney jiddat-e-kardar.
[Piraan-e-Kalisa: Padri. Sheikhaan-e-Haram: Mulla. Jiddat: Niya-pann.]
The priests who guide the Christian church and Elders who maintain the
Shrine, lack newness of discourse and speech, bereft are they of actions fine.

Hein ehl-e-siyasat kay wohi kohna kham-o-paich; shaer issi aflas-etakhiyal mein gariftar.
16
[Kham-o-paich: Dao, heirpheir. Aflas-e-takhiyyal: Khiyalat ki kam-maigi.]

Experts in statecraft practise still the same antique guile and wily tricks; no
flights of fancy the bard can claim to ideals low and mean he sticks.

Dunya ko hai oss Mehdi-e-barhaq ki zaroorat; ho jiss ki nigah zalzalah-ealam-e-afkar.
It is time that expected Guide may soon appear oil worldly stage: His
piercing glance in realm of thought would cause a violent storm to rage.
FATE: (SATAN AND GOD)
Taqdir
((
!
!

Ay Khuda-e-konn fakan! Mojh ko nah thha Adam sey bair: Aah woh
zindani-e-nizdik-o-door-o-dair-o-zood.
[Khuda-e-konn fakan: Woh Khuda jiss ney kaha ho ja aur sabb kochh ho
gaya. Zood: Jald.]
Harf-e-istakbar teyrey samney momkin nah thha; han magar teyri mashiyat
mein nah thha meyra sajood.
[Istakbar: Gharoor. Mashiyat: Marzi (Khuda ki)]
O Lord of worlds, against Adam, no grudge or spite I did e'er bear. Alas! He
is a captive still of late and soon, far off and near.
'Fore You, O mighty Lord of Worlds a haughty pose I could not show; it was
pre-ordained by You God that I to You would never bow.
17

Kabb khhola tojh per yeh raaz, inkar sey pehley keh baad?
Before denial or after, when did across your mind this mystery dart?
!
Baad! Ay teyri tajali sey kamalat-e-wajood.
Aft Lord, who can by Your display perfection great to life impart.
( )
Farishton ki taraf dikhh kar
(Looking at the Angels)

'

()
Pasti-e-fitrat ney sikhhlaeyi hai yeh hojjat ossey; kehta hai teyri mashiyat
mein nah thha meyra sajood.
[Hojjat: Dalil. Sajood: Sajdey ki jama.]
Dey raha hai apni azadi ko majboori ka naam; zalim apney shoalah-esozan ko khod kehta a dood.
[Shoalah-e-sozan: Jala deyna wala shoalah. Dood: Dhoan.]
[Makhoz az Mohiuddin ibn-e-Arabi]
His low grovelling bent of mind has taught the wretch to argue and contend;
he says it was pre-ordained, to God he would not bow or bend.
Unfettered freedom though he owns, yet gives it name of much constraint:
The tyrant, though a blazing flame, to be mere smoke is his complaint.
18
INVOCATION TO THE SOUL OF MUHAMMAD (S.A.W.)

Ay rooh-e-Muhammad (S.A.W.)

Shirazah hoa Millat-e-marhoom ka abtar; abb tou he bata, Mosilman
kidhhar jaey.
[Shirazah: Intizam-o-zabt. Abtar: Bikhhar gaya.]
The bonds that in past, like bundle knit, the Faithful Fold, have now been
split: O God sent Guide, let Muslims know, what to do and where to go?

Woh lazzat ashoob naheen behar-e-Arab mein; poshidah jo hai mojh mein,
woh toofan kidhar jaey.
[Ashoob: Shorash.]
The Arabian Sea is quite bereft; of stir, there rise no waves and 'crest the
tempest that in me is hid has no place to spread and skid.

Her chund hai bi-qaflah-o-rahilah-o-zaad; iss koh-o-biyaban sey hodi
khwan kidhar jaey.
[Rahilah: Sawari. Zaad: Safar ka saman. Hodi khwan: Onton ko mehw-esafar rakhhney kay leay gana ganey wala shakhs (Shaer ka apni taraf
asharah hai)]
Caravan has left the tramp alone, but mount or food he does not own; where
can the singing cameleer go, who rides on hill and waste to and fro.

Iss raaz ko abb faash kar ay rooh-e-Muhammad (S.A.W.); ayat-e-Elahi ka
nigahbaan kidhhar jaey.
19
Soul, whom God for message chose! This secret hid to me disclose; some
light on this problem throw, where may the guard of God's portents go?
PUNJABI MUSLIM

Punjabi Mosilman

Mazhab mein bohat tazah pasand iss ki tabiyat; kar ley kaheen manzal tuo
gozarta hai bohat jald.
A new born Faith invokes his taste, adopts with zeal but leaves with haste.

Tehqiq ki baazi ho tuo shirkat naheen karta; ho khhail moridi ka tuo harta
hai bohat jald.
In search for truth lie takes no part, as disciple stakes both head and heart.

Tawil ka phhanda koeyi siyyad laga dey; yeh shaakh-e-nashiman sey otarta
hai bohat jald.
If comments' snare some hunter set, from nest on bough would drop in net.
FREEDOM
Azadi
20
Hai kiss ki yeh joraat keh Mosilman ko toukey; huriyat-e-afkar ki niamat

hai Khuda-dad.
[Huriyat-e-afkar: Khiyalat ki azadi.]
The right of thinking free, a Muslim owns, is gift or God which can't be
checked by frowns.

Chahey tuo karey kaabey ko atash-kadah-e-Paras; chahey tuo karey oss
mein Farangi sanam abad.
[Atash-kadah-e-Paras: Ehl-e-Faras ka atash-kadah.]
He can transform the Shrine to Magian fane, can deck the Shrine with
Frankish idols vain.

Quran ko bazichah-e-tawil bana kar; chahey tuo khod ekk tazah shariat
karey eijad.
[Bazichah: Khhail, bamaani bachon ka khhail.]
Can make the Holy Book the sport or boys, and can with ease devise new
Faiths like toys.

Hai momlikat-e-Hind mein ekk torfah tamasha; Islam hai mehboos,
Mosilman hai azad.
In India queer and odd the farce you see, the Faith is captive, but the
Muslims free. [Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah]
PREACHING OF ISLAM IN ENGLAND
Ishaet-e-Islam Frangistan mein

21
Zamir iss madniyat ka Din sey hai khali; Frangiyuon mein akhowwat ka
hai nasab peh qayam.
[Akhowwat: Bhai-charah. Nasab: Khandan. Qabilah.]
The cultures that prevail in West are quite devoid of Faith or Creed. Amongst
the Franks fraternity rests on ties of lineage, race and breed.

Boland-tar naheen Angraiz ki nigahon mein, qabool-e-Din-e-Masih sey
Brahman ka moqam.
[Din-e-Masih: Eisaeyi mazhab.]
If high caste Brahman ever chose to adopt Christ's faith and creed; his rank
and state the same remain, to his conversion Franks wouldnt heed.

Agar qabool karey, Din-e-Mustafa (S.A.W.), Angraiz; siyah roz Mosilman
rehey gap pher bhi ghulam.
[Siyah roz: Bad bakht.]
If Franks embraced the Muslim Faith, revealed to Mustafa (S.A.W.), sundry
and all: There won't be change in Muslim's state, the wretch would still
remain a thrall.
TO THE AMIRS OF ARABIA
Omraaey Arab sey
Karey yeh kafir-e-Hindi bhi joraat-e-goftar; agar nah ho omra-e-Arab ki

bi-adabi.
If Amirs of Arabian lands don't take it for a slur or slight; this Muslim from
the land of Ind may speak with vigour great and might.
22

Yeh noktah pehley sikhhaya gaya kiss ummat ko? Wasal Mustafawi, iftiraq
buLahabi.
[Wasal Mustafawi: Mustafa (S.A.W.) ka paigham itifaq. Iftiraq buLahabi:
Abu Lahab ka paigham nafaq phhailana hai.]
Who were the people whom at first God's apostle preached kinship
close? Division amongst them was infused by men, like Bu Lahab the like.

Naheen wajood hadood-o-saghoor (hadein) sey oss ka; Muhammad Arabi
(S.A.W.) sey hai alam-e-Arabi.
Their existence does not rest at all on borders long and deserts vast Arabian
lands subsist because of blessings of Arabia's Prophet Last.
NATIONS OF THE EAST
Aqwam-e-Mashraq
Nazar aatey naheen bi-pardah haqaiq onn ko; ankhh jinn ki hoeyi
mehkoomi-o-taqlid sey kor.
Zindah kar sakti hai Iran-o-Arab ko kiyuonkar; yeh Farangi madniyat keh
jo hai khod labb-e-gor.
Those men, who lose their eyes through bondage and sheepish bent, can't see
the facts of life though veil from truths be rent.
How can the cult of Franks revive the Muslim lands? It is on verge of wreck
is based on tottering sands.
23
REFORMERS OF THE EAST

Moslehein-e-Mashraq
Mien hon nuommeid teyrey saqiyaan-e-Samri fun sey; keh bazam-eKhawaran mein ley kay aaey saatgin khali.
Your vintners have despaired me much, like Samri, they can cast a spell:
With empty bowls to East have conic; what they would do is hard to tell.

Naeyi bijli kahan inn badlon kay jeib-o-daman mein; porani bijliyuon sey
bhi hai jinn ki astein khali.
No lighting new can ever flash in tap or clouds that float in sky: Of lightning
old, their sleeves are void; how can they gain a Status high?
GHAZAL

Nah mien Ajami, nah Hindi, nah Iraqi-o-Hijazi; keh khodi sey mien ney
seikhhi duo jahan sey biniazi.
I don't belong to Fars or Hind, to Iraq or Hejaz don't trace my breed.
The Self to me this much has taught spurn both the worlds and pay no heed.

Tou meri nazar mein kafir, mien teri nazar mein kafir; tera Din nafas
shomari, mera Din nafas godazi.
[Nafas shomari: Sans ginana. Nafas godazi: Sans ko naram karna.]
24
You are a heathen in my view, the same to you may seem my creed: To
count the breath, your Faith and goal, while melting breath my job and deed.

Tou badal gaya tuo behtar keh badal gaeyi shariat; keh mowafiq-etadrawan naheen Din-e-shahbazi.
[Tadrawan: Chakoron.]
Your change, no doubt, is good and well, and so your change of Moslem
Creed. This Faith is meant for men, like hawks, it suits not pheasants'
quivering breed.

Terey dasht-o-dar mein mojh ko woh janon nazar nah aya; keh sikhha
sakkey khird ko reh-o-rasm kar-saazi.
[Reh-o-rasm kar-saazi: Kaam sanwarney waley tariqay.]
Such passionate Love of God and craze, in wilds and wastes has not caught
my sight; whose magic force and rapture great, the faults of reason may set
right.

Nah joda rehey nawa-gar tabb-o-taab-e-zindagi sey; keh hallaki-e-omam
hai yeh tareeq-e-ney nawazi.
[Nawa-gar: Ganey wala. Hallaki-e-omam: Quomon ki halakat.]
A poet must ne'er keep aloof from noisy fretful stream of life; the bard, who
shuns the facts and truths, can't make the nation face its strife.
GHAZAL

25
Milley ga manzal-e-maqsood ka issi ko soragh; andhairi shabb mein hai

cheetay ki ankhh jiss ka charaagh.
That man alone in lire shall find to aim and end a certain sign: Whose eyes
in pitch dark night can see, and like the eyes of panther shine.

Mayassar aati hai forsat faqat ghulamon ko; naheen hai bandah-e-Hur
kay leay jahan mein faragh (forsat).
The slaves can get repose and rest in world confined by Time and Space: But
men of high and noble birth haven't leisure in worldly race.

Farogh-e-maghrabiyan kheirah kar raha hai tojhey; teri nazar ka
nigehban ho sahib-e-mazaagh.
[Farogh: Taraki. Kheirah karna: Ankhhon ko chondiyana. Sahib-e-mazaagh:
Surah-e-Anjam ki taraf asharah hai jiss mein Mearaj ka zikar hai aur kaha
Muhammad (S.A.W.) ki nazar ney jo kochh dikhha woh bilkol darust dikhha;
nigah nah idhar sey odhar hoeyi aur nah hadd sey barrhi.]
The progress great that West has made, has bedazzled your eyes a deal. May
Prophet (S.A.W.) guard your precious sight; to vouch him God did Najm
reveal!

Woh bazam-e-aish hai mehman yakk nafas dou nafas; chamak rehey hein
missal-e-sitarah jiss kay ayyagh (Piyalah).
These revels do not last for long, like guests they stay for a breath or so: The
bowls of wine that glint like stars, are soon deprived of gloss and glow.

Kiya hai tojh ko kitabon ney kor zouq itna; saba sey bhi nah mila tojh ko
booey gul ka soraagh.
[Kor zouq: Andhha zouq.]
26
The books have marred your taste and zest to such a great and vast extent
that breeze of morn has also failed to give you clue of rose and scent.
[Translated by Akbar Ali Shah]
MIGHT OF ISLAM MOSQUE
This about the first mosque that was constructed by Qutbuddin Aibak
after conquest of New Delhi and the famous Qutab Minar was one of the
minarets of this mosque:

Masjid Qowwat-ul-Islam

' '
Hai merey seinah-e-binoor mein abb kaya baqi; La Illah mordah-oafsordah-o-bizouq-e-namood.
[Bizouq-e-namood: Izhar kay zouq ka nah hona.]
Now naught remains in Muslim's breast, his heart devoid of glint and glow:
He avowed with zeal 'No God but He', but dead and cold the zeal for show.

Chashm-e-fitrat bhi nah pehchan sakkey gei mojh ko; keh Ayazi sey
digargon hai moqam-e-Mehmood.
[Ayazi: Ghulami. Digargon: Montasher.]
The Muslim's state has so declined that Nature fails to know at sight,
because the slavish acts of Ayaz have put Mahmud's high rank in plight.

Kiyuon Mosilman nah khajal ho teri singeini sey; keh ghulami sey hoa
misl-e-zajaj oss ka wajood.
[Misl-e-zajaj: Shishey ki manind.]
27
You have withstood the ruin of Time and kept your ground as firm as rock.
Constraint has turned the Muslims weak; you put them all to shame and
shock.

Hai teri shan kay shiyan ossi Momin ki namaz; jiss ki takbir mein ho
maarkah-e-bood-o-nabood (hasti-o-naisti).
The worship of such Muslims suits your structure immense and so vast, who
with one breath that God is Great; found truth and lies away are cast.

Abb kahan meyrey nafas mein woh hararat, woh godaaz; bitabb-o-taab-edaron meyri salaat aur darood.
[Bitabb-o-taab-e-daron: Andarooni tarrap aur garmi kay baghair.]
The Muslim's breast is quite bereft of previous heat and ardour strong; his
blessings, worship are devoid of innate heat and fret since long.

Hai meri bang-e-azan mein nah bolandi, nah shakoh; kaya gawara hai
tojhey aisey Mosilman ka sajood?
[Shakoh: Dabdabah.]
His call to prayer is devoid of lofty tones and grandeur great; O God, let this
be known to him, will you let him 'fore you prostrate?
CREATIONS OF ART
Makhloqat-e-honar
28
Hai yeh firdous-e-nazar ehl-e-honar ki taamir; faash hai chashm-etamasha peh nihan khanah-e-zaat.
The craftsmen by their tact have built such works that Eden jealous make:
The eyes endowed with sight can see; states hid that stir the heart and rake.

Nah khodi hai, nah jahan-e-shaam-o-sehar kay dour; zindagani ki
harifanah kashakash sey nijaat.
[Harifanah kashakash: Apas mein tsadam aur khhaincha tani.]
There is no Self nor usual change of morn and night at all is found: The
Muslims have got rid entire of combats and shun such a round.

Ah! Woh kafir bicharah keh hein oss kay sanam; asr-e-raftah kay wohi
tootey hoey Laat-o-Manat.
Ah! The infidel poor still pays homage to his idols old; though their broken
state lie knows, yet oil him they retain their hold.

Tou hai miyyat, yeh honar teyrey janazey ka imam; nazar tuo aeyi jissey
marqad kay shabastan mein hayat.
[Marqad kay shabastan: Qabar ki khwab-gah.]
You are a corpse and your art the leader of your funeral rite: In pitch dark
bed-room of the grave, of life the fellow catches sight.
PERSIAN POETRY
Shear-e-Ajam

29
Hai shear-e-Ajam garchih tarabnak-o-dil awaiz; iss shear sey hoti naheen
shamshir-e-khodi taiz.
[Tarabnak: Por-saroor. Shamshir-e-khodi: Khod agahi ki nazar.]
There is no doubt that Persian verse, like music of the harp and lute, is full
of joy and has much charm, yet sword or Self it makes not sharp.

Afsordah agar oss ki nawa sey ho gulistan; behtar hai keh khamosh rehey
morgh-e-sehar khaiz.
[Morgh-e-sehar khaiz: Sobh sawairey othh kar chehchaney wala parindah.]
Much good that birds which chirp and sing at morning early rise and bloom,
give tip their songs, if can't dispel this earthly meadow's murk and gloom.

Woh zarab agar koh shikan bhi ho tuo kaya hai; jiss sey motzalzil nah hoeyi
doulat-e-Pervaiz.
A mighty stroke with case can cleave a mountain high and big in twain: If
fails to shake the founds of Chosroe's throne, is useless quite and fully vain.

''
Iqbal yeh hai kharah tarashi ka zamanah; az her chih baainah namayand
beh parhaiz (yeh apni shaeri kay ainey sey jo kochh dikhhatey hein oss
sey bachna chahiey.]
Iqbal much strife is needed in present age which needs chiselling rocks and
crushing stone; shun case, in mirror do not peep, and let such things remain
alone. [Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah]
THE CRAFTSMEN OF INDIA
Honarwaran-e-Hind

30
Ishq-o-masti ka janazah hai takhiyal onn ka; onn kay andaishah-e-tarik

mein quomon kay mazar.
[Andaishah-e-tarik: Bhhiyanak soch.]
Their fancy tolls the knell of love and rapture sweet; their dark and dismal
thoughts with nations' tombs replete.

Mout ki naqsh-gari onn kay sanam khanon mein; zindagi sey honar onn
Brahmanon ka biazaar.
Their idol halls arc full with prints of gloomy death. The art of these
Brahmans seems tired of life and breath.

Chashm-e-Adam sey chhopatey hein moqamaat-e-boland; kartey hein rooh
ko khwabidah, badan ko bidaar.
They hide from eyes of man his state and noble name: They fill the soul with
sleep, incite the lust in frame.

! !
Hind kay shaer-o-suratgar-o-afsanah nawees; ah, bicharon kay eisaab
peh aurat hai sawar!
[Suratgar: Mosawar.]
Alas! In Hind sex rules the bards and painters too: Those, who write
romantic tales, talk of sex through and through.
MUSIC
Mosiqi

31
Woh naghmah-e-sardi khoon-e-ghazal sara ki dalil; keh jiss ko sonn kay

tera chehra taabnak nah ho.
A song that fails to make your face glimmer and glow with joy and glee,
shows that minstrel's blood is cold, his heart of heat and warmth is free.

Nawa ko karta hai mouj-e-nafas sey zehar alood; woh ney nawaz keh jiss ka
zamir pak naheen.
That player on the flute who has a conscience much defiled, impure with
puff of breath can make a tune replete with poison which hasn't cure.

Phera mien Mashraq-o-Maghrab kay lalah zaaron mein; kissi chaman
mein girebaan-e-lalah chaak naheen.
I have visited the meads in East and West, where tulips parks adorn, but I
have not beheld a park, where tulips have their collars torn.
PSYCHOLOGY OF BONDAGE
Nafsiyat-e-Ghulami
Shaer bhi hein paida, ulema bhi, hikma bhi; khali naheen quomon ki
ghulami ka zamanah.
The wise and bards in bondage both are born, of such births, the age of
slavery is not shorn.

Muqsad hai inn Allah kay bandon ka magar eik; her eik hai go sharah-emaani mein yaganah.
[Sharah-e-maani mein yaganah: Maanon ki wazahat karney mein bimisal.]
32
These men of God have merely single aim, their interpretation of verse,
unique they claim.

Behtar hai keh sheron ko sikhha dein rum-e-ahoo; baqi nah rehey sher ki
sheri ka fasanah.
[Ramm-e-ahoo: Hirnon ki tarah bhag jana, bozdili.]
Much good to teach the lion timid deer's flight, none may recall the legends
of lion's might.

Kartey hein ghulamon ko ghulami peh razamand; tawil-e-misael ko
banatey hein bahana.
They make the thralls contented with their state, they make excuses, when
Faith's affairs relate.
TODAY AND TOMORROW
Aaj aur Kall
Woh kall kay ghum-o-aish peh kochh haq naheen rakhhta, jo aaj khod afrozo-jigar soz naheen hai.
Woh quom naheen laiq-e-hangamah-e-farda; jiss quom ki taqdir mein
imroz naheen hai.
[Laiq-e-hangamah-e-farda: Mostaqbil kay hangamon kay laiq.]
One who does not light and consume his heart, in future's joy or sorrow has
no part.
33
That nation can not morrow's tumult face, which is destined to lose the
present race. [Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah]
THE EAST
Mashraq
Meri nawa sey giriban-e-lalah chaak hoa; nasim-e-sobh, chaman ki talash

mein hai abhi.
By strains I sing at early morn, the vest of tulip has been torn.
Breeze has been roaming since the dark, but has not found a single park.

Nah Mostafa nah Raza Shah mein namood oss ki; keh rooh-e-sharq badan ki
talash mein hai abhi.
In Raza Shah or Mustafa Kamal, no trace of it is found at all. East's soul is
seeking body sound, but such a body has not found.

Meri khodi bhi saza ki hai mostihiq laikan; zamanah daar-o-rasan ki talash
mein hai abhi.
[Daar-o-rasan: Sooli aur rassi yaani mout ka saman.]
My Self deserves correction dire. To set it right and sound entire: The world
harbours this evil hope; to hang me seeks a plank and rope.
LORDSHIP
Khwajgi
34
Dour-e-hazar hai haqiqat mein wohi ehad-e-qadim; ehl-e-sujjadah hein ya

ehl-e-siyasat hein imam.
In fact, the present age is still the same antique and ancient tide, whether
statesmen give them lead, or spiritual leaders guide.

Iss mein piri ki karamat hai nah miri ka hai zour; sainkron sadiyuon sey
khogar hein ghulami kay awam.
[Khogar: Aadi.]
To bondage common man is wont, since times none can recall to mind; this
wonder is not wrought by Guides, but by wealth's vigour blind.

Khwajgi mein koeyi moshkal naheen rehti baqi; pokhtah ho jatey hein jabb
khoey ghulami mein ghulam.
When commons grow mature and ripe, in slavish bent and trend of heart; the
governors can rule with ease, they don't face hurdles on their part.
FOR SLAVES
Ghulamon kay leay
Hikmat-e-Mashraq-o-Maghrab ney sikhhaya hai mojhey; eik noktah keh

ghulamon kay leay hai akseer.
Both wisdoms of the East and West have given to me of their best: Both of
them to me have taught a point with Elixir's virtues fraught.

Din ho, falsafah ho, faqr ho, sultani ho; hotey hein pokhtah aqaid ki bana
per taamir.
35
It may be philosophy or creed, Derveshhood or else kingly breed; through

sound beliefs they grow mature, get built on founds so firm and sure.

Harf oss quom ka hai soz, amal zaar-o-zabon; ho gaya pokhtah aqaid sey
tehi jiss ka zamir.
[Zaar-o-zabon: Zalil-o-khwar.]
Of ripe beliefs, if nations' heart has no share or allotted part; such mortals
are devoid of glow; their acts are mean, debased and low.
COMPLAINT
Gillah
Maloom kissey Hind ki taqdir keh abb takk; bicharah kissi taj ka tabindah
nagin hai.
The Fate of Mind to none at all is known, this lustrous gem still decks the
British crown.

Dihqan hai kissi qabar ka ogla hoa mordah; bosidah kafan jiss ka abhi zire-zamin hai.
Her peasant seems like corpse for want and dearth, whose rotten shroud is
still beneath the earth.

Jan bhi girv-e-ghair, badan bhi girv-e-ghair, afsos keh baqi nah makan hai
nah makin hai.
[Girv-e-ghair: Doosron kay pass rehan rakhhi hoeyi.]
36
His soul and frame to aliens have been sold. Alas! The soul on lodge has lost
its hold.

Europe ki ghulami peh raza-mand hoa tuo, mojh ko tuo gillah tojh sey hai,
Europe sey naheen.
With Europe's bondage you are quite content, no plaint 'gainst them, but I
your act resent.
POLITICAL LEADERS
Siyasi Paishwa
Ommeid kaya hai siyasat kay paishwaon sey; yeh khak-baz hein, rakhhtey
hein khak sey paiwand.
[Khak-baz: Mitti sey khailney waley, pust khiyalat waley. Paiwand: Taaloq.]
You can not much expect from those who politics guide; their wont to play
with dust to lowly dust is tied.

Hamaishah moor-o-magas per nigah hai onn ki; jahan mein sift-eanqaboot onn ki kamand.
[Moor: Chewanti. Magas: Makhhi. Anqaboot: Makrri. Kamand: Rassi ka
phanda jo shikar pakrrney kay leay istimaal kiya jata hai.]
Their gaze is ever fixed on humble ants and flies; their noose as frail as web
can't cast it on the skies.

Khosha woh qaflah, jiss kay amir ki hai mataa; takhiyal-e-malkooti-ojazbahha-e-boland.
37
[Khosha: Khosh nasib. Mataa: Doulat. Takhiyal-e-malkooti: Farishton ki

sei soch.]
How lucky the Caravan, whose Chief possesses the stock of lofty angelic
thoughts, and passions firm as rock.
PSYCHOLOGY OF BONDAGE
Nafsiyat-e-ghulami
Sakht barik hein amraaz-e-omam kay asbab; khhol kar kehiey tuo karta hai
biyan kotahi (biyan saath naheen deyta).
The causes that make the nations sick are quite obscure, too vague and fine;
although some man may try his best, yet cause in full he can't define.

Din-e-sheri mein ghulamon kay imam aur shaiokh; dikhhtey hein ekk faqat
falsafah-e-roobahi (loomarri ka rawiyah, bozdili, makkari).
The chiefs and guides of slaves have sunk so low that it seems so much odd!
If mode of lions is presented to them, they will see naught save guile and
fraud.

Ho agar qowwat-e-Faron ki dar pardah morid; quom kay haq mein hai
laanat woh Kalimullahi (Allah sey kalam karna).
If a Moses forms a secret League with the Pharoah of his time; for his nation
such like Moses is curse committing dreadful crime.
38
THE PRAYER OF SLAVES
( )
Ghulamon ki namaz (Turki wafad Hilal-e-Ahmar Lahore mein)

Kaha mojahid-e-Turki ney mojh sey baad namaz; tawil sajdah hein kiyuon
iss qadar tomharey imam.
The Turkish Knight said to me at prayer's end: Why do your Imams
prostrate for long and bend.

Woh sadah mard-e-mojahid, woh Momin-e-Azad; khabar nah thhi ossey
kaya cheez hai namaz-e-ghulam.
That simple manly knight and Muslim free knew not at all what such slaves
prayer be.

Hazar kaam hein mardan-e-Hur ko dunya mein; onnhi kay zouq-e-amal sey
hein ommaton kay nizam.
[Mardan-e-Hur: Azad mard.]
Free men have thousands of pursuits in life, nations progress through great
zeal and strife.

Badan ghulam ka soz-e-amal sey hai mehroom; keh hai maroor ghulamon
kay roz-o-shab peh haram.
[Maroor: Gozarney ka amal. Roz-o-shab: Dinn aur raat.]
In slave's body beat for deeds is nil, always his days and nights are at stand
still.
39

Tawil sajdah agar hein tuo kaya taajab hai; waraey sajdah gharibon ko
aur kaya hai kaam.
[Waraey sajdah: Sajdey kay sawa.]
If they prostrate for long no wonder there, besides prostration, the poor have
no affair.

Khuda nasib karey Hind kay imamon ko woh sajdah jiss mein hai Millat ki
zindagi ka payam.
May God to Muslim Priests of India grant homage that news of Life in
hearts can plan.
THE EAST AND THE WEST
Mashraq-o-Maghrab
Yahan marz ka sabab hai ghulami-o-taqlid, wahan marz ka sabab hai

nizam-e-jamhoori.
Nah Mashraq oss sey buri hai, nah Maghrab oss sey buri; jahan mein aam
hai qalb-o-nazar ki ranjoori (bimari).
In the East bondage and mimicry have spread the germs of pain and grief. In
the West rule of chosen mobs is source of sorrows main and chief.
Neither the East is quite immune, nor West from germs is fully free; widespread the blight of heart and glance, a few can claim true joy and glee.
40
THE PURGATORY
This poem and those reproduced thereafter are taken from the book
titled Armaghan-i-Hijaz.
Alam-e-Barzakh
(Mordah apni qabar sey) Kaya shaey hai, kiss imroz ka farda hai qayamat:
Ay meyrey shabastan-e-kohan! Kaya hai qayamat?
[Imroz: Aaj. Farda: Aney wali kal. Shabastan: Raat gozarney ki jagah.]
A Dead to his grave: Of which todays next would be doomsday? O my old
chamber! What is doomsday?
!

Qabar: Ay mordah-e-sadd salah! Tojhey kaya naheen maaloom? Her mout
ka poshidah taqaza hai qayamat.
The Grave: O hundred years dead do you know, nay! Each deaths hidden
need is the doomsday

Mordah: Jiss mout ka poshidah taqaza hai qayamat; oss mout kay phandey
mein gariftar naheen mien.
The Dead: Which deaths hidden need is the doomsday. Fastened in its trap,
I would like, nay.

Her chund keh hon mordah-e-sadd salah olaikan; zolmat kadah-e-khaak
sey bizaar naheen mein.
41
[Zolmat kadah-e-khaak: Mitti kay andar tarik ghar.]

A hundred years dead I am called though, Im not sick of that dusty gloom
so.

Ho rooh pher ekk bar sawar-e-badan zaar; aisi hai qayamat tuo kharidar
naheen mien.
[Sawar-e-badan zaar: Kamzor badan per sawar.]
If a soul comes back in this body weak, if that is doomsday, to that I wont
seek.

Sada-e-Ghaib: Ney nasib maar-o-kazzdam, ney nasib daam-o-dud; (yeh
tuo saanp, bichho aur darindon waghirah ki bhi qismat mein naheen aur
tou insan ho kar hamishah ki mout chahita hai) hai faqat mehkoom quomon
kay leay marg-e-abadd.
A Hidden Voice: No fate of snakes and scorps: nor jungles snare,1 a life
long deaths fate is slaves only share.

Baang-e-Israfil onn ko zindah kar sakti naheen; rooh sey thha zindagi mein
bhi tehi jinn ka jasadd (badan).
To him cant wake up the Israpheels horn, so void of soul body was his lifes
thorn.

Mur kay jee othhna faqat azad mardon ka hai kaam; garchih her zi-rooh ki
manzal hai aghosh-e-lehadd.
[Zi-rooh: Rooh rakhhney wala, insan. Aghosh-e-lehadd: Qabar ki aghosh.]
42
Would rise from graves the free men alone, though each mans abode is the
grave lone.
( )
!

Qabar (apney mordah sey): Ah, zaalim! Tou jahan mein bandah-emehkoom thha; mien nah samajhti thhi keh hai kiyuon khaak meyri soznaak (jalan wali).
The Grave (to her Dead): O fool in this world you were the men slave, now I
follow why pinched me the grave.

Teyri mayyit sey meri taarikiyan taarik-tar; teyri mayyit sey zamin ka
pardah-e-namoos chaak.
[Pardah-e-namoos: Izzat ka pardah.]
My gloom from thy body added more gloom, the veil of Earths honour in
rags did loom.

! !
Al-hazar, mehkoom quomon ki mayyit sey suo baar al-hazar: Ay Israfil! Ay
Khuda-e-kainat! Ay jaan-e-pak.
[Al-hazar: Daro.]
Shun hundred times from a slaves body then, O Seraph! O Soul! O God! Of
whole men.

Sada-e-Ghaib: Garchih barham hai qayamat sey nizam-e-hast-o-bood;
hein issi ashoob sey bi-pardah asrar-e-wajood.
[Nizam-e-hast-o-bood: Dunya ka nizam. Ashoob: Hungamah. Israr: Raaz.]
43
A Mysterious Voice: From doomsday shakes the worlds order though, this
noise but opes; the Beings Secrets so.

Zalzaley sey koh-o-darr orrtey hein manind-e-sahaab; Zalzaley sey
waadiyuon mein tazah chashmon ki namood.
[Manind-e-sahaab: Badalon ki tarah. Namood: Zahar.]
From tremors, like clouds move the hills and dales, the tremors ope
fountains in dales and vales.

Her naeyi tamir ko lazam hai takhrib-e-tamam; hai issi mein moshkilat-ezindagi ki kashood.
[Takhrib-e-tamam: Mokamal barbadi. Kashood: Kholna.]
A new built up needs a total wreck, through wreck life breaks all the
bottlenecks.

Zamin: Ah yeh marg-e-dawaam, ah yeh razam-e-hayat; khatam bhi hogi
kabhi kashmakash-e-kainat.
[Marg-e-dawaam: Hamaishah ki mout. Razam-e-hayat: Zindagi ki jung.]
Earth: Oh! This lasting death! Oh battle! For life would the world ever, end
its strife.

Aqal ko milti naheen apney botton sey nijaat; arif-o-aami tamam bandahe-Laat-o-Manaat.
[Arif-o-ami: Khas-o-aam.]
A riddance from her idols, world cant get, a savant or layman are Lots
slaves yet.
44

Khwar hoa kiss qadar Adam-e-Yazdan safaat; qalb-o-nazar per gran aisey
jahan ka sabaat.
Kiyuon naheen hoti sehar hazrat-e-insan ki raat?
[Adam-e-Yazdan safaat: Khuda ki safaat rakhhney wala insan.]
How much man lowered who had Godly part's such worlds stay a load on
eyes and hearts. Why is there no morn of such a mans night?
[Translated by Q A Kabir]
A DETHRONED KING
Mazool Shahinshah
Ho mobarik oss shahinshah-e-niko farjam ko; jiss ki qorbani sey asrar-emalokiyat hein faash.
[Niko farjam: Nek anjam. Asrar-e-malokiyat: Badshahat kay raaz.]
I hail, that king great who earned a good name whose sacrifice reveals the
kingships game.
' '

Shah hai Bartanvi mandar mein ekk mitti ka bott; jiss ko kar saktey hein,
jabb chahein pojari paash paash (tokrrey tokkrey).
The king in British fane, idol of dust, to whom the old baptists if wish can
burst.

!
Bishak yeh moshk amaiz afyuon hum ghulamon kay leay;
45
Sahar-e-Englees! Ma ra khwaja digar tarash (Ay Angraiz jadoogar!

Hamarey leay koeyi doosra aaqa bana).
[Moshk amaiz afyuon: Khoshbo-dar afyuon.]
They keep a musky poppy for slaves like us; O English charmer carve a new
king for us.
THE HYMNS OF HELL DWELLER
Dozakhi ki Monajat
Iss deir-e-kohan mein hein gharaz-mand pojari; ranjeedah botton sey hon
tuo kartey hein Khuda yaad.
[Deir-e-kohan: Porani dunya.]
The selfish priests live in this temple old, when grieved by idols they take
the Gods fold.

Pooja bhi hai bisood, namazein bhi hein bisood; qismat hai gharibon ki
wohi nalah-o-faryad.
Their worship is vain, their prayers in vain; the poor are destined to weep in
old pain.

Hein garchih bolandi mein amaraat falak-bos; her shehar haqiqat mein hai
verandah-e-abad.
[Falak-bos: Asman ko chhoney wali. Verandah-e-abad: Zahar mein abad aur
haqiqat mein veraan.]
In height are buildings which kiss the sky, in fact each city makes ruins by
and by.
46

Taishey ki koeyi gardash-e-taqdir tuo dikhhey; sairab hai Pervaiz, jigar
tishnah hai Farhad.
[Sairab: Pani peiney wala. Jigar tishnah: Jigar sey piyasa, intahaeyi piyasa.]
Let some one ponder the fate of axe yet, Pervez well watered, the beau
thirsty yet.
[Pervez: King of Persia (known in amatory legend of Shirin and Farhad on
whose behest Farhad dug the canal with his axe. Thus the beau is Farhad,
who could not yet win the hand of his lady love.]

Yeh ilm, yeh hikmat, yeh siyasat, yeh tajarat; jo kochh hai, woh hai fikar-emalokanah ki eijaad.
[Fikar-e-maalokanah: Badshahon ki souch.]
This knowledge, this science, statecraft and trade; for kingship alone these
games were made.

Allah tera shokar keh yeh khitah-e-porsoz; soudagar-e-Europe ki ghulami
sey hai azad.
I thank thee O God! That this radiant tract; of bondage of West has no signs
in fact.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE
Awaz-e-Ghaib
Aati hai dum-e-sobh sada arsh-e-barein sey; khhoya gaya kiss tarah tera
johar-e-adraak.
47
[Johar-e-adraak: Woh qowwat jiss ki nooraniyat sey insane kainat ki zaroori

baaton ka ilm hasil karta hai.]
At dawn thus echoes a voice beyond sky: How you lost the essence of ken
and pry.

Kiss tarah hoa kond tera nishtar-e-tehqiq; hotey naheen kiyuon tojh sey
sitaron kay jigar chaak.
[Kond: Jo tez nah raha ho.]
The knife of thy hunt how you made blunt, the shining stars why you could
neer hunts.
[Hunt: Here it means research.]

Tou zahar-o-batan ki khilafat ka sazawar; kaya shoala bhi hota hai
ghulam-e-khas-o-khashak.
[Sazawar: Laiq. Khas-o-khashak: Ghhas phoos.]
To thy heritage, goes the caliphate, can flame be tied to tuft and hays fate.

Mehr-o-meh-o-anjam naheen mehkoom terey kiyuon; kiyuon teri nigahon
sey larztey naheen aflaak.
The stars, sun and moon thy slaves are not why, from thee shivers not, why
not the whole sky.

Abb takk hai rawan garchih lahoo teyri raggon mein; ney garmi-e-afkar,
nah andaishah-e-bibaak (bikhouf soch).
That blood still runs in thy veins though, no heat of thoughts nor a smashing
dash so.
48

Roshan tuo woh hoti hai, jahan bein naheen hoti; jiss ankhh kay pardon
mein naheen hai nigah pak.
A lucent eye though, but lacks seeing sense, the eye which lacks a holy
guides glance.

Baqi nah rehi teyri woh ainah zamiri; ay koshtah-e-Sultani-o-Mullaeyi-oPiri.
[Koshtah: Mara hoa.]
No longer looks now thy crystal conscience; O prey of kings an mullah, and
Pirs guidance.
QUATRAINS

Kaha Iqbal ney Sheikh-e-Haram sey; teh-e-mehraab-e-masjid suo gaya kon.
Nida masjid ki diwaron sey aeyi; Farangi bott-kadey mein khho gaya kon?
Iqbal once said to Sheikh of Holy home: Who is sleeping now under the
mosque a dome.
I heard a voice then from the mosques lane, who is lost now in the
Tinas lane.
(Tina is a dim of Christina. Teenic, Tina, Xina are diminutives of China.)
49
-------xxxxx-------

' '
Kohan hungamah-haey arzoo sard; keh hai mard-e-Mosilman ka lahoo
sard.
Botton ko meyri la-Dini mobarik; keh hai aaj atash-e-Allah Hoo sard.
The cravings are cold of the uproars old, as blood of Muslim is now a day
cold.
My faithless trend the idols hail. My Allah Hoos fire is cold like hails.
7th November, 2012
50
MALALA DAY
Pakistan Army has so far withstood the post Malala-attack pressure to
launch operation in North Waziristan to kill or capture the man who came
and went back to Kunar located hundreds of miles away. The Crusaders,
however, have not yet abandoned their plans to capitalize on the unfortunate
incident. The UN decided to observe Malala Day and former British Prime
Minister, Gordon Brown visited Pakistan in that connection.
Zardari regimes patron-in-chief won US presidential election despite
the devastation caused by super storm Sandy. Hafiz Saeed, the head of
Jamaat-ud-Dawa, availed the opportunity to offer every possible help to the
storm-hit American people, while Abbottabad Commission quietly swept
everything under the carpet. Richard Olson arrived in Islamabad to take up
his duties as the new US Ambassador to Pakistan.
The armed struggle for the liberation of Afghanistan from foreign
occupation forces continued with fluctuating intensity. The worst attack
came after Eidul Azha prayers in Maymana city of Faryab Province in
Northern Afghanistan in which 40 people were killed and 50 others
wounded. There was no respite from insiders attacks as well
America and its European allies stayed away from Iran refraining
from stepping beyond the sanctions. Meanwhile, Pakistan moved to improve
its relations with India by leaps and bounds. Deputy Chief Minister of Indian
Punjab and Chief Minister of Behar visited Pakistan in this connection and
Indian High Commission announced liberal visa policy for traders
The period ended with the resignation of drone-master, the CIA
Director General Petraeus. The most celebrated retired general of the
ongoing Crusades was a casualty to his biographer Paula Broadwell. His
deputy will now be in charge of drone strikes.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 22nd October, Abbottabad Commission cleared
Pakistan government and military establishment of involvement. The
investigation describes how the daughter of one of bin Ladens two couriers,
who lived with their families in separate buildings inside the high-walled
compound, saw the al-Qaeda leader as she climbed the stairs in his private
area for a Quran lesson with one of his wives. According to the Pakistani
source, she was oblivious to his identity until she saw his picture on
51
television some days later. This prompted a hurried security conference

inside the compound, which ended with bin Laden giving up his exercise
routine in a covered part of the courtyard.
A senior government source said they would find few answers in the
commissions report. At the end of the day it really doesnt tell us much
more than we already knew. Its a disappointment for those who thought this
episode might represent a turning point for Pakistans relationship with
extremist groups, he said, adding that the investigation had spent more time
considering infringements of Pakistans sovereignty by the US Seals than
probing how such a well-known fugitive evaded detection. American critics
have accused Pakistani officials of knowing more about Osamas presence
than they were letting on.
Next day, at least three persons, a woman and two children were killed
and nine others injured when mortar shells hit houses in Miranshah, North
Waziristan. Security forces retaliated against the militant attack during
which few mortar shells landed on nearby houses, killing three people and
injuring nine others. A container, carrying supplies for NATO forces in
Afghanistan, was attacked in Kalat district.
Barack Obama said that Osama bin Laden would have escaped if the
United States had sought Pakistans permission ahead of the raid. During the
third and final debate ahead of presidential election on November 6,
President Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney said they would
continue drone attacks in Pakistan if they won the vote.
Mitt Romney said what happens in Pakistan will have a major impact
on the success in Afghanistan. Asked by the moderator if the United States
should divorce Pakistan, Romney supported continued ties but, in line with
legislation approved by the Congress, called for more conditions on US
assistance. On his part, President Obama made no effort to state his position
on Pakistan, and mentioned the country only a couple of times, and that too
in a negative term. The president did not even acknowledge the huge
sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war on terrorism.
Romney claimed that in view of the nuclear weapons, the presence of
the Haqqani militants and the Taliban within Pakistan, if the country
becomes a failed state, it would be of extraordinary danger. And so were
going to remain helpful in encouraging Pakistan to move towards a more
stable government and rebuild the relationship with us. And that means that
our aid that we provide to Pakistan is going to have to be conditioned upon
certain benchmarks being met.
52
Romney said, Its a nation thats not like others and that does not
have a civilian leadership that is calling the shots there. Youve got the ISI,
their intelligence organization is probably the most powerful of the three
branches there. Then you have the military and then you have the civilian
government. This is a nation which if it falls apartyouve got terrorists
there who could grab those nuclear weapons.
On 24th October, at least three people including a woman were killed
when a US drone targeted a house in village in Mir Ali area of North
Waziristan Agency. In Peshawar, militants damaged a bridge by blowing it
up with explosive material near Bacha Khan Markaz.
The Peshawar High Court issued a notice to former president Pervez
Musharraf for allowing the US to conduct drone attacks in the Tribal Areas.
A two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Muftahuddin Khan, conducted
the hearing on a petition filed against the CIA-operated drive. The bench
while issuing a notice to Musharraf, called him on the next hearing to
explain his position.
Next day, a girl was killed and three other people including two
children were wounded when the roof of their house collapsed due to a blast
in Hangu. Meanwhile, it was reported that the United Nations was to set up a
dedicated investigations unit in Geneva to examine the legality of drone
attacks in cases where civilians are killed in so-called targeted counterterrorism operations.
On 26th October, at least nine militants were killed and several others
injured in an operation conducted by security forces in Khyber Agency. The
forces pounded militants' hideouts with gunship helicopters in Akakhel area
of the agency. In Swat, gunmen shot dead two members of an anti-Taliban
peace committee.
Next day, Imran Khan said he was pulled off a New York-bound plane
by US immigration officials and interrogated about his view on American
drone strikes in his country. Khan was headed to New York to attend a fund
raiser organized by his party when he was stopped by US officials in
Toronto.
Richard Olson arrived in Pakistan to take up his duties as the new US
Ambassador to Pakistan. Upon his arrival Ambassador said he is looking
forward to present his credentials to President Zardari as soon as possible
and to start working with Pakistanis to build a relationship based on mutual
respect and common interests.
53
On 28th October, a bomb exploded outside a shrine of Ziarat Kaka

Sahib located in district Nowshera, killing four persons and injuring 34
others. A remote control bomb was planted about 30 feet away from the
main gate of the shrine in a water cooler. TTP condemned the blast and its
spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the militant outfit had nothing to do with
it. This blast is carried out by rivals to vilify the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
and the TPP condemns that, he added. In D I Khan, at least one person was
killed and seven other injured in a hand grenade attack on a police officer's
house.
Next day, two security forces personnel and ten militants were killed
in clashes between forces and militants in Bara subdivision of Khyber
Agency. Six troops wounded by the militants in Malikdin Khel area of Bara.
The whole-day gunship choppers hovered over the area and the residents
were strictly instructed not to leave their houses. Thirty-four suspected
persons were arrested by the troops who razed four houses of the tribesmen
accusing them of having connections with militants.
Seconding Pakistans stance on the issue of US drone strikes in the
tribal areas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Zhao Qizheng, has
said such air raids are a violation of regional sovereignty.
On 30th October, a large number of regular Army troops were
deployed for an operation in Khyber Agency, reported. The move came
following a clash between security forces and militants. According to
eyewitnesses, security forces have cordoned off several areas in Barqamber
Khel and Sepah, while arresting many suspects and all major roads leading
to Bara were closed.
Hafiz Saeed, who is under a $10 million US bounty, offered
humanitarian aid to the United States as it battles super storm Sandy. Hafiz
Muhammad Saeed, the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit
and now head of the charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), said his organization
was ready to offer every possible help to the storm-hit American people.
Next day, the US, which is battling the aftermath of Super storm
Sandy, has rejected an offer of help from Hafiz Saeed, the man believed to
be the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. We respect the
Islamic tradition of help to the needy, but we cant take Hafiz Saeeds offer
seriously, the US Embassy in Islamabad tweeted. On 1 st November, at least
eight militants were killed in clashes with security forces in Tirah Valley of
54
Khyber Agency. Four hideouts of the suspected militants were also

destroyed in security forces shelling.
On 2nd November, Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, in a
statement, said that they had decided to target the MQM, vowing not to
show any mercy to the apostate tyrants of Karachi. The Pakistani Taliban
spokesman also called out to Pakistans judges to work for an Islamic
system. I call out to all the judges who are part of Pakistans secular laws
and courts: You will also be held accountable in front of God some day.
Therefore, you should also work for an Islamic system rather than this
system, said Ehsan in the two-page statement.
I urge the leaders of the nationalist parties in Balochistan and Sindh,
like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Sindh Liberation Army
(SLA), to fight for their rights in an Islamic way, said the statement. The
Pakistani Taliban also said that they were in the process of forming a
strategy with regard to the upcoming general elections.
Next day, Qaumi Watan Party leader, who also headed an anti-Taliban
Peace Lashkar, was killed along with four others when a suicide bomber
exploded himself at a filling station in Dagar area of district Buner. Asad
Filling Station was owned by Fateh Khan and he was there when the suicide
bomber struck.
Lord Nazir Ahmed said he believed Malala, who is awaiting
reconstructive surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, could have
been shot as part of a plot to discredit the Taliban. Lord Ahmed told a
meeting in Willesden, North London, that he believed the young girl may
have been shot as an excuse to launch a military assault in the Taliban
stronghold of Waziristan.
He said he had visited Mingora, the town where Malala lived with her
family in the Swat Valley and there was no danger whatsoever from
militants. I dont know why it happened and one reason could possibly be
theres an operation in Waziristan [which] may possibly be on the cards or
some other sort of action, he told the meeting.
Attaullah, the main accused in the attempt of killing Malala is the
resident of Sangota, Ghowarey Masta area of Swat. Attaullah, the master
planner of the tragedy was born in 1989 in Ali Khans home. He is an
educated person, as he did his matriculation from Manglawar High School in
2007 and graduation from Government Jahanzeb College Saidu Sharif
Swat. He got admission in MS at the University of Peshawar in 2011.
According to his school and college teachers, he was a very intelligent and
55
obedient student. They said his favorite subject was Islamic studies, and he
was a religious-minded person.
According to Swat police, Attaullah is the main accused. They said his
name was not registered in terrorist list, and had no record before the
incident. During interrogation in the Malala attack case his accomplice
disclosed his name to the police and revealed that he was the mastermind.
Police arrested Attaullah and his whole family members including females
after his name emerged as mastermind in the assassination attack on Malala,
adding that later they released the family members after
investigation. Sources said Attaullah got training from Swat Taliban Chief,
Maulana Fazlullah in Afghanistan.
On 4th November, at least eight persons were injured when a remote
control device hit a police check post in Jala Bela area of Charsadda. In
Lower Dir, head of an anti-Taliban peace militia and former UC Nazim of
Peshawars suburban areas was shot dead by unidentified militants.
President Zardari said that terrorism has caused about 80 billion
dollars economic loss to Pakistan, as he urged the SAARC states to jointly
fight this global menace in their own region. Opening the three day
conference of the Association of SAARC speakers and parliamentarians at
the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he also called upon the SAARC parliaments to play their
role for forging better bilateral relations and addressing interstate and
regional issues.
On 5th November, a suicide bomber was killed and one security
personnel sustained injuries when he blew himself up in Yakkaghund Bazaar
area in Mohmand Agency. Next day, Peshawar High Court gave a last
chance to the authorities to present a complete list of missing persons by
December 4; otherwise action would be taken against them. During the
hearing of 57 missing persons case, the Chief Justice said that it was the
responsibility of the courts to award punishment. He pointed out that the
COAS had also made it clear that an accused could not be described as a
convict.
The chief justice said that 1,100 persons had been released, but still
1,095 people were in the internment centres. He directed the authorities that
a joint meeting of the security agencies, field commanders, unit
commanders, the chief secretary, the home secretary and the FATA
additional chief secretary be convened to prepare a final list of all the
missing persons. The hearing was adjourned for December 11.
56
On 7th November, one security man was killed and 14 others sustained
injuries in a bomb blast in Sadda Bazaar of Kurram Agency. The blast also
destroyed the vehicle of Political. In Peshawar, at least eight people,
including SP (Investigation) and four other policemen, were killed and 30
injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
After the failure of the week-long dialogue between administration,
forces and local tribesmen of Bar-Kamber Khel tribe, the forces launched an
operation in the area. The administration and the forces have linked
suspension of operation in the area to handing over of all wanted criminals
residing there, expulsion of all outsiders from the area besides demolition of
private torture cells and prisons.
Reportedly, the American troops stationed along the Pak-Afghan
border are not trying to locate Taliban leader Mullah Fazlullah, who is
hiding in eastern Afghanistan after masterminding last months attack on
Malala Yousafzai, The Washington Post cited US officials. Our guys just
arent tracking him. He is viewed as an other-side-of-the-border problem.
Next day, as many as 20 militants were killed while 110 suspected
persons were arrested during the on-going forces action in the last two
weeks in tehsil Bara, sub-division of Khyber agency. The military search and
clearance action against miscreants continued in different parts of Bara,
since last two weeks.
On 9th November, security forces killed six militants, besides injuring
13 others in retaliation to an attack on a check post in South Waziristan
Agency in which one soldiers was killed. Militants had attacked a post near
Toi Khulla area in Wana. Meanwhile, an organization Mujahideen-eWaziristan distributed pamphlets in Wana, warning the Ahmedzai tribe
against joining the Levies force.
Next day, police and intelligence agencies thwarted a possible terror
attempt in Lahore by arresting five alleged terrorists in a raid on a hideout in
Defence area. A huge stash of weapons, including hand grenades, automatic
guns and explosive devices, were seized during the operation. Besides the
five terrorists, five women and two children were also apprehended from the
house.
People in Pakistan and around the world observed Malala Day as part
of a global day of action for girls education. The day was part of a drive led
by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, UN Special Envoy for Global
Education. He has presented a petition to President Zardari, along with one
million signatures from Pakistan, demanding free and compulsory education.
57
On 11th November, Pakistan government strongly condemned the

cross-border shelling by the Afghan National Army which led to the death of
four Pakistani civilians including two children, who were returning home
after collecting firewood in Nernarai area near the Pak-Afghan border. Two
terrorists were killed and a police cop martyred during an encounter in
Bannu district and ANPs MNA Khursheed Begum and her husband escaped
attempt on life when their car was attacked by unknown gunmen in
Peshawar.
Afghanistan: On 23rd October, ten Afghan security personnel were

killed in a battle with Taliban insurgents in Herat. President Karzai
condemned a NATO operation that killed four children in Baraki Barak
district of Logar province on 20th October. ISAF said it was aware of
possible ISAF-related civilian casualties from that operation.
On 25th October, senior Taliban commander and 24 of his fighters
were killed in a battle with Afghan security forces in a northern village
which also left five police dead. The commander of the attack was the
Taliban shadow governor for the northern province of Faryab where the
gunfight took place. Taliban have shadow provincial administrations headed
by governors, which tax the population and run their own form of justice,
often including executions.
Two American soldiers were killed by a man in an Afghan police
uniform while British troops killed two of their own soldiers in a friendly
fire incident in the central province of Uruzgan. Britains Ministry of
Defence said the shooting was still under investigation, which took place in
Helmand province.
Next day, suicide bomber killed more than 40 people, including five
children, when he struck at a mosque in northern Afghanistan after Eidul
Azha prayers. At least 50 others were wounded as the bomb ripped through
the worshippers in Maymana city in Faryab province. It was the worst death
toll in a single attack in Afghanistan since 80 died on December 6 last year
in a suicide blast at a shrine in Kabul on Ashura. There was no immediate
claim of responsibility. The attacker was wearing a police uniform when he
blew himself up at the entrance to the citys Eidgah Mosque.
The United States embassy said the attack against innocent
worshippers further demonstrates the insurgencys lack of respect for
religion, faith and its disregard for the safety and security of the Afghan
people. The commander of ISAF condemned heinous act and offered
resources to help however we can.
58
On 30th October, two soldiers in the NATO-led coalition fighting

insurgents in Afghanistan were shot dead by a man in an Afghan police
uniform. An individual wearing Afghan National Police uniform turned his
weapon against ISAF forces in Greshk district of Helmand Province, killing
two soldiers, a spokesman told AFP. The Taliban claimed that the shooter
was one of their fighters who had infiltrated the police and that the soldiers
killed were British.
On 2nd November, four Afghan policemen were shot dead by their
colleagues at a police check post in southern Afghanistan. The shooting,
which is the latest in a series of Afghan security personnel targeting their
local and foreign colleagues, occurred in Greshk district of Helmand
province. Both the attackers and the dead were new recruits to the police
force, Tooryalai added.
Former Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, Hussain Haqqani
urged the US to stay in Afghanistan for as long as necessary, instead of
withdrawing its troops in 2014 as planned. Although the Taliban
increasingly threaten Pakistan, the Pakistani military and intelligence
services continue to make distinctions among groups of Taliban and jihadis
and considers some of them strategic allies. Pakistan is still clinging to
hopes of greater influence over Afghanistan with the help of various Taliban
factions after the withdrawal, Haqqani claimed.
On 6th November, the UN Security Councils Taliban sanctions
committee added the Haqqani network, a major militant group accused of
staging attacks in Afghanistan, to its blacklist. The networks Qari Zakir,
who has planned many suicide attacks, was also added to the sanctions list.
A travel ban, arms embargo and asset freezing are part of the sanctions. It
comes after the US said it had decided to designate the group a terror
network, subjecting it to sanctions.
The UN designation said that the group was linked to al-Qaeda, the
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and a string of militant groups in Pakistan
including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Jaish-iMohammed. Though it is late, the sanctions by the UN Security Council are
welcomed by our government and we hope the necessary pressure is made
on regional and global levels so that this terrorist network is eliminated,
spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, said.
Aimal Faizi, President Hamid Karzais chief spokesman, said
although the Afghan government is engaged in reconciliation talks with
members of the Taliban, it rules out dialogue with the Haqqani group,
59
believed to be based in the unruly border area between Pakistan and

Afghanistan. We dont want any kind of deal with the Haqqanis, who were
behind many of the attacks on Afghan security forces and civilians including
women and children, Faizi told Reuters.
On 8th November, at least 18 people, including 10 civilians, were
killed in three attacks in Afghanistans south and east. A roadside bomb
killed 10 civilians who were driving to a wedding in the Musa Qala district
of Helmand province. Another roadside bomb killed five soldiers in the
Badpakh area of Laghman, a province in the east. In the third attack, a
suicide bomber on a motorbike detonated his explosives at a police station in
Kandahar city, killing three policemen and wounding four.
On 10th November, two Afghan soldiers attacked US-led NATO forces
in western Afghanistan, in an insider attack in the country, injuring one
foreign soldier. A spokesman in Kabul said the attack by two Afghan
National Army (ANA) soldiers occurred in Muqur district of Badghis
province. Next day, a mother and her newborn baby were among six family
members killed in a roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan. Five more
civilians were killed in two separate roadside bomb blasts in the southern
province of Kandahar.
Crucial negotiations on the status of US forces remaining in
Afghanistan after the NATO withdrawal in 2014 will begin in Kabul this
week. A key element of any agreement will be the question of immunity for
US troops from prosecution in local courts. In Iraq, Washington pulled out
all of its troops after failing to get Baghdad to grant its soldiers immunity,
and President Hamid Karzai has warned there could be similar problems in
Afghanistan.
Iran: On 2nd November, thousands of Iranians chanting Death to

America burnt US flags to mark the 33 rd anniversary of the seizure of the
US embassy in Tehran, just days before the American presidential election.
The demonstrators also chanted anti-British and anti-Israeli slogans, and
burnt Israeli flags, in front of the site of the former embassy, dubbed the den
of spies by the authorities who sponsor the annual commemoration.
The anniversary of the November 4, 1979 embassy seizure, in which
Islamist students captured and held 52 US diplomats hostage for 444 days, is
commemorated in Iran according to the Persian calendar. Now painted with
anti-US murals, the former embassy is currently a training and educational
facility controlled by Irans elite Revolutionary Guards.
60
On 6th November, Irans UN ambassador said that discriminatory

implementation of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has left many
countries feeling that being a party to the anti-atom bomb pact hinders
cooperation in the field atomic energy. Iranian Ambassador Mohammad
Khazaee sought to assure countries that despite Tehrans reservations about
the way the treaty is enforced; Iran does not plan to pull out.
Khazaee accused the United States, Britain and France of supplying
Israel which is not a party to the 1970 treaty aimed at preventing the
spread of nuclear arms and is widely assumed to be the Middle Easts sole
nuclear power with atomic assistance and cooperation. The application
of a discriminatory, selective, highly restrictive and politically motivated
approach in nuclear cooperation...has given rise to this impression that being
an NPT party is not a privilege, because rather than facilitating, it impedes
nuclear cooperation, he said.
On 9th November, Pentagon said that an Iranian jet shot at a US
predator drone last week over the Persian Gulf. Pentagon spokesman said
the drone was not downed and was over international waters. Little said the
drone was performing routine surveillance and was about 16 miles off the
Iranian coast when an Iranian SU-25 warplane intercepted it and opened fire.
On 11th November, Iran warned it will react strongly against any US
intrusion into its airspace after two of its warplanes fired at an American
drone 10 days ago. Yes, we opened fire, and it was with warning shots. If
they do it again they can expect an even stronger response, General AmirAli Hadjizadeh, head of the elite Revolutionary Guards air and space forces
said.
Iranian Defence Minister confirmed the incident, saying the drone had
entered the space over the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran
in the Persian Gulf area. He added that the US unmanned aircraft had been
flying over Kharg Island to gather information about economic activity on
the island, and the arrival and departure of oil tankers.
India: On 23rd October, the Indian Environment Ministry has cleared

the execution of the 450 mw Baghliar-II hydro-electric project in Held
Jammu and Kashmir, while dispute between Pakistan and India over the
Baghliar-I project is yet to be settled.
Next day, India finally agreed to sell and lease out its locomotives to
Pakistan, thus helping the neighbouring country restart its defunct train
services, reported Hindustan Times. In the first-of-its-kind deal, the Indian
61
railways will deliver 50 refurbished American Locomotive Company

(ALCO) technology locos at an estimated cost of Rs350 crore. Another set
of 50 new locos of a higher horsepower (3000-3500) will also be leased out.
Lease charges of Indian locomotives work out to Rs900 per hour or
Rs21,600 per day.
While yearly maintenance of engines is proposed to be done at the
Indian Railways shed at Ludhiana, the Pakistan government has agreed to
ramp up facilities at its railway shed at Mughalpura near Lahore. Running
19,000 trains over a 54,000-kilometre network each day, the Indian Railways
is hugely stressed for train engines. But the production units will churn out
train engines in bigger numbers in the coming years. Issues with Pakistan
have now been sorted out. We will shortly start working on the
modifications and fix up the used locos to be delivered to Pakistan, officials
said.
On 27th October, the Kashmiris living on both the sides of the line of
control and rest of the world observed Black Day against the Indian invasion
on Jammu & Kashmir by taking out protest rallies and holding
demonstrations. The day is observed every year to mark extreme resentment
and indignation over the continued unlawful and forcible occupation of bulk
of Jammu Kashmir state by the Indian tyrannical forces. Police used force
against protesters in Srinagar; injuring several people.
Next day, India's new External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said
that it would be his endeavour to reinforce the country's ties with Pakistan.
Interacting with media after his appointment as foreign minister, Khurshid
said: There are completely different perspectives on Pakistan and China.
China is in that sense we are clearer about where we stand with China. We
have had differences historically. I believe that with the passage of time and
emergence of a new economic order in the world has brought China and
India far closer together, working together but the potential of growth
between China and India, I think is enormous.
On 29th October, Indian authorities kept Kashmiri leaders under
detention during Eid holidays, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Nayeem Khan, Shabir Ahmed Shah,
Javed Mir and others. They were not even allowed to offer Eid congregation
prayers by placing them under house arrest.
A ten-year-old boy was killed and five more people injured when
suspected militants lobbed a grenade in a crowded market in India's tense
62
northeast, police said. The attack took place in the small town of Udalguri.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
On 31st October, the Army rescue teams recovered two bodies of
soldiers from Gayari sector of Siachen bringing the total number of bodies
recovered so far to 100. ISPR spokesman said over 300 men and 50
engineering plants have been employed on search operation for 139
personnel of 6 Northern Light Infantry Battalion that came under a huge
snow slide on April 7.
Federal cabinet of the PPP-led ruling coalition ratified the PakistanIndia visa regime agreement. The agreement, signed between the then Indian
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Interior Minister Rehman Malik,
aims at giving more concessions and simplifying the procedure to grant visa
with a view to promoting people-to-people contact.
On 2nd November, the interior ministry has called the disputed Indianoccupied Kashmir as an Indian state in the report presented to the Supreme
Court during hearing of Balochistan unrest case. The interior secretary
presented a report before the Supreme Court bench in which Kashmiri
freedom movement has been called an insurgency tantamount to the
situation in Balochistan. The report compares the restive situation of
Balochistan with the turmoil in Indian states of Punjab, Nagaland, Assam
and disputed land of Kashmir.
Ministry of Interior has clarified that in para five of a report submitted
in the Supreme Court, the word disputed was omitted due to an oversight.
A statement, issued in Islamabad by the ministry, said that occupied Kashmir
is disputed territory till such time that right of self-determination and
plebiscite is conceded to the Kashmiris to exercise their free will to live
according to their wishes.
On 6th November, a special meeting in Mirpur, to mark Jammu Martyrs
Day called for performance of due global obligations by the comity of
nations to ensure early peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue involving future
of over 15 million people of Jammu & Kashmir. The martyrs day ceremony
was held under the auspices of National Events Organizing Committee
(NEOC) with its Chairman Ch Guftar Hussain in the chair to commemorate
65th Jammu Martyrs Day.
Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Deputy Chief
Minister of Indian Punjab Sukhbir Singh decided to establish a common
Business Council for promoting bilateral trade between Indian and Pakistani
Punjab during the business roundtable moot. An agreement was also signed
63
with Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore for promoting business

relations. Shahbaz Sharif said it is time to forget the bitterness of the past
and plan for the future, by strengthening bilateral relations through mutual
trade and business ties.
On 9th November, four freedom-fighters were killed in a gunfight with
Indian occupation forces. On 11th November, Indian Defence Minister ruled
out demilitarization of Siachen and said decision on removing controversial
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Held Kashmir cant be
made in haste. Meanwhile, Pakistan freed 15 more Indian fishermen from
Malir Prison.
VIEWS
Pakistan
The President and anti-US mantra: Locked in an awkward
embrace with the USA for the past 10 years, it was strange to hear that no
one but China helped Pakistan in the terror war. Incidentally, it was Chinas
presence in Gwadar that set off the present West sponsored separatist
movements in Balochistan. Certainly, the US policymakers sitting in
Pentagon and State Department would take an exception to this remark
coming from the President of Pakistan. They did everything possible from
an intrusive Kerry-Lugar Bill, drone war, memogate and flying admonishing
visits to ensure the supremacy of civil-military relations. Whenever required,
Pakistani army was forced to take it bravely on the chin like the Salala raid,
intrusions into Pakistan from Kunar and support of anti-Pakistan militant
groups. The people of Pakistan, who have braved the rigours in a country
that refuses to succumb, do not matter. With the fits and starts of Chinese
sponsored relationships with Russia, has the President of Pakistan sent a
clear-cut message of disengagement to USA or are there other motives?
First, the message is for multiple audiences. For USA in an election
year, it could be ominous for President Barack Obama. The underlying
purpose could be to forge a new contract with the Republicans for political
longevity. The message is also for Russia backed by China. It is also for the
domestic audience in an election year to ride the wave of growing anti-US
sentiment. Most, it could just be another political tantrum.
It would be interesting to read the dmarche of Imrans critics posing
multiple questions and open letters to make sense of what President Asif
Zardari is saying. Winning hearts and minds, reconciliation and extrication
64
from a US-led war. Is this theme not identical to the three-point roadmap of
Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf? (Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNation 24th October)
The enemy and Pakistan Army: The US, while partially
withdrawing from Afghanistan, wants to embroil our army further into the
hornets nest. Washingtons mantra that Pakistani army is fighting its lost
war is endless. The Indians, too, are keen to get it bogged down on the
western border through operations in North Waziristan. So the Malala
incident is being exploited and misdirected. An orchestrated Indo-US media
campaign, supported by liberals in Pakistan, aims to lure the Pakistani army.
Their baited gambit seeks to launch it against its own people. This could
create a massive backlash and terrorist campaign, further destabilizing the
state.
With our army engaged in an endless war in Pakhtunkhwa,
Balochistan and Sindh, the stage will be set for coup de grce. This could set
in motion Pakistans denuclearization and balkanization; plans that were
conceived in hostile foreign lands. Perhaps, a perfect time to initiate the
Cold Start strategy or denuclearization campaign. Even a limited version of
this scenario aims to pit our army against the Taliban and those fighting the
foreign troops in Afghanistan. With the Americans leaving and the Indians
vulnerable in Afghanistan, they seek to diminish Pakistani influence in
Afghanistan. Our enemies want war in Pakistan and clamour for peace in the
region. But Pakistan needs peace at home and peace abroad.
The American geopolitical wish list was endless and frequently not
doable, which resulted in an 11-year long war in Afghanistan. In addition to
an exit strategy from Afghanistan complicated by USAs desire to leave
India not Pakistan as the winner. America is now perceived in some
circles as the most dangerous threat to Pakistan. Yet logically speaking,
hostility is an insane option for both USA and Pakistan. Islamabad and
Washington can be friends again after the US leaves Afghanistan. Pakistans
alliance with China, new friendship with Russia and old ties with the Taliban
can help bring balance and peace in Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, the threat to Pakistan from India commenced long
before 1947. The Indians wanted to replace the British Raj and were loath to
see the subcontinent divided. Unable to prevent the partition, they conspired
to ensure that a moth-eaten Pakistan comes into being. Since 1947, their
strategy has been to harm the country in every conceivable manner. Indias
hegemonic agenda and its support for terrorists and separatists in Pakistan
65
have spoiled their relations. Hence, the present existential threat to Pakistan
is mainly from India. (Nadir Mir, TheNation 26th October)
Commitment vs cruelty: One thing is really important to deliberate
here that whether it is the actual Taliban, who did all this and accepted the
responsibility or otherwise. Probably, they are not behind such cowardly
acts; it is neither their mandate or priority nor part of their philosophy.
However, they are some other elements under the guise of the Taliban, who
are playing this brutal game. Yet, the flipside of the notion is that if they are
not backing such heinous crimes, then why dont they reject the claim?
There exist divergent views as to who exactly is designing, executing and
controlling the operation of these horrifying activities in our country.
However, they cannot be absolved of the charges of killing innocent people
and creating terrible unrest here.
Historically, Pakistan has always been subject to anti-Pakistan forces
ever since. Calm has never prevailed on its north-western as well as eastern
borders. The tragic separation of one part of the country, intrusion from
neighbouring countries, consistent unrest in Balochistan, wars with
neighbouring India, economic crises, repeated sanctions against us, ongoing
propaganda against our nuclear programme, collapse of potential
organizations like Pakistan Railways, PIA, Steel Mills, shutting doors of
international sports in our country, increasing menace of terrorism and other
similar problems are not the outcome of our own mistakes, but cruel hands
of anti-Pakistan forces operating against us unchecked for long,
identification and exposing of which is the foremost requirement. We must
unearth those harsh realities, which are the source of our troubles, economic
mess and war-like situation.
It is high time that the whole nation got together on not only issues
like extremism, but also against inequality, injustice, oppression and
indiscrimination, in whatever form it exists in the society. We must have one
voice on all national issues and hold national interest supreme. We all pray
for quick and full recovery of Malala and her injured friends with the hope
that those involved in the murderous attempt on her will be arrested soon
and taken to exemplary task. (Waqar Hussain, TheNation 6th November)
Aafias appeal rejected: The US Second Circuit Court of appeals
has rejected Dr Aafia Siddiquis appeal against her sentence thus denying her
justice. She is currently serving 86-year jail term for allegedly shooting at
American interrogators in Afghanistan. While no US soldier or interrogator
was hit or injured, Aafia received bullet injuries. The strongest point that her
66
state-appointed lawyer, Dawn Cardi argued was that in view of Aafias

mental state, she should not have been forced to testify before the trial court
headed by District Judge Richard Berman in September 2010. Pakistan
government, political and religious parties and renowned human rights
organizations protested the conviction. A study of even the basic facts of the
case shows that Aafias mental condition is not stable. A brilliant woman,
who has lived through extraordinary experiences, no matter whose side of
the story is believed it is sad to see her languish in prison, when it is
obvious that she is no longer capable of even protecting and looking after
herself, let alone acting with the intent to harm.
While the legal technicalities of the case appear to have been defeated,
the Pakistani government has recourse to Aafia through diplomatic access
channels, via its embassy in Washington. An effort should be made to return
Aafia to her family, on sympathetic grounds. A brilliant woman, now
permanently altered, Aafias murky history will remain an unanswered
question in the history books. The most that can be done after her
conviction, is to request her to be retired home, where she can be monitored
by the state, in the care of her family. The grey lady of Bagram should be
allowed to live out the rest of her days with her family. (Editorial, TheNation
8th November)
Obama re-elected: US President Barack Obama has won re-election
for a second term His bid for re-election, as in his first campaign, came in
the midst of an economic crisis. His re-election is a sign that the electorate is
reluctant to change Presidents mid-stream and wish to see the policies
President Obama introduced, bought to fruition. Now that the campaign is
over, the Obama Administration does not have to prepare for a transition, but
it does have to prepare for a second inaugural, before tackling problems that
face the USA, both at home and abroad, still await solving.
The response in Pakistan while generally favourable, is tinged with
discomfort with expectation that President Obama will continue on a path
which led to the dip in relations with Pakistan, which to this day both sides
have not been able to recover from. It has also been noted that President
Obama, as well as Governor Romney, did agree to continue drone attacks in
Pakistans tribal areas. Though the Democrat Administration will be
expected to support a democratically elected government in Pakistan, it
should not be forgotten that both Gen Ziaul Haq and Gen Musharraf staged
their takeovers during the tenures of Democratic Presidents, Carter and
Clinton respectively.
67
Though President Obama, during his 2008 campaign, spoke of the

need to resolve the Kashmir issue, raised hopes in Pakistan, his failure to
address this, dashed them. The failure to mention this issue at all this time
around indicates that the Indian lobby has prevailed in Washington. At the
same time, it should not be forgotten that Obama is also under obligation to
the Israeli lobby, but is not as rabidly committed as Governor Romney. Also,
it should not be forgotten that his Administration showed the traditional
Democratic tilt towards India, which may be expected to continue. The
hawks may not have come into power, but President Obama will hardly be a
disappointment to those in favour of keeping the pressure up on Pakistan.
The reaction of Governor Romney to President Obamas victory also
provides a lesson to Pakistani politicians. His graceful concession speech
provided a salve to the disappointment of supporters, and prevented any of
those charges of rigging that even leaders in Pakistan so routinely fling
about when they lose. With a general election around the corner, this is a
lesson that must be taken to heart, especially now that the Asghar Khan case
helps ensure that the elections are fair and free. (Editorial, TheNation 8 th
November)
Pakistans fractured foreign responses: In the midst of these
international priorities where does Pakistan find itself? Pakistan as a country
does not have a foreign policy, which is coherent or coordinated. In a world
where we are the focus in a negative way, we need to sort our story. The
presidency/Foreign Office, the military and Parliament need to run with one
narrative. Whilst we as opposition are clear on our foreign policy direction,
the threesome is not coordinated. We dont mind leading the debate, but then
the sharing of information at tactical level has to be seamless. The following
positions need consensus for us to face the world in a unified way:
Pakistan will strike at the terrorists, who have attacked us and do not
accept the state of Pakistan or our constitution.
We will speak to those who are willing to enter the dialogue process
with a view to entering the electoral process.
Pakistan will not tolerate duality on drones. If they need to be used
for targets that are hardened, it needs to be our own military, which
needs to have the control.
The concept of no-go areas for our own population has to end. The
government must establish full control in all of Pakistan
68
The governments treatment of TTP and nationalists rebelling

against discriminations has to be different. The same medicine
doesnt apply to all elements.
Pakistan needs to be clear that it wishes to see more economic
activity with India whilst having forward resolution dialogue on
hardcore issues like Kashmir. Parallel effort has to be made on both
economy and territorial disputes.
The impact of the 2014 withdrawal from Afghanistan whilst
ensuring a dialogue with Taliban, which protects Pakistans national
interests, is critical.
Pakistan has to play a role in calming the West on Iran. It is an
important neighbour, which cannot be left to face the world alone.
Our relevance needs to be felt.
On China, we need to ensure security and a fast track facilitation on
investment.
No Bilateral Investment Treaties till favourable Free Trade
Agreements with all our major trading partners needs to be the basic
rule of thumb.
In the final analysis, none of the above is possible till a new
government such as PML-N takes charge in Islamabad. Corruption,
crumbling institution/economy and our own fiscal debt cliff has made us an
international basket case. With a responsible foreign policy vision, fiscal
discipline/austerity and clarity on foreign policy directions, we can
overcome the credibility gap with the rest of the world. However, for that we
need to understand clearly the world priorities, our potential role in it and
have one narrative to face the world. (Marvi Memon, TheNation 12 th
November)
Afghanistan
A note to President Hamid Karzai! Brave, faithful and committed
to national cultural renaissance, the Afghan people have been fighting
foreign occupations in modern history for far too long. In fact, an entire
young generation of Afghans has grown up knowing nothing except the
brutal and vicious military occupation of Afghanistan by the US and its
NATO allies. The question is: How would the Germans, Britons, Spaniards,
Austrians or any other nation for that matter, have felt if such a grave
injustice or military terror had been inflicted on their society. And that too
69
without any legitimate reason or an established political-military cause for

the conflict. Indeed, the entire civilized world (obviously there are
dangerously uncivilized nations) knows fully well that no Afghan national
was involved in 9/11 (by many accounts, an inside job to create a pretext for
war), and when Osama bin Laden was accused of masterminding 9/11, the
then Afghan Taliban government offered to surrender bin Laden to a third
country for trial. That offer was turned down by the Bush administration.
Now the time has come, in humanitarian fairness to the Afghan people
and in the interest of regional peace (most specifically the overflow of the
Afghan war into Pakistan) to separate fiction from reality: the Afghan
Taliban are not murderers. They are soldiers fighting a brutal occupation of
their country against a specified alliance of Western nations led by the US
for an immoral inhumane political-economic global agenda for hegemonic
control of the region and the economic exploitation of regional resources in
the interest of Western corporate capitalism. It is time for President Hamid
Karzai to bury the hatchet with the majority of Afghans and realign himself
with the nationalist forces for a final struggle to liberate his nation from the
clutches of imperialist powers. It is this political conduct that will give the
incumbent Afghan president a place in history; otherwise, he will be buried
as a nameless, self-serving politician who assisted a foreign alliance in a
more than a decade-long genocide of his people.
Let President Hamid Karzai make a new start at national
reconciliation by making a simple and yet hugely inspiring symbolic
political act: dumping the conveniently coined label of Taliban (it
automatically generates negative perceptions because of years of
propaganda) and replace it by terming the said movement as Nationalist
Resistance Movement or Nationalist Resistance Force even better what
Ronald Reagan called them The Freedom Fighters while the same very
Afghans battled the occupation of their country by the Soviet Union. Imran
Khan, Chief of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf, has justifiably called them The
Mujahadin.
The point that is vital in my thesis of peace and national
reconciliation process is that the political wisdom that should prevail in
todays Afghanistan is to come to grips with the reality that the majority of
Afghan citizens are supportive of a national resistance force that is fighting
against Afghanistans occupation. And that nationalist force in common
terminology is named Afghan Taliban. Hence the Afghan Taliban are the
legitimate representatives of the majority of Afghani people. Logically and
politically, therefore, the Afghan Nationalist, or if you wish to name them
70
as Taliban, are a legitimate political force to reckon with. Without the full
political participation of the Taliban in the national peace and
reconciliation process, the prospects of lasting peace are virtually
nonexistent. No matter what this is a factor that President Hamid Karzai
must admit, acknowledge, accept and make the fundamental element of his
approach to bringing peace to his long-suffering nation.
Let us look at some of the psychological elements that are historically
implicit in the mindset of the occupational US-NATO political-military
establishment and play a basic role as impediments to peace initiatives in
Afghanistan. Foremost among these factors is the ideological belief system
of the US-NATO War Doctrine. This doctrine, which in practical policy
formulation and execution, means that peace can only be attained by
application of political-military force. This mindset and belief system is so
phenomenally ingrained in the imperialist nations that they are not willing to
give peace by political means even a remote chance. The idea is conceived
in the doctrine that an adversary must be occupied, humiliated, humbled,
shamed and militarily defeated because we have superiority in military
force.
The end-purpose of this military strategy and political mindset is to
achieve a victory: War creates Victors the masters, conquerors,
champions and the Vanquished, who cannot challenge the victors. Victory
is a triumph, a trophy unmatched in its glamour and power projection. Why
opt for a lesser deal? In peace by political process there are no victors
there is give and take, equality, mutuality, deliberations, fairness, at times
enormous concessions, humanitarian concerns, co-existence, balance of
power and suggestive military-political equilibrium. Obviously, the Western
powers ask themselves: Historically we have prevailed why choose a
course of lesser benefits? It is against the very nature of the Western
mindset. The incumbent Afghan President will be well advised to
comprehend the fundamentals of his allies mindset as he ponders over the
future of his nation. Hamid Karzais present approach to Afghan conflict
resolution is absolutely politically misguided and flawed.
In the 21st century US-NATO political doctrine and their aggressively
pursued military activism, it is claimed that these powerful nations have the
lawful right to military intervention anywhere in the world to promote
democracy. They say it is the pursuit of universal humanitarian principles
and in the interest of their own democratic values. But this is sheer
hypocrisy full of contradictions and propaganda charades.
71
Consider what the US-Western pursuit of democracy has given to the

world (to quote some examples): Batista in Cuba, Pinochet in Chile, Reza
Shah Pahlavi in Iran, Suharto in Indonesia, Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and
Musharraf in Pakistan, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Marcos in the Philippines
and innumerable dictatorships all over Latin, South and Central America.
Recently the US-Western military interventions for democracy have
decimated a centuries-old civilization in Iraq, destroyed the Afghan nation,
reduced Libyan civil society to tatters, destabilized Yemen and the entire
African continent and not to mention the genocide of Palestinians and the
killing of millions of innocent people in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and
clandestinely who knows where else.
The Afghan nation by the virtue of its Jirga culture knows very well
how to resolve conflict by peaceful processes. It is amazing that President
Hamid Karzai, himself an Afghan, gives such little credit to his own culture
and its historically-established strategy of conflict management. It is a
shame, isnt it?
Perhaps, Hamid Karzai needs to de-learn the mindset that his patrons
have cultivated in his intellect by prolonged association; he needs to be
emotionally, intellectually, and politically more of an Afghan than a believer
in the Wests precepts of individualism, self-interest and the element of
incurable egotism!
Hamid Karzai needs to change the direction of present political
discourse in Afghanistan and not to leave a legacy of political poverty for
his besieged nation. (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 30th October)
Another crucial juncture: The Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammed
Omar has many idiosyncrasies. When he came to power, he did not live a
single day in the President House in Kabul, but preferred to rule Afghanistan
from his simple home in Kandahar. For the past eleven years, he has led the
Taliban from an unknown place but enjoys the same degree of command.
Anyone who dares challenge him cannot remain Talibans member, or even
alive, for long. His authority even transgresses from his group al-Qaedas
leader, Ayman-al-Zawahiri and leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakeemullah
Mehsud, accept him as their leader (Ameer-ul-Momineen).
The internal information gathering and dissemination mechanism used
by the Taliban is, even today, a challenge to decipher for any outsider.
However, the part that deals with communicating with people at large is very
simple. The messages issued by Mullah Omar on Eid and national holidays
of Afghanistan are more or less policy briefs; this Eidul Azha Mullah
72
Omars statement hinted towards important policy shifts. A copy of the

statement was also sent to me and contains many important points that
reveal a deliberate effort to remove international reservations about their
intentions. Mullah Omar states that we do not intend to grab power and nor,
after exit of foreign forces, wish to commit a civil war. Our efforts are
centered on a political system that is in hands of Afghans...free from any
foreign interventions.
He further goes on to say: After independence we will be part of a
political system that is based on Shariah and national sovereignty. The
system will be free from racial or any kind of discrimination...(the) law and
order situation will be improved, Shariah will be promulgated, and the rights
of every individual, male or female, guaranteed...under the guidance of
Islamic principles, education will be encouraged indiscriminately, and
academic and cultural matters be dealt with in a proper way.
About civil war, the statement has this to offer: ...we will defeat our
rivals who wish a civil war and disintegration of Afghanistan... We wish to
establish ties with all those who are ready to respect Afghanistan as an
Islamic and independent state, and their dealings are free from colonial,
authoritarian, and interventionist tones. To my mind this is what each free
Muslim Afghan wishes today.
Mullah Omar also speaks about Taliban and the political front. About
reconciliation with foreign elements, I wish to explain that to safeguard our
national and Islamic interests, along with our military efforts, we are also
busy at the political front. For these political efforts, we have established a
specific office and a separate political panel. The said office performs its
duties in regard to our Islamic and Jihadist interests. I wish to make it clear
that besides that specific office, we have no other outlet for any
reconciliation or political dialogue. We are not in favour of secret deals and
strongly discourage any party to do so with us... By creating and claiming
non-existent secret reconciliation deals, agencies and diplomatic circles of
interventionist powers are simply...wasting their time. We hope the entire
world community; international organizations...Muslim countries...will play
their due role...to end foreign intervention here.
This statement shows Mullah Omars attempt to remove international
reservations about the Taliban. The first fear of the international community
is that the Taliban will prefer to take control of Afghanistan, as in the past,
through the bullet. Here Omar negated those fears, saying neither are the
Taliban taking over Afghanistan nor starting a civil war. Another shift is the
73
addition of national along with Islamic in the statement. In the same way,
along with academic a special mention is made of cultural affairs, and
along with Islamic principles, one can note the addition of national
interests. Ideology, culture and historic bonds are also stressed.
For reconciliation with foreign elements, not only are political efforts
stated to be an integral part of the Talibans struggle but this political panel is
also said to be the only proper channel to contact the Taliban. All those
studying the Afghan issue closely would agree with my analysis that this
statement is an indication of yet another rare opportunity for a political
solution to the Afghan issue.
Besides this stance of the Taliban, other equations are also working
well at this moment. Pakistan-US relations are almost back to their previous
position, and the Af-Pak-US trilateral contact group has started its work.
Hamid Karzai, mainly due to his frequent shift of stances, has lost his ability
to work as a bridge among warring actors. However, Pakistan has
established good rapport with the non-Pakhtun leadership of Afghanistan in
north, which could work well for any future reconciliation efforts.
If the governments of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States
work sincerely for the political solution of the Afghanistan issue, it would
end this complex war forever. However, if any party again tries to take
advantage of this opportunity for its own interests, everyone will have to
face the music. (Saleem Safi, The News 2nd November)
US military court hears Afghan massacre accounts: Holding back
tears, 15-year-old Rafiullah described how his grandmother wrestled with a
uniformed gunman who put a pistol in his sister's mouth. In the end, he
added, the man shot all three of them, one by one.
Rafiullah's account is part of chilling testimony linked to the alleged
slaughter of children and other civilians by a US soldier accused of going on
a shooting rampage in Afghanistan eight months ago.
Rafiullah and other witnesses and relatives of the victims testified via
video link at pre-trial hearings at a US military base in the western US state
of Washington to determine whether the accused, Sergeant Robert Bales,
should face court-martial.
Bales faces 16 counts of murder, six of attempted murder, seven of
assault, two of using drugs and one of drinking alcohol. Seventeen of the 22
victims were women or children and almost all were shot in the head.
74
The 39-year-old allegedly left his base in the Panjwayi district of

Kandahar province on the night of March 11 to commit the killings, which
included nine children. He allegedly set several of their bodies on fire.
The massacre is thought to be the deadliest crime by a US soldier
during the decade-long conflict and tested Washington and Kabul's already
tense relationship to the limit.
Rafiullah, who spoke in Pashtun and donned traditional garb, said he
was sleeping next to his grandmother, Na'ikmarga, and his sister, Zardana,
when there was a knock on the door.
After his grandmother got up to see what was going on, the man
came into the room and asked me to come outside and we started shouting...
he was wearing a uniform, Rafiullah said, sniffing as he recounted the
night's events.
Asked if the uniform worn by the man resembled those of US
soldiers, he said yes.
He had rifle and a pistol, Rafiullah said of the man. He put a pistol
in my sister's mouth and then my grandmother started to wrestle with him.
At that time I ran out of the door... My sister and I were running. As soon as
he left the room, my grandmother ran too.
When asked what happened next, Rafiullah responded: He shot my
grandmother and then my sister, and then me. He shot me on my legs.
Zardana was shot on her head.
Samiullah, Rafiullah and Zardana's father who was in Kandahar City
at the time of the attack, recalled the horror of coming home to carnage.
Upon arrival, he saw the bodies of four Afghans on the ground
including those of a father and his daughter. She was laying by her father's
side, he said of the girl. She was shot on her head and her head was all
bloody.
Zardana, who was seven when she was allegedly shot by Bales and
received treatment at a US military hospital, also testified.
Wearing a purple head scarf and sipping from a juice box, she
confirmed that her shooter was wearing a khaki-colored T-shirt.
Another witness was a young boy named Khan, dressed in black shirt
and a traditional white cap who appeared to be several years older than
Zardana, who watched his father being killed that night. Bales remained
silent throughout the testimony.
75
Last Monday, prosecutors laid out their case against Bales, saying he
had been drinking whiskey with colleagues before the massacre and
watching the movie Man on Fire, starring Denzel Washington as an exassassin on a revenge mission. Should the hearing result in a court-martial
and Bales be found guilty, he could face the death penalty.
Bales was transferred from Afghanistan back to Fort Leavenworth in
the US state of Kansas shortly after the alleged massacre, before being
moved back to Fort Lewis-McChord recently, home base of the US 2 nd
Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment.
His wife and two children were moved to the sprawling military base
south of Seattle for their own security, and to shield them from the glare of
the media in the wake of the killings. Before the hearings, Bales' wife
reiterated her belief that he was innocent, saying he did not remember the
shootings and was shocked when he was told details of the allegations
against him. (AFP report published in TheNation 12th November)
India
Kishanganga arbitration: Last month, the Permanent Court of
Arbitration at The Hague concluded its two-week hearing on the merits of
Pakistans complaint and Indias defence of the case titled: Indus Waters
Kishanganga Arbitration (Pakistan v. India). Pakistan initiated two disputes
for arbitration with India under Article IX and Annexure G of the IWT:
Whether Indias proposed diversion of the River Kishanganga
(Neelum) into another tributary, i.e. the Bonar Madmati Nallah, being one
central element of the Kishanganga Project, breaches its legal obligations
owed to Pakistan under the treaty, as interpreted and applied in accordance
with international law, including Indias obligations under Article III(2) (let
flow all the waters of the Western rivers and not permit any interference with
those waters) and Article IV(6) (maintenance of natural channels)?
Whether under the treaty, India may deplete or bring the reservoir
level of a run-of-river plant below the dead storage level in any
circumstances, except in the case of an unforeseen emergency?
Against this backdrop, the seven-member Court of Arbitration,
chaired by Judge Stephen M. Schwebel, former President of the
International Court of Justice, met at Peace Palace in The Hague.
Pakistan argued the potential hydrological impact of the KHEP on the
reach of Kishanganga/Neelum River downstream and the production of
electricity by the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-Electric Project (NJHEP) Pakistan
76
is constructing downstream on the same river, as well as the expected

environmental impact downstream of the KHEP.
India stressed the crucial role of hydro-electric projects in alleviating
poverty and improving the quality of life across the country, emphasizing
that under the IWT both Pakistan and India have rights to the use of all
rivers of the Indus system for certain purposes, even when particular rivers
are, in principle, allocated to the other state. These rights include Indias
right to hydro-electric uses on the Kishanganga/Neelum River. India also
argued that prior to the treatys signature, it was already contemplating the
construction of a hydro-electric project at the current location of the KHEP
that would include an inter-tributary transfer.
Pakistans main reasoning was that scarcity of water (even for
domestic use) will result, if Indias KHEP is allowed to be implemented.
This may even force the migration or displacement of people in Azad
Jammu and Kashmir.
The verdict will be released in five months. Prima facie Indias
argument of contemplating construction of hydro-electric projects at the time
of signing the treaty happens to be mala fide, while the siphoning off waters
also appears to be in violation of the IWT. Hence, it would be in the interest
of Pakistan and India to shed mistrust and arrive at a solution, so that the
flashpoint of the Kashmir issue is diffused. (S M Hali, TheNation 24th
October)
Ignorance in Interior: The ignorance exhibited by the Interior
Ministry in its report to the Supreme Court on the Balochistan situation is
monumental, and cannot be papered over by the clarification it later issued,
that a word had been omitted due to an oversight. The error not only exhibits
a monumental ignorance of the official position on the Kashmir cause, but
also the lack of control of the Ministry by its political boss. Otherwise, it
shows something more sinister, how the Ministry is merely complying with
the governments own desire to butter up India, especially in the matter of
Kashmir. It should not be forgotten that India will blow up this report, and
keep mum over the clarification, so that the rest of the world gets the
impression that Pakistan has withdrawn from its principled stand on the
issue. The context also reflects the laziness of some Interior Ministry official
who probably lifted wholesale some Indian report on the insurgencies taking
place there. Not only is the classing of the Kashmir freedom struggle
alongside Punjab, Nagaland and Assam odious, but also its being described
as an insurgency, even though it is a freedom struggle and a dispute
77
recognized by the international community through resolutions of the UN

Security Council. It is a separate debate whether the Balochistan situation,
while serious, bear comparison to any of the insurgencies experienced by
India.
Still, the failure of the entire supervisory mechanism of the ministry,
including that of the Minister, for a report made by the Secretary personally
to the highest court in the land, reflects on it very poorly, and throws into
doubt not just the value of its conclusions about Balochistan, but also its
supervision of the FC there. It also makes doubtful its overall role as the
ministry meant to monitor the provincial police forces. It perhaps cannot
estimate the damage it has done by this carelessness, both internally and
externally.
There is perhaps no way of making this harm go away, but there must
be a thorough investigation. The ministrys officials will try to make it a
whitewash, but blame must be affixed and condign punishment meted out. If
this is not done, the suspicion that this report was deliberate will only be
confirmed. This is something which a government facing an election, with a
poor record of governance, and already suspected of being soft on India,
cannot afford, not just so that there is no blot on some bureaucrats career.
(Editorial, TheNation 4th November)
REVIEW
Imran Khan was detained at a Canadian Airport by the Americans
when he was on his way to New York. He was quizzed at the Airport about
his criticism of drone strikes in Pakistan and then allowed to proceed
causing delay of few hours. No voice of protest was raised from any
government official.
After return to Pakistan, Khan was frequently asked by the media
about the incident. He replied that he was not certain about the intentions of
his unwarranted detention. It wasnt so; he only wanted to avoid saying
anything that could further annoy the superpower about whose policies he
has been criticizing.
The message conveyed by the US was very clear: You cannot walk
away after talking ill about the US. We can get Raymond Davis out of
Pakistan unscratched even after he committed double murder in broad-day
light, but no can move around freely in the world after having said
something to the dislike of the United States.
78
The trial of Sergeant Robert Bales, who had killed 22 Afghan

civilians just to seek pleasure, started in the United States. It must be
recalled that seventeen of the 22 victims were women or children and
almost all were shot in the head. The incident had taken place in southern
Afghanistan.
One should follow the hearing of this case to find the end result to
assess the quality of justice system in the civilized world. The punishment
awarded to this unlucky war criminal, who was caught and could not
escape legal action, should then be compared with the punishment awarded
to Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
She is undergoing 80 years in prison for attempting to shoot at
American soldier; the charge which could not be proved beyond doubt. It is
unlikely that Sergeant Robert Bales would get death penalty as America
cannot afford losing a valiant Crusader.
During hearing of the case of law and order situation in Balochistan,
the Interior Ministry informed the apex court that IHK is an Indian state.
Astonishingly, the learned judgers made no observation, who otherwise are
quite observant and keen to pass the remarks. Later, Rehman Maliks
ministry regretted the unintended mistake.
12th November, 2012
79
BOZZ KASHI
The week under review started with judges of superior courts and
politicians playing an exciting match of Bozz Kashi organized under
auspices of the media wizards. The bozz for each encounter was a retired
army general; of course, in Bozz Kashi live sheep is not used.
The whistle for the match to start was blown by the judgment written
by the Chief Justice in which he had ruled that subordinates are not under
obligation to obey unlawful commands of their superiors. The chief judge
did not realize the possible negative impact his order could have on armed
forces which are fighting a war against unconventional enemies as well as
conventional friends.
The sheep were still being pulled and dragged around in the arena,
when the two chiefs read out written speeches at two different venues with
a gap of about an hour; obviously the Chief Justice leading. Quite ironically,
the law-chief talked about tanks and missiles and the army-chief talked
about law and the constitution. These words, apparently coming out of
wrong mouths, were used by the media wizards to add lethal strength to
their analytical debates.
Meanwhile, the port city of Karachi, the hub of countrys economic
activities kept experiencing unabated death and destruction. The regime
refused to own the responsibility and instead it remained busy, along with its
guests from abroad, in mourning Malala who was alive and recovering.
NEWS
Power politics: On 5th November, it was reported that the PPP-led
coalition government was releasing funds for Public Sector Development
Programme expeditiously ahead of general elections to win public support
for polls. The government has planned to spend Rs360 billion on the PSDP
during the current financial year.
On 9th November, President Zardari launched an education
programme aiming at providing financial assistance to over 3 million
children of the poor families of the country for enrolling them in primary
schools in next four years. Waseela-e-Taleem initiative under the
umbrella of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) comes after a
four-year slumber when the ongoing term of the PPP-led government is
about to complete.
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On 11th November, Punjab Chief Minister stressed upon the people to

vote for honest and committed leadership in the upcoming general elections
to transform Pakistan in accordance with the ideals of Allama Iqbal and
Quaid-i-Azam. Addressing Iqbal Day function, he said that getting rid of
zar baba forty thieves was necessary to put the country on the right path so
that it could join the ranks of developed countries like Turkey and China.
Rule of law: On 5th November, following the Supreme Court

judgment in the Asghar Khan case against anti-PPP politicians, a petition has
been filed at the apex court requesting for proceeding against the PPP
leadership for allegedly misusing the secret funds of the Directorate of
Intelligence Bureau (DIB) in the past. Ch Imtiaz Ahmad has filed the
petition, through PML-N senior lawyer Ch Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar, under
article 184(3) of the constitution, saying the funds were misused in the year
1988-89,1989-90,1993,1994,2007-08 and 2009-10.
FIA summoned Abdul Qadir Gilani, son of former prime minister and
others in connection with the Haj corruption case. The statements of Qadir
Gilani, Sukhera and others would be reviewed all over again. The FIA
sources claimed that the witnesses, Qadir Gilani and Sukhera were not
pursuing the case as they reportedly had reached an agreement with the
PML-N legislator and Shah had consequently changed his earlier stance on
the issue.
On 7th November, taking notice of PML-Q Parliamentary Leader in
the National Assembly Makhdoom Faisal Salah Hayats letter regarding the
National Accountability Bureaus (NAB) underhand deal with Turkish
Rental Power Karkey to sabotage the recovery of billions of rupees, the
Supreme Court sought written report from NAB in this regard. The court has
also questioned whether any arrest warrant was issued related to the Karkey
Power Plant.
During the hearing, Additional Prosecutor General NAB rejected
Hayats allegation and said that NAB was dealing the with the
administration of Turkish rental power company according to its own rules
and regulations. Akbar Tarar became emotional by saying that they were
depressed that NAB officials worked hard day and night in this case but the
court was not satisfied with their efforts regarding the recovery of looted
money. He said the NAB had put 34 persons on exit control list (ECL).
Upon this, the CJ asked him how many people were arrested in this
matter as they had no concern about putting the names of persons on ECL.
The chief justice expressing concern over the non-implementation of the
81
courts RPPS judgment said if the situation was same then they would
resume contempt proceedings against chairman NAB. The court has already
issued show cause notice to chairman NAB in this matter.
The Supreme Court sought report from PEPCO, GENCO and
Secretary Ministry of Water and Power on the Nandipur and the Chichuki
Maliyan power projects case to ascertain what action was taken against those
who caused loss of Rs113 billion to national exchequer by delaying
necessary approval for the projects. PML-N leader Khawaja Asif had filed
petition urging the court to pin down those responsible for delaying in
execution of the projects.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar expressed annoyance over
absence of former Federal Law Minister Dr Babar Awan and Secretary
Masood Chistti who were summoned during last hearing to appear before
the court. At the outset of the hearing, he observed that courts are not to
arrest anybody but FIA could be directed to take action against them, adding
that federal law ministry should serve them notices to appear before the
court.
Expressing annoyance over the poor performance of the concerned
authorities to contemplate court orders for civil and criminal actions to
recover huge national exchequer losses the bench observed that all depend
upon intentions of the concerned officials to show progress otherwise
nothing could be done. The chief justice said that no progress has been made
in the instant matter and asked the counsel for PEPCO and GENCO Abbas
Mirza to put a categorical statement before the court pertaining to the
completion of whole exercise so far.
On 10th November, PML-Q and MQM advised President Zardari to
relinquish the party office to avoid clash with the state institutions and the
opposition forces, keeping in view the next general elections. However, the
third partner from KPK has left the matter to the PPP leaders to decide
whatever they deem necessary over the issue of holding the two offices by
Zardari.
Defiance of judiciary: On 5th November, Attorney General Irfan

Qadir said that the Supreme Court cannot direct him to write a letter to
Swiss authorities to reopen multi-million-dollar corruption cases against
President Zardari. The Attorney General said he is not subordinate to the
court or the government and will take independent decision in the said case
according to law and the Constitution. He said he always opposed Swiss
letter in the NRO implementation case.
82
Next day, Malik Riaz Hussain decided to move a petition in the

Supreme Court, requesting to initiate contempt of court proceedings against
the one-man commission of Dr Shoaib Suddle, which is probing the alleged
Rs342 million-business deal between Dr Arsalan Iftikhar and him (Riaz)
after the expiry of its 30-day period. Zahid Bukhari, counsel for Malik Riaz,
told the media that they would file an application in the Supreme Court
against the commission. He said that though the court did not grant it further
time to probe the matter but the commission was still continuing its
proceedings, which was the sheer contempt of court on its behalf.
On 7th November, the government ultimately sent the long overdue
letter against President Zardari to the Swiss authorities, in compliance with
an order of the Supreme Court last month. The communication was sent on
November 5 through the Foreign Office. The text of the letter is the same as
approved by the apex court. Now the matter will be taken up on November
14, when the court will examine afresh the text and see the delivery receipt.
Federal Government told the Lahore High Court that the removal of
President was possible only through impeachment in the Parliament while
the contempt proceedings against the President for the same purpose was
unconstitutional. The was stated by Wasim Sajjad, counsel of the Federal
government, before a Full Bench of the High Court hearing contempt
petition against President Zardari for not relinquishing the political office of
PPP Co-Chairman in view of a judgment issued in May 2011.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked the court had showed much
courtesy in the dual office judgment. After the verdict, the President should
have to leave the political office as per the expectations showed in the
judgment, the Chief Justice noted. Addressing Wasim Sajjad, he said, Do
you want us to direct the President like an ordinary functionary of
government? Wasim Sajjad responded that the court had disposed of the
dual office petition by just issuing a declaration and there was no clear order
along with it against the President.
The Chief Justice remarked the declaration was very much clear and
there was no ambiguity in it. However, the counsel of Federal government
said there should be clear orders along with declarations in any case. But, the
court rejected this argument when he failed to produce any law or legislation
before the Full Bench. The court deferred hearing till Nov 21 and asked
Wasim Sajjad to continue his arguments on maintainability of the contempt
petition.
83
Taming the military: On 5th November, Chief Justice said the

Supreme Court is the court of ultimate jurisdiction as a guardian and
protector of the Constitution and heavy responsibility lies upon the judges of
the apex court to uphold the canons of Constitutional predominance and its
supremacy over all other institutions and authorities. He was addressing the
officers of the 97th National Management Course from the National School
of Public Policy and the National Management College.
He said: Gone are the days when stability and security of the country
was defined in terms of number of missiles and tanks as a manifestation of
hard power available at the disposal of the State. Today, the concept of
national security has been redefined as a polity wherein a State is bound to
provide its citizens with overwhelming, social security and welfare nets and
to protect their natural and civil rights at all costs.
He further said: The present day Supreme Court is alive to the fact
that it has been restored to its original position by unprecedented struggle
carried out by such professional classes as lawyers, students, media persons
and civil society at large. Now, they expect that judicial hierarchy of the
country from the court of a civil judge to that of the court of highest appeal
should deliver justice to all without fear or favour in a most expeditious
manner.
He said: For any developing country like Pakistan the basic
requirements for enhancing national growth through competitiveness is
pegged on the four pillars i.e. (i) strengthening of institutions, (ii)
infrastructure, (iii) economic stability (iv) health and education. He further
said that we have now a very conducive environment to achieve growth and
harmony.
We have a vibrant media playing an effective role of whistle blower
and watchdog of public interest. We have a healthy mix of political parties in
the country jostling for political space with a common agenda of public
welfare and last but not the least we have a truly independent judiciary
which is geared to ensure the twin principles of rule of law and supremacy
of Constitution are enforced even if the heaven may fall, he said.
This judiciary has been trying to rewrite the Constitutional and
political history of this country by not only atoning sins of the past but also
setting up new precedents ensuring transparency, rule of law and
fundamental rights are enforced as enshrined in the Constitution. Many
landmark judgments have been pronounced wherein institutions are directed
to keep within their limits and let system grow. In some judgments the civil
84
servants have been directly addressed and asked to stick to the rules and
regulations come what may, he said.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that
no individual or institution has the monopoly to decide what is right or
wrong in defining national interest and it should emerge only through
consensus. Speaking to officers at the GHQ, General Kayani said: As a
nation we are passing through a defining phase. We are critically looking at
the mistakes made in the past and trying to set the course for a better future.
An intense discussion and debate is natural in this process.
He added that Pakistanis have a right to express their opinions and the
constitution provides a clear mechanism for it. Stressing need to honour the
sanctity of institutions, he said: We all have a great responsibility to
shoulder. We should learn from our past, try to build the present and keep
our eyes set on a better future. We all agree that strengthening the
institutions, ensuring the rule of law and working within the defined bounds
of the Constitution is the right way forward.
Weakening of the institutions and trying to assume more than ones
due role will set us back. We owe it to the future of Pakistan, to lay correct
foundations, today. We should not be carried away by short term
considerations which may have greater negative consequences in the future.
Calling for public support for armed forces, the COAS said that the armed
forces drew their strength from the public support and national security was
meaningless without it.
Kayani added that the integrity and cohesion of the forces was
essentially based on the trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan.
Strengthening this trust would ensure better security of the country. Equally
important is the trust between the leaders and the armed forces and any
effort to create a distinction between the two, undermines the very basis of
this concept and is not tolerated, be it Pakistan or any other country.
Commenting on the role of strengthening institutions by individual
efforts, Kayani said: All systems in Pakistan appear to be in a haste to
achieve something, which can have both positive and negative implications.
Let us take a pause and examine the two fundamental questions; one, are we
promoting the rule of law and the constitution? Two, are we strengthening or
weakening the institutions? In the ultimate analysis, all of us would have
served Pakistan better if history and our future generations judge us
positively.
85
General Kayanis statement is being widely deciphered in the

backdrop of the prevalent scenario that does not bode well with the retired
army generals. Meanwhile, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira o
praised the statement of Army Chief. Speaking to media after Saarc Youth
Conference, the minister said that the army chiefs statement was fine but he
would not further comment.
Next day, the Supreme Court, hearing the case regarding the role of
media in the aftermath of the US Abbottabad operation to kill Osama bin
Laden, sought an article written by President Zardari in Washington Post and
all the press releases issued by ISPR on the May 2 incident. The court also
ordered submission of statements by former Pakistan ambassador to the US,
Hussain Haqqani, and the transcripts of Najam Sethis programmes held
after the Osama bin Laden raid so that it could be determined whether those
were in violation of Article 19 of the Constitution and that the Supreme
Court had jurisdiction or not in this regard.
During the hearing of the case, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry said that the apex court had the ultimate authority, so no one
should be mistaken, adding the national institutions were strong and there
should be no doubt about it. Raja Irshad, counsel for Sardar Ghazi, the
petitioner, told the court that the army respected the court and had
implemented all its orders. The chief justice remarked, Yes, we witnessed it
yesterday. Our position is very clear and no one should have any doubt.
The counsel said the media had wrongly depicted statements by the
army chief and the chief justice and had given the impression that both the
state institutions were in conflict with each other. The chief justice, however,
directed him to focus on his case, saying the court was taking stock of the
issue. The chief justice him to keep the presidents article published in a US
newspaper after the Abbottabad operation before him and then tell the court
what had happened. President Zardaris article then was read out by Raja
Irshad on the courts orders.
According to the petition, filed in June against the media reporting,
the media played a role in discrediting the countrys judiciary and its army.
Raja Irsahd, counsel for Sardar Ghazi, prayed to the court to ban the media
groups that had maligned the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other
defence and security institutions. Later, the chief justice adjourned the
hearing to November 22 and directed the petitioner to present all relevant
records on the next hearing.
86
It has become quite easy to disgrace the Parliament and elected

representatives these days, said Abdul Ghafoor Haidery of the JUI-F in the
Senate, complaining that when it came to other institutions, they (judiciary
and army) did not want anybody to talk about their wrongdoings either in
the name of undermining that institution or in the name of larger national
interest.
He, however, remarked that if a state institution exceeded its
constitutional ambit and went against the national interest then such role on
part of it would certainly be discussed at all levels. Going a step ahead,
Shahi Syed of the ANP termed Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayanis
statement as a political speech, and exhorted all responsible people to do
some soul-searching before passing any remark.
Senator Col (retired) Tahir Mashhadi of the MQM asked the House
not to forget that it was the army that made countless sacrifices for the
defence of the motherland. Taking the floor, Faisal Raza Abidi, a firebrand
senator from the ruling PPP, who was the last to speak, hurled accusations
on Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. If this House is
unable to speak against the injustices done by Justice Chaudhry against me,
then how it would ensure justice to the people of Balochistan and Karachi, a
charged
On 8th November, the Supreme Court declared that the President being
in the Service of Pakistan cannot play any political role wherein he
supports some political party or parties at the cost of others. In its detailed
verdict in Asghar Khan Case, the apex court reiterated that the elections of
1990 were rigged and the then president, army chief and ISI DG exercised
their power illegally, adding that the secret agencies have no right to make
election cell. The judgment also said that the general elections should be
held on time without any fear.
According to the judgment, the Attorney General while arguing in
defence of presidents role in politics had lost sight of an important aspect of
the case that the President of Pakistan after entering into his office obtained
the status, which falls under the definition of a person who is in the Service
of Pakistan. According to article 260 of the constitution, service of Pakistan
means any service, post or office in connection with the affairs of the
federation or of a province, and includes an All-Pakistan Service, service in
the armed forces and any other service declared to be a service of Pakistan
by or under act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) or of a provincial assembly,
87
but does not include service as National Assembly speaker and deputy
speaker; and Senate chairman and deputy chairman.
The court noted that there have been constitutional deviations, from
time to time, due to that parliamentary system was weakened and could not
flourish as envisaged by the constitution. The order said that late President
Ghulam Ishaq Khan, ex-COAS Gen (r) Beg, and ISI ex-DG Gen (r) Asad
Durrani, acted in violation of the constitution by facilitating a group of
politicians and political parties, to ensure their success against the rival
candidates in the general election of 1990, for which they secured funds
from Younas Habib.
The acts of Beg and Durrani have brought a bad name to Pakistan and
its armed forces as well as secret agencies in the eyes of the nation, the court
said and directed the federal government to take necessary steps against
them under the constitution and law, though they have retired from the
service. Proceedings shall also be launched against them for affecting the
recovery of sums received by them with profit thereon by initiating civil
proceedings, according to law.
Rebuffing the statement of former army chief General (r) Aslam Beg,
Qamar Zaman Kaira has ruled out any possibility of martial law in
Pakistan. Addressing a mass matrimony ceremony in Kharian, the minister
said that it was already quite brave of General (r) Beg that he was facing
public after what he had done in the past and advised him to avoid issuing
inappropriate statements.
He asked the media to show responsibility and avoid sensationalism
while reporting; adding that an impression was being given by some corners
of the media as if there was confrontation between institutions, which was
baseless. The army chief has only said that the accused should not be treated
as convict and there should not be media trial of any one, he added.
Next day, BBC reported that despite the announcement that the
political cell in the ISI has been shut, no executive order to this effect has
been issued. The political cell of the ISI was established in 1975 on a
notification signed by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and a similar notification by the
executive head was required to close it. An ISI official told the BBC that
political wing of the ISI no longer existed as it was dissolved when General
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took charge as ISI chief.
Though the cell exists on technical grounds, but some opposition
politicians say that they do not think that the cell is still in operation.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Raja Zafarul Haq opined in a talk
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with the BBC that he has no credible information whether the political cell is
in operation or not.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz sought to reassure that Pakistans
institutions are only undergoing a process of evolution and that there is no
conflict amongst them. Speaking at the launch of development projects in
Gwadar, he emphasized the need for preventing conflict between the state
institutions at any cost because it would result in destruction.
The prime minister said that the judiciary has gained freedom after
many sacrifices. About the Army, the prime minister said it has given
everlasting sacrifices that every Pakistani is proud of. The Pakistan Army, he
said, is playing a vital role for the security and development of the country.
PM Raja said democracy had been derailed several times in the past and
after numerous sacrifices it is now back on track.
On 10th November, Gen Mirza Aslam Beg said army officials, serving
or retired, should be tried under the military rules in case they are accused of
violating the Constitution or any other law as is the practice in all civilized
countries. Theres simply no justification for the media trial of military
officials as our soldiers cant tolerate humiliation of their superiors, he
said in an interview. The former army chief said he would not go for a
review of the apex courts judgment.
Referring to the courts assertion that what the accused officials did
was their individual act, not of the institutions they headed, Gen Beg said the
president, the army chief and the chief justice represented their respective
institutions and could not be separated from them. Asked what could be the
impact of the judgment on the political system, Gen Beg said it would add to
the political turmoil.
He advised caution to save the country from some fresh crisis. In his
opinion, the case against all those identified in the Asghar Khan case
judgment would be dragged, as a result of which leaders like Nawaz Sharif
and others would not be eligible to take part in the elections. And since a
number of important leaders would stay out of the arena, unrest among their
parties grow, he feared.
Regarding the objection as to why in his capacity as army chief he had
failed to stop the relevant people from using the public money, Gen Beg
argued that he was not in a position to do that. According to him, the orders
had been given by an elected president (Ghulam Ishaq Khan) who was
authorized to use the ISI for political objectives in the light of a 1975
notification issued by then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
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The notification had also been shown to Justice Siddiqui. However, he

said now the notification was missing from the record, which was a
conspiracy to hold the president responsible for the ISI acts and indulgence
of the army leadership in politics. He said the order about the use of public
money had been issued by president Ghulam Ishaq Khan to the ISI, not him
(COAS) and the ISI had only carried out the presidents instructions.
Answering a question, Gen Beg said Gem Asad Durrani was coerced
to sign the declaration against him. Also, he said Gen Durrani had said in a
communication that the PPP leadership seemed determined to put Gen Beg
on the mat and give the opposition parties a serious rubbing. According to
him, the Mehran Bank records were not produced before the court because
the list of the recipients was bogus and the money involved had nothing to
do with the public exchequer.
He said it was significant that an earlier statement made by then
interior minister Gen Naseerullah Babar was also missing from the records.
Gen Babar, he recalled, had said that the money had been given only to
Sindhi and Balochi leaders, after which he was at a loss to understand how
the names of Punjabi and KPK leaders were included therein.
Replying to a question, Gen Beg said the SC judgment would have
far-reaching consequences for the army men. He said earlier the
subordinates were supposed to carry out the orders of their seniors even at
the peril of their lives. But now, he said the juniors could call for a
justification for their orders and refuse to implement them on the plea that
they would not like to put their lives at risk.
The said that NAB was in the process of investigating financial
irregularities into the Royal Palm Golf Club deal and would furnish its
report to the apex court. The spokesman of the department said that if the
investigation team would find sufficient evidence to frame a corruption
reference then a case would be filed against the management of Royal Palm
Golf Club and concerned top management of the Pakistan Railways with
NAB court. The NAB stated that it would not fix responsibility upon anyone
and was simply probing the allotment. It said the probe report would be
submitted to the court which was the body mandated to fixing responsibility
in the case.
Chief justice said that no one can dare derail the system and judiciary
is the custodian of the Constitution. Addressing the Abbottabad Bar
Association he said: Institutions are bound to respect the constitution and
the Supreme Court is aware of its jurisdiction stipulated in the Constitution.
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Provincial disharmony: On 6th November, reiterating his stance

over Kalabagh Dam, the chief of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi Afaq
Ahmed said that he would continue striving for early construction of the
dam without which Pakistan cannot become a stable country. Chairman of
MQM-H said this while talking to Punjab Forum president Baig Raj.
Baloch militancy: On 5th November, two people were killed and

three others wounded in firing and hand grenade attack in Nushki and
Kuchlak areas. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court granted bail to Sardar Yar
Muhammad Rind, a PML-Q lawmaker in the Balochistan Assembly.
Reportedly, there are six more cases, besides allegedly kidnapping a man
and failing to appear before the Quetta Anti-Terrorism Court.
Next day, four people were shot dead, including three Shia of Hazara
community, and two others wounded in two separate incidents of firing, in
Quetta. Five members of Hazara community of Shia Muslims traveling in a
cab were heading towards Hazara town when armed men, riding motorbike,
sprayed bullets on the cab on Brewery Road; all victims belonged to the
same family. Separately, unidentified gunmen shot a man dead on Brewery
Road. On 6th November,
On 7th November, unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on
two people in Pasni town and fled from the scene. The two men passed away
before getting any medical treatment. The deceased were stated to be
residents of KPK. Next day, in its review petition moved against the
Supreme Courts October 12 order in the Balochistan unrest case, the
federation held it was not the function of the superior courts to gauge the
performance of a political government. Such a ruling is detrimental to the
country and will serve as a licence or invitation to unseen avaricious forces,
the federation asserted in its plea.
In its plea for a review, the federation insinuated that the judges of the
superior courts, by virtue of their oaths read with their code of conduct, were
under the constitutional obligation not to enter into political questions: even
if these involved questions of law. Getting involved with political questions
constitutes misconduct under Article 5 of the Code of Conduct, issued after
the reinstatement of the sitting chief justice. As such the findings of this
Court are without jurisdiction and the same need to be reviewed, keeping in
view the Constitution, the law and principles of good conscience and fair
play. The federation noted that the apex court had just pointed out the ills,
but did not explicitly suggest any remedy, as it was cognizant of the
implications involved.
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It also claimed that the mineral deposits within the province had
tempted big powers adding to the woes of the people. The country is at war
and poise is the demand of the hour, it said and hoped that the court would
adhere to the well-established principle of trichotomy of powers. It further
submitted, The court assumed to itself the defunct powers of Article 58(2)
(b), which in fact has been disregarded and discontinued by Parliament
itself, in view of the amendments brought about by the Constitution in
consequence of the 18th Amendment.
Stating that it was Parliament or the federal government which should
decide whether a situation had arisen in which it (the government) could not
carry on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the federation
argued that the court had no constitutional mandate to attribute such powers
to it. Issues regarding the failure of any government as a whole with regard
to its constitutional obligations qua governance are not justiciable in terms
of the jurisdiction vested in the court under Article 175 of the Constitution,
the government added.
It also mentioned that the order of the Supreme Court was halfhearted, as it was a reticent about what the federal government should do.
Stating that a captain of a ship or aircraft knew the actual state of affairs and
the crew or the inmates did not know exactly what the situation was, the
federation argued that it was up to the President of Pakistan to decide under
Article 232 of the Constitution that whether a particular situation called for
the imposition of emergency. The federation stated that the Supreme Court
based its order almost on two fundamental rights when there were about a
total of 24 such basic rights. It, however, claimed that it had been trying its
level best that these rights were not suspended.
On 9th November, PML-Q MNA Mir Ahmadan Bugti and 14 others
received injuries when a bomb planted in his shoe exploded as he put them
outside a mosque in Dera Bugti. Baloch Republican Army (BRA)
spokesman Sarbaz Baloch called the journalists from an unknown place and
claimed responsibility for the attack on Ahmadan Bugti and his guards.
Prime Minister inaugurated Rs6 billion Optic Fibre Project which will
provide best Information Technology facilities to all tehsils of the
Balochistan province. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, he said that the
present government has initiated several development projects in
Balochistan to provide basic amenities of life to the local people and to bring
them at par with the rest of the country. He said provision of amenities will
remove the sense of deprivation among the local people.
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Next day, three members of Hazara community were gunned down

and another wounded in two separate targeted killings in Quetta. Four men
belonging to Hazara community were on their way in a yellow cab when
armed men riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire on them. In
another incident, a man was killed when armed men riding a motorbike
sprayed bullets at him. On 11th November, a man was gunned down in
Quetta by unknown armed men riding a motorcycle.
Turf war in Karachi: On 5th November, two activists of MQM

were) among four people gunned down in separate incidents in different
parts of the City. An Egyptian working for the United Nations Childrens
Fund was wounded when gunmen fired on his vehicle. Meanwhile, the
police started raiding different areas to arrest 35 criminals who were released
on parole during the regime of Musharraf.
Next day, seven people were killed in different acts of violence in the
city. Funeral of renowned Shia leader and scholar, Allama Agha Aftab
Haider Jaffari was held at Numaish Chowrangi. A large number of clerics,
scholars and people from literary circles attended the funeral, after which the
dead bodies of Allama Jaffari and his colleague namely Shahid Ali, who
were killed in terrorists attack yesterday, were taken to Wadi-e-Hussain
graveyard for burial.
On 7th November, four people, including the activists of PPP and
MQM, were killed in separate acts of violence in different parts of the City.
Tension simmered in the metropolis as another man, belonging to the Shia
community, was gunned down in SITE-B area in a fresh wave of sectarian
violence.
Next day, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden pickup truck
into Rangers headquarters in a northern suburb of Karachi, causing a huge
explosion that killed three people and wounded at least 23 others. The
attacker rammed the mini-truck against the main gate of Wing 72, Sachal
Headquarters of Sindh Rangers. DIG Javed Odho said that it was a suicide
attack and only the tight security measures in force at the base had prevented
major loss of life. Meanwhile, ten people were gunned down in separate acts
of violence in different parts of the metropolis.
On 9th November, six people were shot dead in separate acts of
violence in different parts of the city. Next day, 20 people, including six
seminary students and two journalists, were killed and many others wounded
in a deadly day of violence in the city, as law-enforcement agencies
depressingly failed to step up their presence in many troubled
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neighbourhoods. Eight of these 20 people were shot dead within half an hour
in the evening in two attacks. President was pleased to take notice of the
killings. On 11th November, the violence in Karachi left another 13 people
dead as provinces top cop believed that a third force was behind this new
wave of violence in the countrys commercial capital.
VIEWS
Taming the military
Fact and fiction: I have chosen the title for todays column in
response to the ongoing analyses by anchorpersons, journalists, etc. in the
Asghar Khan case and the Supreme Courts judgment. It took 18 years for
the case to come this far. The successive governments of Benazir and Nawaz
Sharif were not interested in pursuing it, as both had skeletons in their
cupboards.
Musharraf, in turn, did not want to alienate any political friends. The
Supreme Court has blamed the late president Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Gen
Mirza Aslam Beg and Gen Asad Durrani for acting against the law and the
constitution in bribing politicians to ensure the defeat of Benazir Bhutto and
the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) by the Islami Jamhoori Ittihad (IJI) in the
general elections, following her governments dismissal in August 1990 for
corruption.
No sooner had the judgment been announced than saints and sinners
alike went after those found guilty. Gen Durrani had given an affidavit
containing the names of recipients and the amounts received. There is also
an affidavit given by Gen Nasirullah Babar. The recipients naturally rejected
the accusations. Who was Younus Habib to get such a central role in the
distribution of hundreds of millions of rupees in public money? Why did
Benazir Bhutto appoint Gen Durrani, one of the main players (and not one in
her favour), as ambassador to Germany and Saudi Arabia? Is it not
significant that Benazir Bhuttos second government was dismissed for
corruption by her own colleague and friend, President Farooq Laghari?
Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Gen Nasirullah Babar are no longer with
us. Nobody raised a finger against the former during his lifetime. He was
indicted posthumously six years after his demise. Gen Babar left an affidavit
but cannot now give evidence or be questioned about it. The grandson of
Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Sen Osman Saifullah Khan, has complained of his
illustrious grandfather receiving unfair blame. Gen Tahir Ali has given an
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excellent analysis of the case (The News, October 27) and there have been
many more articles, talk shows, etc. Since I have been closely associated
with both Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Gen Aslam Beg, I venture to give my
understanding of the affair.
After my offer to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to help Pakistan become a
nuclear power and my decision to remain in Pakistan in January 1976 at the
specific request of Mr Bhutto, a coordination board was formed for the
project with Mr A G N Kazi, Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Mr Agha Shahi. At
that time they were the countrys top bureaucrats (all secretary generals) and
they were to supervise the nuclear programme. Since day one I was closely
associated with these three officers, especially with Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan.
From then until 2000, he was like a father to me. We had frequent meetings,
initially about our nuclear programme and later, after his retirement in 1993,
about the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute, as its project director.
When Gen Mirza Aslam Beg became chief of the general staff we
started meeting regularly as KRL was producing important weapon systems
(anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank munition, laser rangefinders,
remote-controlled mines, mine-detonators, etc.) for the army. I found him to
be well-read, knowledgeable, soft-spoken and intelligent. I had the pleasure
of dining with the family a number of times. This close contact continued
after he became VCOAS and COAS. With his strong support and
understanding for national defence, I signed a contract with the Chinese for
M-II missiles and a factory was established at Khanpur. Later, when Admiral
Sirohey became chairman of JCSC, he nominated me as chief coordinator of
the Surface-to-Surface Guided Missile Programme, which post I filled until
Musharraf staged his coup in October 1999.
During my long and close association with Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan, I
never once found him indulging in politics and never heard him saying
anything against any politician. I never met or saw any politician with his
very competent military secretary, Brig Muhammed Ajaib, who efficiently
and honestly served him for five years.
Concerning Gen Beg, I would like to narrate one incident here, which
speaks for itself. I was in Gen Begs office just before the 1988 general
elections when the chief election commissioner, Justice S A Nusrat, came to
see him. During the talks Justice Nusrat said (probably to see what Gen
Begs reaction would be) that Benazir Bhuttos PPP was going to win the
elections. Gen Begs immediate reaction was to say that if the lady wins, she
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will rule as per her constitutional right. Not then and not at any other time
did I ever hear any adverse remarks about any politician from him.
The question arises: why was it necessary to sack Benazir Bhuttos
government and prevent her from winning the next elections? My
understanding is that, as soon as she came to power, widespread and reliable
reports surfaced about massive corruption by Mr Asif Ali Zardari and his
cronies. All the intelligence agencies were sending reports to the president
and the chief of the army staff. Then one of her closest associates, a federal
minister, was reported to have handed over a list of all Sikh resistance
leaders (Khalistan supporters) to India, which resulted in their arrests and
elimination by the Indian government.
The Sikh insurgency had taken the pressure off Kashmir and the
Pakistani army considered their handing over as an anti-Pakistan move.
Furthermore, Benazir Bhutto had agreed to freeze the enrichment of uranium
at five percent, in a move to please the Americans. In a meeting at the
Presidency at which Gen Imtiaz (her military secretary) was also present, I
was instructed accordingly. Nobody was happy with the decision, especially
not the army and the ISI, and it was considered to be against national
interests. Mr Bhutto, and later Gen Ziaul Haq, had never buckled under US
and Western pressure and had kept the programme running at full speed.
Later, Gen Waheed Kakar took full control of the nuclear weapons
programme. Probably all these factors together led to the dismissal of her
government and the efforts to stop her from winning the elections. What is
intriguing here is that, during her second tenure and later on, neither she nor
Nawaz Sharif nor Musharraf pursued the Asghar Khan case, while Benazir
Bhutto even appointed Gen Durrani as her ambassador to Germany and
Saudi Arabia.
After all, Gen Durrani had played a prominent role against her
government. Something doesnt seem right. I cannot doubt the integrity,
honesty and patriotism of Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Gen Aslam Beg. I
only knew Gen Durrani superficially, but many senior officers did not have
much good to say about him. Only God knows the truth. (Dr A Q Khan, The
News 5th November)
In pursuit of real sinners! Let the Generals be tried in a court of
law! After all, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has established criminal
liability in the years-old Asghar Khan case. And citizens of Pakistan have
the legitimate right and a national vested interest to know exactly who the
real sinners are in the decades-old political games that have brought this
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nation to the brink of ultimate disaster. The pursuit of truth necessitates

separating fiction from reality and coming to grips with the absolute facts;
establishing the falsehood and political deception of yesteryear can only be
in the publics best interest as well as for fairness to all parties involved. In
this difficult odyssey of political discovery, we cannot abandon the ship now
as the journey to realize genuine substance has already commenced. In
todays world of so-called democratic Pakistan, the political truth is too
valuable to squander.
So why not hold the trial of the Generals?
Lieutenant General (retd) Hamid Gul, the former DG ISI, in the
exemplary valour and courage of a solider, has on several TV talk shows
publicly owned the formation of IJI during his tenure. In all fairness, it must
be noted that Gul has demonstrated an unprecedented example of moralethical political behaviour to have admitted his role in the disputed issue. He
should be equally credited for being willing to face a trial and punishment, if
found guilty. But the most vital part of the Generals willingness to go on a
trial are the two conditions that he has laid down: one, the trial must be
public. Two, he must not be arrested.
Let us assume, for the sake of deliberations and to give his civilian
political adversaries the benefit of the doubt, that the General intends to use
Machiavellian strategies and fabricated political charades to frighten his
political opponents, most specifically the PPP stalwarts, who are demanding
his head on a plate. Indeed, the PPP Federal Information Minister, as we
all know, has gone as far as to use symbolically charged derogatory images
of dragging generals dead bodies through the streets. Obviously, such
public statements, to say the least, are in utter bad taste and the narrative is
unparliamentary in its language: and yet, the top PPP leadership seems to
have solid legal evidence to put the Generals in the dock.
Okay, let us admit thats fair. Hence, the important questions are: why
doesnt the PPP spill the beans on the Generals unconstitutional actions?
Why is Kaira rhetorically distasteful and linguistically disgusting? Why is
the PPP narrative devoid of political actions? Where is the FIA Commission
to investigate the alleged crimes by the senior military officers named in the
recent Supreme Court decision? Why did the PPP not, in spite of being in
power twice, take legal action against the said individuals in the past?
These are extremely vital questions that need to be carefully
examined, politically analyzed, legally settled and, above all, explicitly
explained to the public by the top PPP leadership. The onus of explaining the
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so-called treachery against the PPP in the past does not rest entirely on the
former DG ISI, and the former Chief of the Army Staff. It squarely rests on
the top PPP leadership as well; for it failed to take appropriate legal action
during its past tenure (post-IJI affair) and has never completely or
convincingly explained its position on the matter. It seems both rivals in the
dispute have secrets: some secrets that might publicly destroy the PPP
leadership (and some other political actors in other major parties).
Right now, the PPP leadership is playing pure politics with the SCs
recent decision. I will bet that it will not take any meaningful legal or
investigative action against the two generals. Kairas rattlings of dragging
generals dead bodies through the streets is linguistic genocide in bad taste
as well as an empty meaningless sloganistic exercise in order to improve the
PPPs fading popularity. It also indicates Kairas poor judgment in believing
that such statements will appeal to public sentiment.
Here I have a personal observation to make: General Guls honest
willingness to face a trial throws an open challenge to the entire community
of civilian politicians (accused of accepting funds from the ISI and PPP
leaderships supposed involvement in anti-state activities) to take up the
issue legally and come out clean. After all, restoring personal and moral
credibility is the most important element in the conduct of political life: what
do they have to lose unless their self-defences are flawed, full of holes and
politically difficult to explain.
My assumption, logical analysis and understanding of Pakistans
decade-old status quo orientated political culture, its inherent contradictions
and corruption, its political incorrectness and structural flaws, its intrinsic
and incurable moral-ethical dilemmas, its political leaderships self-serving
and dictatorial mindset and a host of other socio-psychological factors lead
me to conclude that General Guls challenge for a public trial will never be
taken up by the Pakistani politicians.
Pakistans contemporary political system is incapable of dealing with
the political-moral-ethical issues that Guls trial might bring to fore. There is
not a single Pakistani politician (excluding Imran Khan), who might so
courageously embrace the willingness to face a public trial for his or her
alleged misconduct as Gul has. My belief is that historically Pakistan has
had a moral crisis more than a political one.
So, let us put the two Generals, Hamid Gul and Mirza Aslam Beg, on
public trial. Let the nation hear what they have to say. Let them publicly
present evidence in support of their contentions. Let them tell the nation
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their side of the story. And if they are found guilty of alleged crimes, then let
us punish them.
But the entire exercise in administering moral and legal justice will be
futile, if the civilian political actors escape the responsibility of their alleged
crimes against the nation. In the IJI affair, there are some serious allegations
against politicians as well. I am afraid that the political sainthood and
martyrdom of the PPP leadership will crumble, if everything is exposed
openly and honestly. It is for this reason that the PPP leadership has not
wanted to play a seriously focused political game plan of revenge and
retaliation against the armys high command. The fact of the matter is that
the PPP and other political parties have always depended on the armys
support to come to political power in this country.
Khan is right when he says: Is hammam meh sab nange hain
(Everyone here is shamelessly involved in the charade of evil and
weakness). Is Gul politically and morally correct when he says that the PPP
leadership and all other political actors in other major political parties have
always subscribed to the US-West four-point agenda for Pakistans political
landscape? Let us provide General Gul the opportunity to educate the nation
in this context at his future political trial that the PPP Information Minster,
as the spokesperson of his party, has pledged to hold with such savage
consequences!
Irrespective of what happens in tomorrows Pakistan, General Hamid
Gul is deadly accurate: Unless the contemporary political culture changes,
Pakistans army will always have an influential role in the political affairs of
this nation. The ball is in the court of public opinion now!
For political change in the next election, vote for personal honesty,
integrity, competence, devotion to public causes, and demonstrated
selflessness or face the doomsday scenario in future Pakistan! (Dr Haider
Mehdi, TheNation 6th November)
Two hard-hitting speeches: The address of COAS General Ashfaq
Parvez Kayani to officers of the GHQ and another by Chief Justice Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhry to officers of the 97 th National Management Course,
both couched in fairly strong and apparently conflicting terms, have stirred a
heated debate in the country. It should be understood, first of all, that though
delivered the same day on Monday, these were not in response to each other.
Both the army chief and the chief justice read from the written text. The
function where Justice Chaudhry spoke ended an hour before General
Kayani moved to deliver his speech. While trying to make sense of the
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statements and titillated by the timing, there are feverish attempts at hairsplitting and divining the hidden meaning behind each sentence and choice
of word. However, whatever else might be said about these speeches, an
impression of a clash between the two vital institutions of the state has been
created, to the pleasure and satisfaction of those entertaining such a wish.
The Supreme Courts castigation of the Frontier Constabulary and ISI in the
context of lawlessness in Balochistan and the exposure of some of the
generals during the Asghar Khan case and others had already created
rumblings within the armed forces, used to not being accountable to a
civilian authority.
The COASs remarks are also being considered a reaction to this
unfamiliar treatment. The timing of even a general known for his reserve and
reticence and commitment to stay out of politics, venturing out to make a
statement that has clear political overtones and contains a not-so-cryptic
warning to avoid creating a wedge between the army and the people, is
being attributed to the historic judgment in the Asghar Khan case and its
ongoing fallout. The emphasis on the legal maxim, Innocent until proven
guilty, is also a telling indication of the discomfort from a section of society
unused to criticism and media trials in the past; an experience which
politicians and public officials have long been accustomed to. The caution
against employing haste in moving forward, to the detriment of long-term
goals and in pursuit of short-term gains, is advice kindly meant but the
pace of progress is certainly not the domain of the armed forces to decide.
If the COAS stressed the need for strengthening the institutions, so did
the Chief Justice. The latters view that tanks and missiles cannot ensure
security was a telling choice of words to herald the arrival of a new era in
Pakistan. He followed with the necessity to establish social security and
welfare nets and added that the protection of the peoples national and civil
rights could guarantee security. Justice Chaudhry on Tuesday responded,
Yes, we have seen it, yesterday to the remark of a petitioners advocate that
the army respected the judiciary adding yet another tantalizing detail to
those dissecting the situation. The court also directed the same advocate to
produce the ISPRs press releases and President Zardaris interview
published in a US-based magazine in the wake of May 2 US Abbottabad raid
to take out Osama bin Laden. While both speeches also contained much
positive intent and a promise to abide by the constitution, this air of intrigue
that still prevails, is an ill one for the nation. If all institutions, including the
Parliament, Judiciary and the Armed Forces are committed to obeying and
upholding the constitution, then what is all this public bristling and fussing
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about? It is best avoided and replaced by the principle of self-criticism and

accountability, and trying to deliver the very best of results in each of their
constitutionally determined realms. That is what will earn them the lasting
respect and trust of the public. (Editorial, TheNation 7th November)
Avoiding going back: The same day as the Supreme Court
announced its detailed judgment in the Asghar Khan case, in which it
explained in detail why officials, including military officers, were not bound
to follow illegal orders; on Thursday President Asif Zardari was apparently
telling civil servants something somewhat different. He told the participants
of the 97th National Management Course on Thursday in Islamabad that
officials were supposed to ensure implementation of government decisions.
By not mentioning any legal limitations, the President was thus implying
that it was not for officials to make legal judgments, and just to execute
decisions. While the Supreme Court was firm in its judgment, in
recommending action against the COAS and the DG ISI of the time, it was
also firm in refuting any implication that it was against any institution, in
particular the armed forces.
The President should also note the Courts concern with eliminating
even the potential for any clash among institutions. Instead of making
statements which might be seen as defying the Court, he stands better
chances of success in the path of compliance, as was shown only on
Wednesday when the government finally wrote to the Swiss authorities
canceling its earlier withdrawal of the cases against the President, as the
Court had originally told it in its judgment striking down the NRO. The
President must not allow the good work done by the compliance in the NRO
case to be undone by defiance in any other, particularly the Asghar Khan
case, which is about payments made to ensure that the PPP was kept out of
office. That the Supreme Courts remarks, a President cannot play a political
role, has persuaded President Zardari to give up his co-Chairmanship of the
PPP, indicates that he wishes to be in compliance with its judgments. That he
is to give up his party office should also be viewed in the light of the Lahore
High Court decisions on the subject, and of the Supreme Courts thinking, as
shown in its opinion expressed about President Ghulam Ishaq Khans
conduct in 1990. Such an attitude showing intent to cooperate is highly
commendable. However, it remains to be seen just how the military officials
guilty of subversion of the constitution will be punished. The case should
primarily lead to the punishment of those in whose hands political power is
not meant to reside and who have used it despite that to change the direction
of the peoples opinion.
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Obedience without respect to the legality of the order or the simplistic

standard of simply complying with the governments wishes neither
standard is the best one to adopt. What is beyond question is that those who
have been found to be in criminal disobedience of the law must be punished.
The annals of history must remember crime and punishment, not the
glossing over of clear violations in the interest of keeping the peace.
The ongoing General phobia: Currently, there is much talk and
exchange of opinions on how so many two, three and four star Generals of
the Pakistan Army are being asked to explain some of their actions while in
office. It is an altogether new situation and quite different from the times
when it was thought that the announcement of putting the Generals in
Suzuki cars was the biggest act of bravado possible by a civilian Prime
Minister as was done by late Prime Minister Junejo.
The Generals, not one or two but nine of them, are actually in the
dock. (Being in Suzukis, probably, seems a lot easier from this vantage
point!) While no individual, however powerful, is above the law, the fact
remains that the glee being exhibited by some at the embarrassment of the
Generals in question in particular and the army in general is a little
disconcerting.
It is disconcerting because the army is an institution that is currently
stretched from one end of the country to the other and is fighting terribly
difficult wars with unseen enemies on very hostile terrains. It is also an army
whose leadership has practiced restraint and recognized its role of being
answerable for its actions, as in the time when the head of the ISI, General
Ahmed Shuja Pasha, was questioned by members of Parliament and also
submitted his resignation
It is the politicians also who have to cast themselves in a new mould,
as the process of redefining our country is carried out. The military, the
media and the judiciary will all fall into place within their own specific roles
once those seeking public office can withstand the exposure of close
scrutiny, before being allowed to contest.
The more we yearn for change, the more things remain the same in
some cases. A face that Islamabad had never seen before with a name that
Islamabad had never heard before either has sprung up on all the pole signs
of the city with some indiscernible message. I must mention here that all
pole streamers and banners have a very limited and curtailed life in the
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capital because, even when one has paid the taxes and has the permission,
the banners are at times just removed immediately after being placed.
The pole streamers in question, which have been there for many days
now, revealed on a closer look why this was so. The face on them belonged
to one Imran Ashraf, who is the current Prime Ministers brother and is
looking, as most of the well-connected brothers and sisters in this country
are wont to do, for an encashment of his blood connection. He is seeking a
PPP ticket to contest from Islamabad in the next elections and all of us who
live in the city are getting familiar with his photographic image on the
banners and resigning to the thought of another one from Lalamusa making
it big. An essential component of redefining Pakistan must be the
overcoming and discarding of this make hay while the sun shines
mentality. (Talat Azim TheNation 10th November)
A testing time for General Kayani: What impelled General Kayani
to come up with these strident pronouncements?
Answer: The Supreme Court verdict in Asghar Khans case, the fact
that as many as nine senior military officers, including two retired Generals
and seven retired Lieutenants, and Major Generals, are in the dock with noholds-barred jabs aired in the media as also the internal stresses within the
military ranks - all this together weighing heavily on the Army Chief, who,
by and large, had shown considerable restraint in his relations with the
civilian government.
While it is manifest that over the years the army has been violating the
constitution by forcibly taking over the control of the country, one has to
remember that for around half of the past six-and-a-half decades, it has ruled
and enjoyed supreme power. Even today, the civilian government has largely
let them direct defence and foreign affairs. Having tasted unbridled
authority, the military mindset fed on the perception of politicians as
incompetent and corrupt is not prepared to be denigrated, pulled up and
hauled over the coals for illegal and undesirable acts of omission and
commission.
A proactive and assertive higher judiciary, and an increasingly
resurgent and noisy media, has, of late, been unsparing in highlighting the
excesses, aberrations and misdoings of both civilian and military
administrations and officials. The Supreme Court, in particular, is working
hard to take up the cases of violation of fundamental human rights and has
taken to task many who have been found to be involved in corruption and
misuse of authority.
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The Chief Justice of Pakistan, in particular, has been most vocal in

highlighting the supremacy of the constitution and majesty of law. In his
speech on November 05, while addressing senior civilian officials, he made
the telling remark that the judiciary has been trying to rewrite the
constitutional and political history of the country. He recognized the efforts
the media was making to inform and educate people on national affairs. Said
the Chief Justice: We have a vibrant media playing an affective role of
whistleblower and watchdog of public interest.
A day later, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, while hearing the
Abbottabad operation case, made the observation (primarily meant for the
Army Chief and, in particular, with regard to Kayanis remark that no one
has the monopoly to decide what is right or wrong in defining the ultimate
national interest) that no one should remain under any delusion, as
authority to render final decision rests with the apex court.
It is, indeed, a testing time for the army. General Kayani has earned
respect because of the restraint exercised by him by keeping himself and the
army away from politics. No doubt, presently, he is under intense pressure
from various quarters retired generals facing enquires, and also because of
the strain of fighting a war and the institutions internal grievances.
The military certainly merits appreciation and support for
safeguarding national defence. The challenge it faces today calls for patience
and understanding. It has to introspect and ruthlessly review its
constitutional role and undertake an exercise to persuade itself to change its
mindset.
Thanks to the Supreme Court, the media and the civil society,
Pakistan today is undergoing a change for the better, seeking to set the
direction right that, hopefully, would lead to a paradigm shift moving
forwards a better Pakistan, a democratic Pakistan, a country where there is
rule of law and respect for human rights for all citizens, irrespective of
creed, colour and class.
General Kayani, indeed, can play a historic, perhaps a heroic, role to
mould the mind of the military, which agrees to confine its role to the tasks
assigned to it by the constitution.
The Supreme Court judgment is also highly significant for explicitly
stating the constitutional position and role of the President of Pakistan
There is a lot of food for thought in the 141-page Supreme Court judgment.
It should, indeed, be compulsory reading for generals, politicians, journalists
and the civil society at large. (Inayatullah, TheNation 10th November)
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Quest for total control: The Supreme Court issued its detailed
judgment in the Asghar Khan case Earlier in the week, a speech by the
present COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was interpreted by the
mainstream media as directed against the court and not just people in the
media, who seem to be on an army-bashing campaign. And rather
predictably, stalwarts of the PPP government insisted that President Asif
Zardari had every right to continue playing politics sitting in the presidency.
Everyone agrees that the institutions of the state must be strengthened. The
question is: who is weakening them?
The PPP leadership under the dictatorial control of President Zardari
is clearly the biggest villain when it comes to the institutions of the state. As
it utters hollow mantras about respecting and strengthening state institutions,
the PPP-led government has acted to damage them for its short-term petty
political objectives. Its persistent defiance and subversion of the independent
judiciary is not a secret. The insistence on a political role for the President is
only the recent example of how the party has taken upon itself the task of
interpreting the constitution according to its convenience; a task that actually
falls into the domain of the Supreme Court that has the final word on
constitutional matters. By refusing to follow orders, protecting (even
rewarding) those who should have been punished or investigated under court
orders, and orchestrating malicious judiciary-bashing campaigns by its
leaders, the party has done all in its power to weaken the institution.
Similarly, the PPP governments efforts to mute criticism in the media
and to make it sing tunes that suit the party are also common knowledge.
Instead of working towards strengthening the free media by creating a
framework that would check the abuse of freedom and implementing and
improving the existing rules and regulations, the government has resorted to
official and jiyala-led arm-twisting and bribing media organizations and
individuals with taxpayers money to influence them in its favour.
Even the institution that is considered to be the most powerful in the
state structure, the military, has not escaped damage due to the quest for total
control by the Zardari regime. Whether it was the role of former Ambassador
Hussain Haqqani in the memo affair and the military-related conditions in
the Kerry-Lugar Bill, the governments reaction to the Abbottabad operation
or its dubious conduct in the aftermath of the Salala incident, the PPP
leadership has treated the institution more as a competing contender for
political power, issuing statements about a scheming establishment out to
subvert democracy, rather than separating its political past from the
professional challenges it faces today.
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Ironically, the state institution most badly damaged by the Zardari

regime is Parliament, along with the government it elects and the party he
heads. The PPP wallahs shout from the rooftop about parliamentary
supremacy and democracy, but the partys nearly five-year record in office
shows a very different picture.
To begin with, Parliament has been reduced to a powerless debating
club good only for scoring points and passing laws conceived and approved
in the presidency, usually without debate. What is touted as the biggest
achievement of the present Parliament, the 18th Amendment, has been made
redundant when it comes to the transfer of presidential powers to the Prime
Minister. President Zardari has clearly encroached upon the functions of the
Prime Minister and his cabinet. He is seen discussing important national
issues with foreign dignitaries at home and abroad and has no qualms about
dictating policy decisions to the government. He is actively involved in
micro-managing the coalition partners.
Under Zardari, even his party has moved further away from
democracy. Forget about electing office bearers, even the nominated party
structure has been made redundant by its Co-Chairperson. The Central
Executive Committee is a ghost of the past and policy decisions are taken in
arbitrarily summoned meetings of core committee at the presidency.
The core committee itself is not a notified body, and who is and who
isnt a part of the committee is left to the whims of the Co-Chairperson. The
party, just like the government it leads, has nothing to do with parliamentary
democracy, and they act more like components of a regime headed by a
dictatorial President cum monarch. Institutions of the state have no chance
of being strengthened by such a government. In fact, whatever strength they
have gained or retained has been despite the Zardari regime and because of
positive action on their part.
The Supreme Court has emerged as a strong pillar of the state because
it has consistently given judgments without fear or favour, upholding the
rule of law and interpreting the constitution in public interest, rather than
doing the bidding for those in power.
The military has also cleaned its stable and distanced itself from
engineering politics in the country. It has the chance of improving its image
further by distancing itself from officers, who violated the constitution and
abused the power that they had and being more vigilant about the conduct of
those in service. High-ranking army officers, now retired but involved in
corruption and illegal activities when they were in service, have been
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exposed in the courtroom. To strengthen the institution, the military

leadership must take special measures to ensure that such activities are
curbed and the military focuses on its professional duties.
While no institution is perfect, each one is indispensable for the state.
As we criticize their shortcomings, wed do well to criticize particular
shortcomings or cases of abuse, rather than making any institution a target
for unbridled bashing. That would defeat the whole purpose of strengthening
them. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 11th November)
Understanding the military ethos: General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani
has a reputation for core professionalism, imperturbability and for being a
man of few words. He has the unique honour of leading the army in the most
unusual and perilous circumstances that have engulfed the nation, following
the arrival of the US and NATO forces in our Western neighbourhood. The
forces of obscurantism are threatening the internal security of our nation in
an unprecedented manner.
At this critical juncture of our history, the armed forces stand as the
final bulwark against the rapidly worsening internal and external threats. The
militarys leadership and rank and file are stretched to the maximum in
matching up to the extraordinary challenge; making unprecedented
sacrifices. It has already suffered over 5,000 casualties in the war on terror
and there will inevitably be more before we ultimately prevail. The fatalities
absorbed surpass by at least twice the combined total of the shahadats
offered in all previous conflicts with India.
Needless to say, the circumstances are challenging and the General
has an unimpeachable loyalty to his command to speak out on their behalf.
As he took to the rostrum before a gathering of officers in GHQ and made an
assessment of the prevailing state of affairs having a bearing on the armys
operational functionality, his words carried much weight, sagacity and
wisdom.
It reflected an articulate and objective reading of the armys pulse,
sought institutional synthesis within the corridors of power, succinctly
indicated to the stress factors injurious to the morale and bonds of trust
among the rank and file, and pointed to a relentless institutional slandering
campaign, waged by design or default, which sought to blame the entire
institution for actions of a few retired senior officers without due
consideration to the facts on ground.
It was manifest that the General was concerned by the manner in
which the army was being targeted by unfounded rumours and propaganda,
107
and attempts were being made to tarnish the image of its leadership.
Equally important is the trust between the leaders and the led in the armed
forces. Any effort to create a distinction between the two undermines the
very basis of the concept and is not tolerated, asserted General Kayani.
When he said that, obviously, at the back of his mind was the slew of
cases involving some retired senior officers, who appeared before the
Supreme Court in rapid succession and flagged off an unsavoury anti-army
campaign by vested quarters.
Against the backdrop of deteriorating law and order situation in
Balochistan, the calling to court of military commanders to account for the
missing persons in the province, where a foreign-sponsored insurgency is in
the process of forming itself into a full-blown phenomenon, might also have
rankled the mind of the Army Chief.
Despite the speechs objectivity and balanced tone and tenor, it was
amazing to note the manner in which some anchorpersons tried to seize
upon the communication in all negativity without digesting the contents and
manifestly without due deliberation. Obviously, these individuals failed to
recognize that the officers, all the way from bottom to the pinnacle, of the
command pyramid claim the loyalty and following of their juniors by
unflinchingly displaying an unimpeachable standard of personal honour and
integrity.
Centuries of military traditions have established beyond doubt that
only those can lead and claim the trust of their subordinates, who are beyond
reproach and above any suspicion of moral turpitude. The way in which
certain elements of the print and electronic media highlighted a few
incidents of financial mismanagement, involving retired army officers when
serving in civil sector to roil the army as an institution and degrade its senior
leadership, is only lamentable.
The General is obviously, and rightly, anguished over this uncalled for
and vested mudslinging. The insidious effects of such a free for all campaign
to smear the army top brass are either not understood by those waging it or
certain vested quarters are using the unrestrained liberty of media in Pakistan
to tear up the pea patch in line with their subversive agenda.
Over the years, the Pakistani army, indeed, has consolidated its
position as a sterling institution earning the trust and confidence of people
and turning into a true asset for the nation. It has delivered, time and again
whenever called upon to rally and reach out, irrespective of the staggering
odds needed to be overcome in order to prevail.
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In the current context, the challenges have, perhaps, never been

greater. FATA has turned into a terror hub, projecting its searing fingers into
the hinterland and combined with the responsibility for keeping vigil on the
eastern and western borders, particularly the latter where renegade terrorists
of Fazlullahs ilk as well as the trigger-happy US and ISAF troops have to be
kept at bay; the task is truly Herculean!
Unflinching loyalty and solidarity, nevertheless, forms the bedrock of
the armys ethos. This unshakable bond of trust results in the existence of
values such as discipline, loyalty and respect between officers and men that
lend strength to the institution and is a true force multiplier. When a trumped
up concerted drive, seeking to soil the integrity of the serving senior
commanders of the army, spuriously based upon yet to be proved charges of
financial mismanagement against a few retired officers while serving in
civilian institutions under unexplained circumstances, becomes rampant,
something is gravely wrong.
In the armys ethos, personal integrity and a sterling character provide
the moral authority for command and in the flush of asserting authority, all
pillars of state should take care not to unnecessarily dent the vital bonds that
have sustained it, as a cohesive, reliable and effective institution at service of
the nation. (Momin Iftikhar, TheNation 11th November)
Verdict fallout continues: The reactions to the Supreme Courts
verdict in the Asghar Khan case continued, with former COAS Gen (retd)
Mirza Aslam Beg saying that he should be tried under military rules for
violating the Constitution, and there should not be what he called a media
trial of military officials. However, on the same day, Chief Justice Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhry, while addressing the Abbottabad Bar Association,
said that the system must run under the law and Constitution, and that it is
here to stay. General Beg, along with former DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Asad
Durrani, has had an investigation ordered against him for having been
behind the distribution of money to PPP opponents in the 1990 elections.
Chief Justice Chaudhry thus not only made clear the basis of the decision,
but also indicated how General Beg and General Durrani should be treated:
according to the law. General Beg may be angling for special treatment, but
there is no recourse for it in any circumstance, especially given the
extremely grave defiances of the constitution and rules of his oath that he
has been found guilty of. That might very well raise questions about why
such special treatment exists, and indeed, that such discrimination itself is
unconstitutional.
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Chief Justice Chaudhry has been as firm in ruling out the possibility
of any clash of institutions following this verdict, as has the current COAS,
Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The clash foreseen is between the military and
the judiciary. Whereas the Chief Justices declaration that no one dare derail
the system is taken to mean that no future military rule will have any legal
cover given to it, as happened in the past; General Kayanis statement about
the Asghar Khan case is being taken to mean that there is no danger of a
takeover. Chief Justice Chaudhrys remarks should also be taken to mean
that the usual plea of national interest will not work, and the Supreme
Court will test every action of executive authorities by the Constitution, and
any law under it. That means that the rule of law is to be implemented.
General Begs claim implies that he expects more favourable
treatment under military rules. This surprise at the verdict being against him
and other former officers is in itself telling of how those who have been
guilty of subverting the constitution and pretending to do so in the name of
national interest, may still not have learnt their lesson. Submitting
themselves to the mercy of the law is the only chance they now have to
demonstrate that they are willing to accept the verdict. Let it thus be done.
Big chiefs and the little girl: Look at the mess we are in. Look
around you and smell the stench of a failed leadership. See the piled up
ashes of the dream called Pakistan. Watch men of power fight over the spoils
of a rotten state, while citizens of Pakistan beg for safety, shelter, education,
justice and a decent future for their children. Scan this barren landscape and
notice the little girl with no shoes, no school and no future. She too has the
same claim over the spoils of the state as the President, Chief Justice and the
Army Chief.
Or had you forgotten this silly little fact? Who needs our attention
more? This little girl or Gen (retd) Aslam Beg? This little girl or Lt Gen
(retd) Asad Durrani? This little girl or the two Chiefs?
No, this is not some silly liberal rant. It is a grotesque reality grounded
within the framework of raw power politics. But politics aimed at
empowering not an individual, or a community, or an institution, but the
state itself
If the chiefs want to fulfill their grandiose ambitions, they will have to
transform this little girl with no shoes, no school and no future into a big girl
with nice shoes, a great school and a bright, shining future right here in
Pakistan.
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But they wont do it on their own accord. Thats not how tribal chief
think. The little girl will have to jump on their laps, pull their ears and noses,
and shout like only a little girl can: Hey big chiefs, I am Pakistan, not you. I
own this land, not you. Make me strong and I will make this country strong.
Not you, not this other chief guy and not that stuffy, constipated man sitting
there on his exalted chair. No, none of you, but me.
Yes, we must dream big dreams little girls, and big men and
nations. All must dream. But to transform dreams into reality will first
require acknowledging the requirements of reality. The reality is that we
need an aggressive and independent judiciary, but one that is driven by
justice for all, not just for newsmakers. The reality is we need political
parties that can think beyond electoral math. And we need armed forces that
are strong, professional, and ready to defend an empowered, educated and
productive population.
What we are seeing now is a struggle between powerful people and
powerful institutions for individual and institutional honour. By focusing on
such a fight, and pretending it is a fight for the greater glory of Pakistan, we
are fooling ourselves.
And worst, we are fooling the little girl with no shoes, no school and
no future. (Fahd Husain, TheNation 12th November)
REVIEW
The written speeches of the Chief Justice and the COAS, read out
within couple of hours provided an opportunity to the forces which consider
both of them as a threat to the system loved by the corrupt and other
beneficiaries, especially by those in media. It was an opportunity that could
not be allowed to go un-availed by the mischief seekers.
These were projected as beginning of the clash between two titans,
both seen by politicians as threat to their supremacy. The factual position
was quite different; none of the two sought any clash, yet the so-called
commentators pushed them towards that undesirable situation. They
achieved partial success when within 24-hours the Chief Justice was made to
believe that the COAS was a spitting snake challenging his authority.
The CJP reacted impulsively. He should have taken time to understand
the situation rather than giving a statement in hurry. This, however, was not
unexpected keeping in view his track record; especially since he has been
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pushed on to the back foot by his sons acceptance of illegal gratification

from Malik Riaz.
As Chief Justice he has been virtually cornered by the Executive as no
state institution is willing to implement his orders. He is left with the Army
alone to exert his lawful authority. He also has heart-burns against Army
because of what Musharraf did to him in last year of his rule.
He knows that Army is too embroiled in war against terror to think of
taking any extra-constitutional action. He also understands that Zardari, the
defacto Executive, will not defend this state institution, though he happens
to be its supreme commander of the armed forces.
What General Kayani said had very little that related to the golden
words uttered by the Chief Justice just a couple of hours ago. What Justice
Iftikhar said was nothing new; he had boasted about defending the
Constitution innumerable times since his reinstatement in which General
Kayani had made his contribution.
Reportedly, could not keep quiet any more. During one of the visits to
troops deployed in forward areas, the COAS was asked by soldiers some
blunt questions. The essence of those questions was that were they (the
Fouj) deployed in these areas to see their comrades being killed and back
home hordes of politicians and intellectuals ridiculing Fouj day in and day
out.
13th November, 2012
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RIGHT TO DEFEND
The Crusaders and their regional Muslim allies ensured that the Syrian
inferno kept blowing at optimum velocity charring whatever men and
material was fed to it. They had also been working to make permanent
arrangements for fueling it, so that perpetration of death and destruction
continued with minimum input.
That arrangement was finalized during meetings hosted by Assads
Arab brothers wherein all his opponents were gathered to form a joint front.
This was also necessary to neutralize the resistance put up by Russia and
China at the UN that stalled the Crusaders plans for the region.
The moment that was accomplished, Israel was winked to exercise its
unqualified right to defend by attacking Hamas militants in Gaza. The
exercise of the right to defend began with killing of top Hamas commander
Ahmed Jaabari in an air strike along with his guards. Mursi managed a
ceasefire, but only after more than hundred Palestinians, including women
and children were killed.
While this was happening, the leaders of eight Muslim countries
gathered in Islamabad. On 22nd November, the foreign ministers of
Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey
signed the D-8 Charter, which aimed at forging stronger economic alliance
amongst the member states. During the meeting or at its sidelines they dared
not utter a single word in condemnation of Israels barbarity.
NEWS
Far East: On 5th November, security situation in Myanmars
Rakhine province remained tense, the UN humanitarian agency said, adding
that more than 110,000 displaced people are in urgent need of food, shelter
and health care assistance. Earlier last week, the Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) visited several villages, where
medical staff in the assessment teams treated many of the wounded.
On 9th November, the United States, Britain and other countries called
for Myanmar to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to tens of thousands
of people displaced by sectarian unrest in western Rakhine state. In a joint
statement, nine embassies in Yangon urged all parties to work together to
bring an immediate end to the violence. They appealed for a full,
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transparent and independent investigation to determine the roots of the

Buddhist-Muslim clashes.
On 18th November, a rights watchdog claimed that Myanmar local
security forces killed Muslim villagers and assaulted people trying to flee a
fresh outbreak of sectarian violence in western Rakhine state last month.
Local forces killed ethnic minority Kaman Muslims in the town of Kyauk
Pyu while government troops stood by and watched.
Middle East
Iraq: On 4th November, a Baghdad court sentenced vice president
Tareq al-Hashemi, one of Iraqs top Sunni officials, to a fourth death
sentence in absentia over a foiled car bombing targeting Shiite pilgrims.
Hashemi, a prominent critic of Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, has
been out of the country since accusations he describes as politically
motivated were first made against him in December last.
He was handed two death sentences in a hearing on September 9 in a
trial connected to the murders of three other officials. The verdict was issued
on the same day a wave of deadly attacks killed dozens of people
nationwide. Hashemi was originally accused of running a death squad in
mid-December 2011 as the last US troops left the country. He fled to Iraqs
autonomous Kurdistan region, which declined to hand him over to the
federal government, and then embarked on a tour that took him to Qatar and
Saudi Arabia, and finally to Turkey.
Next day, a car bombing near a Shia mosque in east Baghdad killed
three people. The blast struck as Shiite worshippers mark Ghadeer, the day
in the Islamic lunar calendar when the Prophet Mohammed is said to have
named Imam Ali, his cousin and son-in-law, as his immediate successor,
according to Shiite belief.
On 6th November, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-filled car
into soldiers outside an army base near Baghdad, killing 31 people and
injuring 50 more in one of the worst attacks this year on the countrys
military. The attack was not owned by any group, but previous bombings
against security force recruitment drives have been claimed by al-Qaedas
front group in Iraq, which views soldiers, policemen and civil servants as
supporters of the Baghdad government.
On 8th November, a series of bombings and gun attacks killed seven
people in Iraq, including four who died in a car bombing in a predominantly
Shia city south of Baghdad. The continuing violence, primarily carried out
114
by militants bent on destabilizing the Shia-led government, also underlines

concerns over the capabilities of Iraqs security forces nearly a year after US
forces departed.
On 14th November, a spate of coordinated attacks across Iraq on the
eve of a festival marking the Islamic New Year killed 19 people and
wounded more than 150 others. The 13 bombings and shootings struck in
Baghdad and nine other cities. No group immediately claimed responsibility
for the violence.
Palestine: On 8th November, a Palestinian teenager died after being hit
by bullets fired from an Israeli helicopter near Khan Yunis in the southern
Gaza Strip. Witnesses confirmed that Israeli helicopters had opened fire as
Israeli tanks carried out an incursion east of the city. Palestinian gunmen
fired mortar shells at the tanks, sparking a brief exchange of fire.
On 11th November, six people were killed and 32 injured by Israeli
strikes on Gaza after Palestinian fighters fired on an Israeli jeep, wounding
four soldiers. In a spate of attacks and counter-attacks between the army and
Palestinians, a fighter of the Islamic Jihad was killed and two other people
wounded in an Israeli air strike near the northern Gaza town of Jabaliya
overnight. The dead man was a 20-year-old fighter with the armed wing of
Islamic Jihad.
Next day, Gaza fighters fired 11 rockets at southern Israel, one of
which exploded next to a house. After a quiet night on the Israeli side of the
border, rockets began falling after 7:30 am with 11 aimed at Israel, two of
which were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system. No-one was
injured but medics treated 26 people for shock.
On 13th November, Israel launched three air strikes on the Gaza Strip
and fighters fired a rocket into southern Israel, hours after Gaza groups said
they were ready for a ceasefire with the Jewish state. The air raids hit an
uninhabited area to the west of Gaza City, without causing any casualties.
Next day, Israel killed top Hamas military commander in a targeted
strike on Gaza City, prompting outrage from fighters who said the Jewish
state had opened the gates of hell. Israel confirmed it had targeted Ahmed
Jaabari in an air strike on a car, warning it was only the start of an operation
to target militant groups which was launched as the Jewish state prepares
for general elections in January. It also warned it was prepared to launch a
ground operation if necessary.
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Following the initial strike, which killed Jaabari and his bodyguard,
Israel pounded the strip with more than 20 air strikes, killing another six
people, two of them children, and injuring 30. The air strikes followed a
weekend of bloodshed, which saw Israel kill seven Palestinians as fighters
fired more than 120 rockets over the border.
Egypts Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr condemned the
Israeli air strikes and called for an immediate stop to attacks on the
Palestinian territory, warning against escalation and its possible negative
effects on regional stability. Britain called for restraint while the United
States said it is closely watching developments in Gaza.
Israels foreign ministry has proposed in a policy paper toppling
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas if a Palestinian bid for state observer
status at the United Nations is approved later this month. Any other
option...would mean waving a white flag and admitting the failure of the
Israeli leadership to deal with the challenge.
On 15th November, a Hamas rocket killed three Israelis north of the
Gaza Strip, drawing the first blood from Israel as the Palestinian death toll
rose to 15 in a military showdown lurching closer to all-out war and an
invasion of the enclave. On the second day of an assault Israel said it might
last many days and culminate in a ground attack, its warplanes bombed
targets in and around Gaza city. The Palestinian group claimed it had fired a
one-tonne, Iranian-made Fajr 5 rocket at Tel Aviv in what would be a major
escalation, but there was no reported impact in the Israeli metropolis 50 km
north of the enclave.
The new conflict will be the biggest test yet of Mursis commitment to
Egypts 1979 peace treaty with Israel, which the West views as the bedrock
of Middle East peace. The Muslim Brotherhood, which brought Mursi to
power, has called for a Day of Rage in Arab capitals on Friday. The
Brotherhood is seen as the spiritual mentors of Hamas.
At Jaabaris funeral, supporters fired guns in the air celebrating news
of the Israeli deaths, to chants for Jaabari of You have won. His corpse was
borne through the streets wrapped in a bloodied white sheet. But senior
Hamas figures were not in evidence, wary of Israels warning that they are
now in its crosshairs. The Israeli army said 156 targets were hit in Gaza, 126
of them rocket launchers and 200 rockets had struck Israel since the start of
the operation.
The United States condemned Hamas, shunned by the West as an
obstacle to peace for its refusal to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
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There is no justification for the violence that Hamas and other terrorist
organizations are employing against the people of Israel, said Mark Toner,
deputy State Department spokesman. The UN Security Council held an
emergency meeting to discuss the Israeli assault.
Israels UN ambassador retorted that events in Gaza had shown the
futility of the Palestinian campaign for international recognition. They
should change their request from a Non-Member State to Non-Member
Terrorist State, said Ambassador Ron Prosor. The United States and Israel
are lobbying furiously against the Palestinian bid, which president Mahmud
Abbas is scheduled to put to the UN General Assembly on November 29.
Next day, thousands of people across Middle East protested against
Israels aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with some chanting death to
Israel and others calling for the bombing of Tel Aviv. In Cairo, several
thousand protesters gathered outside Al-Azhar mosque after Juma prayers
and chanted We will go to Gaza in our millions, swearing to sacrifice
ourselves for you, Palestine. Its the least we can do, a protester said. We
need to show Israel our anger.
President Mohamed Mursi himself branded the Israeli assault in
which 23 Palestinians have been killed as a blatant aggression against
humanity and promised that Egypt will not leave Gaza on its own. He sent
Prime Minister Hisham Qandil to Gaza, where the premier vowed to
intensify Cairos efforts to secure a truce and end Israels aggression.
In Lebanon, thousands turned out for demonstrations in Palestinian
refugee camps in the north and south of the country in outrage at the assault,
echoing the calls from Ramallah. O Qassam, O beloved, bomb and destroy
Tel Aviv, they shouted in reference to the rocket and the armed wing of
Hamas of the same name.
Demonstrations in Tehran and 700 other Iranian cities, called for by
the authorities, saw crowds chanting death to Israel and death to America.
One must salute the Palestinians popular resistance and the response they
have given to the Zionist regime (by firing rockets into Israel), Ayatollah
Ahmad Khatami said at the weekly prayers in Tehran.
Western nations backed Israel's right to defend itself against rocket
attacks and pushed Egypt to help defuse the Gaza crisis, exposing the fault
lines of a new divide with the Arab world. While they deplored civilian
casualties on both sides since Israel launched its latest operation against the
Gaza Strip, the West stressed that Hamas had to halt the militant attacks into
southern Israel.
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On 17th November, Israeli strikes on Gaza killed 15 more Palestinians

as Israel called up thousands more reservists for a possible ground war.
Israeli warplanes carried out 180 air strikes overnight leveling the
headquarters of the Hamas government. Medics said 45 Gazans have been
killed and more than 350 wounded since Israel launched an aerial campaign.
Since the start of Operation Pillar of Defence, the Israeli army says
Gaza fighters have fired more than 600 rockets over the border, of which
404 hit and 230 were intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system. Over the
same period, three Israelis have been killed and 18 injured, including 10
soldiers, with the army saying the air force had hit more than 830 targets in
Gaza. The military said it had sealed off all main roads around Gaza and
declared a closed military zone; it was poised to launch its first ground
offensive on the territory since 2009.
Tunisian Foreign Minister paid a brief solidarity visit to Gaza. Egypt
and Turkey, meanwhile, put the onus on Israel to end the fighting; as Turkish
Prime Minister visited Cairo a day after Washington urged the two Muslim
countries to pressure the Palestinians. After a meeting with his counterpart
Egyptian Foreign Minister said they both agreed on denouncing Israels
aggression and on the need to swiftly stop this aggression. President Barack
Obama reiterated US support for Israels right to defend itself during a
telephone call with Netanyahu.
Arab foreign ministers denounced Israels campaign in Gaza in an
emergency meeting in Cairo and demanded a review of what they called
their futile diplomacy towards the Jewish state. The session came amid a
flurry of meetings to coordinate an Arab and Turkish response to the fourday conflict. Some ministers and officials at the meeting ventured into rare
self-criticism at a forum more accustomed to routine denunciations of Israel.
With Israel expanding its war against the Palestinians in Gaza, a
coalition of American Muslim and Arab-American civil rights organizations
called on President Barack Obama not to sit on the sidelines and try to stop
the Israeli attacks in the occupied territory. Until the core issue of justice for
the Palestinian people is addressed by our nation and by the international
community, we will no doubt witness endless repetitions of these senseless
cycles of violence. America must not be party to this violence, either through
action or inaction.
Next day, Israeli strikes killed 23 Palestinians including 14 women
and children in the bloodiest day of its Gaza bombing campaign. Nine
children, five of them babies and toddlers, and five women were among the
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victims in violence that raised the overall number of Gazans killed to 69 in

around 100 hours of relentless Israeli air strikes.
Nine people were injured by rockets in southern Israel, one of them
seriously. The military said it has struck more than 1,132 targets in the Gaza
Strip, without saying how many strikes it had carried out. In the same
period, 544 rockets fired by Gaza militants have stuck southern Israel, and
another 302 have been intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system.
Israeli aircraft also hit two media centres in Gaza City on Sunday,
wounding at least eight journalists, one of whom lost a leg. The Gaza-based
offices of a Kremlin-funded international Russian TV broadcaster were
severely damaged in an Israeli raid on two buildings housing Palestinian and
other media outlets. The Israeli army confirmed attacking the Shuruq centre
in Gaza City in an attempt to interrupt what it said was Hamas operational
communications from the building.
In Cairo, senior Hamas officials said Egyptian-mediated talks with
Israel to end the conflict were positive but now focused on the possible
stumbling block of guaranteeing the terms of a truce. An outcome acceptable
to Hamas would be assurances by the United States, Israels main backer, to
be the guaranteeing party. Netanyahu said he was holding ongoing talks
with world leaders, and we appreciate their understanding of Israels right
to self-defence. British Foreign Secretary William Hague pressed Israel not
to escalate the conflict by sending ground troops into the Hamas-run
Palestinian territory.
On 19th November, Israeli air strikes killed 24 people in Gaza, pushing
the death toll in six days of violence to more than 101. Meanwhile, rival
Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas said they had decided to end infighting
in a show of solidarity in the West Bank over the Gaza crisis. Ramallahs
Manara Square was a sea of Palestinian flags as the crowd chanted Unity!
and hit, hit Tel Aviv in an appeal to Hamas fighters. Whoever speaks about
the division after today is a criminal, top Hamas leader Mahmud al-Ramahi
told the crowd.
Desperate for a safe heaven, many Gaza families have fled their
homes in search of a safe place, with some seeking haven in the south,
which has seen fewer strikes. But they know nowhere is safe. Mourners
flocked to the funeral of nine members of one family killed in a weekend
strike on a Gaza City home, the tiny bodies of the five children carried
through the streets wrapped in Palestinian flags.
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Ceasefire efforts gathered steam, with Hamas officials in Cairo saying

Egyptian-led talks with Israel were positive but now focused on the need to
guarantee any truce. The latest negotiations conducted behind closed doors
in Cairo ended without agreement, although all sides have expressed a
willingness to engage in more talks. Israel has showed little sign of being
ready to call off or even briefly halt its campaign. This piled even more
pressure on Egypts President Mohamed Mursi and prompted UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon to promise to visit the region soon.
UN leader Ban Ki-moon arrived in Cairo to bolster Egypt-mediated
efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. Ban will inject heavyweight impetus into the
peace effort, meeting Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr and Arab
League chief Nabil al-Arabi before flying to see Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian chief Mahmud Abbas. Hamas leader
Meshaal earlier told a news conference that his group would respect a
ceasefire if Israel stopped its aggression on Gaza.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the United
Nations of failing to act over the deadly Israeli air bombardments of Gaza,
calling Israeli a terrorist state that massacres innocent children. He
accused the UN Security Council of turning a blind eye to the suffering of
Muslims across the world and called for sincere action to end Israels
strikes on Gaza.
Next day, Gaza fighters said a Cairo-brokered truce in their seven-day
war with Israel would be announced later today, as Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu urged them to choose between the sword and peace.
The emerging signs of a deal to end seven days of violence that have
claimed the lives of 127 Palestinians came as the Israeli army confirmed its
first fatality from a rocket attack while another missile landed harmlessly
just south of Jerusalem.
Egypts new Islamic government now seen as the Palestinians' main
protector said the Israeli aggression would end within hours. The farce of
the Israeli aggression will end today, Mohamed Mursi said. Later, a
spokesman qualified the president's optimism, saying that Mursi hopes
there will be a settlement soon.
On the ground, the bloodshed showed no signs of abating as the
military pressed on with its bombardment of northern Gaza positions from
which most of the militants' rockets have been launched, resulting in scenes
of panic on Israeli streets. Another 22 Palestinians were killed in attacks that
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also claimed the lives of two cameramen of the Hamas-owned Al-Aqsa TV

station.
The rocket fired at Jerusalem crashed into an olive grove near Jabba
village, in an attack claimed by the armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine alQassam Brigades, the second such attempt to hit Jerusalem in five days.
Nobody was hurt but the sirens halted traffic and prompted people to
evacuate to bomb shelters. But another rocket strike on in the Eshkol
regional council killed a soldier, bringing the Israeli death toll since to four,
after three civilians were killed last Thursday.
The diplomatic activity also saw US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
cut short an Asia tour to head to Jerusalem, Ramallah and Cairo, and Arab
League chief Nabil al-Arabi leading a solidarity visit to Gaza. Hamas is
understood to be seeking guarantees that Israel will stop its targeted killings,
and end its blockade on the tiny coastal stretch of land. Israel for its part is
believed to be looking for a 24 to 48-hour truce as a buffer to work out a
more permanent arrangement.
On 21st November, Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets to celebrate
the start of a truce deal with Israel, firing into the air and chanting victory
slogans. The celebrations began shortly after the 1900 GMT deadline for the
ceasefire to begin, agreed in a deal between Israel and Hamas that was
announced in Egypt on the eighth day of violence in and around Gaza.
Following is the text of Agreement of Understanding for a Ceasefire
in the Gaza Strip: A. Israel should stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land,
sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals. B. All
Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against
Israel including rocket attacks and all attacks along the border. C. Opening
the crossings and facilitating the movements of people and transfer of goods
and refraining from restricting residents' free movements and targeting
residents in border areas and procedures of implementation shall be dealt
with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire. D. Other matters as may
be requested shall be addressed. 2: Implementation mechanisms: A. Setting
up the zero hour for the ceasefire understanding to enter into effect. B. Egypt
shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was
agreed upon. C. Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that
would breach this understanding. In case of any observations Egypt as the
sponsor of this understanding shall be informed to follow up.
The conflict had threatened to take a new turn when the bomb struck
the commuter bus in Israel's commercial capital, injuring 17 people and
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sparking panic. The blast occurred very close to the Israeli defence ministry
and was quickly denounced by Netanyahu's spokesman. Condemnation
poured in, with Washington branding it outrageous, Moscow denouncing it
as a criminal, and France and Germany calling for an urgent and lasting
ceasefire in Gaza.
Soon after, another six Palestinians were killed in air strikes on Gaza
City, raising the day's toll to 11. One of the strikes hit the building housing
AFP's offices, killing a toddler in a neighbouring building, a health ministry
spokesman said. No AFP journalists were inside at the time. The Israeli
military had no immediate comment on the strike, the second to hit the
building in 24 hours. At least 148 Palestinians and five Israelis have been
killed in the conflict.
Earlier, Clinton arrived in Cairo and went straight into talks with
Mursi and then with Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr, while Ban
held talks with the Egyptian president. Clinton and Ban shuttled between
Egypt, Israel and the West Bank in a bid to bolster a proposed ceasefire
agreement that Cairo brokered between Israel and the Hamas movement that
controls the Gaza Strip.
On 23rd November, a Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces near
the Gaza border, the first casualty since the two sides agreed a truce ending
their week-long conflict. Nineteen other Palestinians suffered gunshot
wounds when occupation forces had opened fire on a group of farmers.
A large number of workers of Jamat-e-Islami Sindh on Friday took out
a protest rally against brutal bombardment on innocent people of Palestine.
Addressing the rally Asadullah Bhutto said the D-8 Summit was not
representing the actual feeling of Muslim world as the participants of D-8
did not condemned the US blasphemous film and not even shown the
solidarity with Palestinians.
Next day, Ahmadinejad congratulated Gazas Hamas Prime Minister
Ismail Haniya in a telephone call on a great victory over Israel. Haniya in
turn thanked Iran for its support. We stand beside the Palestinian people,
the Iranian president added. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal had already
thanked Iran as well as Egypt for their support during the conflict.
Syria: On 4th November, rebels seized a major oilfield and shot down
a warplane in eastern Syria, notching up new battlefield successes even as
the opposition met in Qatar under US pressure for a makeover. The fighting
began at dawn and lasted several hours in which 40 soldiers were killed,
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wounded or captured. Fighting also erupted near a political intelligence

office in Damascus province.
A blast near the Dama Rose Hotel in the heart of the capital wounded
11 civilians. To the south of Damascus, eight civilians were killed by mortar
fire in the Yarmuk Palestinian camp. In Aleppo province three air strikes in
close succession were reported on the town of Al-Bab with at least four
fatalities. In all 117 52 civilians, 41 soldiers and 24 rebels were killed
nationwide.
The escalating conflict added urgency to a meeting of the Syrian
National Council in Qatar, with the United States reportedly pressing for a
new umbrella organization to unite the country's fractured regime
opposition. Hillary Clinton charged the SNC was not representative. Longtime dissident Riad Seif is touted as the potential head of a new governmentin-exile but as the Doha meeting began, Seif denied planning to head such a
government.
On the diplomatic front, French President Francois Hollande visited
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
flew in to Cairo, with Syria topping the agenda for both. Israel's armed
forces chief Benny Gantz said, meanwhile, that his country could become
involved in the conflict, as fighting raged on the strategic Golan Heights.
Next day, a suicide car bomb attack on a military post in the central
province of Hama killed at least 50 government troops and loyalist
militiamen. Regime aircraft meanwhile continued to pound rebel-held
positions around the country, with one air strike killing at least 20 rebel
fighters in the town of Harem in the northwestern province of Idlib.
Fighting also erupted in southern districts of the capital on the edge of
the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp, 31 people had died from shelling at
the camp in last two days. In second city Aleppo, fighting broke out at a
roundabout at the northwestern entrance to the city in Zahraa district and on
the airport road to the southeast, the Observatory and residents said.
Nationwide, at least 122 people were killed in violence. The
bloodshed added urgency to a meeting of the Syrian National Council in
Qatar. Main opposition bloc, under US pressure to reshape into a widely
representative government-in-exile, agreed to broaden its structure to
accommodate 13 other groups. The initiative will top the agenda of a
broader meeting on 8th November called by host Qatar and the Arab League.
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On 6th November, the United Nations condemned fighting by Syrian

forces close to a Golan Heights ceasefire line with Israel as a new threat to
stability in the region. Israel demanded action by the UN Security Council
after one of its patrols in the buffer zone was hit by bullets fired by Syrian
forces who are battling rebels in the area.
The UN's top political official Jeffrey Feltman said the fighting in
Golan and increased tensions in Lebanon and Turkey showed that the risk is
growing that this crisis could explode outward into an already volatile
region. Israeli diplomats said the Syrian tanks appeared to have left the
buffer zone but there was still fighting between the Syrian army and rebel
groups.
Next day, Syrian rebels shelled a key area of Damascus home to
President Bashar al-Assads Alawite minority, embassies and government
buildings, as they stepped up attacks on his power base. Rebels also fired
mortars at President Assads palace but missed, in an attack underlining the
growing boldness of forces fighting to end his familys 42 years in power. In
a preliminary toll, the Observatory said at least 32 people had been killed
across Syria.
Britain, meanwhile, said it was to open talks with the rebels in a bid to
help end the violence, as the main opposition Syrian National Council said it
hoped resolving the conflict would top re-elected US President Barack
Obamas agenda. Syrias neighbour Turkey revealed it was in talks with
NATO over the possible deployment of Patriot missiles on its soil amid the
escalating conflict, as the Arab League said Assads regime would not stay in
power long.
On 8th November, Syrians from a wide spectrum of opposition to
President Bashar al-Assad began meeting in Doha o hammer out a
government-in-waiting world powers will accept as credible and
representative. Many in Syrias opposition, including rebels battling proregime forces, urged world powers to intervene to stop the escalating
bloodshed.
While fighting continued around the country, as the Red Cross said it
was struggling to cope with Syrias worsening humanitarian crisis. Heavy
clashes for control of the mainly Kurdish northeastern town of Ras al-Ain on
the Turkish border killed 16 soldiers and 10 rebels. Turkish media reported
five Turks wounded by ricochets from across the border. Fresh violence also
broke out in the southern Damascus neighbourhood of Qadam and in
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Mazzeh in the west of the capital. In all at least 86 people were killed during,
including 38 soldiers.
Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi accused Arab
League head Nabil al-Arabi of being a partner, sponsor and tool of a
terrorist project to destroy Syria after he said yesterday that Assads regime
would not last much longer. Ahmed Ben Helli, deputy head of the League
which with Qatar is brokering the meeting told reporters in Doha that
delegates had been urged to overcome the sharp divides that have dogged
their efforts to unseat Assad.
The main opposition umbrella group, the Syrian National Council,
earlier elected a new 40-member general secretariat with Islamists, including
at least five Muslim Brotherhood members, accounting for about a third.
Despite calls from Washington for the SNC to be more representative, the
some 400 members failed to elect a single woman or any Alawite to the
leadership.
SNC officials said four members representing women and minorities,
including a Christian and an Alawite, would now be added to the secretariat,
which on Friday will elect 11 members to appoint a successor to outgoing
president Abdel Basset Sayda. Turkey confirmed it was in talks with NATO
about the possible deployment of Patriot surface-to-air missiles on its soil,
while insisting it would be purely defensive.
Syrian President rejected calls that he seek a safe exit, vowing he
would live and die in Syria, in an interview with Russian Arabic-language
channel Rusiya Al-Yaum. I am not a puppet.... I am Syrian and I must live
and die in Syria, Assad told the channel. Assad also warned against a
foreign intervention to deal with Syrias escalating conflict, saying such a
move would have global consequences and shake regional stability.
On 9th November, Syrias public has been increasingly disgusted by
the actions of some rebels, including poorly planned missions, senseless
destruction, criminal behaviour and the ruthless killing of prisoners. The
shift in mood presents more than just a public relations problem for the
loosely knit militants of the Free Syrian Army, who rely on their supporters
to survive the governments superior firepower. A dampening of that support
undermines the rebels ability to fight and win what has become a
devastating war of attrition.
Next day, two suicide car bombings tore through an officers club in
the southern city of Daraa. The blasts targeted the back garden of the club,
killing at least 20 soldiers and possibly many more. State news agency
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reported three car bombings hit the city, killing seven people and wounding
many, but did not confirm the attacks were on a military position. A rocket
wounded two young girls in the capitals Christian district of George
Khoury.
The army destroyed a ship carrying armed rebels on the Euphrates
River in the northeast, the first time state media has reported such an
incident on the river that runs from Turkey through Syria and Iraq. Also near
the Turkish border, Kurdish residents backed by militia took control of three
northeastern towns in two days Derbassiye, Tall Tamr and Amuda. The
regions Hasakeh province has seen heavy fighting, with 46 combatants
killed in two days. In all, at least 65 people were killed across the country.
The opposition talks in the Qatari capital Doha saw the Syrian
National Council vying to keep its leading role in the face of US and Arab
backed proposals to form a government-in-waiting that could win deeper
international support. The final talks among a wide range of dissident
factions kicked off under a cloud of SNC reservations; one senior official of
the bloc saying an agreement was unlikely.
In Damascus, Information Minister called for a national dialogue, and
said the army was fighting to protect the chances for talks. The only way to
succeed in Syria is to sit down at the table to launch a national dialogue, he
said. The opposition must accept the choice of dialogue and...the army, by
facing down terrorism, is protecting this dialogue.
The existing plan, inspired by Riad Seif who is reportedly seen by
Washington as a potential new opposition chief, envisages the formation of a
transitional government, a military council to oversee rebel groups and a
judiciary to operate in rebel-held areas. The 10-member transitional
government would be elected by a new 60-member umbrella group drawn
from civilian activists and rebels inside Syria as well as the exiles who have
dominated the SNC.
On 11th November, the Syrian opposition agreed to unite against
Bashar al-Assads regime as Israel fired warning shots into the war-torn
country in response to mortar fire that hit the Golan Heights. After four days
of marathon talks in Qatar, the Syrian National Council finally signed up to a
wider, more representative bloc centred on a government-in-waiting, as
demanded by Arab and Western states.
The document said that the parties agree to work for the fall of the
regime and of all its symbols and pillars, and rule out any dialogue with the
regime. They agreed to unify the fighting forces under a supreme military
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council and to set up a national judicial commission for rebel-held areas. A

provisional government would be formed after the coalition gains
international recognition, and a transitional government formed after the
regime has fallen. Former Prime Minister Riad Hijab, who fled to
neighbouring Jordan in August in the highest-ranking defection from Assads
government, hailed the agreement as an advanced step towards toppling the
regime.
Fighting flared on the Turkish border as Syrian troops and rebels
battled for the town of Ras al-Ain, where thousands of refugees have fled
into Turkey. Ras al-Ain is one of just two Turkish border crossings the
Syrian army still controls. Nationwide violence killed at least 64 people.
Next day, six Gulf states recognized a newly formed opposition bloc
as the Syrian people's legitimate representative. The GCC move came a year
to the day after the Arab League suspended Syria's membership, and as the
National Coalition met Arab foreign ministers in Cairo buoyed by the hardwon unity deal.
The oil-rich bloc would support the coalition in order to achieve the
aspirations of the Syrian people in hope that this will be a step towards a
quick political transfer of power, GCC chief said. He hoped its formation
would lead to ending the bloodshed and a general national congress to pave
the way to build a state ruled by law and open to all its citizens. The
National Coalition's newly installed leader, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, told AlJazeera television it already had promises of weapons, but did not say from
whom. Washington swiftly declared its backing for the new structure.
Moscow gave a cooler response.
Deadly fighting flared, meanwhile, on Syria's border with Turkey and
Israel fired across the ceasefire line on the Golan Heights for a second day,
scoring direct hits on the source of a mortar round that struck the Israelioccupied half of the disputed territory. On Sunday, an Israeli warning shot
left UN chief Ban Ki-moon deeply concerned by the potential for
escalation.
Air strikes and shelling of rebel positions in the town of Ras al-Ain on
the Turkish border killed at least 12 people. One bomb exploded less than
150 metres from the border, with the blast blowing out windows in houses in
Ceylanpinar, where there were also injuries. The same blast killed four and
wounded 20 Syrians.
Warplanes also bombed rebel positions on the strategic highway
between Damascus and second city Aleppo, while clashes on the southern
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outskirts of the capital near a Palestinian refugee camp killed seven civilians.
At least 52 people were killed nationwide during the day.
On 13th November, Syrias new opposition chief called on world
powers to arm President Assads foes, as Arab and EU leaders urged his
coalition to seek broader support inside the war-torn country. France joined
Arab states of the Gulf in pushing for international recognition of the newlyformed opposition alliance. Iran, meanwhile, said it will bring parties to the
Syrian conflict to Tehran to participate in a national dialogue.
On the ground, fierce battles and army shelling in Damascus province
killed more than 40 people, most of them civilians, while warplanes bombed
Ras al-Ain, a strategic town on the Turkish border. The fighting in the
Eastern Ghuta area east of Damascus came after rebels launched an attack
on public buildings in the area.
The army used tanks to shell several towns east of Damascus,
including Harasta, Zabadani and Irbin, killing at least seven civilians
including an unknown number of women and children. At least 106 people
were killed across Syria 41 civilians, 33 rebels and 32 soldiers. The
watchdog has given an overall death toll of more than 37,000 since the
revolt broke out in March 2011. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, meanwhile,
estimated that at least 2.5 million people have been internally displaced by
the conflict.
Next day, Syrian tanks shelled two Palestinian refugee camps in the
opposition bastion of southern Damascus, while fighter jets bombed Maaret
al-Numan. Rebel fighters killed at least 18 soldiers as they overran a military
post near Ras al-Ain, a town also on the Turkish border. In all 52 people
killed nationwide: 11 civilians, 27 soldiers and 14 rebels.
A day after France became the first Western nation to recognize the
newly united opposition, Damascus hit out at the decision and said the Qatar
meeting at which the dissident factions united amounted to a war
declaration. Muqdad said: Allow me to use the word, this is an immoral
position. They are supporting killers, terrorists and they are encouraging the
destruction of Syria.
Russian PM also criticized countries siding with the opposition and
insisted Moscow was staying neutral. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov arrived in Riyadh for talks with his Arab counterparts in the Gulf that
are expected to highlight differences on the conflict in Syria. Lavrov began
his visit by meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister. Britain said it wants to see
more evidence the grouping has strong support inside Syria before formally
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recognizing it. The Arab League stopped short of granting the bloc full
recognition, only saying it saw the alliance as the legitimate representative
of the Syrian opposition.
On 15th November, France raised the prospect of providing Syrias
rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states
in recognizing the newly unified opposition. France said it would discuss its
proposal to ease the European Union arms embargo with its partners in the
27-nation bloc, but Russia said any such move would be a violation of
international law.
Fellow EU states Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland welcomed the
formation of the new National Coalition, but stopped short of recognizing it
as the sole representative of the Syrian people. Washington has expressed
caution about delivering weapons to the rebels for fear they could fall into
the hands of fighters.
Syrian army pressed an operation in areas around Damascus to oust
rebels and as fighting raged around a key military airport near the Iraqi
border. Eight soldiers were killed resisting a rebel attack on Hamdan airbase
while three rebels died after capturing a security headquarters in Albu
Kamal. At least 60 people were killed in violence.
Next day, Syrian opposition chief Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib in London
met British Foreign Secretary, who said he would decide within days
whether to officially recognize the newly united coalition. Speaking to
reporters after their meeting, Hague said he had pressed Khatib on the need
to be inclusive and to respect human rights. He also confirmed that Britain
was re-examining the EU embargo that prevents arming the opposition,
although he stressed London was currently offering only non-lethal support.
On the ground, troops pounded rebel bastions along the eastern
outskirts of Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, while
rebels in the southern Tadamun district launched mortar rounds at nearby
pro-regime streets. In the Eastern Ghuta region outside the capital, rebel
forces downed a military helicopter. In the northern city of Aleppo, 30
people including two journalists working for the BBC and Al-Arabiya
satellite channel were wounded in shelling.
On 17th November, clashes raged in southern Damascus, as rebels and
regime troops exchanged mortar fire in the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp
on the edges of the capital. Elsewhere, Syrias air force dropped deadly
explosive-filled barrels on rebel-held areas. Syrias military had used the
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agricultural airport as a base for gunship helicopters. Rebels seized several

tanks and mortars the army had stored there.
In Aleppo, two rebels were killed and regime forces launched several
air strikes near the embattled city, including on the towns of Hreitan and
Anadan. Warplanes also targeted the strategic town of Maaret al-Numan. At
least 47 people were killed across Syria 29 civilians, one soldier and 17
rebels.
Next day, France invited the National Coalition, the newly formed
Syrian opposition bloc, to send an envoy to Paris, after President Francois
Hollande met its leader, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib. Despite the French offer to
host an envoy, Paris remained cautious on the issue of supplying weapons to
rebels amid fears of the conflict spreading.
Iran prepared to host talks between Syrian officials and opposition
groups tolerated by President Bashar al-Assads regime. The National
Coalition was not invited. Russia reiterated its alignment with Iran on the
issue of providing the coalition with weapons. Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov warned, in a message to the Tehran meeting, against the risk of
weapons ending up in the hands of al-Qaeda and other extremist groups
seeking to seize Syria.
Mortar rounds hit the mainly Alawite regime heartland of Mazzeh in
west Damascus, which state television blamed on terrorist groups. Aleppo
and its environs in the north saw heavy combat. Sundays fighting killed 32
people nationwide, including 10 civilians, according to a preliminary count.
On 19th November, the main Islamist rebel groups in Aleppo rejected
the newly formed opposition bloc, saying they want an Islamic state, as
clashes raged countrywide. We, the fighting squads of Aleppo city and
province, unanimously reject the conspiratorial project called the National
Coalition and announce our consensus to establish an Islamic state in Syria,
a spokesman announced in an Internet video. We reject any external
coalitions or councils imposed on us at home from any party whatsoever.
He listed 14 armed groups as signatories to the statement, including
the Al-Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham and Liwa al-Tawhid. The Ahrar al-Sham
group rejected the proclamation on its official web page, however, saying
that its leadership did not endorse the statement. The Al-Nusra Front, a
formidable fighting force, has claimed the majority of suicide bombings in
Syria.
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On the ground, fighting flared along the Turkish border after rebels
took control of the large army Base 46 in the northern province of Aleppo
that had been besieged for weeks. Six rebels were killed in clashes with
Kurdish fighters and the head of the local Kurdish Peoples Assembly was
shot dead in the town of Ras al-Ain. The clashes erupted after a Kurdish
demonstration demanding that all rebels not from Ras al-Ain leave after they
took the town last week.
Elsewhere, a general named as Abdullah Darawi was killed in a rebel
attack on the town of Nabak, north of Damascus, along with four policemen
accompanying him. Fighting also erupted at a border post near the town of
Kasab in Latakia province. In all at least 50 people were killed nationwide.
On 22nd November, rebels seized new territory in the eastern
Euphrates valley from government forces but ran into resistance from
Kurdish militia on the Turkish border in a potential new security concern for
the key NATO member. In the face of the growing turmoil on its southern
border, Turkey has asked its NATO allies to deploy surface-to-air Patriot
missiles to protect its frontiers, but Russia spoke out strongly against any
such move. Despite its losses on the battlefield, the government of President
Bashar al-Assad remains in control of most of the province's oil and gas
fields.
On 23rd November, Irans parliament speaker Ali Larijani met Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus to discuss a solution to the conflict
in his countrys key ally. The meeting came as Moscow warned Turkey
against deploying Patriot missiles on its troubled border with war-torn Syria
after Ankara turned to NATO to request the surface-to-air defences.
On the ground, violence erupted in Syrian flashpoints across the
country while tensions spiked in the northeast, where Kurdish militia are
engaged in a standoff with rebel fighters. Troops shelled Daraya and
Moadamiyet al-Sham southwest of Damascus, while fighting raged in the
eastern city of Deir Ezzor, a day after troops pulled out of the nearby city of
Mayadeen.
Next day, Syrian rebels attacked army positions in the northern
province of Aleppo while violence also raged in and around the capital.
Forces shelled the northeast and southwest outskirts of Damascus as clashes
broke out in the western district of Kfar Sousa and in the south of the city.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave an initial toll of nine people
killed in violence nationwide, after 61 people died yesterday, including 21 in
the Damascus region.
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In Aleppo city, the commercial capital where fighting has reached

stalemate after five months of deadly urban combat, clashes broke out near
an air force intelligence building. In Hasakeh province, northwest Syria, Ras
al-Ain has seen its fiercest violence since the town near the Turkish border
was captured by rebels two weeks ago.
Turkey: On 6th November, four Israeli ex-military chiefs went on trial
in absentia in an Istanbul court over a deadly 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound
Turkish ship in what Israel denounced as a show trial by its former ally.
Hundreds of protesters from across the country gathered outside the court
waving Palestinian flags and chanting Damn Israel as the trial opened.
In May, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon had said he
was expecting foreign diplomatic pressure on Turkey to stop the trial, saying
it could have wide-ranging implications for NATO and US forces, which
frequently board ships suspected of terror activity. Turkey insists ties will
not return to normal unless Israel offers a formal apology, compensates the
victims and lifts the blockade which prohibits all naval traffic in and out of
the densely populated coastal territory.
Bahrain: On 5th November, a series of explosions in the Bahraini
capital Manama killed two Asian expatriates and wounded a third. Police
gave no details of the intended targets of the blasts nor who might be
responsible. According to the International Federation for Human Rights
(FIDH), 80 people have died in Bahrain since the start of the violence on
February 14 last year.
Saudi Arabia: On 5th November, suspected al-Qaeda militants shot
dead two Saudi Arabian soldiers in a clash as they attempted to infiltrate the
Kingdoms borders into neighbouring Yemen. Ten Saudi militants who were
recently released from prison, in addition to a Yemeni, were all arrested after
they ambushed a border guard patrol and killed two soldiers.
Yemen: On 16th November, a suspected al-Qaeda militant blew
himself up in a municipal building in the south Yemen town of Zinjibar,
killing three pro-army militiamen; four other militiamen were wounded in
the assault. Hundreds of militiamen, known as the Popular Resistance
Committees, fought alongside the Yemeni army last May to oust al-Qaeda
from Abyan province.
On 24th November, unknown gunmen shot dead three Huthi Shias and
wounded 10 others in an attack on a gathering staged to commemorate the
Ashura mourning period. Thousands loyal to the Huthi group that battled the
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regime of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh for years in the north gathered
for the first time in Sanaa in an open rally to mourn Imam Husain (RA).
Africa
Nigeria: On 22nd November, a mispronunciation taken to be
blasphemous in Nigeria's north sparked a riot by Muslim youths, leaving
four people dead as well as a church and shops burnt. The riot came on the
same day that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the incoming
spiritual head of the world's Anglicans Justin Welby launched an initiative in
the Nigerian capital Abuja aimed at Muslim-Christian reconciliation.
Tunisia: On 17th November, a prominent figure in Tunisias Salafist
movement, Mohammed Bakhti, died after going on hunger strike over his
arrest for an attack on the US embassy, in the second such death this week.
His death followed that of another member of the hard-line Islamist
movement, Bechir Gholli, who died two days ago also after refusing food
for nearly two months.
Libya: On 16th November, ex-CIA chief David Petraeus told
lawmakers he knew from the outset that an attack on a US mission in Libya
was the work of terrorists. A bitter political feud has erupted in Washington
since the September 11 assault on the Benghazi consulate, with Republican
lawmakers accusing President Barack Obamas administration of misleading
the public about its causes.
Congress has summoned officials to explain why in the days after the
attack, which left US ambassador Chris Stevens and three colleagues dead,
they blamed the violence on a spontaneous protest triggered by an antiMuslim video. On September 14, Petraeus had told Congress that that was
the CIAs initial take on the events. Since then, the administrations position
has evolved, and it is now seen as a pre-meditated assault by an al-Qaedalinked militia.
US senators got their first look at dramatic real-time video footage of
the attack. However, the hearings have done little to resolve the partisan
sparring over the administrations response, with Republicans strongly
hinting at a larger scandal and possible cover-up. The Senate Intelligence
Committees top Republican, Senator Saxby Chambliss, said the hearing
with US intelligence officials made clear that mistakes were made.
Egypt: On 21st November, office of Arab satellite broadcaster AlJazeera in the Egyptian capital was firebombed, as protesters clashed near
the downtown Tahrir Square. No one was injured in the fire, according to
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security officials. An interior ministry official said 118 people have been
arrested since clashes broke out during a protest to mark the first anniversary
of deadly street battles.
On 22nd November, Egyptian President Muhammad Mursi bowed out
of a scheduled visit to Pakistan; where he was due to attend the Developing
Eight summit in Islamabad. Mursi who was thanked by the United States
for helping to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had been slated
to join the Islamabad talks, and his office said he would now stay home to
monitor the truce.
Next day, protesters set fire to Muslim Brotherhood offices, as rival
rallies were held nationwide a day after President Mursi assumed sweeping
powers. The offices of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the Muslim
Brotherhoods political arm, were torched in the canal cities of Ismailiya and
Port Said.
A branch office of the Islamist party was set on fire in Alexandria.
Police fired tear gas at protesters trying to storm another FJP office in
Alexandria. Hundreds also took to the streets of the Red Sea resort city of
Sharm el-Sheikh against Morsis declaration, chanting: No to merging the
revolution with authoritarianism.
Sudan: On 24th November, Sudanese rebels seized an army compound
in the Darfur region, as the Red Cross reported the release of three soldiers
captured by rebels; five attackers were also wounded. Kebkabiya compound
is about 150km west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state where
violence has surged.
Somalia: On 18th November, seven people were killed and many
wounded when an apparent explosive device was hurled at a packed minibus
in a predominantly Somali area of the Kenyan capital Nairobi. The district of
Eastleigh, is inhabited mainly by Somalis or Kenyans of Somali origin.
Europe: On 5th November, three British tourists in Cyprus were

remanded in police custody in connection with the killing of a teenage
British soldier during a disco row in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa,
Nicosia. The soldier was stationed at Dhekelia garrison with the 2 nd Battalion
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The regiment is part of British army reserve
forces for Afghanistan. The tourists, 19-year-old Mohamed Abdulkadir
Osman, and two 17-year-old suspects, who cannot be named for legal
reasons, are being held in custody for eight days to allow investigators to
complete their enquiry.
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On 13th November, British authorities reluctantly released Abu Qatada

on bail after judges ruled that the man dubbed Osama bin Ladens right-hand
man in Europe should not be extradited to Jordan. Heavily bearded and
wearing a black turban, the preacher smiled slightly as he was driven out of
the high-security Long Lartin prison in central England.
On 16th November, a UN court on Friday acquitted Croatian exgenerals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac of war crimes during the bloody
1990s breakup of Yugoslavia and ordered them freed, to shouts and tears of
joy from their supporters across Europe. The courts packed public gallery
erupted in cheers and clapping as the acquittal was read, with many people
bursting out in tears and hugging Markacs wife, Mirjana, who was at the
hearing, as supporters outside uncorked champagne bottles.
America: On 5th November, President Barack Obama and

Republican challenger Mitt Romney made frenetic dash to a series of crucial
swing states, delivering their final arguments to voters on the last day of an
extraordinarily close race for the White House. The elections outcome will
impact a variety of domestic issues and balance of power in Congress also
will be at stake, with Obamas Democrats now expected to narrowly hold
their Senate majority and Romneys Republicans favoured to retain control
of the House of Representatives.
Next day, the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected several
arguments by Ms Aafias lawyer, including that she shouldnt have been
allowed to testify in her defence because of a mental illness and that a
terrorism enhancement shouldnt have applied to her sentence. The appellate
court said a lower court judge had not erred in allowing Aafia Siddiqui, to
testify in her own defence at trial and in allowing certain evidence against
her.
On 7th November, as per early counts, Obama had 303 electoral votes,
well over the 270 needed to win, to Romneys 206. Floridas close race was
not yet declared, leaving its 29 electoral votes still to be claimed. In his
victory speech, Obama pledged to move the United States beyond this time
of war, to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity
for every human being.
You voted for action, not politics as usual, Obama said, calling for
compromise and pledging to work with leaders of both parties to reduce the
deficit, to reform the tax code and immigration laws, and to cut dependence
on foreign oil. Obama told the crowd he hoped to sit down with Romney in
the coming weeks and examine ways to meet the challenges ahead though
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the president appears more in need of mending fences with Republican

congressional leaders who wield clout in Washington.
Romney, 65, conceded defeat in a speech delivered to disappointed
supporters at the Boston convention center. This is a time of great challenge
for our nation, he told the crowd. I pray that the president will be
successful in guiding our nation. He warned against partisan bickering and
urged politicians on both sides to put the people before the politics.
Obama congratulated Romney and Republican vice-presidential
candidate Paul Ryan on their hard-fought campaign. I have never been
more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope, Obama
said, striving for inspiration rarely shown in a campaign where the prophet
of hope of 2008 became a conventional, brawling politician.
Obama won with a fiercely negative campaign branding Romney a
multi-millionaire former corporate turnaround wizard as indifferent to the
woes of the middle class. Exit polls showed that though only 39 percent of
people believed that the economy was improving, around half of Americans
blamed former Republican president George W. Bush for the tenuous
situation, and not Obama.
On 10th November, Petraeus met with President Obama on November
8 before submitting his letter of resignation, which the president accepted. In
a message to staff, Petraeus said he asked to be allowed to step down.
After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment
by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behaviour is unacceptable, both
as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours, the retired
four-star general said. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my
resignation.
The move comes amid the unfolding controversy surrounding the
attack on the US Consulate in Libya. It has been confirmed that the US
compound that was attacked in Libya housed CIA operatives as well as State
Department staff. Scrutiny has fallen on a range of agencies including the
CIA, and the director had been set to testify at hearings next week he is no
longer expected to do so. But Petraeus, in his resignation message, cited
strictly personal reasons surrounding the affair.
Obama, in a written statement, said Petraeus provided an
extraordinary service to the United States for decades. By any measure, he
was one of the outstanding General officers of his generation, helping our
military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in
uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan,
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where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end,
Obama said. The White House named Michael Morell, the agencys deputy
director, to serve as acting director.
Next day, the revelations about CIA Chief David Petraeus
extramarital affair came about because a woman close to him began
receiving anonymous threatening emails so frightening she went to the FBI
for help. She was not Generas wife Holly, but a third woman suspected by
Broadwell of having an affair with Petraeus.
On 12th November, 20 US states filed petitions through the website of
the White House to secede from the United States of America, following the
re-election of President Barack Obama. After the re-election, several
petitions surfaced requesting the Obama Administration to peacefully grant
the applied state to withdraw from the United States of America in order to
create their own government.
Louisiana was the first state to file a petition followed by Texas. States
with secession-related petitions on the White House website include
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee. How would
Old Glory look with 30 stars instead of 50? As far-fetched as it may sound,
the White House might soon be forced by its own rules to examine the
question. If 25,000 people sign the petition by December 7, it will require a
response from Obama Administration, according to published rules of the
White Houses online We the People program.
US media identified the other woman as 37-year-old Jill Kelley, a
social liaison to a Florida air force base who apparently had a longstanding
friendship with Petraeus but no official status in the military. Politicians
want to know why they were not told about the affair sooner, with one even
suggesting a cover-up.
Next day, a Saudi national was sentenced to life in prison for plotting
attacks on the Texas home of former US president George W Bush, nuclear
plants, and other targets. Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 22, was arrested last year
after a chemical supplier became suspicious when he tried to order
concentrated phenol, a toxic chemical that has legitimate uses but is also a
powerful bomb-making tool.
On 14th November, The widening probe into Petraeuss behaviour
raised questions about the US commander in Afghanistan. General Allen was
placed under investigation after FBI agents probing email threats sent by
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Petraeus mistress stumbled upon a vast trove of messages Allen sent to

another married woman, Jill Kelley, at the heart of the scandal.
On 20th November, four men were charged with plotting to join the
Taliban and al-Qaeda to conduct violent jihad aimed at killing Americans
abroad. Three of the four had undertaken preliminary training at firearms
and paintball centers in southern California, as preparation for further
training in Afghanistan, said an FBI statement. Ralph Deleon, 23, 21-yearold Miguel Alejandro Santana Vidriales, and Arifeen David Gojali, also 21,
were arrested on Friday and appeared in court.
VIEWS
Israel
Terror in Gaza: In honour of the latest installment of homicidal
Israeli behaviour in Gaza, the Twitter account of the Israel Defence Forces
(@IDFSpokesperson) has played host to a flurry of activity.
Thursday afternoon, after 13 Palestinians including several children
had been eliminated, the IDF congratulated itself on its humanitarian
efforts with the following tweet: As part of effort to minimize civilian
casualties in Gaza, IDF dropped 1000s of leaflets in Arabic with this
message.
Accompanying the tweet was a picture of a leaflet addressed to the
residents of the Gaza Strip: For your own safety, take responsibility for
yourselves and avoid being present in the vicinity of Hamas operatives and
facilities and those of other terror organizations that pose a risk to your
safety.
Not explained in the charitable note is how Gaza residents are
supposed to heed the IDFs warning given the diminutive physical
dimensions of the strip and the fact that Israel is the only entity endowed
with the power to determine which human beings and infrastructure qualify
as terror operatives and facilities an arbitrary activity that has been known
to result in the leveling of such institutions as the Rafah zoo.
Granted, the zoo was perhaps to blame for recklessly situating itself in
the vicinity of terrorists.
Israels monopoly on retaliation
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The leaflet also informs its audience that Hamas is to blame for once
again dragging the region to violence and bloodshed and that the IDF is
determined to defend the residents of the State of Israel.
As essayist Max Ajl has pointed out in Jacobin magazine, assigning
blame to Hamas for initiating the current conflict is a transparent lie. Ajl lists
three reasons the assault on Gaza does not in fact constitute, as Israel claims,
retaliation for a Palestinian anti-tank rocket fired on November 10.
First of all, a quick glance at the calendar reveals that November 10 falls
after November 4, when the IDF murdered a mentally unsound Palestinian
man, as well as November 8, when the IDF murdered a 13-year-old boy
playing soccer. Secondly, the supposed retaliation shattered an Egyptianbrokered truce in effect at the time.
Thirdly, Ajl writes: [T]he category of Israeli retaliation does not
exist. The occupation is constant terror, and it is what breeds the Palestinian
violence Israeli leaders can adduce as a retroactive justification for the
policies they pursue in purported pursuit of the chimera of security.
The same disingenuous rhetoric that is being deployed to justify the
present reduction of the population of Gaza also proved helpful during
Operation Cast Lead (2008-09), when Israel managed to slaughter 1,400
persons primarily civilians in the coastal enclave in a matter of 22 days.
This particular population management effort was also advertised as
retaliatory in nature, with details such as Israels unilateral destruction of the
ceasefire with Hamas excised from the official narrative.
Logical acrobatics
Israels ever-upbeat government spokesman Mark Regev offered the
following reaction to the Cast Lead casualty count: Israel, during the
military campaign, made every possible effort to target enemy combatants
only. One can assume that, were Hamas to somehow kill 1,400 Israelis,
most of them civilians, in three weeks, the organization would not be lauded
for its attentiveness to civilian life.
Regev has now resurfaced with an appeal to humanity to comprehend
the current conscientious killing in Gaza, and is quoted at the CNN website
as remarking: I would ask you, Id ask any person around the planet: What
would you do if your population was targeted day after day?
Seeing as the ratio of Palestinian civilian fatalities to Israeli civilian
fatalities during Cast Lead was approximately 400:1, and that Israel has not
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in recent history been subject to an illegal and crippling blockade, it is

possible that some inhabitants of the planet might more readily comprehend
Regevs question were it instead posed by a Palestinian.
As for Regevs claim that you have to see our [current Gaza]
operation as fundamentally defensive, I have suggested elsewhere that the
audition for the position of Israeli government spokesman might consist of
reciting such phrases as The guinea pig initiated violence against the boa
constrictor and The armadillo attacked the wheel of the car with a straight
face.
Indeed, Israels exclusive rights to the term self-defence and
institutionalized habit of inverting logic have resulted in the construction of
a narrative according to which the fatal bulldozing of American peace
activists in Gaza and the murder in international waters of Gaza-bound
humanitarian workers armed with construction tools, marbles and a metal
pail are excused as defensive manoeuvres.
Unfortunately, for the residents of Gaza who have been warned by
IDF leaflets to avoid being present in the vicinity of terror organizations
that pose a risk to your safety, this does not appear to be possible as long as
the Palestinian territory exists in the vicinity of the state of Israel. (Belen
Fernandez for Aljazeera, reprinted in TheNation 17th November)
The hell that is Gaza: Reports emanating from Tel Aviv suggest that
Israel is making feverish preparations for a ground offensive in response to
rocket attacks from Gaza and has called up 75,000 reservists of the armed
forces to be ready to move into the Strip. To get an idea of the miserable
plight the Gazans have to suffer, day in and day out, it would be instructive
to glance through the comments of the noted thinker and columnist Noam
Chomsky, who summed up his impression of a visit to Gaza barely three
weeks back. Calling it the worlds largest open air prison, he says: It
hardly takes more than a day in Gaza to begin to appreciate what it must be
like to survive (there)...where a million and a half people...are constantly
subjected to random and often savage terror and arbitrary punishment, with
no purpose other than to humiliate and degrade... The ultimate aim is to try
to snuff out any hope of the local population for a decent future. The Israelis
have openly and in defiance of the world opinion have been targeting the top
Palestinian hierarchy; the latest victim in an air raid carried out on
Wednesday was Ahmad Jabary, the operational commander of Hamass
armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. On Saturday, they targeted
the Hamas Prime Ministers office. Should Tel Aviv proceed to launch a
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ground offensive of Gaza, it could most likely turn the region, already in the
grip of a revolution called the Arab Spring, into a veritable ball of fire.
While the international community owes it to its commitment for
peace to intervene, the Muslim countries have a special obligation. This is
the time for them to stand up, and firmly, against the Israelis untold
atrocities and not only condemn them, but also form a united front to
convince powerful and influential states of the world that the Muslims
would no longer bear with this kind of outrageously criminal behaviour.
Before the killer storm overwhelms them, they had better revitalize the
moribund Arab League and OIC to pursue the cause and ensure for the
Palestinians an honourable existence in an independent state of their own.
A monster called Israel: Last week, the terrorist state of Israel
started bombing Gaza once again, killing innocent civilians in the name of
targeting terrorists. Soon enough, the Israeli Defence Forces had announced
the commencement of yet another operation against the practically
imprisoned population of Gaza. The Nobel Peace Prize winner and now reelected US President Barack Obama reiterated his countrys support for
Israels right to defend itself against rocket attacks from militants in the
Gaza Strip. His NATO allies in the European Union agreed, making slight
noises about controlling the number of civilian deaths and advising Israel to
use violence proportionate to the rocket attacks from Gaza. The UN sat
impotently on the sidelines. Clearly, the leaders running the world are as
soulless and shameless as the ones running our country.
The hypocrisy of these powerful leaders of the richest countries in the
world is nothing new. We have seen it in action in our tribal areas where CIA
drones have been killing innocent civilians for eight years, again on the
pretext of targeting terrorists. We have seen it in Afghanistan next door and
in countries near and far. Still, the coldness with which the torchbearers of
freedom and human rights have accepted the occupation of Palestinian
territories and sanctioned the massacre of civilians there, is bone-chilling. It
makes you wonder about the world we live in; a world ruled by the law of
the jungle behind the faade of international treaties and conventions. The
United Nations sits in the lap of the powerful to cover up their crimes and
give them respectability. After all, they are the ones who pay its fat bills.
Those leading the world to mayhem and disaster, these powerful
leaders shaping a violent world reeking with crimes against humanity and
injustice, do they think that their one-eyed perspective and their blatant
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biases are not obvious? They declared that the militants in Gaza started the
recent spate of violence by firing rockets into Israeli territory, thereby
justifying the monstrous attacks on a hapless population. They pretend as if
the problem started last week with the firing of rockets by Hamas. They
dont want to talk about why Hamas came into being in the first place. They
dont want to talk about annexation of Palestinian land by Israel that has
gone on for decades, and still goes on under their watch.
They dont want to talk about the ever-expanding state of Israel, about
the illegal settlements it has continued to erect over forcibly annexed
Palestinian land, about the olive groves of poor Palestinian farmers it has
continued to burn, about the barbaric siege of Gaza it continues to tighten,
about its regular firing, strafing and bombing of unarmed civilians, about the
killing of Palestinians including infants in Israeli attacks. It doesnt bother
them that their spoilt brat continues to violate international law and trample
upon the rights and lives of Palestinians. Deaf to reason, they are keen
listeners to Israeli leaders tantrums about security, pampering the terrorist
state further with billions of dollars and sophisticated arms. They pretend
that the violence started last week and that it was Hamas that started it.
These so-called leaders of the rich and powerful countries, these
servants of big money, are deeply concerned about the possibility of Iran
achieving the capability to refine uranium for nuclear arms, but the nukes in
the Israeli arsenal dont bother them at all. Their one-eyed conscience is
irked very easily by human rights violations in countries theyd like to target
for strategic reasons, but somehow it goes into deep slumber when it comes
to the systematic and never-ending violation of the rights of Palestinians,
and other people in territories occupied by their allies and pampered brats.
But then, this should come as no surprise. These rich and powerful countries
behave the same way.
They have occupied and colonized poor and weak countries as a
routine, and similarly victimized people who try to resist subjugation. Worst
still, they actively destabilize targeted countries and subvert governments
unwilling to dance to their greedy tunes. They bribe and buy leaders of poor
countries. They fuel division of people on ethnic, sectarian and tribal lines,
fund dissidents, promote extremism, arm militants, and if all that still
doesnt deliver their evil goal of total control, they intervene in the name of
protecting lives; giving air cover, logistical support and technical advice to
rebel groups fathered by them. These are not baseless charges, but
documented history. In fact, emboldened by their success, they no longer try
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to hide their subversive games. In the case of Libya, and now Syria, their
leaders openly boast about their regime change strategies.
The questions are many. How long can this go on? How long can the
world bear the burden of the crimes of the rich and powerful? How do we
rescue the world from the clutches of these monsters parading themselves as
leaders of the so-called civilized world? Is there a way to defeat these
monsters wielding the most advanced technologies of violence? The answers
are not clear, but they must be found before the world crumbles under the
heavy weight of their barbaric burden.
As I write this, Israeli tanks are surrounding Gaza, and the monster is
preparing for a ground offensive against the besieged people there who seem
to have been left by the so-called civilized world to defend themselves
against an uncouth powerful monster. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 18th
November)
Who licensed Israelis to kill children? What a shameless world we
live in today surrounded by war-mongering politicians and phony generals
who kill innocent children and then go on to present it as a historic victory.
They would also fight a war against the unarmed in the name of self-defence
and peace, yet no world law would ever be invoked to challenge their
unrestrained use of force. Behind the best of decorated generals one would
find in the recent days enough of sleaze to feel disgusted of the very idea
that a human being, wearing military attire, could be so self-centred as to
relinquish morals and oaths to duty. However, the self-centred people arent
confined only to the military command of the worlds armies, though they
may be found in abundance in one or two parts of the sphere we call earth.
No analyst could foretell that before the end of the euphoria in the US
that came with President Obamas re-election, during the victory speech of
which he promised end to a decade of war, Israel, its pampered ally in the
Middle East, would embark on yet another spate of barbaric attacks on the
unarmed populace of the besieged Gaza in Palestine. Hardly a few of us
would be fully aware of the life in Gaza as they say only the Gazans know
what their life means.
The writer had a chance to meet a few Palestinians, including Gazans,
during a peace programme in the US. There were also people from the
opposite side the Israelis. It was quite a surprise to find the Israelis exactly
as they are known in this part of the world for their knack to be crude and
inhumane in the face of a human tragedy that may befall the others. It was
surprising to note a species so in obsession with selves that they would lose
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sight of humanity, the common bond amongst all of us. If behaviours are to
tell anything, for Israelis, it could be said that they believe only they are
entitled to all the privileges and the right to exist. They even go to the extent
of monopolizing tragedy; that only their tragedy is the real tragedy. It was
disgusting to find out a human being (Israeli) virtually scorn at the tragic tale
of another human being (Palestinian).
The recent spate of attacks on the Gazans only stems from the same,
abovementioned mindset that monopolizes tragedy and the right to
existence. It could be said that the Israelis, in their fresh assaults, are only
pushing to their extreme their philosophy of existence that once under a
shred of threat, annihilate the opponent, with utmost disregard to who gets
victimized in the process. If it werent so, how could the Israelis fail to see
for themselves how many children their air strikes have killed over the last
five days.
Let us all be reminded that the blood of no human being should be
made as cheap as the Israelis have made the blood of the Palestinians. And
the refrain is more for the advocates of Israeli barbarism who cite barrage of
Hamas rockets as an excuse for Israel to launch brutal, indiscriminate attacks
under its self-styled paradigm of self-defence. By throwing their weight
behind Israel, its allies have conveniently overlooked the misery befalling
the Palestinians. And they, in doing that, have also given Israel the right to
kill children. On Sunday, four children of a same family perished in just one
such Israeli strike. Israel has launched hundreds of indiscriminate strikes,
and continues. (Muhammad Ali, TheNation 19th November)
Israeli ruthlessness: Laying bare the hesitation of international
forces to so much as lay a finger on Israel, Israeli planes continued to strike
Gaza at will and on Sunday they attacked with a vengeance, marking an
untrammelled display of ruthlessness committed against its inhabitants,
when 26 of them, including 14 women and children (five of them newborn
babies and toddlers) were killed. By Monday morning when eight more
Palestinians had fallen to these air raids, the death toll stood at 95, with a lot
more wounded, since recent hostilities broke out. Side by side there have
been hectic efforts, spearheaded by Egypt, to bring about a ceasefire, with
Tel Aviv insisting, in the words of its Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman,
The first and absolute condition for a truce is stopping all fire from Gaza.
No doubt, ceasefires must stipulate all fire coming from all the parties
involved in the fighting. But for a lasting ceasefire, it is imperative to
address the causes that first of all led to the eruption of hostilities. Anyone
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familiar with the straitened living conditions in the blockaded Gazans would
know how they are managing to pull through. With the supply of bare needs
of a healthy existence just to mention two of them, foodstuff and
medicines severely restricted, its citizens fall easy prey to hunger and
malnutrition. The biggest sufferers are the children. The stress is on creating
a pervasive sense of frustration and loss of hope for the future. So that the
Palestinians give up the struggle for an independent state with secure borders
of their own.
And President Obamas remark, Israel has the right to its security, at
a time when the clear victims are the beleaguered Palestinians would not
possibly encourage them to hope that they would one day have their
legitimate right of an independent state recognized in practical terms. On the
contrary, it reflected the commitment of support of the most powerful nation
on earth today to its protg, notwithstanding its acts of savagery against
unarmed civilians. Against the backdrop of this blind support for the Jewish
state, installed in the heart of the Arab world by dispossessing the local
inhabitants, Mr Obamas address at the Ragoon University on Monday
calling for all human being to live in freedom and with honour sounded
more than a little hypocritical. In this scenario, it is not sure whether Tel
Aviv heeds the plea of British Foreign Secretary William Hague not to
escalate the conflict by sending ground troops to the Strip. No Palestinian is
going to listen to their virtually irrelevant President Mehmoud Abbas in this
crisis to peacefully demonstrate against the Israeli atrocities. Responding to
a call from President Mohammad Mursi, the Arab League Foreign Ministers
are visiting Gaza today in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has also condemned the brutal
air raids. The Muslim world has to join hands with Mr Mursi and actively
strive for an end to miseries of Gazans and, ultimately, the Palestinian by
ensuring them their birthright to statehood. (Editorial, TheNation 20 th
November)
Israels scorched earth policy in Gaza could prove fatal: The
recent Israeli pounding on Gaza reminds us of the brutal Gaza invasion in
2009 that resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli
deaths (four from friendly fire). The human toll and the destruction of the
infrastructure in Gaza nearly five years ago still reverberates. The current
bombing spate by the Netanyahu government from the air and sea is again
turning Gaza into rubble.
This, according to the Israeli government, is in response to hundreds
of rockets fired at Israel by Hamas from Gaza, that has created fear amongst
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the Israeli population and claimed three Israeli lives. But this is asymmetric
warfare: The death toll in Gaza has already crossed 100, including many
women and children.
Israel says it is only targeting selective targets with surgical
precision. But its claims are not substantiated by facts: The majority of
victims are innocent civilians. Despite some pressures from America and
Britain, Israel is massing its troops near Gaza; a ground invasion seems
possible
Israel has massive political and military might and the Israeli
leadership is also known to be politically smarter than the Arab leaders.
Israel has become a garrison state with conventional and weapons of mass
destruction that include nuclear bombs (although not publicly
acknowledged). It has the unconditional backing of the largest military
power on earth. This has blinded Israels judgment and made it arrogant.
But in the greater scheme of things, the Israeli leadership lacks
strategic wisdom that is needed for its future. With all its military, diplomatic
and media advantage, time is not on Israels side. History also teaches us
that the days of injustice do not last long.
The Palestinian people may be underdogs now, but people with
insight can see they are the ones who are setting the future agenda. Whatever
Hamas is doing out of madness, desperation or a long-term strategy
Israel seems to be falling in their trap of an un-winnable, long and protracted
war.
The Israeli strength so far has lain with the disunity and incompetence
of the Arab regimes. But things are changing within the Arab world, as we
all know. Plus the tectonic plate of world economic power is shifting
towards the East; with it the global political and military power may change
at some time in the future.
During the 2009 Gaza crisis, two prominent Muslim countries
Turkey and Egypt carried little weight in the world. Now they are trying to
assert their rightful place. Their position on the Arab-Israeli conflict is now
clearer. For the first time in many decades, the world attention has focused
on Egypt. Whether its President Morsi succeeds in bringing the two sides to
a ceasefire agreement will be interesting to see, but a new chapter seems to
be dawning in the Middle East.
A just and lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is not only
essential for Israeli and Palestinian people, but also for the whole world.
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This needs a clear thinking outside the box by the Israeli leadership and
their backers in America. And it must come soon. (Dr Muhammad Abdul
Bari for Aljazeera, reprinted in TheNation 21st November)
Eyeless in Gaza: The Islamic forces might see Mursi as a paladin,
but so far, he has not taken any action that might afford Palestinians any
relief, at least not when Israeli interests are thereby compromised. It is
almost as if the Egyptian army is overawed by Israeli forces, which
continued mobilizing. It must not be forgotten that Egypt has only just
gotten suppressed trouble in the Sinai region; a region which abuts Gaza,
and which Egypt only recovered from Israel after recognizing it and signing
with it the peace treaty Mursi is so carefully defending.
Pakistans government is courting Mursi enough to invite him over,
and for him to be accorded the honour of an address to a joint sitting of
Parliament. However, at this juncture, Pakistan must not be content merely
to follow the lead of the Arab countries on Palestine, but must remember that
the Quaid-i-Azam saw Palestine as allied to the Kashmir issue, because both
involved illegal occupations of Muslim lands. It was because of this that
Pakistan helped the Arab countries raise the issue in the UN when it first
arose.
However, both issues are seen by the ordinary Pakistani as of fellow
Muslims.
Whereas Palestine may be more distant than Kashmir, it does include
Jerusalem. However, it is this fellow feeling that is dangerous, not just for
the Americans, Russians and Syrian leaders, but also for Arab leaders. It may
be that those in Syria who are dying might not see it that way, but their fierce
determination to try Islam in place of the Baathist socialism they have
known for so many decades, has caused not just fear in the Assad regime,
but also among the superpowers supporting it. This is the fear that Syria
might be heading in the direction of a new caliphate.
Bashar al-Assad plays on this far when he says that the fall of his
regime would mean turmoil from the Atlantic to the Pacific. That phrase in
land terms echoes George Bushs remark about Morocco to the
Philippines. Especially after President Mursi showed his own inability to
stop the Zionist entity doing what it wanted to Palestinians; Palestinians
might realize that their only hope of a permanent solution lies in Muslim
forces of a Muslim state. Otherwise, they will once again be subjected to
similar treatment by Israelis.
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It should not be forgotten that what has happened to the people of

Gaza is not something that has happened for the first time. It seems almost
as if the Zionist entity only agreed to the Oslo Accords because it could see
that its army would perpetually dominate the Palestinian people in the land
they were given. However, such is the grasping nature of those ruling the
Zionist entity that they are not giving statehood even to the territories it
forcibly occupied in 1967. This shows how they use their control of the USA
to throw their weight around the region.
This should teach the Pakistan government and people certain
valuable lessons. First, it is pointless to recognize Israel. Second, it is useless
to expect US help in ending illegal occupations. Third, US friendship means
being subordinate to the Zionist lobby. (M A Niazi, TheNation 23rd
November)
Horror in Gaza: The Islamic bloc, instead of whispering a protest
every time such incidents occur, should come forward and impose economic
sanctions against Israel so that it can be reined in as done by the US
administration, who at the behest of Tel Aviv, imposed restrictions on Iran
for pursuing the much needed nuclear programme to meet its growing
demand for energy.
Regardless of the fact that the Israelis have openly threatened to attack
Iran and destroy its nuclear facilities, the Muslim countries failed to rise to
the occasion. However, it is no secret that Israel itself possesses nuclear
weapons that are a danger to the Muslim world.
As for Pakistan, in spite of being well aware about the serious gas and
electricity shortages, the US is pressurizing the PPP-led government to
abandon the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project that, if completed, will
improve the living standards of Pakistanis. Likewise, the US-Indo civil
nuclear agreement is another example of American bias.
It is unfortunate that most of the countries have surrendered to US
dictates. Except for some states like China, France and Germany that are
willing to take independent decisions. But they are not willing to make it
easy for the countries that dont have US support.
Reverting to the Gaza crisis; the efforts of Egyptian President
Mohammed Mursi to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and
Hamas is, indeed, commendable. Reportedly, the United Nations Security
Council has recognized and welcomed Egypts recent efforts to help end
violence in the Gaza Strip. Yet, one hopes that before such a tragedy occurs
148
again, the so-called enlightened Western world will take active steps to
ensure that it never happens again.
As said earlier, the Obama Administration must understand that unless
and until the right of Palestinians to exist as an independent country is
recognized, the Israel-Palestine conflict will go on. The sooner it intervenes,
the better it will be for the region and the world. (Azam Khalil, TheNation
23rd November)
Syria
Syrian regime in demolition mode: It is quite horrifying to see the
Syrian army bringing down whole neighbourhoods over the heads of its
citizens just to drive out a score of terrorists, as the Syrian regime calls
them. It usually takes a professional army of more than a hundred soldiers to
overcome a single armed person hiding inside an inhabited area. But in
Syria, the army does not believe in conventional military norms. Instead of
targeting the rebels inside buildings, it prefers to destroy the whole building
along with all its inhabitants all at once. Some lucky inhabitants would have
fled their homes long before the operations and thanks to what has been
known now as the Syrian genocide, millions of Syrians have been
rendered homeless or refugees, as millions of houses have been brought
down to the ground in order to vanquish the rebels. It is no wonder that a
Syrian satirist has likened what the army is doing to a hunter who wants to
shoot a bird standing on the head of an elephant, but instead kills the
elephant and misses the little bird.
No regime in modern history has used its air force so extensively to
pound populated areas. Even in Latin America, the rebels, during the 1960s
and 70s, attacked the ruling juntas from within the cities.
However, the fascist dictators never used aircraft to bomb or strafe the
rebels inside the towns. Yet, the regime in Syria did just that, whereby
several cities and villages have been ravaged and reduced to ashes by the
army.
It seems that the Syrian regime has no problem at all destroying the
house over the family simply because there is an armed rebel inside it.
(Faisal al-Qasim for Gulf News, reprinted in TheNation 6th November)
America
Muslim world and US interests: For the Muslim world, it is
Americas foreign policy that is the main preoccupation despite no change.
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Many leaders of the Muslim world welcome Obamas re-election, as they

believe America will continue to support and protect them. This is contrary
to the Muslim masses, who consider Obama a crusader just like his
predecessor - Bush. It can be said that for many Muslims, there is no
difference between Democrats and Republicans, as both are warmongers
eager to spill blood in the Muslim world to protect American interests.
Since September 2001, America has been at war with the Muslim
world. Firstly, Afghanistan and Iraq were the epicentres of this neo-crusade
and this swiftly expanded to the drone invasions of Pakistan, Yemen and
Somali under Obama. His first term ended with close support for Myanmar
whose government was responsible for the slaughter of Rohingya Muslims
on an unprecedented scale and the covert support for Assad to perpetrate
death and destruction on an immeasurable scale in Syria. Will Obamas
second term be any different?
Unlikely, as Americas hegemony in the Arab and wider Muslim
world is being challenged by the masses via the numerous uprisings. Most
prominent of which is Syria. The foremost lesson from all these revolts is
that the Muslim masses despise the suppression of Islam in their political
lives by America and the West. To counter this existential threat, America is
forced to engage deeper with the Muslim world to maintain its interests,
otherwise it runs the risk of losing them.
The question of ridding America is now the main obsession in the
Islamic world. This is likely to increase, as Obamas second term progresses
and more Islamic countries become victims of his presidency. Some
Muslims wrongly believe that the way to displace America is through
democratic elections. Others falsely adhere to the notion of militancy
directed against regimes that are supported by America as a means of
liberation. Both methods have failed in the past and will fail in the future.
The Arab revolts amply demonstrate that America uses the armies to
control the outcome of the democratic elections and counter rebels. So the
real agents of change are the armies of the Muslim world and nothing else. If
Muslims truly want to bring about a permanent change in their political
lives, then they will have to get the armies loyal to America and other
Western powers to switch sides.
But this is only one part of the solution. The other part is the political
vision. Most (if not all) political visions espoused in the Muslim world are
rooted in current nation state thinking. The vision advocated by those who
profess to offer an Islamic alternative is more akin to a secular state with
150
some Islamic dressing and a benign foreign policy. This is exactly what
America is endorsing in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere.
The only political vision that can lift the Muslim world out of its
subservience to colonial powers is the Caliphate. Hence, Muslims across the
Muslim world have to adopt this vision and demand that the armed forces
support it. Otherwise come 2017, the Islamic world will still be shackled to
American and Western hegemony. (Abid Mustafa, TheNation 14 th
November)
REVIEW
The Palestinians suffering at the hands of Zionist regime once again
received cold shoulder from the Muslim Ummah. The elders of OIC and
Arab League, Turkey and Saudi Arabia respectively, who had been jumping
around like monkeys on hot-tin roof over bloodshed in Syria, remained quite
indifferent to the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza.
They did not talk of throwing Israel out of Arab world nor did they
dare supplying some arms to Hamas for defending themselves. Only the
Turkish ruler rushed to Cairo, perhaps acting on commands of Obama;
otherwise he would have at least requested the US administration to tell
Netanyahu to show some mercy, rather than sending Palestinians back to
Stone Age.
Palestinians were not surprised by the Muslim worlds response as in
view of the past record they did not expect anyone coming to their help.
They, however, hoped that new Islamist President of Egypt would strongly
support them. They certainly counted on Mursi behaving differently from his
predecessor, Hosni Mobarak, who had closed border-crossing into Egypt
when last time Israel had massively exercised its right to defend.
Mursi too tried to exert diplomatically to save Palestinians from the
bloodshed. Despite his efforts he could not make much difference as he
could negotiate a ceasefire only after Israel had killed enough Gazans and
the Americans wanted a halt, of course, for the time being.
Mursi fell well short of the expectations of Gazans. But, even that
much diplomatic activism on his part was not approved by the Zionist
regime and its backers. The after-effects of which were felt in the form of
violent demonstrations across Egypt, which could be hijacked by the
masterminds of Arab Spring to make Mursi pay the price of the crime has
committed by negotiating a ceasefire.
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Unlike Mursi, Iran openly supported Hamas as Tehran had correctly

read that what was happening in Syrian and now in Gaza was aimed at
isolating Iran by neutralizing its supporters Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah.
As regards the patch-up between Hamas and Fatah in the wake of Israeli
aggression, it may not last long.
Amid the continuous saga of successes of the Crusaders, one of its
military commanders, General Petraeus made a disgraceful exit. The dronemaster with licence to kill anyone, anytime and anywhere across Islamic
world, resigned after having been caught by FBI indulging in activities
beyond the call of duty.
The distinguished American soldier of modern times proved
vulnerable to Paula Broadwell, his biographer. He, who has blood of tens of
thousands of innocent Muslims on his hands, was slain by a 40-year-old
mother of two without using any hellfire or even 9mm revolver. It was an
insider attack but not that could fall in Green-on-Blue category; it was all
Blue.
25th November, 2012
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INQILAB: FOR MANKIND

PART ONE
From the lowly state as described in the first and second volumes,
Allamah wanted the human beings elevated to the highest stature amongst
all the creations in the universe. This is the very purpose for which the Adam
was created.
The attainment of that high position, as narrated in this and the next
volume, is the sole objective of all the endeavours of Allamah, especially his
poetic works. He wanted to guide the human beings to attain such a position
of excellence for which even the angels would envy them.
During Allamahs times most of Asia and Africa were colonized by
European powers. The colonization results in degeneration of subjugated
people on multiple counts; political, economic, social, cultural, intellectual,
and even religious. This degeneration turns chronic corresponding to the
duration of the subjugation.
The chronic slaves, after having been treated as sub-humans by the
colonial masters for generations, tend to reconcile with the imposed fate.
They even lose the desire for freedom, barring a few exceptions. These
sensitive individuals among the enslaved masses keep longing for the
freedom earnestly.
They feel the need for bringing change by shaking up the status quo.
Once they ponder over the ways and means to bring a meaningful change,
they find that more than the masters; the enslaved people are themselves
more responsible for their pathetic plight. These thinkers start speaking out
with the hope of rekindling the desire of freedom that is in the nature of all
human beings.
This marks the beginning of phenomenon called Inqilab; the
reformation or revolution. In this stage the reformers aim at breaking that
aspect of the status quo which relates to the slaves apathy; their
misconceptions about the fate and resultant reconciliation with the imposed
misfortunes. They focus on instilling a realization in them that as human
beings they are no different from their masters.
The reformers role at this stage is that of a brick-maker. He prepares
the basic material for construction of a building that he has in his mind. The
153
dust (individual) has to be moulded into the required shape, by adding into
it the hydrant of Faith; the belief in the Creator and His creation.
After moulding, it has to be sun-baked (through practice of the Faith)
so that it benefits from the benevolence of the Nature. And then putting
through the furnace of hardships encountered in acquisition of self-belief the
baking process is completed. Each brick becomes so strong that it is not
only capable of staying where it is placed during the (nation) building, but
also provides strength to other bricks.
Once the desire for change is agitated in sufficient hearts and minds
the phenomenon evolves into second stage wherein the people recruited by
the reformers start openly crying for the change. The change has to be
comprehensive because of the wholesome degeneration of the enslaved
society or societies.
During subjugation the social values get polluted and stagnated as
these are, practiced sparingly and even discarded. Religious beliefs are
tempered with and become distorted both in theory and practice. Socioeconomic systems, which are exploitive, promote inequality and injustice.
Political dispensation turns suppressive; serving interests of the rulers
at the cost of the ruled. Knowledge fades away rapidly due to erosive effects
of the alien environments and corrosive nature of the absence of the quest
for knowledge.
The accumulated effect of all these ought to make the status quo
unbearable. It must end for the betterment, even survival, of any human
society. Allamah Muhammad Iqbal devoted his life for this noble cause,
using the God-gifted ability as a medium of communication. He wanted to
see all human beings free for which he addressed them directly.
Majority of the colonized humanity, however, was followers of Islam
and Allamah was one of them; therefore while describing the problems of
humanity as a whole references to Muslims, here and there, were
unavoidable. The subject matter itself made it obligatory to make a mention
of Muslims.
WORDS FOR READERS
In this chapter the poetical compositions that invite for change are
reproduced beginning with of the poems from Allamahs favourite book
titled Zabur-i-Ajam. The book contains the maximum bootey (plants) which
has been watered by the poet with khoon-e-jigar.
154
But, before that some verses in which he addressed the readers at the
beginning of his different books. In Masnavi Pas Chih Bayad Kard Ay
Aqwam-i-Sharq, Allamah informed his readers of about the purpose of his
poetical works:

Sepah-e-tazah bar-angaizam az walyat-e-ishq; keh dar Haram khatraey
az baghawat-e-khird ast.
[Mien molk-e-ishq sey niya lashkar bhharti kar raha hon, kiyuonkeh
Haram kay andar aqal ki baghawat ka khatrah paida ho gaya hai.]
I raise a new army from the Kingdom of Love; for there is danger of revolt
by the intellect against the Sanctuary.

Zamanah heich nadanad haqiqat-e-oo ra; janoon qaba ast kek mouzon
baqamat-e-khird ast.
[Zamanah janon ki haqiqat sey bilkol bikhabar hai; halnkeh yehi woh
qaba hai jo khird kay (qad-o) qamat kay leay mouzon hai.]
The world does not know the real nature of madness: It is a garment that fits
the intellect perfectly.
(Madness (Junun): It stands for Intuition and Love in contrast to Intellect
and Reason.)

Beh aan moqam rasidam cho dar barash kardam; tawaf-e- baam-o-dar-emann saadat-e-khird ast.
[Mien ney yeh qaba pehni tuo aisey moqam takk ponhach gaya keh khird
meyrey baam-o-dar kay tawaf ko apni saadat samajhti hai.]
Donning this garment, I attained to a station where it would be honour for
the intellect to walk around my house (like a pilgrim).

155
Goman mabar keh khird ra hasab-o-mizaan neist; nigah-e-bandah-eMomin qayamat-e-khird ast.

[Yeh goman nah kar keh khird kay leay hasab-o-mizaan naheen; mard-eMomin ki nigah khird ki qayamat hai.]
Dont think that the intellect is exempt from the final reckoning: One look
from the believer judges it as if on Judgment Day.
[Translated by B A Dar]
In Armaghan-i-Hijaz, Allamah appreciates those who opt for
recruitment in this army despite their materialistic deprivations:

Khosh an rahi keh samaney nagirad; dil-e-oo pund-e-yaraan kum
pazirad.
Beh aahey soz-naakash seinah bakoshaey, z-yakk aahash ghum-e-sadd
salah meirad.
[Khosh nasib hai woh mosafir, jo zaad-e-rah sey biniaz hai, jiss ka dil
doston ki nasihat qabool naheen karta (keh safar mein saman hona
chahey).
Oss ki aah-e-soz-naak kay samney apna seinah khhol dey; kiyuonkeh oss ki
eik aah sey suo saal ka ghum khatam ho jata hai (Iqbal apni taraf asharah
kartey hein).]
Hail the lucky seeker no goods who hikes to playmates counsels his heart
seldom likes.
So open the heart with his ruthful sigh, all gaps and griefs old would hitherto
die.
(The literal translation of this line is a hundred years grief by his sigh would
die. Actually he means that a hundred years distance can be crossed by his
deep sigh in a moment. It would be more appropriate to say No gaps and
griefs old would hitherto lie.)
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In Zarb-e-Kalim, Allamah cautioned every recruit to be prepared for
the intense struggle ahead:

Jabb takk nah zindagi kay haqaiq peh ho nazar; teyra zajaj ho nah sakkey
ga harif-e-sung.
[Zajaj: Shishah. Harif-e-sung: Pathar ka torr.]
Your glass can never match the stony rock, unless of facts with care you take
the stock.

Yeh zour-e-dast-o-zarbat-e-kaari ka hai moqam; maidan-e-jung mein nah
talab kar nawa-e-chung (saaz ki awaz).
Give proof of strength and strike a dreadful blow, when war is waging
strains of harp forego.

' ' ! '
Khoon-e-dil-o-jigar sey hai sarmayah-e-hayat; fitrat lahoo tarang hai
ghafil! Nah jall tarang.
[Lahoo tarang: Lahoo kay saaz ka naghmah. Jall tarang: Pani bharey
piyalon per zarb laga kar naghmey paida karma.]
The wealth of life is due to blood in veins, O man remiss! Love pain, shun
melodious strains.
In Bal-i-Jibril, the poet wrote a verse along with the title of the book;
it read:
157
Othh keh khurshid ka saman-e-safar tazah karein; nafas-e-sokhtah shaamo-sehar tazah karein.
Arise, and soar with the suns new-born rays, to breathe new life into dying
nights and days.
[Translated by Naeem Siddiqui]
Allamah then quoted Bartari Hari:

Phool ki patti sey kut sakta hai heeray ka jigar! Mard-e-nadan per kalame-narm-o-nazak biasar.
The heart of a diamond can be cut by the leaf of a flower; a soft and gentle
word has no effect on a stupid man!
[Translated by DJ Matthews]
Despite the reservation shown in the above quote, Allamah did not sit
back and instead spread his message more vigorously. Zabur-i-Ajam began
with these words for the readers:

Mi-shwad pardah-e-chashmam per-e-kahey gahey; deidah-um her duo
jahan ra beh nigahey gahey.
[Kabhi tuo eik maamooli tinka meyri ankh kay leay pardah bun jata hai
aur kabhi mien eik nigah sey duonon jahan dikhh leyta hon.]
Naught but the blade of a grass at times is the veil of mine eye: Yea, and at
times the two worlds in a glance are mine to descry.

Wadi-e-ishq basi door-o-darazst waley; taey shwad jaadah-e-sadd salah
beh aahey gahey.
158
[Wadi-e-ishq ka faslah barra door daraz hai; laikan kabhi suo saal ki rah
eik aah sey bhi taey ho jati hai.]
Far though the valley of Love be, a long and a terrible way, the path of a
hundred years may be traveled at times in a sigh.

Darr talab kosh-o-madeh daman-e-ommeid z-dast; doulatey hust keh
yaabi sar-e-rahey gahey.
[Tou bhi ossey paaney ki koshash kar aur daman-e-ommeid nah chhorr;
kabhi aisa bhi hota hai keh sar-e-rah doulat (-e-ishq) mil jati hai.]
Labour then in the Quest, nor yield Hopes grip from thy hand: A fortune at
times to win by the side of the road doth he!
[Translated by Arthur J Arberry]
In Part-One of Zabur-i-Ajam, he conveyed the following to the
readers in the form of a submission before Allah:

Z baroon darr gozashtam, zdaroon-e-khanah goftam; sakhon-e-nagoftaeyi
ra chih Qalandranah goftam.
[Mien ney bairooni darwazah chhor kar bhar kay andar ki baat ki hai; jo
kochh naheen kaha ja sakta thha, ossey Qalandaranah andaz mein keh diya
hai.]
I passed without the door, and, fervent as Qalander, spoke of the things
unspoken within the house that are.
Part-Two of Zabur-i-Ajam, began with following verse:

'
Shakh-e-nihal-e-Sidraheyi khar-o-khas-e-chaman mashuo; monkir-e-Oo
agar shodi monkir-e-khwaishtan ma-shuo.
159
[Tomm darakht-e-Sidrah ki shakh ho, apney aap ko bagh ka khar-o-khas nah

bana; agar Allah Taalla kay monkir ho tuo kum az kum apni azmat ka tuo
inkar nah kar.]
Branch of the Sidra tree thou art; be not the meadows straw and thorn: Though
thou deniest Him in thy heart, hold not thy Self in faithless scorn.
TO REGAIN HUMAN DIGNITY

The second part of Zabur-i-Ajam is about the significance of the
human beings among all the creations of the God. The man is undoubtedly
the best of creations of the Creator that has no equal.
However, the man degenerates to the lowest of the low due to his
acts and neglects in his worldly pursuits. Ironically, these acts and neglects
and the degeneration thereof results from the misuse of certain extraordinary
powers that the Creator has granted to no other creation.
Allamah observed that the humanity in his time was generally on the
downward slide. He wanted the unfortunate phenomenon to be reversed and
the human dignity restored.
All the poems from the second part of Zabur-i-Ajam, which are
reproduced herein, have been translated by Arthur J Arberry. The number as
per the order in which these appear in the original book is shown at the
beginning of each poem. This part begins with following verses:

Duo alam ra tawan deidan baminaey keh mun daram; koja chashmey
keh binand aan tamashaey keh mun daram.
[Meyrey pass jo jaam hai oss mein duonon jahan dikhhey ja saktey hein,
kahan hai woh ankhh jo woh dikhhey jissey mein dikh raha hon.]
In the flask that here I hold, both the worlds one may behold; wheres the
vision, to divine the wide vista that is mine?

Digar diwanaheyi ayad keh dar shehar afgand hoey; duo sadd hangamah
khaizad z-soudaey keh mun daram.
160
[Eik aur diwanah aya, jiss ney shehar mein naarah-e-mastanah boland
kiya, meyrey janon sey sainkaron hangamey paida ho rehey hein.]
Madman comes again to town crying clamour up and down: See, a hundred
riots start from the passion of my heart.

Makhor nadaan ghum az tariki-e-shabha keh miayad; keh choon anjam
darakhshad dagh-e-simaey keh mun daram.
[Nadan! Raaton ki tariki sey dilgir nah ho, meyri paishani peh jo dagh hai
woh sataron ki tarah chamak raha hai.]
Grieve not foolishly, my friend, lest the dark of night descend: Lo, the brand
upon my brow gleams in starry splendour now.

Nadim-e-khwaish mi-sazi mera laikan az aan tarsam; nadari taab aan
ashoob-o-ghoghaey keh mun daram.
[Tou mojhey apna saathi tuo banata hai laikan mien darta hon, keh tou
meyrey ashoob-o-ghogha ki taab naheen laa sakkey ga.]
Take me for thy comrade true; yet I fear, if so thou do, thou hast not the
strength to bear the vast tumult I prepare.
***** (1) *****

Bar khaiz keh Adam ra hangam-e-namood aamad; ein mosht-e-ghobarey
ra anjam beh sajood aamad.
Aan raaz keh poshidah dar seinah-e-hasti bood; az shokhi-e-aab-o-gill dar
goft-o-shoneid aamad.
[Othho keh Adam (ki azmat) kay azhar ka waqt aa-gaya hai, (dikhho!)
satarey iss mosht-e-khak ko sajdah kar rehey hein.
161
Woh raaz jo seinah-e-hasti mein poshidah thha, Adam-e-khaki ki shokhi ki

badoulat abb oss ki baatein aam honey lagi hein.]
Rise up! The hour is here that Adam shall appear; the stars bow, as they
must, to this handful of dust.
The secret, that at rest was hid in Beings breast, by Clay and Water stirred is
magically heard.
***** (2) *****

Meh-o-satarah keh dar rah-e-shouq ham-safarand; karishmah sanj-o-ada
fiham-o- sahib-e-nazarand.
Chih jalwah hast keh deidand dar kaff-e-khakey; qafa bajanib-e-aflaak
sooey ma nigarand.
[Chand sitarey jo rah-e-shouq mein hamarey hum-safar hein, woh
karishmah sanj, ada fiham aur sahib-e-nazar hein.
Maaloom naheen onnhein hamari mosht-e-ghobar mein kaya jalwey nazar
aatey hein, keh asmaan ki janib peithh kiey hamari taraf dikhh rehey hein.]
On the roadway of desire, swift to gaze and to aspire, glance-assaying, clear
of bead, moon and star together tread.
Say, what visions of delight in the dust amazed their sight, that they turned
them from the skies and have fixed on us their eyes.
***** (3) *****

Daroon-e-lalah gozar choon saba tawani kard; bayakk nafas girah-eghonchah wa-tawani kard.
[Saba ki manind gul-e-lalah kay andar dakhal hoa ja sakta hai, aur eik he
phoonk sey ghonchey ki girah kholi ja sakti hai.]
162
Thou canst pass, like mornings breeze, deep into the anemones, with a
single breath disclose the locked secrets of the rose.

Hayat chiest! Jahan ra asir-e-jan kardan, tou khod asir-e-jahani koja
twani kard.
[Hayat kaya hai? Jahan ko apna asir bana leyna, magar tou khod asir-ejahan hai tou yeh kaam kaisey kar sakta hai.]
What is Life? The world, and all, to make Spirits captive thrall: Since the
world has prisoned thee, how shalt thou bring this to be?

Moqadar ast keh masjood-e-mehr-o-meh bashi; waley hanooz nadani
chih-ha tawani kard.
[Teyrey moqadar mein hai keh tou masjood-e-mehr-o-mah baney, laikan
abhi tou janta naheen keh yeh kaam kiss tarah anjam pa sakta hai.]
Twas decreed, long since enow, sun and moon to thee should bow, but as
yet thou knowest not how thou canst achieve, and what.

Agar z-maeykadah-e-mun pialaheyi giri; z-mosht-e-khak jahaney bapa
twani kard.
[Agar tou meyrey maeykadey sey eik jaam ley lay, tou apni mosht-e-khak
sey niya jahan paida kar sakta hai.]
Take thou then a flask of wine from this tavern that is mine, and of one poor
clod of earth thou shalt bring a world to birth.

Chesaan beh seinah-e-charaghey farokhti Iqbal, beh khwaish anchih
tawani beh ma tawani kard.
[Iqbal tou ney apney seiney mein yeh charagh kaisey roshan kaya? Jo kochh
tou ney apney aap sey kiya, kaya woh hum sey naheen kar sakta.]
163
Iqbal! What bright lamp is it in thy bosom thou bast lit, that the things
thyself canst do thou in us canst fashion, too?
***** (5) *****

Zamanah qasad-e-tayyar aan dilaram ast; chih qasadey keh wajoodash
tamam paigham ast.
[Zamanah oss Mehboob (Allah Taalla) ka tezro qasad hai, kaya qasad hai
keh oss ka sara wajood he paigham hai.]
Time is the winged messenger of the Hearts Desire; wondrous herald!
Tidings fair is his life entire.

Goman mabar keh nasib-e-tou neist jalwah-e-dost; daroon seinah hanooz
aarzooey tou khaam ast.
[Yeh goman nah kar keh teyrey nasib mein jalwah-e-dost naheen, (baat yeh
hai keh) abhi teyrey seiney mein aarzoo napokhtah hai.]
Think not, thou shalt never win the Beloved to view: The desire thy breast
within still is raw, and new!

Griftam ein keh cho shaheen boland perwaazi; bihosh bash keh siyad-ema kohan daam ast.
[Mana keh tou shaheen ki tarah boland perwaaz hai; magar hoshiyar reh
keh hamara siyad porana shikari hai.]
Well I know that thou dost soar hawk-like high in air; yet beware the Fowler,
for ancient is his snare.

Beh ouj-e-mosht-e-ghobarey koja rasad Jibril; boland nami-e-oo az
bolandi-e-baam ast.
164
[Jibril Amin iss mosht-e-khak ki azmat kahan pa saktey hein keh, onn ki
boland naami tou bolandi-e-baam kay sabab hai.]
How may Gabriel aspire where Mans dust shall fly? If his present fame is
higher: Tis his roof thats high!

Tou az shomar-e-nafs zindaheyi namidaani; keh zindagi beh shakast-etalsim-e-ayyam ast.
[Tomm sans gin gin kay zindagi basar kar rehey ho kaya tomhein maaloom
naheen keh zindagi talsim-e-ayyam torrney ka naam hai.]
All thy life is breath to take, knowing not, frail man, that true living is to
break the days talisman.

Z-ilm-o-danish Maghrab hamein qadar goeyam; khosh ast aah-o-foghan
ta nigah nakaam ast.
[Maghrab kay ilm-o-danish kay motaalaq mien yehi keh sakta hon keh
jabb takk nigah (hosn-e-azal ka nazarah paney mein) nakaam hai, aah-ofoghan khoob hai.]
Of the science of the West this much I will speak: Sweet are sighs and tears
expressed while the gaze is weak.

Mann az Hilal-o-Chalipa digar neynadisham; keh fitnah diggrey dar
zamir-e-ayyam ast.
[Mojhey abb Hilal-o-Saleeb ki chapqalash ka khatrah naheen, kiyuonkeh
zamaney ki teh sey eik niya fitnah obhhar raha hai (ghalban communism ki
taraf asharah hai).]
Oer the Crescent and the Cross I am raised sublime; other tumult now doth
toss in the brain of Time.
***** (6) *****
165

Digar z-saadah dilihaey yaar natwan goft; nashistah bar sar-e-balein
mann z-darmaan goft.
[Iss sey ziyadah dost ki sadah dili kaya ho sakti hai keh, meyrey sarhaney
baithh kar ilaaj ki baatein kar raha hai (woh naheen samajhta keh woh khod
he meyri bimari ka ilaaj hai)]
Of the Friends ingenuous wit I can relate no more: By my pillow He did
sit, and spoke upon the cure!

Zoban agarchih dalir ast-o-modaa shirin; sakhon z-ishq chih goeyam joz
einkeh natwaan goft.
[Agarchih meyri zoban daliranah hai aur baat bhi shirin hai, magar ishq
kay baarey mein iss kay sawa kaya kahon keh kochh naheen kaha ja sakta.]
Though the tongue is bold enough, the argument right fair, what can I
declare of Love, save that none can declare?

Khosha kassey keh faro raft dar zamir-e-wajood; sakhon missal-e-gohar
bar kashid-o-aasan goft.
[Kaya khoob hai woh shakhs jo zamir-e-wajood mein ghotah-zann ho kar
motiyuon jaisi qimati baatein nikaal laya aur onnhein asaan zoban mein
keh diya.]
Happy he, who dared to reach deep into Beings brain and drew forth like
jewels speech, and fluent spoke again.

Kharab-e-lazzat anam keh choon shanakht mera; Ataab zir-e-labbi kardo-khanah veraan goft.
[Mien oss kay alfaaz ki lazzat per sarmast hon, keh oss ney mojhey atab-ezir-e-labbi sey (khanah veraan) kaha.]
166
Desolate with joy am I that, recognizing me, in reproach He whispered,

sly, poor, homeless vagrant, see!

Ghamin mashuo keh jahan raaz-e-khod baroon nadehadd; keh anchih
gul natwanast morgh-e-nalan goft.
[Parishan nah ho keh jahan apna raaz afsha naheen karta, jo baat phool
naheen keh sakta woh morgh-e-nalan kih deyta hai.]
Grieve not, that this world of ours its secret still conceals; what is speechless
to the flowers, the birds lament reveals.

Payam-e-shouq keh mun bi-hijab mi-goeyam; beh lalah qatrah-eshabnam raseed-o-penhan goft.
[Woh payam-e-shouq jo mien bi-hijab kah raha hon, qatrah-e-shabnam
ney ossey gull-e-lalah ko pehan kah diya hai.]
Passions message that anew I tell unfeignedly, to the tulip spoke the
dew, but spoke in secrecy.

Agar sakhon hamah shoridah goftah-um chih ajab; keh her keh goft zgaisooey-oo parishan goft.
[Agar meyri sari baatein shoridah (majnoonanah) hein tuo iss mein taajab
kaya hai, keh jiss ney bhi oss kay gaisoo-e-parishan ki baat ki oss ney yehi
kaha.]
If my speech is all distraught, what wonder were in this? Of His tresses who
speaks aught, his tale distressful is.
***** (7) *****

167

Khird az zouq-e-nigah garm-e-tamasha bood ast; ein keh joendah-oyabindah-e-her moujood ast.
Jalwah-e-pak talab az meh-o-khurshid gozar; zankeh her jalwah darein
dir nigah aloodah ast.
[Khird jo her moujood ki jostajoo karti aur ossey paati rehi hai, woh zouq-enazar ki wajah sey garm-e-tamashah hai.
Magar tou jamal-e-haqiqi ka jalwah talab kar, meh-o-khurshid sey agey
gozar ja kiyuokeh iss kainat ka her jalwah nigah alood hai.]
Mind, that is ever questing, and finding, without resting, fired by the joy of
viewing was vision still pursuing.
Seek thou pure revelation past sun and moons low station, for all things
here reported by vision are distorted.
***** (8) *****

Ghulam-e-zindah dilanam keh ashiq sirrah and; nah khanqah-enashinan keh dil bakas nadehand.
[Mien aisey zindah dilon ka ghulam hon jo Hosn-e-Haqiqi kay ashiq hein,
nah kay onn khanqah nashinon ka jo soz-e-mohabat sey khali hein.]
I am the slave of each living heart whose love is pure, refined; not cloistered
monks who dwell apart, their hearts to none resigned.

Beh aan diley keh barung ashna-o-birung ast; ayyar-e-Masjid-o-maeykhanah-o-sanam kadah and.
[Woh zindah dil rung ashna bhi hein aur birung bhi, yehi loug Masjid, maekhanah aur sanam kadah kay leay miyyar hein.]
With such a heart as knows the hue, yet from all hue is free; in mosque, and
inn, and temple, too, the touchstone sure they be.
168

Nigah az meh-o-parveen boland-tar darand; keh ashiyan bagriyban-ekehkashan nanehand.
[Onn ki nigah meh-o-parveen sey boland-tar hai, woh kihkashan ko bhi
apney ashiyaney kay leay pasand naheen kartey.]
Beyond the moon and Pleiades their gaze is lifted high; the Milky Way
contents not these for them to nest thereby.

Baroon z-anjamey darmiyan-e-anjamey;
anchonaan keh ba hamah and.
bakhalwat
and
waley
[Woh anjaman mein rehetey hoey bhi anjaman sey la-taalaq hotey hein,
hein woh khalwat mein magar her kissi kay saath bhi hein.]
Within the multitude are they, yet out of it withal; in spirits solitude they
stay, while dwelling amid all.

Bachashm kum manigar ashiqaan-e-sadiq ra; keh ein shakastah bihayan
mataa-e-qaflah and.
[Inn ashiqaan-e-sadiq ko haqarat sey nah dikh, keh yeh bazahar kum qimat
nazar aatey hein magar darasal yehi mataa-e-insaniyat hein.]
Regard not meanly, nor despise the truly loving man; though little worth, tis
merchandise fit for Lifes caravan.

Beh bangaan-e-khat-e-azadgi raqam kardand; chonankeh Sheikh-oBrahman shaban-e-biramah and.
[Woh ghulamon ko azadi ka perwanah atta kartey hein, kiyuonkeh Sheikho-Brahman amir-e-biqaflah ki manind hein.]
169
The charter of their liberty is writ for slaves to keep; and now the Sheikh and
Brahman be shepherds without their sheep.

Piyalah gir keh maey ra halal mi-goyand; hadis agarchih gharib ast
raviyan saqah and.
[Piyalah othha kar kehtey hein keh sharab halal hai, hadis agarchih ghair
maaroof hai magar ravi saqah hai.]
Take thou the goblet in thy hold; wine lawful is, they tell although the tale be
strange, tis told by speakers credibl.
***** (10) *****

Takiyah bar hojjat-o-ijaz-o-biyan neiz konand; kaar-e-Haq gah beh
shamshir-o-sanan neiz konand.
[Kabhi dalaeyl aur fasahat sey bhi kaam leytey hein, aur kabhi Haq ko
phailaney kay leay shamshir-o-sanan bhi istimal kartey hein.]
Faith depends on arguments and on magic eloquence; yet anon men serve
the Lord with the lance and fearless sword.

Gah bashad keh teh-e-khirqah zirah mi-poshand; ashiqaan bandah-ehaal and-o-chonan neiz konand.
[Kabhi khirqah kay neichey zirah bhi pehan leytey hein keh ehl-e-mohabat
ishq kay taqazon kay motabiq chaltey hein.]
Oft the dervish robes conceal underneath a coat of steel; lovers, slaves to
passions mood, with such armour are endued.

Choon jahan kohnah shwadd pak basozand oo-ra; Oz haman aab-o-gill
eijad-e-jahan neiz konand.
170
[Jabb dunya farsoodah ho jati hai tou oss ka naam-o-nishan mita deytey
hein, aur pher issi aab-o-gill sey niya jahan paida kartey hein.]
When the world too old is grown, it is burst and overthrown, then its water
and its clay men for new foundation lay.

Hamah sarmayah-e-khod ra beh nigahey badehand; ein chih qoumey ast
keh souda baziyan neiz konand.
[Woh eik nigah-e-mohabat kay leay apna sara sarmayah dey deytey hein,
yeh kaisey loug hein keh khoshi khoshi noqsan ka souda kar letey hein.]
Stored and cherished capital, for one glance they yield it all: What a people
these, who take profit of the loss they make!

Anchih az mouj-hawa ba perkahey kardand; ajabey neist keh ba koh-egraan neiz konand.
[Jo kochh mouj-e-hawa perkah sey karti hai, yehi kochh ashiqaan-e-Khuda
koh-e-garan sey bhi kar sakktey hein.]
What upon a blade of grass Ether-borne they bring to pass, tis not strange
that they can prove, ponderous mountain chains to move.

Ishq manind-e-mataey ast beh bazaar-e-hayat; gah arzaan bafaroshando-graan neiz konand.
[Ishq bhi bazaar-e-hayat ki mataa hai, kabhi yeh mataa sasti mill jati hai
aur kabhi is ski bohat qimat ada karna parrti hai.]
Love is as a merchandise; in Lifes marketplace it lies, now at little price is
sold, and anon for mighty gold.

Ta tou bidar shawi nalah kashidam warnah, ishq kaarey ast keh bi-aah-ofoghan neiz konand.
171
[Mien ney aah-o-nalah sey iss leay kaam leya hai ta-keh tou bidar ho jaey,
warnah ishq aisa kaam hai jo aah-o-foghan kay baghair bhi saranjam pa
sakta hai.]
I have sung lamentingly out of sleep to waken thee, else is Love a labour
done sighlessly, without a groan.
***** (11) *****

Cho mouj must-e-khodi baash-o-sar batoofan kash; tera keh goft keh
banashin-o-pa badamaan kash.
[Mouj ki manind must-e-khodi reh aur toofan kay andar sey sar othha,
tojhey kiss ney kaha hai keh tou baithh reh aur jadd-o-jehadd chhor dey.]
Drunk with self hood like a wave plunge into the stormy lave; who
commanded thee to sit with thy skirts about thy feet?

Baqasd-siyad-e-palang az chaman sara barkhaiz; bakoh rakht gosha
khaimah dar biyaban kash.
[Cheetay kay shikar kay leay chaman sey nikal khharra ho, paharr per
ponhach aur jungle mein dera daal.]
Let the tiger be thy prey; leave the mead and flowers gay, out toward the
mountain press, tent thee in the wilderness.

Beh mehr-o-mah kamand galoo fishaar andaz; sitara ra z-falak gir-odarr giribaan kash.
[Mehr-o-mah per mazboot kamand daal, asmaan kay sitarey torr aur apney
giriban mein daal ley.]
Cast thy strangling rope on high, circle sun and moon in sky, seize a star
from heavens sphere, stitch it on thy sleeve to wear.
172

Griftam einkeh sharab-e-khodi bassey talkh hast; badard-e-khwaish nigar
zehar-e-ma badarmaan kash.
[Mana keh sharab-e-khodi bohat talkh hai, magar apni bimari dikhh aur iss
kay ilaj kay leay hamara zehar pee-ley.]
Selfhoods wine, as I have guessed, tart and bitter is to taste, yet regard thy
pain within drain our desperate medicine.
***** (13) *****

Z-sultan konam arzooey nigahey; Mosilmanam az gill nasaazam elahey.
[Padshahon sey nigah-e-iltifaat ki arzoo karon, Mosilman mitti ka khuda
naheen banata.]
Of the Sultan I would take one gaze, if so I may; Muslim I; I do not make a
god of clay.

Dil biniazey keh darr seinah daram, gada ra dehadd shiwah-e-padshahey.
[Meyrey seiney kay andar jo dil-e-biniaz hai, woh gadaon ko shahanah
andaz karta hai.]
See, the independent heart that in my breast I bear to the beggar doth
impart a regal air.

Z-gardoon fatad anchih bar lalah-e-mun, frou raizam oo-ra beh barg-egiahey.
[Meyrey lalah-e-qalb per asman sey jo kochh nazil hota hai, mein ossey
barg-e-giah takk poncha deyta hon.]
173
What doth on the tulip fall out of the starry sky, oer the verdant herbage
all now scatter I.

Cho parveen frou naiyad andaishah-e-mun; beh darwizah-e-partuo-emehr-o-mahey.
[Meyra fikr parveen ki manind bolandi sey neichey ottar kar, mehr-o-meh
sey roshni ki gadaeyi naheen karta.]
Ranging through the Infinite my thought begs never boon, as the Pleiades
crave light from sun and moon.

Agar aftabey sooey mun khramad; beh shokhi-e-bagardanam oo-ra zrahey.
[Agar aftab meyri janab chal kay aaey tuo mein az reh-e-shokhi ossey
rastey sey wapas kar don.]
But if any wandering sun toward my path should stray, with a smile I make
it run far from the way.

Beh aan aab-o-taabey keh fitrat babakhshad; darkhsham cho barqey beh
abr-e-siahey.
[Fitrat ney mojhey woh aab-o-taab atta ki hai keh mien abr-e-siah mein
barq ki manind chamakta hon.]
With the lustre and the flame that Nature hath endowed like a lightning-flash
I gleam in a dark cloud.

Reh-o-rasm-e-farmanrwaiyan shnasam, kharaan bar sar-e-baam-oYousaf bachahey.
[Mien farmanrawaon kay taur tariqey pehchanta hon, woh gadhon ko
oopar othhatey hein aur Yousaf koein mein phainktey hein.]
174
Well I know the wont and way of them that rule, aloof Josephs in the well,
and they asses on roof!
***** (14) *****

Ba-nashah-e-darvaishi dar saaz-o-dumadum zann, choon pokhtah shawi
khod ra bar saltanat-e-Jam zann.
[Her dum darvaishi kay nashey mein must reh, jabb faqr mein pokhtah ho
jaaey tuo pher saltnat-e-Jam kay khilaf maarkah ara ho.]
Like the dervish drunken be quaff the winecup instantly, and, when thou art
bolder grown, hurl thyself on Jamshids throne.

Goftand jahan-e-ma aya batou mi-saazad, goftam nami-saazad goftand
keh barham zann.
[Mojh sey poochha kaya hamara jahan tojhey mawafiq aya, mien ney arz
kiya, mawafiq tuo naheen aya, kehney lagey issey zir-o-zabar kar dey.]
This our world, they asked of me, ist congenial to thee? Nay, I
answered; and they cried, break and strew it far and wide!

Darr maey kadah-ha deidam shaistah harifey neist, ba rastam dastan
zann ba moghbachah-ha kum zann.
[Mien ney dikhha hai maey-kadon mein koeyi shiyan-e-shan madd-emoqabal naheen, taqatwaron kay saath punjah aazmaeyi karni chahiey
moghbachon sey naheen.]
In the taverns I saw none meet to be companion; get thee less with tavernboys smite with Rustam and rejoice!
175

Ay lalah-e-sehraeyi tanha natwani sokht, ein dagh-e-jigar taabey bar
seinah-e-Adam zann.
[Ay lalah-e-sehraeyi tanhaeyi mein jalna manasab naheen, apney dagh-ejigar taab sey Adam kay seiney kay andar bhi soz paida kar.]
Tulip in the desert bright, burn thou not in lonely light; let thy heart
consuming glow blaze in Adams bosom, too.

Tou soz-e-daroon-e-oo. tou garmey khoon-e-oo; bawar nakoni chakey dar
paikar-e-alam zann.
[Tou he kainat ka soz-e-daron hai, teyri wajah sey iss kay khoon mein
hararat hai; itibar nah aaey tuo iss kay paikar mein shagaf daal kar dikhh
ley.]
Thourt His fiery inward mood, thou the fever of His blood; dost thou not
believe? Go; rend this worlds body, end to end.

Aqal ast charagh-e-tou nar rahgozarey neh, ishq ast ayyagh-e-tou ba
bandah-e-mehram zann.
[Aqal teyra charagh hai tou ossey rastey per rakhh dey (takeh sabb oss sey
roshni hasil karein), agar teyrey pass ishq ka piyalah hai tou pher kissi
mehram ko shikar kar.]
Is the Mind thy lamp? To-day, set it out upon the war; if thy beaker Love?
Drink wine with some trusty mate of thine.

Lakht-e-dil per khooney az deidah frou raizam, laaley z-badakhshanam
bardar-o-bakhatam zann.
176
[Mien ankhhon sey anson ki surat apney dil per khoon kay tokkrrey gira
raha hon, keh meyrey badakhshan kay yeh laal othha ley aur aungothhi
mein jarr ley.]
Ah, my heart is all aglow, from mine eves the blood streams flow; see, my
ruby offering; take, and wear this in thy ring.
***** (16) *****

Farishtah garchih baroon az talism-e-aflaak ast, nigah-e-oo
batamashaey ein kaff-e-khak ast.
[Agarchih farishtah talism-e-aflaak sey bahar hai, ta-hum oss ki nazar iss
kaff-e-khak (oulaad-e-Adam) ki koshash-o-mehnat per hai.]
Although the Angel dwells beyond the talisman of the skies, yet on this hand
of dust in fond affection rest his eyes.

Goman mabar keh ba-yakk shaiwah-e-ishq mi-baznad, qaba badosh-egul-o-lalah bi-janoon chaak ast.
[Yeh goman nah kar keh ishq ka eik he andaz hai, gul-o-lalah ki qaba
baghair janon kay bhi chaak hai.]
Think not upon one fashion goes the game of lore forlorn; sane are the tulip
and the rose and yet their robe is torn.

Hadis-e-shouq ada mi-tawaan bikhalwat-e-dost, beh nalaheyi keh zalaiysh-e-nafas pak ast.
[Khalwat-e-dost mein shouq ki baat oss nalah sey ada ki ja sakti hai, jo
nafsani khwahishat ki alaiysh sey pak ho.]
The tale of passion told may be where the Friend sojourneth alone, with a
lament thats free of all defiling breath.
177

Tawaan garift z-chashm-e-sitarah mardam ra, khird badast-e-tou
shaheen-e-tond-o-chalak ast.
[Tomharey haath mein khird eik tond-o-chalak shaheen hai, jiss ki madad
sey sitaron ki ankhh sey potli nikali ja sakti hai (tou apni mozmar
slahiyaton sey pardah othha).]
So from a star a man may clutch the apple of its eye; mind is a falcon at his
touch eager and swift to fly.

Koshadey chehrah keh ankas keh Lan Tarani goft, hanooz montazir-ejalwah-e-khak ast.
[Kiyuonkeh woh zaat jiss ney Lan Tarani kaha thha abhi takk iss baat ki
montazir hai keh koeyi insan apney andar oss ka jalwah dikhhney ki
istidaad paida karey.]
Unveil thy face; for He who spoke, Thou shalt not gaze on Me a hand of
dust in view to take still waiteth patiently.

Darein chaman keh sarood ast-o-ein nawa z-kojast, keh ghonchah sar-egriyban-o-gul araqnaak ast.
[Iss chaman mein insan ki azmat ka geet kiss ney gaya aur yeh awaz kahan
sey aeyi, jissey sonn kar ghonchah ihsaas-e-kamtari sey sar bagriyban aur
phool ka chehrah nadamat sey araqnaak hai.]
Who sang within the flowery mead? Say, whence his anthem came that lo!
The rosebud hides her head, the roses blush for shame.
***** (17) *****
178
Arab keh baaz dehadd mehfil-e-shabanah kojast, Ajam keh zindah konad
rood-ashiqanah kojast.
[Woh Arab kahan hai jo pher wohi mehfil-e-shabanah sajaey, kahan hai
woh Ajam jo darya-e-ishq (tasawwaf) ko az sar-e-nuo zindah karey.]
Where is the Arab, to revive the old night-revelry, and where the Persian, to
bring alive the love-lutes minstrelsy?

Bazir-e-khirqah-e-piraan saboo-ha chih khali ast, foghan keh kass nah
shanasad mi-joanah kojast.
[Sufiya kay pass khirqah tuo hai laikan onn ki saboo (maarafat) sey khali
hai. Faryad! Keh koeyi naheen pehchanta keh woh maey jawan (ishq-eElahi) kahan hai.]
Under the Sufi elders gown the flagon is bare and dry: Alas, for none can
tell in the town where young red wines to buy.

Darein chaman-kadah her kass nashimaney saazad, kassey saazad-o-wa
sozad ashiyanah kojast.
[Iss bagh-e-jahaan mein her koeyi nashiman banata hai, aisa shakhs
kahan hai jo ashiyanah bana kar phoonk dey.]
Every man in this grassy mead fashions and takes his rest, but where is he,
ah, where indeed, who will make, and burn, his nest?

Hazar qaflah biganah-war deid-o-gozasht, diley keh deid beh andaz-emehrmanah kojast.
[Hazaron qafley biganah-war dikhhtey hoey gozar geay, aisa shakhs
kahan hai jo dunya ko mehrmanah andaz sey dikhhey.]
A thousand caravan-trains have stared like a stranger, and then passed on,
but he that close as a lover dared to gaze is there anyone?
179

Cho mouj khaiz-o-beh yam-e-javidanah mi-awaiz, kranah mi talabi? Bikhabar kranah kojast.
[Mouj ki tarah othh aur samandar sey msalsal kashmakash jari rakhh, Tou
sahal ki talash mein hai? Bikhabar! Sahal kahan hai.]
Rise like a wave, and surging flow in the ocean eternally? Thou seekst the
shore, and dost not know where ever the shore may be.

Biaa keh dar ragg-e-taaq-e-tou khoon-e-tazah daweid, digar magoey keh
aan badah-e-moghanah kojast.
[Dikhh keh teyri raggon mein khoon-e-tazah daurr raha hai, abb nah keh
keh woh badah-e-moghan kahan hai.]
Hither (for in thy tendrils vein the fresh young blood doth bound) hither
hasten, nor ask again where the Magian wine is found.

Bayakk naward faruo paich-e-rozgaraan ra; z-dir-o-zood gozashti digar
zamanah kojast.
[Eik he jhapat mein zamaney ko dapoch ley, agar tou dir-o-zood sey nikal
jaaey tuo pher zamanah kahan?]
Twist into one vast war-array all ages that ever were; later and sooner are
passed away; where now is Time, ah, where?
***** (18) *****

Manind-e-baad-e-saba khaiz-o-wazidann digar amoz; damaan-e-gul-olalah kashidann digar a.moz. Andar dilak ghonchah khazidann digar
amoz.
180
[Othh aur dobarah saba ki tarah chalna seikhh, pher sey gul-o-lalah ki
shagoftgi ka bais bann, pher dil-gariftah ghonchey kay andar otarna
seikhh.]
Rise like the morning air and learn to blow again; tulip and rose are fair;
play gently with their train, deep in the rosebuds heart learn how to stab thy
dart.

Moinah beh bar kardi-o-bi-zouq tapeidi; angonah tapeidi keh bajaey
narasidi; dar anjaman-e-shouq tapeidan digar amoz.
[Godrri pehan lee aur bizouq tarrapna shoroa kar diya, aisa tarrpa keh
kaheen nah pohanch saka; anjaman-e-shouq mein haqiqi tarrap seikhh.]
Though ermine wraps thy breast, thou tremblest listlessly; this way thou
shiverest, will nothing profit thee; in the assembly learn with love to shake
and burn.

Kafir dil-e-awarah digar barah beh oo bund; her khwaish kosha deidahoo-az ghair farobund: Deidan digar amoz, nadeidan digar amoz.
[Kafir apney dil-e-awarah kop her iss zaat kay saath wabastah kar;
ghairon ko dikhhney sey nazar bund kar aur apney aap ko dikhh: Dikhhna
ya na dikhhna dobarah seikhh.]
Faithless! Thy heart astray, once more upon Him bind; break from all else
away, nor unto Self be blind: Learn with thy eyes to view, and how to close
them, too.

Dum chiest payam ast shoneidi nashoneidi; dar khaak-e-tou yakk jalwahe-aam ast nadeidi: Deidan digar amoz, shoneidan digar amoz.
181
[Sans kaya hai? payam-e-dost hai, tou ney sona ya naheen sona, teyri khak
mein hosn-e-azal ka jalwah-e-aam hai magar tou ney naheen dikhha: Pher
sey dikhhna aur sonana seikhh.]

Ma chasham-e-oqab-o-dil-e-shahbaz nadarim; choon morgh-e-sara
lazzat-e-perwaz nadarim: ay morgh-e-sara khaiz-o-pareidan digar amoz.
[Hum chasham-e-oqab aur dil-e-shahbaz naheen rakhhtey, hum morgh-esara ki manind lazzat-e-perwaz sey na-ashna hein: Ay morgh-e-sara! othh
aur pher sey orrna seikhh.]
No falcons heart of rage we have, no eagles eye; like home birds in a cage
we lack the joy to fly; home birds encaged! Arise and soar into the skies.

Takht-e-Jam-o-Dara sar-e-rah-e-nafaroshand; ein koh-e-garan ast
bakahey nafaroshand: Ba khoon-e-dil-e-khwaish kharidan digar amoz.
[Jam-o-Dara ka takht yuon he naheen dey deytey, yeh koh-e-gran tinkay
kay ewaz farokht naheen kiya jata: Ossey dobarah apney khoon-e-dil sey
kharidna seikhh.]
Darius royal throne men sell not by the way; that mighty mount of stone
they barter not for hay: Learn with thy own hearts blood to purchase thee
this good.

Nalidi-o-taqdir haman ast keh bood ast; aan halqah-e-zinjir hamaan ast
keh bood ast: nomeid mashuo nalah kashidan digar amoz.
[Tou ney bohat foghan ki magar teyri taqdir wohi rehi jo thhi, tou oss kay
halqah-e-zinjir ko nah torr saka: Naommeid nah ho eik bar pher koshash
kar.]
182
Thou weepst; yet Destiny, unchanging doth abide; the chain that circleth
thee was aye as firmly tied: Despair not, but anew learn how to weep for rue.

Wa sokhtaheyi yakk sharar az dagh jigar gir, yakk chund bakhod paich-oniestan hamah dar gir; choon shoalah bakhashak daweidan digar amoz.
[Jall, bojha? Dagh-e-jigar sey eik sharar aur ley, zara apney aap ko
sanbhaal aur sarey niestan per chha ja; shoalah bun kar eik bar pher
khashak ko jala dey.]
Art thou consumed? Take flame out of thy hearts desire and wrap thee in the
same and set the reeds afire; along the stubble learn to run a torch, and burn!
***** (19) *****

Ay ghonchah-e-khwabeidah cho nargis-e-nigraan khaiz: kashanah-e-ma
raft bataraj-e-ghumaan khaiz; az nalah-e-morgh-e-chaman az bangazaan khaiz; az garmi-e-hangamah-e-atash nafsaan khaiz.
Az khwab-e-garaan, khwab-e-garaan, khwab-e-garaan khaiz! Az khwabe-garaan khaiz!
[Ay ghonchah-e-khwabeidah nargis ki manind dikhhta hoa othh; dikhh
hamarey ghar ko ghumon ney taakht-o-taraj kar diya hai; taer-e-chaman
kay nalah sey othh, bang-e-azaan sey othh; atash biyanon ki garmi-e-awaz
sey othh.
Iss khwab-e-garan, khwab-e-garan, khwab-e-garan sey bidar ho! Khwabe-garan sey bidar ho!]
Little flower fast asleep, rise narcissus-like, and peep; Lo, the bower droops
and dies wasted by cold griefs; arise! Now that birdsong fills the air and
183
muezzins call to prayer, listen to the burning sighs of the passionate hearts,
and rise!
Out of leaden sleep, out of slumber deep: Arise! Out of slumber deep: Arise!

Khurshid keh pairaiyah-e-baseemaey sehar hust; awaizah bagosh-esehar az khoon-e-jigar hust; az dasht-o-jabal qaflah-ha rakht-e-safar
hust; ay chashm-e-jahan bein batamashaey jahan khaiz.
[Aftab ney sehar ki paishani ko moziyyan kar diya hai; oss ney sehar kay
kaan mein apney khoon-e-jigar ka awaizah latka diya hai; dasht-o-jabal sey
qafley safar per chal nikley hein; ay chashm-e-jahan bein tou bhi
tamashey jahan kay leay othh.
Now the sun, that doth adorn with his rays the brow of morn, doth suffuse
the cheeks thereof with the crimson blush of love. Over mountain, over plain
caravans take route again; bright and world-beholding eyes, gaze upon the
world, and rise!
184
Khawar hamah manind-e-ghobar sar-e-rahey ast; yakk nalah-e-khamosho-asar bakhtah aahey ast; her zarrah ein khak-e-girah khordah nigahey
ast; az Hind-o-Samarqand-o-Iraq-o-Hamdan khaiz.
[Sara Mashraq ghobar-e-sar-e-rah ki manind hai; yeh nalah-e-khamosh aur
bi-asar aah bun choka hai; iss khak ka her zarrah aisi nigah ki manind hai
jo rokk choki ho; tou Hind, Samarqand, Iraq aur Hamdan sey othh.
All the Orient doth lie like strewn dust, the roadway by; or a still and bushed
lament and a wasted sigh and spent: Yet each atom of this earth is a gaze of
tortured birth. Under Inds and Persias skies, through Arabias plains, O
rise!

Daryaey tou daryast keh asoodah cho sehrast; daryaey tou daryast keh
afzoon nashod-o-kast; biganah-e-ashoob-o-nahung ast chih daryast; az
seinah-e-chaakash sift-e-mouj-e-rawaan khaiz.
[Teyra darya sehra ki manind porsakoon hai; yeh kaisa darya hai jo toofano-nahung sey khali hai; abb tou iss kay seinah-e-chaak sey mouj-rawan ki
manind othh.
See, thy ocean is at rest, slumbrous as a desert waste; yea, no waxing or
increase eer disturbs thy oceans peace. Neer thy ocean knoweth storm or
185
Leviathans dread swarm; rend its breast and, billow-wise swelling into
tumult, rise!

Ein noktah kashaiyndah asrar-e-nehan ast; molk ast tun-e-khaki-o-Din
rooh-e-rawaan ast; tun zindah-o-jan zindah z-rabt-e-tun-o-jan ast: Bakhirqah-o-sajjadah-o-shamshir-o-sanaan khaiz.
[Yeh baat asrar-e-nehan ko wazih karti hai; keh tun-e-khaki molk hai aur
Din oss ki rooh-e-rawan hai; tun-o-jan dounon ki zindagi aapas kay rabt
sey wabastah hai; yeh noktah samajh ley khirqah, sajjadah aur shamshir-osanan ley kar othh.
Listen to this subtlety that reveals all mystery: Empire is the bodys dust;
spirit, true Religions trust; body lives and spirit lives by the life their union
gives. Lance in hand, and sword at thighs, cloaked, and with thy prayer mat,
rise!
186
Namoos-e-azal ra tou amini tou amini; daray jahan ra tou yasari tou
yamini; ay bandah-e-khaki tou zamani tou zamini; sehbaey yaqin darkash-o-az Deir-e-goman khaiz.
[Tou he serr-e-azal ka amin hai; tou padshah-e-jahan ka dast-o-bazoo hai;
ay bandah-e-khaki tou zamani bhi aur zamini bhi; sehbaey yaqin pee aur
zun-o-goman kay bottkadey sey nikal.
Thou art true and worshipful guardian of eternal Rule; thou the left hand and
the right of the World-possessors might. Shackled slave of earthy race, thou
art Time, and thou art Space: Wine of faith that fear defies, drink, and from
doubts prison rise!

Faryad az Afrang-o-dilawaizi-e-Afrang; faryad z-shirini-o-pervaizi-eAfrang; alam hamah veranah z-Chingaizi-e-Afrang; maamar-e-Haram
baz beh taamir-e-jahan khaiz.
[Afrang aur oss ki dilawaizi sey faryad! Afrang ki dilrobaeyi aur heilahgari sey faryad! Sari dunya Afrang ki Chingaizi sey veraan ho choki hai.
Maamar-e-Haram! Jahan ki az sar-e-nau taamir kay leay othh.
Against Europe I protest, and the attraction of the West: Woe for Europe and
her charm, swift to capture and disarm! Europes hordes with flame and fire,
187
desolate the world entire; architect of Sanctuaries, Earth awaits rebuilding;

rise.
***** (20) *****

Jahan-e-ma hamah khak ast-o-pey saper gardad; nadanam ein keh nafshaey raftah bar gardad.
[Hamari dunya khak ki manind pamal ho choki hai, mien naheeb samajhta
keh poraney lamhaat pher kabhi wapas aein.]
Our world is dusty clay trampled upon the way; I do not think our breath
returneth out of death.

Shabey keh gor-e-gharibaan nashiman ast oo-ra; meh-o-sitarah nadard
chisaan sehar gardad.
[Gor-e-gariban ki raat meh-o-sitarah naheen rakhhti; oss ki sehar kaisey
ho sakti hai.]
This night, whose only home is in the strangers tomb; no moon, no stars
here burn; to dawn how shall it turn?

Diley keh taab-o-tabb-e-layazaal mi-talbad; kira khabar keh shwadd barq
ya sharar gardad.
[Woh dil jo tabb-o-taab-e-javidan ka talbgar hai, kissey khabar keh woh
barq bann kar kissi per girta hai ya sharar bann kar kissi ko phoonk deyta
hai.]
The heart, whose whole desire I quenchless flame and fire, who knows, if it
shall grow to lightning flash, or glow?
188

Nigah-e-shauq-o-khayal-e-boland-o-zouq-e-wajood; ma-taras azin keh
hamah khak-e-rehgozar gardad.
[Yeh nigah-e-shauq, yeh khayal-e-boland aur zouq-e-hayat; khouf nah khha,
yeh sabb cheezin khak-e-rehgozar naheen bann saktein.]
High fancy, passions glance, and lifes exuberance, fear not, for these all
three dust of the road shall be.

Chonan ba-zee keh agar marg-e-mast marh-e-dwaam; Khuda z-kardahe-khod ra sharamsar-ter gardad.
[Iss tarah zindagi basar kar keh agar hamari mout marg-e-dwaam sabat ho
tou khaliq ko bhi iss takhliq per afsos ho.]
So live, that if our death for aye continueth, God shall be shamed, to know
what things He wrought below.
***** (23) *****

Az nawa bar mun qiyamat raft-o-kas agah neist; paish-e-mehfil joz bamo-zir-o-moqam-o-rah neist.
[Meyri nawa sey mojh per qiyamat gozar gaeyi hai, laikan kissi ko khabar
naheen, mehfil sirf awaz kay zir-o-bam aur moqam-o-rah he ko dikhhti hai.]
A melody swept me through and through and nobody knew; the air and the
note is all they know: The high and low.

Dar nihaadam ishq ba fikr-e-boland ameikhtand; natamam javidanam
kar mun choon mah neist.
189
[Meyri nihaad mein ishq ko fikr-e-boland kay saath mila diya gaya hai,
mien hamaishah natamam hon, chaand ki tarah naheen hon keh kabhi
mokamal ho jaon, kabhi namokamal.]
Love in my heart was made to chime with thought sublime; not like the
moon I wax and wane; I never attain.

Labb faroband az foghan dar saaz ba dard-e-faraq; ishq ta aahey kashad
az jazb-e-khwaish agah neist.
[Foghan chhorr aur dard-e-fraq ko apna ley; jabb takk ishq aah-o-foghan
mein mashghool rehta hai woh apney jazb sey agah naheen ho pata.]
Weep no more, but with brave heart take disunions ache; Love, till it
sigheth, scarce can guess its attractiveness.

Sholaeyi mi-baash-o-khashaki keh paish ayad basoz; khakiyan ra harime-zindagani rah neist.
[Her khas-o-khashak ko jo tomharey samney aey phoonk dey, khak jabb
takk sholaa nah baney woh maqsad-e-hayat ko pa naheen sakti.]
Be thou a torch, and set afire the bush and briar; men of clay have no right to
be in lifes sanctuary.

Jorrah-e-shahini bamorghan sara sohbat magir; khaiz-o-baal-o-per
koshaa perwaaz-e-tou kotah neist.
[Tou nur shaheen hai paltoo parindon se sohbat nah rakhh, othh, per phila,
teyrey andar perwaaz ki taqat moujood hai.]
A falcon thou art; yield not thy soul to domestic fowl; rise, spread thy wing
and pinion, and soar both high and far.
190

Kirm-e-shabb tab ast shaer dar shabastan-e-wajood; dar per-o-baalash
faroghey gah hust-o-gah neist.
[Shaer shabastan-e-wajood mein jogno ki manind hai, kabhi iss kay baal-oper mein chamak hoti hai kabhi naheen hoti.]
The poets a glow that giveth light in lifes dark night; a radiance shines in
his wings anon, and sometimes none.

Dar ghazal Iqbal ahwaal-e-khodi faash goft; z-ankeh ein nau kafir az
ain-e-Deir agah neist.
[Iqbal ney apni ghazal mein khodi kay raaz faash kar deay, yeh kafir-e-nau
bott khaney kay adaab sey waqif naheen.]
Iqbal in his song his Self has bared and truth declared; this new-unbeliever
knoweth naught of cloister rote.
***** (24) *****

Sharab-e-maey kadah-e-mun nah yadgar-e-Jam ast; fashardah-e-jigar-emun beh shishah-e-Ajam ast.
[Meyrey maey-kadey ki sharab Jamshaid ki yadgar naheen (meyri shaeri
rasmi naheen), mien ney tuo Ajam kay jaam mein apna jigar nachor diya
hai.]
No Jamshids memory, the wine that fioweth in this inn of mine, it is the
pressing of my soul that sparkleth in my Persian bowl.

Cho mouj mi-tapeid Adam bajostajooey wajood; hanooz ta beh kamar dar
miyanah-e-adum ast.
191
[Adam apney wajood ki jostajoo mein mouj ki tarah bitaab hai, magar abhi
kamar takk adum he mein parra hai (apney wajood ko paney ki koshash
mein kamyab naheen hoa.]
Man like a billow quivereth in eager quest of Beings breath, while yet his
arrow lies encased about annihilations waist.

Bia keh misl-e-Khalil ein talism dar shiknaim; keh joz tou her chih
darein Deir deidah-um sanam ast.
[Othh keh Khalilullah (A.S.) ki tarah hum iss talism ko torr dein, (kiyuokeh)
teyrey sawaey jahan mein jo kochh hai. mehaz sanam (batal) hai.]
Come, let us shatter (for we can) like Abraham this talisman; within the
temple, idols be whatever I have seen, but thee.

Agar beh seinah-e-ein kainat dar naravi; nigah ra beh tamasha gozashtan
sitam ast.
[Agar tou kainat kay seiney kay andar dakhal nah ho sakkey, tuo pher nigah
ko ossey dikhhney kay leay chhorr deyna sitam hai.]
Until thou deeply enterest the very heart in Beings breast, to leave the gaze
to speculate is wickedness, and sin most great.

Ghalat kharami ma neiz lazzat-e-daradd, khosham keh manzal-e-ma dooro-rah khum bakhum ast.
[Hamari laghzashin bhi eik lazzat rakhhti hein, mein khosh hon keh
manzal door hai aur rah paich darr paich (aur laghzashon kay imkanat
bohat).]
To wander idly, without guide, peculiar pleasure is, beside; happy am I, that
our abode is far, and ever winds the road.
192

Taghafal-e-keh mera rokhsat-e-tamasha daad; taghafal ast beh az iltifaate-dam-badam ast.
[(Mehboob ka) woh taghafal jiss ney mojhey (oss kay jamalkay) nazarey ka
mouqa fraham kiya, hai tuo taghafal laikan iltifaat-e-paiham sey behtar
hai.]
The casual glance that gave to me the leave to wander, and to see, Twas
better far, that casual glance, than rapt attention to my chance.

Mera agarchih bott-khanah perwarash dadand; chakeid az labb-e-mun
anchih dar dil haram ast
[Garchih meyri perwarash bott-khaney mein hoeyi hai, magar mein ney
apney labb sey wohi baat kehi hai jo Haram kay dil mein hai.]
Though I was nourished all my days where infidel to idol prays, behold, my
opened lips impart the secret of the Kaabas heart.
***** (25) *****

Lalah-e-sehraim az taraf-e-khiyabanam poreid; dar hawa-e-dasht-okohsar-o-biyabanam boreid.
[Mien lalah-e-sehra hon mojhey khiyaban sey ley jaein, mojhey dasht-obiyban-o-kosar ki (azad) hawa mein ley jaein.]
I am a blossom of the plain; carry me back from the avenue to mountain and
wilderness again where airs to breathe, and the vast to view.

Robah-e-aamokhtam az khwaish door aftadah-um; charah perdazan beh
aaghosh neistanam boreid.
193
[Mien robaahi seikhh kar apney aap sey door ho choka hon, charah-garo!
Mojhey aaghosh-e-neistan mein ley jao.]
Far from self I have gone astray, learnt me the foxy and furtive wont; carry
me, helpers of the way, back to the reeds, my ancient haunt.

Dar miyan-seinah harfey daashtam gom kardah-um; garchih piram
paish-e-mulla-e-dabastanam boreid.
[Meyrey seiney mein eik haraf thha jissey mein bhool gaya hon, agarchih
omar rasidah hon magar mojhey mulla-e-maktab kay pass ley chalo
(ghalban QUALO BALA ki taraf asharah hai).]
Once I had a word in my heart; now it has vanished from my breast; though
I am old, let me depart back to the school that taught me best.

Saaz-e-khamosham nawaey digarey daram hanooz; ankeh baazam
pardah gardanad peh aanam boreid.
[Agarchih mein saaz-e-khamosh hon magar abhi meyrey andar eik aur
nawa moujood hai, mojhey aisey shkhs kay pass ley chaliey jo meyrey saaz
per sey pher pardah othha dey (pardah mousiqi ki eik istilah hai).]
I am a hushed and silent lute; now in my head is a new, sweet air; O let my
strings be no longer mute, take me to him whom will repair.

Dar shab-e-mun aftab aan kohan daghey bus ast; ein chiragh zir-e-fanoos
az shabastanam boreid.
[Meyri raat kay leay meyrey kohan dagh ka chiragh he kafi hai, yeh
chiragh jo zir-e-fanoos hai ossey meyrey shabastan sey ley jaey (chiraghe-zir-e-fanoos ghaliban aqal-e-nau ko kaha hai aur kohan dagh sey morad
Allah Taalla ka ishq hai).]
In this night that enshroudeth me sufficient sun is my ancient brand; take
away from my dormitory the shuttered lamp that is in thy hand.
194

Mun keh ramz-e-sheharyari ba ghulaman goftah-um; bandah-e-taqsir
waram paish-e-sultanam boreid.
[Mien jiss ney ghulamon ko padshahi kay ramoz sey agah kar diya hai,
mien taqsirwar hon, mojhey sultan kay samney ley chaliey.]
Lo, to the slaves I have declared true kingships innermost mystery; I am a
slave who greatly erred; to the king for judgement O carry me!
***** (27) *****

Ashaq aan neist keh labb garam-e-foghaney darad; ashaq anst keh bar
kaff duo jahaney darad.
[Ashaq woh naheen jo her dum aah-o-foghan mein laga rehey, ashaq woh
hai jo duonon jahanon ko apni hatheyli per othha ley.]
Never lover true is he who lamenteth dolefully; lover he, who in his bold
hath the double world controlled.

Ashaq aan ast keh taamir konad alam-e-khwaish; dar nasaazad beh
jahaney keh karaney darad.
[Ashaq woh hai jo apni dunya khod taamir karta hai, woh aisey jahan per
qaney naheen rehta jo mehdood hai.]
Lover true is passionate Selfboods world to recreate, not content to be
enfurled by a bounded, finite world.

Dil-e-bidar nadadand beh danaeyi-e-Farang; ein qadar hust keh chashme-nigraney darad.
195
[Dana-e-Farang ko dil-e-bidar tuo atta naheen hoa, itna hai keh ossey
dikhhney wali ankhh mill gaeyi hai (Zaat takk naheen ponhch saka, kainat
takk reh gaya hai.]
Wakeful heart was never given Europes scientist.by heaven; all that God has
marked him by is the speculative eye.

Ishq napaid-o-khird mi-gazdash surat-e-maar; garchih az kasah-e-zar
laal-e-rawaney darad.
[Ishq napaid hai aur khird ossey saanp ki manind dass rehi hai, halankeh
woh jaam-e-zarrein mein sharab-e-arghwan rakhhta hai.]
Love he knows not, and the brain snake like bites into his vein, even though
his golden cup flowing ruby filleth up.

Dard-e-mun gir keh dar maey-kadah-ha paida neist; pir mardey keh
maey tond-o-jawaney darad.
[Meyrey sharab ki tilchhit sey faidah othha, kiyuonkeh abb maey-kadon
mein koeyi aisa pir mard baqi naheen jo (meyri tarah tond-o-tez sharab
rakhhta ho.]
Take the lees I give; for lo! In the taverns that I know aged vintner never
more stands, the young, fierce wine to pour.
***** (28) *****

Darein chaman dil-e-morghan zaman zaman digar ast; bashakh-e-gul
digar ast-o-beh ashiyan digar ast.
[Iss bagh mein parindon ka dil lamha beh lamha niya rung ikhtiyar karta
hai, shakh-e-gul per woh aur tarah (chichata) hai aur ashiyan mein aur
tarah.]
196
In the heart of the birds, that range this garden, is ever change; Tis one with
the rose at breast, an other within the nest.

Bakhod nigar gillah-ha-e-jahan chih migoeyi; agar nigah-e-tou digar
shwad jahan digar ast.
[Apni taraf dikhh, dunya ki kaya shikayat karta hai, agar teyri nigah badal
jaey, tuo jahan bhi badal jaey.]
Look thou to thyself intent; of the world what cause to lament? Theres a
different world to see, be there change of sight in thee.

Beh her zamanah agar chashm-e-tou niko nagard; tariq-e-maey-kadaho-shaiwah-e-moghan digar ast.
[Agar teyri ankhh ghour sey dikhhey tuo her zamaney mein, sharab khaney
kay taur tariqey aur pir-e-moghan ka andaz aur hota hai.]
Each moment, if but thine eye regardeth attentively, changeth the tavern road
and the Magians wonted mode.

Beh mir-e-qaflah az mann doa rasaan-o-bagoey; agarchih rah hamaan
ast carvan digar ast.
[Amir-e-qaflah ko meyri doa ponhcha kar kehein, agarchih rah wohi hai
magar karwan aur hai.]
The caravans leader, greet with my blessing, and then repeat: Though the
way unchanged remain, Tis a different caravan!
***** (29) *****

Ma az khudaey gom-shodahim oo bajostajoost; choon ma niazmand-ogariftar-e-arzoost.
197
[Hum Allah Taala ki gom-shodah mataa hein, woh hamari jostajoo mein
hai, (keh inn mein sey koeyi insan-e-kamal nikley); yeh hai oss ki arzoo aur
khwahish (jiss kay leay kainat takhliq farmaeyi).]
We are gone astray from God; he is searching upon the road, for like us, He
is need entire and the prisoner of desire.

Gahey beh barg-e-lalah nawisadd payam-e-khwaish; gahey daroon-eseinah morghan beh ha-o-hoost.
[Kabhi woh barg-e-lalah per apna payam likhhta hai, aur kabhi woh
parindon kay seinon mein (baithh kar) onn ki ha-o-hoo ka sabab banta
hai.]
On the tulips petal He writes the message His heart indites, yea, and His
voice is heard in the passionate song of the bird.

Dar nargis armeid keh beinad jamal-e-ma; chandaan karishmah-daan
keh nigahash beh goftagoost.
[Kabhi woh nargis mein baith kar (oss ki ankhh sey) hamarey jamal ka
nazarah karta hai, yeh ossi ka karishmah hai keh nargis ki ankhh goftagoo
karti hai.]
He lay in the iris fold our loveliness to behold; bright cup of the ardent gaze
whose glance is a hymn of praise!

Aah-e-sehar gahey keh zanad dar fraq-e-ma; bairoon-o-andaroon-ozabar-o-zir-o-char soost.
[Oss ney sobhadam hamarey fraq mein jo aah bhari, woh kainat kay bahar,
andar, oopar, nichey charon taraf phhaili hoeyi hai.]
Parted from us, forlorn He sighs with the breath of morn, within and out He
doth stand, around, and on every hand.
198

Hangamah bost az pey deidar-e-khakiey; nazarah ra bahanah-etamashaey rung-o-boost.
[Kainat ki yeh sari hangamah araeyi Adam-e-khaki kay deidar kay leay hai,
tamashaey rung-o-boo ossi kay nazarey ka bahanah hai.]
Great riot created He a creature of clay to see, fashioned the piercing view to
gaze upon mortal hue.

Penhan beh zarrah zarrah-o-na-ashna hanooz; paida cho mehtaab-o-beh
aghosh-e-kakh-o-koost.
[Woh zarrey zarrey mein penhan hai, (doosri taraf woh) chandni ki tarah
zahar hai aur kakh-o-koo per chhaya hoa hai (magar hum sey pher bhi) naashna hai.]
Hidden in every grain not yet is He known to man, though bright as the full
moons grace in cottage and street is His face.

Dar khakdan-e-ma gohar zindagi gom ast; ein goharey keh gom shodah
maiym ya keh oost.
[Hamarey khakdan mein zindagi ka moti gom hai, yeh gom shodah moti
hum hein ya woh.]
In our envelope all of dust the jewel of life is lost; is it we, or Himself (O
say), this pearl that is gone astray?
***** (30) *****

!

Khwajah az khoon-e-ragg-e-mazdoor sazad laal-e-naab; az jafa-e-deh
khudaiyaan kisht-e-dehqanan kharab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
199
[Sarmayadar mazdoor kay khoon sey sorkh moti banata hai; odhhar
zamindaron kay zulm sey dehqanon ki khheitiyan ojjar choki hein:
Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
Of the hirelingss blood outpoured, lustrous rubies makes the lord; tyrant
squire to swell his wealth desolates the peasants tillth.
Revolt, I cry! Revolt, defy! Revolt, or die!

!

Sheikh-e-shehar az rishtah-e-tasbih sadd Momin badaam; kafiraan-esadah dil ra Brahman zannar-taab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Mofti-e-shehar ney apni tasbih kay daam mein sainkaron Momin gariftar
keay hoey hein; sadah dil kofaar ko Brahman ney apney zannar mein
bandh rakhha hai: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
City Sheikh with string of beads, many a faithful heart misleads; Brahman
baffles with his thread many a simple Hindu head: Revolt, I cry! Revolt,
defy! Revolt, or die!

!

Mir-o-sultan nard baz-o-kaabatain shan-e-daghal; jan-e-mehkomaan ztun bordand mehkooman bakhwab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Mir-o-sultan khalarri hein aur makr-o-fraib onn kay mohrey; yeh
mehkomon ki jan badan sey nikal kar onnhein sola deytey hein: Inqilab!
Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
Prince and Sultan gambling go; loaded are the dice they throw. Subjects soul
from body strip, while their subjects are asleep: Revolt, I cry! Revolt, defy!
Revolt, or die!

200
!

Waaz andar masjid-o-farzand-e-oo dar madrassah; aan beh piri
koodakey, ein pir dar ehad-e-shabab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Waaz masjid kay andar aur oss ka baita madrassey mein, yeh bhorrapey
mein buchon ki see harkatein karta hai aur who jawani mein bhorra ho
choka hai: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
Preachers at the mosque, his son to the kindergarten gone;
grey-bird is a child, in truth, child a grey-bird, spite his youth.
Revolt, I cry! Revolt, defy! Revolt, or die!

!

Ay Mosilmanan! Foghan az fitnah-haey ilm-o-fun; Ahriman andar jahan
arzaan-o-Yazdan deiryaab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Ilm-o-fun kay fitnon sey fariyad! Shaitaniyat aam hai aur Khuda khoufi
kamyaab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
Brother Muslims! Woe to us for the havoc science does; Ahriman is cheap
enough, God is rare, scarce-offered stuff: Revolt, I cry! Revolt, defy! Revolt,
or die!

!

Shokhi-e-batal nigar andar kamin Haq nashist, shepar az kori shabkhoni
zanad bar aftab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Batal ki joraat dikhho keh Haq ki ghhat mein baithha hai, chamgadarr
andhhey-pun kay sabab aftab per shabkhon maarti hai: Inqilab! Inqilab ay
Inqilab.]
See bow Falsehoods blandishment shadows Truth, with ill intent; how the
Bat, with blinded eyes, plots against the Sun to rise: Revolt, I cry! Revolt,
201

!

Dar Kalisa Ibn-i-Mariyam ra ba-daar awaikhtand; Mostafa az Kaaba
hijrat kardah ba Ommul Kitab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Ehle Kalisa ney Ibn-i-Mariyam (A.S.) ko saleeb per latka diya; Janab
Rasool-ullah (S.A.W.) ko Kaaba sey Ommul Kitab kay saath hijrat karna
parri: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
In the Churches, Jesus Christ on the Cross is sacrificed; with Gods Book
Muhammad (S.A.W.) too from the Kaaba flees a new: Revolt, I cry! Revolt,

!

Mun daroon-e-shishah-haey asr-e-hazar deidah-um; anchonan zeharey
keh az-ooey maar-ha dar paich-o-taab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Mien ney dour-e-jadid kay balouri jaamon mein, woh zehar dikhha hai jiss
sey sanp bhi paich-o-taab mein hein: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.]
I have seen into the bowls furnished by this age for souls; such the venom
they contain, serpents twist and writhe in pain: Revolt, I cry! Revolt, defy!
Revolt, or die!

!

Ba zaeifan gah nairvi plungaan mi-dihand; shoalaheyi shaid baroon
ayid zfanos-e-habab: Inqilab! Inqilab ay Inqilab.
[Kabhi kamzoron ko bhi cheeton ki quwwat bakhsh deytey hein ho sakta
hai janab kay fanos sey bhi shoalah lapak othhey: Inqilab! Inqilab ay
Inqilab.]
202
Yet the weak are given at length lions heart and tigers strength;
In this bubbling lantern, lo! Haply yet a flame will glow: Revolt, I cry!
Revolt, defy! Revolt, or die!
***** (31) *****

Garchih mi-danam keh rozey biniqab ayad baroon; ta napindari keh jan
az paich-o-taab ayad baroon.
[Agarchih mien janta hon keh mojhey eik roz deidar-e-zaat mayassar ajaey
ga, magar yeh nah samajh keh deidar kay baad mojhey qarar ajaey ga.]
Although the soul, I know, one day unveiled shall be, think not it shall be so
by writhing endlessly.

Zarbatey bayad keh jan-e-khoftah barkhaizad z-khak; nalah kay bizakhmah az taar-e-rbab ayad baroon.
[Zarb aisi honi chahey jiss sey jan-e-khoftah badan kay andar bidar ho
jaey. Mizrab kay baghair taar-e-rbab sey nalah kaisey bahar asakta hai!]
It needs a blow, to stir the sleeping soul from earth unswept, the harp can
neer bring melody to birth.

Taak-e-khwaish az giriyah-haey neim-shab sairab-daar; kaz daroon-e-oo
shoa-e-aftab ayad baroon.
[Apni shakh-e-angoor ko giriyah-haey neim-shab sey sairab kar, ta-keh oss
kay andar sey shoa-e-aftab bahar nikley (ta-keh oss kay andar sey aisi
sharab nikley jo dilon ko manawwar kar dey).]
Thy cup replenish still with tears and midnight sighs, replenish it until the
radiant sun shall rise.
203

Zarrah-e-bimayaeyi tarsam keh napaida shawi; pokhtah-tar kon khwaish
ra ta aftab ayad baroon.
[Tou zarrah-e-bimaya hai mojhey dur hai keh kaheen tou mit nah jaey,
apney aap ko aur pokhtah kar, ta-keh teyrey andar sey aftab talo ho.]
So faint a mote thou art, I fear thoult vanish quite; then fortify thy heart to
meet the morning light.

Dar gozar az khak-o-khod ra paikar-e-khaki ma-geer; chaak agar seinah
raizi mahtab ayad baroon.
[Khak ko nazar andaz kar aur apney aap ko paikar-e-khaki nah samajh,
agar tou apna seinah chaak karey tuo oss kay andar sey mehtab nikley ga.]
Transcend the dust, nor take thy self but dust to be; if thou thy breast with
break, the moon shall shine from thee.

Gar barooey tou harim-e-khwaish ra dar bastah-and; sar basung-e-astan
zann laal-e-naab ayad baroon.
[Agar onnhon ney tojh per apney harim ka darwazah bund kar diya hai, tuo
sung-e-astan sey sar takra, qimati laal bahar ajaey ga.]
If in thy face they lock the gate to selfhoods shrine, strike head upon the
rock and see the ruby shine.
***** (34) *****

Baroon z-ein gonbad-e-dar bastah paida kardah-um rahey; keh az
andaishah-e-bartar mi-pard aah-e-sehar-gahey.
[Mien ney iss gonbad-e-dar bastah sey opar nikal janey ka rastah paida
kiya hai; kiyuonkeh aah-e-sehar gah ki perwaaz fikar sey boland-tar hai.]
204
Beyond heavens shuttered dome I have found a way to come where swifter
than thought may fly the breath of a morning sigh.

Tou ay shaheen nashiman dar chaman kardi az aan tarsam; hawa-e-oo
babaal-e-tou dehadd perwaaz-e-kotahey.
[Ay shaheen! Tou ney chaman mein nashiman bana leya hai, magar mojhey
dar hai keh iss ki aab-o-hawa teyri perwaaz kotah nah kar dey.]
Falcon thou art, and hast made thy nest in the grassy glade, and? Its air, I am
fearful, might foreshorten thy pinions flight.

Ghobarey goshtaheyi asoodah natwaan zeistan einja; bebaad-e-sobhdam
dar paich-o-manashin bar sar-e-rahey.
[Agar tou ghobar bhi ho choka hai tuo araam sey nah baith, sar-e-rah nah
parra reh, balkeh baad-e-sehar sey mill ja.]
Art thou dust become? It is clear thou canst not be resting here; on the
breeze of the morning ride, sit not by the roadway side.

Z-jooey kehkashaan ba-gozar z-neil-e-asmaan ba-gozar; z-manzil dil
bameirad garchih bashadd manzil mahey.
[Jooey kehkashan sey bhi gozar ja, neilgon asman sey bhi gozar ja,
manzil dil ki mout hai khwah woh chaand he ki manzil kiyuon nah ho.]
From the stream of the stars arise and cross the Nile of the skies; for the
heart must die right soon if it lodge, though it be in the moon.

Agar z-aan barq-e-biperwa daroon-oo tehi gardad; beh chashm-e-koh
Seina mi-neirzadd ba per-e-kahey.
[Agar Toor-e-Sena ka andaroon barq-e-tajali sey khali ho jaey, tuo meyri
nazar mein woh per-e-kah kay brabar bhi naheen.]
205
Let its breast no longer beam with the rockless lightnings gleam, less worth
than a straw reckon I the mountain of Sinai.

Chasaan adab-e-mehfil ra nigah darand-o-mi sozand; mapors az ma
shaheedan-e-nigah bar sar-e-rahey
[Adaab-e-mehfil ko kiss tarah malhooz rakhhtey hein jall jatey hein, (magar
mehboob kay saamney uff naheen kartey), hum sey yeh baat nah pochhein
hum tuo nigah-e-sar-e-rah kay shahid hein.]
How men may the manners keep of the throng, yet consuming leap ask not
of us, whom the gaze of the passing fair one slays.

Pas az mun shear-e-mun khwanand-o-daryaband-o-migoeyand; jahaney
ra digargoon kard yakk mard-e-khod agahey.
[Meyrey baad loug meyrey shear parrhtey hein aur samajhtey hein aur
kehtey hein, eik mard-e-khod agah ney jahan ko bilkol badal dala.]
When I am dead, this may lay men will recite, and say: One man, who was
self-aware, transformed a world everywhere.
***** (35) *****

Gonahgar-e-ghiyoram mozd bi-khidmat namigiram; az aan dagham keh
bar taqdir-e-oo bastand taqsiram.
[Mien ghiyoor gonahgar hon baghair mehnat kay mazdoori leyna pasand
naheen karta; (mojhey moft ki jannat pasand naheen); magar afsos hai keh
meyrey gonah ko Iblis ki taqdir sey wabastah kar diya gaya.]
A sinner proud am I; no need I take, except I work for it; I rage, because men
say He writ predestinate my wilful deed.
206

Z-faiz-e-ishq-o-masti bordah-um andaishah ra aanja; keh az donbalah-echasham-e-mehr-e-alamtaab mi-giram.
[Ishq-o-masti kay faiz sey mein ney apney fikar ko oss bolandi takk ponhcha
diya hai, keh oss ki roshni kay saamney mehr-e-alamtaab bhi haich hai.]
The surge of drunkenness and love hath lifted up my thoughts, to where the
world-illuming sun doth stare amazed upon me as I rove.

Man az sobh nakhastein naqshband mouj-o-gardaham; cho behar
asoodah mi-gardad z-tofaan charah bargiram.
[Mien roz-e-awwal he sey mouj-o-gardab ka motlashi hon, agar meyra
behar-e-hayat porsakoon ho jaey tuo mien khod tofaan ko awaz deyta
hon.]
From the first dawn my hand was made artist of whirlpool and wavecrest,
and when the ocean lies at rest of the typhoon I gather aid.

Jahan ra paish azein sadd bar atash zir-e-pa kardam; sakoon-o-afiyat
ra pak mi-sozad bum-o-ziram.
[Mien iss sey pehley jahan ko bar-ha atash-e-shouq sey bitaab kar choka
hon; meyrey naghmey aisey hein jo sakoon-o-aafiyat ko khatam kar deytey
hein.]
A hundred times before this day I set the universe afire; its peace and health
destroys entire the ardent music that I play.

Az aan paish-e-botaan raqsidam-o-zannar barbostam; keh sheikh-eshehar mard-e-bakhoda gardad z-takfiram.
207
[Mien ney iss leay zannar baandh kar botton kay samney raqs kiya, ta-keh
sheikh-e-shehar mojh per kofar ka fatwa laga kar mard-e-ba Khuda bann
jaey.]
Before the idols I have danced and bound the girdle about me, till,
thundering at my blasphemy, the city sheikh is God-entranced!

Zamaney ramm konand az mun zamaney bamun amaizand; darein sehra
nami danand siyadam keh nakhchiram.
[Kabhi woh mojh sey bhagtey hein kabhi mojh sey mill jatey hein, mien
naheen janta keh iss sehra mein mien shikari hon ya shikar.]
Anon they leap from me away, anon they follow in my train, for no man
knoweth in this plain whether I hunter am, or prey.

Dil-e-bisoz kum giradd nasib az sohbat-e-mardey; muss-e-tabindaheyi
awar keh geerad dar tou aksiram.
[Bisoz dil mardan-e-ba Khuda ki sohbat sey kochh hasil naheen kar pata,
jabb takk tanba tapp nah raha ho oss per aksir asar naheen karti.]
Of Supermens society naught gains the heart thats not aglow: Bring me thy
molten brass and, lo! My elixir shall work in thee.
***** (37) *****

Nayabi dar jahan yaarey keh danad dilnawazi ra; bakhod gom shau nigah
dar abrooey ishq bazi ra.
[Tojhey dunya mein koeyi aisa dost naheen meley ga jo dilnawazi janta ho;
iss leay ishq ki abroo bacha aur apney aap mein gom ho ja.]
No friend in the world entire thou wilt find sincere in solicitude go, lose
thyself in thy self, and mind the honour of loverhood.
208

Man az kaar aafrin dagham keh ba ein zouq paidaey; z-ma poshidah
darad shaiwah-haey kaarsazi ra.
[Mojhey Khalaq sey gilah hai keh agarchih ossey apni azhar-e-zaat ka
bohat shouq hai, ta-hum oss ney mojh sey woh shaiwah-ha poshidah
rakhhey hein jin sey mien Onn kay jamal ko pori tarah dikhh sakon.
(insaan ko raaz jo banaya, raaz oss ki nigah sey chhopaya).]
I am grieved, that He Who created us in rapture to be displayed hath
concealed the infinite various manners of that His trade.

Kassey ein maani-e-nazak nadanad joz Ayaz einja; keh mehar-eGhaznavi afzoon konad dard-e-Ayazi ra
[Ayaz kay baghair aur koeyi yeh nazak noktah naheen janta, keh hakam ki
meharbani dard-e-ghulami ko aur barrha deyti hai.]
None but Ayaz alone doth know this subtle and secret truth, how the
Ghaznavids love augmented so his poor slaves anguish and ruth.

Mun aan ilm-o-frasat ba perkahey namigiram; keh az taigh-o-separ
biganah saazad mard-e-ghazi ra.
[Mien oss ilm-o-danish ko perkah kay brabar naheen samajhta, jo mard-eghazi ko taigh-o-separ sey baiganah kar dey (Jihad ka shouq khatam kar
dey.)
Less than a grassblade, in my view, the knowledge and vision vast that the
trusty sword and the buckler true from the hand of the warrior cast.

Baher nirkhey ein kala bagiri soodmand aftadd; bazor-e-bazooey Haider
badeh adraak-e-Razi ra.
209
[Yeh saman (jihad ka shouq) tou jiss qimat per bhi khrid ley, nafaa awar
hai, (bishak) adraak-e-Razi ko qowwat-e-Haideri kay ewaz dey dey.]
Whatever the price of these goods, tis well And profit will yield, not harm,
Razis intelligence to sell for the power of Haiders arm.

Agar yakk qatrah-e-khoon daari agar mosht-e-perey daari; bia mun ba
tou amozam tariq-e-shahbazi ra.
[Agar teyrey andar eik qatrah-e-khon hai, agar tou mosht bhar per rakhhta
hai, tuo aa mien tojhey shahbazi ka tariqah seikhhaon.]
If there is a drop of blood in thy vein, a flutter to storm the height, come,
learn with me the way to attain the falcons ascending flight.

Agar ein kaar ra kaar-e-nafas dani, chih nadani; dum-e-shamshir andar
seinah bayad ney nawazi ra.
[Agar tou iss kaar-e-(ney nawazi) ko sirf phoonk ki karfarmaeyi samakhta
hai tuo bohat nadaan hai, ney nawazi kay leay seiney kay andar dum-eshamshir ki zaroorat hai.]
If fluting thou thinkst is but taking breath, how little truth thou hast guessed;
the minstrel his skill accomplisheth with the point of the sword in his breast!
***** (38) *****

Ilmey keh tou aamozi moshtaq-e-nigahey niest; wamandah-e-rahey hast
awarah-e-rahey niest.
[Tou jo ilm seikhhta hai woh nigah-e-(mohabat) ka ishtiaq naheen rakhhta,
yeh rahe-hayat ka thhaka hoa rahi hai, sargarm-e-safar naheen.]
The fine science thou dost learn after vision does not yearn; tis no wanderer
far astray, but a straggler on the way.
210

Adam keh zamir-e-oo naqsh-e-duo jahan raizadd; ba-lazzat-e-aahey hast
bi-lazzat-e-aahey niest.
[Adam jiss ka zamir duonon jahan ki tazin karta hai, oss ka wajood lazzate-ishq sey hai, lazzat-e-ishq kay baghai woh kochh bhi naheen.]
He, whose all-embracing brain a new universe doth plan burneth still with
passions fire, never lacketh high desire.

Her chund keh ishq-e-oo awarah-e-rahey kard; daghey keh jigar sozad
dar seinah maahey niest.
[Agarchih chand ko bhi ishq he ney sargarm-e-safar kiya hai, magar oss kay
seiney mein woh dagh naheen jo jigar ko sokhtah kar dey.]
Though Love made the moon to err on the road a wayfarer, never blazeth in
its breast the vast furnace of unrest.

Mun chasham nah bardaram az rooey nigarinash; aan mast-e-taghafal ra
toufiq-e-nigahey niest.
[Mien tou mehboob kay khoobsurat chihrey sey zara nazar naheen hatata,
magar woh taghafal mein iss qadar mast hai keh ossey eik nigah ki bhi
toufiq naheen.]
So His beauty doth entrance, I can never lift my glance from His Face, who
heedlessly doth not a glance spare for me.

Iqbal qaba poshad dar kaar-e-jahan koshad; daryab keh darvaishi ba
dalaq-o-kolahey niest.
[Iqbal ney maamool kay motabiq achha labas pehna aur dunya kay
kaamon mein mushghool raha (laikan iss kay bawajood woh darvaish hai)
211
pas samajh ley keh darvaishi ka taaloq faqiron ki kolah aur godrri sey
naheen.]
See, Iqbal in manly clothes to his worldly labour goes; proving that his
dervishood neer depends on gown and hood.
***** (39) *****

Cho khurshid sehar paida nigahey mi-tawan kardan; hamein khak-e-seih
ra jalwah gahey mi-tawaan kardan.
[Apni nigah ko khurshid-e-sehar ki manind roshan kiya ja sakta hai, aur
pher oss ki madad sey khak-e-siyah (dunya) ko Allah Taalla kay jamal ki
jalwah-gah banaya ja sakta hai.]
Vision can be won as of morning sun, making this dark clay radiant as day.

Gah khwais ra az nok-e-sozan tez-tar gardaan; cho johar dar dil ainah
rahey mitawaan kardan.
[Apni nigah ko nok-e-sozan ki tarah tez bana ley, pher oss ki madad sey her
ainey kay andar rastah banaya ja sakta hai.]
Let thy vision be needle-sharp in thee, like its lustre pass thro the heart o
the glass.

Darein gulshan keh bar morgh-e-chaman rah-e-foghan tung ast; baandaz kashood ghonchah aahey mi-tawaan kardan.
[Yeh gulshan (ghulam molk) jiss mein morgh-e-chaman kay leay nalah-ofoghan moshkil hai, yahan kali kay chutakney ki awaz mein aah ki ja sakti
hai.]
In this garden, where hushed is warblers air, as each bursting bud chant thy
tragic mode.
212

Nah ein alam hijab oo-ra nah aan alam niqab oo-ra; agar taab-e-nazar
daari nigahey mi-tawaan kardan.
[Agar teyrey andar dikhhney ki taab hai tuo duonon jahanon ko dikhha ja
sakta hai, pher teyrey leay nah yeh dunya pardah hai nah dosri dunya.]
Earth hides not His grace, heavn veils not His face thou mayst view, for
sure, if thou canst endure.
''

Tou darr zir-e-drakhtaan hamcho tiflan ashiyan beini; beh perwaaz
akeh siyad-e-mehr-o-mahey mi-tawaan kardan.
[Tou bachon ki tarah drakhton kay nichey khhrra ashiyaney ko dikhh raha
hai, (drakht kay nichey sey nikal) pewaaz mein aa, mehr-o-mah ko bhi
shikar kiya ja sakta hai.]
Childlike watchest thou nests beneath the bough; mount on wings, and soon
hunt the sun and moon!
***** (43) *****

Ishq ra nazam keh boodash ra ghum naboodney; kofar oo zannar daar
hazar-o-moujood ney.
[Mojhey ishq per naaz hai keh oss kay wajood ko mit janey ka ghum naheen,
kiyuonkeh woh zaman-o-makan ki zannar daari kay kofr sey bacha hoa
hai.]
I boast a love that is not grieved by being of To Be bereaved, whose
infidelity doth neer the girdle of existence wear.

Ishq agar farman dehadd az jan-e-shirin hum gozar; ishq mehboob ast-omaqsood ast-o-jan-e-maqsood ney.
213
[Agar ishq hokam dey tuo jan-e-shirin sey bhi gozar ja, ishq hamara
mehboob-o-maqsood hai, jan tuo arzi cheez hai.]
If Love shall ever so command, let precious life slip from thy hand; Love is
thy one beloved and goal; there is no gain in life of soul.

Kafari ra pokhtah tar saazad shakast-e-Somnat; garmi-e-bottkhanah bihangamah-e-Mehmood ney.
[Bott tootney sey kafari aur pakki ho jati hai; hangamah-e-Mehmood he sey
bottkhaney ki garmi wabastah hai.]
The shattering of the idol-shrine doth infidelity refine; it needs Mahmuds
immortal ire to set the temple-house afire.

Masjid-o-maeykhanah-o-Deir-o-Kalisa-o-Kanisht; sadd fasoon az beher
dil bastand-o-dil khoshnood ney.
[Masjid, maeykhanah, Deir, Kalisa aur Maabod-e-Yahood; loug dil ko
khosh rakhhney ki khatar suo tariqey ikhtiyar kartey hein, dil pher bhi khosh
naheen hota (dil sirf qorb-e-Elahi mein itminan paatey hein).]
In Muslim mosque and church of Christ, in incensed temple, tavern spiced,
although a hundred charms were tried the heart was never satisfied.

Naghmah perdaazi z-jooey kohsaar amokhtam; dar gulistan boodah-um
yakk nalah-e-dard alood ney.
[Mien ney paharri nadi sey naghmah saraeyi seikhhi hai, bagh mein gaya
magar wahan koeyi dard bhhara nalah nah sona.]
Never in bower sweet with scent I raised a sorrowful lament, but from the
mountain cataract I learned this music to enact.
214

Paish-e-mun aeyi dum-e-sardey dil-e-garmey biaar; jonbash andar tust
andar naghmah-e-Daud ney.
[Meyrey pass ana hai tuo aah-e-sard aur dil-e-garm ley kay aa, agar teyrey
apney andar jazb naheen hogi tuo naghmah-e-Daud kissi kam ka naheen.]
Wouldest thou approach me, here apart? Come cold of breath, and warm of
heart; in thee is movement never calm; such verve was not in Davids psalm.

Aib-e-mun kum jooey-o-az jamam ayyar-e-khwaish geer; lazzat-etalkhaab-e-mun bi-jan ghum farsoodah ney.
[Meyrey aib talash nah kar balkeh meyrey jaam sey apney aap ko dikhh,
(agar tou yeh jaam pe sakta hai tou mard hai) meyri talakh sharab ki lazzat
meyri ghumon sey gholi hoeyi jan ka natijah hai.]
Seek less my faults, but take my bowl to be the measure of thy soul; the
pleasure of my bitter brew is never without spirits rue.
***** (44) *****

Barr dil-e-bitaab-e-mun saqi maey naabey zanad; kimiya saaz ast-oaksirey baseimabey zanad.
[Saqi ney meyrey dil-e-bitaab per (ishq ki) maey nab dali hai, woh kimiyasaaz hai, oss ney seimaab per aksir daal kay ossey zar-e-khalis bana diya
hai (dil-e-bitaab ko seimaab kaha hai).]
The Saqi, pouring his pure wine upon my restless heart converts this
quicksilver of mine to gold, by magic art.

Mun nah danam noor ya naar ast andar seinah-um; ein qadar danam
biyaz-e-oo bemehtaabey zanad.
215
[Mien naheen janta keh meyrey seiney kay andar noor hai ya naar, albattah
yeh janta hon keh oss ki roshni mein chandni mili hoeyi hai.]
I do not know if it be light within my breast, or flame; I only know its
radiance white shines with a moonlike gleam.

Barr dil-e-mann fitrat khamosh mi-arad hajoom; saaz az zouq-e-nawa
khod ra beh mazrabey zanad.
[Fitrat-e-khamosh aap meyrey dil per yorash karti hai, goya nawa kay
shouq sey saaz khod mazrab sey takrata hai.]
Nature, all hushed, doth suddenly my quiet heart assail; the instrument in
ecstasy playeth its own sweet scale.

Ghum makhor nadaan keh gardroon dar biyaban kum aab; chashmah-ha
darad keh shabkhooney beh silaabey zanad.
[Bi-khabar! Ghum nah khha, khoshk biyaban mein bhi fitrat ney aisey
chashmey rakhhey hoey hein jo zour mein silaab ko sharma deytey hein.]
Grieve not, thou fool; the starry skies within this desert waste have many
founts, that secret rise and to the torrent haste.

Ay-keh noshim khordaheyi az tezi-e-naisham marunj; naish hum bayad
keh Adam ra rug-e-khwabey zanad.
[Ay woh shakhs jiss ney meyri shirin baton sey lotf othhaya hai, tou meyri
talkh baton sey naraz nah ho. naishtar bhi zaroori hai ta-keh Adam ki neind
khhol kar ossey bidar kiya ja sakkey.]
O thou who didst my sweet wine take, grieve not at my sharp sting; it needs
my sting, that I may wake man from his slumbering.
216
***** (46) *****

Z-rasm-o-rah-e-shariat nakardah-um tehqiq; joz einkeh monkir-e-ishq
ast kafir-o-zindiq.
[Mien ney shariat kay ehkam ki tehqiq ki hai, aur iss natijey per ponhcha
hon keh sirf monkir-e-ishq he kafir-o-zindiq hai. (Aur woh jo aiyman waley
hein onn ki Allah Taalla sey mohabat bohat shadeed hai: Surah Baqrah).]
I have never discovered well laws way, and the wont thereof, but know him
an infidel who denieth the power of Love.

Moqam-e-Adam-e-khaki nihaad darya-bund; mosafiraan-e-Haram ra
Khuda dehadd toufiq.
[Khuda mosafiraan-e-Haram ko yeh toufiq dey, keh Adam-e-khaki ka
moqam pa-lein.]
The travellers of the Shrine O may God succour and aid, that they may truly
divine mans rank, who of clay was made.

Mun az tariq naporsum, rafiq mi-jooem; keh goftah and nakhastein
rafiq-o-baaz tariq.
[Mien rastah naheen poochhta, saathi dhondta hon, kiyuonkeh kehtey hein
keh pehley rafiq baad mein tariq.]
I do not ask of the Way; the Friend is my only quest, for so I have heard men
say, The friend, then the way, thats best!

Konad talafi-e-zouq aanchonan hakim-e-Farang; frogh-e-baadah fazoontar konad bajaam-e-attiq.
[Europe kay flasfar apni kor zouqi ki talafi yon kartey hein, keh sharab ko
sorkh jaam mein daal kar oss ki rangat barrhatey hein.]
217
Europes philosopher so misseth the rapture fine, in the red bowl shines
more clear the gleam of the crimson wine.

Hazar bar niko-tar mataa-e-bibasri; z-danishey keh dil oo-ra nami
konad tasdiq.
[Woh ilm-o-danish jiss ki tasdiq dil nah karey, oss sey jihalat hazar gona
behtar hai.]
Better a man were blind, better a thousand wise, than knowledge to have in
mind that the seeing heart denies.

Beh paich-o-taab-e-khird garchih lazzat digar ast; yaqin sadah dilaan beh
z-noktah-ha-e-daqiq.
[Agarchih aqal ki gothhiyan soljhaney mein aur tarah ki lazzat hai, magar
sadah dilon ka yaqin (aiyman) daqiq nokat sey hazar darjah behtar hai.]
Though intellects jugglery peculiar joy impart, better than subtlety is the
faith of a simple heart.

Kalam-o-falsfah az lauh-e-dil froshostam; zamir-e-khwaish goshadam
beh nishtar-e-tehqiq.
[Mien ney ilm-e-kalam aur falsfah ko apney zehann ki takhti sey dhuo dala
hai.]
I have washed my hearts tablets clean of the learning that charmed my
youth, opened my teeming brain with the lancet of utter truth.

Z-astanah-e-sultan kanarah mi-giram; nah kafiram keh prastam khudae-bitoufiq.
[Mien darbar-e-sultan sey kanarah-kash rehta hon, kafir naheen hon keh
bi-ikhtiyar khuda ki prastash karon.]
218
Far from the threshold now of the Sultans gate I have strayed; no infidel I,
to bow to a god who can nothing aid.
***** (47) *****

Az hamah kas kinarah gir sohbat-e-ashna talab; hum z-khodi talab hum
z-khodi Khuda talab.
[Sabb sey kanarah-kash ho ja aur kissi aisey shakhs ki sohbat ikhtiyar kar jo
ashna-e-raaz ho. Allah Taalla sey apni khodi ka istihkam maang aur
istihkam-e-khodi kay zariay Allah Taalla takk ponch.]
Far, far from every other go with the One Friend upon the road; seek thou of
God thy self to know, and seek in selfhood for thy God.

Az khalash karishmaeyi kar nami shwad tamam, aqal-o-dil-o-nigah ra
jalwah joda joda talab.
[Mehboob ki eik ada sey jo khalash paida hoti hai woh pori tasali naheen
kar sakti, aqal, dil aur nigah sabb kay leay alag alag jalwey talab kar.]
One piercing glance can neer impart the consummation of it all: The gaze,
the intellect, the heart, each needs its vision several.

Ishq basar kashidan ast shishah-e-kainat ra; jaam-e-jahan noma majoo
dast-e-jahan gosha talab.
[Ishq yeh hai keh sari sorahi-e-kainat eik dum pe lee jaey, jaam-e-jahan
noma ki khwahish nah rakhh balkeh woh qowwat maang jo jahan kay
moamlat darost kar dey.]
Love is at Beings board to sup, to drain its glass, till all is gone; seek not the
world-revealing cup, seek the world-conquering hand alone!
219

Rahrwan-e-brahna-pa rah tamam khar-zar; ta beh moqam-e-khod rusi
rahilah az raza talab.
[Rastey mein her taraf kantey bikhhrey hein, mosafir nungey paon hein aur
manzil takk ponhchna hai tuo razi-ba-raza ki swari talab kar.]
Naked of foot the travellers are, thorny the way, and hard indeed; till thou
shalt reach thy selfhood far, take acquiescence for thy steed.

Choon bikamal mirasad faqr dalil-e-Khsrovi ast; masnad-e-Kaikobad ra
dar teh-e-boriya talab.
[Faqr kamal ko ponhchta hai tuo padshahat ka dariah bun jata hai,
Kaikobad ka takht (haqiqi hakomat) foqra kay aastanon mein talash kar.]
Only in perfect poverty the proof of kingship is displayed; beneath the
rushes seek, to see the royal throne of Kaikobad.

Paish nigar keh zindagi rah-e-bamoamley; az sar anchih bood-o-raft
dargozar intiha talab.
[Saamney dikhh, zindagi eik naey jahan ki taraf ley ja rehi hai, jo thha aur
jo ho choka hai ossey chhorr. sirf apney safar ki intiha talab kar.]
Look onward; life is but a way that to another world doth wend; from what
has been, and passed away. Depart, and ever seek the end.

Zarbat-e-rozgar agar nalah cho ney dehadd tou-ra; badah-e-mann z-kaff
beneh charah z-momiya talab.
[Agar tou zamaney ki moshkilat ki taab nah laa kar fariyad karney laga hai,
tuo pher meyra jaam haath sey rakhh dey aur apney zakhmon ka marham
talash kar.]
220
But if Fates buffet maketh thee like the lamenting reed to moon, lay down
the wine thou tookst from me; seek liniment to mend thy bone!
***** (48) *****

Bini jahan ra khod ra nah bini; ta-chund nadaan ghafal nashini.
[Kainat ko dikhhta hai aur apney aap ko naheen dikhhta, ay nadaan! Tou
kabb takk ghaflat mein parra rehey ga.]
The world, but not selfhood, thou canst see; how long in thy ignorance wilt
thou sit?

Noor-qadimi shabby ra barr afroz; dast-e-Kalimi dar aastini.
[Tou noor-e-azal hai iss jahan ki shabb ko roshan kar, tou dast-e-Kalim
(A.S.) hai aastin sey bahar aa.]
With thy ancient flame let the night be lit? The hand of Moses is sleeved in
thee.

Baroon qadam neh az dour-e-afaq; tou paish azeini tou paish azeini.
[Afaq kay chakkar sey bahar qadam rakhh, tou iss sey qadim-tar hai, tou
(qimat mein) oss sey barrh kar hai.]
Set forth thy foot from the circling skies; greater and older than these thou
art.

Az marg tarsi ay zindah-e-javid? Marg ast saedey tou dar kamini.
[Zindah-e-javid ho kar mout sey darta hai, mout teyra shikar hai aur tou oss
ki ghhat mein hai.]
221
Fearest thou death in thy deathless heart? Deaths but a prey that before thee.
lies.

Janey keh bakhshad digar nagirand; Adam bameirad az bi-yaqini.
[Jan atta kar kay pher ossey wapas naheen leytey, Adam agar marta hai, tuo
bi-yaqini sey marta hai.]
Life, once given thee, none can take; Tis for lack of faith men faint and die.

Surat gari ra az mun biyamoz; shaid keh khod ra baaz afrini.
[Surat gari mojh sey seikhh, shaid tou az sar-e-nau apni takhliq kar.]
Learn to be sculptor, even as I, and haply anew thy selfhood make!
***** (52) *****

Maey deirinah-o-maashooq-e-jawan
nazaran-e-hoor-o-janan cheezey neist.
cheez-e-neist;
paish-e-sahib
[Porani sharab aur jawan maashooq koeyi cheez naheen, ashaab-e-nazar

kay leay hoor-o-janan ki koeyi woqaat naheen.]
The young beloved, the ancient wine, the maids of Paradise; these joys men
reckon rare and fine charm not the truly wise.

Herchih az mohkam-o-paindah shanasi gozrad; koh-o-sehra-o-barr-obehar-o-karan cheezey neist.
[Her woh cheez jissey tou mohkam-o-paindah samajhta hai woh bi-sabaat
hai, koh-o-sehra hon ya barr-o-behar onn ki koeyi haqiqat naheen.]
Whateer eternal thou dost deem, mountain, and sea, and shore, land, plain,
whateer assured doth seem, these pass, and are no more.
222

Danish-e-maghrabiyan, falsfah-e-mashraqiyan; hamah bottkhanah-o-dar
twaf-e-bottan cheezey neist.
[Ehl-e-Maghrab ki Danish ho ya ehl-e-Mashraq ka falsfah, yeh sabb bottkadey hein aur botton kay twaf sey kochh hasil naheen.]
The learning of the Westerner, the Easts philosophy; all is an idol-house of
prayer and idols nothing be!

Az khod andaish-o-azein badiyah tarsan magozar; keh tou hasti-o-wajood
duo jahan cheezey neist.
[Apney barey mein fikar kar aur iss veranah (dunya) sey nah ghabra, hasti
sirf teyri hai, duonon jahan koeyi cheez naheen.]
Cross not this desert terrified; fix on thy self thy thought; thou only art, and
all beside, yea, all the world, is naught!

Dar tariqey keh banok-e-mozzah kawidam mun; manzil-o-qaflah-o-raig-eravaan cheezey neist.
[Woh rastah jo mien ney apni palkon ki nok sey trasha hai oss mein nah
koeyi manzil hai, nah qaflah, nah koeyi raig-e-ravan (waqt).]
Upon this way mine eyelashes have quarried out of stone, nor stage nor
caravan there is, and shifting sands are none.
1st December, 2012
223
WHO ARE JUDGES?

The jan nisaraan of Chief Justice in Rawalpindi High Court Bar and
Rawalpindi District Bar passed a strong worded resolution condemning
generals of the Army. This was certainly an unwarranted over-reaction to
what the COAS had said while addressing officers of Rawalpindi garrison.
The PPP regime, however, relished the situation as two of the feared
adversaries were embroiled in a feud over nothing.
While the Bars showed over activism, the Benches seemed helpless
during the period under review as it has been in the past. The judges and
their verdicts were ridiculed both inside and outside the court rooms. The
Chief Justice spent most of the time in saving the un-mined gold of Reko
Diq as Suddle Commission could not rein in Malik Riaz, who threatened to
sue Arsalan in England.
Two rulings, one by the Supreme Court and the other by LHC, created
ripples across political arena. The apex courts order for re-demarcation of
constituencies in Karachi was taken by the MQM as trespassing of its
domain. The LHC order regarding construction of Kalabagh Dam annoyed
the anti-Punjab and anti-Pakistan forces. The queen bee of MQM buzzed
from its London hive as to who are the judges to decide about dams.
Meanwhile, the Governor of KPK, the pick of Zardari, while speaking
at a function in Peshawar University said the Pakistan needs changing its
ideology as Islamic ideology has caused division of the nation. It was no
loose talk under influence of some kind of intoxication, but a deliberate
subversive act on behalf of secular forces to shake the very foundation of
Pakistan.
NEWS
Power politics: On 15th November, Shahbaz Sharif said that after
ruining the economy through unprecedented corruption and pushing the
nation into darkness over the last four and a half years, Zar Baba has now
remembered Eid Milan Party but his gimmickry will not work. He said that
Zar Baba and his forty thieves will have to give account of each penny of the
looted national wealth. He pledged that people will get rid of 'Zardaron'
through the power of vote.
Next day, President Zardari on a short visit to Multan met former
premier Gilani at his residence where he held a 20-minute one-on-one
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meeting with him. The president doused the grievances of Gilani regarding
the proceedings of Haj corruption and Ephedrine cases, besides the notice
served on Ali Musa Gilani and Abdul Qadir Gilani by the FIA and the ANF.
On 17th November, special meeting of the National Judicial [Policy
Making] Committee (NJPMC) considered the request of the ECP for
assistance in conducting the polls, in the light of comments offered by the
ECP on the points earlier raised by the NJPMC in its Nov 3 meeting.
Chaired by Chief Justice, the meeting decided to allow provision of services
of adequate number of judicial officers to the election commission for their
appointment as district returning officers and returning officers.
The committee however observed that since the administration of
justice is the prime responsibility of judiciary; therefore, the judicial officers
assigned the task should do their routine judicial work and perform election
duties in extra hours in the morning and evening so that the litigant would
not suffer.
A contempt plea was filed in the Lahore High Court against President
Zardari, maintaining that the president addressed a political rally in
Malakwal in violation of the Supreme Court ruling in Asghar Khan case.
The petitioner said that the address of the president was also a violation of
LHC's verdict on holding of dual office. He requested the court to initiate
contempt proceedings against President Zardari.
On 19th November, in the first phase of countrywide intra-party
elections, the PTI formally announced the results of the election of some 520
office-bearers from 40 union councils of the federal capital. Some 889
candidates from 40 union councils contested for 520 party positions.
Secretary Election Commission announced that the turnout remained 51 per
cent, as a total number of 31,517 voters out of 62,112 registered voters used
their right of franchise to elect the party leadership at union council level.
President Zardari said that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto forced
him to join politics, saying their fight against a particular mindset which is
bent upon destabilizing the country would continue until its defeat. He said
this while addressing the session of the KPK Assembly as for the very first
time in Pakistans history; a president addressed any provincial assembly.
Next day, President Zardari said that the parliament had decided that
the president should have a certain political role. Addressing 2nd Leaders of
tomorrow conference in Islamabad, he said though parliament had all
executive powers, it had decided that the president should have a specific
political role. His statement came after the federal government had filed a
225
review petition against the Supreme Courts verdict in the Asghar Khan case
with reference to the courts remarks about the presidents role in politics.
On 26th November, Nawaz Sharif said that President Zardari is a
Constitutional President and Zardari can administer oath to the new Prime
Minister after elections which are due next year. When asked if he is elected
as Prime Minister after next elections would he take oath administered by
President Zardari, Nawaz said Zardari was a democratically-elected
President and a working relationship with him was possible.
Next day, PML-Q MNA Ghaus Bux Mahar resigned as provincial
president of the party; however, he rejected the reports of leaving the party
and joining the PML-F. Addressing a press conference at his residence he
said that Prime Minister had not sacked him as minister as he himself
resigned from the federal ministry of privatization.
On 28th November, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict regarding
non-verification of sizable number of votes in Karachi and shifting of votes
to other towns and cities on the basis of permanent addresses mentioned on
the CNICs of the city residents. Chief Justice remarked that door-to-door
verification of votes should be conducted in Karachi. The CJP added that the
army and Rangers could be used in this verification campaign as their
involvement would help the authorities in resolving the law and order issue.
The petitioners had complained about existence of bogus votes in the
port city and claimed that up to three million people living in Karachi had
been registered in their native towns of Swat, Mingora, Mansehra and
Attock, although they had been living in Karachi for 10 to 15 years. The
court during the previous hearing last week had asked Election Commission
of Pakistan (ECP) to find out how many voters were verified and how many
of them were de-listed or transferred back to their native towns.
Munir Paracha appearing on behalf of ECP Sindh contended that
contrary to the claims of PTI, JI, PPP and PML-N, only 68,000 votes could
not be verified. He also said some people, including Rana Shamim advocate,
filled the form, to shift their votes to the place of their permanent residences.
But Rana Shamim contradicted the statement of the ECP counsel, saying that
he did not fill any form for shifting of his familys votes out of Karachi.
Counsel for Jamat-i-Islami, Rasheed A Rizvi informed the court that
according to Final Electoral Rolls (FER) in PECHS area of Karachi 647
persons are living in a 120-yard house, while in another small house in
Mazoor Colony, 66 people are residing. When the chief justice asked the
ECP to verify voters in the restive by going from door to door, MQM lawyer
226
Farough Naseem said that instead of deciding the matter on its own, the
court should send the matter to the Chief Election Commissioner. The MQM
lawyer said if this was the case than the door to door verification exercise
should be conducted across Pakistan.
But the court rejected this proposal and said if a nationwide exercise
were to be held, the elections would not be held even in six years. The CJ
remarked that the Supreme Court had received complaints regarding
Karachi. Farough Naseem said: Unless there is actionable material, the
court cant pass an order. If the court would pass an order in this case then
people from other provinces would approach the apex court with similar
objections, he added.
Justice Azmat told the MQM counsel that the more reluctance he
would show on the matter the more doubts would be created as to why the
MQM was resisting voters verification. Farough Naseem sought 15 minutes
to get instruction from the party leadership. Then he came back and again
opposed a court decision on the matter and requested to adjourn the hearing
until Monday. The MQM counsel also argued that it was an individuals
right and not that of political parties to approach the court regarding
verification of votes. The chief justice asked him why he was opposing the
door-to-door verification when the MQM claims of being a grassroots party.
The chief justice said there should be maximum turnout in the general
elections and that could only happen if the votes are properly registered. He
added that the apex court had received several complaints about the voters
list. He also observed that countrys economy could suffer if peace is not
restored in Karachi. The court reserved its judgment in the case after hearing
the arguments from all respondents.
The father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb registered a new political party
to contest for the first time general elections expected next year. In July,
Abdul Qadeer Khan, 76, set up Tehreek-e-Tahafuzz Pakistan or Save
Pakistan Movement (SPM) to contest the 2013 elections and to campaign for
an end to endemic corruption.
On 30th November, complete strike was observed in the province on
the call of Sindh Bachayo Committee (SBC) against the Sindh Peoples
Local Governments Act (SPLGA) 2012. In Karachi, the strike was only
observed in the areas dominated by Sindhi speaking people, while business
in other parts of the city went on as usual. The PML-N, PML-Q, PMLLikeminded, ANP, NPP, ST, JUI-F and PTI also supported the strike.
227
Six people were injured in Shahpur Chakar when some unknown

gunmen resorted to firing on a protest rally. Incidents of firing were also
reported from various areas of Hyderabad, forcing the closure of shops and
restaurants. In Sanghar, unknown gunmen attacked PML-F leader Pir Pagara
Gulam Muhamad Anar when he was going with rally in his vehicle, leaving
12 people injured. The PML-F leader remained safe in the attack, but his
son was reportedly injured.
While the ruling PPP, PML-N, ANP and Jamaat-e-Islami favoured a
fresh demarcation of electoral constituencies in Karachi, the MQM wanted
such an exercise is carried out throughout the country, despite the fact that
the proposed step is Karachi-specific. Carrying out the court order, ECP
Secretary held meetings with a number of political groups to lend ear to their
reservations as regards the formation of new constituencies in the port city.
The secretary, while interacting with the media at ECPs Sindh office, called
the proposed step as revolutionary, and said it would (help) improve the law
and order situation in Karachi.
The PML-N said it had complete confidence in the chief election
commissioner and secretary; however the same could not be said about the
election commissioner in Sindh. Salim Zia, who headed the PML-N
delegation during its meeting with the ECP official, pointed out that if the
Rangers, police and administration were rendered helpless on election day,
there would be no point in holding elections in Karachi.
The PPP assured the ECP of its cooperation for new electoral
constituencies in Karachi, saying it endorsed the ruling of the apex court.
After the meeting with the ECP official, PPPs Taj Haider observed that
previous delimitations were based on ethnicity. The ANP, while presenting
its proposals, extended complete support to the ECP for the formation of
new constituencies in Karachi.
A three-judge bench led by Justice Nasirul Mulk issued the restraining
order for the election in PS-53, scheduled for December 4 after hearing
arguments of Hashmat Habib, counsel for Waheeda Shah. Hashmat Habib
pleaded that the concerned presiding officer, Habiba Memon had authority
for one day saying she could not get an FIR registered against his client two
days after the alleged incident. He further informed that the Returning
Officer had sentenced his client as a magistrate, days after the polling
without following the due process of law.
Next day, the fourth meeting of the PML-N Manifesto Committee
held in Lahore with party head Nawaz Sharif in the chair, entertained the
228
various proposals for public welfare as well as to take the country ahead
financially, socially, culturally, industrially, agriculturally and politically.
The party is designing the manifesto mainly focusing on the dwindling
economy as well as to provide opportunities to every segment of society to
share its efforts in national building side by side improving its own financial
position.
On 2nd December, PPP and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) decided to
enter into an electoral alliance for getting positive results in the next general
elections. Kaira, Wattoo and Munir A Khan called on Sahibzada Fazal Karim
at his residence to formally initiate talks and discuss the option of electoral
alliance. Fazal Karim said that a party believing in Constitution could not be
labeled as a secular party.
Pir Mahfooz Shah Mushahdi said that Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) has
canceled the basic membership of Sahbizada Fazal Karim and Haji Hanif
Tayyab for entering into an electoral alliance with PML-Q. In SICs Shoora
meeting, the component parties accused Sahibzada Fazal Karim and Hanif
Tayyab of striking a deal with the PML-Q for contesting elections from their
respective constituencies.
Pervaiz Elahi vowed to create Hazara province, if voted to power in
the next general elections. Addressing a big public rally in Mansehra, he said
support for the PML-Q would guarantee creation of the new province
according to the aspirations of the people of Hazara. He pointed out the
hypocrisy of the PML-N on two key national issues Kalabagh Dam and
Hazara province.
Rule of law: On 12th November, the judgment authored by Justice

Jawwad S Khawaja after hearing the suo moto notice of assault on a polling
staff by a PPP candidate Waheeda Shah in Tando Muhammad Khan ruled
that civil servants owe their first and foremost allegiance to the law and the
constitution and are not bound to obey orders from superiors which are
illegal or are not in accordance with accepted practices and rule-based
norms,
The judgment said that appointments, removals and promotions must be
made in accordance with the law and the rules and where no such law or rule
exists and the matter has been left to discretion, such discretion must be
exercised in a structured, transparent and reasonable manner and in the
public interest. The court noted when the ordinary tenure for a posting of an
officer has been specified in the law or rules made there-under then such
229
tenure must be respected and cannot be varied, except for compelling

reasons, which should be recorded in writing and are judicially reviewable.
The judgment said that the Courts ordinarily would not interfere in the
functioning of the executive as long as it adheres to the law and established
norms and acts in furtherance of its fiduciary responsibility. The need for
ensuring that decision making in relation to tenure, appointments,
promotions and transfers remains rule based and is not susceptible to
arbitrariness or absolute and unfettered discretion.
Continuing with a notable leniency regarding the lawmakers who have
not so far filed affidavits on dual nationalities, the Election Commission of
Pakistan extended the deadline by the current months end. Contrary to the
expectations that the Commission would take a decisive course at a highlevel meeting against the legislators who did not comply with the
instructions to submit affidavits not later than last Friday to affirm having
Pakistani nationality solely, the ECP looked to have continued with the
wait-and-see policy.
In addition, the ECP approved Rs300 million last week to be paid to the
Printing Corporation of Pakistan in the ongoing month for the printing of
new ballot papers for the general elections. The commission would engage
military in the transportation of the ballot papers to maintain top secrecy.
Meanwhile, following the written requests made by the Punjab and Sindh
governments, the Commission postponed by-polls in 12 constituencies for
National, Sindh and Punjab assemblies from November 17 to December 4
for security reasons.
The Supreme Court served notice on the administration of Karkay, a
Turkish rental power company, for seeking its explanation why it was going
to initiate a campaign through media advertisement on November 20. The
court also asked Attorney General Irfan Qadir and PML-Q parliamentary
leader in the National Assembly Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat to sit
together to decide on how much outstanding amount should be paid by the
four rental power companies.
Faisal Saleh Hayat said the NABs deal with Karkey was in sheer
violation and contravention of the Supreme Court verdict on the RPPs. He
also contended that the country would face the loss of Rs22 billion owing to
this underhand deal. Faisal said the court had recovered the money from five
rental power companies, but four of them still had to pay the outstanding
amount. He prayed to the chief justice to stop the authorities concerned and
230
state functionaries from allowing the ship of Karkey to leave Karachi port
before the recovery of the total amount of Rs22 billion.
Next day, counsel for PIA admitted, during the hearing of PIA
corruption case in the Supreme Court, that mismanagement, over staffing
and frequent delay in flights caused Rs119 billion loss to the national flag
carrier. The court expressed displeasure over the state of affairs of the PIA
and the Chief Justice said: It is very painful to see the destruction of
national institutions in such manner.
He said that no one was taking action against massive corruption in the
PIA, Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills and other national institutions, adding
that the court was waiting for reply of the authorities concerned since
December 28, 2011 but to no avail. The court questioned PIAs alleged nontransparent deals, weak management, over staffing, huge losses and delay in
flights.
On 14th November, the privilege committee panel, which is headed by
PPP lawmaker Yasmeen Rahman, summoned the FIA DG to inquire why
Abdul Qadir Gilani was issued a notice. Rahman gave the ruling after
lawmakers on treasury benches, while making fiery speeches on the issuance
of notices to the Gilanis in connection with the 2010 Hajj scam, demanded
immediate withdrawal of the same. The House did not witness even a single
sentence about the worsening law and order situation in Karachi, as the issue
of notices to Gilanis largely dominated the proceedings.
Next day, Chief Justice asserted that every state organ has to perform its
duties and functions within its constitutional ambit. It is enjoined upon the
judiciary that it exercise its powers in an independent and effective manner
and without any fear or favour, he averred in his address to a hurriedlycalled full court session on the Supreme Court premises.
On 19th November, former Prime Minister Gilani told the FIA that it has
violated the constitution by sending him a notice regarding appointment of
Rao Shakil as director general of Haj operations. The ex-PM, in his written
response conveyed to Hussain Asghar, Director/Commandant Special
Investigating Unit of FIA stated that the notice was in violation of article
248(1) of the constitution, while the only allegation leveled in it pertains to
receipt of monetary benefit in appointing Rao Shakil. Gilani ruled out
possibility of having monetary benefits. Given that several officials are
involved in the process of such appointments.
On 21st November, full bench of the Lahore High Court observed the
court would first decide the immunity before proceeding further on a
231
contempt petition against President Zardari for not relinquishing political

office of PPP Co-Chairman in light of a judgment issued in 2011. As the
bench resumed hearing, Additional Attorney General informed the bench
that Wasim Sajjad, the counsel of federal government, was busy in Supreme
Court. He requested the court to adjourn proceedings on the contempt case.
A K Dogar and Azhar Siddique, counsels of petition Munir Ahmad, opposed
the adjournment request and said that the bench was bound to decide any
contempt cases expeditiously.
They argued there was no ambiguity about the political role of the
president after verdict in Ashgar Khan Case by the apex court. And that the
President Zardari stood disqualified after Asghar Khan Case, they added. At
this, the chief justice said that the court would give verdicts on the contempt
cases in view of the constitution. The court would first decide that the
presidential immunity in the contempt court; therefore, he said that the court
would hear the contempt case on daily basis after next date of hearing. The
court will resume the hearing on Dec 5.
On 26th November, the Supreme Court warned the NAB that if Karkey
electric power generation ship leaves the Karachi port without paying the
outstanding amount, the Bureaus chairman would be responsible. At the
outset of the hearing, NAB Director General (Operational) informed the
court that as per their calculation, $120 million are outstanding against the
ship-mounted Turkish power plant. But NAB Prosecutor General K K Agha
contended that ultimately the NAB chairman has to decide about the
amount.
The chief justice asked petitioner Faisal Saleh Hayat and the NAB to
sit down at the Registrars Office and calculate the exact amount due against
the Karkey and inform the bench about it after the break. After the interval
Bhatti said, at present, they have found out approximately $120 million
against the Karkey power project. The chief justice observed that Faisal
Saleh Hayat has unearthed a big scam in the power sector. He said nobody
can be allowed to make away after looting the country.
Prosecutor General NAB KK Agha said Turkeys ambassador also
contacted for the return of the power plant. Justice Gulzar Ahmed remarked,
If so, should we give entire Pakistan to Turkey? The chief justice said the
rulings on corruption cases are meant only to prevent such incidents from
happening in future; however, it would be deplorable if the spate of such
occurrences do not cease.
232
The court noted that the NAB has already given an undertaking that
unless the entire outstanding amount is paid, the ship would not be allowed
to sail from Pakistan. KK Agha said they have withdrawn the undertaking,
adding under section 23 of NAO they have cautioned the Karkey
management not to take the ship from Pakistan without paying the entire
amount. On that note, the chief justice disposed of Faisal Saleh Hayats
complaint in respect of Karkey power plant.
Next day, MQM filed a Civil Miscellaneous Application (CMA) for
early hearing of dual nationality case. Farooq Sattar, leader of parliamentary
party of MQM in the National Assembly, through Aitzaz Ahsan filed the
application under Order 33, Rule 6 of Supreme Court Rules 1980. The
MQM has already filed a constitutional petition for the interpretation of
Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution, which deal with the qualification and
disqualification of a member of the National and Provincial Assemblies and
the Senate.
Former Prime Minister, Gilani refused to appear before FIA team
investigating Haj corruption case for the second time, terming the fresh
notices issued to him to appear before the investigators on November 28 as
unlawful. Gilani in reply to the fresh notices served on him has said that the
course adopted by FIA Director Hussain Asghar was improper in having
issuing notices to him without seeking legal opinion from the Ministry of
Law and Justice Division.
On 28th November, the Supreme Court sought reply from the
Intelligence Bureau (IB) director general about the news items regarding
withdrawal of secret IB funds between 1988 to 1990 and 2008-2009 for
political purposes. A bench, headed by Chief Justice issued notices to IB
Chief Akhtar Gorchani and two former DGs, Masood Sharif Khattak and
Tariq Lodhi, in the matter about the utilization of Rs270 million allegedly
drawn by the PPP government from the secret fund of the IB to topple the
Punjab government in 2008-09.
During the hearing, reporter Asad Kharal who filed the story,
appearing before the bench, read his two news items published on March 14
and March 15, 2012, revealing that PPP government had used the IB secret
funds for political purposes in its two eras. He also said former IB DG
Shoaib Suddle had confirmed that the money had been withdrawn from the
IB's secret funds and he had talked to former Prime Minister Gilani in this
regard. On the court's query, he said he stood by his news items regarding
the withdrawal of the IB's secret funds by the PPP governments in the past.
233
Attorney General Irfan Qadir said the money was withdrawn in two
different periods; so separate replies could be sought in this regard. The
court rejected PML-N lawyer Ashraf Gujjar's request to fix his petition about
the misuse of funds by the PPP against its opponents in the past, along with
this case. The SC registrar was also asked to send the copy of this order to
the DG IB. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks.
During a briefing to the Public Accounts Committee in the National
Assembly, Auditor General of Pakistan Buland Akhtar Rana said that
officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry purchased luxury vehicles for the
federal minister, Haj director general and other officials from 'Pilgrims'
Welfare Fund' that was contrary to rules and regulations. But to his shock,
Rana's subordinates, officials of foreign audit team, declined their boss,
claiming that rules allow such spending to officials of the Religious Affairs
Ministry.
Next day, former Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid MNA Shehnaz
Sheikh, who was disqualified for holding dual citizenship, has named three
more lawmakers with dual nationality. She said that PPP MNA from NA183, Arif Aziz Sheikh, is an Australian national by birth. She went on to add:
Sabeen Rizvi, a PML-N MNA, is a British national and still holds British
passport while Donya Aziz, a PML-Q MNA, is an American citizen by birth.
Both the ladies got selected on womens seats.
On 30th November, the ECP decided to hold a meeting sometime next
week to proceed in the light of court ruling against those legislators who did
not comply with the Supreme Court orders to file nationality affidavits.
Eighteen legislators did not submit oath statements to affirm not being the
nationals of any other state but Pakistan as the given deadline went passed
yesterday.
FIA investigating Haj corruption affairs adopted a 'go-slow' policy
after the ruling PPP strongly reacted on the issuance of notices by the
Agency to former Prime Minister Gilani and his son for their alleged
involvement in the scam. DG FIA Anwar Virk succumbing to the pressure of
the government has directed his subordinates conducting investigations of
the Haj scam to slow down the process.
Next day, six members of Sindh Assembly resigned from their seats,
fearing eventual disqualification for their holding dual nationality. These
MPAs four of MQM and two of PPP had filed their resignations on
November 30, the last date to file affidavits of not being dual nationals, and
Speaker Nisar Khuhro accepted those the same day.
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The ECP would hold a meeting sometime next week to proceed in the
light of court ruling against those legislators who did not comply with orders
to file nationality affidavits. After resignation of Sindh MPAs, the lawmakers
to be proceeded against are: MNAs Maulana M Qasim, Syed Allauddin, Ch
Tassaduq Masud Khan, Syed Tayyab Hussain, Dr Nadeem Ehsan, Haider
Abbass Rizvi, Sabeen Rizvi, Fauzia Ejaz and Dr Araish Kumar; senators
Malik Sallahud din Dogar, Mir Haji Lashkari and Haji Khan Afridi; and
KPK MPA Javaid Iqbal.
Secretaries of all administrative departments of Punjab have decided
not to obey any illegal orders of the ministers. Chaired by Chief Secretary
Nasir Mehmood Khosa, a meeting also decided to avoid to the utmost
making any official OSD (officer on special duty) and start giving postings
to those already condemned to functional slumber.
Lauding the Chief Justices observation about sticking to the law, the
participants discussed the ways to confront any possible illegal orders from
the ministers and other government bosses in future. The CS Khosa told the
officers to work in line with the law and follow the rules of business only.
Quoting the landmark SC judgment, he said that the government officers
were servants of the state rather than that of any government.
The delimitation of constituencies in Karachi as ordered by the
Supreme Court seemed to rise up as a test-case for the ECP, as MQM was
set to go all out to push the electoral body backtrack from the contemplated
initiative. Drawing implied contours of warpath, the coalition partner holds
processions in the forty cities of Pakistan tomorrow themed on one-point
agenda, opposition of SC orders to delimit constituencies in Karachi. The
processions would follow telephonic address of the MQM chief Altaf
Hussain from London.
Defiance of judiciary: On 12th November, the Supreme Court kept

the licence of former Federal Minister Babar Awan suspended to practice in
the apex court. Chief Justice said that an 11-member bench had passed the
order to temporarily suspend his licence; therefore, when the required bench
would meet then his application for restoration of licence would be
considered. The case was adjourned for indefinite period.
The Supreme Court directed IGP Islamabad and IGP Punjab to ensure
the arrest of Tauqir Sadiq, former chairman of Oil & Gas Regulatory
Authority, without any delay or be ready for action. A three-judge bench
heard the case pertaining to the implementation of its order against Tauqir
Sadiq during which the chief justice inquired as to why Ogra's former
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chairman has still not been arrested. NAB investigation officer told the
bench that raids were being conducted for Sadiq's arrest but every time he
would manage to escape.
Next day, talking to the media, after appearing before the commission,
Malik Riaz said that he did not repose trust in the Suddle Commission and
had pleaded it to stop its proceeding. Dr Arsalan should be given the same
treatment by law as it gives to ordinary citizens, he said adding that he was
ready to appear before the Supreme Court but not before Shoaib Suddle.
Zahir Bokhari, counsel for Malik Riaz said that the commission was not an
institution, adding that its term had expired before October. He said all the
proceedings of the commission from October 13 to Nov 6 were illegal.
On 14th November, the Supreme Court withdrew the contempt of court
notice against Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and dismissed the NRO
implementation case. The court was informed by Law Minister that the
government had dispatched a letter to the Swiss attorney general, asking for
reopening the cases closed under the NRO. He presented before the bench a
copy of the acceptance letter sent by the Swiss authorities and requested the
court to discharge contempt notice against the premier and call off
proceedings against the federal government in NRO case.
The letter asked the Swiss authorities to reopen the corruption cases
requested to be closed by a letter written by Malik Mohammad Asylum, the
then AG, to the Swiss attorney general on May 22, 2008. However, the new
letter included a note, This is without prejudice to the legal rights and
defences of the presidents/heads of state which may be available under the
law, constitution and international law.
A five-member bench of the Supreme Court expressed annoyance over
the NAB for sending references against the bureaucrats who had followed
the orders of the former PM regarding appointment of Adnan Khawaja as
OGRA MD and sparing despite he had misused his authority by issuing
orders of his appointment. Justice Jamali asked the NAB to set examples
that they were not biased.
NAB Prosecutor General KK Agha argued: We believe there was no
mens rea (criminal intent) in the appointment of Adnan Khan, so no
reference was sent against the ex-PM, adding Adnan Khawaja remained an
OGDC MD only for seven days and caused no loss to the national
exchequer. He, however, told the bench that references had been sent against
Ismail Qureshi, former Principle Secretary to PM Saeed Gilani and Rang
Zia, bureaucrats, involved in the appointment of Adnan Khawaja.
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Justice Ejaz Afzal questioned: Why did the NAB adopt pick-andchoose policy by sparing the person (Gilani) who approved Adnan
Khawajas appointment and committed mens rea? He further questioned
how the NAB could form such an opinion that one person was guilty and the
other not.
Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, another bench member, remarked that
the ex-PM ordered the appointment, but he was spared. He said though no
loss was caused to the national exchequer, misuse of official authority was
the main offence. Justice Khilji Arif maintained that the convicted people
were given favour by Gilani. KK Agha argued the prime minister did not
know that Adnan Khawaja was convicted and an NRO beneficiary. Justice
Jamali questioned how Gilani was not aware as the two were jail associates.
The bench asked the prosecutor general to act against the guilty persons
otherwise it would be more damaging if the court passed any order.
Regarding the reference against Malik Qayyum, KK Agha said that the
executive board of the NAB, at its meeting, had decided to close the
inquiries against the former attorney general. Justice Khosa maintained that
Malik Qayyum had misused his authority as the attorney general. The court
directed the NAB authorities to review their decision to close the inquiries
against the former attorney general and send a reference against Qayyum in
the light of Asghar Khan and Anita Turab cases. The hearing was adjourned
until December 4.
Taking notice of the derogatory remarks of Malik Riaz against the oneman commission probing Dr Arsalan Iftikhar-Malik Riaz case, commission
chairman Shoaib Suddle issued contempt notice to Malik Riaz, summoning
him on November 19. The commission stated in the notice that by leveling
baseless allegations on the chairman of the commission, Riaz had not only
committed the contempt of the commission but also attempted to malign the
office of tax ombudsman.
The commission had already served a notice on the Interior Ministry,
seeking explanation why the names of Dr Arsalan Iftikhar and Malik Riaz
were put on the Exit Control List. The notice also demanded explanation
why the commission were not being allocated the staff it required to proceed
its probe. The commission can initiate contempt of court proceedings against
the bosses of the ministry.
Next day, it was reported that a higher authority from Presidency
influenced Federal Ministry of Interior in mid of October not to place names
of Riaz Malik and Dr Arsalan Iftikhar on the ECL following directives of
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Supreme Court appointed Suddle Commission. Suddle Commission had

requested the Interior Ministry for placing the names of Arsalan and Riaz on
ECL; however, the ministry never entertained the request.
On 19th November, Malik Riaz appeared before the Suddle Commission
and apologized for his remarks against the commission. The Supreme
Court's appointed judicial commission accepted Riaz's apology and
withdrew contempt notice. Malik Riaz, the main character in the scandal,
earlier had refused to appear before Suddle Commission.
The Supreme sought explanation from principal secretaries to president,
prime minister and Senate on elevation of the Islamabad High Court chief
justice to the SC and confirmation of two IHC judges. SC Registrar Dr Faqir
Hussain sent two different letters to the secretaries. In his first letter he asked
why the confirmation letter regarding the elevation of IHC Chief Justice
Iqbal Hameedur Rehman in the Supreme Court was not being issued. The
Judicial Commission on October 22 had recommended to the Parliamentary
Committee on Judges Appointment to confirm the appointment of Rehman
at the SC. The registrar has asked the secretaries concerned why the
notification is not being issued despite the completion of all constitutional
requirements mentioned in Article 175A of the Constitution.
In the second letter, the registrar sought explanation from the secretaries
about confirmation of the services of Justice Shaukat Siddiqui as the regular
judge and extension of Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi. The SJC had confirmed
the services of Justice Siddiqui as regular judge, giving six months extension
to Justice Qureshi and sent the case for the approval of Parliamentary
Committee on Judges Appointment, which endorsed the SJC
recommendations. The letter contends that the legal process has been
complied but the notification is not being issued about two IHC judges,
whose term is expiring today. According to sources, if the government will
not issue the notification for IHC judges appointment, they might be
appointed by a court order.
The PPP-led government in the national assembly succeeded in getting
validated the orders issued by former Prime Minister Gilani during his postconviction days in office. The House passed the bill to validate acts, orders
and other instruments done, made and issued from April 26 the day he was
convicted of contempt to June 19 when he was removed from office. The
PML-N lawmakers insisted that a blanket validation should not be given to
Gilanis acts.
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On 23rd November, the Supreme Court adjourned for a fortnight the

hearing on the case about the composition of the Judicial Commission and
seniority of Islamabad High Court judges, after federations representative
said the president has decided to file a reference in the case. The bench on
November 22 had directed Attorney General Irfan Qadir to obtain
presidents views about the legality of the Judicial Commission in a scenario
wherein the most senior judge was not available and most senior available
judge sat on the commission. The bench had also told the attorney general
to convey to the president to issue the withheld notification (for
reappointment of judges) or else the court will do it.
The apex court had also declared that the composition of the judicial
commission was in fact legal and could not be questioned by the presidents
office to quash their service tenure extensions. Irfan Qadir submitted the
federations written reply regarding the matter, stating that he could not
reach President Zardari due to presidents engagement in D-8 summit, but he
did meet Law Minister Farook H Naek. The AG said that the law minister
told him that President Zardari wished to submit a reference under article
186 of the constitution.
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that according to article 186, the
bench can only advise the president in regard to the reference. However,
considering something as unconstitutional and not abiding by it was a
dangerous trend, he added. He also said that the court would also solicit
views of all the advocate generals in the matter, as that was a constitutional
way to seek the court advice on the matter.
Akram Sheikh, counsel for Nadeem Ahmed, argued that the court could
decide the matter even though the reference is filed. Justice Khosa asked him
you leave to the court what it has to decide. Sheikh pleaded that in the
presence of his petition, filing of reference by the President was not a good
idea. This has come in bad faith, he said. Justice Khilji remarked, Dont
use such words for the President of Pakistan. The counsel responded; You
cant use it but I can.
The attorney general said that the President has shown lot of faith in the
court. He said that the instant petition has now become infructuous in view
of the fact that both of them, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and Justice
Noorul Haq Qureshi, have ceased to be judges upon expiry of their tenure on
November 20, 2012. Akram Sheikh said that unless there was a final
decision about the petition, the IHC judges should be given interim
authorization to work. The AG requested the court to adjourn the petition for
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two weeks for filing of the reference. The court adjourned the hearing,
saying that if the reference would not be filed in two weeks then they would
resume hearing of the application.
Next day, counsel for Malik Riaz alleged that the Suddle Commission
has become Arsalan commission and has lost its impartiality. He said the
Suddle Commission was handling the investigation in such a way that
Arsalan Iftikhar could be given a clean chit.
On 26th November, Law Minister Farooq H Naek discussed with
Prime Minister the forthcoming reference to be filed by the President before
the Supreme Court to seek opinion in the matter of appointment of judges in
the superior courts. The federation intends to file a reference in order to
obtain the advice of the apex court under article 186 of the constitution with
regard to the appointment of chief justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) by
the Judicial Commission, as well as the confirmation of IHC judges.
Appreciating the advice given by the law minister for filing of the
reference, the prime minister said that it will not only further improve their
relationship with the judiciary but also bring clarity to the process of
appointing judges, besides reaffirming government policy of a harmonious
working of all the state institutions. The PM said they believe that all the
institutions should work in consultation with each other without interfering
in each other affairs.
Next day, the Public Accounts Committee made it clear that each and
every department/organization consuming the government funds would have
to respond to audit objections and no one was exception. The National
Assemblys Public Accounts Committee which met with its chairman
Nadeem Afzal Chan in the chair was told that 16 departments of the
government, including Frontier Works Organization, NADRA and National
Press Trust, were not cooperating with the auditor general of Pakistan and
claiming independence.
The Public Accounts Committee issued notices to the officials of the
Presidency, the Prime Ministers House and the Supreme Court of Pakistan
to appear before it to give reply to audit objections. The PAC also issued a
special directive to the Supreme Court registrar to appear in Decembers
second week to clarify his position for not giving reply to audit objections.
Bahria Town filed intra court appeal challenging the IHC verdict in
favour of Shoaib Suddle Commission in Islamabad High Court (IHC). The
countrys renowned legal expert Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan filed intra court
appeal on behalf of Bahria Town stating that that Shoaib Suddle
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Commission has no powers to summon tax record of Bahria Town from

Federal Bureau of Revenue. Aitzaz Ahsan, on behalf of Bahria Town, prayed
that Islamabad High Courts single bench verdict in this respect be declared
null and void.
On 29th November, it was reported that Malik Riaz decided to file case
against Arsalan Iftikhar in London on the charges of extortion of money.
Suleman, son-in-law of Malik Riaz has hired the services of lawyers in
London in this connection. Suleman has taken the plea that Arsalan Iftikhar
grabbed millions of rupees from his father-in-law by blackmailing him.
On 2nd December, Altaf Hussain warned against imposing judicial
martial law in the country, saying that their party cannot be eliminated
through state operation or conspiracies. The remarks of a Supreme Court
judge about fresh delimitation of electoral constituencies in Karachi so that
no party has a monopoly are an affront to 20 million people of Karachi. He
said that Chief Justice must take suo motu notice of these remarks as the
right to give majority to any political party or to take back their mandate
rests with the people and not with any judge.
He said that election issues should better be left to the election
commission as it was their domain and do not fall within the purview of any
court. Undue interference in the work of the election commission would
compound the problem even if it is done in good intention. He said the
Delimitation Act of 1974 makes census a basic requirement for new
delimitations. The SC has ordered new delimitations of constituencies in
Karachi alone without holding census which is totally against Section 9 of
this act, he added.
Altaf raised the question: Will the judges decide as to which party
has majority in a particular constituency? He said that different political
parties have majority support in different cities of the country and asked if
the SC observation is valid in Karachis case, why such observation was not
made for the rest of the country? He maintained that the said remarks point
to a conspiracy to break the popular mandate of his party and the people of
Karachi reject them.
Khursheed Shah said that the Supreme Court should review its verdict
on the delimitation of constituencies in Karachi. Speaking to media after
inauguration of a new block at Ghulam Muhammad Mehar Medical
Teaching Hospital, he said delimitation should be carried out all over the
country; doing so only in Karachi would be unjust.
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Four MQM MNAs resigned from the membership of the lower house
of the parliament over dual nationality. Earlier, four of MQM members of
Sindh Assembly had resigned from their slots, along with their two PPP
colleagues, over the same issue. MNAs Haider Abbas Rizvi, Tayyab
Hussain, Mrs Fauzia Ejaz and Dr Nadeem Ehsan tendered resignations citing
personal reasons.
PPPs Syed Murad Ali Shah and Muhammad Sadiq Memon who
both resigned as MPAs two days ago were sworn in as Sindh cabinet
ministers again, after submitting their single nationality affidavits to the
election commission. MQM Sindh ex-ministers Muhammad Raza Haroon
and Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, and MNA Haider Abbas Rizvi have been
appointed as advisers to the Sindh chief minister, with a status equal to
provincial cabinet ministers.
Taming the military: On 12th November, a petition was filed in

Islamabad High Court challenging the political nature of a recent speech
made by Chief of Army Staff. The petition, filed in the IHC by Col (retd)
Inam Rahim, argued that Gen Kayani had exceeded his professional
authority by issuing a political statement.
Next day, it was observed that the two retired generals involved in
Asghar Khan case could be tried under Pakistan Army Act had the Supreme
Court not directed the government for proceeding against them through FIA.
Aslam Beg has publicly demanded that his trial be conducted under the PAA
while showing mistrust on the FIA saying that the Apex Court has repeatedly
reprimanded the FIA for its lack of credibility.
On 15th November, the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society disowned Col
(retired) Inam-ur-Rahim, the so-called convener of the society, stating the
man has vested interests and he is playing into the hands of anti-Pakistan
elements. It was decided in a meeting of the central working committee of
the Society held under the chairmanship of its president Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz
Ali Chishti.
We have noticed with regret that some Pakistani newspapers are
portraying Col (retd) Inam-ur-Rahim as the convener of Legal Forum,
Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society. We make it clear that there is no such post
in the organization, said a press statement issued after the meeting. The
statement added that ex-servicemen were supposed and required to be dealt
with according to the law of the country as part of the civil society.
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Reportedly, the colonel was on his way back from Khushab district in a
taxi when the driver of the taxi had a scuffle with another driver in front of a
military hospital in Rawalpindi. The ex-officer tried to resolve the issue, but
he got involved in the fight. As a result, he sustained some bruises. In order
to gain political mileage and take advantage of the situation, Col Inam
created an impression that the incident took place because he had filed a
petition in the court.
According to insiders, many of the participants of the meeting
expressed anger over the actions of the ex-serviceman, stating that the man
was a fanatic and trying to damage the repute of the countrys defense
system. According to a member of the society, who wished not to be named,
some vested interests are using Col Inam-ur-Rahim to defame the Pakistan
Army.
Next day, the Islamabad High Court observed that the court cannot
proceed against serving Army personnel as Army employees cannot be
brought within the civilian Courts under the Article 199(3) of the
Constitution which placed a bar upon courts to take up such issues. Justice
Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi observed this while hearing of a case related
to financial dealing between Major Zubair and Yawer Saeed Khan and
directed counsel for the petitioner to delete the Adjutant General of Pakistan
Army from the list of respondents.
On 17th November, unidentified miscreants set alight a car of a military
legal officer, Inamur Rahim, in Kashmir Colony in an attack that is being
seen as a bid to refrain him from pursuing lawsuits regarding army officers
and missing persons, who had been in alleged custody of intelligence
agencies.
The government, in a review petition challenging the Supreme Court
judgment in Asghar Khan case, has contended that office of the President is
political one and not in the Service of Pakistan, and the apex court has no
authority to issue such observations regarding the president. The civil review
petition presented on Saturday was however returned by the SC Registrar
Office because it did not have the Rs10,000 court fees attached to it.
The government also contended that the conduct of the present
president of the county was never an issue in Asghar Khan case, nor was it
relevant for a decision on the matter. The observations made by this
honourable amount to an error on the face of record, therefore, the order is
liable to be reviewed, the petition says, adding that the court may have
similarly refrained from issuing notice to the secretary to the president. By
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doing so, this court has applied a different yardstick to the office of the
president.
The review petition said that the court has referred to the oath of the
president, which in substance is similar to the oath of the prime minister, the
speaker, the ministers, the judges, etc. All the holders of these offices are
required to act in the performance of their functions in accordance with the
constitution and the law.
The government further stated that the president is elected by a large
number of members of an electoral college, comprising the national
assembly, the senate, and all the four provincial assemblies. The president is
invariably nominee of a political party who seeks votes and who is
supported in this process by political parties. The office of the president is,
thus, a political office and aspect which cannot be ignored.
Regarding the courts observations that the office of the president is
covered by the expression Service of Pakistan under article 260 of the
constitution, the petition said that the SC while arriving at this conclusion,
did not consider the Lahore High Courts contrary judgments, which are
reported as PLD 2011 Lahore Page 382 (Larger Bench), and PLD 1995
Lahore Page 541 (Shahbaz Sharif case).
It also objected that the effect of the SC judgment had overruled the
judgment of four learned judges in the Pakistan Lawyers Forum case. It has
been the practice of this court that only a larger bench will overrule a
judgment of the High Court delivered by four judges. On that score also, the
judgment of this court needs to be reviewed as there is an error of law on the
face of the record.
Next day, IGP Punjab ordered the Rawalpindi police to ensure
transparent and merit-based probe into the claims of retired military lawyer,
Col Inam-ur-Rahim, that unidentified men allegedly set his car on fire and
assaulted his teenage son. Police in its initial findings sent to the Central
Police Office (CPO) within 24 hours of the happening have observed that
the incident was fabricated as the son of the ex-army officer was repeatedly
changing his statements before the investigators.
The police officials believe Inam-ur-Rehim is in the habit of irritating
others as his track record reveals and his fight with the taxi drivers was not
the first example of this kind. The ex-army lawyer, a controversial character,
got extensive media cover locally and internationally for filing lawsuits
against the army and the intelligence agencies. According to his ex-
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colleagues, Col (retd) Rahim is fanatic and publicity monger who could go
to any extent for cheap publicity.
On 19th November, the government removed all the objections put by
the Supreme Court in the Asghar Khan case verdict review petition. In the
16-page petition, filed by the deputy attorney general the federation has
sought review of observations of the court vis-a-vis office of the president.
On 1st December, it was reported that a Senate panels proposal for a
parliamentary oversight and civilian control over ISI in connection with its
operations pertaining to national security is likely to earn enormous
opposition from Pakistans all powerful military establishment due to
obvious reasons. A Senate sub-committee comprising Senator Farhatullah
Babar as its convener had recently proposed a new law namely Inter Service
Intelligence Agency (Functions, Powers and Regulation) Act, 2012. The
Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights would thoroughly go
through the draft of the proposed legislation while this would be shared with
the House Committees on Defense and Interior Affairs.
Next day, Islamabad police booked former Deputy DG ISI Major
General (Retd) Nusrat Naeem in a cheque bounce case. According to
sources, the case was registered against the retired Major General in
Industrial area police station, following complaint of a resident of Islamabad
Muhammad Ali.
Recessing economy: On 19th November, the Supreme Court

ordered to keep the CNG prices unchanged until Dec 5 and asked the
stakeholders to come up with a new gas pricing formula prioritizing
consumers interest. Ogra had recommended a price hike of Rs12.52 per kg
and the audit company had recommended the price hike of Rs21.39 per kg.
But the bench, headed by Chief Justice, ruled to keep the current prices.
On 26th November, CNG stations across the country went on an
indefinite strike to protest against the reduction in sale price, causing great
deal of trouble for commuters. The CNG stations owners claim that they
cannot sell the gas on the reduced price, saying that the incurring losses are
unbearable for them.
Next day, motorists and commuters found it hard to reach their
destinations as gas stations across the country remained closed for the
second consecutive day in protest of CNG retailers against the low price of
gas. CNG unavailability has adversely irked the rickshaw and taxi drivers
who expressed their frustration by parking their vehicles in the middle of
245
roads and caused traffic jams in many cities. People in many cities held
protest against the strike.
On 28th November, Adviser to Prime Minister on
Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain said that equitable
imposed on compressed natural gas (CNG) in a bid to
equitable with petrol to phase out CNG. Dr Asim expressed
meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee
Engineer Tariq Khattak in the chair.
Petroleum and
tax would be
make it more
these view at a
that met with
The United States will provide $150 million to the Water and Power
Development Authority for up-gradation of Mangla Power House, disclosed
US Ambassador in Pakistan Richard Olson during his visit to Mangla Dam.
The US envoy said that the project was just one element of a comprehensive
US energy assistance programme in Pakistan.
Next day, CNG dealers rejected Ogras new pricing formula and
declared to keep the filling stations shut, leaving the public in the lurch.
According to the formula presented by the Ogra to the federal government
for approval, CNG price would be raised by Rs10.56 to Rs72.20 per kg in
Region-I and to Rs63.76 in Region-II. The Region-I comprises KPK,
Balochistan and Potohar region of Punjab) while the Region-II encompass
Sindh and Punjab (excluding Potohar).
CNG stations in Malakand division got opened after a threat letter
issued by Taliban, asking the gas station owners to start selling the gas or
face dire consequences. The owners not only opened their stations but sold
gas on the price fixed by Ogra after the Supreme Court order. Meanwhile,
CNG stations remained closed in Swat on the fourth consecutive day in
protest against low price of gas, causing great deal of trouble for locals.
Provincial disharmony: On 29th November, the LHC directed the

federal government to take meaningful steps for the construction of muchopposed Kalabagh Dam (KBD).The court asked the government to faithfully
strive to explore and devise an administrative framework and safeguards that
allay the apprehensions, political or otherwise, nurtured by concerned
quarters about this multipurpose project. The LHC based its directive on two
decisions given by the Council of the Common Interests (CCI) in 1991 and
1998, which remain unchanged to date as the parliament has not altered
them.
Nine petitions had been filed with the LHC seeking directions to the
federal government to undertake construction of this long-stalled project.
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Disposing of these petitions, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in a short order
observed that the energy shortage has adversely affected the lives of the
citizens and it violates their fundamental rights as guaranteed under article 9
and 25 of the constitution. Therefore, the federal government is directed that
in the performance of its duty under article 154 of the constitution, it shall in
letter and spirit take steps that implement the decisions of the two meetings
of the CCI held on Sep 16, 1991 and May 9, 1998 regarding Kalabagh Dam,
it said.
Advancing arguments Barrister Mian Belal Ahmad, counsel for a
petitioner World Banks former legal advisor Bashir A Malik said an
Indian court had also resolved a dispute that arose between Tamil Nadu and
Kerala states over the construction of a Mullaperiyar dam, and the LHC
should also play its role to resolve the KBD dispute.
The courts short order said that constitution confers a pre-eminent
position to the CCI to formulate and regulate policies for the federation in
relation to a number of subjects including Water and Power. It added that a
CCI decision has obligatory effect unless the same is modified by the
parliament at the instance of the federal government under article 154(7).
The order speaks that the bona fide steps by the federal government
are necessary, so that the fate of the project is not sealed on the basis of
presumptions and surmises when in the light of the material produced before
the court about the project is admittedly feasible both technically and
economically. It is therefore directed that whilst implementing the aforenoted CCI decisions the federal government shall faithfully strive to explore
and devise an administrative framework and safeguards that allay the
apprehensions, political or otherwise nurtured by concerned quarters about
the KBD, the order read.
Welcoming LHC order to the Federal Government to construct the
Kalabagh Dam, former Chairman Wapda Shamsul Mulk said that it would
have been much better, if this decision has been taken 20 years earlier.
Advocating an early construction of Kalabagh Dam, he said it would have
been too much admirable, if this historic order has been given by an elected
government.
Punjab Chief Minister said Kalabagh Dam should be constructed with
the consent of four provinces. Reacting to LHC decision, he said
construction of dams is essential for strengthening economy. He said the
stance of PML-N is very clear that the consensus between the four provinces
247
He expressed the hope that if the people provided an opportunity, consensus

would be evolved among the four provinces.
PML-Q Central Spokesman Kamal Ali Agha supported Kalabagh
Dam but after addressing reservations of certain political parties. He said it
was wrong to say that provinces have reservations on the construction of
Kalabagh Dam. There are the reservations of certain political parties and if
these are baseless then construction of Kalabagh Dam should start forthwith,
he added.
Mainstream and nationalists leaders of Sindh have out rightly rejected
the LHC verdict. Acting Sindh Governor and PPP leader Nisar Ahmed
Khuhro said that LHC order was a plot to create divide and hatred among
the provinces over a dead issue. He said that the verdict was an attack on
the integrity of the Pakistan.
The ANP said in categorical terms that it strongly opposes the
construction of Kalabagh Dam, as it is against Pakistan's interest. ANP will
not budge an inch from its stand opposing the dam, said KPK government's
spokesman and Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain. He termed
the dam construction a conspiracy, which would be foiled at all costs.
Political leaders of Balochistan opposed the LHC verdict, saying that
issues like Kalabagh Dam will propel the country toward disintegration as
three provinces have rejected its construction. Balochistan Irrigation
Minister Sardar Aslam Bezinjo said that Balochistan Assembly had already
adopted a resolution against the construction of Kalabagh Dam.
On 1st December, Khursheed Shah asked Punjab Chief Minister
Shahbaz Sharif and PML-N to forget about building the Kalabagh Dam. The
Peoples Party and the people of Sindh would not allow the construction of
the dam at any cost, he said, addressing a public meeting in Pano Aqil near
Sukkur. He further said the decision to build the Kalabagh Dam would be
taken by the Parliament, political parties and the Council of Common
Interests (CCI).
Strongly criticizing the decision of LHC regarding construction of
Kalabagh Dam, the KPK government termed it contrary to resolutions
unanimously adopted by assemblies of three provinces. Mian Iftikhar
Hussain, provincial spokesman while addressing press conference urged the
Chief Justice, Supreme Court to declare the court decision as null and void
by taking suo moto notice of the matter.
248
Next day, Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab Ameer said that the verdict of LHC
regarding construction of Kalabagh Dam should be accepted and
implemented by all in letter and spirit. He said opponents of construction of
dams in Pakistan are acting upon the advice of their Indian masters.
Moula Bux Chandio stated that the government of PPP will bury the
issue of Kalabagh Dam once and forever. Addressing a press conference, the
minister said the time for raking up the buried issue of Kalabagh Dam was
highly inappropriate as it had the potential to cause disharmony in the
general elections.
Baloch militancy: On 12th November, three more Hazara people of

Shia community were killed while two were injured in Machh town of Bolan
district. Two unknown motorcyclists, covering their faces, entered Machh
bazaar, and opened indiscriminate firing at shops of Hazara Shia. The police
called incident a continuation of target killings of Hazara community
members.
The constitutional crisis in Balochistan deepened Tuesday as
provincial Assembly Acting Speaker Syed Mutiullah Agha summoned the
assembly session, hours after Acting Governor Aslam Bhootani canceled an
earlier called session. Bhootani is actually the speaker of the provincial
assembly and he assumed the charge of acting governor in the absence of
Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, who had temporarily been relieved of duty for
medical reasons.
Next day, two brothers were killed and 10 people, including three
Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were wounded, in a remote controlled
bombing in Quetta. The explosives were planted with a bicycle which
exploded when a patrolling vehicle of the FC was passing by. No group has
claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Balochistan Assembly passed a unanimous resolution expressing
confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani. All 45
members out of total 65 present in the session voted in favour of the chief
minister. Earlier in the day, PPP Balochistan declared the Raisani
government unconstitutional, demanding the PPP central leadership to
dissolve the provincial government. Raisani thanked all those who voted for
him in the assembly and lashed out at those who he said doubted a
democratically elected assembly.
On 14th November, Baloch Republican Party spokesmans son, Haq
Nawaz Bugti was killed in a battle with security personnel in Nushki district.
249
Baloch fighters claimed causing heavy and losses to security personnel. A

person was shot dead in Mastung and a dead body was found in Quetta; the
body was in pieces and could not be identified.
Pakistan Peoples Party Balochistan chapter chief Mir Sadiq Umrani
said that the vote of confidence in Chief Minister by members of the
Balochistan Assembly had no constitutional status. The party, Umrani told
journalists, did not pose confidence in the leadership of the chief minister,
and those voted for him had not taken permission from the party leadership
either.
A counsel for the Government of Balochistan apprised the Supreme
Court that they were pursuing the Reko Diq mining lease agreement case at
international arbitration fora and were hopeful of a positive outcome. To
benchs query, Soofi told that the respondent, Tethyan Copper Company
Australia (TCCA) had invoked the jurisdiction of the international
arbitration over bilateral commercial agreement between both governments
for mining lease of Chagai gold and copper reserves.
Justice Gulzar Ahmed questioned whether the proceedings in Pakistan
would be binding upon the international arbitration fora. The counsel replied
that they had already pointed out the jurisdiction of the international fora and
claimed that the apex court in Pakistan had the real jurisdiction. The bench
observed that the counsel was not fully assisting the court over the issue
with submission of required documents.
Raza Kazim said that the joint venture agreement was void from the
day first. He claimed that after decline of TCCAs request for renewal of
leasing licence by the Balochistan Development Authority, the company
approached the international arbitration which was not possible within
shorter period of span of 13 days. Referring to the set of documents, he had
submitted before the bench, Kazim maintained that the Afghan government
had reached a similar contact with foreign gold mining company which was
a role model for Pakistan.
He said that being a petitioner, his objective was that the biggest
wealth of the country should not go wasted. He also drew bench attention
towards a conviction awarded to chairman Balochistan Development
Authority in corruption cases who had initially awarded the lease agreement
but Soofi denied the claim and said that he was sentenced for assets beyond
means charges and was not related with the pending issue.
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, counsel for BHP mineral company, also a
respondent in the main case, stood up and brought the benchs attention
250
towards the jurisdiction of the federation and federating units in execution of

such agreements after passage of 18th Amendment. He said that his client
was not a party to international arbitration. Raza Kazim contended that the
taking up matter to international arbitration was unsuccessful attempt to
create obstacle in the judicial powers exercise by this court.
Next day, two people, including a teacher, were killed and two others
wounded in separate incidents of violence in different towns of Balochistan
while a bullet-riddled dead body was found dumped in the Uthal area of
Lasbela district. The Supreme Court was asked to restrict the federal and
Balochistan governments from participating in the international arbitration
over Reko Diq project. Raza Kazim filed a petition in the Supreme Court on
behalf of Maulana Abdul Haq Baloch, former MNA, maintaining that the
International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Centre for
Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) have no jurisdiction to Reko Diq
project under Pakistani law.
On 16th November, the Supreme Court observed the government made
no efforts to clarify the position of BHP which had already sold its share to
Tethyan Copper Company-Australia (TCCA). Raza Kazim argued that
Chagai Hill Exploration Joint Venture Agreement (CHEJVA) was tainted
with corruption and void abnitio, adding the agreement was for a limited
purpose, signed in 1993, for the exploration purpose.
He said the treaty was between Pakistan and Australian government,
but the TCCA was only an investment company, and not the party. He said
the Foreign Office should not have given a 40-page reply in response to the
Australian high commissioners statement. Raza Kazim prayed to the court
to exercise its full constitutional authority to decide and define Pakistans
sovereignty to give practical and conclusive effect to its decisions in the
case.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said the issue would
have to be taken to its logical conclusion and inquired how the agreements
were transferred. He said the court wanted to have a satisfactory explanation
how Tethyan Company was given mining rights in Pakistan, adding the
government was responsible for any loss if caused by the arbitration. The
case was adjourned till Monday.
Next day, a rocket fired from unspecified location landed in courtyard
of a house, in the outskirts of Quetta. The blast damaged house and caused
panic among the people of the area. On 18 th November, another journalist
was shot dead in Panjgur district of Balochistan.
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On 19th November, the Supreme Court said it was neutral in the matter
relating to the lease out of gold and copper mines in Reko Diq area of
Balochistans Chagai district, but wanted to ensure that the agreement with
the foreign companies was inked in observance of the subjected formalities.
During the proceedings, Khalid Anwar, the counsel for the Tethyan
Copper Company Pakistan (TCCP), while opposing Kazims request for a
stay order, contended that it would harm Pakistans credibility all over the
world, as his (Kazims) plea did not have any grounds. The counsel further
argued that recently Turkey protested to the Pakistan government in the
Karkay case, while the US had reportedly slashed funding over Pakistans
decision against the Walter Company. Anwar told the bench that life of the
mines in Reko Diq was 56 years and these contained nearly two billion
tonnes of copper and gold, whereas the share of the Pakistan government
was $56 billion, out of which the Balochistan governments share would be
$13 billion and the TCCA would receive $12 billion.
Kazim, the counsel for petitioner, contended before the bench that
former Balochistan governor Amirul Mulk Mengal had authorized the
Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) for the agreement with the
foreign companies. He repeatedly prayed for the issuance of a stay order
over the matter during his contentions.
Chief Justice observed that instead of the Cabinet, the former
governor asked the BDA to sign the agreement during the last dictatorial
regime.
He questioned how the governor of a province was competent to sign an
agreement with foreign companies, to which Raza Kazim said the BDA
chairman also could not extend any guarantee to any foreign company.
Balochistan governments lawyer, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, submitted that
he was unable to make any formulation in the case because the matter was
pending with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(ICSID) tribunal. The court, while adjourning the hearing on identical
petitions, directed the Abdul Haq Balochs lawyer to conclude his arguments
on the next hearing.
Balochistan Chief Minister presided over a coalition partners meeting
at Balochistan House in Islamabad and discussed various issues pertaining to
the functioning of the government with specific reference to the pending
case over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Supreme Court of
Pakistan. Chief Minister had called the cabinet meeting but later on the
252
objection of some of the members it was converted into coalition partners

meeting.
Next day, the Supreme Court reiterated that the Balochistan
government has failed in providing security to the people as target killings
were taking place under governments nose. However, in what could be
seen as a chance to avert the worst, the court asked the provincial
government to recover the missing persons and arrest all those involved in
sectarian killings if it wanted a favourable decision; otherwise the court
would write that no progress has been made since October 12, 2012, the day
the interim order was issued, which declared that the Balochistan
government had lost the right to rule for being unable to provide security to
the people as enshrined in the Constitution.
A three-member bench hearing the Balochistan law and order case
observed that efforts to create a false impression that situation was
improving would not work, and it issued an order for immediate recovery of
the missing persons.
Shahid Hamid, counsel for Balochistan government, requested the
court to dispose of the case, saying that some progress has been made. Upon
that, Chief Justice said that 432 Frontier Constabulary (FC) men were
slaughtered, while 1000 people were murdered in target killings.
Particularly, the Shia community was being targeted while the culprits were
not being arrested. He said that yesterday, all health service in Quetta were
closed. Everyone was aware of those who were involved in Dr Saeeds
abduction, he remarked.
When the court inquired from the Home Secretary about the
intelligence agencies role, the secretary replied that many agencies own
people have been killed. Justice Gulzar remarked what is the use of
intelligence agencies when thousands of people have been killed in the
province. Balochistan High Court Bar Association Vice President Sajid
Tareen informed the court that along with others, 28 journalists had also
been killed until now. In his statement, the DIG CID said that since passing
of October 12 interim order by the court, the situation has improved a bit, as
before that order, 39 people were killed in a month but this month the
number of killings was 34.
The chief justice after examining the report submitted by the interior
ministry said it describes the generalized situation of whole country and not
a single word has been said as to what particular measures have been taken
253
to arrest the killers. The court also rejected the second implementation report
submitted by the provincial government.
The attorney general said that a review petition in the Balochistan
case had been filed with the SC Registrar but he turned it down saying that it
scandalized the Supreme Court. Justice Chaudhry directed the AG to
pursue the matter and resubmit the petition. The chief justice said that state
affairs were not being conducted in accordance with the constitution. He
maintained that they had not said a single word about the provincial
assembly; it was a misconception that the court was trying to get the
assembly dissolved. He pointed out that 72 hearings were held in Islamabad
and Quetta but the government did not take the issue seriously. The court
adjourned the hearing till December 5.
On 21st November, five people, including three security personnel and
a woman, were killed while 11 others seriously wounded in a bomb blast in
Shahbaz Town area of Quetta. The bombing occurred near the Fouji
Foundation School and office of the Balochistan Public Service
Commission.
On 23rd November, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources
(MPNR) sought help from Prime Minister to resolve the dispute over Reko
Diq mining lease through an out-of-the-court settlement between Pakistan
and the Tethyan Copper Company-Australia (TCCA). Following the
initiation of arbitral proceedings at the London-based International Centre
for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) by the TCCA to protect its
rights, the ICSID reserved its judgment over Reko Diq mining lease dispute
on November 6 against the Balochistan and federal governments, which is
now set to give its final verdict on the conflict during the upcoming week.
The TCC invoked the jurisdiction of the International Chamber of
Commerce and the ICSID against the failure of the government of
Balochistan to take a decision on its request for renewing prospective Reko
Diq minerals licence in accordance with Balochistan Mining Rules-2002.
Finding no other option to get the dispute resolved, which had created chaos
towards tapping the minerals of Reko Diq field that could take the country
towards prosperity and development, the MPNR in its letter has asked the
prime minister to immediately intervene and direct the Balochistan
provincial government to settle the dispute with the Australian company
(TCCA) through negotiation.
A decision against Pakistan from the ICSID could heavily cost the
national exchequer because under the agreement Pakistan is bound to protect
254
Australian investment in the country. The Reko Diq Mining Project is a US$
3.3 billion capital investment project that promises to build and operate a
world-class copper-gold open-pit mine at Reko Diq in district Chagai of
Balochistan.
Reportedly, the federal government had made it clear to the Balochistan
government that if the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) decides in
favour of Canadian and Chilean joint venture, Tethyan Copper Company
(TCC) on Reko Diq, the responsibility would fall on the provincial
government. However, the Petroleum Ministry had given the following two
proposals to the provincial government of Balochistan: first, the federal
government will not pay any damages if the international court rules in
favour of TCC and Balochistan should pay the compensation and, secondly,
Balochistan should re-negotiate with the TCC and find an amicable
settlement of the dispute.
Despite the initiation of arbitral proceedings, the TCC remained hopeful
of an opportunity to reach a negotiated resolution of the case. It was TCCs
position that a negotiated grant of the lease would provide the best outcome
for the company and the people of Balochistan and Pakistan as a whole. The
Tethyan Copper Company-Australia (TCCA) is desperate to get Reko Diq
mining lease. The Australian firm had already invested more than $400
million in the exploration of gold and other minerals at the Reko Diq field
located in Balochistan.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is also hearing a case pertaining to the
project. The TCCA, which is represented by Antofagasta of Chile and
Barrick Gold of Canada, holds 75 percent shares in the project while
Balochistan has a 25 percent stake. The petroleum & natural resources
ministry, Adviser to Premier on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim
Hussain avoided commenting on the latest developments.
On 26th November, four people were killed and two others wounded in
a landmine blast and firing incidents in Bolan and Dera Bugti districts of
Balochistan. Local administration has registered separate cases of all
incidents and investigations were underway.
Taking up the TCCP case, the SC bench observed that the
International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the
International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) cant get mining lease to the
TCCP unless the decision of the Balochistan Mining Committee is set aside
by an appellate forum within Pakistan. The TCCP a Canadian and Chilean
consortium of Barrick Gold and Antofagasta Minerals formed to explore
255
gold and copper had invoked the jurisdiction of the ICC and ICSID for not
extending its mining license.
The court told Khalid Anwar, the TCCP counsel, that the company did
not get the mining lease as it had not fulfilled the requirements. Has the
TCCP accepted the Balochistan Mining Committee decision as it had not
been challenged in Pakistani courts, the court asked from the counsel?
Khalid said that wrong impression has been created that TCCP does not
respect the Pakistani constitution and the law. The counsel requested the
bench to protect the company saying, I (on behalf of the TCCP) wanted
relief from the Supreme Court. We came before you and hope that justice
would be done.
Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that if you respect the court and Pakistani
laws then show your bona fide by withdrawing the reference from ICSID
and ICC. Khalid replied that even if the company won the award through
international forums, they would ask the SC to enforce it. Justice Azmat
Saeed told the counsel that as per the mining lease authority; the TCCP had
not completed the requirements. Out of 13 deposits you have submitted the
feasibility report of only H14 and H15, the judge told him.
Robina Shah, who claimed to represent one of the oldest tribes of the
area called Syed Nizamuddin Blla Noshi Notani, appeared before the bench
and accused the mining company for poisoning the grazing area meant for
the cattle herds by using cyanide for smelting process to separate gold from
copper. People are getting sick and cancer is widespread, she said.
Balochistan Advocate General Amanullah Kinrani also supported her point
of view and explained that one of the reasons for not extending the leasing
licence was the absence of filing of environmental impact assessment study
by the TCCP under the Environment Protection Act 1997.
She acknowledged that few jobs went to the supporters or workers of
the PML-Q and alleged that the agreement was signed during the tenure of
former President Pervez Musharraf in which the interests of the locals were
never considered. We are not against foreign investment but the people of
the area should also benefit from the exploits of their lands, she said,
explaining that she was forced to raise her voice in the court by disregarding
the tradition of her tribe where woman are not allowed to speak up for such
issues. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.
Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Durrani on Monday said Pakistan
has recorded their dissent to the Iranian government over 12 mortars fired
from Iranian territory into Chagai District on Sunday night.
256
Speaking to media representatives, Durrani said that at least 12

mortars were fired from Iranian side at the Pakistan-Iran border area of
Chagai last night. However, there were no casualties reported. He said that
the Pakistani authorities have recorded an official protest with their Iranian
counterparts, adding provincial home ministry has informed foreign
ministry.
Next day, a lawyer was seriously wounded when he was ambushed by
unidentified armed men in Khuzdar district of Balochistan. Meanwhile,
Chief Minister asked protesting doctors to end the strike and resume their
duties. He said he would only ask doctors to call off their strike
unconditionally, adding all-out efforts were being made to recover
kidnapped doctor Saeed Khan.
On 28th November, renowned eye specialist Dr Saeed Khan taken
captive on October 16 from Sariab Road in Quetta was freed by his
kidnappers. His family said Saeed reached home safe and sound early in the
morning, but avoided giving any details that how his release became
possible. The Pakistan Medical Association Balochistan chapter meanwhile
announced it would continue with its protest until the acceptance of its
demands. Meanwhile, two people including a Hazara community member
were killed in separate incidents of firing in Quetta and Barkhan.
Next day, the Supreme Court called details of Mincor Resources NLs
document through which the BHP formed an alliance with the Tethyan
Cooper Company (TCC) to explore gold and copper resources in Reko Diq
area of Balochistans Chagai district. Khalid Anwar, the counsel for the
TCC, informed that Australias TCC was registered in Pakistan in 2007 and
that the company only entered an agreement in 2002. The Mincor Resources
NL progressed its African and Pacific Rim gold projects and developed an
alliance with the BHP for the development of copper resources in Reko Diq
area in Pakistan in 2000. The alliance was moved to a newly-created
subsidiary, the Tethyan Copper Company Limited.
During the proceedings, the counsel told the bench that the exemption
granted to the TCC was extended even after the passage of seven years.
Justice Gulzar Ahmad inquired of the counsel if the Balochistan government
had approved the merger between the TCC and the US-based BHP,
observing that the TCC did not seem to be a direct party to the Reko Diq
mines exploration agreement.
When Khalid Anwar said his client had entered the agreement as a
representative of the Mincor Resources NL on October 24, 2000, Justice
257
Chaudhry remarked that an agent company had no absolute power of the

principal company under the law because it had certain limits to function.
Upon this, the counsel argued that the Balochistan government would not
pay a single penny, but would receive 52 per cent of the total profit of the
Reko Diq mining lease.
Justice Chaudhry said, The court is looking at all aspects of the
instant matter broad-mindedly. He also said to the counsel that
constitutionally, any foreign company was bound to observe the local laws,
adding that the TCC should have to appeal against cancellation of its mining
lease license in the local courts which might allow granting the license. The
bench, while adjourning the hearing till Dec 3, instructed the counsel to
complete his arguments by the next hearing.
On 1st December, Balochistan Assembly Speaker Muhammad Aslam
Bhootani once again refused to preside over the assembly session, saying he
would not chair the sitting until the constitutional position of the Balochistan
government is cleared. The Balochistan assembly session, called on
December 3, has significance because Interior Minister is expected to give
in-camera briefing to members on law and order situation of the province.
Next day, two people, including a doctor were shot dead in Quetta and
Jaffarabad. Meanwhile, Frontier Corps Balochistan seized nearly 14 tonnes
of chemicals, key ingredients in bomb-making, from Aktherabad area in the
outskirts of Quetta. Acting on a tip- off, FC recovered 13,900 kg Ammonium
chloride, Sulphur chloride and Potassium chlorate from a local bus.
Turf war in Karachi: On 12th November, at least 12 more people

were shot dead in Karachi in separate incidents of violence. In Islamabad,
legislators from treasury and opposition benches on point of orders raised
serious concerns over worsening law and order situation, particularly
increasing target killing incidents in Karachi and Hyderabad. Senators
demanded deployment of army in Karachi and Quetta.
Next day, Excise Police constable was among six people gunned
down in separate acts of violence in different parts of the City. The data
compiled by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) revealed
that 1,757 people, including security personnel, were killed during the first
ten months of 2012.
Junior partners of the provincial ruling coalition as well as opposition
parties flayed PPP for not taking action against the extremists and criminals
responsible for the growing lawlessness in the countrys commercial hub.
258
They accused the government of having entered into an agreement with the
outlaws owing to which it was difficult for the law enforcers to eliminate
them.
MQM staged a walkout from the National Assembly over worsening
law and order situation in Karachi and warned to boycott the whole current
session if the government would not come up with a clear response till
tomorrow. ANP also termed the recent hike in violence in the commercial
capital of the country a failure of intelligence agencies and suggested
forming an assembly committee for concrete recommendations.
On 14th November, eight people were gunned down in separate acts of
violence in different parts of the metropolis. President Zardari said that
deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi is not governments failure
but a plot by terrorists to distract the government from its mission.
Addressing an Eid Milan party in Mandi Bahauddin, he said terrorists were
aggravating situation in Karachi to undermine efforts of the state in the war
against terror.
Pointing out that central government is not seriously taking the law
and order situation in Karachi and other areas of the country, the legislators
belonging to the opposition and government-allied parties separately walked
out of the Senate. The situation forced the Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar
Hussain Bokhari to adjourn the House for the day only after 15 minutes of
its commencement after a brief question-hour session.
Next day, nine people were killed in separate acts of violence in
different parts of the City. Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court Chief Justice
dismissed Interior Minister Rehman Maliks orders regarding a ban on
motorcycle riding in Karachi, issuing notices to Sindh IG, Home Secretary
and AG Sindh.
Ruckus and walkouts marred the proceedings of the Sindh Assembly
in the wake of Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibads approval of the Sindh
Peoples Local Government Bill. The uproar ensued when Speaker Nisar
Ahmed Khuhro announced that the Sindh governor had given assent to the
Bill. Opposition members raised splitting slogans of shame, shame and tore
the agenda of the day, calling the treasury members traitors of Sindh.
On 16th November, interior minister briefed both houses of the
Parliament separately regarding law and order situation particularly with
reference to the situation in Karachi and Balochistan. He tried his best to
defend his decision on banning motorcycle on roads in Karachi and Quetta.
He claimed that the decision was taken on the basis of credible intelligence
259
reports, but senators Babar Awan and Mian Rabbani left the Interior Minister
high and dry for the wrong constitutional interpretation.
The criticism from his party ranks compelled Malik to say 'Parliament
fails to deliver' in terms of making effective counterterrorism legislation.
We should have some soul-searching before criticizing courts for setting
suspects free. We cannot try a suspect until the passage of Anti-Terrorism
Bill. Please make your laws stringent and efficient if you want results, the
minister advised his colleagues.
Rabbani said the parliament had not failed but it could not give a
stamp of approval on weak legislation. He said that the Interior Ministry
could not make sufficient efforts to remove the flaws pointed out in AntiTerrorism Bill. Rabbani said the objectives and reasons of the Bill were
tantamount to usurp the rights of Pakistanis.
In the National Assembly, the interior minister, quoting intelligence
reports, said that a third force was active to destabilize the government by
worsening law and order situation. Responding to a point of order raised by
MQM legislator regarding ban on motorbikes in Karachi, the minister said
that he imposed the motorcycle ban because he had credible information
about a plan of using motorbike for bomb blast.
On 18th November, a bomb blast in a sensitive area of the city killed
three people and wounded more than 18 others, bomb was planted on a
motorcycle parked outside a milk shop near the Jama Masjid Imambargah
Mustafa. Women, children and five Rangers personnel were among the
injured.
Next day, a consensus view across the isle prevailed in the Senate that
every political party had a militant wing in Karachi before the House
adopted a resolution with the majority of vote recommending the
government to take effective steps to deweaponize the city.
Altaf Hussain said that certain state powers were planning to start
another operation against the MQM, similar to the 1992 operation, by
leveling false allegation to stop the MQM struggle against the status quo. He
said that the MQM was being made a scapegoat but the elements who were
conspiring to vanquish the party should know that it was no longer confined
to Karachi.
On 20th November the National Assembly adopted MQMs resolution
to deweaponize whole of the country, despite stiff resistance from ANP,
PML-N and JUI-F, whereas, some members of the PPP also strongly
260
opposed the idea. The house resounded with dissenting voices soon after the
adoption of the resolution as ANP legislators asked for proper voting on it
and some members from opposition and treasury benches even blamed the
chair for forcing the resolution through the assembly.
On 22nd November, Chief of Army Staff said there was no need of an
army operation in Karachi and Rangers were performing their duties well in
the City. General Kayani was apparently responding to the demands from
politicians to launch army operation in Karachi. Speaking to media
representatives on the sidelines of the D8-Summit, the army chief expressed
his satisfaction over the current security arrangements deployed in the
metropolis.
On 26th November, terrorists exploded a bomb a day after the central
procession of Muharram in Karachi at a cement block-making site in which
a man was killed and three others wounded. Meanwhile, a low intensity blast
was occurred in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and bomb disposal squad defused another
bomb planted near the first blast site.
On 28th November, two workers of Pakistan Peoples Party were
among nine people gunned down in separate incidents of violence in
Karachi. Next day, three senior leaders of Muhajir Qaumi MovementHaqiqi, including partys vice-chairman Zafar Qaim Khwani, were killed
when unidentified attackers raked a taxicab they were traveling by with
bullets in Landhi area of Karachi. Four more people were killed in other
violence incidents in the city.
On 30th November, MQM chief Altaf Hussain and four others were
booked in the triple murders of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi leaders
gunned down in Sharafi Goth police precincts. An FIR No 239/12 under
Sections 302/34 and 109, of the Pakistan Penal Code was registered on the
complaint of partys worker, Tahir Ali. Meanwhile, nine people were gunned
down in different incidents of violence in the city.
Next day, law-enforcement agencies conducted a targeted operation
in the mountainous area of Manghopir and claimed to have arrested seven
militants out of 100 suspects picked up during the search operation.
Meanwhile, four more people killed in incidents of violence.
VIEWS
261
Power politics
Paying the price of democracy: Our political legacy is strewn with
leaders serving self-interest at the cost of the nation. Each one of them
thrives on this corrupt political organism. Today, we have reached a point
where we are being made to believe that these are our political compulsions
and we need to learn to live with them. It is the price of democracy; and
since continuance of this system has been directly equated with survival of
the country, we have no choice but to pay the price. Sadly, the middle class
has now been conditioned to accept this as a political reality and as our
destiny. But take heed, greater wisdom flows in the streets.
There is systemic deformity in our political order. The fault lies in our
system, which does not cater to our environment of total disregard for law.
We dream and pray for a good leader. But even if such a man were to
miraculously reach the top, he will be isolated in this contaminated
environment and bound by its mandatory political compromises, the system
will drag him down. The difference he can make will only be nominal and
ephemeral. Elections are, therefore, inconsequential.
For a meaningful change, the entire dynamics of our political system
have to be redefined, creating a new order that does not only bring forth
competent leaders, but also ensures that they can and do perform effectively.
This is the promise on which a military government steps in, only later to
become part of the same system; making merely peripheral changes, to
claim success through cosmetic gimmickry. We have repeatedly had the
opportunity for transformation and missed it. Change has to be brought from
the top and has to be across the entire spectrum of governance; the whole
has rotted. A good system is not leader dependent; the leader draws strength
from it. Good leaders dont last, good systems do. Shahid Aziz, TheNation
25th November)
Endless Karbalas in my country: Above and beyond all other
aspects and religious-spiritual dimensions, Karbala was a monumental
human tragedy. And tragedies create physical pain, emotional-sentimental
anguish, scars on the human soul, existential devastations, extensive periods
of debilitating socio-psychological agony, societal anxieties and, at times,
social-political unrest leading to phenomenal revolutions in the conduct of
human affairs.
Karbala was such a phenomenon: Yazidiyyat is a symbol of ultimate
human malevolence, its enormity of brutality, and the resultant outrage,
while Hussainiyyat stands for human preservation, its moral strength, its
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boldness against unthinkable cruelty, its spiritual dedication and devotion to

the Kingdom of God on Earth and beyond, and above all, the ultimate
sacrifices for a virtuous stand to uphold the righteousness and ethical-moral
rectitude of the Islamic ideology and the universality of human existence.
Imam Hussain did not die in vain only for us to make sorrowful
speeches all year long. As we commemorate the tragedy of Karbala that took
place on the banks of River Euphrates some 1373 years ago, there are
humanitarian, social, political and moral-ethical lessons to be learned
besides those of religious-spiritual devotion.
Karbala, foremost, is the symbol of the human spirit that confronts the
arrogance of political power, its inherent terror and capabilities to inflict
unimagined atrocities, and opposes the human capacity to violate the
sanctity of life and its dignity. It also tells us the difference between right
and wrong and exemplifies the limitlessness of human endurance.
Karbala teaches us to seriously reflect on political-moral conduct and
how power in the hands of the morally inept and ethically incapable can turn
a society into a nightmarish existence of fear, violence, terror, restlessness,
destruction, mayhem and absolute political chaos. This is exactly what Yazid
did at Karbala - but Imam Hussain accomplished exactly the opposite: the
Islamic view of challenging injustice and confronting those who would use
force to compel humanity to submit to the rulers unlawful dictates.
Political Islam is an ideological platform that promotes a welfare
state. Its political fundamentals are based on humanitarian principles: rulers
do not so much as govern as they serve the people. Political power is not the
personal prerogative of rulers, it is the responsibility accorded to individuals
in the name of Allah and the people of a nation.
Political power is meant to be a medium through which justice,
equality, and economic and social advancement is imparted to all citizens,
irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations. It is a moral trust
bestowed on one strictly within the boundaries of ideological parameters and
ethical definitions of the rules of political conduct. The rulers are answerable
and accountable to the people for their political behaviour; they cannot exist
in isolation and lead a privileged life apart from the common citizens. Yazid
violated each and every rule of Islamic ideology and, in an inexplicable
pursuit of power, massacred the entire family of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Karbala is a reminder to all of us to confront the arrogance of power that led
to one of the gravest human tragedies on the banks of the River Euphrates.
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But the questions are: have we as Muslims in Pakistan, followers of

the Prophet (PBUH), the everlasting yearly commemorators of the Karbala
tragedy, learned the true lessons from Hazrat Imam Hussains (RA)
martyrdom? Is our political system in conformity with the ideological
parameters of Islamic welfare state concepts? Is our political culture in tune
with the fundamentals of our belief system? Is our political ruling elite
structure designed on the principles advocated by political Islam? Is our
ruling class truly moral-ethical in its political conduct? Unfortunately, the
fact of the matter is that none of the questions above can be answered in the
affirmative.
Look at present-day Pakistan: no wonder there is mayhem, terror, fear,
destruction of life and property, violence, terrorism, suicide bombing,
killings of innocent people, drone attacks and human tragedies all over the
place. And human tragedy is what Karbala is all about as such, there are
endless Karbalas on a daily basis in my beloved country.
A school of thought contends that the recent spate of increased
violence in the nation is because of sectarian tensions. But that is not an
accurate explanation. Indeed, historically, sectarian tensions have always
existed all over the world in faith and religious relations: Catholics have
fought and disagreed with Protestants; the Hindu caste system has been a
bone of serious contention for ages; Shia-Sunni animosity has existed and so
on and so forth with Pakistan being no exception to this universal
phenomenon. And yet, Pakistanis have more or less treated each others
religious orientations with respect and tolerance there have been marriages
between Shias and Sunnis, combined communities have existed with
complete solemnity and both sects have observed solidarity with each other.
Then why the recent sectarian violence? There are some other explanations
we will come to them later.
The incumbent PPP regime and the leaderships of some other political
parties attribute the years-old ongoing violence in the country to so-called
extremism and terrorism. Ironically, this school of thought deals with
symptoms of the problem, but conveniently and purposefully ignores the
causes and the cause-effect relationships of the problematic in pursuit of
their own vested interests. Advocates of this view ought to be asked the
following questions: did you ever hear of a suicide attack in Pakistan prior to
the US-NATOs so-called war on terrorism (and Pakistani rulers implicit
behind-closed-doors collaboration with the US)? Why have violence and
terrorism increased since the incumbent PPP regime came into power?
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My view on the issue, as a social scientist and political analyst, is that

our ruling elites arrogance of power implicit in their political conduct is
the fundamental factor behind the entire mess in the country: they are selfcentred political actors focused on their vested interests. They consider
politics as a craft to hang on to political-economic power. They are corrupt,
inefficient, incompetent managers of national affairs. They work against
national interests because they look for foreign patronage to ascend to
political power. They have failed in entirety to engage the Pakistani people
in political processes and nation-building. They manipulate peoples
sentiments by religious slogans, deceit and downright lying. They consider
themselves a privileged class above the rule of law and even beyond
constitutional constraints. They believe they are neither accountable, nor
answerable for their conduct to the people or anyone else.
They are completely ignorant of what political Islam is and what the
concept of the Islamic welfare state is nor do they understand what
modern-day democracy is all about. In their version of a sham democracy,
they have purposely collaborated with the US-NATOs implicit stateterrorism and as such, they continue to operate against the interests of the
Pakistani people.
That is the complex web of political realities from which terrorism
originated and emanates now.
No wonder, then, there are endless Karbalas in my beloved country
on a daily basis! (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 27th November)
Karachis electoral rolls: The Supreme Court reserved, on
Wednesday, its verdict on complaints about the non-verification of a large
number of votes in Karachi and shifting of votes to other towns and cities of
the country on the basis of permanent addresses recorded in the
computerized national identity cards. To recall, the PTI, the JI and the PMLN had filed petitions requesting for redress of these anomalies. The
petitioners had complained that as many as three million persons living in
Karachi for the past 10 to 15 years had been shown as registered voters in
their native towns like Swat, Mingora, Mansehra and Attock. According to
the counsel of the Sindh Election Commission, the petitioners contention
was contrary to facts as, he stated, only 68,000 could not be verified.
During the course of the hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry
observed that a door-to-door verification in the city, conducted with the help
of the army and Rangers, should sort out the matter. Besides, he believed,
the involvement of the army would make for improvement in the law and
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order situation of Karachi since the checking would help in the weeding out
of undesirable elements and those who had no business to be living there.
However, the counsel of a political party took exception to door-to-door
checking, maintaining that it should be preceded by a countrywide census
and then this procedure should be applied to other parts of the country as
well and not restricted merely to Karachi. Justice Chaudhry, however, felt
that in that case the elections could be held only after six years and,
therefore, he thought no harm in having the electoral rolls verified in the
case of Karachi alone. The issues involved should preferably have been dealt
with by the stakeholders themselves, he believed; for a peaceful Karachi,
Pakistans industrial and commercial hub, would go a long way towards
reviving the economy and, thus, serving the national interest. Once
democracy took root, the situation would start looking up.
It hardly needs mentioning here that the dreadful situation in Karachi,
with an unending streak of target killings and widespread prevalence of
extortion, has been of grave concern to the people at large. For all the claims
both the provincial and federal governments have been repeatedly making
over the years, they have singularly failed to check the rising graph of
violence that has so far caused the deaths of well over 6,000 of our citizens.
The almost certain involvement of foreign elements is complicating the
already chaotic scenario in the city and one would assume that the powers
that be have a limited choice left lest the situation should deteriorate further.
And that choice happens to be the armed forces of the country, which are
also charged with the ultimate responsibility of maintaining internal peace
and stability. It is high time to seriously ponder the option. (Editorial,
TheNation, 30th November)
A moth-eaten democracy: Imagine a government which lets one of
its economic lifelines-the Railways, self-destruct itself and let the only large
steel mill of the country run into near-ruin. In whose time the national
airlines which in the past enjoyed highly international prestige have become
almost a bankrupt and inefficient enterprise. A government which has
severely retarded industrial progress by letting electricity shortages and
outages continue for all the 4 years it has been at the helm, failing to add
to the grid, doing little to tap the hydraulic resources and instead resorting to
inefficient small rental plants to make hay for itself.
Here is a democratic government which has achieved the distinction
of more than doubling the debt of the country and which has been printing
billions of currency notes cavalierly and is oblivious of the back-breaking
burden it is thus thrusting on the generations to come.
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An indication of the mindset of this democratic government may be

manifestly seen when one poses the question as to why for such a long time
the post of the Wafaqi Mohtsib (federal ombudsman) has been kept vacant.
The answer obviously is: to stop citizens from resorting to an easy remedy
of their grievances against the administration.
The crucial question does arise as to whether parliamentary
democracy which yields such horrid results is the right political system for
us. With the social structure and pervasive feudal mindset can we afford a
political system which ends in defeating the spirit and character of a
democratic order.
Can we continue with a dispensation where the executive fails to
perform and the judiciary has to step in to stem the rot, to some extent (and
for doing so, face criticism).
A system which through elections permits the traditional as well as
new corrupt elite, return to power to continue its nefarious activities. Is
presidential system the answer? But what is the guarantee against a bad
candidate grabbing helm or even a good one failing to address provincial
pulls and pushes, jeopardizing the very integrity of the state.
One has also to remember that we have today a radical religious right
which is asserting itself in various ways and which questions the very basis
of the parliamentary system. Hamid Gul for instance advocates this line.
With little happening to alter the social structure, the political culture
and the continuing military remote-hold for quite sometimes, we may have
to contend with a moth-eaten democracy.
One possibility for the beginning of change is Imran Khan and his
PTI. Can he as, he claims, make the difference? (Inayatullah, TheNation 1 st
December)
Democracy without elections: This top-down democracy is not
about the party workers or constituents, about political convictions and
ideals. It is all about pleasing the leader, as he is the one who holds the key
to a members place in the party hierarchy. He is the one who is going to
dish out ministries and important public offices. Senior and junior party
members derive their power from the top, handed down as a reward for
loyalty and excellence in yes-manship. It is borrowed power that lasts as
long as the favour of the leader. Contrast this with the real power of office
bearers who have been elected by party-workers, who do not owe their
position to the whims of the leader.
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It is not difficult to imagine a meeting of such leaders; a meeting

where the participants will not be afraid to speak their minds, where they
will bring the views of their voters to the table and hold their fort, where
debate would be real. Obviously, it will be very different from the culture
prevalent in our political parties, with party meetings reminding us of royal
courts with the leader on a lifelong throne and the participants boosting his
ego with hands folded behind their backs, with senior party leaders bending
their backs and self-respect for the college-going scions of the party leader,
scions yet to prove their political acumen but crowned at birth. Amidst the
stale bad breath emanating from the established political parties, the PTI
intraparty elections are a breath of fresh air. The PTI has embarked upon the
journey to construct a truly democratic party. It deserves all credit for it. And
our best wishes. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 2nd December)
Rule of law
Dual nationality: When the fourth deadline of the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the submission of affidavits on dual
nationality expired on Friday, 20 lawmakers had not submitted them. 18 had
simply not submitted them, while two MNAs said they had foreign
nationality by virtue of having been born abroad to Pakistani parents. The
ECP will meet to proceed in the light of the Supreme Court ruling directing
it to take action. The 18 legislators, comprising nine MNAs, five MPAs and
four Senators cannot claim there was not enough time to file the affidavits,
for the first deadline set by the ECP was on October 1, of a week, then on
October 9, it extended the date till the end of the month, granting a further
extension till November 9. After that, the ECP again extended the deadline
to November 30. Thus legislators have known since the beginning of
October what needed to be done. As for the need to take the order seriously,
the fate of 11 legislators, who were denotified by the Election Commission,
should be enough evidence of the need to comply. The denotification was
the result of the Supreme Court judgment that ruled dual nationality
incompatible with being a legislator. The ECP now does not need to go into
the nationality of the legislators failing to comply. The legislators have failed
to comply with an order of the Supreme Court, which is something for
which a sitting Prime Minister was removed from office, and from the
National Assembly, for doing.
The Supreme Court made its decision in its interpretation of the
relevant constitutional provisions, but its decision is also rooted in the
wisdom which was behind the original drafters: that someone with the
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citizenship of another country did not have the right to have a position with
the potential of taking decisions on the countrys foreign policy, or of
becoming privy to national secrets. At the same time, a person with dual
nationality should not be barred from casting their votes in their original
constituency. How exactly the state arranges for that vote to be cast is
another matter, but in principle there seems no objection to allowing a dual
national to cast his or her vote. Probably more importantly for Supreme
Court, there is no constitutional prescription which can be interpreted as a
bar.
The government might find itself affected by the decision, but it
should be willing to help the ECP implement the decision, and in the coming
general election, the parties should only issue tickets to those who do not
have dual nationality. (Editorial, TheNation 2nd December)
Taming the military

The COAS manuscript! November 5, 2012, was an important day
for the Pakistans Chief of Army Staff, as he placed his conceptual
manuscript and cognizant vision of a future reformist Pakistan in front of his
fellow army officers and the nation. More than anything else, it was a frank
and bold reflection of a soldier on the state of affairs in which the presentday Pakistan is reeling and relapsing, but also revealing and reinvigorating,
reshaping, renovating and reinventing itself.
It was a pertinent visionary thought shared with fellow officers and
the nation at an appropriate moment of historical significance. The time of
choosing the said address is historically significant because, at this point in
time, the standards of institutional conduct for a viable Pakistan and its
future existence needs to be laid down, deliberated, debated and agreed
upon. Pakistans armed forces, as an important institution in the country, has
a constitutional and legitimate right for lawful input in the policy and
decision-making process of the country. In my considered opinion, that was
exactly what General Kayani did on November 5.
Incidentally, it so happened that the Chief Justice of Pakistans
Supreme Court also made a speech around the same time. The Pakistani
media, most specifically the majority of anchorpersons on TV talk shows,
went into a frenzy of imaginative scenarios of an impending institutional
conflict between the army and the judiciary being simultaneously articulated
by the COAS and the Chief Justice. They are still harping on the same view
in order to improve their ratings. On the other hand, the incumbent PPP
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administration is having a field day in capitalizing on the opportunity in an

effort to create a chasm between the top leadership of the army and judiciary.
At the same time, the PPP leaders seem to perceive this moment as a
golden opportunity to gain public sympathy vis--vis the COASs November
5 speech and some of the Supreme Courts recent judgments by pronouncing
them as political activism of both the institutions directed against the PPP.
The fact of the matter is that both the TV anchorpersons and the PPP
leadership are wrong in their assumed scenarios: the army and the judiciary,
as state institutions, are not in a conflict situation and neither is the Chief
Justice in direct or indirect, figurative or symbolic confrontation with the
COAS. And neither the speech, nor the verdicts are specifically against the
PPP.
Indeed, it is not the classic case, as being assumed and narrated, of
shik-va-o-javab-e-shikvah (complaint and counter-complaint), but they are
timely constitutional proclamations in the process of refinement of the
countrys political culture.
Let us take it on face value: a simple coincidence of two chiefs of two
national institutions making important policy speeches at about the same
time. There is nothing more to it than that.
The vital element in the COASs November 5 speech is to understand
the cognitive and professional mindset of a dedicated soldier, who has
served in that capacity for his entire life. Now in the top leadership position,
the General gave his address as an ideological, strategic and intellectual
reflection on the present state of affairs in the country.
Professional soldiers are trained to a purposeful consciousness to
adopt an animated life existence focused on acumen and achievement in the
precise strategic management of an organization. They see an organizations
lifecycle in an exact form, a clearly defined structure, a rigidly followed
discipline, a chain of command within strictly demarcated limitations, an
efficient management system par excellence and a thoroughly deliberated
process of decision-making with no ambiguities or obscure judgments
whatsoever.
For a soldier the stakes are high: it is a matter of life and death - a
nations defence or defeat, a difference between existence or non-existence,
prevailing or perishing, a cause of dignity, personal integrity and full-filling
ones obligation in keeping a nation safe. A soldiers mindset is a labyrinth
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of psychological factors, learned behaviour and acquired skills. Soldiers live

and breathe in this state of mind in their daily existence.
Imagine for a moment, if you will, the intellectual-professional
anguish of a soldier, who commands the most powerful and highly organized
institution of the state (the army) and has to go on surviving and coping with
an inefficient, corrupt, disorganized, political dispensation at the helm of
national affairs. The incumbent PPP political establishment is not only
incompetent in managing national affairs and has failed to deliver basic
socio-economic welfare to the common citizens of Pakistan, but above and
beyond these fundamental failures, it has demonstrated open hostility,
contempt and animosity towards other national institutions, notably the
judiciary and the army.
Presently, the PPP anti-army campaign is at its peak. The COAS has
to deal with it and manage its direct and indirect consequences, both
internally at the rank and file level of the army and its national and
international implications. Not a small task; in fact, a monumental
psychological-managerial challenge is in the hands of the COAS. The
contrast between the two styles of strategic management (that of the army
and of the political establishment) is of diametrical dimensions.
Consider, the Pakistani armys massive engagements in several
national political fronts and their enormous consequential psychologicalfunctional-strategic pressures on the COAS: the war on terror; the US do
more mantra; the Abbottabad debacle; the memogate affair; the killing of 24
Pakistani soldiers in the US-led NATO helicopter raid on the Pak-Afghan
border; the American-Indian-Israeli alleged attempts to destabilize
Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan; the Raymond Davis affair; CIA
operatives all over the country (and the Zardari governments indifference to
it); the safety issues of the nations nuclear assets; and so on and so forth.
Added to this bundle of problems are the most recent judicial
decisions and political demands for the trials of several retired army
generals, including a former Chief of Army Staff and two former Director
Generals of the ISI. Irrespective of guilt or innocence in the Generals trials
affair, the COAS has to deal with morale aspects of the entire army on an
institutional level.
Some political analysts in Pakistan say that General Kayanis nonintervention in the nations political affairs (such as another martial law or
some other kind of militarily managed government) is wholly acceptable,
but he should have intervened at least to stop the looting of this nations
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assets by the ruling junta and the vested interests groups. They say the
General had the power to do so in the best interest of the nation, but failed to
act.
However, the COAS has preferred to remain within the armys
constitutionally-confined domain. Viewed from a different perspective,
General Kayani has established his democratic credentials. Has he not?
I suggest that the entire nation view the COASs November 5 address
in the context of General Kayanis democratic dossier and consider the
speech a conceptual manuscript of a professional soldiers mindset of a
politically reformed Pakistan.
Indeed, there is a formidable message of political and democratic
civility in the November 5 speech! (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 13 th
November)
Is it part of sinister move to malign military? Col (r) Inam-urRahim, petitioner against three-year extension to COAS Ashfaq Parvez
Kayani in Islamabad High Court and counsel for Brigadier Ali Khan who is
facing court martial, was allegedly beaten up in Rawalpindi the other day.
He has submitted an application in RA Bazaar police station, Rawalpindi,
for registration of an FIR against COAS Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Military
Intelligence DG Maj-Gen Naushad Kayani.
Col (retd) Inam claims to be the convener of Ex-Servicemen Society.
The secretary of the society, has, however, taken exception to the news in the
media indicating that he was convener of the society. In a press release, the
society has disowned him, adding that there is no slot of a convener in the
organization.
It is unlikely that an FIR would be registered as desired by him,
because first of all the matter has to be investigated whether he has been
beaten up due to some personal enmity or some family feud. There is a
perception that he is playing into the hands of vested interests, and palmed
off media men are also using his name to defame the armed forces and
intelligence agencies. On 24th September, 2012, Islamabad High had rejected
his petition against the extension of service to COAS Ashfaq Parvez Kayani,
declaring it non-maintainable. On 12th November, he filed a miscellaneous
petition in Islamabad High Court against the recent statement of the COAS,
arguing that General Kayani could not remain in the office after making a
political statement.
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Given the fact that some anchorpersons, analysts and panelists have
started propaganda to denigrate the armed forces, there is something sinister
being played to create a wedge between the military and the judiciary. The
Supreme Courts verdict in Asghar Khan case is also being used by a section
of media men and anchorpersons. In the name of freedom of speech, they
comment on the role of some retired generals in politics, and in the process
they target the army as an institution. Their aim is to tarnish the image of the
armed forces/ISI arguably at the behest of enemies of Pakistan, as tarnishing
the image of the military is the first phase to weaken Pakistan. And in case
they succeed, the nation stands to suffer.
One anchorperson of a renowned private TV channel who is also
columnist spewed venom against Pakistan military in his column in an Urdu
daily on 12th November, drawing parallelism of our generals with recent
ouster of CIA Chief David Patreaus. He stooped so low as to cast aspersions
on the defenders of the frontiers. Of course, one should not support a
military dictator, but keeping in view the conduct of the present military
leadership, the scathing criticism is unwarranted. Perhaps there is some link
between Col (r) Inams petition and the column published on 12 th November
2012.
The question also arises why Inam filed the petition in 2012 when the
extension was given in 2010 and why he chose to pursue the case at this
point in time when the media is highlighting the clash among the
institutions.
The question can also be asked whether the army chief does not enjoy
this right as a citizen of Pakistan. When the military is being demonized
every day in the columns and talk shows, was it not appropriate for him to
respond. In fact, since the commencement of judicial proceedings in the
Mehran Gate, a public debate was triggered off, which was fundamentally
flawed. Both the commentators and media men had it that devil in the scam
was the military and the ISI. However, the apex court in its verdict in Asghar
Khan case categorically stated that two generals had acted as individuals and
the institution of the military was not involved. (Mohammad Jamil reported
in TheNation 16th November)
Birth pangs of change: General Kayanis November 5 critical
statement about national issues and views about the role and limitations of
national institutions, as also Presidents Malakwal speech highlight the
hurdles that stand in the way of establishing the rule of law and constitution.
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Quite a lot may depend on how the judgment of the Supreme Court on
Asghar Khans case will be complied with. Will the defaulting Generals be
treated and punished and by whom? As for the President, his speech at
Malakwal is obviously a signal of disregard of the judicial verdict.
Essentially, the question revolves around the change in the mindsets
of the military and the politicians. How far is the Supreme Court justified in
issuing orders, which intrude into the executive domain? On November 15,
the CJ clarified the courts position by saying that the Supreme Court
enjoyed cross-cutting jurisdiction and has the role of oversight. He said that
the apex court could check any unlawful, unauthorized mala fide act or
exercise of authorities. These observations need to be read in the light of
COAS statement that no individual or institution had the monopoly to
decide what was right or wrong in defining the ultimate national interest.
(One may here take notice of a resolution of the District Bar Association
aimed at the military establishment and Sindh High Courts order
suspending the Interior Ministers ban on the use of motorcycles in Karachi.)
An interesting discussion was held the other day on one of the leading
TV channels about the requisites and prospects of the rule of law in
Pakistan. On board were three leading lawyers of the country. There was
consensus that all individuals are equal in the eyes of law and should be
treated as such. In Pakistan, the practice is otherwise. The powerful and rich
violate the law and rules with impunity. Those wielding the gun, set their
own rules and have their own say. They are intolerant of any challenge to
their authority and status. Some of the recent utterances of senior retired
generals come to mind in this respect. A reference was made to the beating
up of a retired army officer, who had lodged a petition in a court questioning
the grant of extension to the COAS. A minister went to the length of
demanding that the FIA officials be brought in handcuffs before Parliament
for daring to call the sons of a former Prime Minister to their office. If the
peoples representatives deliberately indulge in unlawful activities, how can
there be rule of law? They do not represent the people of Pakistan. The
jagirdars and the industrialists safeguard their own personal interests. Law,
in fact, for them is an obstacle that they manage to put aside because of their
power and influence.
How will real lasting change come when we will be blessed with rule
of constitution and law? The Supreme Court is making a great contribution.
The CJs warning to the usual usurpers of power has substance because of
higher judiciarys independence and the continuing exposure of corruption
and malpractices of politicians and the bureaucracy. But the real change will
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come when the feudal and lawless mindsets undergo alteration. This will
require education of the masses and the rise of politicians-in-power like the
Chief Minister of Bihar, who is currently visiting Pakistan and telling how
he transformed a backward and violent state in India into a fast-growing and
peaceful society. Shahbaz Sharif is struggling to become a part of the
solution. Will Imran Khan win the political space to bring in the much
needed reforms and build the will and capacity to inject the required change
in the thinking and behaviour of the stakeholders? (Inayatullah, TheNation
17th November)
A note to TV anchors! As a student and Professor of Mass
Communication, Media and Politics, a fundamental factor that has been
resilient in my philosophical and intellectual discovery has been the
importance of human behaviour and organizational conduct in media outfits
in relation to larger societal development and political progress in our time.
Needless to say, media, most specifically electronic media, TV, has assumed
a central stage in the making of public opinion and casting a defining role in
determining and engineering public attitudes in nearly all spheres of human
life may those be in social views, political beliefs, national or internal
perspectives. The 21st century humanity is the silent captive of television
broadcasting and its broadcasters making these broadcasters a powerful
fifth pillar of the modern nation-state system.
Indeed, some modern media outfits are dichotomized and polarized
organizations in the strict sense of the concept. Quite obviously, these selfimportant establishments are run by individuals. And as we are all well
aware, all individuals are more or less confined by their personal belief
systems, figments of imagination, pretences and commitments to different
schools of thought most specifically, in terms of political alignments and
views. In concurrence, media organizations select only those persons as
broadcasters, who tow their line. In present-day capitalistic media culture,
the broadcasters are driven by a basic theory of success in common
terminology known as programme ratings a lure for increased
commercial advertisements, inflated revenues and massive profits.
What I have described above are the operational fundamentals of
modern-day media organizations, including Pakistans nascent entry in the
all-powerful era of public opinion-making. The state-of-the-art media power
has instant effects on the human psyche and belief system. Hence, important
questions are bound to be raised in respect to political and social TV
programmes. Even more important are the personal political-ideological
views and social-cultural orientations of the broadcasters in terms of judging
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their impact vis--vis national interests and whether their perspectives are in
conflict with the national agenda at a certain point in time; as is the case in
present-day Pakistan...
Hence, the important question: are we in safe hands? Are the
broadcasters (situationally forced into public opinion-making) fair, balanced,
logical, rational, uncompromising, educated, enlightened, sensitive to the
diversity of issues and people, knowledgeable and well trained to do the job
in which fate has pushed them? Do they possess personal integrity and
dignity to walk through the thin line to differentiate between personal vested
interests and core national priorities? Can they manage their own egos in
such powerful roles of public opinion-making? Can they be non-partisan
when personal rewards in being partisan are so compelling and attractive?
Can they manage unbiased opinion honourably when the managements
pressures for programme ratings and profits are mounting for a
compromised position on a vital national issue?
It seems that there have been several lapses in talk show hosts
fundamental code of ethical conduct in recent days when controversial
debates about possible trials of some army generals and the COAS speech
were held on different Pakistani TV channels. It is obvious (at least to me)
that such intense and continuous discussions on the said issues have been
conducted primarily by some anchors to improve their programme ratings.
Some of the anchors have been biased and judgmental in their opinions
while on the air (anchors are not supposed to give their own judgments). For
example, in a recent talk show, General Asad Durrani said something to the
effect of General Beg was aware of what President Ishaq Khan was doing
(it is not verbatim). The female anchor responded: So you are saying that
General Beg is responsible for what happened? He is guilty by association
is he not? (Not exact words, but the context is exact!) I have no idea how
this female interviewer could infer or deduce such a conclusive judgment on
what Durrani said. I have noticed many such outlandish remarks and
comments of some anchors recently while discussing the possible trials of
some army generals. This also includes the medias strong reactions to
General Kayanis November 5th speech and its interpretations of Pakistans
superior judiciary and assumed warning to the media, specifically talk
shows. Some anchors and their guests went so far as to have opined that
General Kayani has overstepped his constitutional limitations and ought to
resign.
The point is that an anchor cannot be a judge, jurist, prosecutor, public
opinion-maker, analyst, researcher and TV host and guest simultaneously on
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each and every issue, discussion, debate and discourse pursued on his or her
talk show. Indeed; the anchors role is to facilitate discussion professionally
(without assuming a judgmental role) in order to give the viewers the benefit
of the diverse opinions of the invited guests.
This brings us to another problematic: a handful of anchors (four or
five all together) cannot hold the entire nation hostage to their public
opinion-making. It is amusing and strange that some anchors invite other
fellow anchors as guests on their talk shows. Even more ironic is the fact
that the same persons from different political parties continuously appear in
different talk shows and repeat themselves endlessly in useless, boring,
awkward and meaningless rhetoric. My question is: cant anchors find
anyone else in a population of several million to give his or her opinion on
national issues? Or is this purely a matter of programme ratings and
passive profit-making for the media managements?
It would be instructive for the opinion-makers to appreciate that the
vigour, integrity and defence capabilities of the Pakistan armed forces will
continue to be vital for Pakistans immediate survival and future existence as
a united nation.
Let it be said that TV anchors should not undermine or mangle the
armed forces national institutional image, as some of them have mistakenly
seemed to have done in recent days.
You will be seen as collaborating with the enemies of this nation! (Dr
Haider Mehdi, TheNation 20th November)
Quaids visit to Staff College Quetta: Every time General Ashfaq
Parvez Kayani, the Chief of Army Staff, speaks, and he generally speaks on
sensitive political issues, he creates confusion all around and makes thing
worse for himself. As I read his incredible address at the GHQ, I could only
shake my head in disbelief. Exposing senior army officers to highly
controversial political issues and then issuing the statement to the press is
bad enough, but denying it with a straight face is tantamount to insulting the
intelligence of people.
General Kayanis statement published on November 5 is widely
interpreted as a pointed attack on the Supreme Court Exactly 64 years
ago, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of Pakistan and Father
of the Nation, visited Staff College Quetta and, with uncanny prescience,
warned senior officers against involvement in politics and the affairs of
government
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Today, there are many now willing to spill their blood to defend their
hard-earned independent judiciary. Try to destroy the independence of
judiciary, and the moment is not far off when this beautiful country will be
plunged into a civil war. The Supreme Court should be the barrier that
protects the citizens from the winds of evil and tyranny. If we allow it to be
stymied or sabotaged by corrupt rulers or permit it to be desecrated or
demeaned and it crumbles, who will be able to stand in the winds that
follow?
Not many people know that a landmark judgment of an earlier
Supreme Court, gives the rubber-stamp Parliament the ultimate power to
emasculate the basic elements or fundamental features of our constitution. It
would now be free, under the garb of amendment, to change a democratic
government into a dictatorship or hereditary monarchy. It could do away
with the Islamic provisions of the constitution and change the federal
constitution of Pakistan into a unitary form. It could even subordinate the
superior judiciary to the executive and make the Supreme Court the judicial
arm of the government. In other words, it could mutilate the constitution and
change it beyond all recognition. It is scary!
The judges of the Supreme Court are bound by their oath of office to
preserve, protect and defend the constitution. The constitution places that
responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the Supreme Court, which has the
power, in fact the duty, to strike down any legislation enacted by Parliament
that, in its view, is repugnant to the constitution. The Supreme Court is more
than the usual law court. In its keeping lies the destiny of Pakistan. Its
decrees mark the boundaries between the various branches of state. Upon its
action, depends the proper functioning of the federation; in fact, its very
survival.
The power to determine constitutionality of amendments made by
Parliament is of the very essence of judicial duty. In the midst of civil strife
and war, as Burke pointed out in his reflections on the French revolution,
laws are commanded to hold their tongue amongst arms. But in peace time,
the law is supreme and its interpretation is the exclusive prerogative of the
civil courts. Now that democracy has been restored and law is unfettered,
and supreme once again, the court must exercise its power to restore the
balance between the one, the few and the many.
Is there any remedy for this state of things? None. Because a corrupt
presidency and a corrupt executive are in league with a rubber-stamp
Parliament. Ultimately, the true guardians of the constitution and the
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Supreme Court are the people of Pakistan. People power alone can protect
the Supreme Court from corrupt rulers and corrupt power-hungry Generals.
Our rulers know that the street is all they have to fear. Confronting them has
now become a patriotic duty. Today, there is no other path for our country,
but the one which led to the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry
and other deposed judges. (Roedad Khan, TheNation 22nd November)
Provincial disharmony
No dam to render Sindh, KPK barren: The project, with its
feasibility and impact studies carried out, detailed design and engineering
work done and project costs estimated, is a shovel-ready project and being
considered a lifeline for Pakistan. It was designed in 1984, with the
assistance of the UNDP, supervised by the World Bank. Following the
submission of its project planning report, it was put up to the federal and
provincial governments for approval of the launching of this gigantic
project. In the meantime, the project teams were asked to complete the
detailed designs and contract documents to make it ready to enter the
implementation stage.
This task was completed in another two and a half years and the
construction was to start in mid 1987. It was estimated to cost US$ 3.46
billion and scheduled to be completed in six years, with the first generating
unit to be commissioned in April 1993. But the programme could not be
materialized owing to opposition from some provincial governments, mainly
on political grounds, adversely affecting the agriculture and energy sectors
directly and industrial and manpower sectors indirectly.
Opponents of the dam in Sindh claim the construction of the KBD
will convert the province into a desert. They say high-level outlets will be
used to divert water from the reservoir to the Punjab. Cultivation in riverine
areas will be adversely affected and the seawater intrusion in the Indus
estuary will accentuate, they hold. In addition, according to them, mangrove
forests which are already threatened will be further affected and fish
production as well as drinking water supply below Kotri will also suffer a
big loss.
ANP leaders from KPK, the great opponents of the dam, hold they
will never allow the construction of the dam. They have the main concern
that vast areas of Nowshera (a KPK district) will be submerged by the dam
and other areas will also be affected by water-logging and salinity as had
happened to the areas damaged by the Tarbela Dam. Balochistan is not
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directly affected by the dam as such. Most of Baloch nationalists, however,

claim the dam is an instance of grievances of the smaller provinces.
Interestingly, their objections have long been clarified by the experts
who are in favour of the project. Sindh and KPK will become barren in the
years to come, if Kalabagh Dam is not built, says Shamsul Mulk, a former
chairman of Wapda and a strong voice in favour of the dam from KPK. He
holds: KBD will be helpful in eliminating poverty from PKK as it will
irrigate 800,000 acres of cultivable land which is located 100-150 feet above
the level of the River Indus. Kalabagh Dam would provide 6.5 million acres
feet of water to cultivate seven million acres of currently barren land. This is
in addition to the 3,800mw electricity it would generate. It is consensus of
experts that there is a dire need to construct more dams, especially the KBD,
not only to make up for the lost capacity of water, but also to store surplus
water at the times of floods and generate cheaper electricity. They say if
Pakistan has any priorities, its number one priority should be to build
Kalabagh. If we are not going to build it, no one else will do it, they say.
The major political parties, however, have been either silent or issue
diplomatic statements about the construction of the dam for the past three
and four years. Those who are not advocating the construction of the dam
intentionally or unintentionally are supporting what the enemies of the
country are fervently praying for a no-new-dam situation and, especially a
no-Kalabagh situation, for Pakistan, said a Wapda official. (Iftikhar Alam,
TheNation, 30th November)
Who will bell the cat? They say the construction of KBD will
weaken the federation, not realizing that shortage of power and war on water
in the coming years would be more detrimental to the federation as well as
federating units. It has to be mentioned that Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
(formerly NWFP) assemblies had passed resolutions against the construction
of the KBD. The Balochistan Assembly also passed a similar resolution just
to express solidarity with the two provinces. Since Council of Common
Interests had already agreed in 1991 on the construction of Kalabagh Dam,
there should be no more hypocrisy about the so-called consensus and the
issue of building water storages and hydel power generation resolved with
sincerity. Let us not make any more delay because enough time has already
been wasted.
The real problem is that India has been instrumental in stirring
opposition to the Kalabagh Dam by spending billions of rupees on
propaganda and investing on centrifugal forces and some unconscionable
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elements. Mala fide intentions of India are obvious from the report/book
published in 2004 titled Pakistans Provinces written by think-tank of India
under the name and style of Strategic Foresight Group.
In the chapter Sindh, the authors stated: If Sindh continues to suffer
economic deterioration and water shortages, internal turmoil is inevitable.
The influx of Sindh refugees can bring India into direct confrontation with
Pakistan. Independent Sindh might be born, but not before the 1971 war is
replayed.
In August 2005, chairman of the committee, AGN Abbasi, briefed
former President General Pervez Musharraf about the committees
recommendations and opinions of the provinces, WAPDA, IRSA and
Planning Commission. After the revision of the KBD plan, it was expected
that the provinces would not object to the construction of KBD. Former CM
Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim was reported to have assured former PM
Shaukat Aziz of his support to the construction of KBD. Anyhow, Pakistan
seems to be on the horns of dilemma because in case dams are not
constructed, the country would face acute food shortages, possibly famine
and anarchy. And if KBD is constructed, the centrifugal forces may stir
greater provincial disharmony
There is no substance in these arguments. Nowshera was inundated in
the previous flashfloods. Had the KBD been constructed, there would have
been no flood in Nowshera. Having all said, if Kalabagh and Bhasha dams
are not constructed within next five to seven years, Pakistan will not be able
to produce enough food grains to meet the needs of the growing population.
Not only Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but rest of the country would also
suffer. (Mohammad Jamil, TheNation, 30th November)
KBD: happy tidings: Thursday brought good tidings for all those
who wish for the prosperity and benefit all citizens, irrespective of where
they live or to which province they belong. On that day, the Lahore High
Court ordered the federal government to build the Kalabagh Dam in
compliance with the decisions of the Council of Common Interests (CCI)
taken in 1991 and 1998. It should be recalled that the first decision taken in
September 1991 had accorded approval to the projects construction, while
the second of May 1998, a follow-up, directed the Natural Water Resources
Development Programme, headed by the Minister for Water and Power, to
prepare a document to bring home to the detractors the issues involved in
building the dam and address their political and technical concerns. The
latter decision also called upon the Water and Power Authority to update the
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technical studies of the dam and prepare supplementary projects in support

of the KBD.
Underlining the fact that there was no escape from compliance with
the CCIs decisions, the court drew the attention of the federal government
to article 154 of the constitution that confers upon the CCI a pre-eminent
position...to formulate and regulate policies of the federation in relation to a
number of subjects, including water and power. Its decisions have a binding
force and have to be implemented in letter and in spirit, the court ruled,
unless they are modified by Parliament at the instance of the government.
LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial took the stand that the scarcity of both
water and power had adversely affected the quality and security of life of the
citizens and that was a violation of their fundamental rights enshrined in the
constitution. Hence, the decision to remedy the situation. The court ruled
that the government should take bona fide steps in this regard so that the fate
of the project was not sealed, adding that the material presented before it
proved that it was admittedly feasible both technically and economically.
We have, in these columns, detailed, time and again, the immense
benefits that the KBD holds for the nation as a whole. And now that an
impartial authority has also pronounced in favour of it, one should expect
the federal government not to waste any more time and go ahead with
following the CCIs decisions. The project would provide massive relief to
the people who daily suffer from load shedding as it has the capacity to
generate power up to 3,600MW. Similarly, it would make available over six
million acre feet of water to be utilized to bring additional land under
cultivation; the biggest beneficiary would be Sindh, followed by KPK and
Balochistan, and the least to benefit would be Punjab. The water absorbed in
the KBD reservoir would also mitigate the impact of floods, in large areas
even precluding its occurrence. Hopefully, irrational sentiments built up over
the years against this project would give way to saner counsels and work on
its construction would begin soon. (Editorial, TheNation 1st December)
KBD: issue of survival: Putting aside the LHCs orders, it is clear
that in this unseemly, self-destructive controversy, Kalabaghs technical
viability and immense benefits are lost sight of. Also being relegated in the
background is 1991 inter-provincial water accord in which all provinces had
accepted the projects vital need for uncultivated cultivable land located in
different provinces, at the same time acknowledging its potential to obviate
floods and save mangroves, not destroy them. And the power it would
generate should make it all the more an imperative necessity when
prolonged load shedding, with little prospects of relief in the foreseeable
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future, has become the bane of life as factories close down, the tube well fail
to operate, the entire business of life comes to a standstill. Minister Kaira
should know that Kalabagh is not political issue but an issue of very survival
of the country. If Kalabagh is a controversial memory, renaming it Zardari
dam would be acceptable too, so long as the essential project is begun.
(Editorial, TheNation 3rd December)
Ideological subversion
Unguarded assertions: KPK Governor Barrister Masood Kausar
spoke plainly and perhaps without realizing the implications of all that he
said. Speaking at the opening session of a three-day conference on History
and Culture organized by the Area Study Centre of Peshawar University, he
said that state was more important than Pakistans Ideology. He further
explained while talking to the media men and said that as a nation we stood
divided in the name of religion and Islam had been reduced to a shortsighted
faith. According to him, the nation was split into Shias and Sunnis. He went
on to say that the ideology on the basis of which Pakistan was created, was
weakening the country. He cited examples of Russia, China and Europe that,
according to him, had changed their ideologies with the passage of time and
that communism was irrelevant in Russia today.
One fails to understand what made Governor Kausar equate the
founding ideology with the absolutely true sectarian divisions, when both
things stand in direct conflict with each other and are not an example of
cause and effect at all. While all can agree to the sanctity of the state being
paramount, the maintenance and adaptation of ideology to present day
situations is what may achieve the strengthening required, not ripping out
the very roots that have been our anchor in the storm. No doubt, politics in
the name of religion is not for the sake of spiritual satisfaction, but for
absolutely mercenary and earthly rewards, and must be discouraged. Shias
and Sunnis and followers of all religions and sects must be guaranteed lives
of security and prosperity in Pakistan, on this we are in full agreement. But
why can the Governor not ask that this be implemented as the true ideology
of Pakistan? He is correct to say that Russia and China among others
changed their ideology, but perhaps the word that most applies is that they
adapted their ideologies to deal with modern challenges. Can Pakistan not
do the same? Must it be made to feel as though from inception till now it has
been a failure in itself? For shame, Governor. One expects better from you.
(Editorial, TheNation, 30th November)
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Baloch militancy
The US and human rights: Against the context of Balochistan,
while the US has picked up unsubstantiated rumours of human rights
excesses to castigate Pakistan, it has conveniently chosen to keep its eyes
shut in regard to its considerable role in letting the Baloch dissidents
establish training and logistics camps in southern Afghanistan that are
routinely used to organize strikes inside the restive province.
The dissident sardars, including Brahamdagh Bugti, have enjoyed the
Afghan hospitality with a nod and a wink from the NATO/ISAF setup to
promote their subversive agenda in a democratically-run Balochistan. The
collusion of Afghan and Indian intelligence, under the indirect patronage of
the US forces, has crippled the writ of the civilian government to an extent
where the Frontier Corps (FC) have to be requisitioned to let the system
remain functional.
In Afghanistan, where not much moves without a US blessing, it will
be a great service to the promotion of human rights in Balochistan if the
sanctuaries of insurgents there are removed and the provincial government
ensures that the states writ becomes effective enough to return the FC to
their primary task; which is maintenance of a strong vigil on the highlyporous Pak-Afghan border in peacetime. (Momin Akhtar, TheNation 28th
November)
The indifference charge: The Supreme Court took the opportunity
of referring to the miserable conditions prevailing in Balochistan and the
authorities failure to bring them back to normal, while it was hearing a case,
on Tuesday, about the issue of the grant of lease of the Reko Diq project to
the Tetra Cooper Company of Pakistan (TCCP), a Canadian and Chilean
consortium. Although, it has already issued its verdict on the law and order
situation in the province, the allusion to the continued pitiable conditions
there arose, perhaps, because of the charge before the court that under cover
of exploiting the minerals at Reko Diq, its wealth was being plundered
again credited to the indifference of the government. Chief Justice Iftikhar
Chaudhry regretted that it had reached its conclusions after 72 hearings
lasting for hours yet neither the provincial nor the federal government has
done anything to implement the judgment to stem the tide of violence in
Balochistan. Mutilated bodies were continued to be found on its streets, but
the tragedy is that no one in authority seemed to be moved.
Let it be clearly said here that the Chief Justice or the Supreme Court
is not alone in bemoaning the authorities lack of interest in whatever is
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happening in the largest federating units that is, incidentally, also the richest
in precious mineral resources. The Federal Minister for Interior, Mr Rehman
Malik, has on more than one occasion pointed to the presence of a foreign
hand, both in Balochistan and Karachi but, somehow, has never proceeded
beyond making that accusation. Neither has he identified the culprits, nor
has there been an improvement in the situation, after this confident affixing
of blame.
No doubt, the violent groups in Balochistan are a bewildering mix
because hardly any one section of society could consider itself safe from
violence. At one time or another, almost everyone of them have suffered.
There are, of course, dissident leaders, who while sitting in the security of
foreign lands, attempt to portray themselves as leaders of a secessionist
movement. Evidence of the supply of arms to them from Afghanistan and of
funds is virtually established. There is also little doubt that the sense of
deprivation and injustice in the distribution of resources has drawn some to
that extreme line of thinking. Then there are the religious bigots targeting
Shias, the locals killing settlers from other provinces, particularly Punjab.
The Supreme Court during its hearing had been pointing a finger at ISI and
MI, though acknowledging at the same time that the FC has suffered a loss
of well over 400 of its personnel. These points could be helpful in solving
the jigsaw puzzle. But it is the government that is responsible for the
security and safety of the people, irrespective of ethnicity or religious bent
of mind; it has to move fast to take charge and not allow the situation to
linger on and worsen. The buck stops at its desk!
Turf war in Karachi

Deweaponizing Pakistan: Reacting fast to the ANP-backed Senate
resolution calling for the deweaponization of Karachi to eliminate bloodshed
in the city, the MQM tabled another resolution in the National Assembly on
Tuesday that envisaged a countrywide deweaponization, arguing that
without a comprehensive ban the goal could not be achieved in the real sense
of the word. The resolution was passed, with the PML-N, ANP and JUI-F
opposing. The years-long violence in Karachi showing no signs of abating;
the heavy toll of about 6,000 it has so far taken of the citys inhabitants; the
use of highly sophisticated weapons by the bands of fiendish-minded killers
who seem to be on the loose round the clock; the sectarian element that at
times raises its head; the authorities failure to put an end to the chaos; and
the climate of insecurity the scenario has created all this had prompted
some lawmakers to assume that a Karachi shorn of its arms was the only
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way to bring the city back from the brink of precipice. And with the general
elections not far away, there is a nationwide concern over the possibility of
eruption of violence on an unprecedented scale in Karachi at the time of
polls. But then the question first of all is whether a sprawling port city, with
the daily docking of numerous vessels on its shores; having a population
variously estimated between 18 million and 21 million, awash with heavy
weapons; and the umpteen routes linking it with the hinterland, is it possible
to enforce the Senate resolution to deweaponize it? And for that matter, is it
possible to eliminate weapons from a country that has become a veritable
arsenal? Both the questions are too mind boggling to answer in the positive,
at least.
Opposing the MQMs resolution, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman
called it deceptive, blaming the law enforcement agencies for their failure
to provide security and arguing for the need of ordinary citizens to keep
arms for their safety. PPPs Religious Affairs Minister Khurshid Shah
supported the resolution on the ground that that would make it possible to
come to grips with the problem.
The whole thing boils down to sincerity of effort; if that is in action,
controlling the situation by the government, with all the resources of the
state at its disposal, would be no issue; if not, as has been the case so far,
even the most workable scheme would not bear fruit. The situation has come
to such a pass that leaders of all the three major parties in the Sindh coalition
have to sit down and find a solution, beginning with the disbanding of their
militant wings. (Editorial, TheNation 21st November)
No need for an operation! COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has
said that there is no need of an army operation in Karachi; the Rangers are
performing their duties well. His remarks to the media on Thursday have
raised questions, not so much from him as from the federal government.
These questions become even more crucial after Interior Minister Rehman
Malik said the same day, while visiting Rawalpindi District Headquarters
Hospital to enquire after those injured in Dhoke Syedan suicide bombing,
that those attacks would continue till Ashura. Apart from Muharram, the city
has been subject to target killings, which have prompted calls for an army
operation there, and to which General Kayani seemed to be responding,
though the response should more properly have been made by the
government. The decision on an operation or otherwise would depend on
many factors, including the armys readiness, but the decision should be
made only by the government. Further, his giving a clean chit to the Rangers
for their performance in Karachi was rather strange considering how poorly
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the citys law and order is, and inappropriate because any judgment should
be made by the Sindh government, which is responsible for law and order
there, and called in the Rangers in the first place. As a matter of fact,
Rangers are under the Interior Ministry, not General Kayani, though his
force does provide its officers.
Mr Maliks prediction also raises questions about why, if the
government knows about violence in Muharram, it does not stop these
attacks and go beyond merely declaring offs for the rest of Muharram.
Because so many urban centers are involved, there is a pressing need for
inter-provincial coordination on the issue. An ultimate end will only come
when potential terrorists receive an education which averts such violence.
Like law and order, education is a provincial subject. However, the
immediate problem is to prevent further casualties this Ashura. This requires
all governments, irrespective of party affiliation, to work as one, particularly
on intelligence sharing. (Editorial, TheNation 24th November)
REVIEW
The Scoundrel went to Multan, the city of saints, not to pay homage
to those buried there for that he only goes to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh but to
meet the Saint he had got slaughtered for saving his fortunes deposited in
foreign accounts. Reportedly, the two ironed out the differences, but not all.
The Scoundrel, however, assured the Saint to help him in corruption cases.
Resultantly, the FIA was directed to go slow in investigating Haj Scam.
With a view to demonizing Army, the Jiyalas and Jiyalis of the PPP
have often complained against the establishment for calling Benazir a
security risk. Since the Supreme Court verdict in Asghar Khan Case, they
have become more vocal about it. Kaira cribbed that they dubbed an
elected Prime Minister a security risk, who later sacrificed her life for
Pakistan.
The record must be set straight, an election is no equivalent of
security clearance; especially when the founder-father of the PPP has been
quoted as saying that election is an art of fooling people and he could fool
people for twenty years. He used a slogan of roti, kapra aur makan for this
purpose. His successors have also not failed him so far.
As regards election, these could be taken as security clearance
certificate only if the mandate is sought on the basis of security matters.
Security issues appear no where during election campaigns of for securing
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the mandate. Even in elections held in December 1970, the most fair and
free in the history of Pakistan, the security aspect was completely ignored.
The result was that the parties that won almost ninety percent of
mandate were headed by two leaders who proved to be greatest risk for the
security of Pakistan. The result was that the country got disintegrated within
a year. As regards the demise of the two and subsequently of Benazir, none
of them laid their lives for Pakistan; they were victims of their lust for
power.
Despite the criminal record of the PPP leaders, the Jiyalas retain the
cheeks and the tongues in between to miss no opportunity to demonize the
Army. They have not given up their mission to tame the Army; they want to
force it to unconditionally submit to the commands of democratic forces.
The statements of two chiefs and events before and after those
suggested that the Zardari regime was quietly working to take full advantage
of the situation. The tension Army and Judiciary provides and opportunity
to kill two birds with one stone. The regime backed by the US and helped by
the embedded media would like to tame both the institutions, especially the
Army. The plundering politicians, in the garb of flag bearers of democracy,
would like to neutralize the two threats for a reasonable period, if not
permanently.
MQM has been pushed on to back foot on account of two decisions of
the courts in the recent past; i.e. holding dual nationality and demarcation of
constituencies in Karachi. Yesterday, Altaf Hussain roared over telephone
from London exactly in the manner expected of one whose tail has been
stepped upon.
He blurted, most of which he wont be able to recall for reasons too
obvious. He has virtually gone wild due to getting undue importance for
various reasons, out of which Pakistani medias role is too conspicuous. TV
channels have projected a clown as a political wizard and an invincible force
despite sitting thousands of miles away from Islamabad.
He is definitely the most feared man by the media and it ought to be
so. Because, the man who can get more than 250 police officials
exterminated and the Inspector General Police could do no more than
complaining in the safety of a court room, has to be feared. The Don, who
while sitting in his London Den, can keep a mega city of 20 million people a
hostage, has to be feared.
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The man could get a dissident party leader assassinated in London and
the British Police could not make its findings public; he must be well-linked
and he has to be feared. The man could get a journalist murdered on roadside
and medias hue and cry could result only in elimination of all the six eye
witnesses; he must be feared, more by the media than anyone else.
So, the TV channels wisely fear him. They abandon their on-air
programmes and stampede to provide him TV coverage the moment he
comes on air via satellite from London. Each of his wine-soaked golden
word is telecast across Pakistan especially for those lined up devotees sitting
as if congregating to listen a Khutba in Haram.
While crying hoarse over conspiracies to steal MQMs mandate and
clamping of judicial martial law in Karachi, he and his operatives did not
relax on implementation of their plans. They quietly remained occupied in
eliminating their political opponents, especially those belonging to MQM-H.
The Don wasnt deterred by inclusion of his name in an FIR of murder of
three Haqaqi leaders.
However, the issue of demarcation of constituencies is the first test for
the new CEC; its success or failure would set the trend for the forthcoming
polls. The demarcation must also take care of the large number of fake
voters, as pointed out by the counsel of the PTI during the court
proceedings.
Over six hundred voters have been listed residing in 120 yards
residence, which meant there must have been at least another six hundred
below voting age keeping in view the high ratio of youth in Pakistan. That
meant ten people per square yard. What to talk of residing, or even standing;
ten people cannot be stacked in that much space.
The learned Governor of KPK attempted to subvert ideological
basis of Pakistan, while talking at a function in Peshawar University. He
disapproved the ideology based on the religion having sectarian militancy.
He can certainly be charged under some sections of the Constitution or
criminal law.
He even went beyond the line he wanted to go up to. By quoting
examples Russia, China and Europe that changed their ideologies he
virtually committed a blasphemous act when he compared Islam with
communism. He must be booked and dragged into a court of law even if he
blurted out these words when he was not in his senses under the influence of
some kind of intoxication.
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The anti-Punjab Sindhi and Pakhtoon leaders, while opposing

construction of Kalabagh Dam, threaten about dismemberment of Pakistan
as if the integrity of the country is the concern of the people of Punjab only.
In their fits of hate-Punjab they tend to ignore that disintegration of Pakistan
would hasten the construction of the KBD. The Dam is destined to become a
reality one day for economic compulsions of the people of the region despite
unjust politicization of purely a technical issue.
These Punjab haters should understand that if the Dam is constructed
after the threatened dismemberment of the country these mischief mongers
would cause greater harm to the people of their respective provinces.
Prudence demands that they sit together and decide to move ahead as
ordered by Justice Ata Bandial ensuring safeguards of everybodys interests
as far as possible.
There is a lesson to be learnt for the people of Punjab. Every province
has hordes of nationalists organized into political parties. There are Sindhi
nationalists, Baloch and Pakhtoon nationalists, some of them have even
turned separatists. But, where are Punjabi nationalists? Punjab must have
this breed of political activists, not to blackmail others, but to safeguard its
regional interests. In the absence of such political activism, Punjabs
agriculture-based economic interests will continue to be compromised by
shopkeepers and blacksmiths ruling the province.
Lahore High Court decision provides solid legal ground if the next
government in Punjab decides to construct the dam even if at federal level
the mafia of smaller provinces, which constitutes just one-third of Pakistan,
continues to blackmail two-third of Pakistanis living in this province.
Anyhow, generation of electricity is now a provincial subject and whoever
wins the mandate in Punjab must move beyond lip service and announce its
construction soon after the next elections and thus bury the poisonous debate
forever, not the dam as Chandio wanted to.
3rd December, 2012
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MURSI AND SECULARS

The focus of fighting in Syria shifted to suburbs of Damascus after the
foreign backers of the rebels decided to enhance the support in terms
supplies of weapons and humanitarian assistance. The NATO, with the
consent of the US, also agreed to deploy the Patriot missiles to strengthen
air defence of Turkey.
Egypts President had asserted himself at home by sacking the
military high command of Mobarak era and then Israels air offensive
against Gazans provided him an opportunity to show his diplomatic prowess
and acumen. He worked for and managed to negotiate a ceasefire. This show
of concern for the Palestinians was observed by the West with squint eye.
On 30th November, the UN General Assembly voted to grant the
Palestinians non-member observer state status. A week later, Khaled
Meshaal entered Gaza from Egypt, his first coming to Palestine in 37 years.
Meshaal who is originally from a village in the West Bank had gone into
exile with his family after the 1967 Middle East war, only returning for a
brief visit in 1975. His visit coincided with 25 th anniversary of formation of
Hamas.
NEWS
Middle East
Iraq: On 27th November, car bombs killed four people in Kurdish
areas of the disputed northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, while roadside bombs
killed two more in a nearby Arab town. The attacks come a day after top
security officials from the federal government and Iraqs autonomous
Kurdistan region reached an agreement aimed at easing high tensions in
disputed areas of northern Iraq, which the countrys parliamentary speaker
has warned could lead to civil war.
Next day, gunmen armed with silenced weapons attacked a house in
the town of Tarmiyah north of Baghdad, killing seven members of a family,
including three young children. Two members of the family, including one
of the dead, belonged to the anti-Qaeda Sahwa militia force, made up of
Sunni tribesmen who resisted the militant group and helped turn the tide of
the war in Iraq.
On 29th November, bombs targeting Shias and security forces across
Iraq killed 45 people and wounded 205 others in the deadliest day of
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violence to hit the country in more than two months. The attacks marked the
second series of bombings against Shias this week after three car bombs
exploded in Baghdad. The violence brings the number of people killed in
attacks this month to at least 145 nine more than in October.
Two roadside bombs targeting a group of Shia pilgrims in the city of
Hilla killed 28 people and wounded 85. In Karbala, a car bomb exploded
under a bridge, killing five people and wounding 13. A suicide car bomb
against an army patrol in Fallujah killed three soldiers and wounded three
others and four civilians. Nine were killed elsewhere. The report ended with
familiar concluding line: Violence in Iraq has decreased dramatically from
its peak in 2006 and 2007, when brutal sectarian violence swept the country,
but attacks remain common.
On 4th December, gunmen armed with silenced weapons attacked a
house in east Baghdad, killing a man, his wife and four children. The motive
for the crime was not known. Gunmen who were also armed with silenced
weapons carried out a similar attack on November 28 in Tarmiyah, 45
kilometres (28 miles) north of Baghdad, killing seven members of the same
family.
Palestine: On 26th November, Mussa Abu Marzuk said Hamas did
not commit to stop arming itself in truce talks that ended a week-long
conflict in and around Gaza with an agreement for Israel to ease its blockade
of the coastal territory. A team from the other side is coming to Cairo
today, Abu Marzuk, based in Cairo since his movements politburo left
Damascus, told reporters in the Egyptian capital.
The Palestinian and Israeli delegations, which never meet directly but
negotiate through Egyptian mediators, would also discuss linking Gaza
economically to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, he said. Israel began
restricting goods to the enclave when Palestinian fighters captured an Israeli
soldier in a cross border raid in 2006 and it imposed a blockade a year later
after Hamas violently seized Gaza from its Fatah rivals.
Hamas would continue arming itself, he said. In the last round of
fighting, Palestinian fighters struck Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with rockets for
the first time. Hamas insists the rockets were locally developed, but Israel
believes they have smuggled in the weapons through tunnels with Egypt and
has insisted that the smuggling end.
Next day, the Palestinian Authority submitted a draft resolution to the
UN General Assembly that would recognize the Palestinians as a
nonmember state of the UN. The resolution would have the 193-member
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Assembly decide to accord to Palestine Non-member Observer State status

in the United Nations, without prejudice to the acquired rights, privileges
and role of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the United Nations as
the representative of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the relevant
resolutions and practice.
The remains of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed, eight
years after his death, with experts set to test for signs that he was poisoned.
The process was carried out in secrecy, with Arafats grave carefully
shielded from the public eye and media kept far away, but Palestinian
sources confirmed samples had been taken from the remains on Tuesday
morning.
On 30th November, in the face of stiff opposition by Israel and the
United States, the UN General Assembly voted to grant the Palestinians nonmember observer state status triggering scenes of joy in the occupied West
Bank, where thousands celebrated with bursts of gunfire and cheers in the
city of Ramallah. President Mahmoud Abbas called on the world body to
issue its long overdue birth certificate.
The 193-member assembly voted 138-9 in favour, with 41 nations
abstaining. The UN victory for the Palestinians was a blow for Washington
and Tel Aviv, who were joined by only a handful of countries in voting
against the move to upgrade the Palestinian Authority's observer status at the
United Nations to non-member state.
Commenting on the vote, the New York Times called the outcome as a
stinging defeat for Israel and the United States and a boost for President
Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. Pakistans Permanent
Representative to the United Nations Masood Khan personally congratulated
President Abbas after the vote and reaffirmed Islamabads unstinted support
for their longstanding cause.
Israel revealed plans to build 3,000 settler homes in east Jerusalem
and the West Bank in response to a historic UN vote recognizing Palestine as
a non-member state. It was a major diplomatic coup for the Palestinians but
a stinging slap in the face for Israel, which had lobbied hard against it,
arguing that it would cripple peace hopes.
With their newly acquired status, the Palestinians now have access to
a range of UN agencies as well as to the ICC, but officials said they had no
plans to immediately petition the tribunal. If Israel refrains from settlement
activities and so on...theres no immediate pressing reason to do that. If
293
Israel persists in its violations, then certainly it will have to face

accountability, Ashrawi said.
Next day, Hillary Clinton warned Israel against building any new
Jewish settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory, saying they
undermined prospects for Middle East peace negotiations. Clintons
comments followed news reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu authorized the construction of 3,000 new homes; an obviously
retaliatory move after the Palestinians won a United Nations bid to recognize
their claim to become a non-member observer state.
On 2nd December, Mahmud Abbas returned to the West Bank after
winning upgraded UN status for the Palestinians, telling cheering crowds:
Yes, now we have a state. Abbas pledged that after the victory at the
United Nations, his first and most important task would be working to
achieve Palestinian unity and reviving efforts to reconcile rival factions
Fatah and Hamas.
Israel decided not to transfer tax and tariff funds it collects for the
Palestinians in response to their successful bid for upgraded UN status,
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said: We said from the beginning that the
raising of the status of Palestine at the UN would not produce no reaction
from Israel.
Next day, Israeli forces from the Shin Bet internal security agency
shot dead a Palestinian in the West Bank after he rammed their car and
attacked them with an axe, the intelligence agency said. They identified the
man as Hatem Shabib, from a village near the northern West Bank city of
Tulkarem.
On 4th December, Israels government stood firm in the face of
mounting international pressure as it pushed ahead with a swathe of
settlement plans seen as threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Israel showed no sign of changing its stance even as Australia became the
latest nation to summon the Israeli ambassador to protest plans to build
3,000 new settler homes in a critical area of the West Bank near Jerusalem.
On Monday, France, Britain, Spain, Denmark and Sweden all summoned the
Israeli ambassadors to protest the plans, which also drew criticism from
Russia, Germany and Japan.
On 6th December, Jordan's King Abdullah II flew in to the West Bank
city of Ramallah for the first visit by a top foreign leader since the
Palestinians gained upgraded United Nations status. He was greeted by
Mahmud Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials. We and our
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Palestinian people and its leadership welcome this historic visit, which
comes after Palestine became a (non-member) observer at the United
Nations, presidential spokesman said in a statement.
Next day, Hamas leader in exile Khaled Meshaal made his first visit to
Gaza, kissing the ground and saying he hoped he would one day die a
martyr in the Palestinian territory. After his seven-vehicle convoy swept
across the border from Egypt, Meshaal got out and kissed Palestinian soil
before embracing Gazas Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya. Green
Hamas flags and the red, white, green and black of the Palestinian flag were
everywhere to mark the unprecedented visit, which was timed to coincide
with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the movement. Meshaal was
accompanied by his deputy Mussa Abu Marzuk.
Shortly after his arrival, Meshaal was taken to see the charred remains
of Jaabaris car, which had been transported to Rafah on the Egyptian border
especially for the visit. I hope God will make me a martyr on the land of
Palestine in Gaza, he said. This is the first time that I am coming to
Palestine in 37 years, said Meshaal who is originally from a village in the
West Bank but went into exile with his family after the 1967 Middle East
war, only returning for a brief visit in 1975. It was his first-ever visit to
Gaza.
This visit by Meshaal, which follows that of the Qatari emir and the
Egyptian prime minister and other officials proves there is no Israeli
blockade on Gaza, said foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor, referring
to a measure put in place by Israel in 2006, but eased in recent years.
On 8th December, tens of thousands of Palestinians massed in Gaza for
a rally marking the 25th anniversary of Hamas addressed by the ruling
Islamist movements leader in exile. Hamas politburo Chief Khaled Meshaal
rejected ceding an inch of Palestinian territory to Israel or recognizing the
Jewish state. Palestine is our land and nation from the (Mediterranean) sea
to the (Jordan) river, from north to south, and we cannot cede an inch or any
part of it, he said.
Resistance is the right way to recover our rights, as well as all forms
of struggle political, diplomatic, legal and popular, but all are senseless
without resistance, he stressed. Turning to the question of Palestinian unity,
he said: We are a single authority, a single reference, and our reference is
the PLO, which we want united.
Founded in 1987 shortly after the start of the first Palestinian intifada,
or uprising, Hamas was inspired by Egypts Muslim Brotherhood. Its charter
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calls for the eventual destruction of Israel and the establishment of an

Islamic state on the pre-1948 borders of the British Palestine Mandate.
Syria: On 26th November, rebels virtually cut off roads to Aleppo
from neighbouring Raqa province, severing regime supply lines as France
announced it had earmarked financial aid for the opposition coalition. The
Red Cross called on both sides to respect international humanitarian law a
day after an aerial bombing killed 10 children, and the UN Palestinian
refugee agency asked for more funds to cope with the crisis.
The rebels now hold sway over a wide expanse of territory between
the two provinces bordering Turkey, which backs the revolt against President
Bashar al-Assad. The army must now rely on the Damascus-Aleppo
highway to bring reinforcements to Syrias embattled commercial hub of
Aleppo, where fighting is deadlocked. Rebels also gained full control of
Marj al-Sultan air base 15 kilometres east of Damascus.
In a sign of growing confidence, rebel officers have formed a
commission to lay the groundwork for a future army and liaise with the
political opposition on issues such as arming fighters on the ground, a
spokesman said. He said the Free Officers Assembly would seek to lay the
correct foundations for the construction of the new Syrian army, which will
be non-partisan, working with the newly formed opposition National
Coalition.
Faced with an increasingly offensive revolt, the Assad regime has
been reducing its territorial ambitions to focus on Damascus, central Syria
and Alawite bastions, as it digs in for a long war. Troops have been bombing
rebel positions on the outskirts of the capital, including in Daraya, the site of
the worst massacre in the 20-month conflict, with state media saying that
troops had inflicted heavy losses on al-Qaeda terrorists in their advance. At
least 34 people were killed during the day.
Next day, Syrian rebels downed an army helicopter for the first time
with a ground-to-air missile from newly acquired stocks, in a potential
turning point for the 20-month conflict. It is the first time that the rebels
have shot down a helicopter with a surface-to-air missile, Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights director said of the gunship was on a strafing
run near a besieged northwest base.
A car bomb hit a regime security post near Damascus and clashes
raged around the capital, as rebels further tightened the noose around the key
northern city of Aleppo. Car bomb killed at least two soldiers at a military
police checkpoint in Jdeidet Artuz as the regime pursued its efforts against
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insurgent strongholds south of the capital. Rebels seized a military post 15

kilometres southeast of Aleppo, tightening the noose around Aleppo.
Human Rights Watch called on Syrias army to stop using cluster
bombs, two days after an air strike killed at least 11 children and state media
published the names of nearly 150 foreign fighters it said had died alongside
insurgents. At least 87 people were killed across Syria during the day.
On 28th November, explosives-packed cars blew up at daybreak in a
pro-regime neighbourhood of the mainly Christian and Druze town of
Jaramana. There was a ball of fire at the end of a narrow lane, and the
impact of the explosions brought walls down onto cars. Pools of blood and
severed body parts were left behind on the streets, said an AFP photographer.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave a death toll of 54, all
civilians. More than 120 other people were wounded.
The foreign ministry in Russia, a longtime ally of Damascus, strongly
condemned the bombings as a terrorist crime. We condemn in the
strongest terms these new terrorist crimes, which nothing can justify, it said
in a statement, adding that the attacks showed the traditional methods of
international terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda.
At least another 31 people on top of the 54 who died in Jaramana
were killed in violence across Syria. Also, a car bomb attack struck the town
of Basra al-Sham, in the southwestern province of Daraa. Rebel fighters shot
down a fighter jet in the northwest. The aircraft was hit by a missile and
crashed at Daret Ezza. It came a day after rebels downed an army helicopter
for the first time with a newly acquired ground-to-air missile.
Next day, Syrian troops mounted an assault on rebels near Damascus,
closing off the road to the airport before later securing it. The army attacked
rebel bastions in a string of towns along the highway and near the
international airport, with state media saying the road was eventually
secured. The heaviest clashes erupted between troops and rebels in the towns
of Babila and Hujaira. Two Austrian soldiers with a UN force on the Golan
were injured after their convoy was shot at on the road to the airport.
In northern Syria, five children and two women were among at least
15 people killed when a government warplane dropped two bombs on the
rebel-held Ansari district of Aleppo. Also in the north, several rebel brigades
attacked the fortress-like Wadi Daif army base in Idlib province. At least 59
people died nationwide 34 civilians, 19 soldiers and six rebels.
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Lakhdar Brahimi hinted President Assad would have to step down to

allow for a new Syria. He briefed the UN Security Council, which remains
divided between Western nations and Assad allies Russia and China. I think
its very, very, very clear that the people of Syria want change, and real
change, not cosmetic changes, he later told reporters in New York. The
new Syria will not look like the Syria of today.
The Washington Post reported that Syrian rebels have obtained up to
40 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, citing Western and Middle Eastern
intelligence officials. Some of the missiles were supplied in the past weeks
by Qatar, it said. Since the end of July, the regime has used its aerial
superiority to try to suppress the growing insurgency.
On 30th November, fighting raged around Damascus and Internet and
phone links in Syria remained cut for a second day, as the capitals
international airport reopened to flights after heavy clashes in the area.
Delegates from more than 60 countries, meanwhile, were gathering in Tokyo
to find ways to step up the pressure on President Bashar al-Assads regime.
Unknown attackers fired at a UN convoy leaving Damascus airport
for the second day in a row; no injuries were report from the latest attack.
Yesterday, four Austrian troops in the UN Disengagement Observer Force
(UNDOF) for the Golan Heights were wounded when a convoy heading for
the airport was attacked.
At least 15 civilians were killed in a military offensive and clashes
around Damascus, including in the southeast near the airport road and in
Daraya to the southwest. Warplanes pounded the northeastern town of Irbin
amid shelling of orchards in the south of the capital, all opposition
strongholds where rebels have rear bases. The army, meanwhile, withdrew
from Omar oil field, one of the last regime positions east of Deir Ezzor city
near the Iraqi border, giving rebels control over the countrys major fields. In
the town of Tal Kalakh on the border with Lebanon, 17 young Sunni
volunteers from the Lebanese city of Tripoli were killed. These men had
gone to Syria to fight with the rebels and were all killed in a trap in Homs
province.
Next day, Syrian army shelled the outskirts of Damascus in a drive to
establish a secure perimeter around the capital, as telephone and Internet
services resumed after a three-day blackout. The army targeted several
villages near the key airport road that has come under sustained rebel attack.
Troops were in action against rebels entrenched in both the southwestern
outskirts of the capital and the eastern suburbs. A Daraya-based activist said
298
that regime forces were using warplanes and tanks to hit the town. We are
hiding in shelters, but casualties from the shelling are very high, said the
activist.
Clashes between troops and rebels also rocked Syria's second city
Aleppo; fourteen rebels were killed in fighting near an air base southwest of
the city. In the east, troops re-entered the Al-Omar oilfield, three days after
pulling out. The oilfield is one of the regime's last positions east of the city
of Deir Ezzor. Syria's oil and gas production is now largely for domestic
consumption as a result of embargos on its exports by its biggest pre-conflict
customers. But rebel activity has also taken a mounting toll on output.
Violence nationwide killed at least 66 people, among them 34 civilians.
On 2nd December, Syrian army forces pounded rebel-held suburbs
around Damascus with fighter jets and rockets, killing at least ten and
wounding dozens in an offensive to stop rebels closing in on the capital.
Rebels planned to push into the city center from their strongholds on the
outskirts and fighting was fierce. More than 200 people were killed
yesterday according to the opposition-linked Syrian Observatory for Human
Rights, with at least 43 dead around Damascus and its suburbs. In Syrias
central city of Homs, a car bomb killed at least 15 people and wounded 24.
Western intelligence reports earlier this year said that Iran had been
using civilian aircraft to fly military equipment and personnel through Iraqi
airspace into Syria. American officials say that arms flow has continued due
to Iraqi reluctance to check flights, according to New York Times. It said
only two inspections had occurred since Iraq agreed to a US request in
September and that Iran may have been tipped off about the searches.
Next day, Vladimir Putin warned that any deployment of US-made
Patriot missiles on Turkeys volatile border with war-ravaged Syria would
exacerbate tensions, and said the two countries had failed to overcome their
sharp differences on the conflict. Creating additional capabilities on the
border does not defuse the situation but on the contrary exacerbates it, Putin
told a press conference with Turkish Prime Minister after talks in Istanbul.
We are not inveterate defenders of the current regime in Syria, Putin said.
Ive already said it many times. We are not advocates of the incumbent
Syrian leadership. Other things worry us, like what will happen in the
future?
Meanwhile, Syria vowed it would never use chemical weapons
against its own people. The statement from Damascus came after US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Assad that the use of chemical
299
weapons constituted a red line and US media cited anonymous officials as

saying they had detected the Syrian military moving the arms.
In an exclusive interview with AFP, Arab League chief said Assads
regime was in danger of collapse anytime as the opposition gained ground
on the military and political fronts. Facts on the ground indicate very
clearly now that the Syrian opposition is gaining, politically and militarily.
Everyday they are gaining something, he said. On ground, an air strike
killed at least 12 people eight rebels and four civilians and wounded
more than 30 in the northeastern town of Ras al-Ain on the border with
Turkey. Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi, a well-known
advocate of President Assads regime, resigned.
On 4th December, Western powers warned Damascus there would be
an immediate reaction to any use of chemical weapons as the NATO military
alliance agreed to deploy Patriot missiles along member state Turkeys
border as requested by Ankara to help it defend its territory against threats
from Syria. Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles were a matter of great
concern, Rasmussen said, adding: This is also the reason why it is a matter
of urgency to ensure effective defence and protection of our ally Turkey.
Germany, the Netherlands and the United States have agreed to
provide the Patriot missile batteries, which would come under the command
of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). Stressing that the
Patriot system was purely defensive, Rasmussen said technical discussions
would now follow about how many of the US-made missiles would be
deployed and where.
The Syrian government, fighting to prevent the capital Damascus
from falling to rebel forces, reiterated it would never resort to chemical
weapons. Saudi Arabia meanwhile urged the international community to
take a unified position on Syria after the rebel groups formed a coalition last
month.
On the ground, the Syrian army blasted a string of rebel zones on the
eastern and southwestern outskirts of Damascus. Pro-regime daily Al-Watan
reported that the army is making progress in all directions in Damascus
province, chiefly in villages along the road linking the capital to the
international airport.
Next day, warplanes pounded suburbs of Damascus as regime forces
fought to reclaim rebel-held areas of the capital. Daraya to the southwest
was subjected to artillery fire, amid clashes at Saqba to the east. Battles east
of Damascus intensified as troops try to push back rebels in the Eastern
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Ghouta region who have inched closer towards the capital. There was also
fighting around the Wadi Deif military base, which has been under siege
since rebels took Maaret al-Numan in October. At least 123 people were
killed yesterday, including 30 in and around Damascus.
Turkish Foreign Minister said that Ankara knew the exact location of
hundreds of ground missiles belonging to the regime of Syrian President.
Assad has about 700 missiles... Now we know the exact location of all of
them, how they are stored and who holds them, Davutoglu was quoted as
saying.
UN leader Ban Ki-moon sent a letter to Syrias President Bashar alAssad warning that any use of chemical weapons would be an outrageous
crime. The letter was handed to Syrian authorities on Tuesday. Ban also
wrote to the Syrian leader earlier this year about Syrias chemical arsenal.
On 6th December, troops launched assaults on rebels around Syria,
focusing on the capitals outskirts. Forces shelled Douma and Zabadani to
the northeast of the capital and Daraya and Moadamiyet al-Sham to the
southwest. In the capital itself, security forces swarmed the southern district
of Zahra after a car bomb exploded. There were clashes in Irbin to the east.
The fighting claimed 104 lives across the country.
Assads deputy foreign minister said Western powers were whipping
up fears of a fateful move to the use of chemical weapons in Syrias civil
war as a pretext for intervention. He spoke as Germanys cabinet approved
stationing Patriot anti-missile batteries on Turkeys border with Syria, a step
requiring deployment of NATO troops that Syria fears could permit
imposition of a no-fly zone over its territory.
Next day, Syrias army sent reinforcements to a rebel town near
Damascus and clashes raged south of the city. The army bombed orchards
surrounding Daraya where military reinforcements are heading and
Moadamiyet al-Sham was also pounded. Amid unrelenting violence
nationwide, protesters took to the streets in several towns and cities, notably
in the central provinces of Homs and Hama, Aleppo in the north, and
Hasakeh in the northeast. Demonstrators protested under the slogan No to
peacekeeping forces in Syria.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged a concerted push to end
the conflict after talks with her Russian counterpart. She said there had been
no great breakthrough during talks in Dublin with her Russian counterpart
and UN peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, but said there would be further
meetings between officials.
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The worlds chemical weapons watchdog asked Syria to sign up to a

convention banning their use, as an opposition leader called on the
international community to stop President Assads regime unleashing a
chemical arms disaster. The Syrian people will neither forget nor forgive
anyone who orders the use of weapons of mass destruction, or anyone who
is complicit in the crime, or anyone who moves only after the crime is
committed, a key Syrian opposition leader said.
On 8th December, Syrian troops battled rebels near Damascus and
launched air strikes on opposition strongholds in the south of the capital and
on its northeastern outskirts. Three rebels and two civilians were killed in
shelling on southern areas of the capital, including in Daraya, where troops
had launched a major military operation to try and seize control of the town.
At least 49 people were killed nationwide, including 16 civilians and 16
rebels killed in Damascus province alone.
State television reported that the army had destroyed a number of
vehicles and motorcycles used by terrorists in Harasta and Daraya. The
Observatory said that the army mounted attacks on rebel positions near the
borders with Turkey and Israel. Air strikes struck the northern town of Tal
Abyad near Turkey, the Britain-based watchdog said, while shells fell on the
villages of Bir Ajam and Al-Buraykah in the Syrian side of the Israelioccupied Golan Heights.
In the northwestern province of Idlib, four men were killed in air
strikes on the village of Kfar Lateh, and warplanes also bombed Maaret alNuman and the nearby village of Has, killing two men and leaving 15 others
wounded. In Aleppo province in the north, warplanes pounded the towns of
Aazaz and Jarablus, and targeted rebel positions around the Meng military
airport which is ringed by several battalions.
Syria warned that rebels could use chemical weapons in their fight
against President Assads forces, and insisted that the regime will never
unleash such arms on its own people. The ministry was believed to be
referring to the Syrian-Saudi Chemicals Company (SYSACCO) factory near
Safira, which was taken over earlier this week by militants from the jihadist
Al-Nusra Front. Syria is defending its people against terrorism, which is
supported by known countries, with the United States at the forefront, the
ministry said.
British Foreign Secretary, however, said there was evidence the
Damascus government could actually employ chemical weapons stocks in
the conflict. Global concerns over Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles grew
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after US officials this week privately said the regime had begun mixing
precursor chemicals that could be used for the lethal nerve agent sarin.
Jordan: On 30th November, former premier and intelligence chief
Ahmad Obeidat joined thousands of Jordanians to protest fuel price hikes,
demanding regime reform and the resignation of Prime Minister Abdullah
Nsur. Demonstrators gave police flowers, but a limited number called for
the fall of regime, which is punishable by imprisonment under Jordanian
law.
Jordanians have held Arab Spring-inspired protests since last year,
demanding reforms and a tough anti-corruption fight. Meanwhile, Jordan
must stop using a military tribunal to prosecute peaceful demonstrators after
several were arrested this month for protesting at rising fuel prices, Human
Rights Watch said.
Next day, a Jordanian policeman died from wounds he suffered in an
attack on his station during riots against fuel prices hikes. On November 14,
gunmen using automatic weapons had attacked a police station in Shafa
Badran, shooting and injuring Hamdan as he made dinner, directly hitting
one of his eyes.
Kuwait: On 30th November, tens of thousands of supporters of the
Kuwaiti opposition marched in the capital on the eve of election to urge
voters to boycott the polls in protest against a change to the electoral law.
Chanting slogans we are boycotting and the people want the repeal of the
amendment, the demonstrators marched peacefully after authorities issued a
permit unlike the previous protests which turned violent.
Next day, Kuwaitis cast ballots to elect a second parliament in 10
months, but early turnout was low as voters appeared to heed an opposition
call to shun the poll over a disputed electoral law. The opposition, which
held 36 of the 50 seats in the scrapped parliament, cannot win any as it has
not fielded candidates among the 306 hopefuls, including 13 women.
On 2nd December, the opposition vowed to press on with protests until
a newly elected parliament is abolished and a disputed law scrapped, a day
after Kuwait's Shia minority emerged as main victors of a largely-boycotted
vote. Organizers of three huge opposition demonstrations ahead of the
election announced on their Twitter account a plan to organize a new rally.
On 8th December, thousands of Kuwaitis demonstrated to demand
dissolving the new parliament elected last week despite a massive boycott as
the oil-rich Gulf state plunged into political stalemate. This parliament is
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illegitimate, this (electoral law) amendment is illegal, chanted the

protesters, who included a large number of women and children, as they
marched on the key seaside Road.
Police excessively used teargas and stun grenades while battling the
activists in several residential areas heavily populated by Bedouin tribes who
are estimated to make up over 55 percent of the 1.2 million Kuwaiti citizens.
The struggle will escalate and I am afraid that we may have casualties
unless (government) wisdom prevails, former Islamist MP Jamaan alHarbash told AFP.
The Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition boycotted the polls in
protest against the amendment of the electoral law which the opposition says
it enables the government to control the outcome of polls. Former MPs have
filed two petitions to the constitutional court challenging that the amendment
to the electoral law breached the constitution. If the court accepts the
motions, it could order parliament dissolution.
Saudi Arabia: On 28th November, Saudi Arabias grand mufti has
slammed popular protests across the region as anti-Islamic, saying they only
serve to spread chaos. These protests are not linked in any way to Islam,
which promotes dialogue, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh was
quoted. The grand mufti said that the events occurring in the Arab and
Muslim world are a result of the lack of religion and the disobedience of
leaders or the interference by some foreign parties.
Yemen: On 28th November, a Saudi diplomat and his bodyguard were
killed when their car was raked with gunfire by unidentified assailants in
Yemens capital. Gunmen dressed in the central security forces uniforms
opened fire at the car of the Saudi diplomat in Sanaa, causing it to flip over.
On 8th December, hundreds of Yemenis held anti-US rally and condemned
drone attacks.
Africa
Nigeria: On 27th November, gunmen said to be dressed as soldiers
opened fire on a central Nigeria club, killing 10 people in a region hit by
waves of clashes between Christian and Muslim ethnic groups. The incident
occurred in the Barkin Ladi area of Plateau state and saw gunmen storm the
club then open fire indiscriminately on customers.
Tunisia: On 29th November, clashes erupted between Tunisian police
and anti-government protesters in the central town of Siliana as unrest raged
into a third day and spread to other parts of the deprived region. Security
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forces fired warning shots and tear gas at hundreds of protesters trying to
storm a police station in Siliana a day after more than 250 people were
wounded in the town during clashes with police.
Libya: On 5th December, almost 200 Libyan prisoners escaped from a
jail in the southern town of Sabha in unclear circumstances. Supporters of
Moamer Gaddafi were also among the detainees. Suad Ganun, who
represents Sabha in the national assembly, confirmed the escape of 250
prisoners, blaming it on the failure of the authorities to address insecurity in
the south.
Egypt: On 27th November, tens of thousands packed Tahrir Square to
protest a power grab by Mohamed Mursi, piling pressure on Egypts Islamist
president as he faces his most divisive crisis since taking power in June. The
huge turnout in the heart of Cairo, as well as in the Mediterranean city of
Alexandria and most of Egypts 27 provinces, marked the largest
mobilization yet against the president.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, marches poured into
Tahrir Square, swelling the numbers, amid an electrifying atmosphere many
said reminded them of the 2011 uprising. The protesters are angry at the
decree that Mursi announced last Thursday allowing him to issue any
decision or law that is final and not subject to appeal, which effectively
placed him beyond judicial oversight. The decree put him on a collision
course with the judiciary and consolidated the long-divided opposition
which accuses him of taking on dictatorial powers and raises concerns that
the Islamists will be further ensconced in power.
Mursi stuck by his controversial decree. There was no change to the
constitutional declaration, presidential spokesman Yasser Ali told reporters
at the end of the meeting. But he added Mursi sought to clarify that any
irrevocable decisions apply only to issues related to his sovereign powers
and stressed the temporary nature of the decree.
A judicial source told AFP that even if immunity were limited to
sovereign powers, which appears to be a compromise, there are still
concerns that the text itself remains unchanged. The decree also bans any
judicial body from dissolving a controversial panel that is drafting the
countrys new constitution. Liberals, leftists and the countrys three churches
have already walked out of the Islamist-dominated panel because they say it
fails to represent all Egyptians.
Next day, a Cairo court sentenced seven Egyptian Christians and a
controversial US pastor to death in absentia for involvement in a movie that
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mocked the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Christian Egyptians, including the
films maker, are all located in the United States and were tried in their
absence.
Egypt plunged deeper into its worst political crisis since Islamist
President Mohamed Mursi took office, with a top court going on strike to
protest his decision to grant himself sweeping powers. The Court of
Cassation, the countrys top appeals court, said it would suspend all work
until Mursi rescinds the decree that gave him unprecedented powers that
cannot be challenged by the judiciary.
On 29th November, an Egyptian panel was rushing through approval
of a new constitution at the centre of a political crisis pitting the Islamist
president against his opposition, which has threatened new protests. By late
afternoon, the constituent assembly, which has been boycotted by liberals
and Christians, had approved almost one-fifth of 234 articles, including a
unanimous decision to retain Islamic law as the main source of legislation.
President Mohamed Mursi, meanwhile, is expected to give an address on the
crisis.
Opposition groups said they would hold marches on Friday to Cairos
Tahrir Square, where dozens of protesters say they will remain camped out
until Mursi reverses his decree. Minor skirmishes persisted between some
protesters and police near the square. At least three protesters have been
killed in country-wide unrest since the decree.
Next day, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Cairo as the
opposition piled pressure on President Mohamed Mursi after a panel rushed
through a draft constitution seen as undermining basic freedoms. The
marches, led by opposition figures, set off from several Cairo districts early
in the day to join the protesters in the square.
Rights activists say the charter undermines freedoms of women and
religious minorities while the opposition says it was rushed through to force
an early referendum. The constitution has taken centre stage in the countrys
worst political crisis since Mursis election in June, squaring largely Islamist
forces against liberal opposition groups.
The document retained a vague Mubarak-era constitution article
stating that the principles of Islamic law are the main source of legislation.
But it added a new provision stipulating that the principles of Islamic law
were to be interpreted according to the tenets of Sunni Islamic rulings, a
clause Christian churches have opposed. The draft also allows that state a
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role in protecting ethics and morals and bans insulting humans, which
rights activists say could censor political criticism of the president.
On 1st December, President Mohamed Mursi was set to review a
controversial draft constitution amid rival rallies that kicked off following
afternoon prayers. The demonstration in the heart of Cairo came a day after
tens of thousands of Mursi opponents converged on Tahrir Square to protest
against the presidents decree and the speedy adoption of the draft
constitution.
The National Rescue Front a coalition of opponents led by dissident
former UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei, ex-Arab League
chief Amr Mussa and former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabbahi has
called on the decrees opponents to keep up the pressure. It has called on
Egyptians to reject the illegitimate decree and the void draft constitution,
and stressed the publics right to use any peaceful method to protest
including a general strike and civil disobedience.
Amnesty International said the draft raises concerns about Egypts
commitment to human rights treaties, specifically ignoring the rights of
women (and) restricting freedom of expression in the name of religion. The
Brotherhood and the secular-leaning opposition had stood side by side in
Tahrir Square in 2011 as they fought to bring down Mubarak and his regime.
Next day, hundreds of supporters of President Mohamed Mursi
protested outside Egypts top court, forcing judges to delay the potential
scrapping of an Islamist panel that drafted a disputed constitution. The
Supreme Constitutional Court then declared it was beginning an open-ended
strike in what it called a black day for the judiciary and opposition
protesters announced they will rally outside the presidential palace on
Tuesday to protest against a December 15 referendum on Egypts
controversial draft constitution.
Protesters, many wrapped in blankets and carrying posters of Mursi,
spent the night outside the courthouse and blocked off a main road that runs
along the Nile leading up to it, trying to stop the judges from entering. An
interior ministry official denied it was impossible for judges to enter the
courthouse, saying some judiciary officials had in fact gone in thanks to
government security forces guarding the entrances to ensure their safety.
A rushed-through draft constitution adopted by an Islamist-dominated
panel boycotted by liberals and Christians amid popular unrest will go to a
vote on December 15, Mursi announced late on Saturday. The political
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standoff has squared largely secular opponents of Mursi against his Islamist
supporters, who have held rival rallies in Cairo.
On 3rd December, Egypt's most senior judges announced they would
delegate judicial officers to oversee a referendum on a controversial draft
constitution, overriding calls for a boycott amid growing popular unrest. The
judges' decision brings a measure of relief to President Mursi even as
pressure mounts against him in the streets, with the opposition calling a new
protest rally.
Next day, opponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi clashed
with his supporters in the central province of Minya, as protests erupted
across the country against his expanded powers. Protesters marched to the
headquarters of Mursis Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of the
Muslim Brotherhood, and tore down a picture of the president, prompting
clashes with his supporters. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and
three people were injured in the clashes.
Demonstrators also took to the streets in the Mediterranean city of
Alexandria and the central province of Sohag. The protests come as tens of
thousands of Mursi opponents surrounded the presidential palace in Cairo to
denounce a decree expanding his powers and placing him beyond judicial
oversight.
On 5th December, supporters and opponents of Egyptian President
Mohamed Mursi lobbed Molotov cocktails and rocks at each other as their
standoff turned violent near the presidential palace in Cairo. Bloodied
protesters were seen being carried away as gunshots could be heard and the
fierce political rivals torched cars and set off fireworks. Around the
presidential palace in the upscale neighbourhood of Heliopolis, protesters
from both camps fled into side streets.
Prominent opposition leader and former UN nuclear watchdog chief
Mohamed ElBaradei said Mursi bore full responsibility for the violence
and that his regime was losing more legitimacy every day. The upheaval we
are seeing... indicates that dialogue is urgently needed. It needs to be twoway, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told journalists in the Belgian
capital.
Next day, Egypts Republican Guard restored order around the
presidential palace after fierce overnight clashes killed seven people, but
passions ran high in a struggle over the countrys future. Hundreds of his
supporters who had camped out near the palace overnight withdrew before a
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mid-afternoon deadline set by the Republican Guard. Dozens of Mursis foes

remained, but were kept away by a barbed wire barricade guarded by tanks.
The Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi, criticized by his opponents
for his silence in the last few days, was due to address the nation later in the
day. The military played a big role in removing President Hosni Mubarak
during last years popular revolt, taking over to manage a transitional period,
but had stayed out of the latest crisis.
The United States, worried about the stability of an Arab partner
which has a peace deal with Israel and which receives $1.3 billion a year in
U.S. military aid, urged dialogue. Hussein Abdel Ghani, spokesman of the
opposition National Salvation Front, said more protests were planned, but
not necessarily at the palace in Cairos Heliopolis district.
Mursi has shown no sign of buckling under pressure from protesters,
confident that the Islamists, who have dominated both elections since
Mubarak was overthrown, can win the referendum and the parliamentary
election to follow. Brotherhoods secretary-general, said holding the
plebiscite was the only way out of the crisis, dismissing the opposition as
remnants of the (Mubarak) regime, thugs and people working for foreign
agendas.
On 7th December, more than 10,000 protesters opposing President
Mursi swarmed the square in front of his Cairo palace, breaking through
barbed wire barriers protecting the compound. A cordon of soldiers
prevented the crowd from nearing the palaces main gate, but elsewhere
protesters sprayed graffiti on the outside walls, telling Mursi to Go and
leave power.
Several army tanks were stationed in the square and nearby but made
no movement against the protesters, some of whom clambered atop them to
declare the army was hand in hand with them. That was reminiscent of the
popular uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak, when tanks stood idle amid
massive protests in Cairos Tahrir Square, as protesters mixed with soldiers.
Late in the day, police fired tear gas at hundreds of Islamist protesters,
mostly hard-line Salafists, who tried to storming the Cairo studios of private
Egyptian television channels critical of Mursis supporters.
Leaders of the main opposition group, the National Salvation Front,
rebuffed a grudging offer from Mursi to talk with them about the political
crisis his decisions have triggered. Both Mursis Islamist backers and the
largely secular opposition have dug in their heels in the confrontation,
309
raising the prospect of further escalation. The United States and European
Union have called for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Next day, Egypts military put its foot down in the crisis dividing the
nation by demanding the Islamist-led government and political foes start
dialogue and warning it would not permit events to take a disastrous turn.
But there was no immediate sign of compliance by either camp. The stark
ultimatum underlined the gravity of the crisis pitting Mursi and his Muslim
Brotherhood backers against the largely secular opposition alarmed at the
presidents expanded powers and efforts to push through a new constitution.
Islamist parties, including the political wing of Mursis Muslim
Brotherhood, rejected opposition demands to delay a referendum in a weeks
time on a new constitution they helped draft. The National Salvation Front
opposition coalition insists that a postponement is a non-negotiable
condition for any talks. It also demands that Mursi give up expanded powers
he assumed last month that put him beyond judicial review.
Barring concessions that neither side seems willing to make, the
situation for Egypt looked likely to worsen, according to observers. There is
no option for de-escalation, said Eric Trager, an analyst with the
Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The Muslim Brotherhood
believes it has majority support so it can go ahead with the constitutional
referendum. It thinks that it can win, he said.
Europe: On 7th December, two French Muslim groups have filed a

lawsuit for inciting racial hatred and slander against a French satirical
weekly that published cartoons of holy Prophet (PBUH). The Algerian
Democratic Rally for Peace and Progress (RDAP) and its offshoot the
United Arab Organization (OAU), which both state that their goal is the
defence and support of Muslim and/or Arab people, are seeking damages of
780,000 euros ($1 million). Their suit targets the publication, its director and
two cartoonists.
Belgium raised its terror threat level to the second-highest ahead of
the release of a new home-made film on the Internet next week mocking the
holy Prophet (PBUH). The film is presented as the work of a man living in
Spain called Imran Firasat and said to be inspired by a profane US-made
film released in September.
VIEWS
Israel
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Why Israel desires to be hated by Palestinians: Yet another

massacre is unfolding in Gaza War is useful because the passion it arouses
prevents people from asking two basic questions that must be addressed if
the core of silencing and violence that we are witnessing is to be grasped
and, in turn, if progress is ever to be made towards justice and enduring
peace. First, what kind of state is Israel? Second, who are the Palestinians
that this state is in conflict with?
Israel was established to be a Jewish state. Its institutions have always
been shaped and constrained so as to ensure the continued existence of a
Jewish majority and character. Passing a test of Jewishness entitles someone
to Israeli citizenship regardless of where in the world she lives. Furthermore,
her citizenship comes with a bundle of political, social and economic rights
which are preferential to that of citizens who do not qualify as Jewish. This
inbuilt discriminatory premise highlights the apartheid nature of the state.
But apartheid is not an accidental feature of Israel. Its very creation involved
immense injustice and suffering. Shielding and rationalizing this inbuilt
premise prevents the address of past injustices and ensures their continuity
into the future. It is a premise that, in matters of constitutional interpretation,
takes precedence over, and thus involves the imposition of reasonable
limitations on, equality of citizenship.
The Palestinians, we are told, are a people who live in the West Bank
and Gaza. The impression forced on us is that the conflict concerns a
compromise to be made the correct border between Israel and a Palestinian
state. We are led to believe that a partition into two-states would satisfy both
genuine and realistic aspirations for justice and peace. In this view, the
violence in Gaza is just an unreasonable aberration from an otherwise noble
peace process.
But Palestinians actually comprise three groups. First, those whose
families originate in the territories that were occupied by Israel in 1967
(Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem). Second, the
descendants of the approximately 750,000 non-Jews who were ethnically
cleansed in 1947-9 in order to ensure a Jewish majority in the new Jewish
state. This group is dispersed around the world, mostly in refugee camps in
the territories occupied in 1967 and the neighbouring states. Israel has
persistently denied them their internationally recognized legal right to return.
The majority in Gaza consists of refugees from villages which are now
buried under Israeli towns and cities that were created explicitly for Jewish
citizens, places which include Ashkelon and Tel Aviv that were hit by
rockets in the current conflict. The third group of Palestinians, which Israel
311
insists on calling by the euphemism Israeli Arabs, are the non-Jews who
managed to evade ethnic cleansing in 1947-49 and who now live as secondclass citizens of Israel, the state which likes to claim that it is Jewish and
democratic.
Until 1948, the territory of Palestine stretched from the River Jordan
to the Mediterranean. The violence that has afflicted the area ever since is
the direct result of an event whose true nature our society seems determined
to deny. Violence keeps erupting because of the silencing and
marginalization of a simple truth surrounding any partition policy: that the
injustice that afflicts Palestine cannot be partitioned. It is because of the
desire to preserve a Jewish state that first, the legal dualism that exists in the
1967 Occupied Territories as well as the horror at the Separation Wall have
become the dominant political discourses of apartheid, second, that the
refugees are remained dispossessed and, thirdly, that both actual and
potential non-Jew Arab citizens do, and would, suffer discrimination. The
two-state vision means that the inbuilt apartheid within Israel, and in turn the
injustice to two groups of Palestinians, does never become the central
political problem.
The range of reactions to the current carnage shows just how
successful violence has been in sustaining the legitimacy of Israel by
entrenching the political focus merely on its actions rather than on its nature.
These reactions keep the discourse that calls for criticizing Israel rather than
for replacing it with an egalitarian polity over the whole of historical
Palestine.
Israel desires to be hated by Palestinians. By provoking violence
Israel has not merely managed to divert the limelight from its apartheid
nature. It has also managed to convince that, as Joseph Massad of Columbia
University once captured, it has the right to occupy, to dispossess and to
discriminate, namely the claim that the apartheid premise which founds it
should be put up with and rationalized as reasonable. Would anybody allow
such a right-claim to hold sway in apartheid South Africa? How come that
the anti-apartheid and egalitarian calls for the non-recognition of Israel right
to exist are being marginalized as extreme and unrealizable? What kind of
existential fetters cause the world to exhibit such blindness and a drop of
compassion? Is there no unfolding tragedy that anticipates violence against
Jews precisely because past violence against them in Europe is being
allowed to serve as a rationalizing device of an apartheid state?
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Israel has already created a de facto single state between the river and
the sea, albeit one which suffers from several apartheid systems, one within
Israel and another in the occupied territories. We must not let Israeli
aggression prevent us from treating as moderate and realistic proposals to
turn this single state into one where all would have equal rights. (Oren BenDor (a Jew) for Counterpunch, reprinted in TheNation 25th November)
Palestinian membership: The UN General Assembly has duly voted
for the admission of Palestine to observer status. It would join the Palestine
Liberation Organization with this status, though the vote once again showed
that Israel remains adamantly opposed to Palestinian independence, and that
it continues to enjoy the backing of the Western powers. Palestine had
embarked on the path of working within the system, including moving from
armed struggle to negotiating with Israel, but Israel has not only broken off
negotiations, not only inflicted another attack on the Palestinians in Gaza,
but also aggressively continues to pursue the policy of building settlements
on Palestinian land. Paradoxically, this may have contributed to the massive
support for Palestine at the General Assembly, shown in the vote: 138 in
favour, 9 against and 41 abstentions.
One of the major practical consequences is that the International
Criminal Court can now take cognizance of any war crimes, acts of genocide
or crimes against humanity committed by Israel, and prosecute any
individuals accused of such crimes. This is particularly valuable since Israeli
crimes of violence against Palestinians go back to the original illegal
occupation of Palestine in 1948, and continue right up to the recent attack on
Gaza. Otherwise, the overwhelming support for the Palestinian membership
is shown by this vote. Not only does it advance the cause of Palestinian
statehood, but it also highlights how the right of the Palestinian people has
still not been exercised. (Editorial, TheNation 1st December)
Why Palestine won big at the UN: The pacifist politicians who
govern the West Bank notched a significant diplomatic win without much of
a fight at all. Just before 5pm New York time, the UN General Assembly
voted 138 to 9 to bring Palestine aboard as a nonmember state. Another 41
nations abstained. Assured of passage by a whopping majority, Israel and the
US noted their objections mildly and mostly for the record, their effort to
limit the fallout for the Jewish state itself limited in the wake of Gaza.
The status of nonmember state emphasis on the state puts
Palestine on the same level of diplomatic recognition as the Vatican, which
is technically a sovereign entity. The Holy See has its own ambassadors but,
313
for a few, may be better known for its busy post office off St Peters Square,
where tourists queue for what quiet thrills are afforded by a Vatican stamp
cancelled with the Popes postmark.
Palestine already has post offices. The particular marker of
sovereignty it sought from the UN is even more bureaucratic: access to
international organizations, especially the International Criminal Court at the
Hague. Experts on international law say that, armed with the mass
diplomatic recognition of the 150 or so nations it counts as supporters,
Palestine will be in a position to bring cases against Israel, which has
occupied the land defined as Palestine the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
since 1967.
The ICC, as its known, is on record as inclined to regard Israels more
than 100 residential settlements on the West Bank as a crime of war. (The
Jewish state pulled its settlers and soldiers out of Gaza in 2005 and argues
that it no longer qualifies as its occupier under international law. Critics
argue otherwise.) The physical presence of the settlements in other words
would give Palestine a ready-made case to drag Israel before the court or
to threaten dragging it before the court. In the dynamics of the IsraelPalestine conflict, the real power lies in the threat. But in his last UN
address, in September, Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud
Abbas began to lay the foundation for charges based not on the settlements
but on the violent behaviour of some individual settlers, who attack
Palestinian neighbours and vandalize property and mosques. Settler attacks
have skyrocketed in the past two years, according to UN monitors, and now
account for the majority of the political violence on the West Bank, despite
the lingering popular impression of Palestinian terrorism dating back
decades. On the West Bank, at least, the reality has changed (Karl Vick
for Time, reprinted in TheNation 1st December)
Palestine inches towards statehood: In response to the Palestinian
bid, a bipartisan group of American Senators intends introducing a
legislation that could cut off foreign aid to the Authority, if it tried to use the
International Criminal Court against Israel; and close the Palestine
Liberation Organizations office in Washington if the Palestinians refused to
negotiate with the Israelis. Calling the Palestinian bid an unhealthy step that
could undermine the peace process, Senator Lindsey Graham said that he
and the other Senators would be closely monitoring the situation.
The UNGA vote came shortly after an eight-day Israeli military
assault on Gaza, which Tel Aviv described as a response to stepped-up
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rocket fire into Israel. The operation killed scores of Palestinians. The PA
was politically weakened by the Gaza fighting with its rivals in Hamas seen
by many Palestinians as more willing to stand up to Israel and fight back.
That shift in sentiment is one reason why some Western countries backed the
UN resolution; to strengthen Mr Abbas and his more moderate colleagues in
their contest with Hamas.
The Middle East has gone through a historic transformation; there is
no likelihood of enduring peace unless the issue of Palestinian independence
is resolved. The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is only a brief pause that needs to
be seized to revive the dormant peace process.
Understandably, the Arab-Israel dispute is not destined for an easy or painfree resolution. Ironically, the struggle for the liberation of Palestine has
wrongly been equated with terrorism. The Israelis de-legitimized the
Palestinians as radicals, extremists and terrorists whose aim is the
destruction of Israel and hence, not qualified to be partners for peace. Their
response to the Palestinians striving for a political settlement was even more
nuanced. These Palestinians were required to prove that they unequivocally
recognized Israel and were obliged to teach their kids to love Israelis, and
that everything was to be resolved only through negotiations.
For Palestinians, it is a long way to go; the struggle has just begun!
(Khalid Iqbal, TheNation 3rd December)
Egypt
Egypts Mursi: Has he started something he cant finish? In the
days since President Mohamed Mursi launched his bold Thanksgiving night
power grab via constitutional decree, Egypt has become accustomed to daily,
dueling protests as supporters and critics of Mursi make public shows of
strength. But on Monday, the country witnessed a tragic side-affect of the
current unrest: dueling funerals
Meanwhile, Mursi continues to try to manage the after-effects of his
decreewhich, among other things, placed all of his decisions and the status
of the body drafting the new constitution outside the reach of any kind of
judicial oversight. Two senior advisors to the president are known to have
quit over his decision so far. And on Monday, Mursi met with a group of
senior judges in order to try and resolve the dispute. Egypts judges revolted
en masse in the wake of the decreesaying Mursi had overstepped his
authority and threatening a nationwide strike. So far only a handful of
judicial districtseach voting internallyhave opted to strike.
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Justice Minister Ahmed Mekki, who is handling the shuttle diplomacy

between Mursi and his own judicial branch, continues to make optimistic
statements about an impending compromise.
But on Monday Presidential Spokesman Yasser Ali flatly stated that
the constitutional decree will not be altered. Egypts stock market
plummeted almost immediately upon opening for business Sunday morning.
Trading was briefly suspended and the market ended the day with nearly a
10% drop in value. It made a modest recovery on Monday.
As the crisis drags onward, the shape of the political battle lines are
coming into sharper focus. In addition to his own Muslim Brotherhood,
Mursis main public ally in the dispute is the ultraconservative Salafist Nour
Party. On the other side is a developing coalition of political players under
the umbrella of the National Salvation Front. Mohammed ElBaradei, one of
the fronts primary founders, has so far refused to even meet with Mursi
until after he rescinds his decree.
There is a good deal of anger, chaos, and confusion. Violence is
spreading to many places and state authority is starting to erode slowly,
ElBaradei told reporters on Saturday. We hope that we can manage to do a
smooth transition without plunging the country into a cycle of violence. But
I dont see this happening without Mursi rescinding all of this There is no
middle ground, no dialogue before he rescinds this declaration. There is no
room for dialogue until then.
The pressure is mounting from outside Egypt as well. On Sunday,
Senator John McCain, urged president Barack Obama to be prepared to use
the billions in annual US aid to Egypt as a leverage point to pressure Mursi.
Asked on Fox News Sunday about the establishment of an Islamist regime in
Egypt, McCain replied: I think it could be headed that way. You also could
be headed back into a military takeover if things went in the wrong
direction. You could also see a scenario where there is continued chaos.
McCains mention of a possible military takeover brings up one of the
major remaining wildcards: if the violence spirals out of control, will the
army step in? So far, the military has not tipped its hand publicly. After more
than a year of running the country, the army basically withdrew from public
life in August after Mursi won a power struggle with the Supreme Council
of the Armed Forces and sent Defence Minister Hussein Tantawi and his
deputies into early retirement. But speculation has grown over the militarys
stance on things and Air Force jets have been flying low over multiple areas
316
of Cairo for several days. (Ashraf Khalil for Time, reprinted in TheNation
28th November)
Mursi against the gatekeepers of old regime: President Mursis
declaration has provided a timeline for exiting from this current state of
political liquidity and uncertainty in which Egypt has been floundering
lately. We have to admit that one of the most important sources of this
problem is that many secular leaders insist on dragging the country into an
endless merry-go-round by attempting to block the constitution from
reaching daylight, and hence they block the parliamentary elections along
the way.
They fear the coming parliamentary elections just like they fear death,
since these elections would mean that ultimate legitimacy would reside in
the hands of the people, many of whom the secular leaders have failed to
engage with, as is evident from the results of the previous parliamentary
elections.
It would also signal the start of real stability and harmony, when all
three authorities legislative, judicial and executive can interact and
attune with each other for at least the coming four years. Let me just
elaborate further: some are afraid, actually mortified, by the possibility that
Egypt will be able to repeat the successes of the model set by the Turkish
Justice and Development party. Some of these attempts are skillfully
exposed in a recent article written by Wael Kandil. Frankly, I am driven up
the wall by these cheap extortion attempts to which we are subjected day and
night.
Just so that there isnt any confusion, I am speaking in particular about
19 members who attempted to overthrow the constituent assembly by armtwisting, wailing and acting like victims. Let me ask them this; why on earth
did you participate for a whole five months in an allegedly unbalanced
assembly? Why did you accept it from day one when it came into existence
while you were fully aware that some judicial rulings were out to get you?
What kind of cooked constitution are the secularists and liberals talking
about when they have participated in formulating (each and every) article of
it until the moment when those secular and liberal leaders withdrew from the
constituent assembly, a withdrawal which took place after there was nothing
left but the final revision to be done by adding a word here or there?
I cannot help but wonder why those secular and liberal leaders cannot
gather some courage to tell the Egyptian people that they have backtracked
on their word. A handwritten agreement was documented stating that certain
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articles of the proposed constitution draft were controversial and would

therefore require further discussion and debate (articles 2, 3, 4 and 220).
This document was signed by the representatives of al-Azhar, the church, the
Salafis, the Muslim Brotherhood and, yes, it was also signed by
representatives of the liberal and secular parties as well. Hence the question
remains, why did they go back on their word?
As for those who have retired outside the walls of the Shura council
and seek to overthrow the assembly I would like to tell them that if they
were really keen on the welfare of this country and on its people then they
would sit with us and hold a civilized dialogue to discuss specific criticism
of the specific articles. Let us hear your suggestions and amendments. But to
keep spinning in a non-stop vicious circle of unsubstantiated accusations
such as, the Islamists are flexing their muscles and dominating the
constitution writing process, or that they are unwilling to discuss, debate
and compromise, when the truth is that we have been doing little else since
the inception of the constitutional assembly, then responding to some of
these accusations begins to become useless.
I never thought the day would come when I would have to explain the
meaning of majority vote in the assembly. But I have to, because our
friends are fooling the Egyptian people by telling them that what is going on
in the assembly is unparalleled in the whole world. Whereas the fact is that
all the constitutions around us are either written by constituent assemblies
that directly acknowledge a constitution provided that it is approved by
either two-thirds of its members or by the simple majority (50+1), after
which it is put forward for public referendum. But to combine both methods
is something really strange and what is even stranger is that our liberal
friends are stubbornly insisting on it in a way that has become so difficult to
fathom.
The word compatibility has a nice ring to it, especially when weve
been using it so liberally after the revolution to express our desire to reach
solutions that will satisfy all parties. But as nice as it sounds, it wont
eliminate the idea of differences. When they tell us that two-thirds
acceptance is a condition, then it goes without saying that one-third of the
members will always have an opposing opinion that is justifiable and
convincing from their point of view; otherwise why did humanity even
invent voting in the first place?
We will all welcome a national opposition that respects its people and
guards their gains and destinies, but how can we welcome an opposition that
318
entices some youth to throw stones at the people and Shura councils, to
throw molotov cocktails and burn down the headquarters of another party to
the ground? If only one-tenth of this had happened to the headquarters of the
pettiest opposition party because of some demonstrations that the Islamists
called for, the whole world would have risen up in anger for it and we would
never ever have heard the last of this in terms of recriminations and
repercussions. (Nader Bakkar for Guardian, reprinted in TheNation 7 th
December)
Muslims
The great divide: The Muslim world is in a surge of awakening.
Rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen have been ousted; Syria is in a
state of civil war and disturbances are spreading. The US involvement is
visible everywhere, since it is their security compulsion to keep control over
the region. They pursue this through political intrigues, financial armtwisting, use of brute force and exploiting disputes amongst Muslims, the
most potent being the Shia-Sunni divide. Consequently, the Muslims have
come to view the US, backed by Europe, as Enemy Number One. A great
divide has been created and the emotional gulf is widening. There is no
going back now.
The current unrest, with a backdrop of years of resurgence in Islamic
thought, carries the seeds of Muslim unification. We may not be farsighted
enough to recognize this, but those who play at the global level think in
longer terms. So dynamic is this awakening and so vital is this game to US
ambitions that the coming few years might witness major upheavals.
Obamas last term is likely to be consequential for the Muslims, unless they
can get their act together.
Although the reasons for these uprising have been tyrannical regimes,
concentration of wealth, corruption and economic decline, but when a
Muslim community comes under duress, it gravitates towards religion as a
rallying point. This then becomes the centre of gravity of their resistance.
The West recognizes this, and for years has been denigrating the concept of
political Islam. The notions of jihad and Ummah being significant
impediments in US design, colossal effort is directed to suppress these
thoughts and shrink religion to mere private existence. However, such
dynamics have now been created that the more they crush these thoughts, the
more they spread. Muslims from all over the world rise to resist, and their
numbers continue to increase.
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For many years, our critical vulnerability has been self-centred rulers
in reprehensible pursuit of perpetuating their hold; keeping the people at bay
by creating harsh laws, maintaining self-serving systems and taking refuge
behind religion or some national security hoax, like the so-called war against
terrorism. The entire organism is based on subjugating the populace through
oppression and deceit. Akin to any mafia, most of our rulers seek shelter
from the bigger mobster the US. However, given their tarnished regional
history and current involvement, alignment with the US is now becoming a
political vulnerability. For our government, it will soon amount to a political
suicide.
Pakistan today stands precipitously fragmented, on every conceivable
political, social and religious issue. The most damaging is the Islamistsecular divide, fashioned to garner support for our alliance with the US and
title its fallout our war. The split between traditionalist and modernist
outlook has been magnified by pushing secular ideals to the centre stage of
our intellectual debate with such intensity that Islamic leaning expression
stands inhibited, out of fear of being branded uncultured and backward. This
perception is now changing.
The mantra is that there is an extremist version of Islam, which is
generating militancy, so this war has actually to be won in the minds; and if
this nation is to be saved, it has to be brought on to a moderate version of
Islam, implying that jihad must remain short of militancy. These westernized
thoughts, belittling religion, are reinforced by the heritage of intolerance and
extremist ideals held in certain cleric circles, historical legacy of the Afghan
Taliban and terrorism sponsored from across our border. Neither the
legitimacy of the Afghan struggle is brought under debate, nor is our
partnership in US massacre of our neighbours questioned. The trump card
being brandished is the sustenance of our economy. No linkage of our
foreign policy to our internal situation is shown and we are given to believe
that domestic terrorism is a standalone issue. The man on the street, with
greater religious inclinations, perceives this violation of Islamic injunctions
an elitist trend and considers secularism to be the cloak under which we hide
our new gods. Given the current psychosocial dynamics in the country, this
has come to enhance the rich-poor divide, with explosive potentials.
Today we stand divided and disputing; with the nation in total
disarray. Our disagreements have become more meaningful to us than the
future of this country. Either we unite or we sink. Unless we hold on to our
moorings, overcome our differences and carve out our own destiny, we
cannot prevent a Syria type catastrophe that is looming on our horizon.
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Instead of a leg in either boat, we need to decide which side of this

great divide we stand on as a nation. True that there is no Muslim unity to
stand with, but here is our opportunity to lead. If we want peace in the
region, the US must leave and Afghanistan must get stabilized. Both these
objectives are achievable, if Pakistan and Iran unite.
The embrace of historical rivals in Afghanistan is the only means of
ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as inside Pakistan. There
is no other way of putting this genie of terrorism back in the bottle and
driving the US out. Afghanistan will automatically become part of this
alliance. This block will emerge as a new regional power centre. It will
prevent our isolation and economic collapse, on parting ways with the US. It
also carries the seed of greater Muslim unification and will be a precursor to
phenomenal changes in regional and global dynamics. Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmedinejad made a significant remark (offer?) during his recent
visit to Pakistan, saying that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was neither Sunni
nor Shia but a Muslim, and if Muslims unite under this one point, there will
be no strife or sectarian problem. The only beacon of hope for us, as for the
rest of the Muslim world, is this reconciliation. And its time has arrived.
(Shahid Aziz, TheNation 9th December)
REVIEW
The increase in flow of supply of weapons to rebels and at the same
time adoption of measures to choke such supplies for government forces,
along with shifting of the venue of fighting closer to the capital of Syria
indicated impatience of the West to see fall of Assads regime. Hillary
Clinton did not care to conceal it when she urged the international
community to more to speed up the regime change in Syria.
The deployment of batteries of Patriot missiles by NATO in Turkey,
despite opposition of Russia, also indicated that the West was preparing for
direct intervention as soon as an opportunity presents itself. Or, at least, as
correctly read by Syrian government, they were planning and preparing to
impose No Fly Zone over entire or certain areas of the country.
In Egypt, rapid gaining of political strength by Mohamed Mursi was
taken note of by the Crusaders, especially in view of his political base,
which is Islamist in nature. When he took some more steps to consolidate
his position and also announced holding of referendum to settle the
controversies, the Christians, secular and other enlightened moderate
321
forces were marshaled to organize rallies and trigger agitation to subvert the
democratic process.
These violent demonstrations, amount to serving of warnings to Mursi
to mend his ways by accepting the subservience to old masters of Egyptian
rulers; as his predecessors did; failing which he too could be listed in
regime change priorities. Lot will depend on how he handles the situation
and also on the outcome of the referendum next week.
Palestinians secured the approval of UN for non-state membership of
the world body. It certainly pleased them, but their miseries wont end as
Israel has not liked it. To begin with, as punishment of the crime committed
at the UN, Israel seemed determined to construct more Jewish settlements in
occupied territories.
9th December, 2012
WILLING AS EVER
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Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar visited Brussels in the

company of General Kayani where the Crusaders had assembled to decide
the fate of Afghanistan beyond 2014. During the interaction there was
marked change in the attitude of Zardaris foreign masters who preferred
pampering the two guests from Islamabad rather than bullying them as
usual.
They agreed to continue working together for peace in Afghanistan. In
Islamabad, the new US Ambassador called on Prime Minister Raja. The host
requested Oslon to find an alternative to the drones as the death and
destruction perpetrated by these predators was not enough to when the war
in the region.
Just before meetings at Brussels, the foreign minister of Afghanistan
visited Islamabad. The change in his attitude during the stay in Pakistan was
also quite conspicuous; he too was unusually vocal in appreciating
Pakistans role in fight against terrorism; but Karzai could not resist hurling
allegations at Pakistan.
President Hamid Karzai, however, was also critical of the US and
NATO forces in his interview to NBC. He accused them of promoting, rather
than curbing, the militancy in Afghanistan and also for the rampant
corruption in the country. He was quite bitter about Obama Administration
over its failure to fulfill the provisions of Strategic Partnership Agreement
which related to Afghan prisoners in the custody of occupation forces.
Zardaris submissive gestures towards India failed to earn the desired
response from the aging Manmohan Singh, who declined to visit Pakistan
saying the situation was not ripe for the visit. However, some unknown
Indians reciprocated the friendly gestures related to Amn Ki Asha by serving
a bottle of chemical to the captain of the visiting team of blind cricketers
from Pakistan.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 12th November, Pakistan registered a strong protest
with Afghanistans ambassador over unprovoked cross-border shelling by
the Afghan troops that killed at least four people in Shawal area of South
Waziristan. Afghan ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office as the
delegation led by Salahuddin Rabbani was to hold meetings with Prime
Minister Raja Pervaiz.
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Next day, the visiting Afghan delegation led by its Chairman

Salahuddin Rabbani held a series of meetings with civil and military
leadership and exchanged views on how Afghanistan and Pakistan can make
the stalled peace and reconciliation process meaningful. The delegation met
senior officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Zardari and the
COAS. Pakistan asked the visiting delegation to come up with proposals
about the kind of role Kabul wants Islamabad to play in pushing forward
peace and reconciliation process.
The Supreme Court directed dissatisfied Asma Jahangir to guide the
interior secretary as to what kind of security was required by her client,
former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani, who faces the Memogate case. A
nine-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, putt off
the controversial case until January, directing the interior ministry to ensure
foolproof security to Haqqani upon his arrival, stay and departure from
Pakistan.
On 14th November, at least five Taliban were killed and six wounded
in the security forces action against Tehrik-e-Taliban fighters in Sanzala
village located in Mehsud tribal area in South Waziristan Agency. Dozens of
bunkers and compound of the TTP fighters were destroyed. Gunship
helicopters were used in the attack.
The Punjab police claimed to have dealt a major set back to the TTP
by capturing its five most wanted commanders involved in several highprofile terror attacks which occurred in the province this year. The terrorists
arrested from Multan belonged to Qari Yasin group of TTP and they had
masterminded and executed the terror attacks on police in Lahore.
The four-day crucial talks between chief peace negotiator of
Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani and Pakistani officials concluded with
Pakistans releasing of a group of Taliban prisoners to push forward stalled
Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. This
positive gesture is part of Pakistans sincere efforts to help facilitate a
meaningful process for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, a senior
Pakistani official said. He denied that Taliban former deputy leader Mullah
Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was arrested from Karachi in February 2010, was
among the nine prisoners released.
A 12-point joint Press statement issued on the conclusion of the talks
said that in support of peace and reconciliation process and in response to
the requests of the Afghan government/HPC, a number of Taliban detainees
were released. It said that all concerned countries including Pakistan,
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Afghanistan and US would facilitate safe passage to potential negotiators to

advance the reconciliation process. Pakistan and Afghanistan will work
closely with other international partners to remove the names from the UN
sanctions list of the potential negotiators amongst Taliban and other groups
to enable them to participate in peace talks.
The two sides appealed to the Taliban and other armed Opposition
groups to participate in the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation
process to end violence. The two sides also agreed to jointly work for
holding an Ulema Conference, which will include religious scholars from
Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Islamic countries. The conference could
either be held in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan or any other Islamic
country. The Ulema Conference would address the issue of rising militancy
and suicide attacks in the name of religion and the defamation of our
glorious and peaceful religion Islam due to its unjustified linkage with
terrorism.
Pakistan and the High Peace Council called on the Taliban and other
armed groups to sever all links with al Qaeda, and other international terror
networks. The two sides recognized that close and consistent cooperation
between Afghanistan and Pakistan is key to building trust and confidence
between the two countries and strengthening joint bilateral efforts in
promoting peace and stability as well as overcoming the ongoing trends of
violence and extremism. They called for long term and consistent mutual
cooperation based on mutual interest and respect.
During its interaction, the High Peace Council delegation briefed the
Pakistan side on the progress made in the peace and reconciliation process
and underlined the importance of Pakistans role in this regard. Pakistan
supports Afghanistans vision and roadmap for achieving durable and lasting
peace.
Next day, Police foiled a major terrorism plot and arrested four
terrorists in Wazirabad; 15 suicide jackets, mines, hand grenades and a large
cache of ammunition were recovered from their possession. The terrorists
were members of al-Qaeda, who had plans to target government offices,
police and minorities.
On 16th November, two personnel of Frontier Corps were killed in a
bomb blast near FC headquarters in Zhob. FC personnel confiscated a
suspicious Serf Jeep in Kanoki area of Zhob and during search recovered
landmines and explosives in a large quality. The explosives were being
shifted when the blast occurred in the vehicle.
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US lawmaker Dennis Kucinich called for Congress oversight of the

drone programme. Speaking in House of Representatives, Congressman
Kucinich said: The drone programme has thus far been conducted with no
oversight from Congress or any judicial body American drones in
Pakistan have killed as many as 3,378 people. Drones in Yemen have killed
as many as 1,952 people. Drones in Somalia have killed as many as 170
people. Weve not declared war on any of these nations, but our weapons
have killed innocent civilians in all of them. Highly reputable research
shows that the number of high-level targets killed as a percentage of total
casualties is estimated at about two per cent.
On 17th November, Balochistan head of UNHCR Charles Lynch has
said that 16,216 Afghan refugees were repatriated to Afghanistan in 2012
while 376,085 refugee cards had been issued in various parts of Balochistan.
He said that Afghans refugees were voluntarily going back to their country
and each returnee was being paid $150, besides they would also be provided
essential commodities and medicines.
Abbottabad Inquiry Commission Chairman said that he had requested
the Law Ministry to notify the exclusion of Abbas Khan so that the findings
of the commission could be made public without his signature. Abbas Khan
(former Punjab Police chief), is having treatment in the US and not available
to sign the final draft of the report.
Next day, an improvised explosive device planted along the route of
an army convoy in the Mir Ali area killed at least two soldiers and injured
seven others. Three labourers along with their donkeys were killed when a
roadside bomb exploded in tehsil Bara of Khyber Agency. At least three
people were injured when militants fired two rockets at University Town
area, Peshawar.
On 19th November, gunship helicopters pounded militant hideouts in
North Waziristan tribal region killing at least four and injuring many others.
The two-day curfew was lifted in the area. An IED blast on Sunday had
killed two officials of the security forces and damaged a tank in the region.
Mortars fired from the Afghan side of the border killed a girl and
injured three others in tehsil Nawagi of Bajaur tribal region. Four mortars
were fired from across the border at the Hilal Khail Charmang, a border
village. The local administration confirmed the attack saying militants
living inside Afghanistan could be responsible for it.
Five persons were injured when a female suicide bomber detonated
her suicide jacket near the convoy of former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi
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Hussain Ahmad in the Ghaiba Khwar area in Haleemzai tehsil of Mohmand

Agency. The convoy of Qazi Hussain Ahmad, passing through the
Haleemzai area, was on its way to Sultan Khail where the former JI chief
was to address the party workers and administer oath to the agencys new
office bearers.
Next day, military command of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Western
military alliance finalized renewed border coordination mechanism in Kabul.
General Kayani, acting ISAF Commander and Afghan Military Chief
attended the 36th meeting of the Tripartite Commission (TPC) at the Afghan
Ministry of Defence in Kabul. The meeting reviewed the on-going military
operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, signed a key document on border
coordination and discussed ISAF drawdown plan 2014 for allied forces.
The three sides agreed to continue cooperation for enduring success,
peace and stability on both sides of the border, the statement said.
Envisaging phase-wise troops withdrawal, the Washingtons exit strategy
remains shrouded with uncertainty amid prevalent security challenges in
Afghanistan that have seen deadly attacks on allied forces and NATO
installations a number of times.
On 21st November, a station house officer with three other policemen
was killed when unknown gunmen ambushed their van in Jani Khel area of
Bannu district. The police were on routine patrolling when unknown
militants rained bullets on their van. Meanwhile, a roadside bomb in Shangla
district also killed one police official and injured four others.
As many as 22 people were killed and 70 others injured in attacks
near two Imambarghas in Rawalpindi and Karachi where mourners had
gathered to attend Muharram rituals. A suicide attacker entered a procession
and detonated the explosives strapped to his body near Qasr-e-Shabbir
Imambargah at Dhok Sayyadan in Rawalpindi, killing 20 people and
injuring 40 including children. The attack came hours after twin bomb blasts
killed two people and wounded 30 outside Hyder-e-Karar Imambargha
located at Sector 5 of the Orangi Town.
On 23rd November, three people including a police constable sustained
minor injuries in a remote-controlled blast on the vehicle of Anti-Terror
Squad in Swabi. A timed device fitted in a ghee tin on a bicycle went off,
damaging the patrolling vehicle, a car and two bicycles. A bomber was killed
when the suicide vest he was wearing detonated in an exchange of fire with
a police party in Baghban area of Lakki Marwat. FC men foiled a major
327
terror bid as it seized a truckload of explosive devices in Quetta, but the

culprits managed to escape.
Interior Minister said that the government will suspend cell phone and
wireless services in most parts of the country over the next two days to
prevent attacks on the occasion of Ashura-e-Muharram. The suspension of
cell phone service will begin at 6am Saturday and run through the next day.
A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban claimed that suspending
mobile phone services in the country will not hold back the militant group
from carrying out its activities. TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, speaking
on the telephone from an undisclosed location, claimed the banned group did
not carry out bombings using cellular phones as detonators.
Next day, 20 mortar shells fired from Afghanistan landed into
Pakistani territory near Angoor Ada and Zhoba Pahar areas. A vehicle was
destroyed in the shelling but no casualty was reported. Meanwhile, officials
in Islamabad protested to the government in Kabul over the border shelling.
At least nine people including four children were killed and 30 others
including a policeman injured in a bomb blast near an Imambargah in the
outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan. The bomb was set off by a television remote
controlled device because cell phones were not operational, police said.
President Zardari and Prime Minister urged the people to end their
differences and stand united against the scourge of terrorism and extremism,
and they vowed to continue fighting these menaces till their complete
elimination. The president said Yaum-e-Ashur gives a lesson of sacrifice and
piety for achieving higher objectives.
As part of government plans to avert terrorist acts on the occasion of
Ashura-e-Muharram, the cellular phone services remained suspended in
most big cities of the country until 8pm. But some cellular companies
violated the ban in several areas of Rawalpindi, Peshawar and DI Khan as
well as in designated area of Islamabad. Next day, four people were killed in
yet another bomb blast in Dera Ismail Kham.
On 26th November, The Capital Police found explosive material
attached with the underbelly of a vehicle in use of Hamid Mir, the anchor of
a private TV channel. Police told media that a detonator was attached to the
explosive material that could not be detonated due to electrical fault.
Malala Yousafzai topped TIME Magazines Person of the Year 2012
list so far. As many as 433 people have been voted in favour of Malala,
while just 68 voted against her. Malala has even outnumbered a lot of world
328
leaders including US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton. Malala, who has gained 87% votes in her favour, has topped
the list of 38 world leaders and celebrities.
Further tough times wait ahead for the diplomatic relations between
the US and Pakistan as the CDA revised building by-laws for Diplomatic
Enclave just need a final nod of the prime minister to 'prevent' the American
mission from constructing its new Embassy Complex. Sensing the gravity of
situation, the civic agency has conveniently passed the buck to Prime
Minister, who is the ultimate authority in this regard. And, it remains to be
seen if Raja withstands American pressure on the 'sweet will' of the powerful
military establishment or succumbs to it the way Pakistan has bowed down
on a number of issues of Pak-US relationship.
According to a note of the US Department of State, Overseas
Buildings Operations (OBO) and Bureau of Administration had awarded
$699 million contract to build a new Embassy Compound in Islamabad to
BL Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama. The under-construction
facility would consist of new office building, new office annex, Marine
Security Guard Quarters, perimeter wall, support annex, general services
office, and permanent housing. The complex will be constructed on 35 acres
and the project has been divided into several phases with expected
completion in 2016.
Reportedly, a movie Zero Dark Thirty is upcoming 2012 American
action thriller directed and co-produced by Kathryn Bigelow with screenplay
by Mark Boal. The film chronicles American efforts to capture or kill Osama
bin Laden. According to sources, Obama Administration provided Bigelow
and her team access to classified information during their research for the
film. Such display of propaganda movie to defame Pakistan would further
spread hate against Pakistan.
Afghan province of Kunar has officially-run terrorists training camps,
disclosed a well placed source. The residents of Kunar province have
disclosed the presence of miscreants training camps near Pak-Afghan
border. These miscreants are involved in heinous crimes like kidnapping,
extortion of money, terrorist activities and drug trafficking within
Afghanistan and across the border. Governor Kunar Fazlullah Wahidi is in
the forefront in organizing and launching of these armed militants into
Pakistan with the help of National Directorate of Security (NDS),
Afghanistan.
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TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan rejected peace talks with the

government. While reacting to a statement issued by Interior Minister, Ehsan
talking to a private TV channel rejected any prospects of peace talks while
claiming that Rehman Malik was a foreign agent who was not worthy of
granting forgiveness to the Taliban.
Next day, a key activist of banned militant outfit TTP was arrested
from Orangi Town, Karachi. Meanwhile, Interior Minister announced that
anyone providing information on the whereabouts of Ehsanullah Ehsan
would be awarded Rs200 million, raising the bounty from Rs100 million
offered on October 16 following the assassination attempt on 14-year-old
peace activist Malala.
While people have seen more or less of whatever happened during the
US raid on Osama bin Ladens compound in cinemas around the world, the
confused government has not been able to take a simple decision to notify
the exclusion of one member of the inquiry commission, reportedly a last
step before unveiling judicial commissions report on the saga. The inquiry
commission on Abbottabad operation around two weeks ago had requested
the Law Ministry to notify the exclusion of one member of the commission
so that findings of the commission could be made public sans his signature.
A Taliban faction claimed responsibility for planting a bomb under the
car of a senior journalist and TV anchorman and threatened a second
assassination bid. Tehreek-e-Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told AFP
by telephone: The journalist earlier shot into prominence for working in the
interest of Islam and Muslims. We targeted him because now he is working
against Islam and Muslims.
On 28th November, federal cabinet accorded its approval of the
National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) Bill-2012. There was dire
need of policy making to counter terrorism wave in the country. With the
help of NACTA, all concerned institutions will work together against the
mindset creating law and order situation in the country, Information
Minister said after the cabinet meeting. To a question during his press
conference, he said that this bill was tabled before the cabinet after certain
improvements in it. He said a special cell was already working against the
menace but establishment of this authority would prove as value addition to
the efforts.
The US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan is stepping down.
Hillary Clinton had pulled envoy Marc Grossman out of retirement to take
on the difficult job shortly after the sudden death of veteran diplomat
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Richard Holbrooke in December 2010. After almost two years in the

position, and with Secretary Clintons agreement, he will return to private
life, Grossmans spokeswoman Laura Lucas told AFP in a statement.
Eighty-four per cent of the total registered Afghan refugees have no
intention to leave Pakistan, while 20 per cent of them have invested over
Rs18 billion in different businesses here, says an unreleased UNHCR
document. Moreover, an agreement between the UNHCR and Pakistan for
repatriating Afghan refugees after December 31, awaits the prime ministers
nod.
Next day, at least four suspected persons were killed and three others
injured in a drone attack in South Waziristan Agency. US drone fired three
missiles targeting a house in the Barmal area, which is the main town of the
SWA. It is believed that foreigners may have been killed in the strike.
Seven people were killed and 10 others including Taliban commander
Maulvi Nazir were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at
Rustam Bazaar in South Waziristan Agency. The suicide bomber, riding a
bike, detonated his explosive vest as he approached Maulvi Nazirs vehicle
near Ajab Noor Mosque. The blast also damaged 10 shops and six vehicles
in Rustam Bazaar.
Maulvi Nazir is a leading member of Pakistani Taliban who opposes
foreign militants in Pakistan and South Waziristan Agency. He also opposes
foreign influence, particularly Uzbek and American in the Agency. Nazir is
considered a good Taliban as he does not have a particular anti-government
agenda. He also remained a leader of Peace lashkar in the area and led his
faction against foreign militants especially Uzbek in the area. Nazir is a
member of the Kakakhel tribe of Ahmadzai Wazir, he is a dual citizen of
both Afghanistan and Pakistan and until 2010, owns property in Kandahar
and controls large portions of South Waziristan.
Maulvi Nazir Wazir, also known as Mullah Nazir, was wounded in the
attack. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack or the extent
of Nazirs wounds. Accounts differed over the gravity of his injuries, but
most concurred he was not in danger. Nazir survived because he had
already got out of the car, the official said.
He has survived attempts on his life in the past and has been an enemy
of Uzbek fighters since curbing in 2007 the Uzbek uprising spearheaded by
the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in South Waziristan. It is
difficult to say who could be behind the latest attack because Mullah Nazir
has problems with Uzbeks, IMU and the TTP. Nazirs men have also been
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firing rockets on Pakistan Army positions in South Waziristan. The enmity

with the TTP will rise further if Nazirs group finds TTPs involvement in
the attack.
At least ten suspected militants were killed and six others injured
when gunship helicopters pounded suspected militant hideouts in Bara tehsil
of the restive Khyber tribal region. The assault followed an earlier clash in
Akakhel area of Bara that had left one soldier dead and three injured.
Militants had ambushed a security convoy which led to a clash between the
militants and security forces.
On 30th November, at least two persons were killed and two others
including a security official were injured in landmine blast in Saafi Tehsil of
Mohmand Agency. The landmine was aimed at targeting security personnel
convoy. Meanwhile, the United States renewed its call for the release of
hunger-striking Dr (Shakeel) Afridi sentenced to 33 years for helping in the
hunt for bin Laden.
Intelligence sources have categorically denied their participation in
the CDAs decision-making process, which culminated into the issuance of a
no objection certificate (NOC) to the US Embassy for adding a high-rise
sprawling complex in the Diplomatic Enclave; as reported in a recently
published report. Sources expressed concern that in case the construction
project goes ahead as planned, it will become a permanent threat located in
the heart of Islamabad, grossly compromising security of the sensitive
offices located in the Red Zone.
Islamabad and Kabul agreed on a set of concrete measures to deepen
bilateral cooperation for addressing their mutual challenges. At talks
between Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and her visiting Afghan
counterpart Dr Zalmai Rassoul, the two states agreed to jointly tackle
terrorism and illegal narco trade; to increase trade and investment and
enhance people to people to contact.
They also decided to extend transit trade agreement to Tajikistan and
later to other Central Asian States, consider a Strategic Partnership
Agreement, phased return of Afghan refugees and a bilateral Visa Abolition
Agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. After the talks the two
foreign ministers told a joint press conference that the two countries were
committed to further strengthening the whole gamut of their ties and termed
the talks frank and candid.
Next day, at least four people were killed when unmanned US
predator drone targeted a house in the Sheen Warsak area of South
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Waziristan Agency. It also targeted a vehicle parked near the house. Abdul
Rehman Azam Yemeni, a Yemeni national believed to be one of the close
aides of the former Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, was killed in the strike.
Ahmadzai Wazir tribe and members of the Wana Peace Committee
gave an ultimatum to Mehsud tribesmen to leave the area by December 5.
The decision was taken at a grand jirga in which large number of tribal
elders participated. Mehsud tribesmen militants and IDPs were asked to
leave boundaries of Wazir tribes including Barma, Shakai, Toi Khuld and
Wana tehsils by the given date. Mehsuds were told that it was the last
warning for them.
Ahmadzai elders said that if a Mehsud IDP or terrorist was arrested
after December 5, he would be considered national criminals and would be
forced to pay a fine of Rs1 million and his house would be demolished. The
decision could be a retaliation of the suicide attack on Mullah Nazir.
Announcements were made on loudspeakers in Azam Warsak, Karikort,
Wana and Toikhula bazaar by Nazir loyalists, warning Mehsud Taliban
fighters to leave their area
Mullah Nazir also heads the 120-member peace committee of
Ahmedzai Wazir tribes, which was assigned the task to evict Uzbek, Tajiks
and other foreign fighters including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
(IMU) militants from the area. He had carried out an armed campaign
against Uzbek and other militant groups in collaboration with the security
forces in 2007 to expel anti-government elements from South Waziristan
areas dominated by the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe.
On 2nd December, at least two people, believed to be suicide bombers,
were killed in a high intensity blast in Dir Colony, Peshawar. They were
riding a motorbike; the identity of the killed men could not be ascertained.
Three persons killed and one injured when unknown gunmen opened firing
on a vehicle in the limits of Kabal police station in Swat district. Meanwhile,
Imran Khan said that after coming into power the first thing he would do is
to disengage Pakistan from the US war on terrorism.
Next day, at least two police personnel were killed and several others
injured in an explosion at a police check post in Kohat Road area of
Peshawar. Meanwhile, Interior Minister went to Chitral to warn of a secret
operation in Afghanistan against Maulana Fazlullah and Molvi Faqir if they
do not halt their terrorist activities in Pakistan.
NATO and the US stressed the importance of their ties with Pakistan
in the fight against terrorism as the western military allies prepared the way
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for their 2014 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pakistans Army chief General
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, in his address to a meeting of EU political and
military officials, reiterated Pakistans support to an Afghan-led
reconciliation process, while highlighting Islamabads perspective on
regional challenges and his nations sacrifices in the war on terror.
Kayani and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar arrived in Belgian
capital on a two-day visit to meet European Union and NATO officials. They
were also to meet with Hillary Clinton, who would lead NATO foreign
ministers at meetings at alliances Brussels headquarters where Afghanistan
would be top agenda item.
At a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Hina, NATO head Anders
Fogh Rasmussen told her, Most urgently, we need to remain united to defeat
terrorism At NATO we understand well that Pakistan has paid a high price
in these efforts. The alliance stands together with you to combat this
scourge. It is clear that the pursuit of peace and security in your region is in
the interest of the broader international community. That includes peace in
Afghanistan, where Pakistan has a particular role to play, Rasmussen said
in a statement.
US officials said Hillary Clinton in her meeting with Hina and Gen
Kayani will seek to encourage what Washington sees as an improving mood
between Pakistan and its neighbor Afghanistan. Besides discussions on
security, the issue of United States efforts to expand the economic
relationship with Pakistan was also expected to come up in the meeting, the
added.
On 4th December, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car
into a checkpoint outside a police station in Bannu, wounding eight people.
The explosion damaged the police station while the windows of nearby
buildings were also smashed. Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told a
foreign news agency: We will continue to target police and security forces
because they are killing our mujahedin.
A soldier of the Pakistan Army was martyred in cross-border firing
from Afghanistan in Mohmand Agency when Afghan troops resorted to
unprovoked firing at Sheikh Baba check post in the border area. The cross
border firing stopped after retaliation by Pakistani troops.
The Supreme Court constituted a commission, headed by Federal
Shariat Court judge Justice Shahzad Sheikh, to fix responsibility for the Lal
Masjid 2007 incident with the direction to submit its recommendations
within 45 days. The court also set terms and references of the commission. It
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will inquire what caused the incident and how many persons men, women,
civilians and law-enforcers lost their lives. The commission will also
investigate whether their dead bodies were identified and handed over to the
legal heirs and compensation paid to the heirs by the state or not. The
commission will also ascertain whether any action was taken against those
responsible for the tragedy.
The CJP questioned how the capital police could declare 88 people
(killed in the operation) terrorists as it was a one-sided version until proven.
He said the people should know who were responsible for the incident and if
the state could not handle this one issue, what else it could do.
Pakistan and the US renewed strategic commitments for enhanced
military ties on a prioritized set of Pakistans defence requirements to
defeat terrorism and extremism, as the crucial defence talks between the two
allies concluded. The final day of the Pakistan-US Defence Consultative
Group (DCG) saw agreement on the continued American support to Pakistan
under Coalition Support Fund (CSF) and other security assistance
programmes.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Hina
Rabbani Khar expressed their commitment to act jointly to achieve shared
objectives. The two foreign ministers met in Brussels late night where they
discussed counter terrorism, support for Afghan-led peace process and the
post 2014 transition in Afghanistan. They also talked about various measures
to strengthen bilateral relations and moving the US-Pakistan economic
agenda from aid to trade, emphasizing market access and investment.
The US military was unable to move any new supply convoys through
Pakistan despite a diplomatic breakthrough announced in July that officially
reopened border crossings into Afghanistan. US military officials have spent
the past five months wrangling with the Pakistanis over a formal legal
agreement and also working to clear out the roughly 7,000 shipping
containers that were stalled in transit when the Pakistanis abruptly closed the
border crossings in November 2011.
Next day, three security personnel, including an army captain, were
killed and 21 others wounded when two terrorists rammed their explosivespacked vehicle into the wall of a military base in South Waziristan. The
bombers detonated the vehicle outside the Zarai Noor camp seven
kilometres west of the agency headquarters Wana after it was signaled to a
halt. The attack came a week after the assassination attempt on Mullah
Nazir.
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On 6th December, at least three people were killed when an unmanned

US predator drone fired two missiles on a house in Mubarik Shahi area near
Mirali in North Waziristan Agency. The mutilated body parts of the victims,
whose identity is yet to be ascertained, could be seen on the scene. Four
drones were seen in the aerial jurisdiction of the Agency.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz raised the issue of drone attacks with US
Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Richard G Olson. The drones are
counterproductive and we need to find alternative means to eliminate
terrorists, the prime minister told the ambassador, who called on him at the
PM House.
Next day, a military court of appeal, by rejecting appeals of convicted
former army men in the GHQ attack case, maintained the punishments
awarded in August last year. The military court in Rawalpindi had sentenced
to death a former soldier, Aqeel alias Dr Usman, over an attack in 2009 on
the GHQ and awarded prison terms to seven others.
Three days after Islamabad and Washington concluded on a high note
the renewed strategic commitments, the Pakistan's top military commanders
met at the General Headquarters to review the newly envisaged defence
cooperation between the two allies as well as the security arrangements at
Pakistan's Western border. The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez
Kayani chaired the 155th Corps Commanders Conference.
Pakistan-US Defence Consultative Group (DCG) comprising top
defence officials from both the sides had affirmed their mutual commitment
to a strong defence relationship, which they stressed, should focus on
achieving common objectives. The two sides had renewed strategic
commitments for enhanced military ties on a prioritized set of Pakistan's
defence requirements.
Pakistan is to get fresh instalment of $700 million in terms of military
assistance under the CSF by March next year. This year, the country has
received the CSF assistance of around $1.2 billion. Military sources said a
top-level military delegation would visit Washington earlier next year to
chalk out modalities regarding decisions taken in the DCG meeting.
According to the sources, the new border coordination mechanism
would come in place from January 1, 2013. Reportedly, it provides for
enhanced intelligence sharing between Pakistan Army, Afghan National
Army and the ISAF against al Qaeda, TTP, Afghan Taliban and Haqqani
Network.
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On 8th December, US drone attack in North Waziristan killed an alQaeda leader, Khaled Bin Abdel Rahman al-Hussainan, while he was having
dinner after a day of fasting. The militant, also known as Abu Zaid alKuwaiti, was among those who could have replaced Ayman al-Zawahiri as
head of the extremist network. Zaid replaced Abu Yahya al-Libi as one of
Qaedas most powerful figures in June after Libi was killed by a US drone
strike. Ten others were also killed in that attack.
A man was killed and five others injured in mortar shelling from
Afghanistan on a house in North Waziristan. Unidentified gunmen shot dead
five members of a family in Bakka Khel area of Bannu. Security forces
arrested 70 Afghan nationals from Chagai district while they were trying to
sneak into Iran without having legal documents.
President Zardari visited Malala Yousafzai who is recovering in a
British hospital after she was shot by the Taliban. Zardari also met with 15year-old's family during a private meeting at the specialist Queen Elizabeth
Hospital in Birmingham, central England. Zardari was accompanied by his
daughter Asifa.
Weeks after dillydallying on the much awaited Abbotabbad
Commission report regarding the covert US raid to kill Osama Bin Laden
(OBL), the Law Ministry has passed the buck to the probing team for all the
delay caused so far, saying they were unclear about the ailing member
whose absence is the reason due to which the report could not be unveiled.
The Abbottabad inquiry commission is giving vague picture about
exclusion of one its member Abbas Khan (presently under treatment in
America) to Law Ministry, thus no decision has been taken as yet. Inquiry
commission is not coming up with clear stance for de-notifying its member.
The commission has confused the matter so no step has been taken as yet in
this regard, said Secretary Law Ministry.
Facebook shut down a page set up by the Pakistani Taliban to recruit
enthusiasts to write for a quarterly magazine and to edit video. The Umar
Media TTP page, which had more than 270 likes at the time it was shut
down, was created in September and had just a handful of messages written
in English.
Next day, US drone attack killed a senior al-Qaeda commander in
North Waziristan, the second militant leader to be killed in strikes by the
unmanned aircraft in three days. The attack killed Mohammad Ahmed
Almansoor and three others in Tabbi village, five kilometres north of
Miranshah. Four drones were seen flying over the area during the attack.
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Four persons were killed and three others sustained injuries when
unidentified armed men opened firing at a car in Dera Ismail Khan. A car
carrying traders of a vegetable market was on its way to market, when
suddenly it was ambushed at Shaikh Yousuf Chowk by unknown armed
men.
The US government reaffirmed its commitment to release $ 600
million as Coalition Support Fund to rehabilitate power distribution system
and electricity plants. Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh stated this while
briefing Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz on his recent visit to the United States.
Afghanistan: On 13th November, rockets struck near Kabuls

presidential palace and international airport on the 11th anniversary of the
Taliban withdrawal from the Afghan capital, killing one and wounding three.
The rockets had been rigged to fire from improvised launchers when
triggered by mobile phones and a fifth was discovered and disarmed before
it was launched.
Next day, Taliban insurgents dragged two young Afghan men from their
car and shot them dead because they worked for NATO troops as
interpreters. The bloodied bodies of the men were found next to their car on
the side of a road in Logar province, less than 80 kilometres south of the
capital Kabul.
On 15th November, Afghanistan and the United States started talks that
will eventually define how many American troops stay in the country after
most NATO combat forces leave at the end of 2014, and the scope of their
mission. The bilateral security negotiations could take months, and are
expected to be difficult. This round of talks will cover the legal basis for US
soldiers to work in Afghanistan post-2014.
Next day, a roadside bomb planted by Taliban insurgents killed 17
civilians mostly women and children on their way to a wedding party in
Farah province, western Afghanistan; 14 more were wounded. Two NATO
troops were also killed by one of the bombs in eastern Afghanistan.
On 19th November, President Karzai accused the United States of
breaching an agreement to transfer more than 3,000 detainees at a
controversial prison north of Kabul to Afghan control. Karzai had demanded
authority over the prison as a condition for signing a long-term agreement
covering Afghan-US relations after the pull-out of combat troops in 2014.
But prisoners found innocent by courts were still being held and more
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people had been captured by American forces against the provisions of the
agreement.
On 23rd November, a suicide car bomber killed three people and
wounded ninety near a NATO-run training base, in an attack claimed by the
Taliban as revenge for the execution of its militants. Several NATO soldiers
were wounded. the blast was near a joint coordination office for the Afghan
army, police and NATO troops in Maidan Shar, the capital of Wardak
province.
A former British defence minister suggested that a neutron bomb
could be used to create a cordon sanitaire in troubled border regions like
the one between Afghanistan and Pakistan. During debate in House of Lords
on multi-lateral nuclear disarmament, Lord Gilbert said the use of such
weapons could greatly reduce problems of protecting those borders.
On 29th November, a roadside bomb killed 10 civilians, including a
woman and five children, and wounded eight when it ripped through a van
in southern Afghanistan. The families were on their way to visit a relative
who had recently returned from Makkah when their vehicle was hit in Dih
Rawud district in rural Uruzgan province.
Next day, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said that Pakistan
wanted the United States to have responsible exit from Afghanistan to keep
regional peace and stability. In an interview to a private television channel,
Hina said Pakistans role is to assist the Afghan government in achieving its
objectives and responsible transition and exit of US is possible through
process of reconciliation.
On 2nd December, Taliban suicide attackers struck US base at
Jalalabad Airport near the Pakistan border, killing five people and wounding
several foreign troops in a two-hour battle. NATO helicopters went into
action; firing on the insurgents as they tried to storm the base after two
suicide car bombs hit the perimeter gate. A total of eight attackers armed
with rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons were killed. The
Taliban claimed its militants had managed to enter the base and caused
heavy casualties but this was denied by ISAF.
On 4th December, Islamabad will not free senior Taliban leaders
including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar unless all parties involved in Afghan
war including Washington clears position on Afghan reconciliation process.
However, Afghan high peace council emphasized that Washington and other
allied nations of the Afghan government support the Afghan peace process,
said Afghan media.
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On 6th December, Afghanistans head of intelligence was wounded in

an assassination attempt claimed by the Taliban just months after he took
office. Asadullah Khalid, who heads the National Directorate of Security
(NDS), was injured in an attack by a visitor in a spy agency guesthouse in
the upscale Kabul district of Taimani.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai criticized the United States in an
exclusive interview with NBC News, blaming American and NATO forces
for some of the growing insecurity in his country. Part of the insecurity is
coming to us from the structures that NATO and America created in
Afghanistan, Karzai said.
Karzai also addressed the issue of graft during the interview, saying
there was no doubt that there is corruption in Afghanistan. The bigger
corruption is the corruption in contracts, he added. The contracts are not
issued by the Afghan government. The contracts are issued by the
international community, mainly by the United States. The international
community had fostered graft to keep the Afghan state weak, Karzai said.
President Karzai ordered an investigation into the killing of a young
woman still at school who worked as a health worker. Anisa, whose age has
been given as 18 or 22, was shot dead on Saturday as she walked out of her
family home in Kapisa Province northeast of Kabul. Karzai said in a
statement that he had assigned a high-ranking delegation to visit the
province and investigate the case.
On 8th December, President Karzai said a suicide bombing that
wounded his intelligence chief was planned in Quetta and that he would
raise the issue with Islamabad. Karzai stopped short of blaming the Pakistani
government directly, but said the issue would be raised with neighbouring
Pakistan.
Karzai said: Apparently the Taliban claimed responsibility like many
other attacks but such a complicated attack and a bomb hidden inside his
body, this is not Taliban work Its a completely professional (job)
Taliban cannot do that and there are bigger and professional hands involved
in it.
After suspected Pakistani involvement in suicide attack on the Afghan
intelligence chief, Islamabad responded quickly offering every sort of help
and cooperation on its part to investigate the brazen assault. In response to
Karzais terse remarks, the Foreign Office spokesman, in a statement, toned
down the issue with just offering every sort of support and cooperation.
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On the other hand, sources close to the Taliban said that Asadullah
Khalid was on their hit-list and they were behind him for quite some time. It
was due to the serious threats to Khalid that he kept on changing his abode
from time to time and was under heavily-guarded security. Khalid was hated
among the Afghan Taliban as before assuming the office he was Kandahar
governor, with tainted character of rights violations. Even the Amnesty
International has prepared a long charge-sheet against him for the rights
violation.
Next day, US soldiers killed seven Taliban insurgents in a successful
pre-dawn raid to rescue a kidnapped American doctor in eastern
Afghanistan. The mission was launched when intelligence showed that Dr
Dilip Joseph was in imminent danger of injury or death. Joseph was
abducted on December 5 by Taliban insurgents in the Surobi district of
Kabul province, but was held in the province of Laghman.
Hundreds of angry demonstrators tried to storm the Iranian consulate
in the western Afghan city of Herat in protest at the alleged killing of Afghan
immigrants by Iranian security forces. The crowd threw rocks and broke
consulate windows before security forces drove them back by firing warning
shots into the air.
Iran: On 23rd November, American and Israeli officials were reported

saying that Israel was using the Gaza battle with Hamas as a practice run
for any future armed confrontation with Iran, featuring improved rockets that
can reach Jerusalem and new antimissile systems to counter them. It is Iran,
of course, that most preoccupies (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and (US) President (Barack) Obama, The New York Times said
in a dispatch, citing those unnamed officials. While disagreeing on tactics,
both have made it clear that time is short, probably measured in months, to
resolve the standoff over Irans nuclear programme, the report said.
And one key to their war-gaming has been cutting off Irans ability to
slip next-generation missiles into the Gaza Strip or Lebanon, where they
could be launched by Irans surrogates, Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad,
during any crisis over sanctions or an Israeli strike on Irans nuclear
facilities.
Although American press usually makes excuses for Israelis setbacks
in the conflicts with the Arabs, the Palestinians power was acknowledged in
some media reports here. Despite being subjected to massive attacks
resulting in death and destruction, the Palestinians refused to surrender and
Israel had to call off its plans to conduct a ground offensive. According to
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the Times, Michael Oren, the Israeli ambassador to the United States and a
military historian, likened the insertion of Iranian missiles into Gaza to the
Cuban missile crisis.
Indeed, the first strike in the eight-day conflict between Hamas and
Israel arguably took place nearly a month before the fighting began in
Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, as another mysterious explosion in the
shadow war with Iran. A factory said to be producing light arms blew up in
spectacular fashion on Oct 22, and within two days the Sudanese charged
that it had been hit by four Israeli warplanes that easily penetrated the
countrys airspace.
The missile defence campaign that ensued over Israeli territory is
being described as the most intense yet in real combat anywhere and as
having the potential to change warfare in the same way that novel
applications of air power in the Spanish Civil War shaped combat in the
skies ever since.
Of course, a conflict with Iran, if a last-ditch effort to restart
negotiations fails, would look different than what has just occurred. Just
weeks before the outbreak in Gaza, the United States and European and
Persian Gulf Arab allies were practicing at sea, working on clearing mines
that might be dropped in shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
But in the Israeli and American contingency planning, Israel would
face three tiers of threat in a conflict with Iran: the short-range missiles that
have been lobbed in this campaign, medium-range rockets fielded by
Hezbollah in Lebanon and long-range missiles from Iran. The last of those
three could include the Shahab-3, the missile Israeli and American
intelligence believe could someday be fitted with a nuclear weapon if Iran
ever succeeded in developing one and - the harder task shrinking it to fit a
warhead.
A United States Army air defense officer said that the American and
Israeli militaries were absolutely learning a lot from this campaign that
may contribute to a more effective integration of all those tiered systems
into a layered approach. The goal, and the challenge, is to link short,
medium and long-range missile defense radar systems and interceptors
against the different types of threats that may emerge in the next conflict.
On 29th November, the UN atomic agency focused on Irans suspected
nuclear weapons drive, a day after Tehran declared it would continue to defy
UN Security Council resolutions and expand its programme. The head of the
International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, used his opening
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speech at an agency meeting in Vienna to call for all of us to work with a

sense of urgency and seize the opportunity for a diplomatic solution.
On 3rd December, it was reported by The Wall Street Journal that the
US intelligence agencies have significantly stepped up spying operations on
Irans Bushehr nuclear reactor prompted by concerns about the security of
weapons-grade plutonium there. The effort resulted in the interception of
visual images and audio communications coming from the reactor complex,
the report said.
Next day, Iran claimed to have captured a small US drone that
penetrated its airspace over Gulf waters, but the US Navy in the region
denied any of its unmanned spy planes were missing. The naval arm of the
Iranian Revolutionary Guards said in a statement on the Guards website that
the unmanned US drone patrolling Persian Gulf waters, performing
reconnaissance and gathering intel, was captured as soon as it entered
Iranian airspace.
On 5th December, Iranian media reported its armed forces as claiming
that they have obtained data from a US intelligence drone that shows it was
spying on the countrys military sites and oil terminals. Iran had announced
that it had captured a ScanEagle drone belonging to the United States, but
Washington said there was no evidence to support the assertion.
The ScanEagle that Iran says it now possesses is a much cheaper,
simpler drone than the RQ-170 Sentinel. It is principally designed to feed
back video images. US and allied forces used ScanEagles in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and several other countries operate the drone, including
Australia, Canada, Poland and the United Arab Emirates. The drone is also
used for civilian purposes such as tracking fish or oil platform observation.
On 7th December, President Zardari reached Britain on a five-day
foreign trip, skipping his expected first stop Tehran. However, President
House official sources said the Iran trip was not on the itinerary as it had not
been finalized. But media this week was rife with reports that the president
would start his journey from one-day visit to the Iranian capital where he
would seal the fate of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline by signing a contract.
Next day, Iran condemned the United States for conducting a limited
nuclear test, saying it showed Washingtons inattention to full
disarmament, the state television website reported. The US Energy
Department said it conducted a sub-critical test at an underground site in
Nevada to study the behaviour of nuclear materials without triggering an
atomic explosion.
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India: On 12th November, addressing a joint news conference with

Afghan President Hamid Karzai in New Delhi Indian Prime Minister said
India supports durable peace in Afghanistan. He urged need to take concrete
steps for restoration of peace in Afghanistan. Describing Karzai as a close
friend of India and a steadfast supporter of their bilateral ties, Singh said the
two had reaffirmed their shared vision of a stable, strong, united, sovereign
and prosperous Afghanistan.
Singh said they had in their talks reviewed progress in implementation
of the Strategic Partnership Agreement during the past year and reaffirmed
commitment to deepen cooperation. He said the two leaders had discussed
the need to develop a strategic economic partnership, which will build on
our economic synergies for mutual benefit.
Speaking on the occasion President Karzai said peace was vital for
prosperity of the region. He said: My visit this time to India is focused
particularly in talking to and requesting Indian businesses to come to
Afghanistan. In an interview to Times of India, Karzai said: The war on
terror cannot be fought in Afghanistan, but it has to go to the sanctuaries
which are in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
India and Afghanistan signed four agreements to cooperate in the
areas of social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and youth affairs. A
memorandum of understanding, under which India will provide grants to
Afghanistan to implement small development projects through local bodies,
community organizations, charitable trusts and educational institutions, was
signed by foreign ministers.
On 14th November, two Mujahideen and three Indian troops were
killed in a gun battle in the Indian-held Kashmir. The gunfight took place in
Nowgam sector, 100 kilometres from Srinagar. Police claimed to have shot
dead a commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a gunfight in south
Occupied Kashmir.
Next day, Imran Khan called upon both India and Pakistan to divert
their resources for the betterment and uplift of their masses instead of
indulging in the arms race. While addressing the first mammoth public
meeting of his party at Quaid-e-Azam International Mirpur Cricket Stadium
he said: Kashmir is the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the much-delayed
issue should be resolved in line with the aspirations of the people of the
state.
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On 16th November, the Public Accounts Committee expressed

reservations over Most Favoured Nation status given to India and sought
detailed briefing from Commerce Ministry after Muharram-ul-Haram
holidays. The Committee also expressed concern over the removal of
negative list and said that it would destroy the local agricultural industry and
our growers were facing problems due to removal of negative list.
On 21st November, Ajmal Kasab was hanged in western India for his
role in the assaults that targeted luxury hotels, a Jewish centre, a hospital and
commuters at Mumbais main train station. Kasab deserved the extreme
punishment... I think one sad, sorrowful chapter has come to an end, said P
Chidambaram, who took over as home minister following the attacks with a
brief to reform the police and domestic intelligence agencies. Kasab was
executed and buried at the Yerwada prison in the city of Pune. The hanging
sparked celebrations across India with people letting off firecrackers, staging
rallies and dancing in the streets.
Indias government said it informed Islamabad in advance of the
decision to hang Kasab, but their counterparts refused to accept the letter.
Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters in New Delhi he
had even ended up sending a fax to Islamabad after the letter was rebuffed.
Other officials said a similar message had been couriered to Kasabs family.
On 28th November, Pakistan successfully conducted the training
launch of medium range ballistic missile Hatf V Ghauri. The test was
conducted by a Strategic Missile Group of the Army Strategic Force
Command (ASFC) on the culmination of a field training exercise that was
aimed at testing the operational readiness of the ASFC. Ghauri ballistic
missile is a liquid fuel missile, which can carry both conventional and
nuclear warheads over a distance of 1300 kilometres.
Next day, Indias Border Security Force (BSF) resorted to unprovoked
firing on Pakistan Rangers posts and adjacent villages along the Line of
Control (LoC) in Shakar Garh sector. No casualty was reported, but the
incident sent a wave of panic among the area people. Pakistan Rangers have
called a flag meeting with their Indian contemporaries today to register their
protest.
On 30th November, a landslide killed three soldiers in Azad Kashmir,
while 18 people sent to rescue them were missing after being buried by a
second landslip. A military rescue operation was launched after heavy snows
triggered the two landslides at a remote outpost in the Kel Sector near Line
of Control.
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Next day, death toll in the landslides at the Sharda Sector in Azad
Kashmir climbed to 18 as rescuers recovered more dead bodies. Sixteen
bodies, including that of 12 soldiers, have so far been retrieved. The soldiers
were on a mission to find three colleagues buried by an earlier avalanche.
On 4th December, India once again claimed there were more than 40
training camps in Pakistan for freedom fighters that make regular attempts to
cross the heavily fortified Line of Control between Azad and Held Kashmir.
The terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan or Pakistani Kashmir remains intact
and infiltration attempts from across the border still continue to pose a
challenge to the security forces, Ramachandran said.
Indias leading Islamic seminary, the Darul Uloom Deoband, barred
Muslim women from working as receptionists, calling the act un-Islamic and
against Shariah law. The seminary issued the fatwa after a Pakistan-based
company submitted a query on November 29 regarding the appointment of
Muslim women as receptionists.
Next day, it was reported that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
has cancelled his visit to Pakistan, saying it was not the right time to embark
on it. Singh wrote to President Zardari last month that while he still wanted
to visit Pakistan, this was not the right time. Thanking Zardari for his
invitation, Singh said it was not conducive for him to visit Pakistan at the
time mentioned by the president in his invitation.
On 6th December, hundreds of serving Indian soldiers including senior
officers are accused of involvement in widespread human rights abuses in
Held Kashmir, daily Guardian reported. The writer Jason Burke based in
Delhi says the charges relate to incidents occurring throughout more than 20
years of violence pitting armed religious and freedom fighters groups against
New Delhis rule in Held Kashmir and include shootings, abductions, torture
and rapes.
Next day, Border Security Force of India resorted to unprovoked
firing with light and heavy weapons on Rangers posts and adjacent villages
in Shakargarh Sector leaving three civilians injured. BSF often fire without
any reason on working boundary creating panic among the peaceful citizens
of the areas on the
On 8th December, the CPI-M said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
should visit Pakistan without getting swayed by the domestic political
compulsions. The peace process between the two countries should not be
overturned because of domestic compulsions, said MY Tarigami, CPI-M
secretary.
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The captain of Pakistan Blind T20 Cricket team was hospitalized after
consuming acid reportedly he mistook it for water. The captain, who is
leading national Blind Cricket team in Twenty-20 World Cup Cricket
Tournament being played in Bangalore, was (apparently) made to drink the
hazardous liquid as the acid glass was served during breakfast. Just
yesterday, Pakistan blind cricket team thrashed India by eight wickets in the
tournament.
VIEWS
Pakistan
Whose responsibility? Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has issued a
diktat that Pakistan would have to take it on itself to destroy the terrorist
sanctuaries on its land, and not only that it must accept the responsibility. He
has been griping about it from time to time; it is high time he started
appreciating the hurdles that have so far been overcome. Pakistan has been
doing all it could despite great peril to its existence over the past many years
losing in the process thousands of its citizens. The US has a genuine reason
to worry over the threat that still lingers despite the death of Osama Bin
Laden, yet the front line state happens to be Pakistan where all this mess,
brewing over the decades is now being mopped up.
Islamabad understands very well the dangers to itself and the world;
we are not a country to cringe at the sight of terrorists. This determination
will stay intact until the menace is crushed. Where this role is being
downplayed, the US has been found wanting in accepting its own
responsibility, at least so far as targeting many of the safe havens inside the
Afghan territory are concerned. There are for instance, the same groups
launching cross-border attacks that have been enjoying what has started to
look like backing from the Afghan government. And even if there is no
backing, the very fact that they have been freely operating and carrying out
blasts and target killings inside Pakistan implies that they operate from the
comfort of a sanctuary. It is that part of the equation that needs to be put in
the limelight; the vast mountainous region of Afghanistan and the border
areas offer the perfect hiding place for the miscreants. Unless, the
troublemakers are cleared off these areas and on a permanent basis the return
of militancy cannot be ruled out. Worrying too is another factor of the
conduct of the Karzai administration, which remains far from being friendly.
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Terrorism can be fought in a much better and effective way with the
spirit of camaraderie between the allies. Matters where differences crop up
can best be resolved with the power of persuasion rather than a resort to
open hostilities. Afghanistan where NATO has stayed for over a decade now,
its ills cannot be left for Pakistan to rectify alone. The US has been lucky
that it has found in the present PPP setup a steady and a ready partner
despite the sabre-rattling. That scenario might not prevail indefinitely and
hence all the more reason for the relations to assume the status of equality
and mutual respect. (Editorial, TheNation 27th November)
Acknowledging reality: For the past some time now, both the US
and the NATO have been making positive gestures towards Pakistan without
lacing them with critical remarks. The mantra of do more and the urgent
need for Pakistan Army to move against the Haqqani group in North
Waziristan has, not been heard of for quite a while. That shift in attitude has,
most probably, occurred because with the date of departure from
Afghanistan getting nearer, they can ill afford to pick holes in Islamabads
fight against terrorism, if they want it to play a helpful role in the process. It
must be noted that Pakistan as well has stepped forward and released nine
Taliban leaders in order to facilitate the process of peace and reconciliation,
and in a recent meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, his
Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar promised to set more of them free.
It is widely assumed that among those who are likely set at liberty would be
Mulla Baradar, whose release Kabul has been asking for.
A senior US official, at a briefing on the joint meeting of EU Political
and Security Committee and the EU Military Committee held on Monday at
Brussels, disagreed with a journalist who remarked that Pakistan was
reluctant to let Pakistan-based Taliban leaders to join the peace and
reconciliation process. Rather, the official said, Islamabad was keen to help
the process move on. He added that Pakistan and Afghanistan had already
formed a group to provide safe passage to the Taliban. About the upswing in
Pak-US relations, the official observed that the two countries were
systematically identifying their shared interests so that they could jointly act
on them. He said, I think the Pakistanis are actually pressing forward (on
improving relations) because, like a lot of people in the region, they
recognize that 2014 is not so far away.
COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who is in Brussels to attend
these meetings asked the participants to take note of Pakistans sacrifices
and contribution to the war on terror. At another meeting, NATO Secretary
General Fogh Rasmussen told Ms Khar that the alliance understood that
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Pakistan had paid a high price in combating the scourge and that it had full
NATO support in this effort. Foreign Minister Hina Khar was also assured
by officials of NATOs North Atlantic Council that they were ready to
develop political dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan. In short,
Pakistans role was applauded by the US as well as the NATO.
The conclusions that one can draw from these meetings point to a
better understanding between the US and NATO on the one hand, and
Pakistan on the other which is, no doubt, a good sign. The US even if it
makes a complete exit from Afghanistan would continue to have interests in
the region and Pakistan cannot possibly afford to be on the wrong side of it.
Relations that are mutually beneficial and respect the sovereignty and
integrity of each other would be in the interest of the both to maintain. We
must build on the present positive shift. (Editorial, TheNation 5th December)
Afghanistan
Afghan campaign: it is decision time! Regardless of what option
the US President adopts, it will have to be backed up by clear objectives,
solid operational planning and willing participation by Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
The departure of the top leadership of the Afghan campaign may
actually force a strategic pause onto President Obama. He will get the time
to usher in a new team and reconsider operational options. If he decides to
win the war militarily, then he will have to increase the levels of violence
manifold and concentrate/squeeze them into a very short span of time.
If he decides to negotiate his way out of the region, then he will have
to get off his high horse and negotiate with the terrorists he despises!
If he intends to clobber and bludgeon them into submission and then
negotiate with them, then he will have to strike that critical balance to avoid
overkill and failure.
Regardless of what methodology he adopts he will have to gel
Afghanistan and Pakistan into a team with his country. And for that to
happen he will have to, first and foremost, win over Pakistans trust,
confidence and willing participation all over again!
Pakistan, on the other hand, must seize the diplomatic initiative, as the
US is forced into a reappraisal of its policies towards the APR. It must build
upon the talks held with the Afghan High Peace Council and get into direct
negotiations with President Karzai and the militants too. It must not
foreclose any options.
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It must help the US and its allies in pacifying the APR, regressing
safely and expeditiously from it and leaving behind a mutually acceptable
strategic environment. However, this must be predicated upon a nonnegotiable final resolution of the terrorist problem. The loop must, of
necessity, be closed either through negotiations or decisive military action or
both. Period.
The final decisions have to be taken by the US President and
promptly. He will do well to co-opt the Pakistanis and the Afghans in his
pre-decision deliberations. Else he may find himself applying closure to yet
another failed and costly US military expedition! (Imran Malik, TheNation
18th November)
Is the US really ending Afghan war? This past weekend, it was
reported that Obama and the generals at the Pentagon are planning on
keeping at least 10,000 US troops stationed in Afghanistan indefinitely after
that 2014 deadline for ending the war and withdrawing from that war-torn
land.
Just to make it clear what were talking about here, 10,000 troops
would represent an army half the size of the entire army of either the
Netherlands or Denmark, two countries which currently have troops
assigned to the NATO forces posted in Afghanistan as allies in the 12-yearlong US war there.
The notion that these 10,000 post-2014 soldiers would just be
training the Afghan military is simply absurd. Parris Island, the famed
boot camp in South Carolina for the US Marine Corps, which boasts what
probably is the toughest training program of any of the branches of the US
military, churns out 17,000 new Marines a year with a training unit of 600
uniformed personnel. Thats one trainer per 170 recruits. At that rate, the
10,000 US trainers in Afghanistan could be training 1.7 million new
recruits for the Afghan army each year! Even allowing for the typical topheaviness of the US military, if only a third of those 10,000 trainers were
actually drill sergeants and their staff, were talking about a training force
capable of producing over 500,000 new Afghan soldiers per year! But
Afghanistans army today, which the US claims is already largely trained
and ready to protect the country, has only a total of some 200,000 active
duty soldiers altogether.
So lets get serious here. These 10,000 soldiers that Obama and the
Pentagon are talking about stationing in Afghanistan after the war is ended
in December 2012 are not really going to be trainers.
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Besides, how do you end a war by simply having one side say its
over, unless you actually do stop fighting and walk away? Certainly the
invading side in a foreign war can call that war quits, but if the other side
doesnt, and the invader stays on the battlefield which in Afghanistan is the
whole county you havent ended it at all. The other side will continue to hit
you until youre gone.
In other words, clearly that force of 10,000 US troops, whatever they
are called officially, will be in a state of war, because there is no way that the
Taliban in Afghanistan will quietly allow them to be there training an army
to fight them, without taking the battle to the trainers.
So how then, can Obama, Biden and the generals be promising that
the war will be ended in 2014?
The answer is that they are not calling what will be happening after
2014 a war. They will be changing the definition of the word war.
It is totally predictable that the unfortunate soldiers who are ordered
over as part of that 10,000-member force of trainers after 2014 will be
subjected to attacks by Taliban fighters, by suicide bombers, and by IED
mines. Their bases will be hit by mortars and rockets. When they travel, their
vehicles will be the targets of RPGs. They will also be subject to attack by
members of the Afghan military whom they are ostensibly training, since the
Taliban have already learned that infiltration of the countrys army is a great
way to get close to the American forces, the better to hit them when their
guard is down or their backs are turned.
Inevitably, the US forces will be forced to fight back, and to take the
offensive too. There will certainly continue to be US air strikes, and we can
be sure that armed attack drones will be widely employed also, guaranteeing
the creation of plenty of new enemy forces sworn to punish and drive out the
US.
None of this will, of course, be described as war by the US, or by the
compliant corporate media in America
Putting military forces in a country and calling them advisors or
trainers is an old propaganda stand-by for the US. The only thing that sets
this latest fraud apart from earlier imperial interventions by US military
forces this time is the numbers involved. Even that legendary Bill Clinton
obfuscator would have a hard time making anyone believe that a force of
10,000 heavily armed US troops are just trainers. (David Lindorff for
Counterpunch, reprinted in TheNation 1st December)
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Leaving Afghanistan: The US Senate approved by a heavy majority

of 62 to 33 a resolution calling for the withdrawal of forces from
Afghanistan. According to media reports, the mover of the resolution,
Senator Jeff Merkley, said that the time had come to withdraw from
Afghanistan as Al-Qaeda was no longer in a position to launch a major
attack on American soil, and thus the long war should be brought to an end.
However, the underlying message is that not even Americans understand
why they should have 66,000 troops in Afghanistan till the end of 2014. The
resolution calls for something that is now a matter of mere haggling; the
exact date when the forces should be withdrawn. That they are to be
withdrawn in 2014 is clear, but the diehards have pressed so successfully for
staying as long as possible, that it is assumed that that means the end of the
year. The current argument is that a US contingent is needed for the Afghan
elections in 2014, when the term limit means that some other collaborator
than Hamid Karzai must be found to be President. That is an implicit
admission of the failure of the US strategy, along with the training of the
Afghan Army, seeing the prevalence of green-on-blue attacks.
However, while Americans might not find it very palatable, they must
be made to realize that while the presence of their forces may not help them
meet their goals, they are acting as a force to destabilize the whole area.
Until they are withdrawn, there can be no stability in the area, and thus their
withdrawal should proceed as fast as possible. The American people must
not be given any contradictory signals, especially by Pakistani diplomacy,
which should be working for stability in the region.
Indeed, the awakening realization among Americans may well owe
itself to Pakistani efforts, which have shown consistency in emphasizing that
Pakistans interest in Afghanistan is in its attaining stability, and that that
stability can only be achieved if US forces withdraw from it. Pakistan must
make the USA realize that there is nothing sacred about the 2014 date, and
certainly not about the end of that year. (Editorial, TheNation 3rd December)
Karzais disillusionment: Even though it came late in the day, 11
years after the US-led NATO forces began their operation in Afghanistan
and just two years before they were due to withdraw, President Hamid
Karzais accusation that it was the US and Western presence that was
causing insecurity in the country merits soul searching by Washington. For a
head of state who has been installed by the Americans to make such grave
charge is no small matter; it speaks volumes of his disillusionment. While
giving an exclusive interview to NBC News on Thursday, President Karzai
said that terrorism would not be defeated by attacking Afghan villages and
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homes, a reference to the raids which the Western forces, particularly the
Americans, are accused of carrying out, resulting in the deaths of Afghan
citizens. One wonders whether war weariness in the face of little success
against rag-tag guerrilla units of the Taliban has induced these forces to
resort to taking vengeful actions against the local ethnic Pashtuns, as they
have been known to be doing. Implicit in Mr Karzais remark that the
Taliban have regained control of the areas from which they had been ousted,
is the belief that the NATO/ISAF troops have failed in their bid to put down
the insurgency. Indeed, the push for persuading the once enemy, the Taliban,
to the negotiating table bears out Mr Karzais view.
President Karzais frustration also stems from the US failure to put into
effect the understanding which, he says, he had reached with President
Obama during the course of the signing of strategic partnership agreement
with the US, that the Afghan prisoners held by the Americans would be
handed over to the Kabul authorities. Giving vent to his sense of betrayal, he
rued, We signed the strategic partnership agreement with the expectation
and the hope...(that) the nature of United States activities in Afghanistan
will change, and that the custody of these prisoners would be given to the
Afghans. He went on to make an interesting observation that he did not
know whether there was anything called al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, virtually
negating the logic of the war on terror to continue and keeping foreign
presence any longer.
Impartial observers of the scene have, therefore, been advocating that it
is time for the foreign troops to leave Afghanistan, the more so if al-Qaeda
does not exist, as President Karzai maintains, or has been reduced to
insignificance, as the US argues. Adding force to the argument for
immediate departure is the re-occupation by the Taliban of the areas which
they had been forced to vacate earlier, underlining the futility of the entire
military operation. The withdrawal of the foreign element in the country
would make for the situation to settle, paving the way for peace to prevail.
And the only viable option appears to be to let the people of Afghanistan to
decide their own future. It is a moment of reflection for Washington.
(Editorial, TheNation 8th December)
Iran
Israel and its abiding insecurities: If the war weary US-led West
does not find a political or diplomatic way to stop Irans headlong march
towards enhanced nuclear enrichment very soon, an impetuous, arrogant and
increasingly insecure Israel could do the (un)thinkable. It could attack Iran
353
unilaterally, and suck the US and its allies into a violent regional
conflagration that might even assume global dimensions. Time and timing,
for vastly different reasons, are thus critical and decisive for all players in
this imbroglio - the US, Israel and Iran!
But then, will Israels insecurities end with bludgeoning Iran and
ostensibly eliminating its nuclear programme? Will it feel secure enough?
Where will it take the world from there? Nuclear Pakistan lies to Irans east.
Do the Israelis consider it also a future threat? Will Israels insecurities force
the US-led West to tackle nuclear Pakistan after Iran? Apparently, Pakistan
will be an altogether different kettle of fish to deal with. It is a nuclear power
with reasonable strategic reach.
However, the US-India-Israel nexus against Pakistan is already in
existence and operational. The Israeli military collaboration with India, in
particular in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK), is well known and documented.
Israel (as well as the US) is enhancing the Indian military capabilities, which
will be used against Pakistan.
Israel is, in fact, already sitting in Pakistans backyard - in IHK. Is a
deep US-Indo-Israeli outflanking manoeuvre against Pakistan already in
place for possible exploitation at an appropriate time in the future? Could it
be to obviate a possible alliance between a nuclear Pakistan and a futuristic
nuclear Iran? Can it do so? Can the international community live with such a
possible nuclear Iran-nuclear Pakistan alliance? It could change the
geopolitical and geo-strategic dimensions and imperatives of the region and
the globe permanently!
Israels compulsive insecurities know no bounds. It is running short of
time and options. The world awaits with bated breath its next move! (Imran
Malik, TheNation 2nd December)
Calling off visit to Iran: President Zardaris decision to opt out of
visiting Iran a day after his spokesman Farhatullah Babar had confirmed to
the Iranian news agency IRNA that he would stop over in Tehran for a day
for talks on bilateral and regional issues has, understandably, given rise to
speculations about the motives behind it. The belated official report that visit
to Iran was not scheduled to take place at this time has received little public
credence and so has the supporting argument that the itinerary included
England, France and Turkey and visiting another country in the five-day trip
was not possible. If anything, finding time for signing the badly needed IranPakistan gas pipeline agreement reportedly the purpose of stay in Tehran
should have been his priority. One reason for the cancellation of the visit,
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political observers believe, was the US pressure for not going ahead with
concluding such a lucrative deal for Iran in view of the row over its
programme of nuclear enrichment. And there appears to be a lot of weight in
the logic; for, the past week has witnessed a flurry of activity by US
diplomatic circles to suggest that the phase of frayed Pak-US relations was
finally over and to prove the point the two countries were moving fast to
give a concrete shape to their vision of mutually beneficial relations.
Relevant in this context were the renewed strategic commitments by
the Pakistan-US Defence Consultative Group, which met at Islamabad last
Monday and Tuesday. The two sides agreed to enhance military ties on a
prioritized set of Pakistans defence requirements. A Pakistani delegation
would go to Washington early next year to finalize the deal. It was also
learnt that Islamabad would get $700 million in Cooperative Support Fund
by next March; already it has received around $1.2 billion during the current
year. Then, there is the news that the US has agreed to finance an
international consultancy to go into the issue of procurement of LNG to
Pakistan to get over its energy shortages at affordable cost rather than
importing the costly fuel oil for the generation of electricity. Marc
Grossman, the outgoing US Special Representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan, has, at a reception by our Ambassador Sherry Rehman, remarked
that Washington wanted Pakistan to be self-sufficient. There have been other
American diplomats active to create an atmosphere of bilateral friendliness,
like a public diplomacy officer at Peshawar expressing the least convincing
view that a Pashto song composed by her would reverse the tide of antiAmericanism in the country.
A cash-strapped Pakistan has once again shown preference for US
commitments of help over the tightening of the belt and going in for a
project whose completion would have a lasting beneficial impact on its
economy and life in all its various manifestations. One would have wished
that it had learnt the lesson of history and chosen to safeguard its long-term
interests. (Editorial, TheNation 9th December)
Love thy neighbour, not US: President Asif Zardari landed in
London instead of Tehran last Friday, thanks to a last-minute change in his
travel plans. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Pervaiz Ashraf didnt attend
the Heads of Government Council Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and dispatched his Information
Minister to attend the important moot instead. The Prime Minister cancelled
his trip to Bishkek on the pretext of important matters at home. However, his
engagements during the days of the SCO meeting leave one guessing about
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his priorities. As far as the President is concerned, he didnt consider it

necessary to give an explanation for dropping Iran from the itinerary of his
four-nation trip now reduced to three. Are these cancellations unconnected
and without significance? Or is our government dancing like a puppet to the
imperial anthem for the region, cutting its own hands and feet?
It should be obvious by now that all the fuss about fashioning a
foreign policy independent of the US influence was mere noise. The
President was supposed to sign the contract for constructing the IranPakistan gas pipeline during his visit to Tehran, a project that has already
been delayed for too long. While Iran is moving on a fast track, chasing
officials in Islamabad, offering the much needed pipeline on a platter and
even agreeing to finance it partially, our government is dragging its feet,
delaying the execution of the project on one flimsy pretext after another,
regardless of what shortage of gas is doing to Pakistans economy. The US
has made no secret of its opposition to the pipeline, as it would upset its
plans for isolating Iran in the international community. Every time some
progress is expected on the project, the meddlesome Uncle Sam arrives with
his bag of bad carrots.
Is it just a coincidence that the day President Zardari cancelled his
Iran visit, the US Special Envoy for International Energy Affairs signed an
MOU with Pakistan to fund an international consultancy to assist Pakistan
in acquiring Liquefied Natural Gas to overcome its energy shortage?
Earlier, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline was floated
as an alternative to the Iran-Pakistan pipeline. There was also talk about
buying cheap electricity from Iran, and it was reported that all we needed to
do for adding more than 1,000 MW to our electricity supply was to plug into
the Iranian grid just across the border. One doesnt hear a word about it
anymore. What one hears instead is how the US is helping Pakistan in
renovating, modernizing, upgrading and constructing various dams to add
900 MW of electricity to the national grid by next year.
It is not only Iran that the US has a problem with. In October,
President Putin had cancelled what was to be the first-ever visit of a Russian
head of state to Pakistan. The Pak-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission
on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation had approved the
text of various memorandums of understanding in an earlier September
meeting, MOUs that may have been signed between the two countries
during Putins trip. Moscow has shown special interest in investing in energy
projects, including the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. Besides, during his visit,
Pakistan was to host the important Quadrilateral Summit to be attended by
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the Tajikistan and Afghanistan heads of state as well. The Quadrilateral

Summit and the signing of MOUs were postponed according to our Foreign
Office. We havent heard from it about the new dates for moving ahead on
these important matters.
The cold shoulder given to the SCO by our Prime Minister is also
hard to explain. The important security bloc, comprising China, Russia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, has added economic
cooperation to its concerns, with a special emphasis on infrastructure and
energy sector. It is also emerging as the entity most likely to fill the vacuum
left by withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan. Pakistan, along with
Iran, Afghanistan and India, has the status of an observer in the bloc. Though
our Information Minister, filling in for the Prime Minister, expressed
Pakistans keenness to be made a full member of the bloc, something that is
very important for protecting and promoting Pakistans national interest, his
words rang hollow. What spoke more clearly were the actions of the Zardari
regime and the absence of Pakistans Prime Minister from the meeting
convened for heads of government.
So, is the Zardari-led government just nave and stupid when it comes
to foreign policy? Or is it a case of our leaders being more interested in
pleasing their masters, rather than acting on behalf of the nation that they are
meant to represent; the nation whose interest they are meant to protect and
promote, that pays their astronomical bills and bears their parasitic burden?
It is highly unlikely that our leaders dont understand the importance of
building and deepening relationships with countries in the region, mutually
beneficial relationships that could free us from the clutches of the predatory
two-faced US-led empire, relationships that could bring economic prosperity
and security not only for Pakistan, but also for the entire region. So why
must they behave like powerless puppets, turning where their strings pull
them?
Why must we look at our relationships with our neighbours through
the divide-and-rule lens of an imperial power that is only interested in
keeping its stranglehold on the region, regardless of the consequences for the
people who live here? Its a recipe for disaster. Seen through the divide-andrule lens of the empire, neighbours are enemies. Will the Pak-Afghan
relationship be so unfriendly once the US is taken out of the equation, along
with its troops and ambition for military bases and economic control? Given
the US predatory interests in the region, theres no point in enhancing
cooperation with it. To show the door to the US, and hence bring peace and
stability to the region, Pakistan must align its strategy with other neighbours
357
of Afghanistan. Of course, the US didnt want the President to visit Tehran

and the Prime Minister to join SCO leaders at Bishkek. The sad part is that
they did as they were told. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 9th December)
India
Indian involvement: It is not for nothing that Azad Kashmir
President Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob has accused India of being
responsible for recent terrorist activities in Pakistan. He alleged that New
Delhi is hand in glove with foreign forces sponsoring terrorist outfits in Fata
region and Balochistan. He warned Pakistani authorities to keep a strict and
close vigil in order to thwart all such attempts. It may be mentioned that
Interior Minister Rehman Malik had revealed during the in-camera
proceedings of two joint sitting of the parliament that he had documentary
evidence of New Delhis involvement not only in Fata and Balochistan but
also in Karachi. One is entitled to ask why Pakistan has not been raising this
issue at relevant international forums? Islamabad must take up this matter
with Indian government through diplomatic channels whether it means in the
form of dossiers or in shape of lodging official protest. New Delhi does not
spare any opportunity to accuse Pakistan of anything that goes wrong in
India or the occupied Valley where it is facing an ongoing liberation struggle
by the Kashmiri freedom fighters. Our silence, is therefore objectionable. All
actions taken by the occupying Indian forces in held-Kashmir are the worst
form of state terrorism. The world community watching the situation from
the sidelines must stand up now. (Editorial, TheNation 27th November)
Undue condition: The more favours we do to India like the accord of
MFN status the more inclined it gets to impose conditions on our imports.
The latest example is India demanding a bank guarantee worth $10,000 on
every truck carrying cement bags through the Wagah border. This is an
unanticipated, unilateral condition imposed by Indian authorities and has
resulted in long queues of loaded trucks on both sides of the road near the
border crossing. Pakistan not only granted India the status of Most Favoured
Nation (MFN) despite serious reservations of the business community, but
also let it have the land route facility for Afghan Transit Trade.
Actions like the demand of this financial guarantee suggest its
unwillingness to give proper excess to Pakistani products but keenness to
flood Pakistani markets with its goods. Cement is one product that India
needs desperately and yet by imposing the condition, it is making it
impossible for Pakistani businessmen to fill the gap. Such practices have
given a marked tilt of the bilateral trade in favour of India. Recently
358
available figures indicate that Pakistan has an unfavourable trade balance of

billions of dollars with India. It is about time Pakistans concerned
authorities took up the matter with their Indian counterparts and resolved
this issue of guarantee as well as other impediments to the flow of Pakistans
goods to India once and for all. The main consideration before the
negotiators should be to avoid a total collapse of Pakistani industrial sector
which is already facing serious difficulties due to several factors. (Editorial,
TheNation 28th November)
Manmohans No to visit: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singhs excuse that the present time was unsuitable for him to visit Pakistan
was not entirely unexpected. In fact, perceptive subcontinent watchers were
quite certain that he would put forward this standard polite insult. In
Islamabads perception, however, time is ripe for such a high-level visit
since relations between the countries have been looking up. After all, it has
only recently sanctioned granting to India most favoured nation status, even
risking the interests of its own economy that would have to face hard
competition with the free flow of goods available at cheaper rates.
Dispassionate comparison of Pakistans efforts to normalize relations
with Indias response would make a despairing reading. It leaves little room
for doubt that Pakistan has been doing the maximum, with India showing no
matching reaction. The CBMs are a case in point. Unfortunately, the Indians
have not been attaching much significance to these tangible Pakistani
gestures. We can trace this attitude at least from Ziaul Haqs period. He took
cover of cricket diplomacy to demonstrate Islamabads keenness to
improve relations with New Delhi, but it made no headway. Similarly,
Musharrafs attempt at initiating composite dialogue that conceded
structured negotiations simultaneously to take place to resolve disputes
between the two states, including Kashmir, failed to make India budge from
its traditional stand, unacceptable to Pakistan, on all the issues under
discussion. The exercise has virtually petered out without bringing any
fruitful result. Even when the talks seem to be making progress, at the end of
the day they go back to square one. The present government did not lag
behind; rather it has gone out of the way to please New Delhi and yet the
bogey of terrorism is resurrected whenever time comes for it to reciprocate.
The only time the Nawaz Sharif government managed Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajplayee to wish Pakistan well while he was at Minar-e-Pakistan,
Lahore, was sabotaged by the Kargil operations. Nevertheless, the hawks in
India whose attitude gets support in government circles would not have let
relations proceed beyond this verbal show of friendliness. During this
359
period, the Indian Prime Minister has been invited to visit Pakistan several
times, each time eliciting the same response of the time not being suitable.
There lies an object lesson for our leadership. There is no justification
for putting our vital disputes on the backburner in the idealistic hope that it
may encourage New Delhi change its mind. We must insist on the resolution
of the core issue of Kashmir on the basis of our principled stand, before
making any concessions and in this regard take up the matter at all
international forums, explaining the background of the case as well as the
human rights abuses against the besieged Kashmiris. (Editorial, TheNation
7th December)
MFN to India catastrophic for Pakistan: In its negotiations with its
Indian counterpart, the Pakistani team must insist that India lowers its tariffs
on agricultural goods from Pakistan, which it can do bilaterally with respect
to Pakistan, as per WTO rules.
Additionally, India has a myriad number of non-tariff barriers, which
it imposes on goods that try and get access to the Indian market, particularly
for agricultural goods. Before Pakistan grants the MFN status to India, it
must demand that it remove most of its non-tariff barriers, which serve
protectionist purposes.
High Indian subsidies and protectionist tariffs for agricultural goods
would prevent Pakistani agricultural goods to be exported to India. We must
include necessary agricultural goods in the current negative and the
planned sensitive lists. If the agriculture sector is discriminated against by
our own government in such a manner and not given the same protection
given to industrial goods, it will force farmers to convert land to nonagricultural use leading to the closure of factories and shrinking markets. It
will cause a total collapse of Pakistans economy with grave threat to its
food security, thereby our sovereignty.
Liberalizing trade with India through the Wagah route will inundate
our smaller and more fragile markets. Farmers firmly believe that Pakistan
and India should both benefit from a resumption of bilateral trade relations,
but they support phased and measured trade liberalization. But the cardinal
principle that mutually-beneficial bilateral trade must be fair in order to be
truly free trade should not be ignored, which is enshrined in the WTO
principles as well.
Any such change in policy must be transparent and be made in
consultation with Pakistani farmers through different farming organizations,
which are the major and important stakeholder of the agricultural sector in
360
the country. Without a trade policy that affords protection to agriculture,

granting the MFN status to India will be catastrophic for the tens of millions
of people whose livelihood is based on agriculture. As is shown in the chart,
India provides minimum support prices to 25 agricultural produce by an
annual subsidy of $66 billion also.
The leaders in Islamabad need to wake up and not give away
Pakistans food security and sovereignty just to please few vested interests.
They must also take swift action to avert a situation that will lead to the
devastation of our agriculture and economy.
Same old mindset: What has happened to the Captain of Pakistan
Blind T20 cricket team Zeeshan Abbasi in India provides a peep into a
mindset sordid to the core where everything is justified in the name of
rivalry. One Indian newspaper has reported that Zeeshan accidentally drank
diluted phenyl in his hotel mistaking it for mineral water. First of all, the
Indian media remained mum over the incident for three days until it was
denounced by Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. It is beyond
anyones comprehension that a bottle of diluted phenyl could be served as
mineral water right on the breakfast table where foreign team members were
being entertained. Had some incident of this nature occurred in Pakistan, the
cricketing world would have raised a fuss hard to imagine. But in this case,
the International Cricket Council is completely silent. It must initiate a
serious inquiry which is needed in order to help avoid recurrence of such
mean jokes. The cricket series between Pakistan and India would be held
soon which calls for advanced security arrangements. One should also keep
in mind the threat hurled by Shiv Sena the extremist organization that they
would not let the scheduled matches to be played. Bal Thakreys son, who is
now heading the Bharatiya Janata Partys militant wing, has repeated similar
threats. It is also hoped that Pakistan Cricket Boards security team which
visited India to observe security arrangements has looked into every aspect.
REVIEW
During the period of last four weeks ending 9th December there have
been quite a few events in Pakistan meriting comments but none of those
deserve detailed review. Some of such events are enumerated below along
with brief remarks.
361
The Supreme Court asked Asma Jahangir to fulfill her promise

regarding appearing of Husain Haqqani before it in Memo Case. The court
also directed the executive to make requisite arrangements for the former
ambassador; stopping short of saying that he should be presented guard of
honour at the airport.
Interior Minister, Malik announced head-money for his counterpart in
TTP, Ehsanullah Ehsan and few days later he doubled that amount realizing
his worth. Later he himself found out that Ehsan was hiding in Peshawar and
the government was closing the net around him; that reflected the reason for
doubling the head-money.
Hamid Mir kept roaming in the town with an explosive device fixed
under his car, till someone noticed that and informed his driver. TTP owned
the bid to blow him up and that has given a solid pretext to Hamid Mir to
demand an Army operation in North Waziristan, though he has never been
optimistic about the military operations.
In Waziristan, a suicide bomber targeted Mullah Nazir, a pro-Pakistan
Ahmedzai militant commander, who escaped sustaining injuries in the
attack. No one owned the attack; observers however suspected it could have
been carried out by foreign fighters hiding in the region. Nevertheless,
possibility of involvement of occupation forces in Afghanistan cannot be
ruled out.
Olson, the new US Ambassador in Islamabad called on Prime
Minister Raja and the latter complained to the former about ineffectiveness
of drone attacks in tackling the terrorism. He suggested that some alternative
to drones should be found for securing victory in war on terror.
The change in the tone during Pak-US officials meetings in
Washington, Brussels and Islamabad indicated that Pakistan must have
agreed to do more on something not made public. This was also confirmed
when Hafeez Sheikh on return from Washington gave good news to the
Prime Minister about the release of $600 million on account of CSF.
The report of Abbottabad Commission has yet to be made public,
though it is not likely to break any surprise news. The information that has
trickled so far confirmed presence of Osama in the compound at the time of
operation. Dr Afridi and Osamas first wife had been instrumental in
confirmation of his presence in the compound.
Dr Afridi did not know that he was being used for tracking OBL, but
he was aware that he was being used by CIA for gathering some kind on
362
intelligence for which he was paid $1million. He was also told well before
the operation to leave Pakistan but he did not get the point.
Foreign Minister of Afghanistan visited Islamabad and exchanged
pleasantries with Hina Rabbani Khar, which created an impression of a
positive turn in Pak-Afghan relations. This did not last long as Karzai
pointed finger at Pakistani agencies for attack on his intelligence chief.
Zardari skipped Iran and dashed straight to England though it had
been announced that he would go to Tehran to finalize the deal for
construction of gas pipeline. In England he visited Malala in Queen
Elizabeth Hospital granting her the distinction of the only one to be visited
by the President out of thousands wounded across Pakistan.
Zardari has the knack of doing the right things at the right time. In
election year a trip to Tehran could have annoyed the US masters; whereas a
few moments spent with Malala could accrue better dividends both inside
Pakistan and abroad. Earlier, it was in the same spirit that he had instructed
Prime Minister Raja not to attend SCO meeting and instead send
Information Minister. All this can also be linked to the cancellation of the
visit of Valdimir Putin to Islamabad some time ago never do a thing that
could annoy the American masters.
In a glaring contrast to the conduct of rulers in Islamabad, Iranian
government remained steadfast against US pressure. They have yet to
acquire the wisdom of Zardari that tells him to be ever-ready to stoop and
stumble on the show of a piece of carrot or on hearing swirl of a stick.
Ever since Zardari came to power courtesy the United States; he has
been pursuing the policy of appeasement with India. At times it seemed that
instead of obeying commands of American masters, he sincerely wanted to
foster Sindhi-Hindi Brotherhood. With the noble feeling of brotherhood at
the back of his mind he has been going an extra mile to win hearts and
minds of Indians.
In this context some sections of the media are fully in league with
him. The Jang Group of news papers has even launched a campaign in
collaboration with an Indian newspaper by the name of Amn Ki Asha. They
are ever ready to promote Amn at any price.
On the other hand, the Indians have correctly comprehended the true
spirit of Amn ki Asha and that of Zardaris Sindhi-Hindi Brotherhood. They
served a bottle filled with chemical to Zishan, the captain of visiting cricket
363
team of blinds. He was rushed to hospital and the hosts regretted the mistake
of serving wrong refreshment.
This mistake was committed a day after the Pakistani team had
inflicted a crushing defeat on Indian team by eight wickets. The visitors
certainly deserved the hospitality they were meted out. The mistake was
bound to take place.
It is also certain that this incident will not dent Zardari regimes
resolve to foster Sindhi-Hindi Brotherhood and pursue the mission of Amn
Ki Asha. They wont mind sacrificing several Pakis for this noble cause as
long as they are Zishans, not Bilawals. What is the worth of a blind when
compared to the rewards accruing from the above referred noble missions.
The team will not be told to come back, nor will the forthcoming tour
of Pakistans cricket team would be cancelled. Zardaris clown looking after
cricket affair in Pakistan has already announced that the tour will not be
affected by the mistake that has already been regretted.
Sindhi rulers in Pakistan cannot afford annoying Hindi brothers. They
can threaten Nawaz Sharif of banning his entry into Sindh, but nothing of
the sort can be said to Hindi brothers. They cannot do so because the
American masters wont approve of that. Above all this fits in Zardaris own
scheme of appeasing India so that Pakistan Army could be cut to size.
Army has been the cause of soar eyes for the Crusaders and for
Zardari and his like-minded politicians. For the former it has to be targeted
for demilitarization of Pakistan, which is one of the goals of the holy war
against Islamic fascists and for the latter Army has to be weakened to the
extent that it does not cause any interruption in democratic dispensation in
Pakistan.
In addition to the above convergence of interests, the events of last
four years point out yet another reason for having brotherly relations with
India with a view to reducing the defence forces. By doing that, plenty can
be saved for development funds that can be allotted to each parliamentarian
every year.
The Defence budget of the current financial year is Rs545.39 billion
and according to Chairman NAB, Fasih Bokhari, every day Rs7 billion are
lost due to corruption, which comes to Rs2,255 billion annually. It means
that the defence budget is just about 24 percent of the public money spent
for promoting the business of corruption.
364
Notwithstanding the exaggeration, four more armies of equivalent

strength can be raised if the democratic business of plundering the public
money is suspended, but those in this booming business would never let that
happen. They have the eyes fixed on Rs545 billion spent on defence and
they would like to divert bulk of it to the most profitable sector of politics of
plundering; hence the dire need for promoting Sindhi-Hindi Brotherhood.
10th December, 2012

PART TWO
Armaghan-i-Hijaz is the last collection of Allamahs poetical works
which was published after the death of the poet. Allamah wanted to publish
it after performing Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca and that was why that he
had named it as a Gift from the Hijaz to his countrymen.
He had wished to undertake the journey to Mecca and Madina but that
wish was not realized because of continuous illness during the last years of
his life. Nevertheless, the gaps that were yet to be filled by the author, cast
365
no diminishing effect on the quality that is hallmark of Allamahs poetical

works.
In fact, this book stands out in conveying the intended message in
minimum words as Allamah had abundant experience to his credit. This
feature especially stands out in the first part of the book which comprises
Persian poetry.
This part has five sub-parts, out of which the fourth is devoted to the
mankind and this chapter of the Volume-III consists of fourth sub-part of
Persian works of Armaghan-i-Hijaz. All, but the last seven quatrains are
translated by Q A Kabir
The translator in the introductory lines wrote: In order to create
Persian sweet taste in English I have avoided the use of words having three
or four syllables particularly when the vocal harmony is missing, for
example Crocodile, Alligator, obedience etc. in case of Crocodile I would
use its diminutive viz croco; for Gabriel, Abraham and Alexander I would
use the Gabe, the Abe, Alec and so on. Since Pharoah is pronounced as 'Fero'
a use of its Dim is not required. I have tried to do full justice with Iqbal in
my translations, yet it is my first attempt. I would request the critics to avoid
criticism with exaggeration.
The fourth section of the Persian Part of Armaghan-i-Hijaz, which is
devoted to the mankind, began with a verse from Javed Namah:

Adamiyat ehtiram-e-Adami, bakhabar shou az mowam-e-Adami.
Admiyat ehtiram-e-Adami (sey ebarat) hai, tou Adami ka moqam pehchan.
Honour of man is the manliness base. Beware! What is man and the mans
high place.
Set One
*****(1)*****

366
Bia saqi biyaraan kohna maey ra; jawan frodin kon piroey ra.
Nawaey deh keh az faiz-e-dum-e-khwaish; cho mishal bar frozam chobe-ney ra.
[Saqi! Othh aur porani sharab la, aur oss sey khazan zadah bhhorrey ko
naujawan-e-baharan bana dey.
Mojhey aisa (atashin) naghmah atta kar keh mein apney dum kay faiz sey
bansari ki lakrri ko mishaal ki tarah roshan kar don.]
O bearer come and serve the old wine, which gives an old man the youths
new shine.
Give me a sweet tone that by my breath own, like torch I may lit up my
flutes gay tone (love tone).
(In this chapter Iqbal is addressing whole mankind without distinction of
cast and creed.)
*****(2)*****

Yakkey az hohraey khilwat baroon aey; babaad-e-sobhgahi seinah
bakoshaey.
Khrosh ein
bifazaey.
moqam-e-rung-o-boo
ra,
baqadar-e-nalah-e-morghey
[Zara apney khalwat kadah sey bahar aa, aur nasim-e-sobh kay saamney
apna seinah khhol.
(Pher) nalah-e-morgh sey iss moqam-e-rung-o-boo (dunya) kay josh-okhrosh mein azafah kar.]
Leave thy solitude cell for a while please, ope thy bosom thus from the
morning breeze.
For a tempo to worlds hustle and thrill, raise thy tune and tone to song
birds trill (sing a musical note with a trill).
367
Set Two
*****(1)*****

Zamanah fitnah-ha awoord-o-bagozasht; khasan ra dar baghal perwardo-bagozasht.
Duo sadd Baghdad ra Chingazi-e-oo; cho gor teirah-e-bakhtan kard-obagozasht.
[Zamaney ney kaeyi fitney paida keay aur aagey barrh gaya, oss ney apni
baghal mein khas-o-khashak (kam qimat lougon) ki perwarash ki aur gozar
gaya.
Oss ki Chingazi ney sainkaron Baghdad siyah bakhton ki gor ki manind
veraan keay aur woh (biperwaeyi sey) aagey barrh gaya.]
With times came unrest which passed so quick, it reared great satans and
passed so quick.
Many Baghdads were raped by tyrants greal; it leveled their graves and
passed like spate (reference to Changaiz Khan).
*****(2)*****

Basa kas andoh-e-farda kashidand; keh de mordand-o-farda ra
nadeidand.
Khonak mardaan keh dar damaan-e-imroz; hazaran tazah-tar hangamah
chiedand.
[Bohat sey aisey loug aeindah kay ghum mein gariftar rehey (mien yeh
karon ga kehtey rehey), jo maazi he mein mur gaey, onnhon ney
mostaqbil nah dikhha (kochh kar nah sakkey).
368
Mobarik hein woh loug jinhon ney apney aaj kay daman mein hazaron
neay hangamey choney (jinhon ney apni zindagi mein amlun kochh kar
kay dikhhaya).]
Those who had fears for the future days, they died yesterday before coming
days.
Lucky are those whose dress of today, is booming with success day by day.
(Iqbal has taken the first two lines from a verse of Amir Khisro with basic
thought: To whom future looms with fears and gloom, to mankind thus they
bring only doom.)
Set Three
*****(1)*****

Cho bulbul nalah-e-zaarey nadaari; keh dar tun jan-e-bidarey nadaari.
Darein gulshan keh gulchini halal ast; tou zakhmey az sar-e-kharey
nadaari.
[Tou bulbul ki tarah nalah-e-zaar naheen rakhhta, kiyuonkeh teyrey badan
kay andar rooh bidar naheen.
Yeh bagh jahan phool chonaney ki ajazat hai; tou ney kissi kantey ki nok
sey zakham naheen khaya (koeyi azim kam saranjam deyney mein taklif
naheen othhaeyi).]
Like nightingale you know not the groans and wails, you lack living soul in
your set up frail.
This garden which gives the rose plucking right, you felt no pricks alas! For
the thorns fright.
*****(2)*****

369

Biya bar khwaish paichidan biamoz; banakhon seinah kawidann biamoz.
Agar khwahi Khuda ra faash beini; khodi ra faash-tar deidan biamoz.
[Othh aur apney aap per twajoh markooz karna seikhh, apney nakhon sey
apna seinah zakhmi karna seikhh.
Agar Allah Taalla ko bipardah dikhhna chahta hai, tuo apni khodi ko
faash-tar dikhhna seikhh.]
Come forward and learn the self seeing art, learn the hard task and sufferings
of heart.
If you wish clear vision of God the Great, learn to see the self in a vivid
state.
(Khwesh paechidan; Literal meanings are self-wrapping or self writhing or
self coiling but in Iqbals own terminology it means self seeing. The
meaning of Khwesh paechidan or Bakhud paechidan should not be mixed
up with Paech-o-tab.)
*****(3)*****

Gillah az sakhti-e-ayyam bigozaar; keh sakhti-e-nakashidah kam ayyar
ast.
Nami daani keh aab-e-jooeybaraan; agar barr sung ghaltad khoshgawar
ast.
[Sakhti-e-zamanah ki shikayat chhorr, kiyuonkeh jiss ney sakhti naheen
dikhhi, woh napokhtah reh jata hai.
Kaya tou naheen janta keh aabshar ka pani, pathar per girey tuo
khoshgawar manzar paish karta hai.]
Give up the habit to weep on fate; face the hard times with a courage great.
370
Dont you know that the water of a brook, when falls on stone, it gives a
lovely look.
*****(4)*****

Kabotar bachah-e-khod ra chih khosh goft; keh natwaan zeist ba-khooey
hariri.
Agar Ya Hoo zanni az masti-e-shouq; kollah ra az sar-e-shaheen bagiri.
[Kabotar ney apney bachah sey kaya khoob baat kehi, raishmi adaat (naram
tabiyyat) sey zindgi basar naheen ki ja sakti.
Agar tou masti-e-shouq sey Hoo Hoo ka taarah lagaey; tuo shaheen kay
sar sey (bhi) taj chhein sakta hai.]
A gull said to shaver, nice witty thing, you cannot exist with the silken wing.
With a fondness great if you call Ya Hoo, you can catch hawks head with
a loving coo.
(Some people say that a pigeon says Ya Hoo in every coo. Hence Iqbal is
speaking in passages. His pigeon is a virtuous man. In America a pigeon is
also called a gull.)
*****(5)*****

Fatadi az moqam-e-kibriaeyi; hazoor-e-doon nihadaan chihra-saeyi.
Tou shaheeni-o-laikan khwaishtan ra; nagiri ta-bedaam-e-khod-niaeyi.
[Tou azmat kay moqam sey nichey gir gaya, tou ney razilon kay samney
paishani ragarrna shoroa kar-di.
Tou shaheen hai, laikan tou apna (moqam) nah pa sakkey ga, jabb takk tou
apney daam mein nah aaey ga (apni azmat ka ehsas nah karey ga).]
371
You had fallen then from a godly place, to courts of mean men you sought a
close face.
Thou art a hawk, to self you cannot get, until you are caught in thy selfs
own net.
Second Version (if Fatadi is verb transitive): Thou dropped me first from the
godly place, later to the lowered you showed Thy face.
Thou art a Hawk Great for us you then care, when you are trapped in thy
own Snare*.
(*By this Iqbal means to say that one cannot he a complete Muslim until the
total obedience of God becomes his second nature. In that phase he moulds
himself into the pattern of obedience. When he acts on the commandments
of God he feels as if it is his own bent of mind, or as if it is a matter of daily
routine to him, and no one has thrust upon him that duty. It makes a
complete change in meanings if Fatadi is used as verb transitive. The first
version is however more nearer to truth, as this chapter is addressed to
mankind. Since God is houseless, He cannot be contained in any place,
neither on earth nor on the Heavens. But He comes in the heart of a Momin,
in the heart of a faithful being. When the God responds to the Love calls of a
Momin, He comes into his heart. Since The God chose the heart of a Momin
for a place to Him, He is caught Himself in that snare. Since the God made
this snare by His Own Hands and He likes to be caught in that snare, under
extreme pangs of love of a Momin, it will be more appropriate to read line 3
and 4 (of 2nd version) as: Thou art a Hawk Great for us you cared then, when
you were caught in thy own snare and den.)
*****(6)*****

Khosha rozey keh khod ra baz giri; hameen faqr ast ko bakhshad amiri.
Hayat-e-javidaan andar yaqin ast; reh-e-takhmin-o-zann giri bemiri.
[Kaya mobarak ho ga woh dinn jabb tou apney aap ko dobarah pa-ley ga,
yehi woh faqr hai jo shahinshahi atta karta hai.
Hamaishah ki zindagi yaqin-e-(pokhtah) sey hasil hoti hai, agar tou shakoko-shobhat ka rastah ikhtiyar karey ga, tuo khatam ho jaey ga.]
372
I hail that day when he turns to selfs bold; this is the faqrs essence which
makes him gold.
The lasting life thus in certitude lies, a thought when you follow the self then
dies*.
(*When you express your own opinion or view in the exegesis of Quran or
Hadith it means that you are (unconsciously or inadvertantly) under an
impression that the God, and the Prophet, were unable to explain those
verses, inspite of all the eloquence we owe to the words of Allah in the Holy
Quran. There a man claims to be a great scholar than God Himself. As such
if you prefer the views of the biggest scholar on earth over the clear meaning
of Holy Quran, then your faith, gnosis and then the certitude in God and the
Prophet is not complete The views of different experts, may be the Holiest
men on earth, create different castes and creeds in any religion.
This is unthinkable and unbelievable that a particular view or a particular
opinion which we know is due to the scholarly knowledge of any one
individual. The Holy Books are a common legacy of entire mankind and
every faithful has a right to know what is written in the lines. As such no
body has got a right to misinterpret any meanings, to mislead others. It is
within the privilege of a 100% true faithful to understand the meanings of
the Holy Books with his own intellect and academic knowledge because
every body is directly responsible to God, who knows what is hidden in our
hearts. It is better to teach the meanings of a Book, unnecessary
commentries should be avoided. The scholars do not require any comrnentry.
The commentous are written only for those people whose knowledge of the
text is very poor.)
*****(7)*****

Tou hum missl-e-mun az khod dar hijabi; khonak rozey keh khod ra
bazyabi.
Mera kafir konad andaishah-e-rizq; tera kafir konad ilm-e-kitabi.
373
[Tou bhi meyri tarah apney aap sey poshidah hai, mobarik ho ga woh dinn
jabb tou apney aap ko dobarah pa ley ga.
Mojhey zindagi ki fikar ney kafir bana diya hai, tojhey ilm-e-kitabi (jadid
aloom) ney kafir kar diya hai (Allah Taalla per aiyman sey mehroom kar
diya hai).]
Like me you are too wrapped in a veil, you turn to self when that good day
I hail my fear of living takes, to Kufrs camp hark! Books knowledge leads
to Kufrs pitch dark.
(Kufr: Unbelief, darkness; pitch as pitch black, pitch blind, pitch dark.
Underlying thought: Since you and me both are unaware of our ego, due to
many veils between man and God, which the man has placed before his
eyes, these veils must be removed to attain the place of certitude. These veils
are unnecessary barriers between a man and the reality.)
*****(8)*****

Chih khosh goft ashtarey ba karrah-e-khwaish; khonak ankas keh danid
kar-e-khod ra.
Ba-gir az ma kohan-e-sehra nawardan; beh posht-e-khwaish bordan bare-khod ra.
[Ont ney apney bachey sey kaya achhi baat kehi, mobarik ho woh shakhs jo
apni zomahdari pehchanta hai.
Hum poraney sehra nawardon sey yeh (gur) seikhh ley, keh apna bojh apni
posht per he othhana chahiey.]
A camel once said a nice word to foal, hes lucky who knows to play his
own role.
Learn from me a knack of desert tramps, to take thy own load from camps to
camps.
(Second Version: Learn from me the desert rambling knack; to take thy own
load on thy own back.)
374
Set Four
*****(1)*****

Mera yad ast az danaey Afrang; basa razey keh az bood-o-adum goft.
Wlaikan ba tou goeym ein duo harfey; keh ba mun pir mardey az Ajam
goft.
[Mojhey eik Afrangi dana kay bohat sey aisey raaz yad hein, jo woh hast-oniest kay barey mein biyan kiya karta thha.
Laikan mein tojhey (onn ki bajaey) Ajam kay eik pir mard (Maulana
Rum)kay woh duo harf sonata hon jo oss ney mojh sey kehey thhey.]
I know many savants and gems of west, on being and non being they felt the
same quest.
Bid me, tell to thee two words at least, to me please talk in accent of East.
*****(2)*****

Illa ay koshtah-e-namehram-e-chund; kharidi az pey yakk dil ghumey
chund.
Z-tawilaat-e-mullayaan-e-nikotar; nashistan bakhod gahey dummey
chund.
375
[Sonn! Ay chund namehramon kay maarey hoey (Farangi professoron ko

asrar-e-jan sey namehram kaha hai), tou ney (maghrabi taalim kay
zariah) apney eik dil kay leay sainkaron tafaqaraat kharid leay hein
Kissi Allah-waley kay pass chund lamhey baithhna, zahari aloom kay
maharin ki noktah afriniyan sonnaney sey kaheen behtar hai.]
Hark! O victim of wits of aliens few, for one heart you brought a score of
griefs new.
Then Mullahs views it was better to sit, with a self-conscious sage with
egos wit.
Set Five
*****(1)*****

Wajood ast einkeh beini ya namood ast; hakim-e-ma chih moshkil-ha
kashood ast.
Kitabey bar fun-e-ghwaas banawisht; wlaikan dar dil darya nabood ast.
[Yeh alam jo tou dikhh raha hai (haqiqi) wajood rakhhta hai ya sirf yuon
dikhhaeyi deyta ha, hamarey Maghrabi flasfah ney kaya moshilaat paida
kar rakhhi hein.
Oss ne ghwasi kay fun per kitab tuo likhh de, magar ossey darya kay andar
jana nasib naheen hoa.]
This being* would last or just a passing show, the wise could not solve this
knotty tie so.
He wrote a book though on diving in sea, to his hearts sea ah! he could
never see!
(*It is difficult to convey the true sense of beeni. If it conveys an opposite
sense of Namud then its meaning is truth. Iqbal has not used beena
(Conscious, having insight, a seeing being) here, still Wajud-i-beeni means
conscious being. We enjoy both the meanings. If it means truth, then
376
translation of line 2 gives a correct sense. Line 1 means: What we see would
last, or a passing show, this being is a truth or just a false show.)
*****(2)*****

Beh zarb-e-taishah bashikin baistoon ra; keh forsat andak-o-gardoon duo
rung ast.
Hakimaan ra darein andaishah bagozar; sharar az taishah khaizad ya zsung ast.
[Taishey ki zarb sey baiston paharr torr daal; kiyuonkeh forsat kam hai
aur halat ka kochh eitibar naheen.
Falsafiyuon ko issi soch mein parra rehney dey keh chingari taishah sey
nikalti hai ya pathar sey.]
With battle axe smite the Bistoon Mountain, the time is short trust on sky too
in vain.
Leave the wise men thus in their headaches own, did the spark raised from
the axe or from stone?*
(*Farhad had taken a pledge with the King of Persia to dig a canal from
Baistoon Mountain against which the King pledged to marry his daughter
(princess) with him. There was a long controversy amongst Persian
historians, poets or phillosophers whether Farhad was killed by his own axe
or from a stone rolling from the mountain top. The readers would find a hint
of that controversy in the above mentioned quatrain (twin couplet).
*****(3)*****

377
Ma-neh az kaff chiragh-e-arzoo ra; badast wer moqam-e-Ha-o-Hoo ra.

Ma-shau dar charsooey ein jahan gom; bakhod baz-o-bashikin chaar-soo
ra.
[Ommeid ka chiragh haath sey nah chhorr (ommeid qaim rakhh) aur Ha-oHoo (Ishq-e-Elahi) ka moqam hasil kar.
Iss jahan kay chahar atraaf (hadood) mein gom nah ho ja, balkeh apney aap
mein aa aur inn hadood ko torr daal (onn sey wara nikal ja).]
Keep the craves lamp burning ever in heart, get the place where the uproars
start.
Do not get lost in the worlds four nooks, break the four nooks, and turn to
selfs look.
*****(4)*****

Dil-e-darya skoon-e-biganah az tost; beh jeibash gohar-e-yakk danah az
tost.
Tou ay mouj iztirab-e-khod nigahdar, keh darya ra mataa-e-khanah az
tost.
[Ay mouj! Darya kay dil kay andar tojhi sey talatam hai, teyrey he bais oss
ki jeib mein qimati moti hai.
Tou apna iztirab qaim rakhh, kiyuonkeh darya kay ghar ki poonji teyri he
wajah sey hai.]
O hearts sea! No peace yet known to thee, the gloss of gems here, due to my
glee.
O wave! Thus guard thy own restive thrill, the noise of storms thus, due to
thy will.
(The literal translation of line 4 is as follows: To sea, the whole asset is thy
own homes wealth, makes no sense if written in English. Here the meaning
of Mata-i-Khana is legacy.)
378
*****(5)*****

Duo geiti ra bakhod bayad kasheidan, nabayab az hazoor-e-khod
rameidan.
Beh noor-e-dosh bein imroz-e-khod ra; z-dosh-e-imroz ra natwaan
rabudan.
[Apney aap sey ghagna naheen chahiey, balkeh duonon jahanon ko apni
taraf khhinchna chahiey.
Apney mazi ki roshni mein apna haal dikhh; haal ko mazi sey alag naheen
kiya ja sakta.]
To both the worlds win with efforts and zeal, from thee never run for thy
own selfs weal.
From light of past see the light of to day, to day you cant cut off from the last
day.*
(*Rabudan: To pounce upon and run away. Here it means to separate, keep
apart, detach.)
*****(6)*****

Ba-ma ay lalah khod ra wa-namoodi; niqab az chehra-e-zeba kashoodi.
Tera choon bar dameidi lalah goftand; beh shakh andar chasaan boodi
chih boodi?
[Ay gul-e-lalah! tou ney apney khoobsurat chihrey sey niqab othha kar
apney aap ko hum per zahar kiya hai.
379
Jabb tou shakh sey phhota tuo tojhey lalah kaha gaya, magar (yeh bata keh)
jabb tou shakh kay andar thha, oss waqt kaya thha, kaisa thha?]
You show us O Poppy! Thy selfs own trace, and turned the hid mask of thy
charming face.
I call you poppy when you show thy face, in branch what you looked?
Where was thy trace?*
(*It is up to the readers to infer their own conclusions of the philosophical
points referred to here being not within the field of the translator. Here Iqbal
has left a feeler to the believers of pantheism, theism and panentheism.)
Set Six
*****(1)*****

Nagiryad mard az ranj-o-dard; z-duoraan kam nashinad bar dilash gard.
Qiyas oo-ra makon az giryah-e-khwaish; keh hast az soz-o-masti giryah-emard.
[Jawan-mard ranj-o-dard sey naheen rota, oss kay dil per zamaney ka gardo-ghobar naheen jamta.
Oss kay giryah ko apney giryah ki manind nah samajh, mard kay ansoo
(ishq ki) soz-o-masti ki wajah sey tapkatey hein.]
A man weeps not from a grief or pains, no dust eer falls, on his heart
from.strain.
If he eer weeps you take it in this sense, his weeping is a part of love pangs
trance.
(Second Version: If he ever weeps take not a view bad, in love pangs impact
he weeps being mad.)
*****(2)*****
380

Napindari keh mard imtihan mord; namirad garchih zir-e-asmaan mord.
Tera shayan chonein marg ast varnah; zehar margey keh khwahi mitawan
mord.
[Yeh nah samajh keh mard (-e-maidan) -e-imtihan ko mout aa sakti hai,
agarchih woh iss dunya sey intiqal kar jata hai, magar woh marta naheen.
Yehi mout teyri shan kay shiyan hai, varnah tou jiss mout sey chahey mur
sakta hai.]
If a tested man dies, think not ever, he dies on the earth, there he dies never.
To thee thus suits a death of such state, though dead yet lasts his selfs
pleasant trait.
*****(3)*****

Agar khak-e-tou az jan-e-mehramey neist; bashakh-e-tou hum az nisaan
nummey neist.
Z-ghum zaad shodam ra nigahdar; keh andar seinah-e-pordam ghumey
neist.
[Agar teyri khak-e-(badan) kay andar jan-e-(porsoz) maheen, tuo teyri
shakh (afkar) bhi abar-e-(rehmat) sey numdar naheen hogi.
Houslah qaim rakhh aur ghum sey azad reh, kiyuonkeh houslah-mand
seinah kay andar koeyi ghum naheen reh sakta.]
If thy dust has no link with soul and heart, no rain1 can moisten thy heartss
any part.
Be free from griefs, guard breath with His hum, in man full of dam no griefs
can come.*
381
(Second Version: If thy dust shares not secrets of soul, no rains can moisten
the off shoots whole. No griefs when you inhale Allahs dam, in full of dam
bosom no griefs can come.)
(*Rain; here it means a guide viz, spiritual guide.)
*****(4)*****

Parishan her dum ma az ghumey chund; sharik her ghumey namehramey
chund.
Wlaikan tarah fardaeyi tawaan raikht; agar dani bahaey ein dummey
chund.
[Hamari zindagi ka her sans motaadad ghumon sey parishan hai, aur
hamarey her ghum mein kaeyi namehram sharik hein.
Laikan agar tou inn chund dumon ki qadar jan ley, tuo inn per mostaqbil ki
boniyad rakhhi ja sakti hai.]
My each breath blows with griefs many more, my friends share not my
griefs anymore.
Yet future can be shaped to large extent, if you know the great price of each
instant.*
(*Literal version of line: My grief is shared by aliens few. Here aliens or
Na Mahram could also mean wealth, riches (of the world) to whom the
poet thinks aliens to him.)
*****(5)*****
382
Jawanmardey keh dil ba khwaishtan bost; rowad dar behar-o-darya

aiman az shast.
Nigah ra jalwah-e-masti-ha halal ast; waley, bayad nigah dari dil-o-dast.
[Woh jawanmard jiss ney apney aap sey dil laga leya, woh behar-o-darya
mein kantey sey mehfooz ottar gaya.
Nigah kay leay jalwah-e-(hosn) sey lotf-andoz hona jaiz hai, magar dil aur
haath ko zabt kay tehat rakhhna chahiey.]
A young who tied heart with egos call, he swam quite safe, along seas, and
rivers all.
No harm if you relish a decent scene, keep an eye on heart that the hands are
clean.
*****(6)*****

Az aan ghum-ha dil-e-ma dardmand ast; keh asal-e-oo azein khak
nazzand ast.
Mun-o-tou zaan ghum-e-shirin nadanim, keh asal-e-oo z-afkar-e-boland
ast.
[Hamara dil iss leay ghumon sey dardmand hai, keh oss ki asal oss khake-pust (yaani dunya) sey hai.
Mien aur tou iss ghum-e-shirin sey bikhabar hein, jiss ki asal afkar-eboland sey hai.]
Such griefs this heart now likes to take, like dust of low things of humble
make.
To those sweet griefs alas! We know not, which make a man great with
higher thought.
*****(7)*****
383

Ma-go ba mun Khudaey chonin kard; keh shostan mitawan az damanash
gard.
Teh-o-bala kon ein alam keh darooey; qemarey mi-bord namard az mard.
[Mojh sey yeh nah keh keh hamarey Khuda ney yuon kar diya, kiyuonkeh
oss ki taqdir kay daman sey gard dhhoeyi ja-sakti hai.
Aisi dunya ko teh-o-bala kar dey; jiss mein na-ehl shakhs, ehl se bazi jeet
jata hai.]
Blame not the God for this or that hurt, this dust should be dusted from thy
skirt*.
Change the heinous world whose bad nature yet, gives lead to bookies to
take the whole bet.
(*It means that man must absolve himself from such complaints against
God.)
*****(8)*****

Baroon kon keinah ra az seinah-e-khwaish; keh dood-e-khanah az rozan
baroon beh.
Z-kisht-e-dil madeh kas ra khrajey; mashau ay deh-Khuda gharat-gar
deh.
[Apney seiney sey keinah bahar nikal dey, ghar ka dhona rozan sey bahar
nikal deyna he behtar hai.
Apney dil kay khhait sey kisi ko lagan atta nah kar, ay gaon kay maalik!
apna gaon veraan nah kar (keinah sey dil veraan ho jata hai).]
384
Turn out fire of envy from thy hearts core, like smoke of house through the
ventilator or door.
No tax ever pay on hearts yield to none, to make the lands barren O!
Landlord shun.
*****(9)*****

Sehra-ha dar greybaan-e-shab-e-oost; duo geiti ra farogh az kokab-eoost.
Nishan-e-mard-e-Haq digar chih goeym; cho marg ayad tabasam bar
labb-e-oost.
[Mard-e-Haq ki shabb kay girybaan mein kaeyi sobhein poshidah hein, oss
(ki taqdir) kay sitarah sey duonon jahan roshan hein.
Mard-e-Haq ki pehchan aur kaya bataon, mout kay waqt oss kay labbon
per tabasam hota hai.]
In his nights behold many dawns bright, both the words are bright from his
moons light.
I give thee some signs for that Muslims trace, he welcomes his death with a
smiling face.
Set Seven
*****(1)*****

Ba-baad-e-sobhdum shabnam banaleid; keh darum az tou ommeid-enigahey.
385
Dil-um afsurdah shod az sohbat-e-gul; chonan bagozar keh raizam bar

giyahey.
[Shabnam ney sobh ki hawa sey ro-kar kaha, mien tojh sey eik meharbani ki
tawaqa rakhhti hon.
Phool ki sohbat sey meyra dil afsordah ho choka hai, abb iss tarah gozar
keh mien ghhas per giron (khwas sey na-ommeid hon).]
To the morning breeze weepd the dew in trance, I cherish from thee a
favour of glance.
I have fostered gloom from the Rose, alas! Thus pass in a way that I fall on
grass.
(The morning breeze viz, the poet himself. The drew; is a Muslim in the
company of Rose. Rose; (in the company of rose) = of a rich wealthy man.
Grass; an allusion to a poor man, or the poor. As such the poet has given this
message Paraphrased:
A Momin asked me for a favour which, has made himself sad in friendship
of rich.
The wealthy mens way has twised my face, thus drop me on the poor with
special grace.
Her rich are misers friends of joy and Jin, they never seek essence being
bound in Skin.
They worship the kings and sovereigns might,they are rivals of faith and
godly light.)
Set Eight
*****(1)*****

386
Dil aan behar ast ko sahal nawarzad; nahang az haibat-e-moujash

balarzad.
Az aan sailey keh sadd-ha mon bagirad; falak ba-yakk hobab-e-oo
nairzad.
[Dil woh samandar hai jo sahal naheen rakhhta, oss ki moujon ki haibat
sey magarmachh bhi dartey hein.
Osskey andar woh sailab othhtey hein jo sainkarron biyabanon ko apni
garift mein ley leytey hein, asman tuo oss kay (sailab Kay) eik bolboley kay
brabar hai.]
The heart is a sea which likes no shore, a shark too shivers from his waves
roar.
Like tempest which takes jungles of rubble, the whole skys worth, not
alike his bubble.
(Here nahang (alligator) is probably the Satan Iqbal has explained
different states of heart: Sometimes a huge sea in which the whole cosmos
can be contained. As such his heart is not a mere lump of flesh which beats
in bosom. It is a place in which God himself likes to live when He loves a
man.)
*****(2)*****

Dil-e-ma aatash-o-tun mouj-e-doodash; tapeid dum-ba-dum saaz-ewajoodash.
Beh zikr-e-neim-shabb jamiat-e-oo; cho seimabey keh bund-o-chob-eoodash.
[Hamara dil aag hai aur badan oss kay dhonein ki mouj, mosalsal tarrap
oss (dil) kay wajood ka saaz hai.
Zikr-e-neim-shabb sey dil ki tarbiyyat hai, jaisey parah ko ood ki lakarri
sakan kar deyti hai.]
387
My heart is a fire, a smoke my frame, my beings harp burns with a constant

flame.
From mid night prayers the heart gets a calm, like mercury* closed in aloe
wood balm.@
(* The mercury was killed (to make calx) in aloe wood in old days. Aloe
wood is called ood (Ud) in Arabic and Persian. (It also means lute or harp).
It gives a sweet smelling fragrance when it burns. @ Balm: ointment that
which gives peace of mind or consolation.)
*****(3)*****

Zamanah kar-e-oo ra mi-bord paish; keh mard-e-khod nigahdar ast
darvesh.
Hamein faqr ast-o-sultani keh dil ra nigah-dari cho darya gohar-ekhwaish.
[Zamanah (khod) oss kay kam ko aagey bhrrata hai, kiyuonkeh khod-dar
shakhs mard-e-darvesh hai.
Yehi faqt hai aur yehi sultani keh tou apney dil ki iss tarah hifazat karey
jaisey darya apney gohar ki hifazat karta hai.]
His help the world seeks like his slave own, since he guarded self with
saintly tone.
This is faqr and kingship which guards the heart, as sea guards pearls like a
best work of art.
(Iqbals main philosophy is based on four principles of the mystics of Islam
(out of 8 or 11) Iqbal has probably taken the idea of self from the term
Khilwat dar Anjuman; Privacy (with God) in social gatherings and other
social contacts. Iqbals whole mission of life was Hosh dar dam,
consciousness of each breath inhaled, Nazar barqadam (eye down cast),
Safar dar watan (journey for Home, lost by him on heavens and Khilwat
dar Anjuman.)
388
*****(4)*****

Neh nairvey khodi ra azmoodey; neh bund az dast-o-paaey khod
kashoodey.
Khird zinjir boodey Adami ra; agar dar seinah-oo dil naboodey.
[Agar Adami kay seiney mein dil na hota, tuo nah woh apni khodi ki qowwat
aazmata;
Aur nah apney haath paaon kay bund khholta, balkeh khird zinjir bun kar
ossey jakarrey hoti.]
The Egos power he did not try, his hands and feet too opened no tie.
The wisdom to man is sometimes a chain, if he had no heart* to check and
restrain.
(Heart alone can get freedom from intellect, because intellect itself is a slave
to love.)
*****(5)*****

Tou mi-goeyi keh dil az khak-o-khoon ast; gariftar-e-talism-e-Kaf-o-Nun
ast.
Dil-e-ma garchih andar seinah-e-mast; wlaikan az jahan-e-ma baroon
ast.
[Tou kehta hai keh dil khak-o-khoon sey paida hota hai, aur yeh (bhi)
talism-e-Kon mein gariftar hai.
(Naheen yeh baat naheen) agarchih hamara dil hamarey seinah mein hai,
magar woh hamari dunya sey mawara hai.]
You say the heart is the Khak and Khoon, a work of magic of Kaf and Nun.*
389
My heart is though in the bosom of mine, it is yet beyond the pale of world
thine.
(K and N or Kaf and Nun, are two Arabic alphabets. From K and N, God
said Kun = be, become and the whole cosmos came into being. God says
be (Kun) and it becomes automatically a reality.)
*****(6)*****

Jahan-e-mehr-o-meh zannari-e-oost; kashad-e-her girah az zaari-e-oost.
Payamey deh z-mun Hindustan ra; ghulam azad az bidari-e-oost.
[Yeh kainat dil ki ghulam hai, dil kay soz-o-giriyah sey her moshkal asaan
ho jati hai.
Meyri taraf sey Hindustan ko yeh paigham ponhcha duo, keh ghulam, dil ki
bidari sey azadi hasil karta hai.]
The world of Sun and Moon, slave of his thread, each tie will be ope from
tears lie can shed.
To Hind please convey a message of me, when a slave is wide awake he is
free.
(Zunnar: A thread (with hundred of ties) worn by Hindu Brahmins or Pundits
as a religious custom, (worn around neck).)
*****(7)*****

Mun-o-tou kisht-e-Yazdan. hasil ast ein; aroos-e-zindagi ra mehmal ast
ein.
Ghobar-e-rah shoud dana-e-asrar; napindari keh aqal ast ein, dil ast ein.
390
[Mien aur tou Allah Taalla ki khaiti hein, dil oss ki paidawar hai, yehi
aroos-e-zindagi ka mehmal hai.
Ghobar-e-rah (insan) dana-e-asrar hai, aqal ki wajah sey naheen, balkeh
dil kay bais.]
We are Gods harvest its yield is heart, for lifes bride, it is the lady cart!
He told the dust of path* His Secret Acts, was it due to wisdom or hearts
own tacts?
(*The poet himself.)
*****(8)*****

Gehey joeindah-e-hosn gharibey; khatibey menbar-e-oo az Salibey.
Gehey sultan ba khel-o-sepahey; waley az doulat-e-khod binasibey.
[Kabhi yeh hosn-e-yakta ka talabgar hota hai, kabhi aisa khatib, Salib jiss
ka menbar ho.
Kabhi sahib-e-lao-lashkar sultan, laikan apni doulat sey kanarah-kash.]
To that rare beauty my heart seeks again, to speaker* whose pulpit was
cross and slain.
To the King* often with lancers and force, to wealth who never touched at
any course.
(*Speaker: Refers to Mansoor Hallaj. TheKing: Sultan Noor-ud-Din Zangi.
Sultan N D Zangi raised his banner for Jehad and fought vigorously for 28
years during his reign, from 541 A.H. to 569 A.H. He was victorious in
every battle he fought. He ammassed no wealth except the dust of his face
during fighting which he had collected in a hand-kerchief. He left a will that
when he will be lowered in grave that dust should be rubbed at his face. His
will was fulfilled in like manner.)
*****(9)*****
391

Jahan-e-dil, jahan-e-rung-o-boo neist; dar-oo past-o-boland-o-kakh-o-koo
neist.
Zamin-o-asman-o-char soo neist; darein alam bajoz Allah Hoo neist.
[Yeh rung-o-boo ki dunya, dil ki dunya naheen, dil ki dunya mein pasti-obolandi hai nah mehal-o-kochah.
Nah wahan zamin-o-asman hein, nah chahar atraaf; oss jahan mein
sawaey Allah Hoo kay aur kochh naheen.]
The hearts world is not world of pomp an show, no lanes and doors, there
nor homes high and low.
Neither earth and sky nor the four nooks too, there is none in this world save
Allah hoo.
*****(10)*****

Nigah deid-o-khird paimanah woord; keh paimaid jahan-e-char soo ra.
Maey ashamey keh dil kardand namash; bakhwaish andar kasheed ein
rung-o-boo ra.
[Nigah ney (jahan) ka moshahidah kiya aur khird paimanah ley aeyi, keh iss
chahar atraf kay jahan ki paimaish karey.
Magar woh maey-kash, jissey dil kehtey hein, iss jahan-e-rung-o-boo ko
(eik he jaam mein) pe-gaya.]
The glance brought eyes and wisdom a tape band, to measure four sides and
all the worlds land.
Who drinks the whole wines whom we named heart, who sucks within it all
beauties of art.
392
(Rang-o-boo: It means beauty (of every kind), pomp and show, grandeur,
riches ostentation etc.)
*****(11)*****

Mohabat cheist taseer-e-nigahey ast; chih shirin zakhmey az teer-enigahey ast.
Beh siad-e-dil rawi, tarkash-e-beinad az; keh ein nakhchir, nakhchir-enigahey ast.
[Mohabat kaya hai, taseer-e-nigah; yeh teer-e-nigah ka lagaya hoa kaisa
shirin zakham hai.
Dil kay shikar ko ja raha hai, tuo tarkash phaink dey, keh yeh shikar nigah
ka shikar hai.]
What is the love? An impact of glance, which gives a sweet prick of the
eyes lance.
If you seek hearts hand? Throw quiver and bow, this game is the game of
glance and eye brow?
Set Nine
*****(1)*****

Khodi roshan az noor-e-kibriyaeyi ast; risaeyi-ha-e-oo az narasaeyi ast.
Jodaeyi az moqamaat-e-wisalash-o-wisalash az moqamaat-e-jodaeyi ast.
393
[Khodi Allah Taalla kay noor sey roshan hai; oss ki koshash-e-natamam he
mein oss ki kaamyabi hai.
Oss ka hijr, oss kay wisal kay moqamaat mein sey aur oss ka wisal,
moqamaat-e-jodaeyi mein sey hai.]
The Ego is lucent from Gods light rays, a reach to self gets through out of
reach ways.
Its separation looks part of wasl hence, and wasl a part of separation
trance.
(Wasl or Wisal means tete-a-tete (of God) and tete-a-tete is a private
confidential interview Here Iqbal has explained perplexing phases of
Egos varied attributes in a versatile manner. I would like to quote a few
verses of Iqbal to throw further light on Iqbals expression of self:
A speck of light whom ego we name, its spark is hid in my dusty
frame.
To he lost in His sea, my end was ne er, if you find Him once, you die
not ever.
When Ego is firm no waning it knows, the real wasl lies in the
parting of beaus.
For the worlds remedy the first preface, her slave and page is the
whole human race.
By egos call we can shake and break the spell of grandeur we still
make. This Ego reminds that God is one. Alas this point was followed
by none.)
*****(2)*****

Cho quomey dur gozasht az goftgoo-ha; z-khak-e-oo baroeyad aarzoo-ha.
Khodi az aarzoo shamshir gardad; dum-e-oo rung-ha bord z-boo-ha.
394
[Jabb koeyi quom baatein banana chhorr deyti hai, tuo oss ki khak sey
(hasool-e-maqasad ki) aarzoo janam leyti hai.
Pher aarzoo ki badoulat oss ki khodi shamshir bun jati hai aur oss shamshir
ki dhhar khoshboo (asliyat) sey rung (zahari teep-taap) ko alag kar deyti
hai.]
When a nation gives up gossips course, from her dust then grows the
longings force.
The self becomes sword from longings flow, whose sharp edge cuts all
stains of vain show.
(An explanation of line 4 was rather difficult, to simplify I explain it here:
a) Dam-i-ou (its breath) viz, the cut (of self sword). b) Rang ha; colours.
c) Burrad; cuts down, its infinitive is bureedan. d) Zi-bu ha from its smell (of
pride and snobbery) etc. e) Rang colour, luck, money, stains of vice,
disgrace, shame, vitality, force, riches, wealth, silver, gold, profit, gain, trick
and skill, fraud, cheating, stocks and goods, quality, virtue. See a good
dictionary for other meanings. f) Rang-o-bu; pomp and show, grandeur,
beauty, lustre, brightness; style and manner, riches. g) Boo (bu) smell,
desire, cravings, hopes, sign, foot steps.)
*****(3)*****

Khodi ra az wajood-e-Haq wajoodey; khodi ra az namood-e-Haq
namoodey.
Nami danam keh ein tabindah gohar; koja boodey agar darya naboodey.
[Khodi ka wajood Haq Taalla kay wajood sey hai; khodi ki namood, Haq
(suchaeyi) kay azhar sey hai.
Mien naheen janta keh agar darya nah hota, tuo (khodi ka) yeh taabdar
gohar kahan hota.]
From Gods own being, the self got a being so from Gods own show, to
self He gave a show.
395
About this shining pearl I know not where, it could be then without a river
there.
*****(4)*****

Diley choon sohbat-e-gul mi-pazeerad; haman dum lazzat-e-khwahish
bageerad.
Shwad bidar choon mun fareenad; cho mun mehkoom tun gardad
bameerad.
[Jabb dil matti (badan) ki sohbat ikhtiyar kar leyta hai, tuo ossi waqt ossey
neind ki lazzat aaleyti hai.
Jabb woh mun takhliq karta hai, tuo bidar ho jata hai, laikan agar oss ka
mun tun ka mehkoom ho jaey, tuo woh (dil) mur jata hai.]
The friendship of rose* a heart likes when, to sweet dream tastes, he loves
only, then.
It wakes up when he is conscious of I, when ruled by senses his Ego would
die.
(*Rose in parables of Iqbal means a rich man, given to luxury and easygoing
life.)
*****(5)*****

Wisal-e-ma wisal andar fraq ast; kashood-e-ein girah ghair az nazar ast.
Gohar-e-gom gashtah aaghosh-e-darya ast; wlaikan aab-e-behar, abb-egohar neist.
396
[(Allah Taalla sey) hamara wisal, wisal andar fraq hai; jabb takk insan
mein nazar paida nah ho, yeh oqdah waa naheen hota.
Bishakk gohar (khodi), aaghosh-e-darya (Bari Taalla) mein gom hai,
magar aab-e-behar aur aab-e-gohar mein bohat farq hai (Gohar darya
mein rehtey hoey bhi, darya sey alag hai)]
His partings prick in my tete-a-tete lies, to ope this tie get a glance of ones
eyes.
That pearl is hidden though in depths of sea, to pearls water yet we cannot
call sea.
*****(6)*****

Kaff-e-khakey keh daram az dar-e-Oost; gul-o-rihanam az abr-e-tar-eOost.
Neh mun ra mi-shanasam mun neh oo-ra; waley danam keh mun andar
bar-e- Oost.
[Meyri khak-e-badan ossi kay dum qadam sey hai, meyrey gul-o-rihan
(afkar-o-jazbat) ossi kay abr-e-tar kay rahin-e-mannat hein.
Nah mien apney aap ko pehchanta hon, nah Haq Taalla ko, magar itna
janta hon keh mien onn kay pehloo mein hon.]
The dusty look I hold owes to His door, my rose and basil* bloom from His
down pour.
I know not my being, neither His Grace, yet Im in His hold and own
embrace.
(*Gul-o-Rachan (Roz and haezil as pronounced in English). This phrase
conveys a vast meaning in Persian literature, viz. (i) influence, victory, (ii)
power and hold, (iii) in wealth, (iv) kindness, (v) verdure and lush, (vi) food,
ease and comfortable life. As such visuatise these meanings in reading this
couplet.)
397
Set Ten
*****(1)*****

Yaqin danam keh rozey hazrat-e-oo; trazooey nehadd ein kakh-o-koo ra.
Az aan tarsam keh fardaey qiyamat; nah ma ra saazgar ayad nah oo-ra
[Meyra aiyman hai keh eik dinn, Allah Taalla iss dunya (mein kiay gaey
hamarey aamal) kay leay mizaan qaim karein gey.
Magar mojhey yeh durr hai keh qiyamat ka dinn nah hamein raas aey ga,
nah onnhein.]
I am quite certain that on the doomsday, to homes and castles in scale he
would weigh.
Yet I cherish a feeling for that day, it would neither suit Him nor to my
clay.*
(*Underlying thought: It suits not me for my sins great. No hold I had on
passions and fate. I just fulfilled the God destined fate, my sins were a part
of mans own fate. As Hafiz says: In respect you say it was my sin, within
my power was Hafiz no sin.)
*****(2)*****

Beh Roma goft ba mun Rahib pir; keh daram noktaheyi az mun fragir.
Konad her quom paida marg-e-khod ra; tera taqdir-o-ma ra kosht tadbir.
[Shehr-e-Room mein mojhey eik bhhorrey Rahib ney kaha, meyrey pass eik
raaz ki baat hai, who mojh sey lay ley.
398
Her quom khod he apni mout ka samaan paida kar leyti hai, tum
Mosilmanon ko (jamad) taqdir kay tasawar ney mara aur humein (apni)
tadbir (per bhrosa karney) ney.]
In city of Room a pontiff told me, a word of wisdom I like to tell thee.
Every nation makes her deaths own source, to thee the fate, to us the
planning course.
Set Eleven
*****(1)*****

Shonidam marg ba Yazdan chonin goft, chih bi-num chashm-e-aan kaz
gill bazayad.
Cho jan-e-oo bagiram sharamsar, waley oo-ra z-mordun aar nayad.
[Sona hai keh mout ney Allah Taalla sey kaha, yeh (insan) jo mitti sey paida
hota hai, oss ki ankhh kaisi benum hai.
Jabb mien oss ki jan qabz karti hon, tuo mojhey sharam aati hai, magar
ossey murney sey sharam naheen aati.]
The death once said to God in this way, how shameless his eyes though
made from clay.
When I take out his soul I feel a shame, he feels no shame, but, to die with
bad name.
*****(2)*****

Sabatash deh keh mir-e-shash-jehaat ast, badast-e-oo zamam-e-kainat ast.
399
Nagardad sharmsar az khwari-e-marg, keh namehram z-namoos-e-hayat

ast.
[(Mout ney kaha) insan ko sbaat atta farmaiey keh yeh iss (kainat) shash
jehaat ka hokmeraan hai (oss kay haath mein sari kainat ki baag door hai).
(Ajeeb baat hai keh) ossey mout ki zillat sey sharam naheen aati, shaid yeh
hayat ki azmat sey bikhabar hai.]
To king of six nooks give a lasting soul, who holds the reins of the cosmos
whole.
He is not ashamed of deaths disgrace, as he knows not yet lifes honour and
grace.
(In this quatrain the Angel of Death (Izrail) is addressing God.)
Set Twelve
*****(1)*****
Ba-go Iblis ra [Iblis sey kaho) Say to the Devil
Bago Iblis ra az mun payamey, tapeidan ta-koja dar zir-e-daamey.

Mera ein khakdaney khosh na-ayad, keh sohbat neist joz tamheed-eshaamey.
[Meyri taraf sey Iblis ko yeh paigham duo, tou jaal kay neichey kabb takk
tarrapta rehey ga.
Mojhey tou yeh dunya pasand naheen aeyi, jiss ki sobh, tamheed-e-shaam
kay swaey aur kochh naheen.]
From me please give to Satan a message, How long be would like to fret in
this cage.
I like not this dusts happiness brief, whose each dawn ends with the evening
grief.
*****(2)*****
400

Jahan ta az adum baroon kasheedand, zamirash sard-o-bihangamah
deidand.
Baghair az jan-e-ma sozi koja bood, tera az aatash-e-ma aafridand.
[Jabb iss dunya ko adum sey wajood mein laey, tuo iss ka zamir sard aur
hangamon sey khali thha.
Hamari jan kay swaey aur kaheen soz nah thha, tojhey hamari he aag sey
paida kiya gaya.]
As long He made not this wide world anew, her conscience was cold, no
uproars she knew.
Where was a burning without my being then, you too was born thus from
my fire then.
(Basic thought is that no storm could rage without my souls role.)
*****(3)*****

Jodaeyi shouq ra roshan basar kard; jodaeyi shouq ra joindah-tar kard.
Na-mi danam keh ahwal-e-tou choon ast, mera ein aab-o-gill az mun
khabar kard.
[(Allah Taalla sey) jodaeyi ney meyrey shouq (mohabat) ki ankhhein
roshan kar de hein, jodaeyi ney shouq ki jostajoo aur barrha de.
Mojhey maaloom naheen keh tomhara kaya haal hai, magar mojhey tuo iss
dunya ney khod-agah bana diya.]
The separation gave to zeal great spur, it gave to his passions a force and stir.
Of thy own affairs though I have no ken, my heart made me conscious of my
self then.
401
*****(4)*****

Tera az Aastan-e-khod bar-andand; rajeem-o-kafir-o-taghoot khwandand.
Mun az sobh-e-azal dar paich-o-taabam; az aan khaarey keh andar dil
nishandand.
[(Allah Taalla ney) tojhey raindah-e-dargah kar diya, tojhey rajeem, kafir
aur taghoot kaha gaya.
Mien sobh-e-azal sey (ishq-e-Elahi kay) iss kantey kay bais paich-o-taab
khha raha hon, jo meyrey dil kay andar chabo diya gaya hai.]
He drove thee out from the Heavens first, held thee accursed, kafir and rebel
worst.
From the first dawn I am writhing from prick, of thorn which you pricked
with hearts each tick.
*****(5)*****

Tou mi-dani sawab-o-nasawabam; naroeyad danah az kisht-e-kharabam.
Nakardi sajdah-o az dardmandi; bakhod giri gonah bi-hasabam.
[(Ay Iblis) tou meyri naiki ya boraeyi ko janta hai, tojhey maaloom hai keh
meyri veraan khaiti sey danah takk naheen ogta.
Tou ney mojhey sajdah nah kar kay az rah-e-hamdardi, meyrey bihasab
gonahon ki zomah-dari apney sar ley lee hai.]
My rights and the wrongs you already know, no harvest would grow in a
waste land1so.
402
You made not a bow in a pathos vain, and took all the sins in a hard bargain.
(Here waste land is a hint (an allusion) to mans intrinsic nature, devoid of
good qualities.)
*****(6)*****

Biya ta nard ra shahanah bazaim; jahan-e-chaar soo ra dargozaraim.
Beh afsoon-e-honar az barg kahash; behishtey ein sooey gardoon
basaazaim.
[Aa! Hum shahanah andaz sey khail khail kar, iss jahan-e-chaar-soo
(dunya) mein godaz paida kar dein.
Aur apni honarmandi kay afason sey dunya kay barg-e-gah sey, aasman
kay oss janab eik naeyi bahisht bana lein (Adam aur Iblis duonon ko jannat
sey nikal deya gaya thha).]
Let us play chess like a royal game, to melt the world whole with mutual
flame.
Use thy own skill, may be a grain of sand, for a paradise true on every land.
(Nard: Chess or chausar as invented/played first by Bazur Jamuhr of Persia.)
Set Thirteen
*****(1)*****
Iblis-e-khaki-o-Iblis-e-noori
(Khaki Shaitan aur Noori Shaitan)

Fasad-e-asr-e-hazar shikar ast; sapehr az z-shiti-e-oo sharamsar ast.
Agar paida kuni zouq-e-nigahey; duo sadd shaitan tera khidmatgozar ast.
403
[Dour-e-hazar mein jo her taraf fasad barpa hai, woh zahar hai, iss dour ki
boraeyi sey aasman bhi sharamsar hai (aasman ney iss sey pehley aisa bora
dour naheen dikhha).
Agar tou zouq-e-nigah paida kar ley, tuo tojhey apni khidmat kay leay
sainkaron shaitan mill saktey hein.]
From this worlds clear violence the man is sick. The sky feels ashamed of
her ugly tricks.
With a pleasing glance if you can behave, these satans in hundreds will be
thy slave.
*****(2)*****

Beh her koo rehzanaan chashm-o-gosh and; keh dar taraaj dil-ha sakht
kosh and.
Garaan qimat gonahey ba pashnirey; keh ein soudagraan arzaan farosh
and.
[Her kochah mein chasham-o-gosh kay aisey rahzann pher rehey hein, jo
(dinn raat) dil lootney mein lugey rehtey hein.
(Yeh loug dil lootney ka) itna gran qimat gonah korriyon kay ewaz kartey
hein, dikhhiey, yeh saudagar kitney arzan frosh hein.]
Muggers of eyes and ears are roaming in every street and busy looting round
the clock.
These looters of hearts commit such a precious sin so cheap, and then sell
it so cheap.
*****(3)*****
404

Chih Shaitani khramash wazzgooney; konad chasham-e-tera kor az
fasooney.
Mun oo-ra mordah Shaitaney shomaram; keh giradd choon tou nakhchir
zabooney.
[Yeh kaisa Shaitan hai jo olti chaal chalta hai, pehley afson phoonk kar
teyri ankhh andhi karta hai.
Mien ossey mordah Shaitan samajhta hon, jo tojh sey kamzor shikar per
haath dalta hai.]
What type of Satan is it, which makes wrong moves; first it mismerises you
and deprives you of ability to see.
I consider him a dead Satan, because he catches weak preys like you.
*****(4)*****

Chih zehrabey keh dar paimanah-e-oost; koshad jan ra-o-tun biganah-eoost.
Tou beini halqah-e-daamey keh paidast; nah aan daamey keh andar
danah-e-oost.
[Oss kay paimanah mein aisa zehrab bhara hai, jo badan ko marney ki
bajaey rooh ko khatam kar deyta hai.
Tou sirf oss kay jaal kay oss phandey ko dikhhta hai, jo nazar ata hai, laikan
oss phandey ko naheen dikhhta jo danah kay andar penhan hai,]
His glass is filled with such poison that kills the soul instead of body.
You can see only the visible net and the trap which he has laid; but you cant
see the catch that lies in the grain he has scattered.
*****(5)*****
405

Bashar ta az moqam-e-khod fatad ast; mehkami-e-oo ra koshaad ast.
Gonah hum mi-shwad bi-lazzat-o-sard; agar Iblis-e-tou khaki nehaad ast.
[Jabb sey basher apney moqam sey gira hai, oss ki kashad (azadi) ka daaro-madaar oss ki pokhtagi per hai.
Agar tera Iblis khaki nehaad hai, tuo teyra gonah bhi bi-lazzat aur sard
hoga.]
Since the man has slipped down from his position, his freedom depends in
regaining the lost position.
But, if your Satan is of dust, then even your sin is tasteless devoid of fire
inherent to act of committing a sin.
*****(6)*****

Mashuo nakhchir ehliyaan ein asr; khasaan ra ghamzah-e-shan saazgar
ast.
Asliyaan ra haman Iblis khoshtar; keh Yazdan deidah-o-kamal ayyar ast.
[Iss dour kay Iblison ka shikar nah bun; onn ka ghamzah kamzarfon kay
mawafiq hai.
Aali zaraf insanon kay leay wohi Iblis behtar hai, jiss ney Allah Taalla ko
dikhha hoa ho aur jo apney fun mein kamil ho.]
Do not fall prey to contemporary Satans; they are worthy of lowly people
only.
For men with ego only that Satan is worthy who has seem Allah and is
competent in his work.
406
*****(7)*****

Harif zarbe-e-oo mard-e-tamam ast, keh aan aatash nasab wala-moqaam
ast.
Nah her khaki sazawar nakh-e-oost, keh siad-e-laaghrey barooey haram
ast.
[Oss ki zarab ko mard-e-kamil he bardasht kar sakta hai, kiyuonkeh woh
aatash nasab (shaitaniyat mein) boland moqam rakhhya hai.
Her khaki oss ki shikar ki douri kay qabal naheen, woh kamzor shikar ko
apney ooper haram samajhta hai.]
His strike can only be parried by perfect man; because (such a Satan) is
proficient in Devils work.
Every man is not worthy of his catching string.
*****(8)*****

Z-feham-e-don nehaadan garchih door ast; waley ein noktah ra goftan
zaroor ast.
Beh ein nau zadah Iblisaan-e-nasaazad, gonahgarey keh taba-e-oo
ghayoor ast.
[Agarchih pust fitrat loug issey naheen samajh paein gey, magar yeh
noktah keh deyna zaroori hai.
Keh ghayoor tabiyat gonahgar ko, yeh nauzaiedah Iblis raas naheen
aatey.]
407
Though the men inferior in nature wont understand, yet this point must be
said:
The egoistic sinful man wont tolerate these new-born Satans.
12th December, 2012
PLUNDERERS PERTURBED
Towards the end of the period under review three events perturbed even
the shameless politicians of the country. First, an investigative report
revealed that majority of the parliamentarians did not file the tax returns last
year. President Zardari too was a culprit and so were his coalition partners
Shujaat Hussain and Asfandyar Wali.
Second, Transparency International in its report confirmed what
Chairman NAB had said some time ago that corruption worth Rs7 billion
was taking place in Pakistan every day. The ruling PPP reacted angrily over
the report and the PM formed a committee, but the very next day Chairman
NAB explained in a press conference what he had said about corruption.
408
Third, the party chief of MQM was irritated by the Supreme Court
order regarding delimitation of constituencies in Karachi and on ground
rechecking of the registered voters. He crossed the limits while blurting out
against the apex court and earned a contempt notice as a consequence of
talking foul under influence of some kind of intoxication.
Prior to these events, the ruling gang of politicians remained defiant as
usual. To quote one, the NAB did not arrest former Ogra chief despite
repeated directives of the apex court. The Scoundrel filed a reference
regarding appointment of judges in which he sought answers from the
judges to 13 questions. Moreover, a member of the PAC threatened to arrest
Registrar of the Supreme Court for not appearing before it.
NEWS
Power politics: On 3rd December, Imran Khan said that it is high
time that the nation decide its future, observing that the current system was
not benefiting the country. Talking to the media at Attock district bar, Khan
said that lawlessness and corruption in the country had crossed all limits.
Next day, PML-N dominated the by-polls by claiming both National
Assembly seats, besides winning four out of six Punjab Assembly seats
whereas the PPP got a consolatory victory in Nowshero Feroz. One seat of
the Punjab Assembly went to independent candidate and one to the PML-Q.
The PPP could not manage to score a win on any seat of the National or
Punjab Assembly.
On 5th December, the Supreme Court directed the ECP to carry out a
door-to-door campaign to verify the electoral lists in Karachi, and ask
Pakistan Army and FC for help in this regard. The court also ruled that votes
should not be transferred from one area to another without their consent,
adding that it was the discretion of every citizen as to where he wants to cast
his or her vote. The petitioners PPP, PML-N, PTI and JI had expressed
doubts over existing voter lists and showed concerns regarding transfer of
2.7 million voters from Karachi to other areas of the country, requesting the
SC to order for a proper verification of the electoral rolls for the city.
The court ruled that it is clear that the electoral rolls of Karachi are
required to be revised by the election commission in exercise of powers
conferred upon it under article 219 of the constitution read with Electoral
Rolls Act, 1974 to achieve the object, which is to be ensured by the
commission in terms of article 218. The court held that such elections must
409
not only be held in a fair, just and honest manner but also appear to be so; in
order to inspire the confidence of the electorate.
The verdict observed that Karachi has a peculiar background, which
includes a serious law and order situation, detailed stock of the same has
been taken by this court in the case of Watan Party vs Federation of
Pakistan. The court recalled that in the said judgment categorical directions
were made for delimitation of the constituencies of Karachi with the
observation to avoid political polarization, and to break the cycle of ethnic
strife and turf war, boundaries of administrative units like police station,
revenue estates, etc. ought to be altered so that the members of different
communities may live together in peace and harmony, instead of allowing
various groups to claim that particular areas belong to them and declaring
certain areas as NO GO Areas under their fearful influence.
Regarding the objection of MQMs counsel on the maintainability of
these political parties petitions, the court declared that proceedings under
article 184(3) are not limited to adversarial proceedings to be initiated by a
wronged litigant seeking redressal of his individual grievance. Likewise, the
rule of locus standi has also not been held applicable to the cases involving
questions of public importance with reference to enforcement of the
Fundamental Rights, especially in the domain of public Interest litigation to
ensure a meaningful protection of the rule of law.
Next day, the PPP rejected the results of recently held by-polls,
accusing the Punjab government of indulging in both pre-poll and polling
day rigging through its police force. Manzoor Wattoo alleged that election
results had been compiled by the Punjab police instead of the judicial
officers performing election duties.
ANP submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate, seeking debate
on Punjab Governor Latif Khosa's statement against the 18th Constitutional
Amendment. The ANP stated in the motion that the governors remarks
against the 18th Amendment were a cause of grave concern and the house,
suspending the routine business, should debate over the matter. Khosa had
said that Senator Raza Rabbani had disfigured the Constitution through 18th
Amendment.
On 8th December, the Prime Minister temporarily assigned additional
responsibilities of Federal Ombudsman to PPP loyalist and Secretary
General to the President, Salman Farooqui. An official handout said the
decision has been taken to clear the backlog of 75,000 complaints of people
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aggrieved of actions or inactions of federal institutions pending with the

Mohtasibs office for the past over two years.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the days of engineering the elections were
over and the PPP will sweep the upcoming elections. Now no one can play
Jhurloo in elections as tehsildars and patwaris can no more facilitate in
rigging the elections, he said while addressing a public gathering at Iqbal
Stadium, Faisalabad.
Next day, Farooq Sattar said that all attempts to ambush his party
under the cover of the delimitation of constituencies or voters lists would be
foiled. The party did not bow before any oppressive force in the past. And
likewise, it would continue its struggle for the truth and justice, averred the
top MQM leader while addressing a large gathering at Jinnah Ground in
Azizabad area on the occasion of the Martyrs Day, observed by the MQM
each year on December 9.
On 10th December, Nawaz Sharif directed his party leaders to speed
up contacts with nationalist parties in Sindh for seat adjustments and
electoral alliances to give a befitting contest to the PPP in its stronghold. He
was addressing the fifth meeting of the Party Manifesto Committee to give
final touches to the all important document before the start of general
elections.
Nawaz said the by-polls were a referendum of the PML-N
governments success in Punjab, and the failure of those ruling the centre.
He hoped that his party would sweep the general elections. He said PPP and
its allies had given nothing to the country except crises. He said the rulers
should prepare themselves for returning the looted money instead of
dreaming about another term.
Next day, Imran Khan said that lion of circus cannot stop the
impending PTI tsunami sweeping through the nook and corner of the
country and called Shahbaz Sharif was in fact Showbaz Sharif. He
declared that the PTI would change the Pakistan with the support of the
youth. Addressing public gatherings here in Lodhran, Kahror Pacca and
Galaywall, he took jibe at both the PPP and the PML-N, saying that they
were the two sides of the same coin.
Earlier, PTI Vice President Shah Mehmood Qureshi, former MNA
Nawab Amanullah Khan and former federal minister Jahageer Tareen
claimed that they left the government and ministries only for a change in
Pakistan and the PTI was the only political party which could change the
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Pakistan and build a state wherein everyone would have equal rights without
any discrimination.
On 12th December, almost 70 per cent of lawmakers did not file
income tax returns last year, an investigative journalism group said,
highlighting deep flaws in a taxation system that has drawn repeated
criticism from Western aid donors. The Centre for Peace and Development
Initiatives and the Centre for Investigative Reporting in Pakistan jointly
released a report based on leaked information, marking the first time that the
records of 446 lawmakers and ministers have been published focusing
scrutiny on individuals ahead of polls next year.
According to the findings, President Zardari did not file a tax return in
2011 and neither did 34 of the 55 cabinet members including Interior
Minister Rehman Malik. Only 49 of the 104 senators paid income tax last
year, and of the 341 sitting members of the national assembly, only 90
MNAs filed their tax returns. The federal cabinet comprises prime minister
and his 55 colleagues.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed is conspicuous by leading the list of
the five lowest taxpaying senators. The data shows that he paid Rs82 as
income tax. The four senators next to him from the bottom are Karim
Ahmad Khawaja (Rs3,636), Haji Saifullah Bangash (Rs4,063), Naseema
Ehsan (Rs4,280) and Malik Salahuddin Dogar (Rs8, 659).
The federal cabinet rejected a Transparency International Pakistan
(TIP) report stating that corruption of Rs6-7 billion is committed in the
country daily. It also flayed the statement of NAB chairman, who said that a
soon to be released report of the Bureau would second the report of the
corruption watchdog.
Condemning the TIP report the members asked as to whose agenda
the organization was working on. They observed that corruption of billions
on daily basis was not possible in the country. They also asked Prime
Minister to summon NAB chairman and ask him to explain his statement
and his basis for it. The prime minister formed a four-member committee to
probe the corruption charges.
He added that he (Asif Zardari) was holding the office under NRO
which is unconstitutional. He said that the PTI leadership was arranging
meeting with ECP to present material being utilized by PPP and PML N for
electioneering by using government resources. He posed question in what
capacity Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were distributing laptops to the
youth.
412
KPK cabinet approved the Local Government Act 2012. Briefing the
media after the cabinet meeting, Minister for Information said that the
cabinet meeting held, under the chair of Chief Minister assessed the
implementation of the previous decisions of the cabinet. He said that the
cabinet approved the restoration of the old local bodies system in the
province, whereby the posts of commissioners and deputy commissioners
and executive magistrates would stand restored.
Next day, deciding to engage army personnel in voters verification in
Karachi and delimitation of all constituencies of multi-ethnic and politically
fragmented city, the ECP set a fortnights deadline for the preparations. The
commission has also summoned a meeting on law and order situation across
the country on Jan 2. It would be attended by top provincial and federal
officials including secretary defence and the chief secretaries of all the four
provinces.
The decision of verifying more than 8.6 million voters of Karachi and
delimitation of its all 62 electoral constituencies was taken in a meeting of
the top ECP management chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner. We
have decided to go for engaging army in providing security to our staff
during the voters verification and constituencies delimitation exercise,
ECP Secretary said.
Imran Khan called on Chief Election Commissioner and requested
him to ensure consultation with PTI regarding formation of caretaker setup.
Imran expressed optimism that the CEC would 'leave no stone unturned' to
ensure free, fair and transparent general elections. He said he had also
handed over evidences to the CEC regarding pre-poll rigging by PPP and
PML-N, as, Khan alleged, state resources were being misused to lure in the
loyalties of political leaders.
On 14th December, the ECP requested the defence and interior
ministries for the provision of security from Pakistan Army and Frontier
Corps during the door-to-door verification exercise kicking off earlier next
month. It has also called a consultative meeting on December 20 to discuss
the delimitation of constituencies.
Pir Syed Sabghatullah Shah Rashdi said his party supports a united
Sindh and a united Pakistan, and wants to see the nation and country safe
and prosperous. He said this while addressing a public rally in Hyderabad.
This was the first speech of Pir Pagara to any political rally and so far the
biggest public meeting of the PML-F against the dual local government
system in Sindh.
413
On 16th December, Prime Minister Raja urged opposition parties to

end politics of confrontation and start a new morning in politics for a better
Pakistan. Addressing a public gathering in Kasur, he stressed national unity
and strengthening of institutions saying that December 16 (the fall of
Dhaka) is a constant reminder that there is no room for any future blunders
in politics.
He proudly boasted that their government completed its tenure;
despite white lies of their political opponents, media trial and other
conspiratorial tactics employed to defeat and eradicate their party. He
forecast sweeping the next general elections by dint of their exemplary
service to the public and great feats of national development.
Rule of law: On 3rd December, the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi

bench reserved its judgment on petitions seeking quashing of three
corruption references prepared by the NAB against Nawaz Sharif and his
family members. The corruption references relate to the Hudaibya Paper
Mills, Ittefaq Foundries and Raiwind assets.
The Turkish power company Karkey Karadeniz Uretim has served the
final legal notice to Pakistan government to pay the company damages to the
tune of US dollars 75 million for what they claimed illegally barring the
company's power plant mounted ships to sail out of country's waters. It is
pertinent to mention here that Turkey also wanted to see the matter resolved
amicably and in this connection even the Prime Minister and President of
Turkey had taken up the matter at top government level.
The fate of 16 lawmakers now lies with the Supreme Court as the
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sent the names to the apex court of
the legislators who submitted affidavits affirming not to be dual nationals.
The electoral body said that in compliance with the Supreme Courts
judgment, the ECP sent the lists to the SC registrar containing the names
those, who submitted their nationality declaration forms along with those
who failed to submit the declaration by November 30.
On 5th December, former Prime Minister Gilani once again refused to
appear before the NAB in case pertaining to illegal appointment case of
Adnan Khawaja. Earlier, Gilani did not appear before the FIA twice in a case
related to the illegal appointment of former DG Haj Rao Shakeel Ahmed,
last month.
On 7th December, the Lahore High Court observed that the President
will have to obey the court order even if he is not answerable for his official
414
acts. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial noted while hearing contempt petition
against President Zardari for not quitting political office in compliance with
the LHC judgment. However, the court asked petitioners lawyers whether
the president could be taken to contempt of court proceedings while serving
his term and could the court take action against him after the end of his
tenure.
Counsels for petitioner AK Dogar and Azhar Siddique told the court
that constitutional immunity enjoyed by the president and others was not
only in conflict with articles 2, 5 and 227 of the Constitution but also a
violation of basic spirit of Islam. They said that if the president committed
any crime in personal capacity, he would be liable to be punished like an
ordinary citizen. Azhar Siddique cited the SC ruling in Baz Muhammad
Kakar case, saying that no one enjoys immunity from contempt of court law.
Mentioning of the word any person in article 204 showed the president is
also included in it and can be tried for contempt, he said.
Justice Shah inquired whether the president would be punished, if he
committed a murder after taking oath. Dogar said the murder would be a
personal act of him and the Constitution did not provide any protection to
this effect. He said there was a difference in a crime committed by the
president and committed by Mr Zardari. The chief justice observed that the
act of murder was supposed to be intentional while any other illegal act
could be unintentional.
Challenging the Article 248 of the Constitution, Dogar stated that the
SC had already declared that the immunity granted to the president and
others is against the independence of the judiciary. Creation of a special
group of public office holders poses a serious threat to independence of
judiciary, he argued. He said by making law of immunity, public office
holders had betrayed the trust of the people.
Additional Deputy Attorney General told the bench that immunity
enjoyed by the president under Article 248(2) was also mentioned in the
letter written to the Swiss government on direction of the SC. Dogar
retorted, saying that the letter did not contain such text and it could be
produced before the bench on next hearing. He reiterated that the
Constitution did not provide any protection to acts of any public office
holder done in personal capacity.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that immunity under article 248(1) of the
Constitution could only be claimed for the wrongs committed while
discharging ones official duty. Whether immunity had been granted for
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wrongs committed by a person in personal capacity, the judge made a query.

Petitioners lawyer responded that non-implementation of judicial orders did
not fall under the definition of official capacity. The court adjourned the
hearing till December 10 and asked the counsels to come up with arguments
on rationality between sub-article 1, 2 and 3 of the Article 248 of the
Constitution.
Revising the agreement, NAB would sign a deal with the management
of Royal Palm Golf Club that in result would add Rs16 billion to the income
of the cash-starved Pakistan Railways within a prescribed time. This was
disclosed by NAB officials while briefing the NA Standing Committee on
Railways.
Director Special Operations (NAB) Zahir Khan told the legislators that
there were two options before the accountability bureau, either to cancel the
agreement or alter it in accordance with the provisions contained in the
contract signed between the company and Pakistan Railways. In order to
avoid long litigation, it has been agreed with the company that it would
revise the annual payments upwards to Pakistan Railways with Rs16 billion
additional payments in 38 years.
Next day, Chief Justice said that there is no immunity for anyone come
what may and everyone has to follow rule of law. It is high time that this
sea change in our constitutional and political history is accepted by all
without any ifs and buts. This is a new Pakistan where old structures are
crumbling and past demons of extra constitutional deviations are being
exterminated one by one, the CJP said at a lawyers roll signing ceremony.
The ongoing differences between Minister for Communication, Arbab
Alamgir Khan, and Chairman NHA, Javed Iqbal Awan, over some official
matters have grown so intense that the later has been sent on one-month
leave from his office. This might not be the climax of the situation as further
action could also be taken after one month. NHA Chairman refused to
comment on this matter when asked about his sudden leave after this
matter.
Jolted by massive tax-evasion findings in the report of the Suddle
Commission, the Federal Bureau of Revenue said it would examine the facts
and figures against Malik Riaz and others and take action according to the
law. Meanwhile, the FBR officials and some known economists believe that
the massive tax evasion under political pressure is the order of the day in the
tax collection system of the country.
416
On 10th December, Supreme Court was moved through separate

petitions for disqualification of Dr Asim Hussain as advisor to the prime
minister on petroleum and natural resources, besides challenging the
appointment of Salman Farooqui as acting federal ombudsman. Both
petitions were filed by Mahmood Akhtar Naqvi in the Supreme Court's
Karachi Registry.
Next day, the Supreme Court expressed displeasure over NAB's failure
to arrest former Ogra chairman Tauqir Sadiq. Appearing before the bench, a
NAB investigation officer said the Motorways Police did not cooperate with
them to apprehend Sadiq, who had traveled via motorway. He also said that
he and the NAB chairman had been receiving threats and attempts were
being made to register a bogus FIR against them. Upon this, Justice Jawwad
Khawaja said the authorities should apprehend the culprit, who had been
threatening them and who could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison
according to the bureaus laws. Justice Khilji Arif said if they would allow
the culprits to escape, then they were bound to receive threats.
On 13th December, the NAB chief reiterated that the country was losing
up to Rs5-7 billion to corruption daily, strongly rebutting that his Bureaus
recent born-again campaign against corruption was part of some conspiracy
to prolong the rule of any near-future interim government. Yesterday, the
head of the anti-corruption watchdog was accused by the federal cabinet of
making ill-timed allegations ahead of elections and the prime minister
formed a four-member ministerial committee to probe the claims.
Fasih pointed out that bureaus estimate was more careful as the Public
Accounts Committee (PAC), the FBR and the TIP have estimated wastage of
Rs10-12 billion daily, which he said was correct if corruption in mega
projects is also accounted. The chairman said they were trying to purify the
system and they would not be deterred by any kind of opposition or
propaganda.
Feeling the heat of the corruption charges brought by the NAB, a
desperate ruling PPP in National Assembly proceedings staged a failed
attempt to get the PML-N embroiled in a probe into the allegations about
embezzlement of up to Rs7 billion in Pakistan on a daily basis. PML-N
leader Khwaja Asif plainly refused to be part of the investigation process,
saying that with three months to completion of Parliaments term, an
investigation into the charges could not be carried through.
Next day, taking to task NAB Chairman for issuing statement regarding
magnitude of corruption in the country, ruling PPP senators rejected Bureau
417
chiefs fresh claims that country was losing Rs10-12 billion to corruption
daily. Criticism on NAB also came from Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer
Hussain Bokhari who said the Bureau had given a new definition to
corruption and ruled that the House committee could summon anybody
including NAB on this issue.
In an apparent damage control bid following exchange of hostile
statements between NAB Chairman and the PPP-led federal government
regarding corruption, the NAB chief, passing the buck on the Punjab
government, said the province with a majority of population of the country
shared more responsibility of the money lost to corruption.
The Supreme Court directed the management of PIA to stop new
recruitments unless internal crisis is overcome. A three-member bench
headed by Chief Justice was hearing PML-N leaders Zafar Iqbal Jhagra and
Marvi Memons petition, pleading investigation into the affairs of the PIA to
identify irregularities. Seeking the PIAs hiring record, the court directed PIA
Chairman Lt Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik to appear on the next hearing.
On 15th December, Rana Sanaullah said that NAB chairmans statement
that Punjab government is responsible for 65 percent corruption in the
country is the worst lie in the history of Pakistan. The minister said that the
NAB chairman gave the statement either under pressure of the PPP
government which set records of massive corruption or aimed at winning
favour of his masters to perpetuate his unlawful appointment.
Defiance of judiciary: On 3rd December, in a bid to take the bull by

the horns, the Public Accounts Committee issued notices to some mighty
institutions, including the Supreme Court, NADRA, National Press Trust,
DHA and FWD, asking their heads to direct their representatives to appear
before the PAC to clarify audit objections. All of these institutions have been
claiming to have been exempted from all sorts of audits, arguing they were
not running on public money.
Amid major development in Arsalan-Riaz graft scandal, Malik Riaz has
flown to London to get a case registered against Arsalan Iftikhar. Riaz has
finally made up his mind to file a case against Arsalan in London on the
charges of money extortion. In this regards, Mohammad Suleman, son-inlaw of Malik Riaz, has already hired services of lawyers in London.
On 5th December, Shoaib Suddle headed judicial commission compiled
and submitted to the Supreme Court. The commission was given mandate by
the apex court to unearth controversy relating to allegations of Rs342
418
million business deal between Arsalan and Malik Riaz, told Supreme Court
that property tycoon could only prove spending Rs5 million on Arsalans
foreign trips that the former paid accordingly.
The report contained the factors that caused delay in completing the
investigation. Federal Interior Ministry did not cooperate with the
commission. Despite serving several reminders Interior Ministry never
placed names of accused on ECL. Also, Interior Ministry irritated the
commission by transferring the officials of FIA whose services were sought
by commission, the report stated.
Next day, President Zardari signed the reference on the issue of
appointment of superior court judges that will be filed on his behalf by the
law minister tomorrow. The move comes after the government decided to
file a reference in the case pertaining to the extension in tenure of two
additional judges of the Islamabad High Court. In response to a petition of
Advocate Nadeem Ahmed seeking issuance of a notification about extension
for Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi and permanent appointment of Justice
Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC, the attorney general, on November 23,
conveyed to a four-judge apex court bench that the federation intended to
file a reference in the case.
Malik Riaz is the biggest tax evader in the history of Pakistan who has
evaded taxes of Rs56 billion, Suddle Commission report revealed. Malik
Riaz claimed to have assets of $2.5 billion on August 31, 2010 during an
interview with a foreign TV channel. However, assets declared by him in
wealth statement on June 30, 2011 were worth of Rs0.58 billion. It means
Riaz has evaded Rs56.104 billion of taxes, says the report. According to the
report, submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the property tycoon
has three undeclared bank accounts in Bank of Punjab, UBL and HBL.
The commission told the apex court that non-cooperation of Malik Riaz
and other key witnesses hampered commissions probe. The report states
real motive behind Malik Riazs plan was to defame the chief justice and
the superior judiciary. Riaz could only give an account of Rs5 million which
he spent for Arsalan: No supporting evidence has been given by Malik Riaz
of the money he claimed to have spent on Arsalan, except an account to of
Rs5 million.
The report reveals that commission contacted the authorities concerned
in the UK, asking legal assistance to ascertain the net worth of assets
including money held in banks. The commission in his report requested the
apex court to ask Malik Riaz to produce all his evidence, along with
419
witnesses as soon as possible. If Riaz fails to do so, the commission will be

allowed to conclude its findings on the basis of available evidence, the
Suddle commission pleaded to the court.
In violation of the Supreme Courts verdict, the Ministry of Industries
has appointed Maj-Gen (r) Malik Muhammad Farooq as managing director
of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) despite his three-year service at
CSD stores after retirement. The Supreme Court has already held in its
verdict that retired officers should not be reappointed particularly at a
position where someones seniority is being hurt by that appointment, and
those who have already served in any organization after their retirement
must not be re-employed or given extension.
On 7th December, one-man commission meant to probe Arsalan-Riaz
affair in 30 days was dissolved after three months, with a court observation
that this was an issue between two individuals and they could take up the
matter at any appropriate forum. The Supreme Court had formed the
commission comprising Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Mohammad Shoaib
Suddle to investigate the allegations of an alleged Rs342 million business
deal between Malik Riaz and Arsalan Iftikhar.
A two-member bench heard the case and said that the findings of the
Suddle Commission should be made public. The commission report stated
that both Riaz and Arsalan had evaded huge amounts of tax. The bench
dissolved the commission on request of Riaz counsel Zahid Bukhari, who
pleaded to stop the commissions proceedings so that the two parties could
approach avenues of their choice and adopt whatever legal course they
desired. Arsalans counsel Sardar Ishaq requested the bench to dispose of the
matter saying that his clients reputation was being damaged on TV
channels.
According to the commissions preliminary report, the CJPs son has
admitted before the commission that he had availed two of the three foreign
visits as claimed by Malik Riaz. He also confessed that he had received
favours from Malik Riaz, his friend or his son-in-law, but it does not
answer why he had accepted these favours and it did not prove the assertion
of Riaz that the favours were accepted by Arsalan to influence the court
decisions in businessmans favour. According to the report, it is widely
believed that the motive behind Malik Riaz plan was to defame the chief
justice and bring the higher judiciary into disrepute.
The report however is silent about how Arsalan Iftikhar became a
millionaire in no time and entered into telecom contracts worth Rs900
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millions. The Suddle Commission also implicated Dr Arsalan and Malik

Riaz in massive tax evasion of Rs51.3 million and Rs119.4 billion
respectively, recommending the imposition of penalty for concealment of
assets in wealth statements filed with returns.
But Dr Arsalan Iftikhar refused of evading tax. He told the media at the
Supreme Court premises after the Fridays court proceeding that he also
reiterated that the allegations leveled against him by Malik Riaz were
baseless and have no truth. He also said that Malik Riaz had not sponsored
his foreign tours but he traveled at his own expenses.
Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Chief Justice, said that he will sue Malik
Riaz for defamation after consultation with his legal team. Talking to
reporters outside the Supreme Court, Arsalan said he had presented himself
for accountability but no evidence was brought against him, saying he had
already said that all the allegations leveled against him were baseless.
The Supreme Court constituted a five-member larger bench to hear on
December 10 a presidential reference regarding appointment of Islamabad
High Court (IHC) judges. Filed earlier the same day, the 31-page reference
seeks legal opinion on the matter by raising 13 questions covering the legal
issues about the appointment of judges of superior courts and the role of
president, the judicial commission and the parliamentary committee in this
regard.
The bench headed by Justice Khilji Arif Hussain will also take up a
petition for early hearing of the judges appointment case. Supported by
additional documents comprising 19 pages, the presidential reference has
been filed under article 186 of the constitution to seek the apex court opinion
on the questions considered to be of public importance by the president in
light of the 18th and 19th constitutional amendments. The questions raised
in reference include:
Whether in view of the decision of the IHC chief justice, Justice Riaz or
Justice Kasi could be treated as the senior most judge(s) of IHC?
Whether the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) acted in
accordance with the constitution and convention in recommending a
junior judge as IHC chief justice?
Whether the president, who is bound by oath of office to preserve,
protect and defend the constitution, is obliged to make the appointments
which are not in accordance with the provisions of constitution?
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What is the proper role of the JCP and the Parliamentary Committee
(PC) under the constitution regarding appointment of judges of
Supreme Court, High Courts and Federal Shariat Court?
Whether the constitution prohibits reconsideration of the nominations
by JCP and confirmed by the PC in the light of the observation made by
the president?
What should be the criteria for elevating a judge/chief justice of a High
Court to the Supreme Court?
Is it their seniority interse as judge of the HC or their seniority interse
as chief justice of the respective High Court which should be the
consideration for elevation to the Supreme Court?
Whether the constitution prohibits individual members of the JCP to
initiate names for the appointment of judges to SC, High Courts and the
FSC. Given that the PC under article 175A of the constitution may
confirm or may not confirm a nomination in accordance with the
provisions.
What is the true importance and meaning of the word confirm;
And what is the effect of the provision of clause 2 of article 175.
Whether by not providing in-camera proceedings for JCP in article
175A the intention of the legislature is to ensure complete transparency
and open scrutiny?
On 10th December, hearing the Presidential Reference and a petition on
the appointment of Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, the Supreme Court
said that there is no need for academic exercise and the issue will be
decided on seniority basis. The court nominated Makhdoom Ali Khan and
Khawaja Haris as Amicus Curiae in the Presidential Reference, which has
been filed under article 186 to seek apex courts advice on the appointment
of judges in superior judiciary.
The court also said that in the next hearing they would decide if
Attorney General Irfan Qadir being the member of the Judicial Commission
of Pakistan (JCP) could appear in this case. Before adjourning the case until
December 12, the bench directed JCP to provide the minutes of the Sept 27
and Oct 22 meeting of the judicial commission, while the IHC Registrar has
been ordered to provide the notification of appointment of Justice
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Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi and Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan as judges of
IHC.
The counsel for federation Waseem Sajjad said that the chief justice
should consider forming a larger bench minus those judges who are the
members of JCP. He said the propriety demands that the larger bench should
hear the case. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, heading the bench, said this was
the prerogative of the chief justice to constitute a bench.
Waseem Sajjad read the questions, raised in the Presidential Reference.
Justice Khilji said the constitution itself provides the answer to these
questions. But the learned counsel contended that the JCP rules were not
specific that was why the Reference had been filed. Justice Gulzar Ahmed
said that these questions can be raised in the petition and you wanted that
this petition become anfractuous. Why not the petition (should) be decided
first... Cant both be amalgamated?
The federations counsel said the petition does not relate to the seniority
issue of Justice Anwar Kasi. He said the questions have arisen because of
some grey area. Justice Gulzar said let the petition be decided on judicial
side. He said there is no need for academic exercise. The learned counsel
said that ultimately your decision would prevail.
Akram Sheikh, the counsel for petitioner Nadeem Ahmed advocate,
argued: Here is the ploy to frustrate the attempt of judges appointment. It
has deprived the people of their fundamental rights of access to justice as the
IHC has virtually be closed. He requested that his clients petition should be
heard first. Justice Ejaz Afzal said the questions raised in the reference and
the petitions are inextricably linked therefore the propriety demands both be
heard together.
On 12th December, the Supreme Court observed that the president and
the prime minister have no role in the appointment of superior courts judges
after the formation of Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and
Parliamentary Committee (PC) under Article 175A. The court turned down
governments plea to summon presidents of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) besides advocate generals of
provinces in the presidential reference.
Counsel for the president, Wasim Sajjad argued that the prime minister
can advise the president on appointment of judges, saying that it is the
prime minister who forward summary of judges appointment to the
president. The bench noted that neither the president nor the prime minister
can use discretionary powers in the appointment of superior judiciary
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judges. The counsel maintained that in presidents opinion the Judicial

Commission had violated the principle of seniority by allowing Justice Kasi
to sit in the meeting.
Next day, the Supreme Court observed that the president could not use
his discretionary powers in appointment of superior court judges because it
is the prime minister who sends the summary to the president under section
13 of the Article 175A. Attorney General Irfan Qadir argued that presidents
discretionary power in Article 48(1) is very clear and he could stop the
appointment of any judge having fake degree or involved in corruption,
while on the seniority issue his decision is final. The court could not
overrule any decision of the president.
He argued that initiating a persons name for appointing as a judge by
the chief justice is a violation of Article 175A. To make the recommendation
meaningful the other member of the JCP should also have right to initiate
name for appointment, he added. The AG opined that the proceeding of the
JCP should be opened to the media. He said that as the Parliamentary
Committee is bound to give reasons if it refuses the recommendation of JCP,
the JCP too needs to give written reasons for the appointment of a judge in
the superior court. He said that Supreme Courts jurisdiction is limited.
Justice Azmat Saeed said except limited oversight in terms of Article
177(2) and 193(2) the president has no say in the appointment process. The
amicus curiae said: After the insertion of Article 175A in the Constitution
under the 18th Amendment, the president has no role in appointment of
judges. He said that it had been decided in the Hasba Bill reference that the
president has to implement the court advice given in the reference filed
under Article 186.
Waseem Sajjad said that the Constitution does not bar any JCP member
from initiating a name for his appointment as a judge in the superior court.
He said that the Judicial Commission has no authority to ascertain seniority
of the judges, adding that the role of the president is not merely ceremonial
as he has the authority to nominate judges. Sajjad maintained that the
president not only can appoint and remove judges, but also fix their salary
and allowances.
Justice Arif Khilji inquired how the court grant powers to the president
which was not given to him by the Constitution. He observed the judiciary
cannot amend any letter in the Constitution, how it can amend Article175.
Justice Ejaz Afzal said that the Parliamentary Committee reserves the right
to return recommendation to Judicial Commission for review. He said the
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decision by the JCP or the parliamentary committee cannot be considered as

an advice from the cabinet or the prime minister, adding that the prime
minister is not authorized to even give his opinion on the matter. The court
asked Akram Sheikh, counsel for the petitioner Nadeem Ahmed, to begin his
argument tomorrow.
The Public Accounts Committee was duly informed that the law and
Constitution warrants that the Registrar of the Supreme Court is not required
to appear before it to which the court keeps in the highest esteem. The issue
of Registrar appearance before PAC has been discussed in many Full Court
meetings wherein it was decided that under the Constitution as well as the
law, the PAC is not competent to scrutinize the accounts of the Supreme
Court, hence the Registrar is not required to appear before it.
On 14th December, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to
MQM chief Altaf Hussain for using contemptuous and derogatory language
against the judiciary in his Dec 2 speech, asking him to appear in person to
explain his position. Altaf, in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment on
law and order situation in Karachi that also included the delimitation of new
constituencies, criticized the judiciary by making uncalled for remarks and
casting serious doubts on the integrity of apex court judges.
He termed the judges observations unconstitutional and
undemocratic and that they amounted to contempt to the MQM mandate
given by the people of Karachi and presented an open enmity for the
metropolitan. The MQM chief also demanded legal action against the judges
who delivered the verdict. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
issued the notice under article 204 of the constitution read with section 3 of
Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003, asking Altaf to appear on January 7,
2013 to explain as to why the contempt proceeding should not be initiated
against him.
Reacting to the Supreme Courts contempt of court notice, Altaf
Hussain said that he will submit reply to the notice after consultation with
lawyers and constitutional experts. In his telephonic address from London
to a gathering at Jinnah ground near partys central office Nine Zero in
Azizabad, he said that he had not done anything wrong so he was not afraid
of anyone.
The Supreme Court reserved its judgment over the presidential
reference, invoking the court advisory jurisdiction regarding the appointment
of judges in superior judiciary and a constitutional petition filed against the
delay of appointment of judges in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
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During the proceedings, Akram Sheikh, counsel for a petitioner in the

matter contended that Justice Anwar Kansi was eligible to sit in the Judicial
Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting, adding that the Commission had
recommended to appoint Justice Kansi as the Chief Justice of the IHC.
Akram Sheikh further pleaded that determining the seniority of judges by
the Ministry of Law and Justice is against the basic principle in which
judiciary and executive were separated.
The Public Accounts Committee set a deadline of December 18 for
Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain, following his truancy from the
committee meeting. The committee said that there was no justification of
establishing departments like Auditor General of Pakistan and Public
Accounts Committee when the influential departments like the apex court
were not willing for audit.
A member of PAC, Noor Alam Khan said: If a person is summoned by
the court and he does not appear, it is inferred that he is hiding something.
He said that when the prime minister and ministers appear before the court,
why the registrar cannot turn up to the PAC meeting. He maintained that
Hussain should be brought to the meeting handcuffed by the police, if he
refuses to come willingly.
Taming the military: On 3rd December, the NAB stated that it had
completed its probe against three retired military and two civilian officials in
the case pertaining to alleged fraudulent allotment of 141 kanals of Pakistan
Railways land in Lahore to the management of the Royal Palm Golf Club.
On 5th December, Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah hinted
that the government might not act upon the judicial decision in the Asghar
Khan case, saying the case has been buried. The minister made clear that
they would not refer Nawaz Sharif to FIA. Sometimes poison should be
taken as medicine, he remarked, adding that decisions about politicians
should be made by the masses.
Next day, Political leaders and analysts said that the PPP-led
government is delaying implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on
Asghar Khan Case for political advantage. They suggested that the PPP,
which has been wailing during the past few years that the apex court is not
taking up the crucial Asghar Khan case, is appeared to be in compromising
mode to implement the verdict. They smelt something fishy about the PPP
strategy.
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Recessing economy: On 3rd December, the National Assembly

Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources condemned the
government for its inaction over closure of CNG outlets and recommended
imposing equal tax on all sectors in order to provide maximum relief to
CNG consumers while keeping the prices at the current level.
On 5th December, the Supreme Court, while rejecting a plea by CNG
station owners for a hike in gas price, called details from the OGRA
regarding the actions taken each year against filling stations for not
complying with the terms and conditions as prescribed in their licences or in
the applicable rules. The court also sought from the OGRA the details about
the total number of applications received for setting up CNG stations each
year, since 2002, and ruled that CNG price must remain same until a
decision was handed down in the case.
Next day, retaining the CNG prices at their existing level, the Court
ordered for canceling licences of station owners who refuse to get audited.
The court granted 10 days to the Orga, petroleum ministry and the CNG
association to settle the prices matter, saying the regulatory authority was not
bound to meet CNG station owners unreasonable demands but to keep
consumers interest supreme.
The Ogras counsel Salman Akram Raja told the court that the CNG
stations are not ready for audit of their accounts. He presented a letter of
APCNGA that read: Most of the CNG stations of our members are either
sole proprietorship or Association of Persons (AoP), therefore, unlike limited
companies there is no statutory requirement for such CNG stations to
maintain audited accounts on annual basis. Upon that, some CNG owners
said they were ready for the audit of their accounts. The case was adjourned
till December 17.
Pakistan tops the list of 60 countries that feel the most pain at the
gasoline pump, while the US, the worlds biggest oil consumer, is among the
nations that suffer least, according to data compiled by an American
financial and economic news service. A gallon of premium gasoline cost
Americans 3 per cent of their daily income in October, 55th out of 60
nations, according to Bloomberg News. In Pakistan, a gallon cost 46 per cent
more than a workers daily wage.
On 9th December, it was reported that severe gas crisis wont stop the
federal government from issuing around 240,000 new gas connections in the
next few weeks and months as the exercise at the cost of public money
might please new and old voters, it has been reliably learnt. The sources
427
aware of the matter confided to The Nation that the federal government has
pressurized the regulatory authorities to give a nod to the Sui Northern Gas
Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to collect Rs7 billion from all gas consumers
under the head of new gas connection schemes. Officials believe it amounts
to violation of the licence rules by both SNGPL and SSGPL to meet the
government agenda.
On 11th December, the ECC of the Cabinet approved the renewal of gas
price agreement between Qadirpur Joint Venture and the SNGPL, putting a
burden of Rs200 billion on consumers as gas prices would go up sharply in
2013. Hafeez Shaikh chaired the ECC meeting which approved the summary
of the Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry for renewal of gas price
agreement. The renewal of agreement will be effective from July.
Talks between Ogra and CNG Association remained inconclusive as
both sides once again failed to reach an agreement over the future prices of
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the country. Following the instructions of
Supreme Court to consult all stakeholders before determining the future
prices of CNG, Ogra held negotiations with the representatives of All
Pakistan CNG Association in Islamabad over the cost of gas but the meeting
bore no fruit in reaching an understanding on the prices of CNG.
Provincial disharmony: On 5th December, Nawaz Sharif said that

the construction of the Kalabagh Dam was not possible without the consent
of the people of Sindh. Talking to the media after a meeting with PML-N
representatives from Sindh, Nawaz said that without forming consensus
among provinces, the construction of the Kalabagh Dam would not serve the
national interests.
Next day, Sindh Assembly lawmakers furiously united against Lahore
High Courts verdict in favour of Kalabagh Dam (KBD), calling the ruling
biased and erosive for provincial harmony. Irrespective of their political
divide, all lawmakers of the provincial legislature echoed the house with
anti-Kalabagh Dam slogans. Four resolutions against the dam, two from the
PPP and one each from the MQM and the PML-F, were tabled. Each
resolution called the project a conspiracy against the foundation and
integrity of Pakistan.
On 7th December, expressing its resentment over the verdict of the
Lahore High Court, the Sindh Assembly adopted another resolution against
the Kalabagh Dam unanimously, demanding the federal government
abandon the project forever, terming it against the sovereignty of Pakistan.
All the legislators of the Sindh Assembly stood up and voiced in favour of
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the four resolutions tabled by the MPAs and rejected the Kalabagh Dam
outright.
Next day, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan said that construction of Kalabagh
Dam is necessary for strengthening the economy of the country. Talking to a
private TV channel, Dr AQ Khan he said the country would get rid of IMF
and stand on its own feet if the Kalabagh Dam was built. The governments
of Sindh and KPK should not oppose the construction of the dam.
Criticizing the Lahore High Court verdict regarding construction of
Kalabagh Dam, Asfandyar said that ANP would not accept even the decision
of apex court to allow the construction of Kalabagh Dam. We consider
Punjab a major unit of federation and we respect its leadership like our elder
brothers but the Punjab government as well as its leadership should also
respect the interests of other provinces in federation, Asfandyar argued.
Baloch militancy: On 3rd December, the session of the Balochistan

Assembly continued only for three minutes and was adjourned till tomorrow.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik was expected to reach Quetta and give an
in-camera briefing to the members of the Balochistan Assembly over law
and order situation in the province, but he did not turn up.
Chief Justice quizzed a counsel for Tethyan Copper Company (TCC)
for his claims of vested interests in award of mining lease for exploration of
precious minerals resources in Reko Diq area. He asked Khalid Anwar,
counsel for TCC, as to how the Balochistan High Court could state that the
company had vested rights. He observed that there could be no vested rights
for any particular company, only those rights which were subjected to laws.
What matters for court is the law of the land, he added. He told the counsel
that judgment of the licensing authority was not impugned before the court.
Khalid Anwar contended that the BHC verdict was in his favour which
had two vital components. He said that the verdict did not hold anywhere
that the mineral wealth of the province was wasted and pleaded that the
court could not settle the questions of facts. The counsel further said that the
Chief Minister could not take the decision over the issue by terming it as a
policy issue.
The CJ reminded him that the Chagai Hills Exploration Joint Venture
Agreement (CHEJVA) was an agreement between the parties which was not
statutory and what mattered them was the rules. He said the current Chief
Minister was not on the scene during 2006. The licencing authority did not
429
mention anything in its order that it was provincial Cabinet's decision, he

added.
Replying to a query of Justice Azmat Saeed, the counsel said that they
had dispute with both the Federal and provincial governments. He contended
that all the allegations made about CHEJVA and relaxation of rules were
directed against the BHP, its predecessor company and not against the TCCP.
He said that TCCP was not in existence when relaxation of rules took place
on January, 24, 1994. The Chief Justice supplemented him by saying that he
wanted to establish that TCC had an independent stance and had nothing to
do with all this.
The counsel apprised the bench that total sales value of the venture was
$56 billion and the operating cost was $25 billion. He said the initial
investment stood around $3.3 billion whereas $2.7 billion were also required
for maintenance of the mines. He maintained that $8 billion would go to
Government of Pakistan in taxes. J Further hearing was adjourned till
Tuesday (today).
Next day, two people were killed and three others wounded, including
brother of Balochistan Finance Minister in separate firing incidents in
different parts of Balochistan. A blast also occurred in Frontier Corps camp
in Turbat. Unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate firing on brother
of Finance Minister Mir Asim Kurd Gaillo, Muhammad Asif Deputy
Superintendent Customs in Panjgour town when he was on his way to office.
Balochistan Chief Minister, after getting annoyed over criticism of law
and order situation in the provincial assembly, said he was ready to quit for
the person who could improve the situation. He made this offer during a
debate on a resolution regarding the law and order situation in the
Balochistan Assembly which demanded the federal government evolve a
comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the provincial government to
restore peace to the province and ensure assistance of the federal institutions
to the provincial government.
On 5th December, three miscreants were killed and two arrested
following an exchange of fire with the Frontier Corps in Kech district. Four
people, including a policeman, were wounded in a landmine blast and firing
incident in Kohlu and Quetta respectively.
The Supreme Court ruled again that Balochistan government has lost
constitutional authority to govern the province and whatever it is doing, is
doing at its own risk and cost. In an interim order, passed in Balochistan law
and order case, the court said that the governments are responsible to
430
provide security to people, but the federal and provincial governments have
failed in doing so. It said Oct 12 judgment was still intact and criticized the
lack of progress despite the courts orders pertaining to missing persons,
saying that those responsible for this state of affairs will be held accountable
and brought to justice.
The counsel of Balochistan government told the court that a joint
investigation team under IGs of Police and FC and chief sectary, and
comprising officials of ISI, MI and police had been established to control the
law and order situation. He also submitted a 15 days progress report, but the
court rejected it.
The chief justice remarked that the government was not committed and
the police were under pressure as they were transferred and posted on
political grounds. The judge said no one had been arrested over the killings
of hundreds of Shias and at least 26 doctors, and reprimanded security forces
for not acting against influential people involved in kidnappings. He said
that the police alone could not be held responsible for the provinces unrest;
instead, the provincial government should take the responsibility of killings
and disappearances.
The chief justice remarked that Balochistan Chief Minister should take
responsibility of the rampant kidnappings and killings instead of blaming the
police only. Advocate General Balochistan asked the CJ that should the
Balochistan government resign. The chief justice remarked why the court
would say so. He said they were not against the democracy, but wanted that
system should continue. Justice Iftikhar added that they had not uttered a
single word about the Provincial Assembly.
He further said that the law enforcement agencies have identified 12
persons, involved in kidnapping for ransom. Justice Gulzar Ahmed inquired
whether any person was arrested with concrete evidence. Shahid said that
the police had arrested big gangs and now the improvement was being seen
in the province. The counsel for Balochistan doctors informed the court that
according to Dr Rasheed, the Balochistan governor has said that all the
members of the provincial assembly are thieves. But the government lawyer
contradicted this.
The CJP questioned whether the law enforcement agencies were
unaware about the persons behind worsening Balochistan law and order
situation in the province. He pointed out that even the provincial home
minister says that our own people are involved. He asked the chief
secretary to realize his responsibility and adjourned the case for two weeks.
431
Political parties in Balochistan welcomed Supreme Courts ruling

which stated that the provincial government had lost its constitutional
authority as it failed to provide security to the people. Hazara Democratic
Party Chairman said that more than 800 Shias were killed in sectarian
attacks. No killer has been arrested by the government, he added. He said
that Raisanis cabinet had lost its constitutional position owing to its poor
performance, adding that taking vote of confidence from the assembly had
no value in such circumstance.
On 7th December, two people including a sub-inspector and a member
of Ahmadi community were gunned down in Pishin and Quetta in two
separate incidents of firing. Next day, Fazlur Rahman termed the Supreme
Courts verdict about Balochistan government to step down as
undemocratic, saying that there would be no compromise on democracy.
Maulana further came down hard on judiciary and said that this decision
should be left on people of Balochistan.
On 10th December, Baloch Republic Party, Baloch Republic Students
Organization and Baloch Human Rights Organization staged a protest demo
in front of Quetta Press Club on the International Human Rights Day against
the alleged killings and abduction of Baloch people. The protesters were
holding banners and placards inscribed with various slogans like stop
genocide of Baloch.
Another doctor was kidnapped from Sariab Road of Quetta. According
to police, Dr Abdul Aziz was on his way home from his private clinic when
unidentified armed men intercepted him at Badini Link Road at gun-point
and drove him away towards unspecified location. A person was killed and
two others received injuries in a remote-controlled bomb blast also in Sariab
locality.
Balochistan's Advocate-General, during hearing in the Reko Diq case,
said the provincial governor had signed the agreement without the
Balochistan cabinet's approval. Chief Justice directed the Balochistan
government to provide evidence with respect to its stance, adding that
whosoever had violated the law would have to pay for the wrongdoing.
The chief justice reprimanded the advocate general, saying Kanrani had
been reviewing documents for the past three days and that he should not
waste time unnecessarily by shifting responsibility upon the courts. Kanrani
told the bench that Barrick Gold and Antofagasta Minerals became part of
the agreement without a real reason. Kanrani said Barrick Gold bought the
432
file of the agreement in 60 million dollars whereas Antofagasta Minerals

paid 140 million dollars for the agreement's file.
Moreover, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, counsel for the Balochistan government,
began his arguments. Soofi told the bench that land had not been specifically
allotted in the Reko Diq agreement. Responding to which, Justice Gulzar
inquired whether Soofi was claiming that the agreement was bogus. In his
remarks, Chief Justice Iftikhar said the agreement, in its spirit, did not ratify
a mining licence but simply agreed to the filing of a request for that purpose.
Next day, the Court observed that no company, foreign or local, was
above the Constitution and that upholding of the law as well as transparency
in any contract or agreement were of critical national importance. Article 5
of the Constitution must be considered while entering into an agreement
with foreign companies, Chief Justice held, while hearing petitions filed
against the lease awarded to foreign companies for exploration of gold and
copper fields in Reko Diq area.
Bilal Soofi, counsel for the Balochistan government, contended that
concession and exemptions granted to the BHP Billiton in the instant matter
were against the law. He argued that the mineral laws barred the government
from entering into an agreement with any foreign firm. Upon this, Justice
Chaudhry observed that amendments were made to the laws to attract
foreign investors and that the court supported the same. The chief justice
directed the counsel to cite the local laws instead of international laws to
substantiate his contentions, saying that no company foreign or local was
above the Constitution.
Referring to the Pakistan Steel Mills case, Justice Chaudhry said the
PSM contract was cancelled because it was violative of the law, and held
that no contract had any legal status if it was contrary to the law and
Constitution. He also observed that the Balochistan government could not
object to the concession/exemptions earlier granted to a foreign company in
the instant matter by itself. He said the provincial government should rectify
its mistakes instead of passing on the onus to the court.
On 12th December, Balochistan MPA Mir Bhaktiar Khan Domki
escaped a rocket attack in Bolan district. Domki was heading towards Quetta
from his native town Lehri when armed men in the Bolan mountains fired
several rockets on his convoy. Domki and his convoy remained safe in the
attack.
Next day, three Shia community members, a Hindu doctor and a PIA
official were killed in sectarian and targeted attacks in Balochistans Quetta,
433
Mastung and Panjgour districts. In Sirki Kala area of Quetta, unidentified

gunmen opened fire at a tailors shop, killing a man, namely Shabir Ahmed.
The victim was stated to be a resident of the Punjab and a member of the
Shia community.
In another assault, unidentified armed attackers shot dead a government
employee on Jinnah Road, and fled. Another Shia died at the CMH shortly
after receiving critical gunshot wounds in a targeted attack near Shahrah-eIqbal. The banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the killings
of the three Shias.
In Mastung district, a bike-borne armed duo mowed down a doctor,
namely Dr Lakshmi Chand, and fled the crime scene. A PIA official was shot
and killed by unidentified attackers in Chatkan area of Panjgour district,
bordering Iran. Yasir Arafat, Panjgour airport manager, was passing through
Chatkan Bazaar, when the armed men raked his car with bullets. The
deceased was from Lahore and he had been receiving threats.
On 14th December, Balochistan Constabulary acting Commandant
Khalil Zehri narrowly escaped a remote controlled bomb blast that left eight
people including a BC personnel injured. The explosives were planted in a
bicycle parked outside a hotel which went off soon after a BC vehicle passed
by.
Next day, a man was killed and four others wounded in two separate
incidents in Dera Bugti and Sibi. Unknown gunmen shot dead a watchman
of a tube-well near Tali area of Sibi and four people were wounded in a
landmine blast in Sui area of Dera Bugti when a motorcycle rolled on a
landmine.
On 16th December, at least four people were injured in a hand grenade
attack in Quetta, while rockets were fired in Kohlu during a company search
for oil and gas in Barkhan. A driver was kidnapped in Bolan district on
Sunday while shutter-down strike was observed in Nushki against
kidnapping for ransom incidents.
Turf war in Karachi: On 3rd December, killing of a cleric and

seminary administrator ensued violent protest and damage of public property
in Gulshan Town area of Karachi as 9 people were shot dead in the city.
Administrator of Ahsanul Uloom Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ismaeel, 42,
was gunned down at Abu Al Hassan Ispahani Road. The perpetrators ran
away after committing the crime.
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Next day, the Supreme Court while issuing an interim order on the
Karachi law and order implementation case said that transactions relating to
transfer of State land in the absence of record had encouraged the menace of
land-grabbing, a basic cause of the poor law and order situation in the City.
The bench in interim order also stated that Chief Secretary Sindh to place on
record the detailed list of persons and complete details of the lands
converted from 30 years to 99 years lease in the Sindh province after the
assassination of Benazir Bhutto and explaining the procedure adopted by the
revenue officials for this purpose.
SC order further stated that Board of revenue abusing its authority, has
allowed transactions relating to transfer of State land, which prima-facie,
must have caused huge financial loss to the exchequer, particularly, in the
absence of reconstruction of record and encouraged the menace of landgrabbing, one basic cause of the poor law and order situation. Bench
directed the Deputy Commissioners and District Coordination Officers of
Sindh to ensure that immediately the entire revenue record of all the districts
is kept in the custody of Mukhtiarkars in terms of the directives passed by
the Sindh High Court and shall not be removed from the office of the
Mukhtiarkars to any other place.
Order stated, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, Secretary Election Commission of
Pakistan has assured that compliance of observation regarding delimitation
of constituencies will be done in its letter and spirit within shortest possible
time, after due procedure and taking on board all stakeholders,
comprehensive report will be submitted for the perusal of this court.
On 5th December, an alleged target killer caught red-handed while
trying to escape after the killing of prayer leader-cum-seminary teacher
inside the Jamia Masjid-o-Madrassa Islamia. Meanwhile, at least seven
people were killed in incidents of violence.
On 7th December, at least nine people were gunned down in incidents
of violence in different areas of the metropolis. Law-enforcement agencies
and paramilitary force claimed to have apprehended about 11 suspects
including members of banned outfits along with arms and ammunition.
Next day, two activists of MQM were among seven people gunned
down in separate acts of violence in the City. In London, MQMs office
located in Edgware Town was raided in connection with the assassination of
partys senior leader Dr Imran Farooq. The work on searching Altaf
Hussains business address continued for a period of two days.
435
After Londons Metropolitan Police raid on MQMs Edgware Town

office, the Foreign Office stated that it would be wrong to prematurely infer
anything from the raid. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Foreign Office
voiced hope that the British probe would help dispel all misgivings about the
MQM.
On 10th December, two Rangers personnel were among 11 people were
gunned down in different violent incidents in Karachi. Next day, an activist
of MQM was among six people gunned down in separate incidents of
violence in the city. On 12th December, political workers and a police
inspector were among 11 people killed and four others wounded in separate
incidents of target killing. Next day, at least four people including two police
were killed in different incidents of violence in the City. Police in drive
against the criminals arrested 37 accused from various parts of the
metropolis during the past 24 hours.
On 14th December, at least four people including two police were killed
in different incidents. Various parties of Shias staged sit-in at Numaish
Chowrangi, MA Jinnah Road in the evening till indefinite time against what
they called Shia genocide across the country and in favour of military
operation in Karachi.
Next day, three policemen and an activist of MQM were gunned down
in different incidents of violence. Unrest flared up in Karachi and interior
Sindh on Saturday following incidents of intermittent firing by unidentified
gunmen and an unannounced strike by MQM supporters over the issuance of
a contempt notice to Altaf Hussain by the apex court.
On 16th December, three people were killed in separate acts of violence
in the metropolis. Altaf Hussain phoned President Zardari and discussed
with him host of issues including law and order situation in Karachi, energy
crisis and economic turmoil in the country. The president thanked the MQM
chief for his continued support to the government and said PPP government
was hoping for his partys assistance on all important national issues in
future as well.
VIEWS
Power politics
Rise or perish: The good news is that a tradition of giving a chance
to the electoral system guaranteed by the constitution has been initiated. The
436
bad news is that numerous bad precedents have been set. The other good
news is that uninhibited (perhaps too uninhibited) dialogues and discussions
on practically all issues under the sun are being held and tolerated in the
media and other forums, and there are no political prisoners. This will in due
course be the key to ironing out issues that have so far been swept under the
carpet both by dictators and the variety of limited democracies that have
come and gone in our country. The bad precedent is the negation of a two
party system or at least the desire and the mindset to have no opposition or a
weak opposition incapable of offering any resistance or checks to the
government actions. The concept of a national government that is joined by
all political parties and thus has no opposition is against the spirit of
parliamentary democracy.
The other bad precedent is to consider Parliament and its elected
members as above the law. Parliament, as a body of peoples representatives,
is undoubtedly supreme that can pass legislation to be implemented as the
law of the land. In case the members of Parliament pass a bad law that
violates the spirit of our constitution, the courts have a responsibility to
provide its interpretation and a judgment to its validity.
Likewise, the judiciary, the armed forces and the bureaucracy make
the affairs of the state function and are the other pillars that support it;
neither of which is above accountability. The courts cannot function and the
state will cripple, if the miscellaneous branches of the executive reserve the
option of deciding whether they would or would not implement the
decisions and verdicts of the courts
The present regime that comprises major political heavyweights is
plodding along seemingly oblivious to the nosedive the nation is taking in all
fields across the board. Whoever forms the next government will inherit a
host of monumental problems that have been left unattended. Two
repayments of the IMF loans are due in the next quarter that will further
deplete the already low level of State Bank reserves to an alarming level.
The value of rupee will further depreciate making the imports costlier and
causing higher inflation. Nothing has been done on the ground to enhance
the generation of electricity that is the basic and integral need for the growth
of the industrial sector and to attract foreign investment, besides being a
necessary 24-hour service that the state must be able to provide to its
citizens. The constitutional right of education to every child looks like a
pipedream. The uncontrolled abundance of weapons and their easy
availability has created powerful armed groups that threaten the peace of big
cities and lives of their residents.
437
The elections may be around the corner, but prosperity and good
fortune are not. The next government has to brace itself to take immediate
and unpopular decisions to tighten its belt and infuse strict fiscal, political
and administrative discipline. The people are destined to bear the brunt of
the follies of its past rulers for some time to come. The silver lining is that
we have reached at a level from where we have no option, but to rise or be
annihilated. (Khursheed Akhtar Khan, TheNation 9th December)
Explaining political behaviour! Image-makers are at work these
days in Pakistan with absolute tenacity. In the long run, they might have no
substantive impact on Pakistans future political landscape, but right now,
their efforts are noticeable
The vital point is that mere window-dressing, image-building
exercises, and massive public diplomacy through media and television
campaigns cannot be a substitute for the real-time change of political
direction and ideological discourse needed in present-day Pakistan. The fact
of the matter is that all contemporary Muslim Leaguers (no matter what
faction they belong to) are fundamentally right-wing in their political as well
as socio-economic orientations. They are inherently status quo politicians.
Their political, economic and social ideology is stalemated.
They are intellectually dormant. Philosophically, in political and
ethical terms, they are timeless prisoners of their own mindsets. They all
consider democracy as an organized ritual of voting that can be manipulated
by symbols, slogans, political skills, mutual alliances, and sharing mutual
vested interests. Their goal (and past history) is to grab political power, use it
for economic gains, and sustain this power endlessly. Has not the Pakistani
nation experienced this political charade for far too long? Have not the
ordinary common citizens observed this dismal political phenomenon
endlessly?
Someday, the future political historians are going to have a field day
when they evaluate the celebrated glory of saving a sham democracy under
the stewardship of the PPP, along with its glorious opposition partners the
prevailing so-called democratic dispensation that has resulted in decimating
the entire structure of Pakistans society. This solemnized era of ceremonial
democracy is going to fall flat on its face.
The fact of the matter is that Pakistans traditional political class is
still, even today, unaware of the masses raised political consciousness and
awareness. They are underestimating the general publics complete
understanding of national issues and the peoples rising and almost
438
exploding fury and utter disappointment with the existing political system.
The people are fed up of daily deprivations, lawlessness, corruption,
political-economic mismanagement, social chaos, poverty, and endless
theatrics of the traditional political class in the name of democracy. Enough
is enough!
And so consequently, a political tsunami will come in the shape of
Imran Khans ideology of change (no matter what Mian Nawaz Sharif
defines or understands by this term). A change that is indispensable now for
Pakistans existence and future survival.
Here is a political prediction: if the elections are held (and I repeat,
if the elections are held), a political tsunami will be the only guarantee of
Pakistans survival nothing else will save this country from ultimate
disaster!
True guardians of the constitution: In Pakistan, as in all
federations, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role. It is the sole and unique
tribunal of the nation. It is more than a usual law court. It is primarily a
political institution in whose keeping lies the destiny of a great nation. The
peace, prosperity, and very existence of the federation rest continually in the
hands of the Supreme Court judges. Without them, the constitution would be
a dead letter; it is to them that the executive appeals to resist the
encroachment of Parliament; Parliament to defend itself against the assaults
of the executive; the federal government to make the provinces obey it; the
provinces to rebuff the exaggerated pretensions of the federal government,
public interest against private interest, etc. They decide whether you and I
shall live or die. The job of the Supreme Court is not to protect the system.
Its job is to interpret and defend the constitution. Fiat justitia Ruat coelum,
(let justice be done if Heavens fall). Heavens wont fall. That is for sure. It
will be morning once again in Pakistan.
The fear of conspiracy against the Supreme Court hangs heavy in the
air. Counter-revolution does not give up easily. Attempts are being made to
subvert the peoples will and overturn the judicial revolution. Our history
can show no precedent for so foul a plot as that which this corrupt, dying
regime has hatched against the Supreme Court.
On President Asif Zardaris watch, Pakistan is fast descending into
chaos and economic catastrophe. Evidence of a state tottering on the edge of
complete dysfunction is apparent everywhere in Pakistan. The mood is of
futility and despair. President Zardari, symbol of the unity of the federation,
has declared war on the Supreme Court. One thing is clear: the true
439
guardians of the constitution are the people of Pakistan. People power alone
can protect the Supreme Court from corrupt rulers. (Roedad Khan,
TheNation 14th December)
Contempt of public mandate? To begin with, verification of voters
for the compilation of credible electoral lists and delimitation of
constituencies by the Election Commission of Pakistan in consultation with
political parties are steps that ensure respect for public mandate more than
anything else. Even the MQM says that these steps should be taken.
However, the party says that they should be taken after the next census and
all over Pakistan, rather than just in Karachi. It doesnt seem to matter that
the census was due in 2008 and the government has failed to conduct it. It
doesnt seem to matter that the case before the court concerned Karachi and
it was brought before the court by political parties. Besides, the MQM didnt
bother to file for a review of the order. It chose instead to target the judges
whod issued the order and joined the chorus about the honourable judges,
overstepping their constitutional role that is so fashionable in certain circles
these days.
It is the favourite mantra for the so-called champions of democracy,
who are quick to chant it every time the Supreme Court passes an order that
upsets the undemocratic and unconstitutional games our power-players play
behind the faade of democracy. According to the deliberately simplistic
standpoint of PPP and its partners, and a host of anchorpersons and analysts,
who seem only too happy to go along with it, it all boils down to the sanctity
of public mandate.
According to their logic, the elected representatives have the public
mandate and that makes them sacred. These holy cows enjoying the public
mandate should be allowed to do as they please until the next elections. If
there are black sheep among them, the public would hold them accountable
and not give them the sacred mandate. While these proprietors of public
mandate decide about our life and death, everyone else should go to sleep.
Are they really so nave, these frontline defenders of democracy?
Does democracy boil down to this? Have they ever attempted to place the
concept of public mandate, and those supposedly enjoying it, under the same
nit-picking microscope that they focus on the honourable judges at the drop
of a hat? Why are they so intent upon giving the elected representatives
within a constitutional democratic framework the kind of power one finds in
only monarchies and dictatorships? They pretend as if democracy is a ritual
that takes place once every five years and not a process. They pretend that it
440
is not a system that is supposed to function every day within the

constitutional framework that is holier than all the holy cows put together.
Theyd like to take us back to a time when the judiciary paid homage to
them and adjusted its interpretation of the constitution to suit them.
Lets take a look at the holy cows. Last week, we discovered that most
of them didnt pay any taxes or paid too little No one should be allowed to
hide behind this so-called public mandate to maintain an anti-people status
quo and malign the Supreme Court when it intervenes to bring the system
within the confines of the constitution and correct the flaws that are a
hindrance to democratic governance.
Should the Supreme Court abdicate its responsibility of holding those
in power accountable and let the farce go on? Should it close its eyes to
bogus votes, corruption, cronyism, illegal appointments, fake degrees, dual
national parliamentarians and so many other unconstitutional doings of those
in power and go to sleep? Should it interpret the constitution in the public
interest or for the petty interests of those abusing an already suspect public
mandate? (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 16th December)
The fall of Dhaka: The story of separation has left behind poignant
memories for us all to rue, which raise the inevitable question whether we
have learnt any lesson from them. Has the painful event broadened our
horizon enough to view our problems in the national perspective? Have we
risen above the appeal of parochial interests? Sadly, the answer is not in the
positive, as witnessed in action in the disaffection of the people of
Balochistan; the murderous scenes of Karachi; the ethnic fighting; and, to an
extent, the terrorist phenomenon. The scenario has again presented to the
enemies of Pakistan an ideal opportunity to serve their nefarious designs of
destabilizing it. It is time we woke up! (Editorial, TheNation 16 th
December)
Rule of law
Targeting key institutions: An abrupt change at the top echelons of
Pakistans Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the past week not only
says much about the quality of governance in the country, but also of the
priorities of the top members of the ruling structure.
Dr Suhail Naqvi, an illustrious academic and Executive Director of
the HEC, was on Thursday last summarily replaced when a top bureaucrat
from the Ministry of Education marched in to take charge of his position.
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Dr Naqvi preferred to defy the odds and has chosen to fight back. For
now, his fate remains unclear. But the episode is another eye-opener on the
coming fate of Pakistan a country facing an increasingly acute crisis of
governance! Though the motive behind the official move is unclear,
Islamabad remains in the grip of a spate of rumours
In the past four years since Pakistans return to democracy in 2008,
the country has been in the midst of a growing list of controversies, each to
do with irresponsible choices made by Pakistans ruling politicians. A
proliferation of new positions across an already bloated and loss-making set
of public sector companies has dangerously aggravated public finances.
Consequently, Pakistan has increasingly become surrounded by
warnings from independent economists, alerting to the possibility of
increasing economic distress for the Muslim worlds only country that
happens to be armed with nuclear weapons.
Equally important for Pakistans future is, indeed, the fate of the
countrys long ignored community of its disempowered and impoverished
population. The past four years of Pakistans democratic rule and the
sustained aggravation of its public finances has just shrunk the financial
space for the governments ability to begin tackling challenges in the most
important areas such as education and health care
While the dubious circumstances surrounding Dr Naqvis attempted
replacement may not necessarily affect lives across Pakistans mainstream,
they say much about the pitiful style adopted by the present-day ruling
structure.
A complete disregard for the rule of law by the rulers themselves
makes a mockery of the oft repeated claims of good democratic behaviour,
frequently heard from ruling politicians. Eventually, it is not just the cause of
promoting higher education in Pakistan which will likely suffer.
The unending business of ruling politicians targeting one key
institution after another only adds to the aggravation, which surrounds
Pakistan today. Unless this march towards destroying the few remnants of
the rule of law is immediately halted, Pakistan as a country will likely just
become more dysfunctional with the passage of time.
The coming elections may, indeed, be theoretically an opportunity for
Pakistanis to elect their next group of rulers; the aggravation across the
country ahead of the polls only promises to disfigure the neutrality which
must surround this coming process.
442
The blatant use of the public sector to dish out jobs in return for
earning political loyalties amounts to nothing less than further distorting an
already distorted democratic process. (Farhan Bokhari, TheNation 4th
December)
NAB on the move: Not only has the government summarily dismissed
the Transparency International Pakistans Report that corruption of Rs6-7
billions was being committed every day, it has ridiculed the NAB Chairman
Fasih Bokharis statement of supporting this charge by publishing a position
paper today. The NAB chief has made, it seems, many enemies within the
ruling party. Obviously, the impression is that those who are strongly
resisting this move would have skeletons to hide, for otherwise why would
members of the ruling class who are supposed to stand by an impartial NAB
ever object to such a noble undertaking. The federal cabinet has responded
by setting up a 4-member committee to find out whether there is substance
in these charges and why the NAB chief has made the claim.' (Editorial,
Disqualifying duality: The problem lies in the concept of nationality
and citizenship, and of loyalty and allegiance. Pakistanis inherited their
concept from the UK, but they do not seem to have fully internalized it.
They must learn that if they regard another citizenship as merely a
convenience rather than a commitment, they will measure Pakistani
citizenship by the same standard. (M A Niazi, TheNation 14th December)
NAB responds: National Accountability Bureau Chairman Admiral
(R) Fasih Bokhari responded very publicly to the criticism of his statement
by the federal cabinet that corruption was costing the country Rs10 to 12
billion a day, made in support of a Transparency International report making
the allegation, by repeating the claim in a press conference on Thursday.
However, he promised all cooperation to the four-member cabinet
committee set up in Thursdays meeting to probe the issue. Briefing the
press on Wednesday, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira had said that
the allegation was motivated when it was kept in mind that elections were
soon to take place. Admiral Bokhari flatly denied such allegations, though it
did show that the cabinet members were aware that such massive corruption
did not reflect well on it, particularly as it was not made by some opposition
stalwart, but an appointee of the government itself. Admiral Bokhari, sharing
some of the reasoning behind the estimate, said it was based on annual direct
losses, as evident from various indictors. He said the tax-to-GDP ratio,
averaged 17-20 percent globally, but was only 9 percent in Pakistan, causing
thus an annual loss of Rs2.5-3 trillion. There were also losses in state
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enterprises due to incompetence and corruption of Rs300-350 billion, while

losses in mega projects amounted to about Rs350 billion.
He said that indirect losses had not been quantified by the NAB, such
as the untaxed agricultural sector, the revenue department, land grabbing and
encroachments. That corruption exists with the cooperation of legislators is
no surprise, and Admiral Bokhari offered no details of how Nab intended to
tackle the problem. He analyzed the problem as the conversion of two pillars
of state, the Executive and the Legislature, into one. That would prevent
legislative oversight over the executive, and Admiral Bokhari was right in
saying that this was happening at both federal and provincial levels, and that
it was a longstanding issue which persisted despite 59 laws being passed
against it since Independence. The miasma of corruption surrounding the
government will only be strengthened by this statement. If it intended to get
Admiral Bokharis appointment to help cover up corruption, it does not seem
to have succeeded. If it wishes to escape the perception of corruption at the
hustings, it must help NAB perform its task. It should not travel along the
path of confrontation it seems to have chosen. (Editorial, TheNation 15 th
December)
KBD: sink or swim! For one thing, one would not find fault with
PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharifs observation that the Kalabagh Dam can
only be built if the entire nation agrees to its construction. It is clear enough
that the issue which has been needlessly politicized and has now become the
proverbial Gordian knot would require national consensus in order to
become a reality.
National interest should be kept in mind rather than the pursuit of
narrow political objectives. The impression that such vibes would generate is
that the PML-N leader has been so far talking about it instead of practically
striving towards that end. And lack of practical support would mean that he
could be thinking of garnering support from KPK and Sindh where he has
been engaged in a canvassing campaign. Being a national leader, he ought to
have clarified these points and told the people right away that the project is a
national necessity. He could have, likewise, talked with the other leaders
resisting the project for political reasons. Given the circumstances, when the
country is reeling under prolonged power crunch and the industry is in its
death throes, lip service would hardly do. Since it was the politicians who
turned the issue into a countrywide discord, it is up to them to tell the people
that it is a matter of survival. The Lahore High Court has also given its
444
verdict which should make their duty less cumbersome. (Editorial,

The CCI and Kalabagh Dam: The construction of Kalabagh Dam is
a policy issue that can only be resolved through a political process on the
basis of consensus of the majority. Here we have three provinces opposing
its construction, which means that those who are opposed to this project are
in majority. Trying to foist decisions on the provinces against their will can
have disastrous consequences for the federation itself and no person in his
right mind would opt for any course of action that undermines national unity
by generating fissiparous tendencies.
It is really painful to note that the judiciary in its zeal to strengthen its
self-assumed credentials of a saviour of the nation is not hesitating from
transgressing its limits and even arrogating to itself the powers of the other
institutions, which is a very dangerous development. It will generate an
ambience of confrontation among the state institutions, besides hampering
the process of governing the country, which is an exclusive constitutional
prerogative of the executive and the legislature.
The decision of the courts after attaining finality are binding
according to the internationally recognized principles of jurisprudence,
irrespective of the fact whether they are in conformity with the constitution
or otherwise. That is why the courts are also supposed to exercise judicial
restraint. Any wrong and binding decision can have serious repercussions.
Such decisions are not only embarrassing for the executive in case they
cannot be implemented, but also contribute to scuttling the credibility and
prestige of the courts themselves, besides making their role controversial.
The SC tried to fix the prices of sugar and we all know it could not be
implemented to the embarrassment of the court Another and the most
recent example is the lowering of the CNG prices through a judicial order
The pricing of commodities like CNG is a very complex undertaking and it
is better left to the market forces and the executive.
No doubt the Kalabagh Dam project was recommended by the CCI in
view of the burgeoning demand and future requirements of electricity and its
construction with consensus would have helped a lot in tiding over the
shortage of electricity. But it is also the legitimate right of the provinces to
weigh the benefits of the dam against the losses in the other areas. Since
three provinces are opposed to this undertaking, it should not be agitated
further or imposed on them through coercive decisions. The country has
other alternatives to produce electricity like solar and wind energy.
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According to a USAID report prepared recently, Pakistan has a

potential of producing 40,000 MW of electricity through wind power from
the Sindh corridor. Similarly, there is no limit on harnessing solar energy.
The government has recently decided to convert all the existing power
producing unit to Thar Coal and also to base the future projects on the
indigenous coal. It is estimated that the in hand projects based on Thar Coal
have the potential of generating 4,500 MW of electricity. With so much
potential for producing electricity from other sources, there is no
justification for generating new controversies and cleavages in the national
fabric. We already have had enough of them. It is hoped that the SC will take
notice of the decision and set it aside in the best national interest. (Malik
Muhammad Ashraf, TheNation 5th December)
Elections alone no remedy: Ours is the story of a society that has
been going round and round in aimless circles for 65 years. We have still not
been able to define our national identity and evolve a political system
needed for a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic population. Our quest for
survival has been as compelling as it has been uncertain. Woefully, as a
newly-independent nation, we just could not cope with the challenges of
freedom inherent in our geopolitical and structural fault lines. Language
became our first bte noire. We are still possessed by the same ghosts in the
name of culture, ethnicity and history.
The problem is that the overbearing feudal and tribal power structure
in Pakistan has been too deeply entrenched to let any systemic change take
place. It does not suit them. They have always resisted reform in the country,
which they fear will erode their vested power and influence base. No
wonder, we are currently experiencing the worst-ever governance crisis of
our history. The nation desperately looks for someone with integrity and
vision and an able team to remake the State of Pakistan like Malaysias
Mahathir and Singapores Lee Kuan Yew did
Instead of always blaming outsiders for our domestic problems, we
should have the courage to admit that there is something fundamentally
wrong with our own governance patterns. Our systemic aberrations are the
root cause of our governance failures. Our problems are not external; our
problems are domestic. Our foremost priority is to fix the fundamentals of
our state and governance. Elections alone will not make any difference. The
system itself must change. Reason, not self-serving emotion should be our
yardstick.
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Given our pathetic performance in our political conduct and discipline

since our independence, we, like most developing countries, are not yet fit
for the parliamentary system Temperamentally, we are a presidential
nation. It is time we abandoned the system that we have never been able to
practice. Lets opt for an adult franchise-based presidential system suitably
tailored to Pakistans needs.
We would also be better off with proportional electorate system to
ensure representation of political parties in national legislature proportionate
to the percentage of popular vote they receive. It will provide greater access
to non-feudal, non-elitist educated middle class people in elected assemblies.
In order to develop a truly democratic culture in the country, our political
parties
need
to
be
remade
through
their
mandatory
democratization. Hereditary succession of leadership must be banned and
the parties be required by law to have regular intra-party elections by secret
ballot and strictly enforced ethical standards and codes of conduct.
Also needed is rationalization of our federal system by revisiting our
current provincial architecture looking for pragmatic solution to the
problems of regional disparities. Our provincial system is not only fuelling
misrule and corruption, but also aggravating a sense of inequality among
different parts of the country. Our constitution does not provide solution to
the genuine concerns on the inequality of the size of provinces and lopsided
sharing of political and economic power. The need for drastic change in our
present anachronistic federal setup is urgent to get rid of the outmoded
political structures in our country.
Looking at the systems of other developed and developing countries,
we find ourselves a unique example of a federation with almost no parallel
anywhere in the world. No country in the world is divided on ethniclinguistic basis, and no country roughly equal to Pakistans geographical and
population size has so few and so large provinces. In any parochiallydivided or unequal setup, no method of governance will work. It is a system
designed for paralysis, which we are already experiencing. Our present
provincial setup has long been the cause of political instability with an everlooming threat to the countrys very survival.
Pakistan is known to have over 20 languages and nearly 300 distinct
dialects. This diversity contributed to chronic regional tensions and
provincial disharmony The preferable solution lies in replacing the present
four provinces with at least 40 administratively-determined provinces with
some balance in their geographical and population size, free of ethnic and
447
parochial labels but still constitutionally keeping their ethnic and national
identities intact. This will also free the country of at least one tier of known
redundancy and corruption with huge savings to be available for the
wellbeing of the people. But if our traditional mindset does not allow this
change to happen, we could still restructure the federation by retaining the
present four ethnic-linguistic-based provinces redesignated as states (like
India) only as the federating units of Pakistan with constitutionally redefined
role and status.
The functions of the four states, headed by an elected governor as
representative of the federation, should be limited only to an oversight and
supervisory role over the provincial and district governments in their
respective jurisdiction and maintaining liaison with the central government
in terms of administrative, judicial, police, law and order, and financial
matters. In this task, the four states will need very small functional
secretariats for supervisory and coordination role.
In order to separate governance from ethnic-linguistic considerations,
all administrative responsibilities should be transferred to the local levels
obviating the need for state chief ministers, cabinets, assemblies or large
secretariats. Each state should be divided into 10 or more provinces as
administrative units keeping a balance in their geographical and
demographic size. To avoid large-scale fresh re-demarcation of land
boundaries and re-channeling of irrigation canals and tributaries, the existing
divisions and large districts could be converted into provinces and headed
by elected administrators with a suitable title.
Districts should become the basic unit of governance each headed by
an elected person with prescribed eligibility criteria. By dividing the country
into smaller administrative units as provinces, we would not only be
eliminating the causes of regional acrimony and discontent, but also
ensuring effective and efficient governance through elected bodies at local
and grassroots levels. (Shamshad Ahmad, TheNation 13th December)
Baloch militancy
SC on Balochistan violence: During a session of Balochistan
Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Aslam Raisani challenged that no one
could normalize the provinces law and order; he challenged the critics to
take his office. His big words are a resounding reminder of his failure. And
the fact is that despite having failed so badly, he is yet not ready to part with
power.
448
The session was held by Deputy Speaker Matiullah Agha without the
participation of Speaker of the Assembly Muhammad Aslam Bhootani who
had earlier explained that since the provincial government was no more
legal, he could not conduct its sessions. The strongest criticism that CM
Raisani has received has been coming from the Supreme Court that in the
past declared it unfit to protect the lives of the people and hence unfit to hold
office. The Supreme Court hearings on Wednesday necessitate just that
outcome. The Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry stated it categorically that the
CM must take the blame for ongoing killings and incidents of kidnappings.
He warned that the provincial government did not have the constitutional
right by dint of which anyone running the setup was doing so at their own
risk. In the light of this judgment, the CM must now exit the scene to let a
better leadership try to set things right. It is now up to the central
government to act swiftly and bring in a team that can stop the rising graph
of crime. (Editorial, TheNation 6th December)
REVIEW
All the major political parties launched their election campaigns
though many observers continued expressing their apprehensions about polls
on due date. PPP, PML-N PML-Q and PML-F held public rallies to blame
their opponents primarily on account of hatching conspiracies. Imran Khan
of PTI addressed several rallies in Southern Punjab during which he could
not get out of Nawaz syndrome; he needed to rise above that.
Every time a corruption scandal is reported by the media or someone
else, in which one or more politicians are invariably involved, the corrupt
ruling coalition react violently saying that they were being targeted to derail
the democratic system in the country. They accuse the reporters of pointing
finger only at politicians ignoring the corrupt in bureaucracy, military and
judiciary.
The statements in their defence create an impression that the politician
think that they have been elected only to enjoy the perks and privileges.
They tend to ignore that catching thieves, other than themselves, is the sole
responsibility of the politicians ruling the country. If the corrupt in
bureaucracy, military and judiciary are not touched, the onus of this
criminal neglect also lies with politicians.
Meanwhile, the Law Minister announced victory of the Scoundrel over
the apex court. He declared that Swiss cases against Zardari cannot be
449
opened as Switzerland has not bothered replying the letter written on orders
of the Supreme Court. It implied that efforts of more than three years
yielded a letter of few lines which is now bears remarks NFA (No Further
Action).
The Supreme Court, however, must be commended for not giving up its
futile endeavours for catching the corrupt. A bench headed by Chief Justice
kept digging muck out of Recko Diq gold mine. The judges seemed to have
developed liking for digging out rats; dead and stinking.
The corrupt rulers have never hesitated from launching counter
offensive. Mr Chun, heading PAC pressed for checking accounts of the
Supreme Court, not in the spirit of Committees charter of duties, but to
convey a message to the apex court that Parliament is Supreme of which the
Scoundrel is an important part.
The Lahore High Court verdict on Kalabagh Dam served only one
purpose; it provided a pretext to the anti-Punjab forces to give vent to their
prejudices. The party ruling Punjab preferred to take it lying down for
reasons too obvious. Nawaz Sharif, while meeting a delegation from Sindh
talked of consensus because his eyes were set on third term as premier,
which to him is more important than well-being of Punjab/Pakistan.
The Supreme Court has once again thrown a stone into an overflowing
open gutter, by serving a contempt notice to Altaf Hussain. The outcome
would be natural and no different from the past. The judges would once
again end up getting splashes on their faces. This has happened several times
in the past but this time it could be a splash with marked magnitude.
The gutter into which the Chief Justice has thrown a stone is too filthy
and oozing too profusely. He and his team wont escape by showing judicial
restraint; therefore they must endeavour to close this gutter permanently.
Any half-hearted effort would be drastically counter-productive. The judges
of the apex court should also remember that the Resident Scoundrel will
back the Scoundrel in Exile and two are already in touch with each other on
this count.
17th December, 2012
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TATTOOED TALIBAN
Mehran Base and Kamra Base-like attack was launched at Peshawar
Airport on 15th December, unlike previous attacks this one was foiled by the
vigilant Police and security forces. Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan
said: We carried out this suicide attack; we will carry more such attacks on
this airport Our target was jet fighter planes and gunship helicopters and
soon we will target them again.
Since that attack militants remained on the offensive in Peshawar and
its surrounding area and a day after 21 people were killed in car bombing in
451
Jamrud. A week after the Airport attack a suicide bomber targeted senior
Minister of KPK, Bashir Ahmed Bilour and killed him in the heart of
Peshawar City.
TTP said: We claim responsibility for killing Bashir Bilour. It is
revenge for the martyrdom of our elder Sheikh Naseeb Khan. Sheikh
Naseeb was reportedly a teacher at a seminary where many Taliban members
were educated. He said that ANP was on their hit-list and people should not
attend its public rallies. So, the revenge game that started in Swat continued
with ever-increasing ferocity.
Earlier in the day, the news from across the Durand Line was also not
good. About thirty Pakistani labourers returning from Afghanistan
complained of having been tortured by Mama Karzais security. One of them
told that Afghan soldiers tore passports of three of our companions, threw in
River Kabul and asked them to collect those at Attock Bridge.
Meanwhile, an anti-terror law was passed, which would have been done
at the time of present rulers coming into power not at the verge of exit. The
regime kept explaining the reasons for Zardari not going to Tehran to sign a
pact for IP gas pipeline. Interior Minister Maliks visit to New Delhi and
APHC leaders coming to Pakistan indicated increase in people-to-people
contacts in Indo-Pak relations.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 10th December, eight people including three policemen
were killed while six others including a station house officer were injured
when suicide bombers attacked a police station in Bannu early morning.
Militants armed with suicide vests, guns, grenades and rockets raided the
police station in Kaki, in the outskirts of Bannu. Backed by four suicide
bombers, militants tried to enter the police station but the police valiantly
resisted the attack.
Two attackers were shot dead by police. One of the suicide bombers
tried to enter the police station from a mosque at the back and detonated his
vest there, killing two men. An off-duty army soldier was also among the
killed, who was offering prayer in the mosque.
The TTP threatened to stage more attacks against secular parties after
targeting an ANP rally in Charsadda in which seven people got injured.
Following the attack on the rally, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said
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that they would keep targeting the ANP and the MQM for their secular
agenda.
As the police investigators were still groping in the dark about the gun
assault on a 72-year-old Swedish Christian charity worker, she has flown
back home despite her critical condition for medical treatment. Unidentified
gunmen had shot at and wounded Bargeeta Almby in Model Town area one
week back.
President Zardari announced the formation of The Malala Fund for
Girls Right to Education throughout the world and Pakistan. Pakistan and
UNESCO signed MoU to establish this fund with the support of
international community, and Pakistan announced $10 million dollars as
seed money for the fund.
Next day, the NA Standing Committee on Law and Justice met and
deliberated on various clauses of the Fair Trial Bill 2012 when abruptly the
chairperson pronounced the passage of bill by the committee. PML-N
members lodged a strong protest over the attitude of the chairperson and
later staged a walkout form the committee. Meanwhile, MQMs member AS
Zafar also opposed the bill and said that it did not contain even the proper
definition of terrorism and stressed that more debate and deliberations are
required to further fine-tune the contents of the bill.
Under the Fair Trial Bill emails, telephonic conversation and other
electronic data could be used as evidence in court of laws and agencies were
given sweeping powers to monitor and bug the telephonic conversations and
other electronic contacts between the private people on suspicion of
terrorism. During the debate on the bill the PML-N members of the
committee raised objection that who would ensure that the powers to be
given to law enforcement agencies would not be misused and in case a child
would send a wrong email, how his case would be tackled and not used as
arm-twisting tactics.
French President met President Zardari at Elyse Palace and discussed
regional situation including war on terror, the future of Afghanistan, nuclear
issue and drug trafficking. The French President said his discussion with
President Zardari was very good and encouraging and France will extend in
energy sector.
Chief Justice Peshawar High Court while hearing the case of Anar Gul
asked DIG investigations and Principal Staff Officer to Pakistan Army to
prepare a detailed report about the missing incident and killing of Anar Gul.
He also asked for Court Martial of the involved persons in Anar Gul missing
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case; otherwise, the court will take action under civil law of Army Act to
transfer the case to the court of Sessions Judge. He said that that if the issue
of forced disappearances were not resolved, the court would think over the
future of Army deployed in the FATA and PATA regions.
On 12th December, Executive District Officer Health along with three
companions went missing since last night. The EDO left for Dera Ismail
Khan from Peshawar in his private vehicle and the last contact with him was
made at 9 pm. It was feared that he has been kidnapped along with his
companions.
Angry girls protested against the renaming of their school after shot
teenage activist Malala Yousafzai, saying the move would make them a
target for militants. Around 150 students boycotted classes at what is now
the Government Malala College for Girls in Saidu Sharif, Swat; tearing up
and stoning pictures of the 15-year-old, accusing her of abandoning Pakistan
by going to Britain for treatment.
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey reiterated their determination to
intensify cooperation among the three countries to address regional
challenges, especially the Afghan security problem. A joint statement issued,
following the 7th Trilateral Summit of the Presidents of the three states, said
the presidents expressed their resolve to foster connectivity among the
institutions of the three brotherly countries and pursue an Afghan-led and
Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process to address the militancy
issue there.
President Zardari said Pakistan was determined and making sincere
efforts to defeat extremist mindset that has hurt both Pakistan and
Afghanistan. He said the latest attack on Afghan intelligence chief was part
of the designs to undermine their unity against terrorism. He said as
extremists were facing defeat, they are reacting by launching attacks against
individuals and personalities.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson said the principles of
reconciliatory policy laid down by the Afghan government could be
applicable to all extremist groups, including Haqqani network. In an
interview with the BBC, Olson said anyone willing to follow the policys
three principles crime elimination, disassociation from international
violence and respect for the Constitution would be brought into the circle
of dialogue.
Prime Minister Raja extended by six months the Pakistan, Afghanistan
and UNHCR (United Nations high Commissioner for Refugees) tripartite
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agreement on repatriation of Afghan refugees, which was scheduled to end

on December 31. This decision was made at a high-level meeting held in the
PM Secretariat following a presentation made on management and
repatriation strategy/policy for Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
Next day, the Pakistan military and the Taliban are guilty of rights
abuses with a lack of justice fuelling a crisis in the tribal areas, claimed a
report by Amnesty International but ISPR rejected the allegations as a pack
of lies and part of sinister propaganda campaign against armed forces. The
military is using new security laws and a colonial-era penal system to act
with impunity in the northwestern, semi-autonomous region where Taliban
and al-Qaeda-linked violence is concentrated, the watchdog said.
The military has arbitrarily detained thousands for long periods with
little or no access to due process, said the report based on interviews with
victims, witnesses, relatives, lawyers, officials and militants. Cases of death
and torture have been documented, detainees are not brought before court
and relatives have no idea of their fate, sometimes for extended periods of
time, said the London-based human rights group.
The commission, set up by the Supreme Court to probe the causes of
the Lal Masjid incident and, if possible, to fix the responsibility upon the
personnel of the security forces, was questioned before the apex court. An
application seeking immediate withdrawal of the commission reminded the
court that under its rules, it just could not appoint a commission to conduct
any probe or fact finding in a criminal matter.
Applicant Shahid Orakzai said the order of the Supreme Court was
not binding on Justice Shahzado Sheikh of the Federal Shariat Court because
it does not enunciate a law or lays down a principle of law as emphasized
by Article 189. Quoting several Articles of the Constitution, the applicant
emphasized the independence of the Federal Shariat Court and no judge
thereof could be asked to do an assignment outside his oath.
Federal Shariat Court (FSC) appointed Justice Shehzad Al-Shaikh, a
senior judge of the FSC to head the commission appointed by the apex court
to probe into the incident of Lal Masjid. Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, District &
Sessions Judge/Member Inspection Team, Islamabad High Court and
Kamran Basharat Mufti, Additional District & Sessions Judge, ICT (West),
will assist the commission as secretary and assistant secretary. Their services
have been borrowed from the Islamabad High Court.
On 14th December, Leon Panetta said that Pakistani leaders have often
promised to take action, but have not followed through and without such
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action; peace and security in Afghanistan will remain elusive. At a news

conference with Afghan President Karzai, US Defense Secretary made a plea
for Pakistan to do more to clear al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other extremist
groups from the alleged havens on its side of the border with Afghanistan.
Next day, a Taliban suicide squad staged an audacious car bomb, rocket
and gun attack on Peshawar Airport late night, in which nine people,
including five attackers, were killed and 40 others were wounded. In one of
the deadliest raids since a pre-dawn assault on a PAF airbase in Kamra in
August, militants armed with rockets and suicide vests attacked Bacha Khan
International Airport, which handles civilian and military traffic.
The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and
threatened to carry out more such attacks in the near future. We carried out
this suicide attack, we will carry more such attacks on this airport, Taliban
spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told AFP by telephone. Our target was jet
fighter planes and gunship helicopters and soon we will target them again,
he said.
On 16th December, five militants and a policeman were killed as police
and troops battled militants armed with automatic weapons, grenades and
mortars in Peshawar, approximately 20 hours since the deadly Taliban raid
on the citys airport. Heavy gun battle broke out after police acting on an
intelligence report stormed an under-construction building near the airport,
where five of the ten Taliban militants, who attacked the airport, were holed
up.
After a Taliban spokesman claimed they had sent 10 militants to attack
the Bacha Khan International Airport, the security agencies started a search
for the possible fleeing militants, who they later learnt had taken refuge in an
under-construction building in Pawoka village near the airport. Police said
that three militants were killed by the security forces while two of them
exploded their suicide vests.
Provincial Information Minister said that they had prior information
about terror strike on Peshawar Airport and that is why security forces were
alert to stage a counter attack. He said a suspected militant had been
apprehended by the security forces. IGP said that police are frontline fighters
in the war on terrorism and they appreciate the courage of valiant cops who
rendered numerous sacrifices for the cause of the nation.
Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah said the target was not the civilian
airport but the military facility. Our target was jet fighter planes and
gunship helicopters and soon we will target them again, he told AFP by
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telephone from an undisclosed location. All the five militants who attacked
the Airport were foreigners and are believed to members of blacklisted
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), an affiliate of defunct TTP that
accepted responsibility for the attack. The Uzbek militants have been
mounting attacks on Pakistani security forces in past after death of their
leader in drone attack few years ago.
Next day, a car bomb killed 21 people including women and children
and wounded around 80 others when it exploded near a bus queue at a
market in Jamrud. The 30-kg bomb planted in a vehicle parked near the
market area went off as people were waiting for buses.
Five people were gunned down in separate incidents of violence in the
City. A worker of World Health Organization (WHO) was shot dead in
Dildar Umrani Goth. Police said that he was on way to home after duty
when some unidentified gunmen riding a motorbike shot him dead and
managed to flee. The deceased was a member of the anti-polio team working
in Gadap Town.
Security forces arrested 17 Uzbek nationals in Chagai district bordering
with Iran. Uzbek nationals were arrested under foreign act who were
traveling to Iran without having any documents. Meanwhile, Iranian security
forces handed over 18 Pakistani nationals to Levies Force in Taftan border
who had entered Iran illegally in bid to move European countries via Turkey.
On 18th December, gunmen killed six health workers of a nationwide
polio vaccination drive, highlighting resistance to a campaign opposed by
the Taliban. Four women were killed and two male workers injured in less
than an hour in seemingly coordinated attacks in Karachi. On Saturday, a
man namely Umar Farooq working on a local government-WHO project was
also shot dead in Sohrab Goth. A sixth worker, also a woman, was killed in
Peshawar.
At least 18 people including three security personnel sustained minor
injuries when two assailants riding a motorcycle hurled a hand-grenade at
Gate No 3 of Risalpur Cantonment. Attackers hurled a hand-grenade when
candidates, waiting for their clearance, had queued up for recruitment the
morning.
Unidentified miscreants gunned down a trader in Gilgit in the backlash
of the demise of the man got injured during sectarian clashes on December
12. Aman, who got injured during clashes on December 12 in Gilgit,
succumbed to injuries, pushing the death toll of the sectarian violence to
three.
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Next day, gunmen mounted fresh attacks on polio workers, killing a

female supervisor and her driver and seriously wounding another man in
KPK, where Taliban opposing the immunization campaign have recently
intensified attacks. The attacks prompted UNICEF and WHO to suspend
work, though they vowed to keep supporting Pakistan in its bid to eradicate
the crippling disease. In a joint statement, the two UN agencies condemned
the attacks and expressed sympathies to the victims and their families.
Suspicion of vaccination intensified after the jailing of a doctor who helped
the CIA find Osama bin Laden in 2011. There has been no claim of
responsibility for this weeks attacks.
The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to ensure full
protection to all personnel involved in polio eradication campaign so that it
can be completed expeditiously. PPP legislator Noor Alam Khan, on point of
order, came down hard on Interior Minister Malik by saying that he is not
taking this House seriously, adding that Malik is concerned about his own
security but law and order situation in country is not satisfactory.
Two alleged terrorists were killed and more than two dozen arrested
during a raid in Sohrab Goth and other surrounding areas against the
militants involved in the attack on polio vaccination team. Police also
recovered huge cache of weapons and snatched vehicles during the
operation.
Pakistans defence industry is building what companies hope will be a
domestic fleet of aerial drones that can take over the USs role in attacking
militant strongholds, The Wall Street Journal reported. Pakistan isnt
altogether against drones. The nations leaders want to have more control
over where and how they are used, and are encouraging local drone makers
to build up the countrys budding arsenal. The future era is toward
unmanned operations, Sawd Rehman, a deputy director of a Pakistan-based
Xpert Engineering, which builds aerial drones, was quoted as saying.
On 20th December, two people were injured when armed men riding a
motorbike opened indiscriminate firing on a container near Quetta, which
was carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan. The attackers
managed to flee from the scene and Police registered a case against
unidentified people.
The National Assembly unanimously passed a bill that will give
intelligence and security agencies sweeping powers to conduct surveillance
and collect data from SMSs and emails, with the prime minister saying the
law is aimed against the enemies of humanity and terrorists and not the
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ordinary citizens. The lawmakers put their stamp on the Fair Trial Bill 2012,
which was presented by Law Minister, after incorporating amendments
proposed by main opposition party PML-N and ruling government partner
MQM.
Next day, a key Taliban commander was among five militants killed
and six others injured in a bomb explosion at a vegetable market in Wana.
Militant commander Maulvi Abbas Wazir was on his way to office when a
bomb planted at a roadside in Rustam Bazaar exploded. No group has
claimed responsibility for the blast so far.
At least four suspected militants were killed in a US drone strike
targeting a house in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan. Identities of the dead
and their affiliation to any militant group were unclear. Sources said some
foreigners were also among the dead but their nationalities could not be
ascertained. Meanwhile, a Pakistani reconnaissance drone crashed in a
restive northwestern tribal region after developing a technical fault.
Treasury and Opposition benches in KPK Assembly asked the United
Nations that instead of issuing notice to Pakistan, it should issue a notice to
the US which used a polio vaccination drive for spying and put lives of the
volunteers at stake. They said that polio workers would have never been
attacked if the US had not used Dr Shakeel Afridi to carry out a fake polio
campaign in Abbottabad.
On 22nd December, ANPs Bashir Ahmad Bilour was killed in a suicide
attack along with eight others, including his secretary and two police
officials.
At least 18 other people were injured when a Taliban bomber blew himself
up to hit the KPK Senior Minister while he was leaving the venue after
addressing a public meeting in Peshawar. The provincial government
announced to fly the national and party flags at half mast, besides
announcing three-day mourning on the death of the senior leader.
TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility for the attack
saying: We claim responsibility for killing Bashir Bilour. It is revenge for
the martyrdom of our elder Sheikh Naseeb Khan. Sheikh Naseeb was
reportedly a teacher at a seminary where many Taliban members were
educated. He said that ANP was on their hit-list and people should not attend
its public rallies.
President Zardari, Prime Minister Raja and political leaders of all
parties strongly condemned the blast and expressed sympathies with the
bereaved families. Asfandyar Wali Khan Saturday expressed deep grief and
459
shock over the death of Bashir Ahmad Bilour. He said that the government
had two options; either negotiate or launch a massive operation against the
militants to destroy their sanctuaries. He vowed to fight the terrorists as
long as we are alive.
Awami National Party Charsadda wing joint secretary Shahjahan
Durrani was shot dead by some unknown assailants. Durrani was on his way
home when he was ambushed near Pehlwan Qila and the assailants sprayed
bullet into his car, leaving him dead at the scene.
Three terrorists were killed in a gun battle with security forces in
Sardazai Banjot area of Swat. Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed and
several others wounded in an exchange of fire with a police party when a
group of militants attacked a check post with rockets and heavy arms in
Zakhel area on the outskirts of Peshawar.
Next day, Interior Minister Malik said that the leadership and workers
of ANP, PPP and MQM was being targeted by terrorists to create instability
in the country. Talking to media Malik said the attacks on political leaders
were part of a policy of the militants to silence their voice. He said terrorists
targeted defence installations and destroyed spy PC-3 Orion aircraft.
Pakistans situation today is worse than what it was facing in 1971.
He said TTP has become a limited company and targeting innocent
people by targeted killings, kidnapping for ransom and dacoities. These
people are against the solidarity and security of Pakistan and will have to be
defeated. He said five days back, TTP declared him their next target over
FM Radio but he was not afraid of such threats. He blamed foreign elements
for terrorism in the country.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the suicide
bombing in Peshawar that killed 10 people, including ANP politician Bashir
Bilour. He conveys his sincere condolences on this tragic loss, the
statement added.
Afghanistan: On 10th December, a US special forces commando

was killed during a mission in Afghanistan that succeeded in rescuing a
kidnapped American doctor. President Barack Obama said that in carrying
out the raid in eastern Afghanistan the commando team had shown the
selfless service that allows our nation to stay strong, safe and free.
Despite an easing of tensions with the United States, Pakistan is
persistently undermining security in Afghanistan by permitting safe havens
for insurgents, a Pentagon report said. In a twice-a-year war assessment
460
mandated by Congress, the Defense Department said that the 68,000 US

troops in Afghanistan and their allies had succeeded in preventing Taliban
advances while limiting civilian casualties.
Next day, as President Zardari landed in Turkey to attend the 7th
Trilateral Summit of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey, President Karzai
arrived with a big spoil at hand the recent suicide attack on his spy chief.
Karzai will submit all the documents and evidence in hand to President
Zardari, which suggest the attack was hatched in Quetta, and follow this up
seriously, said spokesman for Karzai.
On 12th December, NATO troops are scaling back joint operations
with their Afghan allies and are focused instead on providing air power and
other logistical support as Western combat forces gradually withdraw.
Afghan army and police had improved markedly but still needed help from
US-led forces with air strikes, artillery fire, helicopter medical evacuations,
explosive disposal teams and special vehicles designed to clear roadside
bombs, NATO said.
Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among
the governments of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan to promote and
facilitate trade and economic cooperation among the three countries. The
MoU will also facilitate exchange of information particularly concerning
their respective legislation on trade and economic activities.
Next day, a suicide car bomber attacked an ISAF convoy as it was
entering a NATO airbase in Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan just hours
after the US Defence Secretary left, killing an American soldier and two
civilians. Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the attack. Seventeen
Afghan civilians and one Afghan army soldier were also injured.
On 15th December, asking the US and NATO troops to leave countrys
villages as early as possible, President Hamid Karzai, in a veiled reference to
neighbouring Pakistan, said the fight against terrorism was not in
Afghanistan and thats why he did not want military operations in villages
and houses. Karzai has long alleged that terrorism is not rooted in Afghan
villages, but resides in other sanctuaries outside the country.
France flew its last combat troops out of Afghanistan, two years
before allied nations in the 100,000-strong NATO mission led by the United
States are due to recall their fighting forces. Around 200 soldiers of the 25th
Belfort infantry regiment, responsible for overseeing the hastened French
exit from the 11-year war, took off around 2:30 pm local time.
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On 17th December, a Taliban car bomb targeted a US company in

Kabul, killing one person and wounding at least 15 shortly after a landmine
killed 10 young girls in eastern Afghanistan. Five foreigners, including
Americans and South Africans, were among the wounded and Taliban
claimed responsibility for the attack. In eastern Afghanistan, 10 girls aged
nine to 11 died when one of them accidentally struck a mine with an axe as
they were collecting firewood before going to school.
On 19th December, four Afghan policemen were shot dead and three
wounded after being poisoned by a colleague in southern Afghanistan. The
incident took place in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.
Afghanistan has witnessed a surge in insider attacks this year, with more
than 50 foreigners and dozens of local forces killed by their colleagues.
Britain will withdraw almost half of its 9,000 troops from Afghanistan
next year as local security forces become increasingly able to take
responsibility, Prime Minister David Cameron said. The announcement
comes as NATO prepares for a full security handover at the end of 2014,
despite fears that a civil war could follow, and amid a spike in insider
attacks on foreign troops by Afghans. Next day, President Karzai welcomed
the announcement that Britain will pull thousands of troops out of
Afghanistan next year, saying his country was ready to take over security
responsibilities.
On 21st December, a US Marine was jailed for 30 days, fined and
demoted after pleading guilty to participating in a video that showed soldiers
urinating on the dead bodies of three Afghans. Staff Sergeant Joseph
Chamblin was charged with alleged involvement in desecration and posing
for unofficial photographs with human casualties.
Next day, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with Kabul over Afghan
security forces thrashing of around 29 labourers returning to Pakistan and
their illegal confinement and torture while in Afghanistan. Border crossing at
Torkham was closed after these labourers crossed the border and
complained, but it was reopened after Afghan officials assured that action
would be taken against those involved in the incident.
Foreign Office spokesman that Pakistan has taken serious note of
Afghan soldiers beating up of the Pakistanis despite their having valid travel
documents. He said that a similar protest was also lodged by the
Ambassador of Pakistan in Kabul with the Afghan Government.
The labourers told that they had traveled to Afghanistan for work but
the company concerned refused to pay their wages. They added they had
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also been locked up in Afghanistans Pul-i-Charkhi prison where they were

tortured by jail authorities. And when they were returning, Afghan forces
allegedly tore their Pakistani passports, snatched their money and beat up
them brutally.
We were brutally tortured and the soldiers also tore passports of three
of our companions. They threw the passports in river Kabul (that flows into
Pakistan) and asked us to collect them at Attock bridge, 59-year-old Akram
from Gujranwala said in a trembling voice. The soldiers threatened us We
will set you ablaze if you again came to Afghanistan. On our arrival at the
border the Afghan immigration officers forced us to pay them bribe money
and then registered our exit on passports on back dates, Tariq said.
The Taliban and Afghan government appeared one on foreign troops
withdrawal from the country at the conclusion of a three-day conference
held in Paris. The stance of the Taliban delegation was that sustainable peace
in Afghanistan could be established only with the exit of NATO forces.
Besides, all the stakeholders had a consensus on the dire need of peace in
Afghanistan and deliberated on the possibility of ending the war.
On 23rd December, it was reported that General Kayani made
reconciling warring factions in Afghanistan a top priority. He is backing
dialogue partly due to fears that the end of the US combat mission in
Afghanistan in 2014 could energize a resilient insurgency straddling the
shared frontier.
Even with Pakistan's unambiguous support, diplomats warn that there
are unanswered questions over what form any peace process might take, and
whether Taliban hardliners will engage. Kayani's growing support for
dialogue is driven to a large extent by a realization that the United States is
intent on sticking to its Afghan withdrawal plans.
Defence Minister Naveed Qamar said that Pakistan's political and
military ties with the United States are strengthening after nearly two years
of setbacks and crises. In an interview to Voice of America, he cautioned the
US against a mindless, hasty withdrawal that would threaten collapse of
everything the international forces have built in Afghanistan over years.
Iran: On 10th December, two days after President Zardari skipped his
Tehran visit to finalize Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the US envoy to
Islamabad said his country has deep concerns on the project. We do have
concerns about Irans potential development as a nuclear power and that we
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are not alone in that regard and that this is the strongly held consensus view
of the international community, said US Ambassador to Pakistan.
On 13th December, IAEA team arrived in Iran to renew efforts to
engage Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme. If the talks are
progressing constructively, the IAEA team will be able to stay as long as
necessary, a Vienna-based diplomat said. Iranian media outlets kept quiet
on the visit and no details of the talks were released.
Pakistan said plan of President Zardari to pay an official visit to Iran
was still intact and being rescheduled for mutually convenient dates.
Speaking at a weekly briefing at the Foreign Office on Thursday, spokesman
Muazzam Ahmed Khan also dispelled the impression given in the media that
Presidents visit was cancelled due to foreign pressure.
Next day, the United States slapped added sanctions on seven Iranian
companies and five nuclear experts for their work in support of Tehrans
suspect uranium enrichment program. These entities and individuals were
designated because they provide the Iranian government goods, technology
and services that increase Irans ability to enrich uranium and/or construct a
heavy water moderated research reactor, State Department spokeswoman
Victoria Nuland said.
On 18th December, Iran will not stop higher-grade enrichment of
uranium in response to external demands, Tehrans top nuclear official said,
signaling a tough bargaining stance ahead of planned new talks with world
powers. Iran says it needs uranium refined to 20 per cent to run its medical
research reactor in Tehran.
On 21st December, Canada added Irans Quds Force to a list of
terrorist groups, saying the elite special operations unit of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard had been arming the Taliban, Hamas and others. Public
Safety Minister said the Quds Force was responsible for exporting the
Iranian Revolution through activities such as facilitating terrorist
operations.
The EU agreed to clamp new sanctions against Iran, adding 18
companies or institutions and one person to a blacklist aimed at forcing
stalled talks on Tehran's contested nuclear drive to resume. This brought the
total of entities subject to sanctions to 490 and the total number of people to
105. The identities of those concerned will be released Saturday in the EU's
Official Journal.
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Next day, the installation of Patriot anti-missile batteries sent by

NATO members to bolster Turkeys Defences against a possible missile
attack from Syria will only harm Turkeys security, Irans Defence Minister
said. He also denied that Iran is training Syrian forces to battle the rebels.
On 23rd December, Indian delegation consisting of officials from the
Home and external affairs ministries decided to extend their stay to resolve
one sticking point before finalizing the terms of reference for the second
Pakistani judicial commissions visit to Mumbai. The judicial commission,
second in the series, will be visiting Mumbai in the first week of January.
India: On 10th December, cross-border fire from Indian troops killed

a man and wounded three other civilians in two Pakistani villages along the
Line of Control. Two days later, Indias top court quashed the murder
conviction of an 82-year-old Pakistani who spent 20 years in jail, allowing
him to return home in a move likely to help diplomatic ties. Khalil Chishti, a
microbiologist, was arrested and charged with murder in 1992 after a brawl
in the western Indian city of Ajmer which he was visiting for a family
wedding.
On 13th December, Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari
confirmed Pakistans ratification of three agreements i.e. Cooperation and
Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters Agreement, Bilateral Cooperation
Agreement on Mutual Recognition between The Pakistan Standards and
Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS),
and the Agreement on Redressal of Trade Grievances between India and
Pakistan that were signed during the 7th Round of Pakistan and India
Commerce Secretaries level talks held on September at Islamabad.
Next day, Pakistan and India sealed an agreement to ease tough visa
restrictions for travelers. The accord was signed by Interior Minister Malik
and his Indian counterpart in New Delhi. Under the previous arrangement,
Pakistani business travelers were restricted to certain cities, prohibiting their
travel from Delhi to the nearby thriving business hub of Gurgaon without
permission. They had to report to police stations in the evenings like a
criminal. The change will permit visitors to travel to five places now instead
of three and some businessmen will get multiple-entry visas, exempting
them from reporting to the police.
Malik promised India that Pakistan would convict those responsible
for the 2008 attacks. Pakistan and India have to be friends, Malik said after
arriving from Islamabad, his landing delayed by about four hours owing to
clearance by Indian Air Force. I come with a message of love and peace
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from the people of Pakistan. The Pakistani minister invited the Indian prime
minister to visit Pakistan.
India said that presenting of evidence by Pakistan on Mumbai attacks
to a court in Pakistan was a little movement as far as the accountability of
the 26/11 strikes was concerned. We should go with open mind with a
reasonable determination to push things in a direction we want, Indian
External Affairs told reporters accompanying him to Myanmar. There should
not be great expectations from Pakistani minister Rehman Maliks visit to
India given the constraints and limitations in the relationship between the
two countries, he said.
On 15th December, Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA)
probing the 26/11 attack, is likely to visit Pakistan in mid-January while a
Pakistani judicial panel could visit India next week, Interior Minister Malik
said as he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to press him to visit
Pakistan and his native village. Manmohan Singh told Malik that his visit to
Pakistan was dependent on the progress in bringing to book those
responsible for the Mumbai attacks.
On LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, Malik said he had been bailed out thrice
by the court and We have been stopped from arresting him; these are the
orders of the high court. Malik who is on a three-day visit to India
addressed a luncheon hosted by the Indian Supreme Court Bar Association.
He said that he could issue arrest orders for Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz
Muhammad Saeed from India if New Delhi provided evidences against him.
Malik denied he had equated the demolition of the Babri Masjid with
terror attacks. When I spoke of Babri, I never compared it with terror acts,
he said, adding: What I said is that we do not want ugly incidents. I Never
made such a comparison, Malik said. He accused the media of creating the
agenda for the India-Pakistan talks, terming it not fair.
Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Mirwaiz Umar
Farooq said that Kashmir is a trilateral issue and not a bilateral dispute
between Pakistan and India. Leading a seven-member delegation of
Kashmiri leaders, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reached Lahore and Punjab
Minister for Hospitality Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor welcomed the members at
the Lahore airport.
Next day, Interior Minister Malik said that during his visit to India, he
raised the issue of Indian interference in Balochistan. He said that
instructions are given by phone from India and that he would soon provide
evidence relating to this. Talking to reporters after returning from his India
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visit, the interior minister said India had presented him information related
to Hafiz Saeed, but had not given any evidence. He informed that an Indian
delegation would be visiting Pakistan shortly to finalize the terms of
reference for the visit of the Pakistan Judicial Commission to India.
Following the courts verification, the judicial commission is expected to
visit India early next month, Malik said.
Malik said Pakistan has helped India a lot to investigate the Mumbai
blasts case and everywhere in India the question was raised about the
perpetuators of the unfortunate incident. He said there is a growing
interaction between Pakistan and India as their joint efforts in eliminating
menace of terrorism would help bring peace and stability in the two
countries.
The leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) urged India and
Pakistan to fully open the border in the disputed Kashmir region to let the
peace process move forward. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the current limited
opening of the Line of Control was not enough. Farooq is leading a sevenmember delegation to Pakistan following an invitation from Islamabad. He
arrived in Muzaffarabad for a two-day visit and decried the line of divide
which has kept the Kashmiris apart from one another for long years.
On 17th December, Prime Minister Raja said Pakistans engagement
with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference was recognition of just cause of the
people of Kashmir. Talking to a seven-member delegation of the APHC, led
by its chairman Mir Waiz Umer Farooq at the PMs House, he said Pakistan
desired resolution of the issue according to the United Nations resolutions
and aspiration of its people. Mir Waiz Umer Farooq thanked the prime
minister for welcoming the delegation and said the people of Kashmir
valued the unconditional support of the government and the people of
Pakistan.
Next day, Chairman APHC Mir Waiz Umer Farooq called for making
Kashmiris a party to the ongoing India-Pakistan peace talks in order to
resolve the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He was talking to media
persons after holding separate meetings with PTI Chairman Imran Khan and
Chairman parliamentary committee on Kashmir Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
A petition was filed in the Karachi Registry against Interior Minister
Maliks tour of India, alleging illegal use of taxpayers money for the tour
and for offering hospitality to the family of Sarabjit Singh. The petitioner
has called for the recovery of the expenses incurred on Maliks tour, stating
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that the funds utilized for the tour were spent from the national treasury and
therefore, should be returned by the federal interior minister.
On 19th December, India called a declaration that Pakistans intelligence
service and former chiefs enjoy immunity in a case related to the 2008
Mumbai attacks a serious disappointment. The Indian statement was in
response to an affidavit filed in a US court earlier in the week in which the
US government said ISI and its former chiefs, Ahmed Shuja Pasha and
Nadeem Taj, enjoy immunity in the Mumbai attacks.
Next day, India successfully tested Prithvi-II, a nuclear capable missile
with a strike range of 350 kilometres. Meanwhile, a four-member team of
Indian legal experts arrived in Pakistan to finalize the terms of reference of a
judicial commission that is expected to visit India next year to gather
evidence on the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
On 21st December, Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired long-range
missile from a warship. Navy Chief Admiral Asif Sandila along with the
Nescom chairman witnessed the test-firing of the missile. Sandila said the
successful test-firing of the missile was a testimony to the professional
acumen and insurmountable capability of the warship.
APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged Pakistan not to give
provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) as such a move would pave way
for India to make Ladakh one of its provinces. When we talk about Kashmir
we talk of 1947 Jammu and Kashmir. Our movement is indigenous and
Kashmiris have sacrificed a lot during last 20 years.
VIEWS
Pakistan
Formidable tasks: After a year or so of estranged relations,
Washington and Islamabad are beginning to come closer. A repairing of ties
is taking place. This has been mostly due to the clear realization on the part
of Washington that it needs Islamabads help and cooperation in bringing the
endgame in Afghanistan to a conclusion in a way that is not only facesaving, but also serves the continuing American interests in the region.
This explains the change of tone and tune on the part of Leon Panetta,
US Defence Secretary, who earlier has been lambasting Pakistan laying all
the blame on it for the troubles the Americans have been facing in
Afghanistan. He had directly accused the army of complicity (and in
particular the ISI) with the Talibans operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
468
A number of moves have recently been seen. These include Once

again, there is activity to take up reconciliation with the Afghan Taliban and
preparations for holding a moot in Qatar. Pakistan is expected to play a
helpful role in these negotiations. There have been other developments too.
The most recent one was the getting together of the Turkish, Afghan and
Pakistan Presidents
Vibes coming from Washington about relations between US and
Pakistan, as indicated above, too are on the mend. In fact, the US can take
credit for encouraging both Afghanistan and Pakistan to shed their
reservations and make efforts to move closer to each other.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan has after years realized that it need not
go after the old notion of strategic depth and of installing a friendly
government in Kabul. A stable Afghanistan is good for all its neighbours.
There are formidable challenges and yet unanswered questions. After
withdrawal in 2014, for instance, what will be the size and nature of
American presence in Pakistan? What kind of political dispensation there
will be in Afghanistan after the American exit? How smooth will be this
exit? Will American supplies, including a lot of armaments, move across
Pakistan peacefully? Will it be possible for the Taliban and the leaders of the
erstwhile Northern Alliance to come to some sort of working relationship
and understanding? How about the warlords? Will they accept the new
authority in Kabul and its writ in their areas? What will be the role of
Afghanistans immediate neighbours after American exit from Afghanistan?
What influence will India have in Afghanistan, backed as it is by
Washington? And how will Pakistan relate itself to its Western neighbour?
Pakistan needs to do a lot of homework to come to grips with these
and many other internal and external challenges. This will mean a host of
formidable tasks. It has to learn to quit unnecessary involvement in the
affairs of its neighbours. Its past record in this respect was seriously flawed.
First of all, it has to put its own house in order politically,
administratively and economically. It cannot afford to continue in its
wayward ways. It has suffered enough and has reached the brink. It must do
everything possible to restore peace in the country. It has to find way to
address the daunting situations in Balochistan and Karachi. It has also to
devise a workable strategy to open negotiations with our own people in
FATA and seek to stop war-like activities, as far as possible.
But this does not mean that lawless and anti-Pakistan elements should
not be dealt with a stern hand. There is a dire need to bring back trust and
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amity that characterized the behaviour of our own fellow Pakistanis living in
the tribal areas.
Foreigners and anti-Pakistan elements must be systematically
identified, expelled and, if necessary, eliminated. Special efforts must be
made to rehabilitate the internally displaced people (who are presently eking
out a miserable existence). A timetable should be set to send back most of
the remaining Afghan refugees, relieving Pakistan of the burden of feeding
and looking after them. The ailing economy has also to be revived.
The big question is: do we have the will, the sagacity and capacity to
do to these essential tasks efficiently and expeditiously? I leave the answer
to my dear readers. (Inayatullah, TheNation 15th December)
Peshawar under attack: Peshawar has been under attack from
militants for some time, but this weekend will probably go down in the citys
history. Not just was there a major attack on the citys airport, but the very
next day, Sunday, there was a major gun battle in a residential area. In both,
the militants were killed, preventing any interrogation that might provide
some indication of where the next attack might come, or failing that, at least
some idea of their modus operandi. The airport was targeted, with the
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman accepting responsibility, saying
that the fighters and gunship helicopters flying out of Peshawar were the
targets, and vowed that the attacks would continue. It thus seems that the
TTP launched the attack because Peshawar Airport, a dual-purpose air base,
was where the aircraft operated from against the militants in the Tribal
Areas.
It should be crystal clear to any terrorist organizations which operate
in the name of Pakistan, that no challenge to the writ of the state can be
tolerated. The excuse that somehow the military has invited trouble on
itself is a cowardly attempt to cloud peoples judgment and destabilize the
source of support that any troops involved in fighting a war ought to receive
from the nations at whose behest and on whose behalf they risk their lives. It
is unfortunate that the terrorist threat continues to emanate from
Afghanistan, as well as their sympathizers on our side of the border. How
much more patience does Pakistan have for this kind of violence and
anarchy? There is only one loyalty that a Pakistani will accept and that is a
loyalty to the state of Pakistan. Any organizations acting as benevolent
anarchists ought to remember that.
The authorities must not be content at entrusting the security of the
airport to the armed forces, but must also play an effective role in obtaining
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the intelligence of future attacks that appear imminent. They should

remember that Peshawar is a city under attack, and that this a time not just to
affix blame and retaliate, but also to stop future attacks from occurring. As
Sundays events showed, the Airport will not be the only target, and the
entire city will be the battleground. The government must realize that its
policies have contributed to the challenge it is facing, and with the USA on
the verge of withdrawing from Afghanistan, it is vital that Pakistan is not
saddled with the blame for the long American occupation of Afghanistan.
Land of confusion: The latest attack is a reminder to the Pakistani
nation. It is a reminder that those who mean us harm, can still do us harm at
will. It is a reminder that political battles we fight should not blind us to the
existential one. The attack was in fact a message from the attackers: you
ignore us at your peril.
And ignore them we are. A decade and thirty thousand deaths later, we
are still confused. Is it our war? Is it not? Are these maniacal terrorists or
misguided countrymen? And is this a war without end?
We know the questions, but not the answers. So we opt for the most
convenient course of action: nothing.
The President says we cant do much till there is a political consensus.
Say what? Does he mean that his government will sit pretty and twiddle its
thumbs till all parties in parliament yes allies and opposition say with
one voice: lets take the war to those who brought it to us.
Shorn of such a consensus, the government would rather fight the
judges than fight the terrorists.
If the government has no spine, PML-N and others have no will. They
would rather not take on the terrorists for fear of a backlash from their
perceived rightist vote-bank. Perhaps if they shut their eyes tightly, the
terrorists will go away.
Analysis paralysis? No, just paralysis.
This suits the TTP fine. They have the will, where the politicians
dont. They have an ideology, where the politicians dont. They have a plan,
where the politicians dont.
And the armed forces? Like the innocent victims of terror, the men
and women of the armed forces are paying the ultimate price. They shed
blood while parliamentarians hide behind the skirt of consensus. Take
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ownership, they tell the government and the parliament, and we will do the
rest.
But the ownership is not forthcoming. Why? Because it is risky
business in an election season. Winning votes is clearly more important that
winning the war against terrorists. That is how governance is done here in
the Democratic Islamic Republic (Fahd Husain, TheNation 17 th
December)
CIAs brand of Taliban now come with tattoos: The image in the
article highlights what weve been saying all along that the so-called
Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is actually a poor, distorted duplicate of
the Afghan Taliban.
As I pointed out in one of my articles, these militants are local
recruits, even though their handlers are sitting in the confines of their
smoothly-tiled executive rooms at Langley. But in most other cases however,
they can turn out to be foreigners. I ask you a simple question, readers, that
if Jewish American Adam Pearlman alias Adam Yahya Gadahn was
successful in presenting himself as an Arab militant, why is it not possible
that others can follow his example?
You see, these clandestine wars involving intelligence agencies vying
to take the lead is an absolutely complex, dirty game. Their ulterior motive is
manipulation of geopolitics which involve both tactical and strategic plans.
Latter includes the attack on Peshawar airport. Fortunately for the armed
forces, they foiled the attempt as they faced during the attack on Minhas
Airbase, Kamra which was carried out by Afghan commando battalions
under the command of Joseph Votel. Tactical attacks include those in which
the young Malala was unknowingly used.
So while looking at the image, I was not surprised. In the past,
especially during the Mehran base attack in Karachi, media persons were not
allowed to take pictures considering the intense amount of international
pressure on Pakistan Army. Today, there seems to be a new footing. Tattoos
such as the one above are seen on many army soldiers around the world
especially those of the US and UK. In the US Army, the Marine Corps is
known for having soldiers who have similar tattoos:
Such tattoos, I understand, are not uncommon. Americas entire West
Coast is renowned for its custom tattoo paint shops littered across California.
But what I cannot believe is that some American soldier will tie a suicide
vest and get ready to blow himself up. This is where, in realistic terms, our
previous reporting is confirmed that these militants are foreigners who are
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very cheap mercenaries-for-hire. These include Tajiks, Gorkhas and Uzbeks.

In fact, intelligence estimates in Pakistan argued that Uzbeks are the most
preferred recruits for Western intelligence agencies (MI6, CIA, BND). One
officer was even quoted as saying that recruits can literally be bought for
as low as $300 only!
In Central Asia and Caucasus regions, a horde of undercover
Lawrences of Asia roam about in search of trainees who are recruited for
the infamous Qaeda, who spreads terror in guise of Muslims and who are
jointly controlled and tasked by intelligence agencies of 3 major countries:
The US, Her Majestys Secret Service, France and of course, the illegitimate
Zionist state of Israel.
The US uses agents against MI6s interests, sometimes vice versa. But
when it comes to highly critical geopolitical undertakings, where Pakistan,
Iran and Syria top the list, they all unite for a common cause. In our
particular case, Pakistans nuclear arsenals are akin to a pot of honey around
which these swarm of flies are always buzzing around.
There are two possibilities: Either that militant pictured above is a US
Marine who was dressed like a TTP operative or, it could be the usual
situation in which Afghans/Uzbeks are employed. The former assumption is
highly improbable and to an extent, far-fetched. A more plausible case could
be that the recruit was a convert from Europe as most Germans have
infiltrated in the past too.
But what is really mind-boggling is the tattoo. In Islam, the Prophet
(peace be upon him) has cursed the one who does tattooing on his body
(they are haram i.e. strictly prohibited). Muslim men, especially those who
claim to be doing jihad, are not supposed to have such paintings on them
since they cause problems for offering regular prayers. The question here
arises, why did self-proclaimed warriors of Islam adorn tattoos on their body
and that too, of a skull? Are Hakeeullahs boys inspired by the Ghost Rider?
Anyhow, I will not be going into speculation here. I avoid such things
which are signature of our sensationalist, corporate media. I am though,
openly saying that I have never seen such a thing on any captured militant.
Not as far as declassified information is concerned.
This reminds me of an earlier picture from about 4 years back in
which a militant killed in Swat region was found to be uncircumcised.
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Again, Islamic Law makes it clear that all males are supposed to be
circumcised in order to uphold the tradition on following what Abraham
(peace be upon him) did.
Do you know whats the funny aspect to all this? Just before this
image got released, the TTP spokesperson claimed responsibility for the
attacks. What a dumb nut I must say, now that the photos released, their
beliefs and practices have laid themselves bare. They have, in haste,
confirmed adherence to things which have no association with Islam
whatsoever. These savages in the past used to blame all their heinous attacks
on unseen Blackwater agents, later they started acknowledging high-profile
attacks since it created a great impact. Today, they just hammered down on
their own feet. They could have attempted to gain public sympathy by
saying this is the work of devil America but instead they endorsed it and
now find this picture spreading around in the media and online.
But you see, while this is indeed the work of the US military
establishment, the people of Pakistan will at no cost forgive or forget these
local/foreign proxies and blood-thirsty hounds who use terror to impose their
radical beliefs, who slaughter innocent men, women and children. Pakistanis
will and should not discount punishment and accountability of our own sellouts who joined their ranks.
These militants have been described as the Khawarij outcasts, dogs
of hell according to Islam. They are the same heretics who attacked the
Sacred Mosque in Makkah in 1979 claiming to be upholders of Islamic Law.
Today, across Pakistan, these stooges are carrying out orders issued from
their masters in the US, UK and Israel. (Zaki Khalid for Veterans Today,
reprinted in TheNation 18th December)
An alarming flare-up: A feeling of utter confusion and helplessness
would take over if one were to try to fathom the causes of the sad state that
the country has come to; for they are so many, each with varied strands.
Ruthless murders by terrorists apparently out to prove all but themselves
heretics, worthy of death, as a note found on one of the attackers revealed,
are a grim reality we are faced with. The airport attackers appeared to be
hardened criminals and aiming, perhaps, at occupying the airport and were
armed with not only weapons, but also injections, dates and water.
Intelligence concludes that their comrades were waiting in the wings to back
up the occupation. Tattoos of a particular artistry, including one that spelt
Yousaf (the attackers name) in Russian, and the Caucasian appearance of
the attackers, points to Uzbek terrorist movements, which appear to have
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made Pakistan a terrorist tourism spot at the behest of the local Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan. Religious fanaticism has also to account for the targeting
of polio teams. The frightening scenario calls for a plan of action to deal
with the extremist phenomenon that seems to be holding sway over much of
the land and how to reverse this self-defeating trend. (Editorial, TheNation
19th December)
Criminal assaults: In an upsurge of reprehensible attacks on the
health workers engaged in saving children from succumbing to the crippling
disease of polio, Pakistan has lost no less than eight of these workers,
including five women, in a matter of just two days, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Indefensible by any standard, the murder of polio workers is, though, not
new to the country.
In this shameful exercise, Pakistan is in the unenviable company of
two other countries, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Helpless in the situation where
the local authorities have failed to provide protection to the polio
paramedics, the World Health Organization (WHO) has temporarily
suspended the anti-polio drive it is sponsoring in Pakistan. One cannot
blame the WHO or any other UN agency carrying out projects for the good
of the people for suspending or even winding up their programmes, if the
staff implementing them remains exposed to danger in the very country they
are trying to help. The government, as usual, is finding itself at its wits end,
rather than thinking up ways to provide security to these humanitarian aides
so that the noble programme could continue without fear of their lives and
Pakistan could saves itself from global ignominy. One such measure could
be for the ministers and other political figures to surrender the huge
paraphernalia of security assigned them and post them with the polio
workers.
The identification of Osama bin Laden by a medical team whose
mission was given out to be administering polio drops to children,
conspiracy theorists found easy victims for the propaganda that that under
cover of a humanitarian task, these workers were foreign agents.
Retrogressive forces exploited the opportunity to inject the fear of infertility.
A sad aspect of the story is that not much has been done to counter this
harmful propaganda. Now, in the aftermath of these deadly attacks,
Pakistanis also face the grim prospect of a ban on travel abroad.
Undoubtedly, the dream of seeing Pakistan polio-free is meeting with
a serious setback. A possible fallout, with reverberations beyond the borders,
is that China that had become polio-free back in 1999 is now reporting cases
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again, which could be attributed to the transmission of the virus from

Pakistan. It is time to wake up and defeat the forces of ignorance that want
to drive us back to the Dark Ages. We should be grateful to modern science
for making available to us means to prevent the occurrence of such dreadful
diseases. There should be no let-up in providing the maximum security
possible to the paramedic staff administering polio to the children. At the
same time, one expects the government to realize that it cannot deal with
these fanatical militants with kid gloves; and an aggressive plan using both
strong arms and long-term moves to change the mindset of these sick
elements need to be put into effect without any delay. (Editorial, TheNation
20th December)
Who will be listening? The National Assembly passed the Fair Trial
Bill 2012 The unanimity with which the Bill was passed showed that the
Opposition was also on board with the passage of the bill. It is symptomatic
that the Prime Minister said that the passage of the new law showed the
world how Pakistan was committed to strengthen its law enforcing and
intelligence agencies in the war against terrorism. Another motive for the
law would be the complaint by the military that terrorists are nabbed, but let
off by the courts, because the evidence against them is not admissible in
court.
It is thus clear that the new law is supposed to target the militants. It is
to stop terrorism that the law enforcing agencies had mobile operators shut
down on Eid and Ashura. The fascination of the police with electronic means
of communication is not just limited to Pakistan, and is shared by criminals
worldwide, but not enough attention is being paid to crimes for gain, not out
of political convictions, but also using electronic means. It should also be
clear that this law is ex post facto, because American agencies have already
got legal cover to read emails. Such is the nature of the Internet, that access
cannot be limited by country. It means that all communications on the Net
must be searched, because there is also no way of keeping anyone outside
the Net when it has been opened up.
With so much communication now taking place only electronically, it
was perhaps inevitable that militants would use these means, but criminals
would too. If the purpose of the new law is only the War on Terror, it needs a
rethink, which is possible in the stages of Senate passage and presidential
assent. The law needs to be brought up to date, so that all cybercrime, not
just any involving the War on Terror, is covered. At the same time, the
liberties of the citizen must not be abused. There must be some means
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provided so that citizens can find a forum where they can complain of any
abuse. (Editorial, TheNation 22nd December)
Defining our war: Acts of terror in and around Peshawar last week
reminded us once again that we are in the middle of a war. These recent
attacks that claimed many innocent lives made some commentators renew
their advocacy of accepting the US-led so-called war on terror as our war.
On the other hand, the evil-looking tattoo on the back of one of the killed
terrorists was considered by many as evidence to write off the entire menace
of militant extremism as a US-controlled project that will disappear in thin
air with an end to the US occupation of Afghanistan. It is important to move
beyond these simplistic formulations in order to understand the challenge we
face and to define the war were trapped in.
The problem with those eager to claim the US-led intervention in the
region as our war is that they use the acts of terror perpetrated by militant
groups as a justification to support the far more serious and barbaric strategy
of terror officially sanctioned by the superpower and its NATO allies. The
one-eyed liberal fascists seem to have no ideas of their own. They would
like us to believe the false narrative spun by the US establishment as divine
injunction and dance to its belligerent tune like a good unquestioning ally.
They would like the state of Pakistan and its security forces to become an
errand boy for a two-faced Uncle Sam, implementing his dubious war
strategy that has brought death and destruction to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Are they so nave, these our-war cheerleaders? Their logic seems to
suggest as much. According to them, the US is fighting a global war against
terrorism and since Pakistan is being attacked by terrorists as well, we have
a common enemy and we should fight it together. Of course, for them,
fighting it together means taking orders and doing as we are told. They
would like to take the obviously hypocritical pronouncements of the socalled superpower on their face value. Truthful to the US narrative, they
would like to bundle together the resistance in Afghanistan with the
terrorism we face and convince us that the only hurdle in defeating terrorism
is our reluctance to cooperate whole-heartedly with the US game plan.
Their complete faith in the US and what it says is a bit confounding.
What brand of noble intentions could justify the brutal occupation of
Afghanistan for more than a decade? What kind of fictitious weapons of
mass destruction make the hell let loose on Iraqi citizens acceptable? What
definition of human rights and freedom allows the continued destruction of
Libya? Which human values sanction subversion of order in Syria? What
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makes these our war cheerleaders blind to not just these, but countless
covert and overt imperialist interventions by the US around the world? Are
they really ignorant of the nexus between militant groups scattered all over
the globe and the CIA that has fathered, adopted, nurtured and fanged them?
Actually, we dont need any tattoo to convince us that the US is
involved in spreading terrorism in the world. It is documented history. Its
dangerous covert games are no longer secret in any case as its leaders openly
boast of funding and arming terrorists that they dub as rebels or any
convenient name that sounds less offensive. In the case of Pakistan, when
CIA and Blackwater operatives were thrown out after the Raymond Davis
episode, the CIA head calmly told us that the agency did not need its agents
on the ground anymore as it had established an extensive network of local
assets in the country. Does this network include the TTP contacts on
Raymond Davis phone?
Certainly, we need to pull out of this imperialist war and work with
other neighbours of Afghanistan to rid the region of the US presence. Pulling
out of the US war is an important first step, and it will help us on two counts
at least. It will bring an end to the dangerous covert games the meddlesome
superpower plays under the garb of cooperation and friendship to begin
with. Besides, it will take away the flimsy ideological excuse used by
militants, who think it is kosher to kill innocent Pakistani Muslims because
their country is siding with the infidels.
More importantly, without the distraction of trying to do more in line
with the US devious demands, it will also bring clarity to our understanding
of the problem and, hence, help us in evolving an effective strategy to
counter it. However, to say that the menace of militant extremism will
disappear with an end to US occupation of Afghanistan is equally simplistic.
While it is true that growth of militant extremism owes much to CIA
and American proxies in the Middle East, its roots have grown deep in
Pakistan over the last three decades and it is supported by an environment of
distorted and sectarian notions about Islam that have become common in our
society. A multi-pronged response is needed to counter it. Other than a
strong military offensive against the mercenary hardcore terrorist groups, the
government will have to closely monitor the sources of funding, syllabi and
activities of the large number of seminaries that have mushroomed all over
Pakistan. In many cases, they are involved in spreading sectarian hatred and
militant attitudes that encourage impressionable students to use coercion and
violence against people, who do not subscribe to their version of Islam. The
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government will have to act against the blatant abuse of loud speakers in
mosques and self-proclaimed scholars of Islam issuing fatwas that incite
hatred and violence against other sects and communities. It is not difficult to
prod youngsters weaned on such ideas to commit acts of terror to please
God.
In fact, the entire society will have to get involved. The media will
have to be more careful about what it dishes out in the name of religion. And
the educated Muslims will have to reclaim their religion from an ignorant
clergy. Its not only about hunting and killing a handful of mercenary
terrorists acting on foreign commands. To defeat militancy in the name of
Islam, the nation must fight it on all fronts. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 23 rd
December)
Rising graph of terror: The terrorists have, it seems, found the KPK
province a happy hunting ground for high-profile targets, as they find little
difficulty in penetrating right into the heart of its capital, Peshawar, though
that is not to say that the rest of the country is immune from their attacks.
Their long arms have reached the farthest ends of Pakistan and the recent
upsurge should put all of them on alert. Proximity to their abodes, safe
havens if one may wish to term them, is, of course, one reason for
facilitating the carrying out of their nefarious designs in KPK; another
equally relevant, perhaps, is that the leaders in power in the province are less
given to shying away from public appearances even though KPK is located
in a high-security-risk region. Their brave denunciation of terrorist acts and
forceful advocacy of uniting the country in pursuit of eliminating militancy
also marks them out as targets. Bashir Ahmed Bilour, ANP leader and senior
minister in the KPK cabinet, who made no bones about his resolve to defeat
the forces of retrogression and intolerance, was the third dignitary to fall
victim to the suicide bomber that accosted him as he was leaving the venue
of party workers meeting on Saturday. Eight others also perished with him,
along with 20-odd injured. It is a sad fact that the Bilour family has made
particularly painful sacrifices, since earlier the only son of Ghulam Ahmed
Bilour, Bashirs brother and federal railways minister, had been shot down.
And the third was the son of Mian Iftikhar-ud-Din, KPKs Information
Minister. There have also been abortive attempts on the lives of the party
chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and Aftab Sherpao, the head of his own faction
of the PPP. The provincial as well as the federal government have announced
three days mourning; Punjab is observing a days mourning, however. As
expected, there has been an avalanche of messages of condolences and
condemnations of the dastardly act coming from the leaders of Pakistan.
479
While Asfandyar Wali Khans rhetorical question, how can you

prevent a suicide bomber to strike? might appear plausible, the answer is
partially provided in the remedy that virtually everyone opposed to such
attacks has been shouting about ever since 9/11: the need to change the
mindset. No doubt, it is a long drawn battle, made more difficult by the wave
of extremism presently hitting the land. But, beyond unthinkingly
verbalizing the expression, our leaders have, to all appearances, done little
homework; for there is no strategy in place to win over the hearts and minds
of the extremist forces. Another short-term remedy, no less difficult as it
involve serious risk to life, is to take them on; but that, certainly, has to be
backed by a change-the-mindset strategy. Tragic and shocking as these
incidents are, it is no time to rue the past listlessness. A lot has been said
about how to reverse the trend of intolerance on a durable basis. All that is
needed for the ruling circles is to put together elements that have done their
homework on this phenomenon and put their conclusions into effect. A zero
tolerance policy is the need of the hour. (Editorial, TheNation 24 th
December)
Crimson Tide: The crimson tide will not stop. Fresh blood makes it
stronger. And us? We prefer to live in a self-constructed world of denial. In
this world, the crimson tide is only seen on TV. In this world, the crimson
tide swallows Brave Bilour and others, but never us. No, never us.
Even a cat fights back when cornered. But not us. Forty thousand
dead, but we will not fight back. Forty thousand dead but we will not close
ranks. Forty thousand dead but we will not acknowledge the mighty roar of
the crimson tide.
What will it take for us cowards to wake up? Eighty thousand dead? A
million dead? Is there a critical mass which will turn mice into lions? Is
there a price any price which we are not willing to pay? What will it take
for Pakistan to stop running, turn around, and face the crimson tide like
Brave Bilour? How many more graves will we have to dig before cowardice
transforms into valour?
Is there then a point beyond which the State of Pakistan will take off
its bangles and pick up the gun?
Not till our leaders realize they cannot surf the crimson tide and reach
ashore. Not till our politicians cease hiding behind the faade of an
illusionary consensus as a justification for doing nothing. Not till our
people stop believing the crimson tide is generated by distant forces out to
harm us for their nefarious designs.
480
Not till we look in the mirror and see a monster staring back.
They kill our people, and we want to talk. They slay our babies, and we want
to talk. They decapitate our soldiers, and we want to talk.
They bomb our mosques, and we say sorry. They attack our bases, and
we say sorry. They obliterate our schools, and we say sorry.
They will cut our heart out and hand it to us, and we will say thank you.
Cowards.
The crimson tide is rising, but we are not. Tears are all we have.
Nothing more.
Goodbye Brave Bilour. We killed you. We do not deserve men like
you. (Fahd Husain, TheNation 24th December)
Afghanistan
USAs retreat from Afghanistan: It is said that a clever general in
the face of an imminent defeat declares victory and orders retreat. The US
plan for the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 is
more in the nature of an organized retreat than anything else.
The exclusive reliance by the US on the use of force in Afghanistan in
the past did decimate al-Qaeda and its leadership, thus, achieving, to a large
extent, the primary objective of the American military intervention in
Afghanistan. But, despite having overthrown the Taliban regime and
imposing a government of its own choice on the Afghans, the US has not
succeeded in restoring durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. The armed
conflict in Afghanistan continues unabated.
The surge of the American troops in Afghanistan ordered by President
Barack Obama failed to quell the Taliban insurgency. The high frequency of
green-on-blue attacks reflects the general disenchantment of the Afghans
vis-a-vis foreign soldiers, who are increasingly seen as an occupation force.
The disregard by the US of the ethnic and tribal divisions in Afghanistan and
its traditional conservative values has exacerbated its difficulties.
It also appears that despite all the heavy investment by the US and its
allies in the Afghan national security forces, the latter are in no position to
enforce the writ of the state in the country. The prospects of the survival of
the Karzai regime, which has a narrow political base, without foreign
military support remain extremely bleak.
The turn of events has forced the US to review its force-based strategy
targeting the Taliban, particularly because of the growing domestic political
481
opposition to the 11-year long war in Afghanistan. It appears that while

Washington would continue its campaign through military and non-military
means to dismantle and defeat al-Qaeda, it would pursue a more subtle
approach regarding Afghanistans internal situation.
Henceforth, it is likely to place greater reliance on political means
than on the use of force to restore durable peace in Afghanistan and deny alQaeda a sanctuary in the country. This is inevitable as the process of the
withdrawal of American troops gradually unfolds and the balance of power
within Afghanistan definitely shifts against the current US-imposed political
dispensation
Americas military withdrawal from Afghanistan is the compulsion of
the ground realities. It is important, however, that this withdrawal takes
place in an orderly fashion leaving behind a political structure, which is
capable of sustaining durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and
preventing al-Qaeda from regaining a foothold in that country. Such a
political structure can be established only through an agreement among the
various Afghan factions free from foreign interference.
Pakistan must play its own role in facilitating the dialogue among the
Afghan parties in the interest of peace in Afghanistan and the region. We
must also strengthen bonds of cooperation with Iran in view of its critical
importance for Pakistans security and economic well being as well as for
the successful conclusion of the intra-Afghan dialogue. (Javid Husain,
A decade of western folly has erased hope from Afghanistan:
Disappointment and bitterness are widespread. Long gone are the high
hopes sparked by regime change in 2001. The foreigners delivered far less
than they promised. Kabul was transformed into a canyon of concrete blast
walls and watchtowers shielding enclaves from which foreign diplomats
only emerge in armoured vehicles for official contacts. Journalists, NGO
staff and independent westerners who have lived here for years sense a
rising mood of anger, and most have stopped going around Kabul on foot for
fear of hostile looks, insults hissed in Dari or Pashto, or stones being thrown.
While Afghans blame government officials for creaming off much of
the aid money, they blame western donors for doing too little to reduce
corruption. US military commanders who handed out cash for quick
impact projects are accused of encouraging it
The withdrawal of US troops has already meant a loss of territory. In
provinces where the US has closed forward operating bases, the Taliban and
482
the other main insurgent group, Hezb-i Islami, have moved in to fill the gap.
The trend is likely to grow throughout 2013 as the Afghan countryside
becomes a much larger patchwork of areas contested between Taliban and
government forces than it is today. Few think Kabul will fall in a hurry, but
the Taliban will take hold of hundreds of district centres in the Pashtun south
and east. Traffic on the main roads will face an array of checkpoints, some
controlled by the ANSF, some by the Taliban, and some by local warlords or
armed criminal gangs. For ordinary Afghans there will be a perceptible
decline in security.
Ten years of relentless anti-Taliban propaganda, the relative safety of
Kabul and infusions of money for school and university expansion have
produced a new generation in the capital city who sound optimistic. But
some young people are leaving. A broadcast journalist said her son was
upset because his friends families were saving up to pay people-smugglers
to get them to Europe. He felt isolated and depressed at not going too. In
NGO offices around Kabul, activists in their 20s and 30s are still spending
donors money on a host of projects from womens empowerment to mental
health centres and the development of independent media. They know their
funds will soon be cut.
A massive surge in unemployment is approaching. The vast army of
translators, drivers, cooks and bottle-washers who serve the occupation
forces will shrink throughout next year. The provincial reconstruction teams
the bases where foreign advisers and consultants sit and monitor aid
delivery will close. The result will be a dramatic curtailment of projects,
since foreigners will no longer be able to supervise them.
Optimists in the Afghan elite believe there is still a chance to win
popular support for the government in the two years remaining before
foreign troops leave. They want to ensure that the presidential and provincial
elections, due in 2014, are clean this time. This would weaken the Taliban
claim to provide justice more effectively than the predators and brigands
who now dominate local and central government. But many doubt that much
improvement can be made in a single year when a decade has produced so
little.
Outside Afghanistan, public interest has collapsed. In Europe and the
US, people want out, and care little whether the whole adventure is seen as a
defeat. It was remarkable how minor a role the war played in the US
election. There will be less demand for a grand reckoning of policymakers
blunders than there was for Iraq.
483
The American and British people were largely complicit, since the
revenge attack on Afghanistan after 9/11 had widespread approval and
certainly more than the invasion of Iraq. In Kabul there was a greater
welcome for the foreign occupiers than in Baghdad or Basra.
The Taliban had less of a support base than Saddam Hussein. But with
their failure to anticipate that western armies cannot remain popular for long
when they invade Muslim countries, Bush and Blair are guilty of as great a
folly as they were in Iraq. (Jonathan Steele for Guardian, reprinted in
Trilateral summit: The heads of state of Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Turkey once again expressed their resolve, at the 7th Trilateral Summit held
at Ankara, to combat terrorism and other regional challenges through
concerted efforts Inevitably, the question of an assassination attempt at
Afghan Intelligence Chief Asadullah Khalid, which President Asif Zardari
felt was designed to undermine unity among the two countries, also came
up. Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to form a joint working group of
concerned agencies of the two countries to probe the matter. Mr Zardari
observed that facing defeat the militants were now targeting individuals and
his country was making serious efforts to tackle the terrorist mindset that
was hurting bilateral relations. He underlined that it was in the interest of
Pakistan to support the Afghan quest for peace. Afghan President Hamid
Karzai told the journalists that the promise of peace, stability and economic
development of the region had to be fulfilled.
One would hope that the get-together has proved helpful in removing,
in the real sense of the word, misunderstandings, which have been cropping
up between Pakistan and Afghanistan and which are, without doubt, a big
hindrance to bringing the peace and reconciliation process currently under
way in Afghanistan to a successful conclusion. If Kabul complains of
terrorist safe havens in Pakistan, Islamabad has the grouse that the fugitive
Maulvi Fazlullah, living in the security of the Kunar province, periodically
sends across bands of thugs and suicide bombers to attack its security forces.
There is paramount need to sort this confusion out if the idea of joint
struggle against terrorism has to reach fruition. (Editorial, TheNation 14 th
December)
Afghan endgame the egress: The US has finally come around to
realize that for it to bring the Afghan campaign to a responsible and
controlled closure; Pakistans willing participation is unavoidable.
484
Both realize their varied compulsions to work together and apparently

now have a workable methodology to deal with the complex and sensitive
strategic environment evolving in the AfPak Region (APR), as the
US/NATO/ISAF combine prepares to egress from it
Pakistan must seek a stabilized and economically viable Afghanistan
with the majority Pashtuns given their democratic right to form the
government. It would also want the militancy to be neutralized in toto,
including al-Qaeda, the Taliban, the TTP and renegades like Maulvi
Fazlullah et al.
Pakistan would want to see the Durand Line formalized and
recognized as an accepted border between the two countries and a return of
the millions of Afghan refugees.
Pakistan does not foresee any meaningful or tangible military role for
India in Afghanistan and must insist upon it. As a matter of fact, USAs
insistence on giving such a role to India in Afghanistan could actually
become the main game breaker.
Further, the NSRP can only become viable if Pakistan grants India
access to and from Afghanistan via Wagah and Torkham. It would open up
Indias western trade routes to Afghanistan, the CARs, Russia and on to
Europe. The economic dividends for India and the US would be
incalculable. However, Pakistan must use its leverage here and insist upon a
compatible quid pro quo.
Pakistan must make it contingent upon the satisfactory resolution of
the major disputes between itself and India - Kashmir and the dams being
built across the rivers emanating from it, Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek, Indian
interference in Balochistan, Fata, et al.
The APR is facing a defining moment in its history, as the allies
prepare to leave it. Whatever happens next will determine not only the future
of Afghanistan, the APR, but also the South-Central Asian Region with its
ripples covering the Greater Middle East Region and going as far as China,
Russia and beyond.
In the endgame, the US will ruthlessly exploit its leverages, quid pro
quos, incentives, inducements, threats, brinkmanship et al. It will be a nervewrecking battle of wits and negotiating skills. Pakistan must assist the
US/NATO/ISAF combine to egress from the APR expeditiously. And while
doing so, it must secure its own national interests through a combination of
485
adroit diplomacy, creative negotiating skills and a fearless use of its

leverages. (Imran Malik, TheNation 16th December)
Impending Afghan stalemate: Indeed, the Afghans are not the
only victims of the Afghan tragedy. Pakistan has suffered more in multiple
ways in terms of refugee influx, socio-economic burden, rampant terrorism
and protracted conflict in its border areas with Afghanistan. This is a reality
that even Obamas Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged two
years ago in a Congressional testimony. She accepted the US had a share in
creating the problem that now plagues Pakistan. The Afghan crisis, both
during and post-Soviet occupation era, has had a direct impact on Pakistans
social, cultural, political, economic and strategic interests.
For decades, Pakistan has remained burdened with millions of Afghan
refugees and afflicted by a culture of drugs and guns, commonly known as
the Kalashnikov culture, which has constantly been tearing apart its social
and political fabric. As a battleground of the ongoing US-led Afghan war,
Pakistan could not escape the fallout of the crisis as a result of protracted
violence, massive displacement, trade and production slowdown, export
stagnation, investor hesitation, and concomitant law and order situation
Any objective assessment of this regions volatile environment will
reveal that South Asias issues of peace and security, in their essence,
emanate from India-Pakistan hostility and conflict. At the heart of all their
current problems is the Kashmir issue, which has kept relations between the
two countries bedeviled, perpetuating mutual tensions and animosity. Today,
India-Pakistan peace is critical to the prospect of a stable and peaceful
Afghanistan where the implications of US failure are grave. President
Obama in the early days of his presidency understood this linkage.
In his first-term election campaign, he publicly committed to
encouraging India to solve the Kashmir dispute so that Islamabad could
better cooperate with the United States on Afghanistan. But in actual
execution of his AfPak policy, Obama was soon detracted from his stated
goals. The Mumbai November 2008 terrorist attacks triggered the exclusion
of Kashmir from his larger policy canvas in this region. Apparently, the US
is now looking for a strategic Afghan stalemate in which it can withdraw,
but not entirely. It will keep a sizeable military presence as a counterterrorism mission.
But again if history is any lesson, peace in Afghanistan will remain
unsustainable in case of any nature or scale of foreign military presence on
its soil no matter under what arrangement or nomenclature. Peace in this
486
volatile region would also remain incomplete without addressing the IndiaPakistan issues, which are not without direct impact on the overall situation
in the Afghan theatre. Yes, the real Afghan issue now starts and ends with
Pakistan. Washington knows this reality.
It is time Washington also realized that if the regions stability was
predicated on stability in Pakistan, special attention is warranted on
preventing reactionary radicalism in Pakistan and redressing the
imbalances in India-Pakistan equation. Instead of using Pakistan as an easy
scapegoat for their own failures in this war, the US and its allies must
accept the reality that for Pakistan, Afghanistan is an area of fundamental
strategic importance. The risk of a Pakistan-India proxy war in Afghanistan
is fraught with perilous implications for regional and global peace, and must
be averted at all cost.
On its part, Pakistan has direct stakes in Afghan peace, and despite the
glitches in the recent past, it has an indispensable role to play in any Afghanled reconciliation and negotiating processes. It is in its vital interest to have
peace and stability in an independent Afghanistan that is friendly towards
Pakistan and is also free of foreign influences taking advantage of the
transition process. Afghans alone must be the arbiters of their destiny
through Afghan-led reconciliation among all factions with no selectivity or
exclusivity. (Shamshad Ahmad, TheNation 18th December)
Karzais ruses and charades: On the sidelines of the trilateral
meeting at Ankara, President Hamid Karzai said that he had a good
conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Zardari about the abortive
life attempt on Afghan spymaster Asadullah Khalid He must understand
that Pakistan is the only country, which sincerely wishes for a stable
Afghanistan at peace with itself, as no other country has suffered as much as
it (Pakistan) has on account of the turmoil proximity in the war-torn country
over the past several years.
If his spymaster was hobnobbing with his attacker, it was surely not at
Islamabads behest, but on his own volition and at his own initiative. And
Karzai should accept this eidetic reality. Pakistan has gone an extra mile to
help the Afghan government in its peace efforts; and in this regard, it has
already released several Taliban leaders and agreed to release more.
As such Pakistan is not the problem, but solution to the problem.
Nevertheless, the success of Kabuls plan of a complete transition of security
responsibilities from NATO to the Afghan Security Forces by 2014 is
doomed to fail, unless a policy is made to win the hearts and minds of the
487
Afghans. Instead of acknowledging Pakistans sacrifices, President Karzai

always makes it a whipping boy for his own foibles and lapses and rapping
its knuckles at the behest of others.
Having said that, despite incontrovertible evidence about Maulvi
Fazlullah and his associates hiding in eastern Afghanistan, the US/ISAF and
the Afghan government did nothing to capture or kill them. Indeed, safe
havens of Pakistani militants inside Afghanistan tend to increase distrust in
the minds of Pakistanis; therefore, addressing Pakistans concerns should be
among the US/ISAF forces priorities. They should understand the situation
on the ground: ever since the Taliban ouster, Afghanistans south and east
has remained out of Kabuls writ. The Taliban have also proved their
presence in the north and west. President Karzais control on the rest of the
land has been, at best, only tenuous, carved up into fiefdoms of warlords and
ethnic factions. So far his writ is confined to the presidential palace, where
he lives under the protection of foreign security guards and the state security
and intelligence apparatus. That is predominantly under the thumb of his
Northern Alliance allies, who wield an authoritative power in the Kabul
regime. (Editorial, TheNation 19th December)
Afghan roadmap: According to one report, the Kabul government
has prepared a three-point roadmap for the country after the American
withdrawal. As the Karzai government depends on the USA, it can be
assumed that any roadmap prepared by Kabul would include an American
wish-list. The roadmap, as reported by an international news agency, focuses
on 2013, and it almost seems as if it has built into it the assumption that the
US withdrawal will take place in 2014 - not at the end as so far assumed, but
earlier. It has as its first point the conversion of the Hizbe Islami, the Taliban
and other armed groups from military groups to enter the political
mainstream by 2015. According to the second point, with the help of the
Pakistan government, Afghanistan and the USA will take the attempt to
negotiate directly with the Taliban to its logical conclusion, in Saudi Arabia
in the first six months of 2013. According to the third point, the next six
months will be devoted to ceasefire negotiations. Under this, the Taliban will
be allocated provincial governorships and ministries in the central cabinet.
It should be noted that this plan depends on Pakistan to a large extent,
as it not only includes its participation in negotiations, but also included it in
its preparation. At the same time, it will be attending the international
conference in Paris this week. This is not just in contrast to the suspicious
treatment meted out to Pakistan, but it also would frustrate Indian hopes,
nurtured by the USA as well as the Karzai regime, of being given a role in
488
Afghanistan. It is also an acknowledgement of what Islamabad has said all

along, that its interest in Afghanistan is because of the ties the two peoples
share.
One lesson that Pakistan should derive is that if the USA and
Afghanistan can talk to the Taliban, Pakistan should dispatch the Pakistani
Taliban to Afghanistan, where they can find their true home, for there is
nothing Pakistani about their agenda and it is not welcome here. In fact, it
should make it a condition of its participation in the process, that it will not
accept any talks unless the Taliban wreaking havoc in Pakistan are
accommodated in Afghanistan, from whence they came. It must also make
clear that the goal of stability in Afghanistan will not be achieved if US
forces remain in Afghanistan under the excuse of training, as they intend,
even though the occupation will be formally at an end. This assumption of
the roadmap, that a huge number of US troops will remain in Afghanistan as
trainers beyond 2014, is where the roadmap may well unravel. (Editorial,
Last chance for peace: Pakistan has supported the Taliban for too
long and has paid a bitter, bloody price with the war increasingly spilling
over onto its own territory. Now that Pakistan has changed tack the
Americans need to appoint a heavyweight diplomat to take the peace process
forward and President Barack Obama needs to personally get much more
engaged.
Only a peace deal will protect the humanitarian advances made and
secure the countrys economic future. It will end most of the killings too.
(Jonathan Power for Khaleej Times, reprinted in TheNation 21st December)
Paris Conference: The three-day Paris conference ended on
Saturday with Taliban calling for the foreign troops in the country to leave,
with the Taliban delegation saying that that was a precondition for the
stability of the country. The conference was the first occasion when the
Taliban talked to representatives of the Karzai government. There was an
agreement to amend the Constitution, but though concerns were raised about
the parliamentary system, the federal system and the absence of a Prime
Minister, there were no agreements on any of these points. The Taliban have
posted their delegates remarks on their website, and by saying that there can
be no true peace in Afghanistan so long as foreign forces remain there. The
Taliban seem to have made significant room in ensconing themselves in
Afghanistan. The irony is that the arrangement has been made by the very
NATO alliance that went into Afghanistan to topple the Taliban regime, only
489
to leave by restoring them to power. The innate Afghan resistance to foreign

occupation, which has only gained strength in the face of disappointment as
a result of the American backed government failing to deliver any results in
terms of good governance, will continue until foreign troops are wholly
withdrawn. If this is the Afghan-driven, and Afghan-owned settlement that
the Afghan people wish for, so be it.
The so-called Pakistani Taliban, who are unwelcome in Pakistan,
should be encouraged to make their way back to Afghanistan. It is not for
Pakistan, the future that awaits Afghanistan as a result of the Paris process.
Those who wish to change the very nature of the Pakistani state by violence
will find no sympathy among the people of Pakistan. We have learnt the hard
way that only democracy is the future for us. All elements who would
convince otherwise will not find any takers. Afghanistan is a war zone.
Pakistan is a sovereign democracy. Let us not pretend that we are helpless to
deal with the scourge of militancy and must wrap them into the embrace of
the state. One can only hope that the spillover of the Afghan war into
Pakistan will end with the settlement of the governance formula in Paris and
Kabul. (Editorial, TheNation 24th December)
India
Indian interference: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has
said that he raised the issue of Indian interference in Balochistan during his
visit to India. He was talking to the media in Islamabad on Sunday on
returning from India, where he had gone recently. According to him, he had
told the Indians that a Pakistani judicial commission would visit India
shortly in connection with the 26/11 attack. However, it seems from his
remarks that the bulk of his conversations were about the Mumbai
massacres, not about Indian interference in Balochistan. This reflects an
unfortunate lack of focus on what amounts to an even greater existential
threat to Pakistan than the Mumbai attacks were to India. However, Pakistan
has not made anything like the fuss India has made worldwide, and has even
silently swallowed the infuriating interference by the US Congress express
backing of Baloch separatists. It was Mr Malik himself who announced that
India was helping the rebels, and for him merely to mention the issue
without any thorough backing and evidence to make his point with some
490
force, goes to show it is yet another opportunity to make its point

squandered by Pakistan.
It cannot escape notice that this has been the friendliest government in
Islamabad that New Delhi has had, one which went ahead and granted India
Most Favoured Nation status even at the cost of the countrys commerce and
industry. It must not be forgotten that Balochistan is the countys largest
province by area, and also is rich in minerals. It is necessary to stop Indian
interference, and among other things, such as bringing the worlds attention
towards it, it is necessary to present India with the incontrovertible evidence
available.
Mr Malik, by not taking up the issue properly with India has indicated
to India that his government does not really mind what is happening in
Balochistan. At the same time, while highlighting the interference, the
government must also work to allay the troubles in the province which allow
a hostile power to interfere there. (Editorial, TheNation 18th December)
A visit by the IHK leadership: Indeed, APHCs visit is significant; it
is reflective of the desire of both Pakistan and Kashmir to include Kashmiris
in the dialogue process, as no solution of the dispute could be durable
without their participation. Pakistan firmly believes that the Kashmir dispute
is an unfinished agenda of the partition and that there could be no genuine
peace and stability in the region without its just and permanent settlement.
Hopefully, the Kashmiri leadership stands reassured that though
Pakistan is trapped in a myriad of problems, Pakistanis have neither
forgotten the Kashmir conflict nor would they ever forsake it. We look
forward to see the process of such visits flourishing! (Khalid Iqbal,
REVIEW
A fresh wave of terror attacks in Pakistan, especially in Peshawar and
surrounding area began with a night raid on Peshawar Airport on 15th
December. The attack was no different from those carried out at Mehran
Base in Karachi and the one that targeted PAF base at Kamra, barring two
aspects. One; the attack was successfully foiled by vigilant security forces.
The second aspect related to tattoos on the back of one of the attackers
killed during encounter. This un-Islamic feature on the body of a person
waging jihad led to debate raising questions about recruitment, funding,
491
training, planning, launching and above all the aim and objectives of the
militants operating under the umbrella of Pakistani Taliban.
Many observers and analysts pointed fingers towards the Crusaders
led by the US for backing the groups referred to by the vague term of TTP.
There was equally a large number who defended the US arguing that the
tattoos are not uncommon with Islamic militants. They, like Najam Sethi,
having said that did not like to explore how these militants manage to reach
Pakistan wage jihad.
Zaki Khalid in his article reproduced above has attempted at
explaining that. He wrote: these militants are foreigners who are very
cheap mercenaries-for-hire. These include Tajiks, Gorkhas and Uzbeks. In
fact, intelligence estimates in Pakistan argued that Uzbeks are the most
preferred recruits for Western intelligence agencies (MI6, CIA, BND). One
officer was even quoted as saying that recruits can literally be bought for as
low as $300 only!
In Central Asia and Caucasus regions, a horde of undercover
Lawrences of Asia roam about in search of trainees who are recruited for
the infamous Qaeda, who spreads terror in guise of Muslims and who are
jointly controlled and tasked by intelligence agencies of 3 major countries:
The US, Her Majestys Secret Service, France and of course, the illegitimate
Zionist state of Israel.
The US uses agents against MI6s interests, sometimes vice versa. But
when it comes to highly critical geopolitical undertakings, where Pakistan,
Iran and Syria top the list, they all unite for a common cause. In our
particular case, Pakistans nuclear arsenals are akin to a pot of honey around
which these swarm of flies are always buzzing around. This explains to
some extent as to who recruits these mercenaries from abroad and how
they end up waging jihad in Pakistan.
In this context, Jalees Hazir was quite categorical: Actually, we dont
need any tattoo to convince us that the US is involved in spreading terrorism
in the world. It is documented history. Its dangerous covert games are no
longer secret in any case as its leaders openly boast of funding and arming
terrorists that they dub as rebels or any convenient name that sounds less
offensive. In the case of Pakistan, when CIA and Blackwater operatives were
thrown out after the Raymond Davis episode, the CIA head calmly told us
that the agency did not need its agents on the ground anymore as it had
established an extensive network of local assets in the country. Does this
network include the TTP contacts on Raymond Davis phone?
492
After night raid on Peshawar Airport came multiple attacks on polio

immunization teams from Karachi to Mansehra. Media bitterly criticized the
Taliban for these attacks teams and rightly so, but none dared pointing finger
at America that had used polio immunization campaign as tool of war.
CIA agent Dr Shakeel Afridi penetrated a polio immunization team for
waging war against Islamic fascists. They killed Osama, but unethical act
using a polio team as tool, America provided a pretext for targeting the
teams carrying out humanitarian works in Pakistan. That act of America was
against the established norms and as deplorable as physical attacks on polio
teams.
Two days ago, Bashir Bilour of ANP was killed in a suicide attack in
Peshawar. He was the most vocal politician in owning Americas holy war as
our war and had escaped at least three earlier attempts. His killing provided
a much stronger pretext to Red-cappers and their like-minded to demand
military operation in North Waziristan.
Asfandyar, like Zardari and other pro-West secular politicians, once
again talked about the mindset on militants. The term mindset has been
used frequently by them to give an intellectual touch to their viewpoint on
those fighting against America and its allies and own the Crusades as our
war.
The most illogical aspect, funniest and intriguing too, of the mindset
argument is that all those who propagate it end up demanding military
action against it. They think that a mindset can only be defeated by blowing
it up with bombs, rockets and missiles. Nothing could be more irrational
than correcting a mindset through perpetration of death and destruction.
The rise in tempo of terror attacks in Pakistan had been envisaged by
the observers. They had expected this to happen to embroil Pakistan
internally as the time for occupation forces to leave Afghanistan neared.
This could keep Pakistan at bay from taking any advantage of the void so
created. The strategy was working as the COAS, General Kayani as well as
Defence Minister; Navid Qamar talked of peace in Afghanistan.
When Zardari dashed straight to the UK to see Malala the observers
asked: Why did he skip Iran hop? They were not kept waiting for long to
know the answer. The US Ambassador Oslon told the media that Obama
Administration has reservations on IP gas pipeline project.
During his visit to India, Malik while speaking in Hindi appeared to a
minister of Singhs cabinet rather than representing Rajas government in
493
Pakistan. Similarly, Mirwaiz during his visit to Pakistan talked Indian

language. He spoke of obliterating the border lines and also warned against
giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan.
24th December, 2012

PART THREE
Part Three of this Volume and the next contain poetical works taken
from the famous book titled Payam-e-Mashraq. These works have not been
specifically dedicated to all mankind, but by implication fall in the same
category because this is A Message from the East inviting the West to
endeavour for change for the betterment of entire humanity.
It is evident from the preface written by the author, as translated by M
Hadi Hussain. Allamah says: The impulse that brought forth A Message
from the East was provided by the West-Oestlicher Divan of the German
Philosopher of Life, Goethe, about which Germanys Jewish poet, Heine,
writes: This is a bouquet of acknowledgment by the West to the East... The
Divan bears witness to the fact that the West, disgusted with its weak and
cold spirituality, seeks warmth from the Easts breast.
What influences and circumstances led to the writing of the poems
comprising the Divan a title chosen by Goethe himself which are among
his best works, is a question for answering which it is necessary to give a
494
brief account of the movement known in the history of German literature as

the Oriental movement. It was originally my intention to discuss the said
movement in some detail in this Preface, but, unfortunately, much of the
material necessary for that purpose was unavailable in India.
Paul Horn, the author of A History of Persian Literature, has in an
article discussed the question of the extent to which Goethe was indebted to
Persian poets, but I was unable to obtain, whether from any library in India
or from Germany, the issue of the Nord und Sud in which the article was
published. Consequently, I have been compelled to rely in writing this
Preface partly on what I retain in my memory from my personal study in the
past and partly on Mr Charles Remys brief, but very useful, monograph on
the subject.
From early youth Goethes versatile mind was attracted to Oriental
ideas. While studying law at Strasbourg, he met that famous and venerable
figure of German literature, Herder, the influence of whose companionship
he acknowledges in his autobiography. Herder did not know Persian.
Nevertheless, because of his preoccupation with morals, he was profoundly
interested in Sadis writings, so much so that he translated parts of the
Gulistan into German. The poetry of Khwajah Hafiz did not appeal to him
very much. Drawing the attention of his contemporaries to Sadi, he writes:
We have written a lot of poetry in the style of Hafiz. What we now need to
do is to follow Sadi. However, despite his interest in Persian literature,
there is little trace of the influence of that literature either in his verse or in
his prose writings.
Similarly, Goethes other contemporary, Schiller, who died before the
advent of the Oriental movement, is free from Oriental influences, although
it should not be overlooked that he borrowed the plot of his drama
Turandukht [Turandot in German] from Maulana Nizamis story about the
daughter of the King of the Fourth Realm (Haft Paikar), beginning with a
verse which [translated into English] runs thus: He said that among Russian
lands There was a city as fair as a bride.
In 1812, Von Hammer published a complete translation of the Divan
of Hafiz, and it was this event that set on foot the Oriental movement in
German literature. Goethe was sixty-five years old at that time a time
when the decline of the German nation had reached its nadir in every
respect. Goethe was not temperamentally attuned to an active part in his
countrys political movements. His restless and high-soaring spirit, tired of
495
the conflicts then endemic in Europe, sought and found a heaven for itself in
the peace and tranquility of the Oriental milieu.
The music of Hafiz aroused in Goethes imagination a mighty storm,
which took a permanent shape in the West-Oestlicher Divan. Von Hammers
translation, however, was not merely a stimulus for Goethe; it was also the
source of his extraordinary ideas. There are passages in the Divan which
read like liberal translations of Hafizs verses. There are also passages in
which his imagination, led on to some new path by a line of Hafiz, throws
light on complex and profound problems of life.
Goethes well-known biographer, Bielschowsky, writes as follows: In
the songs of the nightingale of Shiraz Goethe perceived his own image.
There were times when he experienced the hallucinatory feeling that his
spirit had, in an earlier existence, perhaps inhabited the East in the body of
Hafiz. There is in him the same earthly joy, the same heavenly love, the
same simplicity, the same depth, the same warmth and fervour, the same
catholicity, the same open-heartedness, the same freedom from restrictions
and conventions; in short, in everything we find him a second Hafiz. Hafiz
was a mouthpiece of the hidden and an interpreter of mysteries, and so is
Goethe.
Just as there is a world of meaning in the apparently simple words of
Hafiz, hidden truths manifest themselves in Goethes unstrained utterances.
Both elicited admiration from rich and poor alike. Both influenced with their
personalities great conquerors of their times (viz. Timur in the case of Hafiz,
and Napoleon in that of Goethe,) and preserving their internal peace and
composure, in times of general destruction and ravage, succeeded in going
on with their singing.
Apart from Hafiz, Goethe is indebted for his ideas to Shaikh Attar,
Sadi, Firdausi, and Islamic literature in general. He has even written a few
ghazals with rhymes and rhyme-adjuncts. He freely uses Persian metaphors
and images in his verses (e.g. gems of verse, darts of eyelashes, curled
ringlets). Indeed, in the ardour of his Persianism he does not refrain even
from hinting at pederasty. The names of the different parts of the Divan are
Persian, such as Mughanni-namah, Sakinama, Ishq-namah, Timurnamah, Hikmat-namah.
Notwithstanding all this, Goethe is not an imitator of any Persian poet;
his poetic genius is completely independent. His singing in the tulip-fields of
the East is purely a temporary phase. He never lets go of his Westernism,
and his glance rests only on those Oriental truths which his Western
496
temperament can assimilate. He took no interest whatsoever in Persian

mysticism. Although he knew that in the East the verses of Hafiz were
interpreted in mystical terms, he himself was dedicated only to the ghazal
pure and simple and had no sympathy with the mystical interpretation of
Hafiz.
Rumis philosophical verities and sapiential utterances appeared to
him to be merely vague. It, however, seems that he did not study Rumi
carefully; for it is impossible that a man who was an admirer of Spinoza (the
Dutch philosopher who believed in the unity of being) and who wrote in
support of Bruno (Italys existential philosopher) should not have
acknowledged Rumi, if he had known him well enough.
To sum up, Goethe tried through the West-Oestlicher Divan to instill
the Persian spirit into German literature. Later poets, such as Platen,
Rueckert and Bodenstedt, completed the Oriental movement initiated by the
Divan. Platen learned Persian for his literary purposes. He composed ghazals
and rubaiyat in which he observed rhymes and rhyme-adjuncts and even the
rules of Persian prosody. He even wrote a qasidah on Napoleon. Like
Goethe, he freely uses Persian metaphors, such as the rose-bride, the
musky ringlet and tulip-faced, and he is devoted to the ghazal pure and
simple.
Rueckert was well versed in Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit. He thought
highly of Rumis philosophy and wrote most of his ghazals in imitation of
Rumi. Since he was a scholar of Oriental languages, the sources of his
Oriental poems were also more diversified. He gathered gems of wisdom
from wherever he could lay hands on them, as, for example, from Nizamis
Makhzan al-Asrar, Jamis Baharistan, Amir Khusraus Kulliyat, Sadis
Gulistan, and from Manaqib al-Arifin, Ayar Danish, Mantiq al-Tair and
Haft Qulzum. In fact, he embellishes his writings even with pre-Islamic
traditions and stories of Persia. He has also beautifully narrated some events
of Islamic history, such as the death of Mahmd Ghaznavi, Mahmds
assault on Somnat, the deeds of Sultanah Radiyah.
The most popular poet of the Oriental movement after Goethe is
Bodenstedt, who published his poems under the pseudonym of Mirza Shafi.
It was a small collection which became so popular that it went through 140
editions within a short period. So perfectly did Bodenstedt assimilate the
Persian spirit that for long people in Germany took his poems to be
translations of Persian poems. He profited from Amir Muizzi and Anvari as
well.
497
I have deliberately refrained from mentioning Goethes famous

contemporary, Heine, in this connection. Although his collection of poems
entitled New Poems bears marked traces of Persian influence and he has
very skillfully narrated the story of Mahmud and Firdausi, yet, on the whole,
he has no connection with the Oriental movement. In fact, he did not accord
much value to German poetry of the Oriental movement outside Goethes
Divan. However, even the heart of this independent-minded German poet
could not escape the magic charm of Persia.
Imagining himself to be a Persian poet exiled to Germany, he writes:
O Firdausi, O Jami, O Sadi, your brother, confined in a dismal prison,
pines for the roses of Shiraz. Also deserving mention among minor poets of
the Oriental movement are Daumer, the imitator of Hafiz, Hermann Stahl,
Loeschke, Stieglitz, Lenthold and Von Shack. The last-mentioned enjoyed a
high position in the world of learning. Two of his poems, The Justice of
Mahmd Ghaznavi and The Story of Harut and Marut, are well known and
his poetry, on the whole, bears the impress of Umar Khayyams influence.
However, a complete history of the Oriental movement and a detailed
comparison of German and Persian poets designed to assess the exact extent
of Persian influence call for an extensive study, for which I have at my
disposal neither the time nor the means. It may be that the brief sketch given
here will enthuse someone younger than I am to undertake the necessary
research.
I need not say much about A Message from the East, which has been
written a hundred-odd years after the West-Oestlicher Divan. My readers
will by themselves appreciate that the main purpose underlying it is to bring
out moral, religious and social truths bearing on the inner development of
individuals and nations.
There is undoubtedly some resemblance between Germany as it was a
hundred years ago and todays East. The truth, however, is that the internal
unrest of the worlds nations, which we cannot assess properly because of
being ourselves affected by it, is the fore-runner of a great spiritual and
cultural revolution.
Europes Great War was a catastrophe which destroyed the old world
order in almost every respect, and now out of the ashes of civilization and
culture Nature is building up in the depths of life a new Adam and a new
world for him to live in, of which we get a faint sketch in the writings of
Einstein and Bergson. Europe has seen with its own eyes the horrible
consequences of its intellectual, moral and economic objectives and has also
498
heard from Signor Nitti (a former prime minister of Italy) the heart-rending
story of the Wests decline.
It is, however, a pity that Europes perspicacious, but conservative,
statesmen have failed to make a proper assessment of that wonderful
revolution which is now taking place in the human mind. Regarded from a
purely literary standpoint, the debilitation of the forces of life in Europe after
the ordeal of the war is unfavourable to the development of a correct and
mature literary ideal. Indeed, the fear is that the minds of the nations may be
gripped by that slow-pulsed Ajamiyat which runs away from lifes
difficulties and which fails to distinguish between the emotions of the heart
and the thoughts of the brain. However, America seems to be a healthy
element in Western civilization, the reason for which perhaps is that it is free
from the trammels of old traditions and that its collective intuition is
receptive to new ideas and influences.
The East, and especially the Muslim East, has opened its eyes after a
centuries-long slumber. But the nations of the East should realize that life
can bring about no revolution in its surroundings until a revolution takes
place in its inner depths and that no new world can take shape externally
until it is formed in the minds of men. This ineluctable law, which has been
stated by the Quran in the simple but eloquent words, Verily, God does not
change a nation until it changes itself [xiii. 11] governs both the individual
and the collective spheres of life; and it is the truth of this law that I have
tried to keep in view in my Persian works. In the present-day world, and
especially in Eastern countries, every effort which aims at extending the
outlook of individuals and nations beyond geographical boundaries and at
reviving or generating in them a healthy and strong human character is
worthy of respect.
It is for this reason that I have dedicated these few pages to His
Majesty the King of Afghanistan, who appears to be well aware of this fact,
thanks to his natural intelligence and keen intellect, and who is specially
keeping in view the education and training of the Afghans. May God help
him in the fulfillment of this grand mission! IQBAL.
Bearing in mind what Allamah has said above, especially in view of
the Europe having experienced ravages of First World War, it can be inferred
that he thought it appropriate to draw the attention of the West towards the
intellectual wisdom of the East that can help in salvaging the European
societies. About hundred years after Goethe, the Europe once again needed
to look towards East.
499
He sent a fresh message from the East, but that fell on deaf ears. The
Europe plunged into Second World War almost concurrently with the sad
demise of Allamah, and contrary to his expectations, America proved no
different from rest of the West and it played lead role in the war that ended
with the use of two atom bombs.
Since then America has replaced the European colonial powers with
ambition of global domination for at least a century. For that it has been built
an industrial base to sustain a military power that can perpetrate death and
destruction of unprecedented magnitude creating shock and awe that can
help securing immediate and unconditional surrender of the targeted nations.
Irony is; this new colonial giant has special liking for targeting
Muslim nations. So, like hundred years after Goethe, today a hundred years
after Iqbal the message is more pertinent for the East rather than from
the East. It is the Muslim nations, especially their rulers which must heed to
the Message.
THE TULIP OF SINAI: ROBAIYAT
All of these have been translated by M Hadi Hussain.
***** (20) *****

Chih lazzat Ya-Rab andar hast-o-bood ast; dil-e-her zarrah dar josh-enamood ast.
Shigafad shakh ra choon ghonchah-e-gul, tabasam raiz az zouq-e-wajood
ast.
[Zindagi mein kaya lazzat hai, her zarrey ka dil shouq-e-namood sey josh
mein hai.
Jabb kalli shakh ko phharr kar samney aati hai, tuo zouq-e-wajood (ki
taskin) sey moskara rehi hoti hai.]
What joy it is, O God, to be, just be! Each atoms heart feels this joy
gratefully.
500
When a bud bursts forth from its mother-branch, its smile of happiness is
good to see.
***** (24) *****

Rehey dar seinah-e-anjam goshaeyi; waley az khwaishtan na-ashnaeyi.
Yakkey bar khod gosha choon danah chashmey; keh az zir-e-zamin
nakhley bar aeyi.
[Tou sitaron kay andar tuo rastah bana leyta hai, magar apney aap sey naashna hai.
Danah ki manid zara apney aap per bhi ankhh khhol, ta-keh zamin kay
nichey sey drakht bun kar nikley.]
A stranger to your own identity, you seek new paths to the stars in the sky.
Open your eyes to yourself like a seed so that you come out of the earth a
tree.
***** (25) *****

Sehar dar shakhsar-e-bostaney; chih khosh mi-goft morgh-e-naghmah
khwaney.
Bar aawar her chih andar seinah daari; saroodey, nalaheyi, aahey
foghaney.
[Sobh kay waqt chaman ki shakh per, morgh-e-naghmah khwan ney kaya
achhi baat ki.
Jo kochh teyrey seiney kay andar hai bahar nikaal, woh raag ho, nalah-ofaryad ya aah-o-foghan.]
501
One morning in a garden, passing by, I heard a bird perched on a high

branch cry:
Out with whatever you have inside you; a song, a plaint, a dirge, a cry, a
sigh.
***** (26) *****

Tera yakk noktah-e-sarbastah goeym; agar daras-e-hayat az mun bagiri.
Bamiri gar beh tun janey nadarey; wgar janey beh tun daari namiri.
[Agar tou mojh sey zindagi ka sabaq leyna chahta hai, tuo mein eik aisa
noktah biyan karta hon jo sarbastah raaz hai;
Aur agar rooh hai tuo tou kabhi naheen marta (rooh jo Allah Taalla kay
ishq sey mostnir ho).]
To make you understand lifes mystery, I tell you one thing in all secrecy:
You die if you do not possess a soul; but if you do, you live eternally.
***** (27) *****

Behal afsanah-e-aan pa chiraghey; hadis-e-soz-e-oo aazar-e-gosh ast.
Mun aan pervanah ra pervanah danam; keh janash sakht kosh-o-shoala
nosh ast.
[Chiragh kay nichey girey parrey pervaney ki kahani chhorr, oss kay jalney
ki baat kaanon kay leay taklif deh hai.
Mien tuo oss pervaney ko pervanah samajhta hon, jo itna sakht kosh ho keh
shoaley ko khha jaey.]
502
Do not tell me about that silly moth who met an easy, suicidal death.
It is the hardy moth that I admire, the one who bravely fights with his last
breath.
***** (28) *****

Tera az khwaishtan biganah saazad, mun aan aabey tarubnakey nadaram.
Beh bazaram majoo digar mataaey, cho gul joz seinah-e-chaakey
nadaram.
[Mien woh mosarat angaiz sharab naheen rakhhta, jo tojhey apna aap
bhola dey.
Meyrey bazaar mein koeyi aur saman nah dhoondh, mien bhi phool ki
manind seinah-e-chaak kay elawah aur kochh naheen rakhhta.]
I do not sell the stuff that generates forgetfulness and that inebriates.
A rent breast like a flowers is all I have to offer, nothing that exhilarates.
***** (29) *****

Ziyan beini z-sair-e-bostanam, agar janat shaheed-e-jostajoo neist.
Namaeym anchih hast andar rug-e-gul, bahar-e-mun talism-e-rung-oboo neist.
[Agar teyri jan shaheed-e-jostajoo naheen hai, tuo tou meyrey bagh ki sair
mein sirf apna noqsaan he dikhhey ga.
Mien tuo jo kochh rug-e-gul kay andar hai woh dikhhata hon, meyri bahar
rung-o-boo ka talism naheen hai (mien sirf zahar ki baat naheen karta).]
503
Do not come to my garden if you have an uninquiring mind, which does not
crave.
To know the souls of flowers: My spring is not mere smell and colour, no
mere surface wave.
***** (30) *****

Baroon az wirtah-e-bood-o-adum shau, fazoon-tar z-ein jahan kaif-okum shau.
Khodi taamir kon dar paikar-e-khwaish, cho Ibrahim (A.S.) maamar-eHaram shau.
[Hast-o-neist kay chakkar sey nikal, iss jahan-e-kum-o-baish sey ooper othh.
Apney badan mein khodi ki taamir kar aur Ibrahim ki manind maamar-eHaram bun ja.]
From being and non-beings whirlpool free yourself; in this world of
contingency.
Build in yourself a Kaaba sacrosanct like Abrahams home of eternity.
***** (31) *****

Z-morghaan-e-chaman na aashnaeym, beh shakh-e-aashiyan tanha
saraeym.
Agar nazak diley az mun kraan gir, keh khoonam maey trawad az
nawaeym.
[Mien bagh kay perindon sey nawaqif hon, ashiyan ki shaakh per baithha
tanha raag alaap raha hon.
504
Agar tou nazak dil hai tuo mojh sey parey reh, kiyuonkeh meyri nawa sey
meyra khoon tapak raha hai.]
The garden songsters chorus I, for one, do not join, but sing on my branch
alone.
If you are weak, do not come near me; for in my song you will see my
hearts blood drawn.
***** (32) *****

Jahan Ya-Rabb chih khosh hungamah darad, hamah ra must yakk
paimanah kardi.
Nigah ra ba nigah amaiz dadi, dil az dil, jan az jan biganah kardi.
[Khudaiya! Iss jahan mein kaya khoob hungamah bapa hai, aap ney sabb ko
eik he paimanah (-e-Alast) sey must kar diya.
Nazar tuo nazar sey mill jati hai, magar dil dil aur rooh rooh sey alag rehti
hai (her rooh yakta hai aur her qalb kay sochney ka andaz mokhtalif hai).]
A wonderful show, God, is Your world; all things seem to have drunk from
the same wine-bowl.
Eye intimate with eye; but heart from heart and soul from soul divided by a
wall.
***** (33) *****

Sikandar ba Khizar khosh noktaheyi goft; shreek-e-soz-o-saaz behar-obar shau.
Tou ein jung az kanar arsah beini, bamir andar nabard-o-zindah tar shau.
505
[Sikandar ney Khizar sey kaya achhi baat kehi, behar-o-bar kay soz-o-saaz
mein hissah-dar ho.
Tou iss jung ko karzar(-e-hayat) kay kinarey sey dikhhta hai, kashmakash-ehayat mein jan dey kar zindah-tar ho ja.]
Sikandar said to Khizar aptly: Dive into the stormy sea of life and strive
against the waves.
Why watch them from the shore? Jump in and die and be the more alive.
***** (34) *****

Sarir-e-Kaikobad, aklil-e-Jam khak; Kalisa-o-Bottastan-o-Haram khak.
Wlaikan mun nadanam goharam cheist; nigaham bar-ter az gardoon
tunam khak.
[Kaikobad ka thakht ho ya Jamshaid ka taj sabb khak hein; Kalisa,
Bottkhana aur Haram sabb khak sey bunney hoey hein.
Maaloom naheen meyri nehaad kiss sey hai, meyri nigah asman sey
boland-tar hai magar tun khak hai.]
The throne of Kaikobad and Jamshids crown, Church, temple, Kaaba all
dust to be thrown on the dust-heap.
My substance too is dust, but dust which my uplifted eyes disown.
***** (35) *****

Agar dar mosht-e-khak tou nihaadand; dil sadd parah-e-khonabah
baarey.
506
Z-abar-e-nau baharan giriyah aamoz; keh az ashk-e-tuo roeyd lalahzaarey.

[Agar teyri khak kay andar khoon barsaney wala dil-e-sadd parah rakhh
diya gaya hai.
Tou abar-e-nau bahar sey rona seikhh ta-keh teyrey aansoon sey lalah-zaar
paida ho.]
If there were set within thy hand of dust a heart, a hundred fragments of
warm blood;
And of springs clouds if thou couldst learn to ween tulips shall blossom
from thy sorrows flood.
***** (36) *****

Damadum naqsh-haey tazah raizad, beyakk surat qarar-e-zindagi neist.
Agar imroz-e-tuo taswir-e-dosh ast, bakhak-e-tuo sharar-e-zindagi neist.
[Zindagi ko eik surat per qarar naheen, yeh her dum eik naya naqsh paida
karti hai.
Agar teyra aaj gozrey kall ki manind hai tuo iss ka yeh matlab hai keh teyri
khak mein zindagi ka sharar moujood naheen.]
Life keeps expressing itself in new ways: Content with one fixed form it
never stays.
You have no spark in you if your today is just a copy of your yesterdays.
***** (37) *****

507
Cho zouq-e-naghmah-um dar jalwat aarad, qiyamat afganam dar mehfile-khwaish.

Cho mi-khwaham dummey khalwat bagiram, jahan ra gom konam andar
dil-e-khwaish.
[Jabb mojhey zouq-e-naghmah jalwat mein lata hai, tuo mien mehfil mein
qiyamat barpa kar deyta hon.
Laikan jabb mein zara khalwat ikhtiyar karta hon, tuo apney dil mein
kainat ko gom kar leyta hon.]
When the desire to sing aloud grips me, I storm the world with bursts of
poesy.
When I seek solitude, I let the world get lost in the waste of my privacy.
***** (38) *****

Chih maporsi miyan-e-seinah dil chiest, khird choon soz paida kard dil
shoud.
Dil az zouq-e-tapash dil bood laikan, cho yakk dum az tapash aftaad gul
shoud.
[Kaya poochhta hai keh seiney kay andar dil kaya hai, jabb khird ney soz
paida kaya tuo woh dil bun gaeyi.
Dil soz-e-ishq ki badoulat dil thha, laikan jabb zara iss sey khali hoa tuo
matti ho gaya.]
You ask me what is this heart in your breast; it is your intellect that has been
blest with feeling.
While it feels, it is alive: But when it ceases to feel, it is dust.
***** (39) *****
508

Khird goft Oo bachashm andar nagunjad, nigah-e-shouq dar ommeid-obeim ast.
namigardad kohan afsanah-e-Toor, keh dar her dil tamanna-e-Kalim
(A.S,) ast.
[Khird kehti hai keh ankhh ossey dikhh naheen sakti, (oss sey) nigah-eshouq ommeid-o-beim mein hai.
Toor ka waqea abb bhi dohraya jaa raha hai, kiyuonkeh her dil mein wohi
tamanna hai jiss ka azhar Mosa (A.S.) ney kiya.]
The intellect says He cannot be seen, but still the eager eye stays caught
between hope and fear.
Mount Sinai is still there, and in man a Moses there has always been.
***** (40) *****

Kanisht-o-Masjid-o-Bottkhana-o-Deir,
nakardi.
joz
ein
mosht-e-gilley
paida
Z-hokam-e-ghair natwaan joz badal rast, tou ay ghafil diley paida

nakardi.
[Haikal ho, Kalisa ho, Masjid ho ya bottkhanah, inn sabb ko aap ney insan
kay leay paida kiya hai jo sirf mothhi bhar khak hai.
Ghair Allah ki ghulami sey sirf dil he kay zariey rehaeyi hasil ki ja sakti
hai, magar ay ghafal! Tou ney apney andar dil he paida naheen kiya.]
You only built church, temple, idol-house and mosque all symbols of your
slavery.
509
You never built yourself a heart, without which a free agent you can never
be.
***** (41) *****

Nah paiwastam darein bostan sara dil, z-bund-e-ein-o-aan azadah
raftam.
Cho baad-e-sobh gardeidam dummey chund, gulaan ra aab-o-rungey
dadah raftam.
[Mien ney iss chaman sey dil naheen lagaya, yahan kay bundhanon sey
azad raha hon.
Baad-e-sobh ki manind chund lumhey yahan ghoma (phera), phoolon ko
rung-o-aab di aur chala gaya.]
I never got attached to this world, this fair-seeming garden, and its vanities.
But rather, lending colour to its flowers, I wandered round it like the
morning breeze.
***** (42) *****

Beh khod baaz aword rind-e-kohan ra, maey barna keh mun dar jaam
kardam.
Mun ein maey choon moghan dour paishein, z-chashm-e-must saqi
waam kardam.
[Mien ney jaam mein jo jawan sharab dali, woh rind-e-kohan ko dobarah
hosh mein ley aeyi.
510
Pehley dour kay piraan-e-moghan ki manind, mien ney bhi yeh sharab saqi
ki chashm-e-must sey qarz lee hai.]
I offer you a strange, new kind of wine, which makes old tipplers sober, sane
and wise.
And like the mystical Magi of old I borrowed it from the Cupbearers eyes.
***** (43) *****

Safalam ra maey-oo jaam-e-Jam kard, daroon-e-qatrah-um poshidahyum kard.
Khird andar saram bott-khanaheyi raikht, Khalil-e-ishq Deiram ra Haram
kard.
[Oss ki sharab (-e-mohabat) ney meyrey matti kay piyaley ko jaam-e-Jam
bana diya, meyrey qatrah kay andar samandar poshidah kar diya.
Khird ney meyrey damagh mein bott khanah khharra kiya, Khalil-e-ishq ney
oss bott-kadah ko Haram bana diya.]
His wine turned my cup into Jamshids cup: A sea poured into me, a tiny
drop.
In my head reason built an idol-house: Loves Abram to a Kaaba raised it up.
***** (44) *****

Khird zinjir-e-imroz-o-dosh ast, prastar-e-bottaan chashm-o-gosh ast.
Sanam dar aastein poshidah darad, Brahmin zadah zannar posh ast.
511
[Khird ney aaj-kall ka zannar pehan rakhha hai, woh chashm-o-gosh kay
botton ki pojari hai (hawas-e-zahar sey hasil shodah tasarat ko sabb kochh
samajhti hai).
Apni aastein mein bott chopaey hoey hai, yeh zannar posh kissi Brahmin ki
aulaad (maaloom hoti) hai.]
To past and present reason is a slave; it worships images of eye and ear.
It always has an idol up its sleeve; it is a Brahmin bred and born, beware!
***** (45) *****

Khird andar sar-e-herkas nehaadand, tunam choon digraan az khak-okhoon ast.
Waley ein raaz kass joz mun nadanand, zamir-e-khak-o-khoonam
bichagoon ast.
[Her eik sar mein khird moujood hai, meyra badan bhi doosron ki manind
khak-o-khoon sey bana hai.
Magar yeh raaz meyrey sawaey aur kissi ko maaloom naheen, keh meyrey
khak-o-khoon ki nehaad kissi aur jaisi naheen.]
There is an intellect in every man. My body is, like others, clay and blood
just mud.
But, no one knows this secret but myself: a subtle soul informs my mud.
***** (46) *****

Gadaey jalwah rafti barsar-e-Toor, keh jan-e-tou z-khod namehramey
hust.
512
Qadam dar jostajooey Adamey zun, Khuda hum dar talash-e-Adamey hust
.
[Tou gadaey jalwah bun kar Toor per gaya, kiyuonkeh teyri jan apney aap
sey na-ashna thhi.
Adam (insan-e-kamil) ki talash mein nikal, Khuda bhi ossi ki talash mein
hai.]
You went to Mount Sinai, soliciting a sight of God, being a stranger to
yourself.
Go and seek man; for God Himself is seeking man; yes, He is seeking you.
***** (47) *****

Bago Jibril ra az mun payamey, mera aan paikar-e-noori nadadand.
Waley taab-o-tabb-e-ma khakiyaan bein, beh noori zouq mehjoori
nadadand.
[Jibril ko meyri taraf sey paigham duo, mojhey tomm jaisa paikar-e-noori
tuo atta naheen hoa.
Laikan zara hum khakiyuon ki chamak damak bhi dikhh, (Allah Taalla sey)
doori ka jo soz-o-lotf hameen mila hai, noori oss sey mehroom hein.]
Go and tell this to Gabriel from me: Though not all light like him, I yet
aspire to God.
This keeps my dust alight; but it does not keep cold creatures of light afire.
***** (48) *****

513
Homaey ilm ta oftad bedaamat, yaqin kum kon, gariftar-e-shakkey baash.

Amal khwahi yaqin ra pokhtan-tar kon, yakkey jooey-o-yakkey bein-oyakkey baash.
[Agar tou chahta hai keh ilm ki homa teyrey jaal mein aa jaey tuo yaqin
kum kar, her baat ko shakk ki nazar sey dikhh (behuss mobahsah kar).
Agar amal chahta hai, tuo apna yaqin pokhtah kar, eik maqsood kay
peichhey lug ja, ossi per nazar rakhh aur wohi ho ja. (Ranjha Ranjha
aakhhdi mein aapey Ranjha hoeyi).]
If you seek knowledge, then be of two minds; increase your doubt, decrease
your certainty.
If you seek action, doubt less, be more sure, be of one mind, one personality.
***** (50) *****

Dilat mi-larzad az andaishah-e-marg, z-beimash zard manind-e-zariri.
Beh khod baaz aa khodi ra pokhtah-tar gir, agar giri, puss az mordan
namiri.
[Teyra dil mout ki fikar sey larz raha hai, oss kay khouf sey tou huldi ki
manind zard hai.
Apney aap mein wapas aa, apni khodi ko mostahkim kar, agar aisa karey
ga, tuo murney kay baad bhi naheen murrey ga (rooh ko ishq-e-Elahi sey
pokhtah kar ley).]
Your heart quakes with the fear of death: you pale at the mere thought of it.
Go and acquire a selfhood and hold fast to it, If you do this, you will not die
when you expire.
***** (52) *****

514

Mera farmood pirey noktah daaney, her imroz-e-tou az farda payam ast.
Dil az khooban biperwa nigahdar, harimash joz beh Oo dadan haram ast.
[Pir-e-noktah-dan ney mojhey farmaya hai, keh teyra her aaj gozashtah
kall ka paigham hai.
Apney dil ko inn bipervah mehboobon sey bacha, dil Allah Taalla ka
aastanah hai, ossey kissi aur kay hawaley karna gonah hai.]
A wise man said to me: All your todays are earnests of a great tomorrow.
So, protect your heart from heartless fair faced ones, into His sanctum do not
let them go.
***** (53) *****

Z-Razi maani-e-Quraan chih porsi? Zamir-e-ma beh aayatash dalil ast.
Khird aatash farozad dil basozad; hamein tafsir Namrud-o-Khalil ast.
[Razi sey Quraan kay maani kaya poochhta hai, hamara zamir he oss ki
sachaeyi per gawahi dey raha hai. (Teyrey zamir peh jabb takk nah ho
nazool-e-Quraan; girah-kosha hai nah Razi nah sahib-e-Kashaaf).
Khird ney aag jalaeyi, dil oss mein kood parra; (waqia-e-) Namrud-oKhalil ki yehi tafsir hai.]
Why ask of Razi what the Quran means? By each mans own heart is it best
construed.
Mind lights a fire, heart burns in it: the one is Abraham, the other is Namrud.
515
***** (54) *****

Mun az bood-o-nabood-e-khod khamosham, agar goeym keh hastam
khod parastam.
Wlaikan ein nawaey sadah keist, kassey dar seinah mi-goyad keh
hastam.
[Mien apney honay ya na honay kay baarey mein khamosh hon, agar
kahon tuo khod-parast samjha jaon ga.
Laikan yeh madham see awaz kiss ki hai, kon meyrey seiney kay andar kehta
hai keh mien hon.]
I do not say if I exist or not. To say I do were self-idolatry.
But what is this still, small voice saying, I exist? O who is this one inside
me?
***** (61) *****

Sarapa maani-e-sarbastah-um mun, nigah harf-e-bafaan bar-natabam.
Nah mokhtaram tawaan goftan beh majboor, keh khak-e-zindah-um dar
inqilabam.
[Mien sarapa maani-e-sarbastah hon, mojhey harf bafon (haroof sey
khhailney walon) ki nigah naheen pa sakti.
Nah mojhey ba-ikhtiyar kaha ja sakta hai, nah majboor, mien aisi khak-ezindah hon jo her dum taghiyar pazir hai.]
I am a hidden meaning which defies the glance of spinners of mere words
away.
With free will and with destiny; for I am living, revolutionary clay.
516
***** (87) *****

Kassey ko dard-e-pehaaney nadarad, tunney darad waley janey nadarad.
Agar janey hawass daari talab kon, tabb-o-taabey keh payaney nadarad.
[Her shakhs (ishq ka) dard-e-penhan naheen rakhhta, oss ka badan tuo hai,
magar oss mein jan naheeen.
Agar tou jan ki khwahish rakhhta hai tuo aisi tabb-o-taab talab kar jiss ki
intiha naheen.]
One who has been blessed with no secret grief may have a body, but has not
a soul.
If you desire to have a soul, then seek a fever of the heart that will not cool.
***** (90) *****

Dil az manzal tehi kon pa barah daar, nigah ra pak missl-e-mehar-o-meh
daar.
Mataa-e-aqal-o-Din ba digraan bakhsh, ghum-e-ishq aar badast aftad
nigah daar.
[Manzal ka khiyal chhorr aur (daimi) safar ikhtiyar kar, (albatah douraane-safar) apni nigah ko mehar-o-meh ki tarah pak rakhh.
Aqal-o-Din ka sarmayah doosron kay leay rehney dey, haan, ghum-e-ishq
haath ajaey tuo ossey sanbhal kay rakhh.]
Forget the goal, be steadfast on the path, keep bright your vision like the sun
and moon.
Give others all your wealth of Mind and Faith; and keep divine Loves
sorrow for your own.
517
***** (91) *****

Bia ay ishq ay ramz-e-dil-e-ma, bia ay kisht-e-ma ay hasil-e-ma.
Kohan gashtand ein khaki nehadaan, digar Adam bana kon az gill-e-ma.
[Ay ishq, ay hamarey dil kay raaz aa! Ay hamari khaiti, ay hamarey hasil
aa!
Yeh Adam khaki porana ho choka hai, hamari matti sey niya Adam bana.]
Come, O Love, guarded secret of our hearts, come, O our sowing and our
harvesting.
These men, clay idols, have grown far too old. Another Adam now needs
fashioning.
***** (105) *****

Bia ba shahid-e-fitrat nazar baaz, chira dar goshah-e-khalwat gazini.
Tera haq dad chashm-e-pak beinay, keh az noorash nigahey aafrini.
[Aa! Hosn-e-fitrat per nigah daal, tou eik goshey mein kiyuon khalwat
gazein baithha hai.
Allah Taalla ney mojhey chashm-e-pak bein atta farmaeyi hai ta-keh tou
oss kay noor sey nigah (hosn-e-fitrat sey lotf-andoz honay ka) zouq paida
karey.]
Come drink in Natures beauty with your eyes. Why muse like a recluse?
O exercise the gift that God his given you of eight. O look, the world is
beautiful and bright.
518
***** (106) *****

Miyan-e-aab-o-gill khalwat gazidam, z-Aflatoon-o-Farabi boridam.
Nakardam az kassey darwizah-e-chashm, jahan ra joz beh chashm-e-khod
nadeidam.
[Mien ney aab-o-gill kay jahan kay andar khalwat ikhtiyar ki hai, Aflatoono-Frabi sey alehdah raha hon.
Mien ney kissi sey dikhhney ki bheik naheen maangi, dunya ko apni he
ankhh sey dikhha hai.]
Eschewing Plato and Farabi! Observed the world of sense with my own eye.
I never begged or borrowed other. sight, but always used my own sight,
come what might.
***** (117) *****

\
Dawam-e-ma z-soz-e-natamam ast; cho mahi joz tapash bar ma haram
ast.
Majoo sahal keh dar aaghosh-e-sahal, tapeid yakk dum-o-marg-e-dawam
ast.
[Hamarey soz-e-natamam he sey hamara dawam hai, machhli ki manind
hum sawaey tapash kay aur kochh naheen rakhhtey.
Sahal talash nah kar kiyuonkeh sahal ki aaghosh mein eik dum ki tarrap
hai aur pher hamaishah ki mout.]
Unceasing restlessness is life for us. Like a fish we must always remain
mobile.
And shun the shore; for it is dangerous one vibrant moment; and then
quietus.
519
***** (118) *****

Marunj az Brahmin ay Waiz-e-shehar, gar az ma sajdaheyi paish-ebottaan khwast.
Khuda-e-ma keh khod suratgari kard, bottey ra sajdaheyi az Qudasiyaan
khwast.
[Ay Waiz-e-shehar Brahmin sey naraz nah ho, agar woh hamein botton kay
samney sajdah kay leay kehta hai.
Hamarey Khuda ney khod (Adam ki) surat banaeyi aur pher farishton ko
oss bott ko sajdah karney kay leay kaha (Woh bott naheen thha oss kay
andar Allah Taalla ney apni rooh phoonk di thhi, pher Farishton sey kaha
keh ossey sajdah karo).]
O preacher if the Brahmin asks that we bow down to idols, then why should
you be displeased?
The greatest idol-maker, God; bade angels bow down to His idol, man.
***** (119) *****

Hakimaan garchih sadd paikar shakastund, moqim-e-Somnat bood-ohastund.
Chasaan Afrishtah-o-Yazdan bagirund, hanooz Adam beh fitraakey
nabastund.
[Falsafi agarchih (tasawarat kay) sadd-ha paikar torr chokey hein, laikan
woh abhi takk hast-o-bood kay Somnat mein parrey hein.
520
Woh farishtey aur Yazdan ko kaisey apney fikr ki garift mein laa saktey
hein, jabb keh onnhon abhi takk Adam ko bhi apney fitraak mein naheen
bandha (woh Adam ki haqiqat naheen samajh sakey Farishtey aur Yazdan
ki haqiqat ko kaya samajhein gey).]
Philosophers break idols in their wrath, but still are prisoners of Beings
Somnath.
They chase God and His angels. But how can they capture them? Have they
yet captured man?
***** (120) *****

Jahan-ha roeyd az mosht-e-gill-e-mun, Bia sarmaya gir az hasil-e-mun.
Ghalat kardi reh sar-e-manzal Dost, dummey gom shou beh sehra-e-dil-emun.
[Meyri khak-e-badan sey kaeyi jahan paida hotey hein, aa tou bhi meyrey
(khait kay) hasil sey kochh faiydah othha.
Tou Dost (Allah Taalla) ki manzal ka raastah bhola choka hai, meyrey dil
kay sehra mein eik lamah kay leay gom ho ja (ta-keh tojhey rahnomaeyi
hasil ho).]
Worlds spring like grain from my handful of clay.come share my harvest.
Though you went astray from the highway that leads to God, yet come; you
may find Him in my hearts wilderness.
***** (121) *****

Hazaran saal ba fitrat nashistam, beh oo paiwastam-o-az khod gosastam.
521
Wlaikan sar gozashtam ein duo harfst, trashiydam. prastam, shakastam.

[Mien hazaron saal fitrat kay saath raha hon, mien ney apney saath
taaloq monqataa kiya aur oss kay saath taaloq banaya.
Laikan meyri sargozasht inn duo harfon mein aa jati hai, mien ney
(tasawarat kay) bott trashey, onn ki pooja ki, pher onnhein torr diya.]
With Nature my relations are age-old. I gave myself up to it heart and soul.
But my age-long romance with it is told in these few words: I carved, adored
and broke.
***** (122) *****

Beh pehnaey azal per mi-kashoodam, z-bund-e-aab-o-gill biganah
boodam.
Bachashm-e-Tou behaey mun boland ast, keh aawordi babazar
wajoodam.
[Mien ney azal ki wos-aton mein apney per khholey, mien aab-o-gill kay
bundhan sey azad thha.
Aap ki nazar mein meyri qimat gran thhi, issi leay aap mojhey bazaar-ewajood mein ley aaey.]
Winging Eternitys uncharted space, still an unbodied spirit, I was caught.
And, as You thought me valuable, was brought to this, your ever-busy
market-place.
***** (125) *****

522
Agar agahi az kaif-o-kum khwaish, yummey taamir kon az shabnam-ekhwaish.

Dilla darwizah-e-mehtab ta-kay, shabb khod ra barafroz az dum khwaish.
[Agar tou apni salahiyaton (ahwal) sey agahi rakhhta hai, tou apni
shabnam (he) ko samandar mein tabdeel kar.
Ay dil! Mehtab ki gadagari kabb takk! Apni raat ko apni aah sey roshan
kar.]
If you know your potentialities, then with the dew you are create vast seas.
O heart, why beg the moon for alms of light? Let your own flaming breath
light up your night.
***** (129) *****

Cho nargis ein chaman nadeidah magozar, cho boo dar ghonchah-epaichidah magozar.
Tera Haq deidah-e-roshan terey daad, khird baidar-o-dil khwabidah
magozar.
[Nargis ki manind iss chaman ko dikhhey baghair yahan sey nah gozar, tou
oss khoshboo ki manind nah ho jo ghonchah-e-paichidah he mein reh jati
hai.
Allah Taalla ney tommhein onn sey roshan-tar ankhh di hai, tou dunya
mein baidar khird aur khwabidah dil kay saath zindagi basar nah kar (sirf
aqal he ko sabb kochh nah samajh, dil-e-baidar bhi hasil kar).]
Do not pass through this garden with eyes closed narcissus-like, and do not
like scent keep.
Yourselves shut up in buds. God gave you eyes. O do not walk with brains
awake and hearts asleep.
***** (132) *****
523

Zamin ra razdaan-e-asman gir, makan ra sharah-e-ramz-e-lamakan gir.
Perd her zarah sooey manzal-e-Dost, nishan-e-rah az raig-e-rawaan gir,
[Zamin ko asman ka razdan samajh, makan ko lamakan kay maani ki
sharah khayal kar.
Her zarrah manzal-e-Dost ki janib orrta jar aha hai, tou raastey kay nishan
raig-e-rawan (kay zarron) sey pochh.]
Take earth to be the confidante of Heaven and space a gloss upon infinity.
Make shifting sands your signpost of the road, as each sandgrain flies to the
Friends abode.
***** (133) *****

Zamir-e-kon fakaan ghair az tou kass neist, nishan-e-binishan ghair az
tou kass neist.
Qadam bidaak-tar neh dar reh zeist, beh pehnaey jahan ghair az tou kass
neist.
[Jahan-e-hast-o-bood ka zamir (maani-e-penhan) teyrey sawaey aur koeyi
naheen, sirf tou he oss binishan (Allah Taalla) ka nishan hai.
Rah-e-hayat mein daliranah qadam rakhh, iss jahan ki wos-aton mein
teyrey sawaey aur koeyi naheen.]
You are the meaning of Gods fait, Be, the only clue to Beings mystery.
Tread lifes path more intrepidly; advance: There is no one but you in this
expanse.
524
***** (134) *****

Zamin khak-e-dar-e-maeykhanah-e-ma, falak yakk gardash-e-paimanahe-ma.
Hadis-e-soz-o-saaz-e-ma draaz ast, jahan dibachah-e-afsanah-e-ma.
[Zamin hamarey maeykhanah (-e-alast) kay darwazey ki khak hai, charkhe-gardan hamarey paimaney ki eik gardash hai.
Hamarey soz-o-saaz ki baat bohat tawil hai, yeh jahan tou hamarey afsaney
ki mehaz tamhid hai.]
The earth is mere dust at our taverns door, the sky our wine-cup going
round, no more.
The story of our heart is long; so long the world seems to be but its opening
song.
***** (135) *****

Sikandar raft-o-shamshir-o-ilm raft, khraj-e-shehar-o-gunj kaan-o-yum
raft.
Ommam ra az shehaan paindah-tar daan, na-mi beini keh Iran mand-oJam raft.
[Sikandar gaya aur oss ki shamshir aur ilm oss kay saath he gaey, shehron
sey wasool kiya hoa kharaj, kaan sey nikala hoa khazanah aur samander
sey hasil keay hoey moti sabb gaey.
Quomon ko padshahon sey ziyadah paindah samajh, kaya tou dikhhta
naheen keh Iran baqi hai jabb keh Jamshaid khatam ho choka hai.]
525
Iskander and his flag and sword are gone; gone are his tribute and his mines
and seas.
Longer than kings are peoples histories: Jamshid is gone, but Persia still
lives on.
***** (148) *****

Mago kaar-e-jahan naostawar ast, bar aan-e-ma abud ra pardah-daar ast.
Bagir imroz ra mohkam keh farad hanooz andar zamir-e-rozgaar ast.
[Yeh nah keh keh dunya kay kaam mein paiydari naheen, hamarey her
lamhey kay andar abud poshidah hai.
Aaj per apni grift mohkam rakhh, kiyuonkeh kall abhi zamaney kay zamir
mein mastoor hai (kall aaj per monhisar hai).]
Do not say life is merely transitory: Each moment of ours veils Eternity.
Hold firmly to today: tomorrow is still an idea in the mind of Time.
***** (150) *****

Qabaey zindgani ta-kay? Cho mooraan aashiyan dar khak ta-kay?
Baperwaaz aa O shaheeni biamoz, talash-e-danah dar khashaak ta-kay?
[Kabb takk zindagi ka labas taar taar rakhhey ga? Kabb takk
chiyuontiyuon ki tarah khak mein ghhar banaey ga?
Perwaaz mein aa aur shaheeni seikhh, (chiyuonti ki tarah) kabb takk matti
mein apna rizq talash karta rehey ga?]
526
How long will you remain depressed like this? How long have, your nest in
the dust like ants?
Learn how to fly like falcons and soar high; seek food, not on the ground,
but in the sky.
***** (151) *****

Miyan-e-lalah-o-gul aashiyan gir, z-morgh-e-naghmah khwaan dars-efoghan gir.
Agar az natawaani gushtaeyi pir, nasibey az shabab ein jahan gir.
[Phoolon kay darmiyan apna ashiyan bana, naghmah sara perindon sey
aah-o-foghan seikhh.
Agar tou kamzori kay sabab bhoorra ho choka hai, tou iss jahan kay shabab
(tar-o-taazgi) sey qowwat hasil kar.]
Nest amid roses and anemones, learn from the thrush his plangent melodies.
If impotence has made thee grey and old, from the worlds youth a vital
portion seize!
***** (152) *****

Bajan-e-mun keh naqsh-e-tun angaikht, hawaey jalwah ein gul ra duo
roo kard.
Hazaraan shiwah darad jan-e-bitaab, badan gardad cho ba yakk shiwahe-khoo kard.
527
[Mojhey apni jan ki qasam! Keh rooh he ney tun ko paida kiya hai, nazarey
kay shouq mein oss ney iss phool ko duo roo bana diya hai (hawas-e-badani
he kay zariay iss dunya ko dikhha ja sakta hai).]
Jan-e-bitaab kay hazaron rung hein, magar jab oss ney eik rung ikhtiyar
kar liya tou badan bun gaya. (Irtibaat-e-harf-o-maani ikhtilat-e-jan-o-tun;
jiss tarah akhgar qaba posh apney khakistar sey hai).]
The soul designed the body, love of self-display thus fashioning a doubletinted rose.
The soul assumes a thousand forms, all fresh. content with one, it would
become mere flesh.
***** (153) *****

Beh gosham aamad az khak-e-mazarey, keh dar zir-e-zamin hum mitawaan zeist.
Nafas darad wlaikan jan nadarad, kassey koo bar morad-e-digraan zeist.
[Khak-e-mazar sey meyrey kaan mein yeh awaz aeyi, keh qabar mein bhi
zindah raha ja sakta hai.
Laikan woh shakhs jo doosron ki khwahish kay motabiq zindagi basar
karta hai, oss kay andar sans hai magar jan naheen.]
I heard a voice from inside a grave say: You can commence a new life in the
grave.
The man who lives by others wishes may have breath in him, but has no
soul to save.
***** (154) *****
528

Mashuo nomeid ein mosht-e-ghobarey, parishan-e-jalwah-e-napaiydarey.
Cho fitrat mi trashad paikerey ra, tamamash mi-konad dar rozgarey.
[Iss mosht-e-ghobar (insan) sey na ommeid nah ho, keh iss ka jalwah-enapaiydar parishan hai.
Kiyuonkeh fitrat jabb koeyi paikar trashti hai, tuo ossey qarn-ba-qarn mein
mokamal karti hai.]
Do not despair of your handful of dust, this mutable stuff, quickly blown
away.
When Nature fashions some new form, it must have timemilleniato round
it off.
***** (161) *****

Hanooz az bund-e-aab-o-gill narasti, tou goeyi Rumi-o-Afghanaim mun.
Mun Awwal Adam birung-o-booeym, az aan puss Hindi-o-Turanaim mun.
[Abhi takk tou aab-o-gill kay bundhan sey azad naheen hoa, tou kehta hai
keh mien Rume hon, mien Afghani hon.
Mien pehley birung-o-boo (mehaz insan) hon, oss kay baad Hindi ya
Turani hon.]
You are still tied to colour and to race, so you call me Afghan or Turkoman.
But I am first of all a man, plain man, and then an Indian or Turanian.
THE WINE REMAINING: GHAZALEIN
All of these have been translated into English by M Hadi Hussain.
***** (1) *****
529

Bahar ta beh gulistan kashid bazam-e-sarood, nawaey bulbul-e-shoridah
chashm-e-ghonchah kashood.
[Jabb bahar ney bagh mein bazam-e-sarood sajaeyi, tuo bulbul-e-shoridah
(sargarm-e-foghan hoeyi aur oss) ki awaz ney kali ki ankhh khhol di (her
taraf phool khhilney luggey).]
When spring made of the garden a veritable concert hall, the nightingales
impassioned songs made buds open their eyes.

Goman mabar keh sarashtand dar azal gill-e-ma, keh ma hanooz
khiyalaim dar zamir-e-wajood.
[Yeh goman nah kar keh hamari matti ko roz-e-azal gondh diya gaya thha,
hum abhi takk zamir-e-fitrat mein takhiyyal hein (hamari takmil hona baqi
hai).]
Do not imagine that the clay we are; was fashioned when the world was
made; for we are still a thought in Beings mind.

Beh ilm gorrah mashuo kaar-e-maey kashi digar ast, faqih-e-shehar
giryban-o-aastein aalood.
[Ilm per maghroor nah ho, maey kashi (maamlaat-e-ishq ko samajhna aur
samjhana) ka kaam aur hai, faqih-e-shehar (iss kaam mein parra, tuo oss)
ney apna giryban aur daman aaloodah kar liya.]
Do not preen yourself on your scholarship. It takes much more to drink with
decorum. The city jurist, when he drank, spilled his wine all over his dress.

Bahar, barg-e-pragindah ra beham bar bust, nigah-e-mast keh bar lalah
rung-o-aab afzood.
530
[Bahar ney sirf montashir patton ko baham paiwastah kiya, yeh hamari
nigah hai jiss ney gul-e-lalah per rung aur aab-o-taab ka azafah kiya.]
All that spring did was that it put together scattered leaves. It is our eye that
lends colour and brightness to the tulip.

Nazar bakhwaish frobastah ra nishan ein ast, digar sakhon nasarayad zghaib-o-moujood.
[Apney aap per nazar rakhhney waley ki pehchan yeh hai, keh pher woh
ghaib-o-moujood ki baat naheen karta (oss kay leay ghaib-o-moujood
mein farq naheen reh jata).]
This is the sign of one who has his eye fixed on his inner self: He speaks no
more of present things and absent things.

Shabbey beh maey khadah khosh goft pir-e-zindah diley, beh her
zamanah Khalil ast-o-aatash-e-Namrod.
[Raat eik pir-e-zindah dil ney maey kadah mein kaya khoob kaha, her ehad
mein Khalil bhi hai aur aatash-e-Namrod bhi.]
One night a witty old man in the tavern made an apt remark. He said: In
every age there is an Abraham, and there is also Nimrods fire.

Chih naqsh-ha keh nabostam beh kargah-e-hayat, chih raftey keh narafto-chih boodani keh nabood.
[Mien ney kargah-e-hayat mein kaya kaya naqosh takhliq naheen keay,
magar (iss kay bawajood) nashanat (jo mit jaaney chahien thhey) naheen
mittey aur kitney kaam jo honay chahien they, naheen hoey.]
What forms I shaped in lifes workshop! What passing things have passed
away! And what things that were there are now no more!

531
Beh deiriyan sakhon-e-naram-go keh ishq-e-ghayoor, bana-e-bottkadah

afgand dar dil-e-Mahmoud.
[Ehl-e-deir sey narmi sey baat kar kiyuonkeh ishq-e-ghayoor ney,
Mahmoud (jaisey bottshikan) kay dil mein bottkhadah ki boniyad daal di
thhi.]
Speak gently to the idol-worshipper; for Love, that brooks no slight, laid the
foundations of an idol-house in Mahmuds heart itself.

Bakhak-e-Hind nawaey hayat bi-asar ast, keh mordah zindah nagardad
z-naghmah-e-Daud (A.S.)
[Hind ki khak mein zindagi (kay geet) ki awaaz bi-asar hai, (kiyuonkeh)
naghmah-e-Daud (A.S.) bhi mordah ko zindah naheen kar sakta.]
In India lifes anthem is devoid of all effect; for even Davids songs cannot
breathe life into the dead.
***** (2) *****

Halqah bostand sar-e-turbat-e-mun nouha karaan, dilbaraan-e-zohrah-oshan-e-gul barnaan seim-e-baraan.
[Kitney dilbar, zohra-wash, gulbadan aur seim-bar, meyri qabar kay gird
halqah bana kar nouha-gari mein luggey hoey hein.]
Around my grave atood in a ring a bevy of fair mourners, all comely,
winsome, lily-white.

Dar chaman qaflah-e-lalah-o-gul rakht kashood, az koja aamadh-and ein
hamah khoonein jigaraan.
[Bagh mein lalah-o-gul kay qaflon ney dairey daal deay hein, yeh itney
saarey khoonein jigar kahan sey agaey.]
532
The caravan of roses and of tulips has alighted in the garden. O wherefrom
come so many things with bleeding hearts?

Ay-keh dar madrassah joeyi adab-o-danash-o-zouq, nakhard baadah kass
az kaargah-e-shishah-garaan.
[Ay keh tou madrassah mein adab, danish aur khosh zouqi talash karta hai,
bhala shishah-garon ki dokaan sey bhi koeyi sharab talab karta hai.]
You seek good manners, learning, taste in the schoolroom. But no one buys
wine from a glassware factory.

Khird afzood mera daras hakimaan-e-Frang, seinah afrokht mera sohbate-sahib-e-nazaraan.
[Frang kay asatzah ney meyri aqal afzon ki, aur sahib-e-nazar hazrat ki
sohbat ney meyrey seinah chamka diya.]
The teaching of the Wests philosophers increased my wisdoms fund. The
company of seers lit up my beings very core.

Bar kasha an naghmah keh sarmayah-e-aab-o-gill tost, ay z-khod raftah
tehi shuo z-nawaey digraan.
[Woh naghmah paida kar jo teyri sarisht ka sarmayah hai, ay apney aap ko
bhooley hoey! Doosron ka raag alapna chhorr dey.]
Bring out the music which is in your natures make-up. O self-oblivious
man, cast out of your head others tunes.

Kass nadanist keh mun neiz bahaey daram, aan mataam keh shwad
dast-zad bi-basraan.
[Koeyi naheen samajhta keh mein bhi qimat rakhhta hon, mien woh mataa
hon jo andhhon kay haath parr gaeyi.]
533
No one has realized that I too have some worth. I am a precious object fallen
into the hands of blind men.
***** (3) *****

Mi-trashad fikr-e-ma bar dum Khudawandey digar, rast az yakk bund ta
aftaad darbandey digar.
[Hamara fikr her dum eik niya maabood (bott) trashta hai, eik bandhan sey
azad hota hai ta-keh doosrey mein griftar ho jaey.]
Our thought is constantly engaged in fashioning new gods. Released from
one bond, it entangles itself in another.

Bar sar-e-baam aa, niqab az chehrah bibakanah kash, neist dar kooey
tou choon mun aarzoomandey digar.
[Sar-e-baam aa aur bibakanah andaz mein apney chehrey sey niqab hata,
teyrey koochey mein meyrey jaisa tera aur koeyi chahney wala naheen.]
Come to the roof-top and remove unhesitatingly Your faces veil. There is
nobody in Your street more eager to see You than I.

Bus-keh ghairat mi-baram az deidah-e-beinaey khwaish, az nigah
baafum beh rokhsar-e-tou roo-bundey digar.
[Chonkeh mien apni dikhhney wali ankh sey ghairat khhata hon, iss leay
tomharey rokhsar per apni nigah sey (her baar) eik niya niqab bon deyta
hon.]
I am so jealous of the seeing power of my eyes that I weave with my sight
one more veil for Your face.

534
Yakk nigah yakk khandah-e-dozdeidah yakk tabindah ashk, behar paiman

mohabat neist soogandey digar.
[Eik nigah, eik dozdeidah moskrahat, eik chamakta hoa aansoo, mohabat
kay iqrar kay leay iss kay alawah koeyi aur hulaf naheen.]
One look, one flitting smile, one shining tear other than these there is no
pledge of love.

Ishq ra nazam keh az bitaabi-e-roz-e-fraq, jan-e-ma ra bost ba dard-e-tou
paiwandey digar.
[Mojhey ishq per fakhar hai keh oss ney roz-e-fraq ki bitaabi kay zariay
hamari jan sey aap kay dard ka eik aur paiwand laga diya.]
I am proud of my love, which with the grief of separation forged another
bond of pain connecting You and me.

Ta shawi bibak-tar dar nalah ay morgh-e-bahar! Aatishey gir az harim-eseinah-um chundey digar.
[Ay bahar kay parindey! Meyrey seiney kay andar sey thhorri see aag aur
ley, ta-keh tou apney nalon mein bibaak tar ho ja.]
In order that your song, O bird of spring, may be more lively, take a little
more fire from the sanctuary of my heart.

Chung-e-Taimoori shakast ahungey Taimoori bajast, sar baroon miaarad az saaz-e-Samarqandey digar.
[Taimoor ka chung toot choka hai magar oss ka ahung baqi hai, jo eik bar
pher saaz-e-Samarqand sey boland honay wala hai (Wast Aisia kay
Mosilman pher othhney waley hein).]
The harp of the Timurids broke: Its music is alive. It burst forth from another
instrument of Samarkand.
535

Reh madeh dar kaabah ay pir-e-Haram Iqbal ra, bar zaman dar aastein
darad khudawandey digar.
[Ay Pir-e-Haram! Iqbal ko Kaabah mein dakhal honay ki ajazat nah dey,
kiyuonkeh her lehzah oss ki aastein mein eik niya bott hota hai.]
Custodian of the Harem, do not admit Iqbal; for he has up his sleeve new
idols every day.
***** (4) *****

Mera z-deidah-e-beina digar ast, keh choon bajalwah dar-aeyi hijab-emun nazar ast.
[Mojhey deidah-e-beina sey aur (qisam ki) shikaiyat hai, keh jabb tou
jalwah afroz hota hai tuo meyri nigah he hijab bun juaati hai (dikhhney ki
taab naheen la sakti).]
I have this odd complaint against my seeing eyes: When You unveil
Yourself, my sight acts as a veil.

Beh nooriyan z-mun pa beh gill payamey goey, hazar z-mosht-eghobarey keh khwaishtan nigar ast.
[Mojh khaki insan ki taraf sey noori farishton ko paigham duo, oss moshte-khak (Adam) sey darna chahiey jo apney ooper nigah rakhhney wali ho.]
From me, a creature of mere clay, tell creatures of light this: Beware a pinch
of dust which is aware of its identity.

Nawa zanaim-o-beh bazam-e-bahar mi-sozaim, sharar beh mosht-e-per-ema z-nalah sehar ast.
536
[Hum geet gatey hoey bazam-e-bahar mein jall rehey hein, hamari sobh ki
faryad he hamarey peron kay leay sharar bun jaati hai.]
We sing and burn in springs assembly hall. Our morning song has set our
wings aflame.

Z-khod rameidah chih danad nawaey mun z-kojast, jahan-e-oo digar
ast-o-jahan-e-mun digar ast.
[Jo shakhs apney aap sey graizan ho woh kaya janey keh meyri nawa
kahan sey hai, oss ka jahan aur hai, meyra jahan aur hai.]
How can one who has lost himself know where my songs come from? My
world is not his world.

Missal-e-lalah fatadam bagoshah-e-chamaney, mera z-teer-e-nigahey
nishanah bar jigar ast.
[Mien gul-e-lalah ki manind (khon-shodah) goshah-e-chaman mein gira
parra hon, kiyuonkeh mehboob kay teer-e-nigah ney meyrey jigar ko apna
nishanah banaya hai.]
I fell in a nook of the garden, bleeding like a tulip. A dart from someones
eyes struck at my heart.

Beh kaish-e-zindah dilaan zindagi jafa talabi ast, safar beh Kaabah
nakardam keh rah bikhatar ast.
[Zindah dilon kay mazhab mein zindagi moshkal pasandi (ka naam) hai,
mien ney Kaabah ka safar (iss leay) nah kiya, kiyuonkeh rastah mein koeyi
khatrah nah thha.]
In living mens creed life is a pursuit of hardships. I have not visited the
Kabah. Why not? Because the journey is so safe.

537
Hazar anjaman arastand-o-bar cheedand, darein sara chih keh roshan zmashaal-e-qamar ast.
[Yeh mosafar khanah (dunya) jo chand ki qandil sey roshan hai, iss mein
hazar-ha anjamanein arastah aur barkhwast hoein.]
Untold assemblies have been organised, only to be dissolved, in this small
halting-place illumined by the moon.

Z-khak-e-khwaish beh taamir-e-Adamey bar khaiz, keh forsat-e-tou
baqadar-e-tabasam-e-sharar ast.
[Apni khak sey taamir kay leay othh khharra ho, kiyuonkeh tojhey sirf itni
he forsat hai jaisey sharar ki moskarat (chamak).]
Arise and make a man out of the dust you are. The time allowed to you is
only the duration of a spark.

Agar nah bu-al-hawassi ba tou noktaheyi goeym, keh ishq pokhtah-tar az
nalah-haey bi-asar ast.
[Agar tou bu-al-hawass naheen tuo mien tojhey eik noktah btata hon, keh
nalah-haey bi-asar sey ishq aur pokhtah hota hai.]
Assuming you are not a man of lust, let me give you a tip: Love gathers
strength from plaints that go without effect.

Nawaey mun beh Ajam aatash-e-kohan afrokht, Arab z-naghmah-eshouqam hanooz bi-khabar ast.
[Meyri nawa ney Ajam mein pher porani aag (Islam ki) roshan kar di hai,
laikan Arab abhi takk meyrey naghmah-e-shouq sey bikhabar hein.]
My song has relit old fires in Persia, but Arabia is still a stranger to my
ardent lays.
***** (5) *****
538

Ba-ein bahanah darein bazam mehramey joeym, ghazal saraeym-opaigham-e-ashna goeym.
[Mien iss bahana sey iss bazam mein apna mehram (-e-raaz) talash karta
hon, ghazal gata hon aur Dost (Allah Taalla) ka paigham ponhchata hon
(jo mehram-e-raaz hota hai, woh iss paigham ko samajh jata hai).]
This is my way of finding in this company a confidant: I sing ghazals and
through them I convey the message of my Friend.

Bakhalwatey keh sakhon mi-shwad hijab aanja, hadis-e-dil beh zoban-enigah mi-goeym.
[Khalwat mein jahan goftagoo bhi hijab bun jaati hai, mein apney dil ki
baat nigah ki zoban sey ada karta hon.]
In that peculiar privacy where speech acts as a veil I let my heart speak in
the language of the eyes.

Pey nazarah-e-rooey tou mi-konam pakash, nigah-e-shouq beh jooey
srashk mi-shoeym.
[Teyrey chehrey ka nazarah karney kay leay apni nigah-e-shouq ko aanson
ki nadi mein dho kar pak karta hon.]
In order to cleanse it and make it fit to see Your face, I wash my sight with
tears.

Cho ghonchah garchih beh kaaram girah zanand walley, z-shouq jalwah
geh aftab mi-rooeym.
[Agarchih meyrey kaam mein ghonchah ki manind girah daal do gaeyi hai,
magar mien (pher bhi) aftab ki jalwah gah kay shouq mein agey he barrhta
ja raha hon.]
539
Though my affairs are tied up in a knot, just like a bud, I grow with a buds
eagerness to witness the suns glory.

Cho mouj saaz wajoodam z-sial-e-biperwast, goman mabar keh darein
behar sahaley joeym.
[Mouj ki manind toofan-e-bi-parwa he meyrey wajood ka saman hai, yeh
goman nah kar keh mien iss behar mein sahal ka matlashi hon.]
My being is a wave, which fears no flood. Do not think that I seek a shore
while swimming in the sea of life.

Mianah mun-o-Oo rabt-e-deidah-o-nazar ast, keh dar nehaiyat-e-doori
hamaishah ba ooeym.
[Meyrey or Oss (Allah Taalla) kay darmiyan ankhh aur nazar ka sa taalaq
hai, keh Oss sey bohat door honay kay bawajood bhi mien hamishah Oss
kay saath hon.]
He is to me what sight is to the eye. Even at the farthest remove I always am
with Him.

Kashid naqsh-e-jahaney beh pardah-e-chashmam, z-dast-e-shobdahbaazey aseer-e-jadooeym.
[Mien eik shobdah baz (zamanah) kay haath sey jadoo mein griftar hon, oss
ney meyri ankh kay pardey per iss jahan ka naqsh bana diya hai.]
He painted on my eyes screen the picture of a world. It is as if I were under
a magic-makers spell.

Daroon-e-gonbad dar bostah-ash nagunjidam, mun asman-e-kohan ra
cho khaar pehloeym.
540
[Mien iss kohnah asman kay pehloo mein khaar ki tarah khhtakta hon,
kiyuon-keh mien oss kay bund gonbad mein samata naheen.]
Its dome with its doors shut cannot contain me. I am a thorn in the side of
this ancient sky.

Beh ashiyan nanashinam z-lazzat-e-perwaaz, gehey beh shaakh-e-gulam
geh bar labb-e-jooeym.
[Lazzat-e-perwaaz mojhey ashiyaney mein naheen baithhney deyti, kabhi
mien shaakh-e-gul per hota hon aur kabhi nadi kay kinarey.]
The joy of being on the wing will not let me rest in my nest. One moment on
a tree branch, the next I am on the streams brink.
***** (6) *****

Khaiz-o-niqab bar kosha perdagiyan-e-saaz ra, naghmah-e-tazah yaad
deh morgh-e-nawa traaz ra.
[Othh aur pardah-haey (istilah-e-mousiqi) saaz (ki nawa-raizi) kay leay
(apney chehrey per sey) niqab othha, aur (iss tarah) khoshnawa perindey ko
niya naghmah seikhha.]
Arise and waken notes aslumber in the organs keys. Teach singing birds
fresh tunes.

Jadah z-khoon-e-rahrawaan takhtah-e-lalah dar bahar, naaz keh rah mizanad qaflah-e-niaz ra.
[Rahrawon kay khoon sey rastah yuon bun choka hai, jaisey mousam-ebahar mein gul-e-lalah ki kiyari, kiss kay naaz ney qaflah-e-niaz ko rah
mein loot liya.]
541
The path is like a tulip-bed with passers-bys blood-drops. Who is the one
whose proud might has waylaid the caravan of humble Love?

Deidah-e-khwabnak-e-oo gar beh chaman kashoodaheyi, rokhsat yakk
nazar badeh nargis-e-neimbaz ra.
[Agar aap ney chaman mein oss ki khwabeidah ankhh ko khhola hai, tuo
nargis ki chashm-e-neimbaz ko dikhhney ki mohlat bhi atta farmaein.]
Since You have opened to the garden its sleepy eye, give the narcissus time
sufficient for a glance.

Harf-e-nagoftah-e-shoma bar labb-e-koodkan raseed, az mun bizoban
bago khalwatiyan raaz ra.
[Mojh bizoban ki taraf sey khalwatiyan-e-raaz sey keh duo, keh aap ki unkehi baat bachey bachey ki zoban per hai.]
To inmates of the inner sanctuary say this from me, tongueless as I am:
Words never uttered by you are on little childrens lips.

Sajdah-e-tou bar aaword az dil-e-kafaran khrosh, ay keh draaz-tar koni
paish-e-kasaan namaz ra.
[Ay woh shakhs jo doosron kay samney lumbi namaz parrhta hai, teyra
sajdah kafaron kay dil sey bhi ehtijaj paida karta hai.]
O you who lengthen out your prayers in front of other men, when you bow
your head on the ground, the unbelievers watching fume indignantly.

Garchih mataa-e-ishq ra aqal bahaey kum nehad, mun nadehum beh
takht-e-Jam aah-e-jigar godaz ra.
[Agarchih aqal mataa-e-ishq ki qimat bohat kum lagati hai, magar mojhey
aah-e-jigar godaz kay ewaz takht-e-Jam leyna bhi manzoor naheen.]
542
Although the intellect rates Love not very high, I would not give a lovers
anguished sigh for Jamshids throne.

Brahminey beh Ghaznavi goft kramtam nigar, tou keh sanam
shakastaheyi bandah shodi Ayaz ra.
[Brahmin ney Ghaznavi sey kaha; meyri karamat dikhh, tou jiss ney (pathar
kay) bott torr diey thhey, Ayaz ka prastar ho gaya.]
A Brahmin said to Ghaznavi: Look at my magic powers; you who broke
idols have become yourself Ayazs slave.
***** (7) *****

Beh molazman-e-sultan khabarey dehum z-raazey, keh jahan tawaan
gariftan ba-nawaey dilgodazey.
[Padshahon ki noukri karney walon ko yeh raaz bata duo, keh nawaey
dilgodaz (shaeri) sey (bhi) dunya ko fatah kiya ja sakta hai.]
Let me tell a secret to the servants of the king: You can make the whole
world yours with a moving song.

Beh mataa-e-khod chih naazi keh bashehar-e-dardmandan, diley
ghaznavi neirzad beh tabasam-e-Ayazey.
[Apni mataa (poonji) per kaya naaz karta hai, dardmandon (ehl-e-ishq)
kay shehar mein, Ghaznavi (jaisey padshah) ka dil tabasam-e-Ayaz ki qimat
naheen pata.]
Why pride yourself on your riches? In the city of the lovesick Mahmuds
broken heart is not worth Ayazs smile.

543
Hamah naaz bi-niazi hamah saaz bi-nawaeyi, dil-e-shah larzah girad zgadaey bi-niazey.
[Padshahon ka dil bhi gadaey bi-niaz sey larzata hai, kiyuonkeh woh biniazi mein hamah naaz hai aur bi-nawaeyi mein hamah saaz.]
His pride of independence, his the wealth of poverty. One who, though poor,
is no beggar makes a kings heart quake in fear.

Z-moqam-e-mun chih porsi beh talism-e-dil aseerum, nah nashaib-emun nashaibey nah fraaz-e-mun fraazey.
[Meyrey moqam ka kaya poochhta hai, mien talism-e-dil ka qaidi hon, nah
meyri pasti, pasti hai, nah meyri bolandi, bolandi.]
You ask me where I reside: In the hearts enchanted world, where
depressions are not so low and where heights are not so high.

Reh aaqali raha kon keh beh oo tawaan raseidan, beh dil-e-niazmandey
beh nigah-e-pakbaazey.
[Aqalmandi ka rastah chhorr (yeh kaheen naheen ponhchey ga), Allah
Taalla takk sirf niazmandi sey bharpoor dil aur pakeezah nigah (jo
mehbooban-e-majazi sey pak rehey) he sey ponhcha ja sakta hai.]
Leave alone the path of reason. There are other ways to Him: Humbleness of
heart, chastity of eye.

Behr eh-e-tou natamamum z-taghafal-e-tou khamum, mun-o-jan neim
sozey tou-o-chashm-e-neim baazey.
[Mien teyrey taghafal kay sabab khaam aur teyri rah mein natamam hon,
(idhar) mien hon aur meyri jan-e-neim soz (odhar) tou hai aur teyri
chashm-e-neim baz.]
Still imperfect on Your path, immature through Your neglect, I have a soul
half on fire, You have an eye but half open.
544

Reh-e-Deir takhtah-e-gul z-jabein sajdah raizam, keh niaz-e-mun
nagunjad beh duo rakaat namazey.
[Mien ney mander kay rastah mein apni jabeen kay sajdon sey phoolon ki
kiariyan khila di hein, kiyuonkeh meyra (ijz-o-) niaz duo rakaat namaz
mein naheen samata.]
My prostrations have strewn roses on the idol-temples path. Too great is my
hearts devotion for mere two-prostration praying.

Z-staiz ashnaiyaan chih niaz-o-naaz khaizad, dilkey bahanah sozey
nighey bahanah saazey
[Doston ki kashmakash sey niaz-o-naaz othhtey hein, meyra dil bahanah
soz hai aur nigah bahanah saaz (nigah mehboob ko dikhhney kay leay koeyi
nah koeyi bahanah bana leyti hai aur dil jo chahta hai dilairanah karta
hai).]
What pride, what humility are there in a lovers quarrel! Eyes pretending
nonchalance, and heart ignoring the pretence.
***** (8) *****

Bia keh saqi-e-gul chehrah dast bar chung ast, chaman z-baad-ebaharaan jawab-e-arzung ast.
[Akeh saqi-e-gul chehrah ney saaz per haath rakhha hai, baad-e-bahar kay
sabab mosawwar ma-fi kay naqoosh ka jawab bana hoa hai.]
Come, for a saki with a rose-like face is playing on a lute. The air of spring
has made the garden look as if it were a painting from Arzhang.
545
Henna z-khoon-e-dil nou bahar mi-bundad, aroos-e-lalah chih andazah

tishnah rung ast.
[Gul-e-lalah ki dolhan kiss qadar tishnah rung hai, keh woh bahar kay dil
kay khoon ko henna banati hai.]
The tulip-bride has used for henna the bearts blood of the spring. How
greedily, how lustily, she hankers after colour!

Nigah mi-rasad az naghmah-e-dil afrozey, beh maani keh baro jamah-esakhon tung ast.
[Saqi kay dil afroz naghmon sey nazar woh maani pa leyti hai, jo alfaz
mein biyan naheen ho saktey.]
The eye can grasp, with the aid of a hearty song, a meaning that is too big
for the garment of mere words.

Beh chashm-ishq nigar ta soragh-Oo giri, jahan bachashm-e-khird
seimiya-o-nairung ast.
[Ishq ki ankhh sey dikhh ta-keh tou jahan ka soragh pa sakkey, aqal ki
nazar mein tuo yeh mehz sehr-o-saheri hai.]
Look with the eyes of Love so that you find some trace of Him. To reasons
eye the world is nothing but illusion and deceit.

Z-ishq dars-e-amal gir-o-her chih khwahi kon, keh ishq johar-e-hosh asto-jan farhung ast.
[Ishq sey amal ka sabaq ley aur jo chahey kar, keh ishq he samajh ka johar
hai aur aqal ki jan hai.]
From Love learn how to act, and then do what you like; for Love is the
quintessence of sagacity and sense.

546
Boland-tar z-sapehr ast manzal-o-mun-o-tou, barah qaflah khurshid meil

-e-farsang ast.
[Meyri aur tomhari manzal asman sey ziyadah boland hai, hamarey qafley
ki rah mein soraj sung-e-meil ki heysiyat rakhhta hai.]
Your final goal and mine are higher than the heavens. The sun is but a
milestone on the highway of our caravan.

Z-khod gozashtaheyi ay qatrah-e-mohal andaish, shodan beh behar-ogohar bar nakhwastan nang ast.
[Ay moshkal parast qatrey tou apney aap ko bhool choka hai, warnah behar
mein hona aur gohar bun kay nah nikalna bais-e-sharam hai.]
You have surpassed yourself, O water-drop. It were a great shame to get to
the sea, and then not come up as a pearl.

Tou qadar-e-khwaish nah jani, baha z-tou girad, wgarnah laal-edarikhshindah parah-e-sung ast.
[Tou apni qadar naheen janta, laal-e-darakhshan bhi tojh sey qimat pata
hai, (agar tou issey qimati nah samjhey tuo) woh shakhs eik pathar ka
tokrra hai.]
You do not know your worth. The shining ruby is a mere stone: it acquires
its preciousness from you.
***** (13) *****

Khosh aan-keh rakht-e-khird ra beh shoalah-e-maey sokht, missal-elalah mataaey z-aatshey andokht.
[Khosh nasib hai woh shakhs jiss ney khird kay labas ko shoalah-e-maey
sey jala diya, aur gul-e-lalah ki manind aag ko apni mataa banaya.]
547
Happy the man who burned with flames of wine his intellectual goods. He
gained a new thing from the flames, rich like the tulips fiery hue.

Tou hum z-saghar-e-maey chehrah ra gulistan kon, bahar khirqah
faroshi beh sufiyaan aamokht.
[Tou bhi jam-e-maey sey apna chehra gulistan (sorkh) bana, bahar ney
sufiyuon ko khirqah froshi seikhha di hai (woh khirqah froshi kar kay
sharab hasil kar rehey hein).]
Come you; too, give your face a vernal freshness with a cup of wine, for
spring makes pious Sufis sell their garments for that stuff.

Dilam tapeid z-mehroomi-e-faqih-e-Haram, keh pir-e-maey kadah
jaamey beh fatwaeyi nafarokht.
[Meyra dil faqih-e-Haram ki mehroomi per bohat jala, keh pir-e-maey
kadah ney ossey fatwa kay ewaz jaam-e-sharab deyney sey inkar kar diya.]
I felt great pity for the jurist, when I heard the taverner refused to buy of him
a legal ruling for a cup of wine.

Masanj qadar-e-sarood az nawaey bi-asaram, z-barq naghmah tawaan
hasil-e-Sikandar sokht.
[Meyri nawaey bi-asar sey sarood ki qimat ka andaz nah kar, naghmah ki
barq sey tuo Sikandar ki qimati mataa bhi jalai ja sakti hai.]
Do not judge music by my ineffectual songs. A lightening flash of it can
burn an Alexanders whole domain.

Saba beh gulshan Weimar salam-e-ma barsaan, keh chashm noktahvaraan khak aan diyar afrokht
548
[Ay saba! Gulshan-e-Weimar takk hamara salam ponhcha dey, oss shehar ki
khak ney noktah-varon ki ankh ko roshan kar diya hai.]
O morning breeze, convey my greetings to the happy Weimar town. The
light that radiated from it has illumined many sages minds.
(Weimar: German town where Goethe spent most part of his life.)
***** (16) *****

Danah-e-sabbah beh zannar kashidan amoz, gar nigah-e-tou duo bein ast
nadeidan amoz.
[Tasbih ka danah, zannar mein prona seikh, agar teyri nigah duoeyi pasand
hai tuo iss sey behtar hai keh tou nah dikhhey.]
Learn how to put a rosary bead on the sacred thread, and if your eyes see
double, then learn how not to see.

Pa z-khalwat kadah-e-ghonchah baroon zann cho shamim, ba nasim-esehar amaiz-o-wazidan aamoz.
[Khoshboo ki manind kali kay khalwat kadah sey bahar paon rakhh, aur
sobh ki hawa kay saath mil kar (her soo) phailna seikh.]
Come forth like fragrance from the closet of the bud, mix with the morning
breeze, and thus learn how to blow.

Aafridand agar shabnam bey maya tera, khaiz-o-bar dagh-e-dil-e-lalah
chakeidan aamoz.
[Agar tojhey haqir shabnam paida kiya gaya hai, tuo othh aur gul-e-lalah
kay dagh-e-dil per tapkana seikh.]
If you have been created as a humble drop of dew, arise and learn how to fall
on a tulips heart.
549

Agarat khar-e-gul-e-tazah rassey sakhtah and, pass-e-namoos-e-chaman
dar-o-khalidan amoz
[Agar tojhey tazah khhiley hoey phool ka kanta banaya gaya hai, tuo
namoos-e-chaman ka pass rakhhtey hoey chobhna seikh.]
If you have been created as a thorn adhering to a fresh-blown rose, maintain
the gardens honour: Learn how to prick.

Baghban gar z-khiyaban-e-tou bar konad tera, sift-e-sabzah digar barah
dameidan aamoz.
[Agar baghban ney tojhey teyri kiyari sey okhharr phheinka hai, tuo sabzey
ki manind duobarah ogna seikh.]
If you are weeded by the gardener out of your own flower-bed, learn how to
grow afresh as grass.

Ta tou sozindah-tar-o-talakh-tar aeyi bairoon, ozlat-e-khom kadaheyi giro-raseidan aamoz.
[Ta-keh tou ziyadah kaif awar aur talakh-tar ho kar bahar aey, khom kadah
ki tunhaeyi ikhtiyar kar aur pokhtah-tar hona seikh.]
So that you come out stronger and more bitter still, remain in the wine cellar,
and be seasoned there.

Ta-koja dar teh-e-baal-e-digraan mi-bashi, dar hawaey chaman azadah
pareidan aamoz.
[Tou kabb takk doosron kay baal-o-per kay nichey (panah leay) rehey ga,
chaman ki faza mein azadanah orrna seikh.]
How long will you remain under anothers wings? Learn how to fly with
freedom in the garden air.
550

Dar bottkhanah zaddam mogh bachganam goftand, aatishey dar Haram
afroz-o-tapeidan aamoz.
[Mien ney bottkhaney ka darwazah khatkhataya tuo mogh bachon ney mojh
sey kaha, Haram mein ja kar aag roshan kar aur oss mein jalna seikh.]
When I knocked at the tavern door, the tavern-keeper said: Go, light a fire
in the Harem itself, and let it set your heart aflame.
***** (17) *****

Z-khak-e-khwaish talab aatishey keh paida neist, tajali-e-digrey dar khor
taqaza neist.
[Apni khak kay andar sey woh jalwah paida kar jo nazar naheen ata,
doosrey ki tajali iss laiq naheen keh oss ka taqaza kiya jaey.]
From your own dust elicit the fire that is not yet aflame. It is not worthwhile
borrowing the radiance of others.

Beh molk-e-Jam na-deham misraa-e-Naziri ra, kassey keh koshtah
nashod az qabila-e-ma neist.
[Mien Naziri kay iss misery ko sultanat-e-Jam kay ewaz bhi nah doon, woh
shakhs jiss ney jan qorban naheen ki woh hamarey qabilah mein sey
naheen.]
I would not give for Jamshids realm Naziris line: One who has not been
killed can never have been from our tribe.

Agarchih aqal fasoon paishah lashkarey angaikht, tou dil gariftah
nabashi keh ishq tanha neist.
551
[Agarchih jadoo paishah aqal ney bhi lashkar tiyar kiya hoa hai, magar tou
azordah khatar nah ho, kiyuonkeh ishq bhi akila naheen.]
That sorcerer, the intellect, attacks you with a host; but do not be dismayed,
for Love is not alone.

Tou rah shanas neh o-z-moqam bikhabri, chih naghmah eist keh dar
barabt-e-Sulayma neist.
[Tou rah ko naheen pehchanta aur nah moqam ki khabar rakhhta hai,
warnah woh kon sa naghmah hai jo barabt-e-Sulayma mein naheen (woh
kon see baat hai jo Islam mein naheen).]
You do not know the rah, and you are ignorant of the maqam. There is no
tune which is not in Sulaymas lute.

Nazar ba-khwaish chonan bostah-am keh jalwah-e-Dost, jahan grift-omera forsat-e-tamasha neist.
[Mien apney aap mein iss tarah mehw hon keh Dost ka jalwah sarey jahan
per chha gaya hai, laikan mojhey odhar dikhhney ki forsat he naheen.]
I have my eyes so fixed on myself that, although the beauty of my Friend
has conquered the whole world, I have no time to look at it.

Bia keh gholgholah dar shehar-e-dilbaraan fakonaim, janoon-e-zindah
dilaan her zarrah-e-gard sehra neist.
[Othh keh shehar-e-dil baran mein hungamah bapa kar dein, zindah dilon
ka janon sehra mein awarah gard naheen rehta.]
Come, let us make an uproar in the city of the lovely. The madness of the
lively does not seek a desert for a roaming ground.

552
Z-qiyad-o-siyad-e-nahangaan hakiyatey aawar, mago keh zooraq-e-ma

roshanas-e-darya neist.
[Nahangon kay shikar aur onnhein qiyad karney ki baat kar, yeh mut kah
keh hamari kashti darya sey roshanas naheen.]
Come; tell a tale about the hunting of the monsters of the sea. Do not say
that your boat is unused to the seas ways.

Morid himmat-e-aan rahroam keh pa nagozasht, beh jadaheyi keh dar
koh-o-dasht-o-darya neist.
[Mien oss mosafir ki himmat ko khraj-e-aqidat paish karta hon jiss ney oss
rah mein qadam nah rakhha, jahan koeyi biyaban, paharr ya darya naheen
(moshkilat naheen).]
O I admire the courage of a traveller who does not tread an easy path that
does not pass through deserts, over mountains, across streams.

Sharik-e-halqah-e-rindaan baadah paima baash, hazar z-baiyat-e-pirey
keh mardey ghogha neist.
[Sharab noshi karney waley rindon kay halqah mein shamal ho ja, aisey pir
ki baiyat nah kar jo hungamah-ara na ho.]
Live in the company of lively revellers. Shun the discipleship of one who is
not an uproarious man.

Brahna harf nagoftan kamal-e-goyaeyist, hadis-e-khalwatiyan joz beh
ramz-o-aiyma neist.
[Biyan ka kamal yeh hai keh faash andaz mein baat nah ki jaey, ehl-ekhalwat sirf ramz aur asharey sey apna matlab biyan kar jaatey hein.]
The acme of expression is not to speak in bare, literal terms the speech of
inmates of the inner circle is always in symbols and in signs.
553
***** (24) *****

Farqey nanehad ashiq dar kaabah-o-bottkhana, ein jalwat-e-jananah,
aan khalwat-e-jananah,
[Ehl-e-ishq Kaabah-o-bottkhanah mein koeyi imtiaz naheen rakhhtey, (woh
kehtey hein) yahan mehboob jalwat mein hai, wahan khalwat mein.]
A true lover does not differentiate between the Kabah and the idol-house.
The one is the Beloveds privacy, the other His appearing publicly.

Shadam keh mazar-e-mun dar kooey Haram bostand, rahey z-mozzah
kadam az kaabah beh bottkhanah.
[Mien khosh hon keh meyra mazar Haram kay jawar mein banaya gaya,
abb mein Kaabey sey bottkhaney takk apni palkon sey rah bana raha
hon.]
I am glad my grave has been built in the Harems own street. With my
eyelashes I will dig a tunnel from the Kabah to the idol-house. (A Message
from the East).

Az bazam-e-jahan khosh-tar, az Hoor-e-Janan khosh-tar, yakk humdame-farzanah-o-z-baadah duo paimanah.
[Eik samajhdar dost aur duo sharab kay jaam iss bazam-e-jahan (dunya)
aur Hoor-e-Janan (Jannat) sey behtar hein.]
Better than any company in this world or the next are a sagacious friend and
two goblets of wine.

Her kass nighey darad, her kass sakhoney darad, dar bazam-e-tou mikhaizad afsanah z-afsanah.
554
[Her shakhs nigah rakhhta hai, (iss leay mojhey dikhhta hai) her shakhs
zoban rakhhta hai (iss leay apni kaifiyat biyan karta hai), teyri bazam mein
afsdaney sey afsanah paida hota jar aha hai.]
Here everyone has eyes and everyone a tongue. So in your company one
story breeds another.

Ein keist keh bar dilha aawordah shabbkhooney, sadd shehar-e-tamana ra
yaghmazdah turkanah.
[Yeh kon hai jiss ney dilon per yuon shabbkhon mara, keh sainkarron
shrhar-e-tamana eik turkanah yalghar sey fatah kar leay.]
Who is He Who has launched a night-attack on hearts, who like a Turk has
plundered a hundred cities of desire?

Dar dasht-e-janoon-e-mun Jibril zabon siyadey, Yazdan beh kamand
aawar ay himmat-e-mardanah
[Meyrey dasht-e-janon mein Jibril mamooli shikar hein, ay himmat-emardanah apni kamand (mohabat) mien Allah Taalla ko laa.]
Where I roam in my mad pursuit the angel Gabriel is but small game. Come,
O my manly courage, cast a lasso upon God Himself.

Iqbal beh member zad raazey keh nabayad goft, na-pokhtah baroon
aamad az khalwat-e-maeykhanah.
[Iqbal ney woh raaz jo menber per keh diya jo kehna naheen chahiey thha,
maaloom hota hai keh khalwat-e-maey khanah sey napokhtah he bahar
aa gaya hai.]
Iqbal has in the pulpit blurted out a secret that was not to be revealed. Well,
he had issued forth still raw from the wine-taverns privacy.
***** (25) *****
555

Bey tou az khwab-e-adum deidah kashodan natwaan, bey tou boodan
natwaan ba tou naboodan natwaan.
[Teyrey baghair khwab-e-adum sey ankh khholi naheen ja sakti, nah teyrey
baghair hamara koeyi wajood hai, albatah tou saath ho tuo hameen koeyi
fana naheen.]
There is no waking up without You from non-beings sleep, no being without
You, no non-being with You.

Dar jahan ast dil-e-ma keh jahan dar dil-e-mast, labb frobund keh ein
oqdah-e-kashodan natwaan.
[Hamara dil dunya mein hai ya jahan hamarey dil mein hai, monh bund
rakhh kiyuokeh yeh oqdah hul naheen kiya ja sakta.]
Are our minds in the world, or is the world within our minds? Keep your
mouth shut; this knot can never be resolved.

Dil-e-yaraan z-nawa-haey perishanam sokht, mun az aan naghmah
tapeidam keh saroodan natwaan.
[Doston kay dil meyri perishan nawaon sey jall gaey, aur mien oss
naghmah sey jall raha hon jo gaya naheen ja sakta.]
My friends minds are disturbed by my distracted songs. My mind is restless
owing to a song that never can be sung.

Ay saba az tonak afshani-e-shabnam chih shwad, tabb-o-taab az jigar-elalah raboodan natwaan.
[Ay saba! Zara see shabnam tupkaney sey kaya hota hai, iss tarah jigar-elalah ki tabb-o-taab ko zaeyl naheen kiya ja sakta.]
556
O zephyr, after all, what can dews tiny sprinkling do? The fervour in the
tulips heart cannot be assuaged.

Dil ba-Haq bund-o-koshadey z-salatein matlab, keh jabein bar dar ein
bottkadah soodan natwaan.
[Allah Taalla sey dil laga aur padshahon sey matlab berari ki khwahish
nah rakhh, iss bottkadah kay darwazey per mathha naheen ragrra ja sakta.]
Attach your heart to God, and seek no help from kings. Theirs is a threshold
on which one should never rub ones brow.
***** (26) *****

Ein gonbad-e-meinaeyi, ein pasti-o-balaeyi, dar shod badil-e-ashiq ba ein
hamah pehnaeyi.
[Yeh gonbad-meinaeyi (asman) aur (zamin ki) yeh pasti-o-bolandi, sabb
apni wasaat kay bawajood ashiq kay dil mein sama jatey hein.]
This azure sky, all that is high, all that is low, for all its vastness, is
encompassed in the lovers heart.

Asrar-e-azal joeyi bar khod nazar-e-wa kon, yaktaeyi-o-basyari, penhanio-paidaeyi.
[Azal kay raaz janana chahta hai, tou apney aap per nazar daal, tou yakta
bhi hai basiyar bhi, penhan bhi hai, zahar bhi.]
If you desire to know the secret of eternity, then open your eyes to yourself,
for you are many, you are one, you are concealed and you are manifest.
557

Ay jan-e-griftaram deidi keh mohabat cheist, dar seinah niyasaeyi, az
deidah baroon aeyi.
[Ay meyri griftar (-mohabat) jan! Kaya tou ney dikhha keh mohabat kaya
hai? Abb tuo seiney naheen samati ankhhon kay rastey bahar arehi hai.]
O my afflicted heart, you now know what is love. You cannot rest within my
breast and pour yourself out through my eyes.

Barkhaiz keh farwardein afrokht chiragh-e-gul, barkhaiz-o-dummey
banashin ba lalah-e-sehraeyi.
[Othh keh mousam-e-bahar ney phoolon kay chiragh roshan keay hein, aa,
aur lalah-e-sehra kay pass eik lamah kay leay baithh.]
Arise, for spring has lit the flowers lamps. Arise and spend some moments
with the tulips of the wilderness.

Ishq ast-o-hazar afsoon, hosn ast-o-hazar aein, ney mun bashomar aeym
ney tou bashomar aeyi.
[Ishq kay pass hazaron afson (mantar) hein aur hosn ney (rakhh rakkhao
kay) hazaron qawaid bana rakhhey hein, nah mien shomar mein ata hon,
nah tou.]
Loves magic charms are numberless, and countless Beautys ways. O we
are infinite, both You and I.

Sadd reh bafalak shod sadd reh bazamin dar shod, Khaqani-o-Faghfuri
Jamshaidi-o-Daraeyi.
[Khaqani ho ya Faghfuri, Jamshaidi ho ya Daraeyi, suo raston sey asman
per charrhti hai aur suo raston sey zamin per girti hai (padshahat ka anjam
fana hai).]
558
A hundred times were raised to heaven, a hundred times were buried in the
earth the power and the pomp of Khaqans and Faghfurs, of Daras and
Jamshids.

Hum ba khod-o-hum ba Oo, hijraan keh wasalst ein, ay aqal chih migoeyi, ay ishq chih farmaeyi.
[Hum apney saath bhi hein aur Allah Taalla kay saath bhi, yeh hijr hai ya
wasal? Ay aqal tou kaya kehti hai; ay ishq tou kaya fermata hai?]
Alone with myself, yet with Him; O what is this? Are we together or apart?
What do you say, O intellect? What do you say, O Love?
27th December, 2012
ANOTHER YEAR GONE

The world body found time to condemn atrocities committed against
Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and called upon its government to address
reports of human rights abuses. However, the UN remained pre-occupied in
over-seeing the perpetration of death and destruction in Syria, of course,
aided or abetted by majority of Muslim rulers of the region.
Mohamed Mursi won yes vote in referendum in favour of new social
contract drafted and approved by the constitutional body. He signed the
document that would form the basic law of the country, but it is not likely to
provide him any respite, because its Islamic tinge has not been approved by
the pro-West forces in Egypt and their foreign backers.
Elsewhere the end of another calendar year promised no relief for
Muslims unwilling to follow dictates of the civilized world. In Yemen, there
has been significant increase in drone launched missile attacks during the
year. In Iraq, sectarian violence engineered during its occupation by the
Crusaders continued taking its toll. In Palestine, Israel planned constructing
thousands of new Jewish settlements in occupied territories.
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Far East: On 9th December, at least two people were killed and
dozens hurt across Bangladesh when police and ruling party activists clashed
with protesters blocking roads to demand early polls under a caretaker
government. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up rallies in a
dozen places in the capital Dhaka. Demonstrators threw scores of small
hand-made bombs, burnt tyres and torched cars and buses.
On 11th December, six people, including a one-year-old girl and two
teachers, were gunned down in separate attacks on a teashop and school in
Thailands insurgency-plagued south. Gunmen sprayed bullets at villagers as
they were having breakfast at a teashop in Narathiwat, one of three southern
provinces to have suffered nearly nine years of unrest; four others were
injured.
On 25th December, UN General Assembly expressed serious concern
over violence between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar and
called upon its government to address reports of human rights abuses by
some authorities. Rights groups also have accused Myanmar security forces
of killing, raping and arresting Rohingyas after the riots.
Mainland Asia: On 12th December, the UN Security Council held

emergency talks on North Koreas long-range rocket launch amid western
demands for tough action against the isolated state. Widespread
condemnation followed North Koreas firing of a rocket, which it says took a
satellite into space successfully. The act came just days before the Norths
young ruler, Kim Jong-Un, marks 12 months in power.
China responded relatively quickly by expressing regret and pressing
the country to abide by UN resolutions. But in a commentary, state news
agency Xinhua also decried bellicose rhetoric and gestures by all
concerned and defended North Koreas right to explore space. Russia labeled
Pyongyangs defiance of UN resolutions unacceptable and warned the
launch would have a negative effect on regional stability, while the EU
threatened new sanctions.
Next day, China resisted US-led pressure to bring its ally North Korea
to heel for launching a long-range rocket, arguing that any response from the
United Nations should be prudent and measured. The United States
demanded further action from China and US allies pressed for stronger
sanctions, after the UN Security Council condemned North Korea for
carrying out banned launch.
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North Korea says it placed a satellite in orbit for peaceful research,

but critics say the launch amounted to a banned ballistic missile test that
marked a major advance for the communist states nuclear weapons
programme. In South Korea, foreign ministry spokesman said that North
Korea must pay the price for its actions as he called for a new round of
sanctions.
On 14th December, hundreds of thousands of North Koreans rallied
Friday in the freezing cold to revel in the countrys rocket launch as South
Korea voiced concern that its rival could follow up with a third nuclear test.
The enormous rally in central Pyongyang came two days after the launch of
the rocket and just ahead of Mondays anniversary of the death of new leader
Kim Jong-Uns father.
Middle East
Iraq: On 16th December, attacks in Iraq including a string of
bombings against Shia places of worship and a car bomb at a Kurdish
political office killed at least 12 people and wounded at least 75. Two car
bombs and seven roadside bombs targeted two Shia places of worship,
known as Husseiniyahs, in the city of Kirkuk.
A year since the departure of US forces, Iraq has faced political
turmoil including calls to remove the premier, a top official being sentenced
to death and rising Arab-Kurd tensions. Disputes among Iraqi politicians
escalated as US troops departed on December 18, ending a nearly nine-year
war that cost the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqis, thousands of Americans
and hundreds of billions of dollars.
Iraqi security forces have held their own but security situation has
remained largely unchanged. Insurgent groups remain a threat, carrying out
attacks in Iraq almost every day that kill well over 100 people per month and
wound many more. The security forces main deficiencies, poor intelligence
coordination, poor logistics support and mutual distrust remain unresolved.
Iraq also faces a looming, long-term security threat from civil war-racked
Syria to the west.
Next day, a wave of attacks targeting both Iraqi security forces and
civilians killed 48 people, in a second day of violence ahead of the first
anniversary of the withdrawal of US forces. A car bomb exploded at a car
dealership in north Baghdad, killing at least 11 people and wounding at least
40. In the Karrada area in central Baghdad, a car bomb killed at least one
person and wounded four. Gunmen attacked a police checkpoint on the
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highway west of Tikrit, then abandoned and detonated their explosivesrigged car when a patrol pursued them, killing a total of five police and
wounding five.
In the village of Al-Buslaibi, north of Baghdad, a roadside bomb
targeting an army patrol killed three soldiers, while an attack by gunmen on
army checkpoints in the city of Mosul killed three soldiers. A car bomb in a
village near Mosul killed seven people and wounded 12, while two car
bombs near a Shia place of worship killed five and wounded 26 in the
northern town of Tuz Khurmatu.
Three roadside bombs exploded near Baquba killing one person and
wounding four others, while a magnetic sticky bomb and a shooting in the
city killed two people. In other attacks in Diyala province, gunmen wounded
three Kurds in Jalawla, while a sticky bomb killed two Kurds in Baladruz.
Khaznah, Tuz Khurmatu and Jalawla are all part of areas which Iraqs
autonomous Kurdistan region in the north wants to incorporate, over
Baghdads strong objections.
On 21st December, Britain paid out 14 million ($22.7 million) to
Iraqis who accuse British troops of illegally detaining and torturing them
following the 2003 invasion, the Ministry of Defence said. The government
had paid compensation to 205 complainants over the last five years, with
more than 700 claims expected to be lodged next year.
On 23rd December, three separate bomb attacks killed a member of the
Kurdish peshmerga security forces and three construction workers. A bomb
blast in an under-construction house in the town of Mishahada, north of
Baghdad, killed the workers and wounded another. A roadside bomb attack
against an army patrol wounded three soldiers in the town of Khanaqin,
northeast of Baghdad, while a member of the peshmerga forces was killed
when a second bomb exploded as he and his team arrived at the scene of the
first bombing. Two other peshmerga were wounded in the second Khanaqin
blast.
On 28th December, tens of thousands of protesters opposed to Iraq's
prime minister blocked the main highway to Syria and Jordan for the sixth
consecutive day, a move the premier slammed as unacceptable.
Demonstrators called for Nuri al-Maliki to resign after he criticized
protesters in a call for dialogue, while security forces barred Baghdad-based
journalists from entering the province where the biggest protests were being
held. Major demonstrations have taken place this week in the mostly-Sunni
Arab provinces of Nineveh and Salaheddin.
562
Palestine: On 9th December, leaders of the rival Palestinian

movements Hamas and Fatah called for fresh attempts to cement a
reconciliation process that has been stalled for more than a year. In Gaza, the
exiled head of the Hamas movement Khaled Meshaal said it was time for the
bitter opponents to make good on the deal they signed in Cairo in 2011. We
want national unity in the armed resistance and popular resistance. I urge
you towards reconciliation and national unity of the Palestinian ranks, he
said in a speech at Gazas Islamic University.
Mahmud Abbas who heads the Fatah movement called at a
meeting in Doha for reconciliation efforts to resume; saying holding the
elections called for in 2011 would be the key. Without these elections there
will be no reconciliation, he said at an Arab League gathering in Qatar. The
2011 deal agreed in Cairo was intended to pave the way for presidential and
legislative elections by May 2012.
On 12th December, Israeli border guards shot dead a Palestinian
teenager in the West Bank city of Hebron, sparking stone-throwing attacks
on troops in the area. An Israeli police spokesperson said, A Palestinian
brandished a pistol as he approached a post of border guards, who opened
fire and killed him.
Next day, thousands of Palestinians attended a Hamas rally in the
northern West Bank city of Nablus, celebrating the group's victory over
Israel in Gaza. The rally is the first time that the West Bank's ruling
Palestinian Authority (PA) which is dominated by the Fatah faction,
Hamas's bitter rival has allowed such a gathering since 2007. It comes as
the two movements take tentative steps towards restarting a fraught
reconciliation process, which has stalled in the past year.
On 17th December, Israeli naval forces shot and wounded a Palestinian
fisherman in waters off the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian boats are
permitted to fish within waters up to six nautical miles from the coast and
boat attacked was within the six nautical mile limit, but the Israeli vessels
took the boat.
Israel gave the green light for developers to go ahead with controversial
plans to build 1,500 settler homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.
Spokeswoman Efrat Orbach said the ministry's planning committee had told
the applicants to trim their request to build 1,600 new housing units at
Ramat Shlomo to 1,500 and resubmit it for final approval.
On 19th December, Israel pushed forward with plans for 3,658 new
settler homes, most of them in annexed east Jerusalem. In a meeting in New
563
York, the United Nations urged Israel to cancel its construction plans,
warning that if they were implemented, it could deal an almost fatal blow
to peace hopes.
Syria: On 9th December, Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi hoped that
the United States and Russia could reconcile their views over Syria in order
to facilitate a settlement of the crisis in the war-ravaged country. Talks
between the United States and Russia along with the international envoy
(Lakhdar Brahimi) continued in Geneva today, Arabi told a meeting of the
Arab ministerial committee on Syria held in Doha. Arabi said the aim of the
US-Russian talks was to prepare a resolution for the (UN) Security Council
over the Syrian crisis.
Qatari Prime Minister described as unacceptable the inaction of the
Security Council over Syria. We hope that the ongoing meetings between
the United States and Russia will lead to a common approach... for the
Security Council to assume its responsibilities regarding the Syrian crisis,
he said.
Meanwhile, Syrian rebels seized control of a sector of Sheikh
Suleiman base west of Aleppo, bringing them closer to holding a large
swathe of territory extending to the Turkish border in the north. The rebels
took control of Regiment 111 and three other company posts of the base
after fierce fighting overnight. Two rebels and one soldier were killed, while
five soldiers were captured.
Elsewhere in northern Syria, 10 were reported killed in regime
shelling of the town of Maraayan, while five civilians, including a child,
were killed as Ahsam village in Idlib province was shelled. The watchdog
also reported clashes around the Wadi Daif military base, which rebels have
been trying to take since seizing the nearby town of Maaret al-Numan two
months ago. In all 41 people were killed nationwide.
Next day, Friends of Syria meeting in Morocco later this week, EU
foreign ministers met the head of the newly formed Syrian opposition
coalition. The European Union said conflict in Syria was a stain on the
worlds conscience. The EU currently recognizes the coalition as legitimate
representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people, which falls short of
recognizing it outright as a potential future government. Germany expelled
four employees of the Syrian embassy in Berlin, as part of moves to further
isolate Assads regime.
Inside Syria, the capture by Al-Nusra Front and allied fighting groups
of the base at Sheikh Suleiman dealt a blow to Assads regime in the region
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as it had been the last major military base west of Aleppo city still under
army control. But it also undercut the military influence of the mainstream
rebel Free Syrian Army.
Clashes were reported in a northern Damascus district, the fiercest in
the area since beginning of revolt. Violence in Damascus has previously
been focused on southern districts. At least 51 people, among them 13
civilians, 26 soldiers and 12 rebel fighters, were killed across Syria. Arab
and Western states will consider two key issues concerning the conflict the
political transition in the event of Assads fall, and mobilizing vital
humanitarian aid as winter sets in.
On 11th December, international military chiefs met in London to
discuss the Syria conflict, they discussed plans to train rebels and give air
and naval support. General David Richards, the head of Britains armed
forces, held talks recently in London with military leaders from France,
Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and a US general. What
they were doing was sharing analysis about the situation on the ground and
the strategic overview to help think through issues, the British diplomatic
source said.
Britains Ministry of Defence would not confirm the report and
repeated its commitment to finding a diplomatic end to the conflict. In the
absence of a political and diplomatic solution, we will not rule out any
option in accordance with international law that might save innocent lives in
Syria, a spokesman said.
Cameron held talks in London with Jordans King Abdullah II during
which they discussed the situation in Syria. His Downing Street office said
they agreed on the need for international action to end the conflict through a
political transition and to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation
in Syria. They also agreed on the need to support Syrias new national
opposition coalition.
Washington put a key Syrian rebel group on its terror blacklist citing
al-Qaeda links, a day after the fighter action showed its power in the
battlefield by capturing a key army base. The US move came amid growing
Western concern that al-Qaeda loyalists have been hijacking the 21-month
revolt against Assads rule and could turn any weaponry supplied to the
rebels against Western targets.
A series of bomb attacks on a village in central Syria mainly inhabited
by members of President Assads Alawite minority left more than 125
civilian casualties. The bombings struck the village of Aqrab in Hama
565
province. In Aleppo, fierce clashes raged between troops and rebels around a
major infantry academy, as insurgents attempted to storm the school
compound. In Damascus, the army shelled southern districts of the city
while security forces raided several areas of the nearby Midan district, the
Observatory said.
Next day, Arab and Western states recognized the National Coalition
as the sole representative of Syrians, as the opposition bloc urged the US to
review its blacklisting of rebels. The declaration issued at a Friends of
Syria meeting in Morocco coincided with battlefield gains by rebels
fighting Assads forces, and a rapidly deteriorating refugee situation as
winter sets in.
In its communiqu, the Friends of Syria again called on Assad to stand
down, and stressed his regime would not escape punishment for violations of
international law. It also warned Damascus against using chemical weapons,
saying this would draw a serious response from the international
community. Those at the meeting also called for unimpeded access for
humanitarian groups inside Syria.
But rebels in Aleppo, a key front line in northern Syria, rejected the
agreement, saying they want an Islamic state. Among them was Al-Nusra
Front, which the United States blacklisted as a terrorist organization, citing
its links to al-Qaeda in Iraq. National Coalition chief Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib
called on Washington to re-examine the move.
In the latest violence, explosions outside the Syrian interior ministry,
including a car bomb, killed seven people and wounded 50 others. Interior
Minister Mohammad al-Shaar and other top ranking officials escaped
unharmed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 25 people were
killed and wounded. Damascus issued a warrant for the arrest of Lebanese
former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, accusing him of sending weapons to
rebels.
On 13th December, Moscow acknowledged that the Syrian regime, its
longtime ally, might lose its battle with Arab and Western-backed rebels. The
Russian comments came a day after Syria's interior minister was lightly
wounded in a bold Damascus attack and claims, denied by the government,
that an increasingly desperate regime had begun using Scud missiles against
its foes.
The recognition of the opposition, the training with rebel fighters and
the weapons from abroad are now only inspiring the opposition. In recent
weeks, rebel capture of a series of key army bases, notably by fighters, has
566
given them control of large swathes of north and east Syria, and Russian
deputy foreign minister said military defeat for Assad's regime could no
longer be ruled out.
A car bomb attacks at an army residential block in a town southwest
of Damascus killed 24 people. And fighters who have been at the forefront
of latest rebel advances on the battlefield claimed a deadly attack on the
interior ministry at the heart of the Syrian regime yesterday. At least 78
people, including 50 civilians, were killed across Syria.
The military launched air strikes against rebel positions along the
Damascus airport road and in the town of Daraya southwest of the capital.
Meanwhile, a US official said the regime has used powerful, unguided Scud
missiles on December 10 to target rebels in zones now beyond the range of
artillery.
On 14th December, Russia insisted its stand on the conflict in Syria
was unchanged, while Washington and Berlin prepared to deploy Patriot
missiles and troops near Turkeys border with the country. A foreign ministry
spokesman in Moscow said Russias support for President Assads regime
was unchanged and that yesterdays remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister
Mikhail Bogdanov did not reflect official policy.
At the close of a two-day European Union summit British Prime
Minister said inaction and indifference are not options in Syria. Earlier,
French President said the war is now turning against Assad and we should
set ourselves this objective make Assad leave as quickly as possible. A
joint statement by EU leaders said they were appalled by the increasingly
deteriorating situation in Syria and looking at all options to help the
opposition and protect civilians.
On the ground, Syrian troops bombed southern districts of Damascus
while rebels and soldiers battled around two military schools in the north of
the country. Nine rebels and eight soldiers were killed in heavy clashes.
Nationwide at least 42 people were killed, including 20 rebels.
Next day, Syrian forces assaulted rebel areas southwest of Damascus
and insurgents captured large parts of a military school in the north, while
Irans armed forces chief of staff warned Turkey over its plans to deploy USmade Patriot missiles, saying the move was part of a Western plot to create
a world war. Iranian General Hassan Firouzabadi said the top brass at a
military college, The Patriots (missiles) are threatening. Each one of them is
a black dot on the map, (setting the stage) to create a world war.
567
Meanwhile, Syrian warplanes bombarded the town of Moadamiyat alSham, southwest of Damascus, while the army deployed reinforcements and
attempted to storm the rebel-held nearly town of Daraya. Clashes also
erupted in the Palestinian camp of Yarmuk in the south of the capital
between rebels and troops backed by pro-regime Palestinian fighters.
The rebels came close to scoring a significant victory in the northern
province of Aleppo a fierce battleground for several months as they
captured large parts of an infantry academy in Muslimiyeh, north of the
embattled city of Aleppo. This is one of the most important military
academies in all of Syria. At least 103 people were killed across Syria 27
civilians, 46 rebels and 30 soldiers.
On 16th December, warplanes bombed a Palestinian refugee camp in
south Damascus for the first time since the start of the conflict. The air strike
killed at least eight civilians in the Yarmuk camp. Palestinian president
appealed on Sunday for an immediate halt to firing on refugee camps. The
Islamist Hamas movement also condemned the attacks. Warplanes also
bombarded the nearby districts of Al-Hajar al-Aswad and Assali, scene of
intense fighting between troops and rebels.
On the ground, violence raged as at least 19 people were killed in air
strikes across the country, among them six children. In the northern
province of Aleppo, eight people including three children and two women
died in air strikes on the town of Safira. Elsewhere, three children including
one aged three were killed in air raids on the town of Kfar Zeita in the
central province of Hama.
Just south of Kfar Zeita, six civilians were killed in shelling on
Latamneh village and 23 people, including 15 civilians and eight rebels, died
in clashes and regime bombardments on the town of Halfaya. Separately,
rebels clashed with troops near an important military academy in
Mulsimiyeh just north of Aleppo. At least 52 people were killed nationwide
in Syria.
Next day, President Assad's deputy Faruq al-Sharaa, a Sunni Muslim,
told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar he preferred a negotiated solution to
the conflict, a position at odds with Assad, who is from the Alawite offshoot
of Shiite Islam. No opposition can end the battle militarily, just as the
security forces and army cannot achieve a decisive conclusion, Sharaa said.
Syria hit back at the United Nations over the fate of Palestinian
refugees. The UN and international community are responsible for the
frustrations of the Palestinians because they have not implemented UN
568
resolutions related to their legitimate rights, Foreign Minister Walid

Muallem said. Syria offered something to our Palestinian brothers decades
ago that no other Arab host country has offered, he told Ban in a telephone
call.
Meanwhile, the United Nations is sending chemical weapons kits to
UN troops in the Golan Heights because of growing fears over Syria's
chemical arsenal. UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous briefed the UN
Security Council on efforts to bolster safety for the UN force, which
monitors a ceasefire zone between Syria and Israel, after five troops were
injured in attacks.
Warplanes pounded eastern Damascus as residents fled renewed
clashes at a Palestinian camp in the capital bombed by regime aircraft for
the first time at the weekend. Rebel fighters launched an all-out assault on
army positions across Hama. Syrian troops withdrew from several positions,
including Sheikh Hadid, which rebels pounded with mortars and anti-tank
rockets, he added. Mean time, Iranian President cancelled a planned visit to
Turkey a day after his foreign minister warned Ankara over hosting Patriot
missiles on its border with Syria.
On 18th December, Syrian rebels made advances in fighting for a
Palestinian refugee camp in south Damascus that sent tens of thousands of
residents fleeing as the army prepared a counter-attack and carried out fresh
air raids. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency said at least half of
Yarmuks population had fled the violence into neighbouring Lebanon.
Syrian Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said: There are
definitely Palestinians fighting with the rebels. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, head
of the OIC, said neither the regime nor the opposition can be excused for
the clashes at the camp. The World Food Programme warned that the
spiraling violence was making it increasingly difficult to distribute food to
trapped civilians.
Turkey urged Iran to pressure Syrias regime to stop violence against
its own people, as Turkish premier brushed off Iranian criticism of Ankaras
plans to deploy Patriot missiles as random remarks. Turkish Foreign waded
into the diplomatic melee, urging Tehran to focus its energies on sending
clear messages to the Syrian regime rather than protesting the missile
deployment.
On 20th December, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied propping
up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and stressed that Moscow was only
seeking to avert a perpetual civil war. What is our position? Not to leave
569
Assads regime in power at any price, but to first (let the Syrians) agree
among themselves how they should live next, Putin said in a press briefing.
Only then should we start looking at ways to change the existing order.
Thousands of Palestinians returned to a refugee camp in Damascus
that has become a battle ground. In Geneva, the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) said as many as 100,000
Palestinians may have fled Yarmuk in the past few days. The turn of events
in Damascus in recent days was followed by UN findings that Syrias
conflict has become overtly sectarian.
Minority groups such as Armenians, other Christians, Druze,
Palestinians, Kurds and Turkmen had also been drawn into the conflict. The
sectarian lines fall most sharply between Syrias Alawite community, from
which most of the governments senior political and military figures hail,
and the countrys majority Sunni community, who are in support of the antigovernment armed groups.
Rebels thrust into a strategic town in Syrias central Hama province
pursuing a string of territorial gains to help cut army supply lines and
cement a foothold in the capital Damascus to the south. Heavy fighting
erupted in Morek, a town on the highway that runs from Damascus north to
Alepp. Assads forces have been hitting back at rebel advances with heavy
shelling, particularly along the eastern ring of suburbs outside Damascus,
where rebels are dominant.
Next day, NATO chief Rasmussen said the Syrian army's use of Scudtype missiles against rebels was an act of desperation. I can confirm that we
have detected the launch of Scud-type missiles; we strongly regret that act,
he said. I consider it an act of a desperate regime approaching collapse.
In Damascus, Palestinian refugees streamed back into their Yarmuk
camp and hours after they returned, fighting again flared in the camp for
about an hour and a half. The clashes were between fighters who had not
withdrawn from Yarmuk despite a reported agreement. According to a
preliminary count, at least 82 people were killed across the country.
On 22nd December, Russian Foreign said that the Syrian regime was
still in control of chemical weapons stockpiled at several locations in the
conflict-ravaged country. The Syrian authorities have concentrated these
stockpiles in one or two centres. Previously they were scattered around the
country, he said.
570
In criticism of Western powers, Lavrov said he believed they lacked

desire to intervene in the Syrian conflict and that their influence over the
opposition to Assads regime was waning. I have a feeling that no one has
any appetite for external intervention, Lavrov told journalists. I even have
the feeling that they are praying for Russia and China to continue blocking
permission for external intervention. Because if there is such a decision, they
will have to act, and no one is ready to act, he said.
Meanwhile, rebels warned two Christian towns they will be attacked
if they do not evict regime forces. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
director said the both towns had pre-war populations in the tens of thousands
but that most of their residents have already fled.
Next day, more than 60 people were killed and 50 wounded in an air
strike on a rebel-held town of Halfaya in the central province of Hama,, as
peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi launched a new bid to resolve Syrias conflict.
Many of the wounded were in critical condition. Apart from those killed in
Halfaya, at least 49 others were killed in violence across Syria.
On 24th December, Lakhdar Brahimi held talks in Syria with President
Assad. The UN and Arab League envoy said the crisis was always
worrying given the scale of the bloodshed. Brahimi expressed hope all
parties are in favour of a solution that draws Syrian people together. Assad
said his government is committed to ensure the success of all efforts aimed
at protecting the sovereignty and independence of the country.
Rebels seized large parts of a village populated by the embattled
leaders Alawite community; at least 11 rebel fighters and 20 regime troops
were killed. The opposition National Coalition, meanwhile, accused
Damascus of committing a massacre of dozens of civilians in the bombing
of a bakery in Halfaya.
Activists meanwhile accused Assads regime of unleashing killer gas
bombs in the central city of Homs. The Observatory said six rebels died in
Homs after inhaling odorless gas and white smoke emanating from bombs
deployed by regime forces in clashes with rebels.
Next day, Lakhdar Brahimi met with internal opposition groups as he
pushed a new initiative to end Syrias conflict, and as Gulf Arab states urged
a rapid political transition in the country. He held talks with a delegation of
six people led by Hassan Abdel Azim, head of the National Coordination
Committee for Democratic Change (NCCDC). Azim said a political
solution is the only solution, and this means the establishment of a new
democratic regime instead of the current regime.
571
Violence raged southwest of Damascus, mainly in the towns of

Moadamiyet al-Sham and Daraya, at least eight people were summarily
executed in the area by regime forces. Rebels seized the town of Harem in
the northwestern province of Idlib. At least 31 people were killed across
Syria according to preliminary figures, a day after 126 people died.
On 26th December, Syrias military police chief announced his
defection from President Assads regime, accusing the army of having turned
into murderous gangs. General Abdel Aziz Jassem al-Shallal said the
destruction of cities and villages, and the commission of massacres against
our defenceless people, who took to the streets calling for freedom
prompted him to defect.
Meanwhile, Lakhdar Brahimi looked to Russia for help in his faltering
new bid to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was pushing Brahimi to ensure that the
warring sides stick to a June peace plan that calls for a transition of power
without making an explicit demand on Assad to step down. Brahimi had
received no support from any of the warring parties. Assad appears to have
stonewalled Brahimi again. Opposition activists also blasted Brahimi.
At least another 20 people including eight children were killed in tank
shelling of a farming village in the north of the country. In all we have
documented the deaths of 45,048 people, Observatory director said, adding
that more than 1,000 people were killed in the past week alone.
Next day, Russia warned of bloody chaos in Syria should peace talks
led by UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi fail to end the conflict.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States and other players
must redouble their efforts amid fading hopes for a political solution to the
bloodshed. Lavrovs comments followed a meeting with a senior Syrian
delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad.
There was more violence across Syria, with a car bomb in a Damascus
suburb killing four people and wounding 10, a day after 121 people died
nationwide. Fierce fighting between troops and rebels raged in the central
cities of Hama and Homs as well in the northwest and south.
On 28th December, Russia urged President Assad to talk to the
opposition as Moscow itself put out feelers to the rebels. Russia also invited
the head of the opposition National Coalition for talks in either Moscow or a
regional capital the Kremlin's first contact with a group formed in
November. But the opposition chief rejected the Moscow invitation for talks.
The National Coalition chief told Al-Jazeera television that he would meet
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the Russians outside Moscow only on condition that they issued a clear
condemnation of the crimes committed by the Syrian regime.
Rebels pounded the Wadi Deif army base, one of the government's
dwindling numbers of outposts in the northwest. The jihadist Al-Nusra
Front, blacklisted by Washington as a terror outfit, was leading the offensive.
Loss of the base would cut the main re-supply route from the capital to
second city Aleppo. At least 121 people were killed nationwide, 43 of them
civilians.
Meanwhile, two Syrian air force generals defected from the regime of
President Assad and joined opposition forces in Turkey. The generals,
commanders of the Regional Air Force, crossed the border and arrived in the
town of Reylanli in southern Turkey. The generals and dozens of lowerranking officers and their families were taken to a separate camp where
army defectors take refuge.
Next day, Russia acknowledged that Syrias President Assad would
not be persuaded to leave power, but nonetheless insisted there was still a
chance of finding a political solution to the conflict. Moscows caution came
as forces loyal to Assad seized a district of the strategic central city of Homs
after a fierce assault and Russian Foreign Minister met Lakhdar Brahimi for
talks that represented a final end-of-year bid to accelerate moves to halt
bloodshed.
Brahimi painted a stark picture of Syrian neighbours Jordan and
Lebanon being overrun by a million refugees should heavy fighting for the
seat of power break out in Syrias five-million-strong capital. If this fighting
develops into something uglier...(refugees) can only go to only two places
Lebanon and Jordan, warned Brahimi. So if the alternative is hell or the
political process, we have all of us got to work ceaselessly for a political
process, Brahimi said.
On ground, in the northwest province of Idlib, clashes erupted for the
fourth consecutive day between troops and rebels, mostly jihadist fighters,
around Wadi Deif, the last military base under regime control in the area.
Fighting also raged around Menagh military airport near Syrias second city
of Aleppo, after rebels managed to penetrate the base. Battles also erupted
near an oil refinery in the northeast province of Raqa, where two rebels were
killed. Warplanes launched raids on Kernaz in the province of Hama,
causing widespread destruction. At least 170 people 51 civilians, 62 rebels
and 57 soldiers were killed yesterday.
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Turkey: On 13th December, thousands of people protested outside a

Turkish prison complex where the mass trial of almost 300 people accused
of plotting to overthrow the Islamist-rooted government of Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan entered its closing stages. Police used tear gas to
prevent large crowds from bursting into the heavily-guarded Silivri
compound near Istanbul where 275 defendants including former military
chief Ilker Basbug have been on trial for four years in the so-called
Ergenekon case.
Pro-government circles have praised the Ergenekon trial as a step
towards democracy in Turkey, where the army violently overthrew three
governments in 1960, 1971 and 1980. In 1997, it pressured the then Islamicleaning Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, the political mentor of the
current premier, into stepping down in what was popularly dubbed a postmodern coup strategy.
On 23rd December, Turkey agreed to lift its veto on non-military
cooperation between the alliance and Israel which it imposed over a deadly
raid on a Turkish aid ship to Gaza in 2010. In return, several NATO allies of
Israel agreed to drop a veto against cooperating with Turkey-friendly
countries notably in the Arab world. The agreement comes after NATO
agreed early this month to deploy Patriot anti-aircraft missiles along the
Turkish border with Syria.
Lebanon: On 9th December, sectarian clashes linked to the conflict in
Syria killed six people and wounded 40 in Lebanon. The latest fighting in
the northern city of Tripoli between Sunni Muslims and Alawite coreligionists of Syrian President came amid growing international concern
about the potential for neighbouring countries to be dragged into the
conflict.
Sunni residents of the port citys Bab al-Tebbaneh district exchanged
machinegun and rocket fire with Alawite residents of the neighbouring Jabal
Mohsen district leaving three members of each community dead. The
fighting, which erupted before dawn, broke a tense calm that had held since
the army deployed troops between the two impoverished neighbourhoods.
On 17th December, the United States named Lebanese ex-information
minister Michel Samaha to its global terror list for allegedly aiding
Damascus launch assassinations in Lebanon. Samaha, 64, was arrested in
August by Lebanese authorities and accused of plotting to assassinate
Lebanese leaders and of transporting explosives into Lebanon for such
attacks.
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Bahrain: On 10th December, Bahraini court sentenced the daughter of

prominent opposition activist Hadi al-Khawaja to one month in jail for
taking part in an unauthorized demonstration. Zainab the eldest of the Shia
rights activists daughter was found guilty of entering the prohibited area of
Pearl Square.
On 13th December, Bahrain's crown prince made a renewed appeal for
dialogue to end the political impasse, a call welcomed by the Shiite-led
opposition, despite no end in sight to violent protests. Prince Salman, widely
viewed as a moderate member of the Sunni ruling dynasty, took the
opportunity when hosting a global security conference last week to invite the
Shiite opposition to sit down and talk. We had our own experience of the
so-called Arab Spring last year. It divided the nation, and many wounds are
still to be healed, he told the conference.
On 22nd December, thousands of protesters in Bahrain demanded a
transition government and the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin
Salman al-Khalifa, who has been premier since 1974. The demonstrators
marched in the village of Diya near the capital Manama, chanting Resign,
Khalifa! and waving Bahraini flags.
UAE: On 26th December, security forces in the United Arab Emirates
arrested a cell of UAE and Saudi Arabian citizens who were planning to
carry out militant attacks in both countries and other states. Those arrested
had acquired materials and equipment for use in terrorist operations.
Yemen: On 20th December, President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi
restructured Yemens military to curb the influence of those linked to toppled
strongman Abdullah Ali Saleh with the strong backing of Yemens Gulf
neighbours. In a series of decisions, Hadi scrapped the elite Republican
Guard commanded by Salehs oldest son Ahmed and removed Salehs
nephew, Yehya, from his powerful post as deputy chief of central security.
On 24th December, at least six militants were killed in what security
and local officials said was a US drone strike on a suspected position of al
Qaeda-linked insurgents in al-Bayda province in southern Yemen.
Washington has escalated its use of drones to kill suspected al Qaeda
militants.
Next day, Yemens army launched an offensive against tribesmen
suspected of repeatedly sabotaging an oil pipeline in east Yemen, sparking
clashes which left 17 people dead; 10 tribesmen and seven soldiers. The
army did not immediately confirm the deaths of four soldiers. On 28 th
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December, a US drone strike in the Yemeni town of Shehr in the eastern

province of Hadramawt killed two suspected members of al-Qaeda.
Africa
Nigeria: On 19th December, pirates who stormed and ransacked an oil
tanker off Nigeria kidnapped five Indian crew members about 40 miles off
the coast of the oil-producing Niger Delta region. On 25 th December,
gunmen attacked a church in northern Nigeria during a midnight mass on
Christmas Eve, killing six people including the pastor, before setting the
building ablaze. Boko Haram have carried out several attacks in Yobe, which
borders the state of Maiduguri, where the insurgent group is based.
Algeria: On 27th December, a bomb intended to take out soldiers
killed two youths from the same family in the restive Bouira region of
central Algeria. The two, aged 12 and 14, were on their way home from an
olive grove when one of them trod on the explosive device which had been
buried in the ground.
Tunisia: On 17th December, protesters hurled rocks at Tunisia's
President Moncef Marzouki and parliamentary speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar
in Sidi Bouzid, cradle of the revolution that erupted exactly two years ago.
The incident began after a speech by Marzouki and as Ben Jaafar was about
to address the crowd in the poor Tunisian town, where muted celebrations
are taking place to mark the anniversary of the uprising.
The Islamist-led government has struggled to meet the expectations of
many ordinary Tunisians, with clashes and strikes, as well as attacks by
Islamists, multiplying across the country in the run-up to commemorations.
Radical Islamists also gathered outside the prefecture in Sidi Bouzid, with
members of the Hizb Ettahrir party waving the black flag of the hardline
Salafist movement.
Libya: On 16th December, gunmen killed two army officers in a
Libyan town that was one of the last strongholds of Moamer Kadhafis
regime. Captains Mohamed al-Zarruk and Ahmed al-Haj Mohamed were
killed when reinforcements were called in to the oasis town of Bani Walid,
after interior ministry forces were trapped by gunmen.
On 20th December, the scandal over the Benghazi attack grew as a top
State Department official resigned and three others were suspended when a
probe uncovered major security failures and mismanagement. The news
came amid a clamour of calls for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to testify
to US lawmakers about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.
576
Next day, Libyan army deployed units to help bolster security in the
eastern city of Benghazi, a day after clashes there killed four people. Army
units will secure the entrances and exits of the city as well as strategic sites
until security is restored, army spokesman said.
Egypt: On 9th December, Egypts president scrapped a decree that
gave him extra powers and ignited violent protests, but irate opponents said
he had deepened the conflict by pressing on with a vote on a constitution
shaped by Islamists. President Mursi and his Islamist partisans have insisted
the referendum go ahead on December 15 to seal a democratic transition that
began when a popular uprising felled Hosni Mubarak.
But opposition factions, uncertain of their ability to vote down the
constitution against the Islamists organizational muscle, want the document
redrafted before any vote. Ahmed Said, a liberal leader of the main
opposition National Salvation Front, said Mursis withdrawal of his
November 22 decree had not annulled its consequences, describing the race
to a referendum as shocking and an act of war against Egyptians.
The new decree said constitutional declarations including this
declaration remained beyond judicial review. The new decree also set
procedures to form an assembly to write a new constitution if Egyptians vote
this draft down. The military, which led Egypts transition for 16 turbulent
months after Mubarak fell, told feuding factions yesterday that only dialogue
could avert catastrophe. But a military source said these remarks did not
herald an army takeover.
Next day, President Mursi ordered Egypts army to take on police
powers including the right to arrest civilians in the run-up to a vote on a
constitution that has triggered bloodshed. The decree takes effect on the eve
of mass rival protests. The military, since ouster of Hosni Mubarak, has
sought to remain neutral in the political crisis.
The opposition, made up of secular, liberal, leftwing and Christian
groups, has said it will escalate its protests to scupper the referendum. It
views the new constitution, largely drawn up by Mursis Islamist allies, as
undermining human rights, the rights of women, religious minorities, and
curtailing the independence of the judiciary.
On 11th December, several hundred Egyptian protesters breached a
concrete and metal barricade outside the presidential palace in Cairo, forcing
back the soldiers manning it. There was no violent confrontation despite the
tensions surrounding the determination of President Mursi to press ahead
577
with a Saturday referendum on a controversial new constitution drafted by a

panel dominated by his Islamist allies.
A counter-demonstration by Mursi supporters was taking place a few
kilometres away, raising fears of further clashes. The military, which is
trying to remain neutral in Egypts three-week-old political crisis, has vowed
to carry out its duty to maintain stability within democratic rules.
Egyptian human rights groups issued a statement saying the draft
constitution opens the door to the establishment of a theocratic system
similar to the Iranian Velayat-e Faqih model, or rule by a clerical supreme
leader. The UN human rights chief and international watchdogs have
criticized the draft charter and the way it was drawn up.
The prolonged crisis has intensified uncertainty over Egypts economy
triggered by the revolution early last year that overthrew Hosni Mubarak.
The International Monetary Fund said a proposed $4.8 billion loan is on
hold at the request of Egyptian authorities in view of the volatile situation.
The loan is aimed at helping the government to bridge financing shortfalls
through fiscal 2013-2014 as the country rebuilds a battered post-revolution
economy.
Next day, Egypts army called off a national unity meeting between
President Mursi and opposition leaders because responses from both sides
were not at the level wished for. The dialogue has been pushed back to an
unspecified later date. Mursi has brushed aside all opposition demands to
halt the referendum on the constitution, but many judges are refusing to
oversee the vote.
Saturday will see voters in 10 governorates called to polling stations,
including in the two biggest cities of Cairo and Alexandria. On December 22
it will be the turn of Giza, Port Said, Luxor and 14 other regions. Egyptians
abroad started early voting in embassies. The president has ordered the army
to secure state institutions, giving them police powers up to the results of the
referendum.
Michael Wahid Hanna, a political analyst at a US think-tank told AFP
that, given the Muslim Brotherhoods proven ability to mobilize grassroots
support, the odds were good that the referendum would pass, although it was
not an absolute certainty. If it did pass, it would be problematic for the
future because it would ensnare all of Mursis future decisions in political
polarization.
578
On 13th December, a leading opposition figure warned of more blood

on the streets when Egyptians vote on a new constitution amid a growing
political crisis. In the referendum this Saturday and next, Egyptians must
accept or reject a basic law that has to be in place before national elections
can be held early next year an event many hope can steer Arab world's
most populous nation out of its turmoil.
Next day, stone-throwing clashes broke in the Egyptian city of
Alexandria between Islamists and opposition protesters, on the eve of a
highly charged referendum on a new constitution. Police moved to restore
order in the city. Tensions were high over the staggered referendum, which is
being held on this and the following Saturday.
On 15th December, Egypts opposition cried fraud in Saturdays first
round of a divisive referendum on a new constitution, accusing President
Mursis Muslim Brotherhood of rigging votes to adopt the Islamist-backed
text. But the National Salvation Front opposition coalition did not
immediately make good on a threat to call a boycott if it perceived
violations, instead stepping up an appeal to Egypts 51 million voters to
reject the draft charter.
Whatever the outcome, lasting damage to the civility of Egyptian
politics will be the main outcome of the current path Mursi has set Egypt
on, one analyst, Issandr El Amrani, wrote for his think-tank. If the no
vote wins, the Mursi presidency will have been fully discredited and the
pressure for his resignation will only increase, he said. If yes wins, the
protest movement is unlikely to die down, (and) may radicalize.
Next day, Islamists backing a new constitution for Egypt claimed
victory in an initial phase of a referendum, but the opposition alleged polling
violations and said it will await the results from the final round in a week's
time. A majority of 56.5 per cent voted for the draft charter put to half of
Egypt's 51 million voters.
On 18th December, Egypts opposition launched fresh protests in a lastditch bid to scuttle a draft constitution pushed by President Mursi and his
Islamist backers ahead of a second round of voting. Hundreds of people
begun gathering in Cairo ahead of the evening rallies. The biggest rallies
were set for outside the presidential palace and Tahrir Square.
On 21st December, clashes between rival demonstrators erupted in
Alexandria on the eve of the final round of a referendum on new
constitution. Riot police, with orders to act decisively, formed a barrier
between several thousand Islamists and hundreds more opposition protesters
579
and used teargas to put down the street battles. At least 32 people were hurt
in clashes.
Next day, Egyptians voted in the final round of a referendum on a new
constitution, but with little prospect of the result quelling fierce protests. On
the eve of polling, clashes in Egypts second city Alexandria injured 62
people as stone-throwing mobs torched vehicles.
On 23rd December, Islamist-backed Egyptian constitution won approval
in a referendum. The Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled President
Mohamed Mursi to power in a June election, said an unofficial tally showed
64 per cent of voters backed the charter after two rounds of voting.
Opposition spokesmen said there had been a series of abuses during the
voting.
Members of the opposition, taking heart from a low turnout of about 30
percent of voters, pledged to keep up pressure on Mursi through peaceful
protests and other democratic means. The vote was split over two days as
many judges had refused to supervise the ballot, making a single day of
voting impossible.
On 25th December, Egypts electoral commission confirmed that
Islamist-backed constitution was passed by 64 percent of voters, rejecting
opposition allegations of polling fraud. Those official results tallied with
figures given by President Mohamed Mursis Muslim Brotherhood after the
last round of polling at the weekend in the two-stage referendum. Turnout
was 32.9 percent he said.
Next day, Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi signed into law a new
constitution voted in despite weeks of opposition protests, which left him
facing an economic crisis and international disquiet over his rule. The
Islamist-dominated senate convened on Wednesday to swear in 90 new
members appointed by Mursi. It was expected to draft a law for legislative
elections for the dissolved lower house that have to be held by the end of
February.
On 27th December, Egypts public prosecutor ordered a probe into the
top three leaders of the opposition on suspicion of trying to incite followers
to overthrow President Mohamed Mursi. The prosecutor, Taalat Ibrahim
Abdallah, who was appointed by Mursi late last month, signed the order
against the leaders of the opposition National Salvation Front, which led
protests against Mursis drive to have a new constitution adopted.
580
The probe targets Mohammed ElBaradei, a Nobel peace prize

laureate, Amr Moussa, former chief of the Arab League, and Hamdeen
Sabbahi, the leader of the nationalist left wing. Moussa and Sabbahi were
presidential candidates in June elections that Mursi won. The National
Salvation Front alleged frauds and irregularities in the December 15 and 22
split referendum on the new charter.
Meanwhile, Egypts legal and parliamentary affairs minister
announced his resignation; the day after President Mohamed Mursi vowed
government reshuffle to tackle the countrys troubled economy. Mohammed
Mahsoub said he was stepping down because many policies and efforts
contradict my personal convictions. His resignation came two days after
that of Mursis communications minister, Hany Mahmud, who blamed the
current situation in the country.
On 29th December, Egypt's President downplayed the country's
teetering economy before a newly-empowered senate, and insisted that a
new constitution that fuelled protests guaranteed equality. In his address to
the senate, which the constitution invests with legislative powers until a new
parliament is elected in two months; Mursi insisted there had been gains as
well as losses.
Sudan: On 9th December, at least 10 people have been killed after
South Sudanese troops fired on demonstrators angry at officials moving the
seat of local authority outside a state capital. Four people were killed in the
town of Wau during clashes overnight, while six were shot dead today after
they gathered to protest the previous nights killings.
On 21st December, South Sudan's army shot down a UN helicopter
killing all four crew on board. Deputy UN spokesman told reporters the
South Sudanese military had admitted to the UN mission in the country that
it had hit the MI-8 helicopter. No reasons for the incident were immediately
given.
On 29th December, rebels in Darfur claimed to have seized a district
capital just days after saying they took control of a major town. The Sudan
Liberation Army's (SLA's) Abdelwahid Nur faction said it had captured the
government office and army base in Guldo district near Central Darfur
state's Nertiti town. Ibrahim al-Hillu, the group's spokesman, called it a
great victory in the history of the war in Darfur as his faction had never
before seized a district.
Guldo and Golo are in the fertile and mountainous Jebel Marra area
which is home to the non-Arab Fur people who gave their name to Darfur
581
(Land of the Fur) and who are represented by Nur's faction. The group has
several hundred combatants and a sphere of influence limited to the Jebel
Marra, a regular target for military operations and air attack.
Somalia: On 9th December, African Union troops and Somali forces
seized the formerly extremists-held town of Jowhar, wresting control of one
of the largest remaining towns held by the al-Qaeda linked Shebab. The loss
of Jowhar is a significant blow to the Shebab, who have lost a string of
towns in recent months to the 17,000-strong AU force, as well as to
Ethiopian troops who invaded Somalia last year from the west.
On 23rd December, troops from the Somali region of Puntland rescued
22 hostages, including Pakistanis, held by pirates for almost three years after
their ship was seized off the Yemeni coast, the men bore signs of torture. The
crew, from the Dubai-owned and Panamanian-flagged MV Iceberg 1 were
freed after two weeks of fighting and a siege of the vessel off the coast of
Somalia.
America: On 11th December, the US military will retain a strong

presence in the Middle East despite a strategic shift to Asia, Defence
Secretary Leon Panetta said during a visit to Kuwait. The United States
plans to deploy a majority of its naval fleet to the Asia-Pacific along with
other advanced weaponry but Panetta insisted that a robust American force
would remain in place in the Middle East.
The United States has deployed more ships and aircraft in the strategic
Gulf over the past year after Iran threatened to close the strategic Strait of
Hormuz if Western countries boycotted Iranian oil exports. Panettas visit
coincides with a wave of protests in the oil-rich Gulf state, with thousands of
opposition demonstrators demanding fresh elections due to a bitter dispute
over amendments to the countrys electoral law.
On 14th December, at least 27 people including 18 children were killed
in a shooting in Connecticut elementary school. The gunman who
slaughtered school staff and children in Newtown was 24-year-old Ryan
Lanza, who also killed his parents, school principal and a teacher, before he
was killed by police.
On 16th December, news networks CNN and ABC reported that
President Barack Obama chose Senator John Kerry to succeed Hillary
Clinton as US secretary of state,. Clinton, consistently rated as the most
popular of Obama's cabinet, intends to step down toward the end of January
when Obama is sworn in for a second term.
582
On 21st December, President Obama announced the nomination of US

Senator John Kerry to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, calling
him the perfect choice to guide American diplomacy in the years ahead.
Obama settled on Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee and the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, after UN
Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew from consideration last week.
VIEWS
North Korea
For North Korea, next step is a nuclear test: The end-game for the
North is a formal peace treaty with Washington, diplomatic recognition and
bundles of cash to help bolster its moribund economy. They might hope that
the US will finally face the unpleasant reality and will start negotiations
aimed at slowing down or freezing, but not reversing, their nuclear and
missile programs, said Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin
University in Seoul. If such a deal is possible, mere cognition is not enough.
The US will have to pay, will have to provide generous 'aid' as a reward for
North Koreans' willingness to slow down or stop for a while.
Recent commercially available satellite imagery shows that North
Korea has rebuilt an old road leading to its nuclear test site in the
mountainous northeast of the country. It has also shoveled away snow and
dirt from one of the entrances to the test tunnel as recently as November.
At the same time as developing its nuclear weapons test site, the
North has pushed ahead with what it says is a civil nuclear program. At the
end of November, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the
construction of a light water reactor was moving ahead and that North Korea
had largely completed work on the exterior of the main buildings.
North Korea says it needs nuclear power to provide electricity, but has
also boasted of its nuclear deterrence capability and has traded nuclear
technology with Syria, Libya and probably Pakistan, according to US
intelligence reports. It terms its nuclear weapons program a treasured
sword.
The missile and the nuclear tests both serve as a "shop window" for
Pyongyang's technology and Kookmin's Lankov adds that the attractions for
other states could rise if North Korea carries out a test using highly enriched
uranium (HEU).
583
In its two nuclear tests so far, the North has used plutonium, of which
it has limited stocks. However it sits on vast reserves of uranium minerals,
which could give it a second path to a nuclear weapon. An HEU-based
device will have a great political impact, since it will demonstrate that North
Korean engineers know how to enrich uranium, and this knowledge is in
high demand among aspiring nuclear states, Lankov said. (Reuters,
Iraq
Why remember Iraq? Most Americans would prefer to forget that
we are approaching the first anniversary of the expulsion of US military
forces from Iraq. The Republican Party, which rallied behind George W
Bush to invade the country and occupy it, has suffered from a short memory
relating to that misbegotten war even as it agitates for new and similar
military interventions.
Much of the silence on the subject is certainly due to the fact that most
Democrats and nearly all the media were also on board, though perhaps for
reasons that did not completely coincide with the Bush neocons imperial
vision. And after the war began and the occupation took on its misbegotten
form under Jerry Bremer, Dan Senor, and a host of neocon acolytes brought
on board to reshape the country, the saga ran on and on.
As Iraq broke down into its constituent parts due to Bremers inept
proconsulship, a development that might normally lead to a rethink of the
entire project, Pentagon-based neoconservatives instead regrouped, doubled
down and contrived the 2007 surge to fix things
Fast forward eight years, to the end of the US military presence. The
neocons continued to see a strategic objective in the shambles that they had
made. In an op-ed in the Washington Post on the impending US departure
from Iraq one year ago, neocons Kimberly and Fred Kagan delusionally
entertained five American core interests in the region.
They were: that Iraq should continue to be one unified state; that there
should be no al-Qaeda on its soil; that Baghdad abides by its international
responsibilities; that Iraq should contain Iran; and that the al-Maliki
government should accept US commitment to the region. As the Kagans
are first and foremost apologists for Israel, it should be observed that Iraqs
international responsibilities would be understood as referring to the
expectation that Baghdad not be hostile to Tel Aviv.
584
But looking back a bit, in 2003 Iraq was a good deal more unified and
stable than it is today; there was no al-Qaeda or other terrorist presence;
Saddam generally abided by a sanctions regime imposed by the UN; and
Iraq was the principal Arab frontline state restraining Irans ambitions. Then,
as now, the US was clearly committed to the region through the
overwhelming presence of its armed forces and one should add
parenthetically that Iraq in no way threatened the United States, or anyone
else. It was precisely the US invasion that dismantled the Iraqi nation state,
introduced al-Qaeda to the country, wrecked the nations economy, and
brought into power a group of Shia leaders who are anti-democratic and
adhere much closer to Tehran and Syria than to Washington. Nor are they
very friendly to Israel, quite the contrary, and there is no oil pipeline. So
none of the core interests sought by the United States as defined by
neocon doctrine have actually been achieved, or, rather, they have actually
been reversed due to the invasion and occupation by the United States
arranged and carried out by the Pentagon neoconservatives.
And then there is the cost. The US lost nearly 5,000 soldiers killed
plus 35,000 more wounded while the documented Iraqi dead number more
than 110,000, though the actual total is almost certainly much, much higher,
perhaps exceeding one million. Ancient Christian communities in Iraq have
all but disappeared. Columbia economist Joseph Stiglitz has estimated that
the total cost of the war will be in the $5 trillion plus range when all the bills
are finally paid. The US economy has suffered grave and possibly fatal
damage as a result of a war that need not have taken place.
The lesson to be learned from Iraq is actually quite simple. Military
intervention in a foreign land unless a genuine vital interest is at stake is a
fools errand due to the unforeseen consequences that develop from any war.
And when intervention is actually necessary (hard to imagine what those
circumstances would be) it must have an exit strategy that starts almost
immediately.
Remembering the government chicanery that led to the events of 2003
through 2011 means that the lies that are currently being floated to justify
regime change in both Syria and Iran by the same neocons who produced the
Iraq debacle should be treated with extreme skepticism and summarily
rejected. Iraq also provides the insights that enable one to judge the
Afghanistan enterprise for what it really is: a failure now just as it will be
five years from now at far greater cost in lives and treasure for Afghans and
Americans alike.
585
If the United States cannot learn from the experience of Iraq it is

doomed to repeatedly fail in similar endeavors until the last soldier comes
home in a body bag and the last dollar is spent, leaving behind an empty
treasury and an impoverished American people. (Philip Giraldi for
Counterpunch, reprinted in TheNation 16th December)
Israel
UN Palestine vote and Gaza violence: In late 2012 the US devoted
extensive efforts to block a General Assembly resolution upgrading
Palestines status to that of a non-member observer state. The effort failed,
leaving the US in its usual international isolation on November 29, when the
resolution passed overwhelmingly on the anniversary of the 1947 General
Assembly vote on partition. The reasons Washington frankly offered for its
opposition to the resolution were revealing: Palestine might approach the
International Criminal Court on Israels US-backed crimes, which cannot be
permitted judicial review for reasons that are all too obvious. A second
concern, the New York Times reported, was that the Palestinians might use
the vote to seek membership in specialized agencies of the United Nations,
which could lead Washington to defund these international organizations, as
it cut off financing to Unesco in 2011 when it dared to admit Palestine as a
member. The Master does not tolerate disobedience.
Israel had warned that it would go crazy (yishtagea) if the resolution
passed, reviving warnings from the 1950s that it would go crazy if crossed
not very meaningful then, much more so now. And indeed, hours after the
UN vote Israel announced its decision to carry forward settlement in Area
E1 that connects the vastly expanded Greater Jerusalem that it annexed
illegally to the town of Maaleh Adumim, greatly expanded under Clinton
after the Oslo Accords, with lands extending virtually to Jericho, effectively
bisecting the West Bank if the Area E1 corridor is closed by settlement.
Before Obama, US presidents had barred Israels efforts to expand its illegal
settlements into the E1 region, so it was compelled to resort to stealth
measures, like establishing a police station in the zone. Obama has been
more supportive of Israeli criminal actions than his predecessors, and it
remains to be seen whether he will keep to a tap on the wrist with a wink, as
before.
Israel and the US insist on direct negotiations as the only path to
peace. They also insist on crucial preconditions. First, the negotiations must
be under US leadership, which makes as much sense as asking Iran to
mediate Sunni-Shiite conflicts in Iraq. Genuine negotiations would take
586
place under the auspices of some neutral party with a claim to international
respect, perhaps Brazil, and would have the US and Israel on one side of the
table, and most of the rest of the world on the other.
A second precondition, left tacit, is that expansion of Israels
settlements must be allowed to continue in one or another form (as
happened, for example, during the formal 10-month suspension), with
Washington signaling its disapproval while continuing to provide the
required support.
The call for direct negotiations without substance is an old Israeli
tactic to prevent steps towards diplomatic settlement that would impede its
expansionist projects. After the 1967 war, the respected diplomat Abba
Eban, who was in charge of the effort, was highly praised by Golda Meir and
other colleagues in the governing Labor Party for his success at the United
Nations in carrying forward Israels peacemaking strategy of confusion and
delay, which came to take the shape of a consistent foreign policy of
deception, as it is described by Israeli scholar Avi Raz in a detailed review
of internal records. At that time the tactics angered US officials, who
protested vigorously though to no effect. But much has changed since,
particularly since Kissinger took control of policy and the US largely
departed from the world on Israel-Palestine.
The practice of delay goes back to the earliest Zionist settlement,
which sought to create facts on the ground while keeping goals obscure.
Even the call for a Jewish commonwealth was not made officially by the
Zionist organization until a May 1942 meeting at the Biltmore hotel in New
York.
Returning to Gaza, one element of the unremitting torture of its people
is Israels buffer zone within Gaza from which Gazans are barred entry,
almost half of Gazas limited arable land according to Sara Roy, the leading
academic scholar of Gaza. From September 2005, after Israel transferred its
settlers to other parts of the occupied territories, to September 2012, Israeli
security forces killed 213 Palestinians in the zone, including 154 who were
not taking part in hostilities, 17 of them children.
From January 2012 to the launching of Israels latest killing spree on
November 14, Operation Pillar of Defense, one Israeli was reported to have
been killed by fire from Gaza while 78 Palestinians were killed by Israel
fire.
The full story is naturally more complex, and considerably uglier. The
first act of Operation Pillar of Defense was to murder Ahmed Jabari. Aluf
587
Benn, editor of Haaretz, describes him as Israels subcontractor and

border guard in Gaza, who enforced relative quiet in Gaza for over five
years. The pretext for the assassination was that during these five years
Jabari had been creating a Hamas military force, with missiles from Iran.
Plainly, if that is true it was not learned on November 14.
A more credible reason was provided by Israeli peace activist Gershon
Baskin, who had been involved in direct negotiations with Jabari for years,
including plans for the release of the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Baskin reports that hours before Jabari was assassinated, he received the
draft of a permanent truce agreement with Israel, which included
mechanisms for maintaining the ceasefire in the case of a flare-up between
Israel and the factions in the Gaza Strip. A truce was then in place, called
by Hamas on November 12. Israel apparently exploited the truce, Reuters
reports, directing attention to the Syrian border in the hope that Hamas
leaders would relax their guard and be easier to assassinate.
Throughout these years, Gaza has been kept on a level of bare
survival, imprisoned by land, sea and air. On the eve of the latest attack, the
UN reported that 40 percent of essential drugs and more than half of
essential medical items were out of stock. One of the first of the series of
hideous photos that were sent from Gaza in November showed a doctor
holding the charred corpse of a murdered child. That one had a personal
resonance. The doctor is the director and head of surgery at Khan Yunis
hospital, which I had visited a few weeks earlier. In writing about the trip I
reported his passionate appeal for desperately needed simple drugs and
surgical equipment. These are among the crimes of the US-Israeli siege, and
Egyptian complicity.
The casualty rates from the November episode were about normal:
over 160 Palestinian dead, including many children, and 6 Israelis. Among
the dead were three journalists. The official Israeli justification was that The
targets are people who have relevance to terror activity. Reporting the
execution in the New York Times, David Carr observes that it has come to
this: killing members of the news media can be justified by a phrase as
amorphous as relevance to terror activity.
The massive destruction was all in Gaza. Israel used advanced US
military equipment for the slaughter and destruction, and relied on US
diplomatic support, including the usual US intervention to block a Security
Council call for a cease-fire.
588
With each such exploit Israels global image erodes. The images of
terror and destruction, and the character of the conflict, leave few remaining
shreds of credibility to the self-declared most moral army in the world, at
least among people with eyes open.
The pretexts for the assault were also the usual ones. We can put aside the
predictable declarations of the perpetrators in Israel and Washington, but
even decent people ask what Israel should do when attacked by a barrage of
missiles. Its a fair question, and there are straightforward answers.
One response would be to observe international law, which allows the
use of force without Security Council authorization in exactly one case: in
self-defense after informing the Security Council of an armed attack, until
the Council acts (UN Charter, Article 51). Israel understands that well. That
is the course it followed at the outbreak of the June 1967 war, but of course
Israels appeal went nowhere when it was quickly ascertained that it was
Israel that had launched the attack. Israel did not follow this course in
November, knowing well what would be revealed in a Security Council
debate.
Another narrow response would be to agree to a truce, as appeared
quite possible before the operation was launched on November 14, as often
before. There are more far-reaching responses. By coincidence, one
illustration is discussed in the current issue of the journal National Interest.
The authors, Asia scholars Raffaello Pantucci and Alexandros Petersen,
describe Chinas reaction after rioting in western Xinjiang province in
which mobs of Uighurs marched around the city beating hapless Han
[Chinese] to death. Chinese president Hu Jintao quickly flew to the
province to take charge, senior leaders in the security establishment were
fired, and a wide range of development projects were undertaken to address
underlying causes of the unrest.
In Gaza too a civilized reaction is possible. The US and Israel could
end the merciless unremitting assault and open the borders, and provide for
reconstruction and if it were imaginable, reparations for decades of
violence and repression.
The cease-fire agreement stated that the measures to implement the
end of the siege and the targeting of residents in border areas shall be dealt
with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire. There is no sign of steps
in this direction. Nor is there any indication of US-Israeli willingness to
rescind their policy of separating Gaza from the West Bank in violation of
the Oslo Accords, to end the illegal settlement and development programs in
589
the West Bank designed to undermine a political settlement, or in any other

way to abandon the rejectionism of the past decades.
Some day, and it must be soon, the world will respond to the plea
issued by the distinguished Gazan human rights lawyer Raji Sourani while
the bombs were once again raining down on defenseless civilians in Gaza:
We demand justice and accountability. We dream of a normal life, in
freedom and dignity. (Noam Chomsky for AntiWar, reprinted in TheNation
9th December)
REVIEW
By the turn of the calendar year, fifty thousand people in Syria would
have lost their lives and most of its towns and cities would be demolished
into rubbles. The beauty of the strategy through which it would be
accomplished lies in no direct armed involvement by the Crusaders. This
strategy of perpetrating death and destruction without using military means
has gained popularity since blossoming of Arab Spring in Libya.
President Mohamed Mursi of Egypt scored third significant victory
by winning referendum on constitution. Earlier he had removed militarys
top brass of Hosni Mobarak era and lately he successfully negotiated a
ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. His victories in quick succession have
attracted attention of the West, which would not accrue well for him.
Although the turn out during referendum was low, yet he got
thumping majority vote of 64 percent. The West has not liked this as could
be seen from the wording of reports by its news agencies. Even after a due
democratic process adopted for the approval and signing of the constitution,
the news read; Mursi signs controversial constitution.
Each news item contains some instigating lines for the opposition
parties to continue agitating against the democratically elected government
of a party backed by Muslim Brotherhood. This trend will continue in the
year to come, perhaps, more vehemently.
In United States, a gunman slaughtered staff and children at a
Connecticut elementary school. He had no link with al-Qaeda, Taliban,
Hezbollah, Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, or ISI. He was a citizen of
civilized world, yet he perpetrated terror right in the heart homeland.
Why a civilized man did that? It was due to the common genetic
defect in Americans; the trigger-happiness. Due to this inherent defect the
590
world has suffered more at the hands of Americans than the terrorism
perpetrated by all the militant groups around the globe.
The unfortunate incident, however, has a lesson for Pakistani
electronic media; that is the manner in which the incident was covered by all
the major western TV channels. No dead body was shown; no wounded, not
even a drop of blood, no siren blowing ambulances running around were
caught on camera. There was no effort to create frenzy, no rushing to draw
premature conclusions and no finger pointing.
Another incident was the appointment of John Kerry as US Secretary
of the State to succeed Hillary Clinton. Kerry, the Cheat will prove
successful as the top diplomat of the US. This can be said on the basis of the
way he got Raymond Davis out of Pakistan. He is two-in-one diplomat; a
liar and a cheat.
30th December, 2012
PRINCE CORONATED
MQM challenged the Supreme Court orders regarding delimitation of
constituencies in Karachi by filing two review petitions. The criticism of the
court order was so loud by the MQM that even the CEC was forced to have
second thought about its implementation, who doubted the wisdom of
delimiting constituencies when elections were so close.
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri returned to Pakistan and caused ripples in status quo
forces by holding the biggest public rally in the history of Lahore at the
venue of Minar-e-Pakistan, the erstwhile Minto Park. The MQM leadership
staged an equally big surprise by sitting on the stage alongside Tahir-ulQadri during the public gathering.
Four days later, the PPP jiyalas and jiyalis converged to Garhi Khuda
Bakhsh to observe the annual ritual on the day of assassination of Benazir
Bhutto. The function was observed with far more pomp and show than the
usual, because purpose of this years gathering was not mere solemn
observation of death anniversary of a queen; but it was for coronation of
her son, Prince Bilawal
NEWS
Power politics: On 17th December, a Supreme Court bench headed
by Chief Justice heard a case regarding secret IB funds generated to bring
591
down the PML-N government in Punjab. DG IB Akhtar Gurchani submitted

his answer in a sealed envelope while Gurchanis request to keep his answer
secret was accepted by the court. The bench asked the DG that was such a
huge amount used for transactions in one year to bring down the Punjab
government. Former DG IB Tariq Lodhis reply was also submitted during
the hearing. The court had also sought reply of former DG IB Masood Sharif
Khattak, but he had gone abroad.
Next day, Zardari said that the next elections would be held on
schedule and these would be free, fair and transparent. The President
underlined the need that the nation as a whole would have to fight terrorism
and extremism to its logical conclusion for peace and economic prosperity in
the country and the region.
Former law minister and PPP lawmaker Afzal Sindhu resigned from
National Assembly. Sindhu was elected MNA in 2008 while contesting on
the PPP ticket from NA-191 Bhawalnagar-4. No reasons were given for the
resignation. He has joined the Imran Khans PTI.
On 20th December, President Zardari decided to appoint Makhdoom
Ahmad Mehmood of as Punjab governor, showing he could go to any extent
to woo important political families ahead of the elections. The appointment
of Makhdoom Ahmad, a veteran and entrenched politician from Jamal
Dinwali area of southern Punjab, also fits in nicely in PPPs apparent posture
over creation of a new province there.
Interestingly, the new man to hold PPP fort in Punjab had been a
leader of the PML-N before he joined PML-F and until recently he was a
personal friend of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif whom he even offered his
constituency in 2008 elections. Yousaf Raza Gilani, who is Makhdooms
first cousin and also closely related with Pir Pagaro Sibghtullah Rashidi, is
said to have played an important role in striking a political deal between the
PPP and the PML-F. Under the deal, the two parties would contest the
coming elections jointly and remain allies even after the elections.
Here too the PPP co-chairman has caught PML-N and PML-F the
halfway as they were reportedly about to forge an election alliance. Pir
Pagaro was scheduled to meet Nawaz Sharif in Lahore by the end of this
month to give final shape to the agreement. The decision was taken to make
for the dent made in the PPP by the PML-N especially in Sindh. Presently
a member of Punjab Assembly, Makhdoom Ahmed is also head of PML-F
Punjab chapter. He comes of a renowned political family.
592
Next day, Nisar Ali said that his party, in consultation with other
opposition parties, would demand changing governors of all the four
provinces when the polls get closer as they have been appointed on political
basis. About the change of Punjab governor, he said by purchasing a
Makhdoom from South Punjab, the PPP cannot enlist the support of the
people who are waiting for next elections to give a crushing defeat to the
PPP for its miserable failure on every front.
On 22nd December, Latif Khosa in a farewell meeting with the
President Zardari at Bilawal House tendered his resignation as governor
which was accepted by the president. The meeting was also attended by
Federal Law Minister Farooq Naek and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani. Speaking to reporters at Karachi Airport, Khosa said the party, not
the post, was important for him.
Next day, Tehrik Minhajul Quran Chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri revolted
against the existing electoral system and gave the government until January
10 to reform it or immediately after the deadline he would start a march on
Islamabad and hold there a gathering of four million people to take
necessary decisions to have the demand met.
In his 135-minute address at a well-organized public meeting of tens
of thousands of people from all over the country at the sprawling Minar-iPakistan, he made it clear that he was not opposed to the elections, but at the
same time he would not accept any polls held without meeting all
requirements laid down in the Constitution.
The participants raised their hands several times to pledge that they
would converge on the federal capital on the call of their leader, without
offering any excuse or letting any personal problem become the hurdle. On
many an occasion they chanted in chorus: We want change.
Without naming any party but leaving no doubt that he was referring
to the PPP and the PML-N, the TMQ chief said he would not let the two
major parties take all decisions about the interim setup to protect their own
interests, ignoring the rights of the voters who have consistently been
exploited in the past.
The gathering was, perhaps, bigger than the ones addressed at the
same venue by Benazir Bhutto on April 10, 1986, when she had returned
from self-exile, or Imran Khan on October 30 last year. Pakistans national
flags were carried by a majority of the attendees and, as a policy decision, no
flag of any party, including the host TMQ, was brought during the five-hour
proceedings.
593
An MQM delegation led by deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar; PPP

leader Imtiaz Safdar Warraich; representatives of Gen Musharrafs All
Pakistan Muslim League; Dr AQ Khans Tehrik-i-Tahaffaz-i-Pakistan, and
some Hindu and Sikh representatives also participated.
A former teacher of law, Dr Qadri said formulation of the interim
setup that would supervise the upcoming elections was not the exclusive
prerogative of the ruling party and the opposition. In his opinion, the Armed
Forces and the judiciary should also play their role in bringing clean and
honest people to the fore.
He dismissed the constitutional rhetoric that elections must be held
within 90 days after the dissolution of the assemblies. This requirement, he
said, was just one ordained by the basic law, but other requirements were
also equally important. Unless the articles dealing with the qualifications
and disqualifications of the candidates were strictly adhered to, the 90-day
argument was just meaningless.
The TMQ chairman said if the elections were delayed as a result of
the desired reforms, it would make no difference at all. To substantiate his
argument, he cited Article 254 of the Constitution which said that any act
would not become invalid only because it was not performed at a time
prescribed for it.
He reiterated that the judiciary should also play a role in bringing in
an interim setup comprising people of integrity in various walks of life.
Since his prescription appears to be in conflict with the Constitution, he
cited the example of the European Court of Justice. He said Europe was
regarded as bastion of democracy, but when Italy faced a serious economic
crisis, the European Court of Justice dismissed the incumbent government
and inducted a setup comprising competent and honest people. The
government so installed was also given a timeline to set things right. He said
if a judicial intervention was possible in the bastion of democracy, why it
could not be tried in Pakistan, which he likened to a sinking ship.
At the outset of his address, he declared on oath that the public
meeting he was addressing had not been organized with the backing or
financial support of any country or agency, nor anyone had played a role in
setting its agenda. The entire expenditures had also been met by the TMQ
supporters or some businessmen and ulema. He also said on oath that he is
not playing any role to have the democratic system wrapped up or the
Constitution violated. In fact, he said, in case of any military takeover, he
would be the first to stand up against it.
594
He said now he would like to leave it to his Muslim brothers to accept

or reject his assertions on the basis of logic and reasoning. Dr Qadri said that
all reforms should be introduced in one go as incrementalism is no longer
an option. He said the rulers were looting the country and even their
handpicked NAB chairman had been quoted as saying that corruption
between Rs10 to 12 billion was being committed daily. In case the reforms
were delayed, there would be nothing left to reform, Qadri warned.
On 24th December, Nawaz Sharif underscored the need for timely
general elections for the survival, integrity and stability of the country.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said that elections would be held on time and there is
no possibility of delay in this regard. He made it clear that no extraconstitutional step would be tolerated and only a political president was the
requirement of the constitution. He also rejected the deadline given by
Tahirul Qadri.
Next day, President Zardari said that no matter whatever tactics the
rivals employ the people would not let them succeed. The next government
would also be of PPP. Talking to media after his arrival at Makhdoom House
in Hala on Tuesday, the President said Hala is the city of Peoples Party's
birth. He claimed that the leadership fully believes in addressing the issues
of the masses who are the real source of power.
On 26th December, seemingly succumbing to MQM pressure and
backtracking from its high sounding resolve on Karachi constituencies
delimitation as per Supreme Court orders, the election commission indicated
at shelving the contemplated drive amidst personal opposition to this
initiative by the chief election commissioner. However, in a hurriedly called
media briefing Fakhruddin G Ebrahim told the media that Army Chief has
assured him of full cooperation for free and fair polls, which would be held
on time.
The CEC had called the press conference to brief the media about his
meeting with the COAS but the event looked to have backfired when he
spoke his mind on the delimitation, prompting a spree of straight queries
from the journalists. Sensing the gravity of situation ECP Secretary Ishtiak
Ahmed Khan had to intervene to wind up the briefing in the same manner
it was called through last minute verbal requests to the media men.
Earlier, the army chief met the CEC at the Nadra headquarters. Later,
Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik said that the COAS and CEC had visited Nadra
on his invitation. Gen Kayani also needed to acquire Smart National Identity
Card (SNIC) that is under process, he added. Chairman informed that 83,797
595
modifications so far had been made in the Final Electoral Rolls-2012 and 1.5
million fresh CNICs had been provided to ECP for votes registration.
MQM filed a petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that the Punjab
government had rigged by-polls in the province. MQM Punjab Vice
President filed the petition at the Lahore registry of the apex court,
maintaining that the PML-N provincial government used state resources in
by-polls to secure victory.
Next day, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promised to defend
democracy and fight extremism. But at the same time, he criticized judiciary
saying that it has no role in governance of the country. Addressing a large
gathering on the 5th death anniversary of his mother, he said judiciary is
concerned over the prices of samosas and CNG (compressed natural gas)
but they dont care about the illegal hanging of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto.
On the occasion, which also marked his formal induction into
Pakistani politics, Bilawal said, I ask the chief justice of this county, does
he has no time for hearing Bhutto reference case? Every worker of PPP
wants the decision of that case at the earliest, he added. He said his party
supported an independent judiciary but the role of the judiciary was to
provide justice and not to govern.
The chairman said there were two kinds of people in Pakistan: Ones
are those who love and cherish democracy, the others are treading the path
of dictatorship; ones are terrorists, the others are us... The enemies of PPP
fail to see uniforms of dictators but they cant stomach five years of a
civilian president. He promised to fight militancy and protect democracy,
saying that the PPP was a wall in the way of terrorists.
He said his party would not abandon Pakistan nor would it allow any
dictator to steal the rights of people. Bilawal said the economic policies of
the PPP were brilliant but unfortunately this was a time of global recession.
He added that despite facing several challenges such as terrorism, the
economy of Pakistan was still standing on its own feet.
President Zardari in his address on the occasion said that Egyptian
model of governance cannot be pursued in Pakistan and that after Benazirs
assassination the PPP averted Arab Spring sort of uprising by pursuing the
slogan of Pakistan Khapaey. He also said that arrangements have been
made for holding free and fair elections and unbiased interim prime
minister will be brought with a consensus of political parties.
596
Altaf Hussain expressed all-out support to Dr Tahirul Qadris reforms

before polls agenda and said elections should not be held unless flaws in the
electoral system were removed and terrorism uprooted. I urge the army to
stand by the people and stamp out terrorism. The MQM will fully back the
initiative, he said in a telephonic interview.
Farooq Sattar said that his party would decide on joining the Tehreeke-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) long march on January 14 after consulting its
coordination committee. About parting ways with their coalition partners in
case of joining the TMQ long march, he said that any such decision would
also be made with the consultation of the coordination committee and the
parliamentary party.
Dr Tahirul Qadri said that if the long march of Benazir Bhutto and
Nawaz Sharif did not prove harmful for the democracy, the TMQ march
would also not incur any damage to the democracy. Qadri said that the long
march is neither unconstitutional nor undemocratic, adding that the march
would be peaceful.
Gohar Ayub Khan and his son Umar Ayub Khan called on PML-N
chief Nawaz Sharif at Raiwind and announced joining his party. Along with
them former KPK speaker Habibullah Tareen, Akhtar Shah and Raja Faisal
Zaman, also announced joining the PML-N. Nawaz welcomed them and said
he had special place of respect and love in his heart for the people of Hazara
and that sentiments are getting stronger day by day.
On 28th December, the election commission asked the political parties
to submit their account statements and intra party elections certificates to
become entitled to get election symbols at the time of upcoming general
elections. It has also announced to receive fresh applications from political
parties for the allotment of electoral symbols ahead of the general polls.
On 30th December, MQM announced joining the January 14 long
march of Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran from Lahore to Islamabad. Addressing
a press conference after the meeting of MQM Coordination Committee at its
headquarters Nine Zero, party leader Dr Farooq Sattar said that the
manifesto of Dr Tahirul Qadri is same as of the MQM for which their leader
Altaf Hussain had been struggling since last 33 years. Dr Tahirul Qadri
thanked Altaf Hussain.
As the January 14 ultimatum of Dr Tahirul Qadri draws nearer,
President Zardari has reportedly given nod to Justice (r) Nasir Aslam Zahid
for leading the caretaker government as prime minister. His name was
proposed by the main opposition party, PML-N. President Zardari and PPP
597
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto had agreed on the name of Justice Nasir a few
days ago and they advised Prime Minister to convey the decision to Leader
of Opposition in National Assembly.
Rule of law: On 17th December, a four-member ministerial

committee constituted by federal cabinet to look into the barrage of
corruption allegations against the government from various bodies
summoned Chairman NAB to appear before it and substantiate his claim of
blatant corruption charges. The committee is headed by Federal Law
Minister, Farooq H Naek.
The Supreme Court took a suo moto notice on the nomination of
Prime Minister Rajas son-in-law, Raja Azeemul Haque, as an executive
director of the World Bank. The PM had appointed his son-in-law to the post
by using his discretionary powers. Raja Azeemul Haque, an officer of the
Income Tax Group, was working in grade 18 when the PPP government
came into power.
The Supreme Court declared the appointment of former and
incumbent executive directors of Higher Education Commission (HEC) as
null and void and directed the HEC Chairman to appoint new ED within 30
days. Chief Justice, heading a bench of the apex court, heard a petition and
suspended Prime Ministers directives on appointment of Qamar Zaman as
ED. HEC counsel informed the bench that the Commission had extended the
services of Sohail Naqvi as ED on August 27 but the Establishment Division
gave charge of the post to Ministry of Education and Training Secretary
Qamar Zaman.
On 19th December, the Supreme Court granted six days to NAB,
Inspector General of Punjab Police, and Motorway Police to make
coordinated efforts for arrest of former chairman Ogra Tauqir Sadiq and
produce him before the court on December 26. On November 25 last year,
the court had announced the judgment and declared the appointment of
Tauqir Sadiq as chairman illegal and ordered NAB to investigate corruption
cases against him and submit its findings within 45 days, but so far no
progress has been made.
The Supreme Court issued a notice to Prime Minister Rajas son inlaw, Raja Azeemul Haque, appointed as the World Bank executive director
in Washington-DC. The court also issued a notice to Establishment Division
Secretary and Finance Secretary to appear on January 4 along with the
complete record and details regarding the appointment.
598
Next day, the Supreme Court barred Dr Abdul Jabbar from performing
duties as acting chairman of the Pemra, ordering government to appoint a
permanent head of the media regulator at the earliest. The bench in its
interlocutory order observed that Dr Abdul Jabbar was appointed as a
caretaker of the Pemra but he had been passing orders in profusion;
therefore, he could not continue any further as the acting chairman.
The petition, filed by TV anchors Hamid Mir and Absar Alam, prayed
to the Supreme Court to form a commission that will be responsible for
inquiring about the source of income of TV channel owners, advertising
agencies and anchor persons. The petition stated that secret funds of various
ministries are being used to manipulate the media, and asked the court to
make the details of such funds public.
During the hearing on Dec 11, anchorperson Hamid Mir told the
bench that the journalists, who Pemra had allegedly contacted before
drafting medias code of conduct, have denied being contacted. On
September 13, the court had ordered the Auditor General of Pakistan to
present a three-year record of the Information Ministry and directed the
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to present the record of a leading
advertising agency.
On 21st December, the National Assembly was informed that the probe
of FIA Director Hussain Asghar, investigating the matter regarding Abdul
Qadir Gilani, was biased because of his suspension and transfer from
Islamabad by former prime minister. The committee recommended that the
competent authority might be directed to take necessary disciplinary action
in accordance with law against Hussain Asghar.
On 24th December, a National Assembly committee gave 10 days to
the FBR to tell it how the information of parliamentarians tax returns got
leaked, besides demanding a comparative study on the incomes and taxes
being paid by generals, judges and federal secretaries.
On 28th December, the NAB approved a number of cases of plea
bargain including the one pertaining to recovery of over Rs8 billion from
Sheikh Afzal in Haris Steel Mills case. Sheikh Afzal was accused of
embezzling Rs8.404 billion from of the Bank of Punjab through credit
facilities in the name of fake persons against fake collaterals as well as
fictitious guarantees and mortgage deeds.
599
Defiance of judiciary: On 17th December, Public Accounts

Committee (PAC) decided to refer the matter to Parliament on nonpresentation of accounts by registrar Supreme Court before it. The
Committee will solicit opinion from all of its members and will
communicate its strongly worded recommendations to National Assembly.
Next day, the PAC announced that it has decided to tell the parliament
about the Supreme Court registrars refusal to appear before the committee
and send a reference to the legislative house to decide his fate. The PAC had
summoned Dr Faqir Hussein to explain courts position against audit
objections raised by auditor general of Pakistan.
On 21st December, the Supreme Court ordered the government to
issue notifications for the appointment of Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui as a
permanent judge and Noor-ul-Haq N Qureshi as an additional judge of the
Islamabad High Court with effect from the date of expiry of earlier
notifications of their appointment. The bench ruled that both the President
and the prime minister cannot use their discretionary powers on the matter of
appointment of Judges in the higher judiciary. While ordering notifications,
the Supreme Court did not touch on the reference the President had filed.
A number of senior lawmakers of the ruling PPP in the Senate stressed
the need to bar the judges of the superior courts from having dual nationality
and sought the names of the dual nationality holding judges, if any. A
member from the opposition side also endorsed the demand of the treasury
benches. They contended when neither dual nationality holders could
become members of the parliament, nor could they join civil service and
armed forces, no Pakistani having dual nationality should become a judge of
the superior courts.
Recessing economy: On 17th December, the Supreme Court (SC)

has said that the current CNG prices will remain unchanged until December
20. The court summoned ten-year record of CNG's average price, subsidy
and the difference in prices for domestic and industrial consumers. The
Petroleum Ministry had proposed the price of Rs78 per kg for region-1 and
Rs70 for region-2. However, Ogra recommended taking up the CNG prices
to Rs74 in region-1 and Rs65 in region-2.
Next day, rejecting a CNG pricing method put up by the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Resources, the Cabinets Economic Coordination
Committee formed yet another sub-committee to draw up a practicable gas
pricing formula taking input from all the stakeholders. The body would turn
up with its report in the next ECC meeting for final approval.
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On 20th December, the Supreme Court reserved ruling on CNG pricing

after hearing the arguments of all the parties. The court observed that five
years elapsed but the CNG stations owners failed to meet the conditions
stipulated in their licence, adding that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
should have cancelled such licences. Hafiz Idrees, counsel for All Pakistan
CNG Association, asked the court to fix the CNG price at Rs73 per kg.
Justice Jawwad remarked: Fixing price is the job of Ogra or the government
and the court will not intervene in their domain.
Abid Hassan Manto, appearing on behalf of Sui Northern Gas
Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), argued that the companies only supplies gas to
the consumers at the tariff fixed by the government. He said that theft was a
small component of the gas goes unaccounted (UFG) for billing, adding that
rotten pipelines was a bigger reason for UFG.
Talking to the media outside the Supreme Court, CNG Association
chairman Ghayas Paracha demanded the reopening of 700 gas stations
closed by the authorities. He also called for the reduction in the duration of
gas load shedding. He said that the CNG association was not suggesting
prices to Ogra but informing it about expenses.
Next day, maintaining the CNG prices fixed on October 25, the
Supreme Court on ordered the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to come up
with a consumer-friendly pricing formula quickly after consulting all the
stakeholders. The court pointed out that the price of CNG increased from
Rs33 per kg in 2008 to Rs95 in 2012, adding the pricing structure included
exorbitant additional charges, affecting millions of people.
Prime Minister approved the much-awaited Strategic Trade Policy
Framework (STPF) 2012-2015 and directed the Ministry of Commerce to
present it for final confirmation of the cabinet. Salient features of the policy
comprise Institutional interventions, export development initiatives and
regulatory amendments. The prime minister also approved a budget
allocation of Rs5 billion for the Ministry of Commerce. He directed the
Finance Division to submit a summary to the cabinet for streamlining Export
Development Funds so that its proceeds could be utilized for promotion of
exports.
Provincial disharmony: On 18th December, Shahbaz Sharif said

that provincial governments power generation projects at Nandipur and
Chicho ki Mullian could not be made functional due to hurdles created by
the federal government. He accused the federal government of creating
hurdles and being discriminatory against the Punjab government.
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Baloch militancy: On 18th December, three people, including a

deputy director of Balochistan Public Relations Department and two
policemen were gunned down and another was wounded in an incident of
sectarian killing in Quetta. Next day, Quetta police found three dumped
bodies, including of two women, from different areas of the city.
The legislators of Balochistan Assembly tabled a no-trust motion
against Speaker Muhammad Aslam Bhootani which was accepted for debate
after voting. Bhootani had refused to chair the assembly session after
Supreme Court in its October 12 interim order ruled that the provincial
government had lost its constitutional authority due to its failure to protect
life and property of the citizens.
Balochistan Assembly Secretary Zahoor Ahmed Baloch said that notrust motion against the Speaker is against the rules. Addressing a hurriedly
called press conference at his office, he said that a sudden change was
brought in the agenda of the day and he was given notice of Bhootanis
suspension.
On 20th December, at least three passengers were shot dead and
another sustained injures when gunmen attacked two passenger buses in
Machh area of Kachi district. Two coaches were heading towards Lahore
from Quetta when armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire on them with
sophisticated weapons.
Chief Justice, hearing Balochistan law and order case, observed that
provincial government had done nothing to protect lives of the people under
Article 9 of the Constitution and the courts October 12 interim order was
proving true. The Supreme Court inquired from the counsel for provincial
government and the advocate general that could they not find out any
solution to Balochistan law and order issue politically. Advocate General
Balochistan admitted that earlier the law and order situation in the province
was not good but some improvement had been witnessed when the apex
court took up the case.
The court was informed that 18 missing people were recovered since
the last hearing by the court and out of them six were recovered after paying
ransom. The CJP said it was surprising that despite presence of so many law
enforcement agencies, the missing persons could not be recovered and the
abductees were being released after paying huge amounts as ransom. The
CJP said they were interested in recovery of missing persons according to
the list submit in the court.
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The Home Secretary Balochistan informed the court that a new lot of
15 DMG officers and 40 officers from Police Service of Pakistan had been
appointed at various departments of the province, which would help improve
law and order situation. Hearing of the case was adjourned till January 14.
Chief Justice, hearing the Reko Diq case, said additional documents
were used to tamper with the original form of the mining agreement. The
chief justice inquired as to what issues sprang up after the passing of several
years that new documents had to be released. Counsel for the TCC, Khalid
Anwar, in his arguments stated that the BHP Company had not done
anything unlawful, nor had it pressurized anyone for signing the joint
agreement. Anwar added that Balochistan governor had given permission for
the agreement.
The counsel said it was not the Balochistan government, but the BHP,
which was being plundered as it had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars
for mineral exploration. The chief justice remarked as to what was the need
and the basis to sign the Reko Diq agreement. He added that from 1993 to
2000, no issues had been reported in the Reko Diq agreement. He questioned
as to what issues sprang up now that new documents had to be issued.
Next day, eleven people, aspiring to reach European countries via Iran
for a bright future, were shot dead in Gwadar district near the Iran border.
The incident took place in Sursant, a mountainous area in Gwadar district,
when armed men opened fire on them. The assailants managed to escape.
Meanwhile, bullet-riddled bodies of two kidnapped passengers were
recovered from Bolan district.
On 23rd December, at least five people, including a policeman were
killed and a passer-by sustained injuries in three separate firing incidents in
Kuchlak, Quetta and Chaman. Next day, five people including four security
men were killed in different bomb and gun attacks. Three people, including
two personnel of Balochistan Constabulary (BC) were shot dead in two
separate incidents of firing in Quetta, while two personnel of Frontier Corps
(FC) were killed and four others wounded in two separate armed and bomb
attacks in Mashkey and Hub.
On 25th December, one personnel of Frontier Corps was killed and
two others wounded while several militants were killed in Awaran district
after FC carried out a search operation against Baloch militants. Baloch
National Movement (BNM) claimed a huge operation was carried out in
Awaran.
603
Next day, Balochistan Assembly members removed speaker

Muhammad Aslam Bhootani from his position by approving a no-trust
motion with an overwhelming majority. The motion against Bhootani was
moved on Dec 19 after he refused to chair any session of the house until the
status of the provincial government becomes clear that became doubtful with
Supreme Court ruling that the government has lost its mandate because of its
perpetual failure to protect life and property of citizen.
On 27th December, two officials of the countrys secret agencies were
shot dead in Satellite Town area of Quetta. According to police, armed men
riding a motorbike opened fire at the officials; resultantly, they sustained
serious wounds and were shifted to a hospital where they succumbed to their
injuries.
Next day, three people were killed, including a policeman and another
wounded in firing incident in Panjgur district. In an unprecedented and
unexpected move that is being considered as activism of NAB, its Chairman
took notice of a matter of open showing of votes by members of the
provincial assembly (MPAs) of Balochistan during secret balloting for
adopting no-confidence motion against speaker of the assembly. Chairman
NAB has instructed the Director General NAB, Balochistan to submit a
report within seven days on the entire episode.
On 29th December, at least four police officials, including an assistant
sub inspector, were gunned down and another received serious wounds when
armed men ambushed a police van in the Satellite Town area of Quetta. A
police party was on its routine patrol duty in the Ghousabad area within the
jurisdiction of Satellite Town police when two armed men on a motorbike
sprayed a volley of bullets on it.
Next day, at least 19 Shia pilgrims were killed in a car-bomb attack in
Mastung district. Four women were among the 25 others who sustained
wounds in the attack on a caravan on Quetta-Taftan Highway, some 40
Kilometres from the provincial capital. The pilgrims hailed from Lahore,
Jang, Rahim Yar Khan, Khaniwal and other districts of Punjab.
A spokesman of a militant organization Jesh al-Islami called media
offices and claimed responsibility for the attack. Hazara Democratic Party,
Tahfuz Azadari Council and Shia Ulema Council (SUC) have strongly
condemned the barbaric incident and announced three day morning.
Turf war in Karachi: On 17th December, MQM legislator Waseem

Akhtar uttered derogatory remarks against Supreme Court judges, saying if
604
they would indulge in politics, his party would respond in similar manner. If
judges are interested in giving political remarks, they should resign and
contest elections, he said, adding, MQM would reject any biased decision
of court and Altaf would respond to contempt notice after consultation.
Fasihur Rehman Khan reported: The match seemed fixed, but the
timing spilled the beans. At the end of Mondays not so boring sitting in the
National Assembly, Altaf Bhais comrade Waseem Akhtar started bashing
the judiciary under the wrap of the democratic right of fair comment,
playing hide and seek with words through high and low tone, cautioning the
judiciary on its recent contempt notice to the MQM supremo, maintaining at
the same time, that the party would adopt legal course as well.
And it took just 15 minutes for Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi,
in soft tone and after several eye contacts with the meekly smiling Law
Minister Farook Naek to realize that the Muttahida firebrand had used
some objectionable words that needed to be expunged. But before Kundi
could utter his final words, a tactful Law Minister Naek had already swung
into action. First, he quoted the constitutional clause and then rules of
business, making the deputy speaker realize that it was his call to ascertain
the matter. And Mr Kundi did it as expected hushed up the matter under
the garb of the rules, satisfying the MQM legislator as well, and suddenly it
was business as usual. The purpose was well served.
This is how the allies PPP, MQM go hand in hand. In Sindh, and
in the killing fields of Karachi, they, or some affiliate militant wings, maybe
up against each others throats, but in politics they are glued to each other:
maybe for the next five years, minus unexpected near future events
Supreme Court Bar Association chief Mian Israrul Haq and former
president Asma Jahangir opined that Altaf Hussain must appear before the
Supreme Court instead of protesting. Interacting with a group of reporters
on LHC premises, Asma Jahangir said that respecting the judiciary was
mandatory; however the justices should use the contempt of court law
judiciously and such remarks that could lead to turmoil in the country
shouldnt be made.
Farooq Sattar ruled out party chief Altaf Hussains appearance before
the Supreme Court citing serious threats to his life. He said Altaf Hussain
faces serious threats to his life in Pakistan. We always have discouraged
him (Altaf Hussain) from coming backwe cant take this risk, said
Farooq Sattar.
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Chief Election Commissioner removed Sono Khan Baloch from the

post of Sindh Election Commissioner. He has been posted as Director
General Budget in Election Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad. PML-N,
PML-F, JI, PTI, JUI-F, Sunni Tehreek, JUP-Noorani and nationalists of
Sindh had demanded his removal.
Next day, Altaf Hussain directed his party workers and leaders to calm
down and do not agitate against judiciary. In a statement released from
MQM London secretariat, Altaf Hussain said the party leaders and
supporters must respect judiciary. Altaf further said that he did not want any
supporter to go in the apex court because he respected the court and did not
seek any conflict.
MQM decided to file review petition, challenging the Supreme
Courts verdict regarding delimitation of constituencies in Karachi.
According to MQMs lawyer Barrister Farogh Naseem, the review petition is
being prepared which would be filed within next two days. The apex court in
its verdict had directed the ECP to delimit the existing constituencies.
On 19th December, the MQM demanded that a new census be
conducted within a month, and that work on delimitations should begin
subsequently. MNA Iqbal Qadri presented the resolution on the behalf of his
party in National Assembly, which was chaired by Deputy Speaker Faisal
Karim Kundi.
The Supreme Court sought the full text of MQM MNA Wasim
Akhtars speech that he delivered in the National Assembly three days ago.
The MNA criticized the Supreme Court in his speech during the session,
following the court issued a contempt of court notice to MQM chief Altaf
Hussain, for using derogatory language against judges.
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan excused himself from representing Altaf
Hussain in the contempt of court case. Ahsan said he could not take the case
due to the fact that Chief Justice was on the bench hearing the case. He said
that during the Lawyers Movement he had pledged that he would not
appear before a bench headed by the Chief Justice.
Next day, the ECP announced to go by its previous decision on the
delimitation of constituencies in Karachi in pursuance of a Supreme Court
judgment, even though a powerful coalition government partner is
vehemently opposing the delimitation drive. Despite day-long deliberations
the ECP and the MQM could not reach on an amicable solution. Later, the
ECP stated having asked the political stakeholders with their consent to
606
submit their written inputs regarding any desired changes to be made out of
delimiting constituencies.
The MQMs senior central leader Dr Farooq Sattar, who showed up
for the yesterdays meeting, strongly opposed the contemplated delimitation
process demanding that the electoral constituencies be demarcated across
Pakistan and not in the Karachi alone. He even went to term the delimitation
drive as being tantamount to depriving the MQM of its vote bank in
Karachi.
On 21st December, an activist of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and an
activist of MQM were among four shot dead in separate acts of violence in
the City. On 23rd December, at least 10 people, among them political workers
and a policeman, fell prey to ongoing violence in the city. in one incident as
many as nine people were wounded when a bike-borne duo lobbed a hand
grenade on Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police Quarters, where job seekers had
lined up to submit their documents.
On 24th December, ten more people were killed and several others
injured in continued spate of violence in different localities of the city.
Meanwhile, MQM filed two separate review petitions at the Supreme Court
against its orders of delimitation of constituencies in Karachi. The petitions
filed by Farooq Sattar and Farogh Naseem at the Karachi Registry of apex
court stated that redrawing boundaries of the constituencies was illegal,
and that it could not be done without census and house count in the city.
Next day, at least 21 people, including six companions of Maulana
Orangzaib Farooqi, leader of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), banned
Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistans new name) were gunned down in sectarian
violence. The ASWJ announced strike for tomorrow against the attack. The
attackers managed to flee along with their injured men.
On 26th December, the strike call given by Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat
against the attack on Maulana Orangzaib Farooqi, was observed partially in
the City. Miscreants resorted to indiscriminate firing in different areas of the
City and left some six people wounded to make the strike successful. Next
day, two political workers were among three people gunned down in
separate acts of violence.
On 28th December, three people were killed in separate incidents in
the city. Next day, younger son of the slain DSP was killed and another son
wounded in a targeted attack in Quaidabad area. Their father was killed on
sectarian basis. Apparently, they were also attacked in the same manner.
Earlier, a worker of the MQM was shot dead in Orangi Town.
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On 30th December, three people, including a prayer leader of a

mosque, were gunned down in separate acts of violence in the city.
Meanwhile, Ansar Burney urged that government should arrest the alleged
murderer who belongs to Sindh's most influential and landlord Talpur
family. Burney, however, complained that national media was not playing its
due role in getting the murderer arrested in this particular case.
VIEWS
Power politics
Will Nawaz Sharif win? Historically, the context of specific time
and age in politics is of vital importance. Todays Pakistan is in a whirlpool
of immense political change. Indeed, it would be wrong to judge Sharifs
leadership unfairly - but, it is just the irony of time. There are too many ifs
and buts associated with traditional political leadership these days in
contemporary Pakistan. And that explains why Mian Nawaz Sharif will face
tough going for a top leadership slot in the forthcoming national elections!
Traditional political leadership is out of the loop of our times! (Dr
Haider Mehdi, TheNation 18th December)
Treading the brink: Sociologically, the people of Pakistan have
been reduced to fragments. Despite democracy, the ruling elites deny them a
say in policies. Most political parties have drenched them in narrow selfserving propaganda and slogans that least serves to keep the interests of the
state alive. As a recent trend, the NGOs and foreign funded organizations
have proliferated to frame themes and images against the notion of
nationalism and carry out attrition of the civil society.
The people of Pakistan are caught between the intolerant agenda of
terrorists, an undetermined agenda of religious parties, ethnicity,
parochialism and dictates of clans, feudal lords and self-serving political
parties. Most, there is a dearth and absence of charismatic and honest
leadership capable of setting hearts to fire in the name of patriotism bringing
the focus back to the country. Pakistans power edifice right now lacks the
fleeting opportunity of national character and morale crucial to jumpstart
the national power.
In the absence of a cohesive and synergized national counter-terrorism
policy, enforcement and persecution, the law enforcement agencies continue
to fight their lonely wars at a huge cost against the backdrop of a death waltz
608
played in the corridors of higher direction of conflict. As a result, criminals

apprehended in combat situations go Scot free before a judiciary operating
on peace time procedures. Similarly, the local administration of violenceridden centres are not trained, organized and equipped to deal with the
unending wave of urban terrorism.
It is mind boggling that given the general perception that the military
controls the national policy making, why an all-encompassing policy with a
credible civilian and judicial overhang remains elusive? Why has the
government been hesitant to introduce legislations that strengthen its
counter-terrorism efforts? The answer can again be found in the memo-gate
scandal that has gone off the headlines, intrusive Kerry-Lugar bill and
proliferation of foreign presence through aids and grants. Any counterterrorism legislation extends the writ of the armed forces and law
enforcement agencies beyond the interests of outside powers and local
political actors.
The present government living its twilight is about to hand over a very
unstable political economy to the caretakers. The buzzword is neither play
nor let others play. How would the interim dispensation contend with the
myriads of issues and yet conduct a free and fait election is the question to
contend with?
As mentioned in the same pages many years ago, the ultimate targets
are Punjab that contributes the major portion of the armed forces and where
the perception of nationalism eclipses parochialism. A strong army still
remains the guarantor of Pakistans nuclear capability and, therefore, the
integrity of the country; the biggest challenge to crippling Pakistan. But
countries need something more important than strong armies. They need
charismatic and selfless leaders to guide the ship out of troubled waters.
(Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNation 20th December)
Criticism targeted more at Qadri than his agenda: Dr Tahirul
Qadris demands made at a huge public meeting here on Sunday have started
a debate across the country. The methodology he has given to save Pakistanwhich he likened to a sinking ship - is quite thought-provoking. But,
unfortunately, many parties have offered adverse comments about it without
giving it a serious thought.
They preferred to criticize Dr Qadri because they did not like the man
for various reasons, and not because there was anything objectionable in
what he had come up with. For them the real irritant is the Tehrik Minhajul
Quran chairman and because of him whatever he is saying
609
Before analyzing the rationale, or lack of it, of the criticism some

important parties have made, lets go through some important points of Dr
Qadris speech, which have not been taken notice of. In the reactions given
by various political parties, nobody has bothered to appreciate Dr Qadris
gesture that a call to his supporters abroad may rid the country of all
outstanding loans of the IMF and the World Bank in just six months.
These loans are a serious problem for the country and the periodical
interest paid on them takes away a major portion of the national budget. And
after these installments another major chunk goes to the defence sector,
leaving negligible amounts to improve the lot of the 180 million people of a
nuclear state.
Superfluous to point out that the present rulers have only added to the
burden of foreign loans. They broke all records of domestic and foreign
loans. About Rs3 billion notes are printed every day, as a result of which
inflation is very high. Important state institutions like the PIA, Pakistan
Railways, Pakistan Steel, Wapda and gas sectors have successfully been
destroyed thanks to rampant corruption
Theres nothing wrong in demanding that members of parliament
should be honest, sagacious and ameen. This is a constitutional
requirement and its enforcement in letter and spirit should not be objected to.
Has Dr Qadri committed an offence by pointing out how fake degree
holders, removed by the apex court, were brought back to parliament by
various parties?
Is it not true that most of the legislators did not file their income tax
returns and thus have no right to sit in parliament?
What offence did the TMQ chief commit by quoting the NAB
chairman that corruption of up to Rs15 billion is being committed every day
and that there is a serious need to take the corrupt to task?
Now, lets discuss what reactions have various parties come up with
and why. Central Punjab PPP President Manzoor Wattoo has rejected Dr
Qadris demands as inappropriate, absurd and uncalled for.
There couldnt be a more inappropriate comment. Everyone knows
how honest the PPP leaders and lawmakers are. Many party leaders will
stand disqualified if the constitutional provisions regarding election
candidates are strictly implemented.
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The reputation of the leaders is known to many. Allegations of various

kinds are pending against many leaders. There is nothing wrong in seeking a
role for the judiciary and the army in the finalization of the interim setup
comprising honest people. But such a role will not be acceptable to the PPP
and even the PML-N because many of their favourites will not be able to
get a role.
The PML-N is perhaps more critical of Dr Qadri. The criticism has a
background, which many people are aware of. There was a time when Qadri
was the most respected leader for the PML-N leadership, but now he is the
most hated person.
The PML-N is critical of the TMQ chief because they know if his
demands are accepted, the partys return to power at the country level would
be delayed for some time and this is not tolerable for them.
A party which has compromised its principles and is accepting all
time-tested turncoats to its ranks only to brighten up its prospects for power
cant be expected to welcome any idea which keeps them away from power
for some more time.
Some PML-N leaders have asked Dr Qadri to tell where the millions
spent on the media campaign had come from. The question shows that they
dont give much importance to some clarifications made by him on oath at
the start of his speech on Sunday.
As a Muslim the PML-N leaders should not allege that Dr Qadri had
been brought to Pakistan to obstruct Nawaz Sharifs return to power.
As for suggestions that Dr Qadri should take part in politics to be able
to bring about the changes he is calling for, such leaders should bear in mind
that this was exactly what the TMQ chief was trying to point out that most
of those in parliament are not delivering. And something that can be done
before the polls should not be deferred till tomorrow. MQM leader Altaf
Hussain congratulated Dr Qadri for his successful meeting and assured him
of unconditional cooperation to implement the revolutionary programme.
However, it is not clear to what extent the assurance is reliable.
The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf supported the agenda but said it should
be implemented after the polls.
Imran Khan said delay in holding the elections would be disastrous.
Frankly speaking, the PTI is not fully prepared to take part in
elections. It doesnt have enough candidates for all seats at the federal and
611
provincial levels. But it has been demanding elections so consistently that

now it cannot afford to change its stand.
Observers say that in case the elections are delayed on any pretext, the
PTI will get more time to prepare for the exercise. (Ashraf Mumtaz,
Towards fair elections: Justice Ebrahims efforts to hold elections in
compliance with his mandate are, indeed, commendable and so is General
Kayanis readiness to make the services of army personnel available for the
elections to serve the interests of democracy and, of course, the country.
With four to five months yet to go before the country goes to the polls,
settling the preliminaries at this stage (like ensuring militarys help in
conducting fair elections) also gives strong hope that the elections would
take place in time and not be delayed on one pretext or the other. One would
fervently wish that the vested interests who are trying to create doubts in the
minds of the people about the timely holding of elections by introducing
bizarre ideas would not succeed in their mission. (Editorial, TheNation 28 th
December)
A rally and an oath: If Dr Qadris demand was accepted,
Makhdoom Ahmad Mehmoods chances of prolonging his stay in office
increase. Though Dr Qadri himself feels the process of investigating the
candidates can be completed in the 90 days constitutionally prescribed for
the holding of elections. There is generally an opinion that this process
would require some time, which would allow President Zardari to remain in
office, along with his personal representatives in the provinces, the
governors.
However, while there is a need for reform, there is an equally strong
commitment to holding elections on time, probably because not all potential
participants want it postponed, particularly the PML-N, which hopes the
PPPs poor performance will lead it back into power. (M A Niazi,
Asghar Khan to Tahirul Qadri: Recently, Dr Tahirul Qadri
disclosed his agenda to reform the rotten lot of politicians within three
weeks. Otherwise, he would lead a four million march of his supporters and
followers to Islamabad to demolish Zardaris citadel like Mohammad
Morsi did in Egypt. Also, he hoped, the army would willingly support his
movement as it did when Nawaz Sharif threatened to march towards
Islamabad for the restoration of the judiciary.
612
Dr Qadri, however, is mistaken as he has lived too long outside

Pakistan to correctly judge the peoples desire. They do want change, but
through a democratic process. And that change is in the offing, as the
caretaker government will be established, perhaps, in the next two months.
He is, in fact, suggesting a Bangladesh model and, undoubtedly, some of our
political parties are ready to buy into the charade that he is conducting.
Keeping in view Dr Qadris agenda, I was reminded of Air Marshal
(retd) Asghar Khans role in 1977 that paved the way for military takeover. It
is very interesting to read the contents of Asghars letter to General Ziaul
Haq and the reasons put forward by him that sound so similar though not so
scholarly as Dr Qadri
Asghar rejoiced when Bhutto was hanged and made a horrible
example for others. Whose head Dr Qadri is now demanding? He seems to
be on the wrong side of history in his demand to save the country and not
politics. Pakistan came into being as a result of the political movement
launched by Quaid-i-Azam. In 1971, Pakistan used military power to correct
the political split, but failed. Apparently, there is no other option than to
follow the path the nation has set for itself, i.e. free and fair elections, so that
the new democratic order takes its corrective course to remove the scars of
the present order. (General Aslam Beg, 29th December)
Hijacking the revolution: There are serious problems with the
prescription that Tahirul Qadri is bandying about all over the place these
days. His slogan of changing the system is all very well, and his diagnosis of
the problems stunting democratic governance and perpetuating the status
quo is fairly accurate. At the same time, these ideas are not new and they
have been propounded by other political parties and writers for years. In
fact, there are political parties that have actually done something about these
problems and helped in reforming the system instead of issuing
unreasonable ultimatums. On the other hand, Tahirul Qadris charade against
the ills of the present system comes across more as an excuse that he would
like to use to disrupt elections that are now just around the corner. What give
the game away are the solutions he has to offer and his methodology. The
concoction used to kill mice is 99 percent food and one percent poison.
While Tahirul Qadri might be saying all the right things, it is the one percent
poison that we should focus on: the operative part of his agenda for change
that hes landed from Canada with.
It doesnt take a political visionary to come up with the critique of the
system presented by Tahirul Qadri, a cleverly executed cut-and-paste
613
exercise that pieces together issues raised by various political parties as well
as the democracy-discourse in the electronic and print media. While debate
on the problems of democracy has contributed towards a more discerning
electorate, various political initiatives have led to at least some of the muchneeded reforms in the system
Even the established political parties in the parliament that are
criticized for much of what is wrong with our democracy have taken
important steps for making elections more credible Imran Khan who, for
years, has been saying the things that have suddenly dawned upon Tahirul
Qadri, has gone around the country mobilizing opinion on these issues,
creating alternative policy and organizing a party around modern democratic
ideals. While criticizing the system, he has worked within the constitution to
improve it, and his party cadre is gearing up for national elections to bring
about a change in line with the partys ideals. Contrast this with Tahirul
Qadris rapid revolution, to be brought about by a horde with no political
background, clueless about how the system is supposed to change and in
what way, looking up to their leader as a messiah descended from the skies.
How is that different from the workers brought to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh for
the crowning of Bilawal? How does Tahirul Qadri hope to change things in
alliance with the MQM that has been a part of every government and
represents the status quo more than any other political party, regardless of its
anti-feudal rhetoric?
Of course, theres nothing wrong with a political party wishing to
change the system, even the constitution. The problem with Tahirul Qadris
call to arms is that it bypasses the political process and threatens to hijack a
raised public consciousness to unknown and chaotic ends. (Jalees Hazir,
Rule of law
What is behind NAB chiefs statements on corruption? It may
have been an effort to boost the image of his subdued organization or ward
off an immediate threat to his office, but National Accountability Bureau
Chief Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari is definitely in the eye of the storm these
days looking for a quick fix to control the damage as his recent
brinkmanship on the massive corruption figures has put him at odds with the
PPP-led federal government.
Critics of the admiral as well as his subordinates within the NAB have
their own views when it comes to a pinching question as to what forced
614
Bokhari to launch his media drive to level allegations of corruption against

the PPP government after keeping quiet for more than a year.
The NAB chairman had recently given a statement that Rs7 billion
were being lost daily in government-related corruptionWho could
possibly be behind the scheme if the NAB chief is suspected of being part of
it? Can they be some elements of the establishment? Information Minister
Qamar Zaman Kaira, while reacting to the remarks of the chairman
regarding corruption, told journalists after a cabinet meeting, a couple of
days ago, that as general elections were around the corner, everyone could
realize the motive behind this campaign. So who could possibly be behind
the scheme if the NAB chief is suspected of being part of some conspiracy?
Independent observers, however, say the NAB chairman, through his
public statements one after the other, has tried to give an impression that the
existence of the bureau is very necessary as corruption is ruling the roost in
every government department. They say, perhaps, the NAB chief has tried to
prove the need of the NAB when he might be facing some kind of threat
from somewhere to the present setup of the bureau.
A prevailing view among the NAB officials is that the government
was going to wrap up the present setup of NAB through an executive order
as a result of which the incumbent chairman stood automatically removed.
And this is the reason that forced Fasih Bokhari to give public statements
mentioning corruption figures. We have heard that the government wanted
to close the present setup of the NAB through an executive order replacing it
with the new one without any legislation, a senior officer of the NAB said
on the condition of anonymity, adding it would be unconstitutional if
structural changes were made in the bureau without legislation.
The government has already worked on a national accountability
commission bill and wants to move it with the consensus of the major
opposition party in the National Assembly, PML-N.
Senior brass of NAB also believes the government wants to remove
the present NAB chief along with all of his advisors. It is a matter of fact
that the procedure for the removal of the NAB chairman is the same that has
been described for the removal of a judge of the superior judiciary under the
Constitution, and the government would have to file a reference against him.
However, a source in the ruling PPP said Bokhari enjoyed good
relations with the incumbent government and both were playing a cat and a
mouse game. He said the statement of the NAB chief that the Punjab
government shared 65 percent responsibility for the total corruption figures
615
was self-explanatory that Bokhari had no issues with the federal

government. Another reason, he added, the chairman had welcomed the
cabinet committee formed to probe the figures of massive corruption even
though it was tantamount to challenging the authority of the NAB chief.
The government always looked comfortable with Bokhari as the NAB chief
while the Supreme Court always showed its reservations over the
performance of the bureau in several cases, he asserted. (Imran Mukhtar,
REVIEW
The Saint and the Scoundrel, the Dons of power politics, struck back
at Pir Pagara who had recently held a big anti-regime rally at Hyderabad.
Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood was seduced to divorce PML-F to enter
Governor House of Punjab; so a Makhdoom preferred to be Zardaris jiyala.
Zardaris coalition partner, Altaf Hussain the Scoundrel in Exile,
having ridiculed the Judiciary enough over the issue of delimitation of
constituencies ordered his gang to observe ceasefire. This was due to second
thought about the strategy for defying the courts orders; his legal counsels
advised him to fight inside the court and for that two petitions were filed.
Earlier he was served a contempt notice and he had said that he would
decide about appearing in the court personally only after consultations. His
party leaders, however, had declared that could not come to Pakistan for
security reasons. He and Husain Haqqani face life threats in Pakistan but are
quite secure in safe heavens of London and Washington respectively.
On December 23, Tahir-ul-Qadri staged a come-back and held the
biggest public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. It was the same venue where
Imrans PTI had taken off after years of taxiing around. His show rang alarm
bells in corridors of status quo forces, which reacted by raising questions
about funding of such a grand rally. PTI was linked to establishment and
dubbed as ISIs child.
Tahirs charge on to forces of status quo also caused serious
concerns to them. Tahir talked straight to these corrupt and exploitive forces
and gave them a deadline to bring changes in the system so that participation
of all the stake holders is ensured.
He being a flamboyant and firebrand speaker sparked bush fire in the
dry wasteland of the Parliamentary Democracy. The corrupt forces that have
turned it into wasteland reacted in a familiar way by raising questions about
616
funding of the event. With the courtesy of embedded media, Qadri was also
dubbed as baby of the establishment.
They made it convenient to ignore that Minahaj-ul-Quran was
running Islamic Centres in fifty countries. No one had ever asked questions
about funding of those centres and other activities of this organization.
Perhaps, it was taken for granted that those centres were also funded by ISI.
If tomorrow Mr Edhi speaks of toppling the status quo forces, he too
would be dubbed as ISI stooge. These power-drunk forces will forget that
Edhi has proudly said several times that he was running the largest fleet of
ambulances in the world which is entirely funded by the people of his
country and he had declined many offers of foreign funding.
Not only that, the people of this country has always reacted fast and
generously in the wake of wars and natural calamities. When it comes to
bringing a change that could provide relief of any kind, the people of
Pakistan have always been on the forefront.
Under the prevalent political dispensation they are completely fed-up
and are on the look out for someone who could provide them relief by
getting them out of the claws of this unjust and cruel system. Hence, there
should be no doubt that a large number of people are funding Imran and
Tahir hoping that they would do what they had been vowing for.
The question of funding is raised by the vested interests with the
intention of demonizing those who are considered a threat to their hold. If
ISI is funding all these, the question arises about the sources of income of
the agency. Who is funding the ISI? What Mr Chun and his PAC have done
to trace out the Reko Diq gold mine of the agency?
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was coronated on the fifth death anniversary
of his mother on 27th December. Next day, Saleem Safi made some valid
observations on Geo TV. He said that the occasion had touch of a
ceremony celebration rather than a death anniversary. There was no
wailing or shedding of tears, but husband and the son of the deceased lady
were seen bearing ear-to-ear smiles. He also noted that Bilawal has been
coronated only after all the ill-effects of his western education about
democracy had been washed out.
He seemed to have been well-groomed about Pakistani politics of
mud-slinging as he started with his fathers favourite lines and warned the
chief Qazi of the country to remain in his shows and better spare time for
hearing Bhutto case rather than trying to rule the country.
617
Safi was right in predicting that Bilawal will be used for election
campaign during which he will be speaking the language of bi-polar mind
of his father while aping the tone and style of his mother and her father.
31st December, 2012

PART FOUR
Third Chapter of this volume included Robaiyat and Ghazalein from
Payam-i-Mashriq. This chapter contains some other poetical works chosen
from the same book which address the humanity urging a change befitting
the best of creations of the Creator.
The message is from the East which has been conceived by Allamah
Mohammad Iqbal, who was a practicing Muslim. Therefore, the contents of
this message ought to be derived from his faith and that could be felt in
almost in every poetical composition. All the works included herein have
been translated in English by M Hadi Hussain
THE CONQUEST OF NATURE
Milad-e-Adam (The Birth of Man)
Naarah zad ishq keh khoonein jigarey paida shoud, hosn larzeid keh
sahib-e-nazari paida shoud.
[Ishq ney naarah boland kiya keh eik khoonein jigar paida ho gaya hai,
hosn sharma gaya keh sahib-e-nazar aponcha.]
Heres one with a bleeding heart, rang abroad Loves joyous cry. Beauty
trembled and said, Look! Heres one with a seeing eye.
618

Fitrat ashoft keh az khak-e-jahan-e-majboor, khod-garey, khod shikney,
khod nigrey paida shoud.
[Fitrat chein bachein hoeyi keh (iss) jahan-e-majboor ki khak sey aisi baikhtiyar hasti wajood mein aeyi jo apney aap ka shaor rakhhti hai, jo apney
aap ko torr kar naey sery sey bana sakti hai.]
Nature was surprised to see from its passive dust appear, all of a sudden, one
who was of himself maker. breaker, seer.

Khabrey raft z-gardoon beh shabastan-e-azal, hazar ay pardagyan
pardah darey paida shoud.
[Asman sey shabastan-e-azal takk yeh khabar ponhchi, pardon mein rehney
walo! Hoshiyar ho jao! Pardey chaak kar deyney wala aa moujood hoa.]
Whispers traveled all the way from Eden to Nights dark abode: Look out,
veiled ones; here comes one who will tear up every shroud.

Aarzoo bikhabar az khwaish beh aaghosh-e-hayat, chashm wa kard-ojahan-e-digrey paida shoud.
[Aarzoo jo aaghosh-e-hayat mein apney aap sey bikhabar (soeyi) thhi, oss
ney ankh kholi aur eik naya jahan wajood mein agaya.]
Not yet self-aware, desire lay curled up in Beings lap. Opening its eyes, it
saw before it a new world unwrap.

Zindagi goft keh dar khak tapeidam hamah omar, ta azein gonbad-edireinah darey paida shoud.
[Zindagi ney kaha: Mien sari omar khak mein tarrapti rehi, tabb kaheen ja
kar iss poraney gonbad (asman) sey rastah paida hoa hai.]
619
Life exclaimed, O happy day! I writhed in dust aeon after aeon. Now has
opened at long last a door out of this ancient prison.
Inkar-e-Iblis (atans Refusal)
Noori nadaan neim sajdah beh Adam baram, oo beh nehaad ast khak-emun beh nazzad Aazram.
[Mien biwaqoof farishtah naheen hon keh Adam ko sajdah karon, woh
khaki nehaad hai aur mien paidaish kay lehaz sey Azar (aatishein) hon.]
I am no creature of mere light that I should bow to man. He is a base-born
thing of dust, and I am of fire born.

Mi tapeid az soz-e-mun khoon-e-rug-e-kainat, mun beh duo sadd saram
mun beh ghaw-e-tundaram.
[Meyrey soz sey kainat ki ruggon mein khoon josh marta hai, meyrey andar
baad-e-sarsar ki tezi aur toofan ki karrak hai.]
The blood in the veins of the world is lit up by my flame. The tearing speed
of wind is mine, and mine is thunders boom.

Raabtah-e-salmaat, zaabtah-e-Ommahat, sozam-o-saazey dihum aatash
meina-e-garam.
[Aitamon ki bahumi pokhtagi, quomon kay qawanin, inn sabb ko mien soz
deyta hon, mien woh aag hon jo (sharab ki) sorahi banati hai.]
I forge the atoms harmony, the elements concourse. I burn, but also shape: I
am the fire that makes the glass.

Sakhtah-e-khwaish ra dar shiknam raiz raiz, ta z-ghobar-e-kohan,
paikar-e-nau aawaram.
620
[Mien apney banaey hoey ko (khod he) torr kar raizah raizah kar deyta
hon, ta-keh porani cheezon kay ghobar sey niya paikar banaon.]
The things I make I break to bits and scatter in the dust, in order to create
new forms from fragments of those lost.

Az zow-e-mun moujah-e-charakh sakoon napazir, naqsh gar-rozgar, taabo-tabb-e- joharam.
[Charkh-e-gardan meyrey darya ki eik mouj hai, mien zamaney kay naqosh
banata hon mien oss kay johar ko taab-o-tabb atta karta hon.]
This restlessly revolving sky is a wave of my sea; and in my throbbing
substance dwells the shape of things to be.

Paikar-e-anjam z-Tou gardash-e-anjan z-mun, jan bajahan andaram,
zindagi mozmaram.
[Sitaron kay paikar Tou (Allah Taallah) ney banaey magar onn ki gardash
ka sabab mien hon, mien jahan ki jan hon, mien oss kay andar mozmar
zindagi hon.]
The stars bodies were made by You; I am their motive force.
I am the substances of the world. I am lifes primal source.

Tou babadan jan dehi, shor bajan mun dehum. Tou beh sakoon reh zanni,
mun beh tapash-e-rehbaram.
[Tou badan ko jan atta karta hai, mien jan mein shor paida karta hon. Tou
sakoon dey kar (Adam kay shouq-e-safar ki) rahzanni karta hai, mien ossey
tapash dey kar oss ki rahbari karta hon.]
The body draws its soul from you. But I arouse the soul. While You waylay
with blissful peace, I lead with actions call.

621
Mun z-tonak maegaan gadeih nakardam sajood, qahar-e-bi-dozakham,

dawar-e-bimehsharam.
[Mien ney onn kumzarfon (Farishton) sey sajdon ki bheik naheen mangi,
mien baghair dozakh kay qahar, aur baghair mehshar kay monsaf hon
(Iblis ney Allah Taalla per tunz ki hai).]
I never begged obedience of slaves who always pray. I rule without a hell: I
judge without a Judgement Day.

Adam-e-khaki nehaad, doon nazar-o-kum swaad, zaad dar aaghosh-eTou, pir shwad dar baram.
[Khaki sarasht Adam jo pust nazar aur kum hoslah hai, yeh paida tuo
Tommharey aaghosh mein hoa hai, magar omar raseidah meyrey pehloo
mein hoga.]
That low-born creature of earth, man, of mean intelligence, though born in
Your lap, will grow old under my vigilance.
Aghwa-e-Adam (The Temptation of Adam)
Zindagi soz-o-saaz beh z-sakoon dawaam, fakhtah shaheen shwad az

tapash-e-zir-e-daam.
[Sakoon-e-dawaam sey soz-o-saaz ki zindagi behtar hai, jaal kay andar
tarrap kar fakhtah shaheen bun jati hai.]
A life of struggle, strain and stress is better than eternal rest. When a dove
strains hard at its net, an eagles heart beats in its breast.

Haich nayaid z-tou ghair sajood-e-niaz, khaiz cho saro-e-boland, ay
biamal naram gaam.
622
[Yahan (bahisht mein) sawaey niazmandanah sajdon kay tojh sey aur
kochh bun naheen parrta, ay sost amal! Saro-e-boland ki tarah othh
khharra ho.]
O you are fit for nothing but abject obeisance like a slave. Like a tall cypress
stand erect, O you who do not act but crave.

Kausar-o-tasnim bord, az tou nishat-e-amal, gir z-meinaey taak baadahe-ainahfam.
[Jannat ki kausar-o-tasnim ney terey andar sey sargarm-e-amal honay ka
lotf khatam kar diya hai, angoor ki sorahi sey ainah ki manind shafaf
sharab ley.]
These streams of milk and honey have deprived you of the strength to act.
Come take a hearty draught of wine from the cup of the vine direct.

Zasht-o-niko zadah-e-vehum khudawand-e-tost, lazzat-e-kirdar gir, gaam
baneh, jooey kaam.
[Boraeyi aur naiki teyrey khuda kay vehum ki takhliq hai, amal ki lazzt sey
aashna ho, qadam othha, kaamyabi talash kar.]
Good and evil, virtue and sin, are myths created by your Lord. Come taste
the joy of action and go forth to seek your due reward.

Khaiz keh banamaimat, mumlikat-e-tazaheyi, chashm-e-jahan bein
kosha, behar tamasha khram.
[Othh! Mien tojhey eik naeyi momlikat dikhhaon, dunya ko dikhhney wali
ankh khhol aur dunya kay nazarey kay leay yahan sey nikal.]
Arise, for I will show to you the prospect of a whole new world. Unveil your
eyes and look around; go forth and see it all unfurled.

623
Qatrah-e-bimayaeyi gohar-e-tabindah shuo, az sar-e-gardoon bayaft, gir

badarya moqam.
[Tou bi-qimat qatrah hai, chamakdar moti bun, asman (bahisht) sey nichey
aa, darya mein moqam ikhtiyar kar (qatrah darya mein gir kar moti bun
jata hai.]
You are a tiny, worthless drop; become a shining, priceless pearl. Descend
from Edens halcyon heights and plunge into the life-streams swirl.

Taigh-e-drakhshindaheyi, jan jahaney gosal, johar-e-khod ra numa, ay
baroon az niyam.
[Tou chamakdar talwar hai, jahan ki jan nikaal, niyam sey bahar aa, apney
johar dikhhla.]
You are a brightly shining sword go dip into Creations heart. To prove your
mettle issue forth and from your scabbards bosom part.

Bazooey shaheen kosha, khoon-e-tadrawan baraiz, marg bowad baz ra,
zeistan andar konaam.
[Shaheen kay (sey mazboot) bazoo khhol, chirriyuon ka khoon baha, baz
kay ghhonsley mein baithh rehna zindagi naheen, mout hai.]
Unfold your eagle-wings and soar and shed the blood of timid quails. O for
an eagle it is death to live within its eyrie walls.

Tou nashanasi hanooz shouq bamirad z-wasal, cheist hayat-e-dawam,
sokhtan natamam,
[Tou abhi naheen samajhta, (daeymi) wasal sey shouq ki mout hai, hayat-edawam kaya hai? Mohabat mein her waqt jaltey rehna.]
You have not learnt this lesson yet; fulfilment dooms desire to death. You
know what is eternal life? To burn anew with each new breath.
624
:
Adam az bahisht bairoon amadah mi-goeyad
[Adam bahisht sey bahar nikal kar kehta hai.]
Adam Sings on His Exit from Paradise:

Chih khosh ast zindagi rah hamah soz-o-saaz kardan, dil koh-o-dasht-osehra badummey godaaz kardan.
[Sari zindagi ko soz-o-saaz bana leyna kaya khoob hai, koh-o-dasht-o-sehra
kay dil ko eik lehzah mein naram kar deyna, kaya baat hai.]
O what a joy it is to make ones life a constant, ardent glow! And with ones
breath make desert, hill and plain like molten metal flow!

Z-qafas darrey koshadan beh fazaey gulistaney, reh-e-asman nawardan
beh sitarah raaz kardan.
[Qafas (bahisht) ka darwazah khhol kar fazaey gulistan mein ajana, asman
ka rastah taey karna, sitaron sey raaz-o-niaz ki baatein karna.]
Open a door out of ones cage onto the gardens vast expanse! Roam in the
spaces of the sky, and tell the stars ones weal and woe.

Beh godaaz-haey penhan beh niaz-haey paida, nazrey ada shanasey
beharim naz kardan.
[(Dil kay) penhan soz aur (badan ki) zahari niazmandi (sajood) sey, (Allah
Taalla kay) harim-e-naz ko nazar-e-ada shanas sey dikhhna.]
With secret yearnings, open prayers, cast looks on Beautys seraglio!

Gehey joz yakkey nadeidan beh hajoom-e-lalah zaarey. gehey khaar naish
zann ra beh gul imtiaz kardan.
625
[Kabhi hajoom-e-lala zaar (kasrut)) mein sawaey wahdat kay aur kochh nah
dikhhna aur kabhi chobhney waley kantey aur (naram) phool mein imtiaz
karna.]
At times to see a single flower in the riot of a whole field, at other times tell
hurtful thorns from roses that in their midst blow!

Hamah soz natamamum, hamah dard-e-aarzooeym, bagoman dehum
yaqin ra keh shaheed-e-jostajooeym.
[Mien sar ta pa soz-e-natamam hon, mien sar ta pa dard-e-aarzoo hon,
mien yaqin dey kar goman leyta hon, kiyuokeh jostajoo per jan deyta hon
(naeyi cheezon ki daryaft, naeyi eijadaat ka shouq rakhhta hon).]
I burn in a slow-burning fire; I am an agonised desire. I give up faith for
living doubt; I seek, I question, I aspire.
:
Sobh-e-qiyamat: Adam dar Hazoor Bari (Taalla)
[Qiyamat ki sobh Adam Allah Taalla kay hazoor mein.]
Adam Sings on His Exit from Paradise:

Ay keh z-khurshid-e-tou kokab jan mostaniz, az dilam afrokhti shama-ejahan zarir.
[Ay woh zaat! jiss kay khurshid sey hamari rooh ka sitarah manawwar hai,
Aap ney iss andhey jahan (dunya) ki shamaa meyrey dil sey roshan ki.]
O You, who are the sun from whom the satellite of soul draws light, you
have made of my heart a lamp that keeps Your whole Creation bright.

Raikht honar-haey mun behar bayakk naaey aab, taishah-e-mun aaword
az jigar kharah shir.
[Meyri honarmandiyuon ney samandar ko eik nehar mein daal diya, meyrey
taishah ney paharr kay jigar sey doodh ki nehar nikali.]
626
I took Your ocean and poured it into canals made by my art. My pickaxe
rought forth streams of milk and honey from the mountains heart.

Zohrah gariftar-e-mun, mah parastar-e-mun, aqal kalan kaar-e-mun
behar jahan dar-o-gir.
[Zohrah meyra gariftar hai, chaand meyra parastar hai, meyri mohemjoo
aqal ney dunya ko aseer kar liya hai.]
The Moon is my devoted slave, and Venus is my worshipper. My
enterprising intellect has made me Natures conqueror.

Mun bazamin dar shodam, mun bafalak bar shodam, bostah-e-jadooey
mun zarrah-o-mehr-e-munir.
[Mien zamin kay andar gaya, mien asman kay ooper charrha, zarrah (kumzuo) ho ya chamakta soraj, sabb meyrey jadoo mein bundhey hoey hein.]
I delved into the depths of earth, and I soared the heights of the sky, the
mighty sun and tiny motes are all thralls of my sorcery.

Garchih fasoonash mera bord z-rah-e-sawab, az ghultam dargozar ozare-gonaham pazeer.
[Agarchih Shaitan ka afson mojhey naiki ki rah sey door ley gaya, meyri
ghulati moaf farma dejiey, meyra ozar qabool kejiey.]
I was deflected from the path of virtue by the Devils fraud. Forgive my
error and accept my humble penitence, O God:

Raam nagardad jahan tan neh fasoonash khoraim, joz beh kamand-e-niaz
naaz nagardad aseer.
[Jabb takk dunya kay fason mein nah aaein. yeh raam naheen hoti, naaz
ko sirf kamand-e-niaz he sey aseer kiya ja sakta hai.]
627
One cannot subjugate the world unless one yields to its allure; for Beautys
wild pride is not tamed until it falls into Loves snare.

Ta shwad az aah-e-garam ein bott-e-sangin godaz, bostan zannar-e-oo
bowad mera nagozir.
[Iss bott-e-sangin (dunya) ko apni aah-e-garam sey godaz karney kay leay,
oss ka zannar bandhna (oss ka qaidi hona) merey leay nagazir thha.]
In order to melt the heart of this stone god with a fervid sigh, I had to wear
his sacred thread as proof of my idolatry.

Aqal badaam aaword fitrat-e-chalak ra, Aharman shoala zaad sajdah
konad khak ra.
[Meyri aqal (Iblis ki) fitrat-e-chalak ko daam mein ley aeyi, aap ney
malahezah farmaya keh shoala-zaad Iblis ney (bilakhar) khaki Adam ko
sajdah kiya.]
Though Nature is ingenious, yet to intellect it falls a prey, and Ahriman, the
fireborn god, kneels down and worships mortal clay.
THE FRAGRANCE OF THE ROSE
Booey gul
Hoorey beh konj-e-gulshan-e-jannat tapeid-o-goft, ma ra kassey zaansooey gardoon khabar nadad.

[Bagh-e-bahisht kay konay mein eik Hoor bitaab thhi kehti thhi, koeyi
hamein asman kay oss taraf ki khabar naheen deyta.]
Bored in a coign of the Garden of Eden, a houri woefully cried: Nobody
told us of the things that happen on Edens nether side.
628

Na-ayad bafehum mun sehar-o-shaam-o-roz-o-shabb, aqlam rabood ein
keh bagoind mord-o-zaad.
[Meyri samajh mein naheen ata keh jissey yeh sobh shaam aur dinn raat
kehtey hein, woh kaya hai? Yeh baat bhi meyri aqal sey vara hai keh jissey
yeh mordah aur zindah kehtey hein woh kaya hai?]
What are morning, evening, night and day? They are all above my head. O
tell me what they mean when they say one is born or one is dead.

Gardeed mouj nikhat-o-az shaakh-e-gul dameid, pa ein-chonein beh alam
farada-o-de nehaad.
[Pher who khoshboo ki mouj mein tabdil ho kar shaakh-e-gul sey phooti, iss
tarah oss ney iss kall aur aaj ki dunya mein paon rakhha.]
Changing herself to a breath of fragrance, she appeared in a roses form; and
in this way she took up residence where day and night are the norm.

Wa-kard chashm-o-ghonchah shod-o-khandah zad dummey, gul gusht-obarg barg shod-o-bar zamin fataad.
[Pher oss ney ankh khholi, kali bani, zara moskareyi, phool hoeyi, pher oss
kay pattey pattey bikhhar kar zamin per ger gaey.]
She opened her eyes and became a bud: Then she laughed and she burst
forth into a rose; but presently shed her petals in the dust.

Z-aan naznein keh bund z-paish kashadah and, aahey ast yadgar keh
boo naam dadah and.
[Woh naznein (Hoor) jiss kay paon qaid sey azad keay gaey thhey, eik aah
oss ki yadgar reh gaeyi, jissey khoshboo kehtey hein.]
629
Of that innocent damsel who chose to fly from Edens magic frame there is
one memento left a sigh, and fragrance is its name.
THE SONG OF TIME
Nawa-e-waqt
Khurshid badamanam, anjam beh gribanam: dar mun nigri haicham, dar
khod nigri janam.
Dar shehar-o-biyabanam dar kaakh-o-shabastanam; mun dardam-odarmanam,
mun
aish-e-frawanam;
mun
taigh-e-jahansozam,
munchashm-e-haiwanam.
[Soraj meyrey daman mein hai, sitarey meyrey griban kay andar hein, agar
tou mojhey dikhhney ki koshash karey tuo mein kochh naheen (yaani nazar
naheen ata) agar dikhhey tuo mein teyri jan hon.
Mien shehar-o-biyaban mein hon, mien mahahl-o-shabastan mein hon,
mien dard bhi hon, darman bhi aur aish-e-frawaan bhi; mien taigh-ejahan soz bhi hon aur aab-e-hayat ka chashmah bhi.]
For all my solar heraldry and all my stellar pageantry, I am a mere nonentity,
if you look hard enough at me. But from your human point of view I am the
very life of you.
I dwell wherever you men dwell in city, desert, hill and dell and in ways
no one can foretell I come into your life as well. I am both pain and remedy,
both ennui and great luxury. I am an all-destroying sword; I am the fountain
of eternity.

630
Chengaizi-o-Taimuri, moshtey z-ghobar-e-mun; hungamah-e-Afrangi

yakk jastah-e-sharar-e-mun.
Insan-o-jaha-e-oo az naqsh-o-nigar-e-mun; khoon-e-jigar mardan,
saman-e-bahar-e-mun; mun aatash-e-sozanam mun rozah-e-rizwanam.
[Chengazi ho ya Taimuri meyra ghobar-e-rah hein, Afrangion ka
hangamah meyrey andar sey othha hoa eik sharar hai.
Insan aur oss ka jahan sabb meyrey naqsh-o-nigar hein, bahadron ka
khoon-e-jigar meyri bahar ka saman hai. Mien jala deyney wali aag hon,
mien bahisht ka baagh hon.]
The ravages of Genghis Khan, the victories of Tamerlane, are merely
handfuls of dust thrown up by my powerful typhoon. The Wests disasterspelling reign is one of my stray sparks upflown.
Man and the planet he lives on are merely sketches I have drawn. The
sketches have as yet to don a paintings garb; and there has gone into them
all it foul or fair the rich heart blood of men who dare. l am an allconsuming fire; I am the garden of immortality.

Asoodah-o-siyaram ein torfah tamasha bein; dar badah-e-imrozam
kaifiyat-e-farda bein.
Penhan beh zamir-e-mun sadd alam-e-raana bein; sadd kokab-e-ghultan
bein sadd gonbad-e-khizra bein; mun kisswat-e-insanam, pairhan-eYazdanam.
[Sakan bhi aur harkat mein bhi, yeh torfah tamasha deikh, meyrey aaj ki
sharab mein aaney waley kall ka kaif dikhh.
Meyrey zamir kay andar sainkarron alam-e-raana penhan hein, kaeyi
sitarey awarah hein, kaeyi asman gardash mein hein. Mien insan ka labas
hon, mien Yazdan ka pairhan hon.]
My paradox is manifest (to take it at its trickiest) eternal flux, eternal rest;
unchangingness in changes breast. Derive tomorrows ecstacies from my
todays wine, if you please.
631
You will find hidden in my mind a hundred worlds still undefined, worlds of
a beautifuller kind than yours. The worlds I have outlined for making are
new galaxies, new suns and moons and lands and seas. I am the element that
man lives in, the milieu of divinity.

Taqdir fasoon-e-mun, tadbir fasoon-e-tou; tou ashiq-e-lailaey, mun
dasht-e-janoon-e-tou.
Choon rooh-e-rawan pakam az chund-o-chagoon-e-tou; tou raaz-edaroon-e-mun, mun raaz-e-daroon-e-tou. az jan-e-tou paidaeym, dar jane-tou penhanam.
[Taqdir meyrey fason sey zahoor mein aati hai, tadbir teyra tariqah hai,
tou laila (jostajoo) ka ashiq hai, mien teyri jolan-gah hon.
Mien teyrey kum-o-baish sey rooh-e-rawan ki tarah pak hon, tou meyrey
andar ka raaz hai aur mien teyrey andar ka raaz hon. Mien teyri jan
(koshashon) sey zahar hon aur teyri jan he mein penhan hon.]
Fate is my magic powers source. Endeavour is the source of yours. You
pitch against me your wills force, designing for yourself your course, I am
the desert that you rove, seeking the Laila that you love.
I am free as the soul is free from attributes of quantity duration and
extensity, succession and priority. You are thc secret inside me I am your
beings mystery. I live because you have a soul; and my abode is your souls
privacy.

Mun rahro-o-tou manzal, mun mazraa-o-tou hasil; tou saaz-e-sadd
ahangay tou garmi-e-ein mehfil.
632
Awarah-e-aab-o-gill, daryab moqam-e-dil; gunjeidah bajaamey bein ein

qolzam-e-bisahaley; az mouj-e-boland-e-tou sar bar zadah toofanam.
[Mien woh mofasir hon, tou manzal-e-maqsood, mien khaiti hon tou meyra
hasil, tou aisa saaz hai jiss sey sainkarron saaz nikaltey hein, tou iss mehfil
ka hungamah hai.
Tou iss dunya mein sargardan honay ki bajaey apney dil ka moqam
pehchan, dikhh iss jaam (dil) mein eik behar-e-bipayan samaya hoa hai.
Mien (bhi) teyri mouj-e-boland sey othha hoa eik toofan hon.]
I am a traveler on the road: You are my goal and my abode. I am a field that
has been sowed and you the yield it has bestowed. By yourself a grand
orchestra, you fill the world with your eclat.
O you, who have strayed from your way in this world made of grades of
clay, try to find out what part it may be fitting for the heart to
play. Contained in this cup you can see the whole of beings boundless sea.
It was your own tide riding high that made the raging storm that I am be.
SPRING
Fasal-ebahar
Khaiz keh dark koh-o-dasht khaimah-zad abr-e-bahar.

Must tranam hazar tooti-o-dorraj-o-saar, bar taraf joeybar, kisht-e-gul-olalahzar, chashm-e-tamasha biyar.
Khaiz keh dar koh-o-dasht khaimah-zad abr-e-bahar.
[Othh! keh koh-o-dasht mein abr-e-bahar ney khaimah garra hai.
633
Bulbul, tooti, durraj, tiliar sabb must-e-tranam hein, nadi kay kanarey
phoolon ki kiyaiyan aur gul-e-lalah kay takhtey hein, dikhhney (aur lotf
andoz honay) wali ankh paida kar.
Othh! keh koh-o-dasht mein abr-e-bahar ney khaimah garra hai.]
Arise, for in plain, hill and dale, spring clouds have pitched their tent.
The nightingale sings jubilant songs to a choirs accompaniment. Along the
stream banks whole extent blend tulips tint and roses scent. Let your eye
witness this event.
Arise, for in plain, hill and dale, spring clouds have pitched their tent.
2

Khaiz keh dar bagh-o-ragh qaflah-e-gul raseed.
Baad-e-baharan wazid, morgh-e-nawa afrid, lalah griban dareid, hosn-egul tazah cheid, ishq ghum-e-nau kharid.
Othh! keh koh-o-dasht mein abr-e-bahar ney khaimah garra hai.
[Othh! keh bagh-o-ragh mein phoolon ka qaflah ponhch gaya.
Baad-e-bahari chali, parindey ney sadda boland ki, laley ney griban pharr
dala, hosn ney tazah phool choney (mehboobon kay rokhsaar tamtama
othhey), ishq ney niya ghum kharida.
Othh! keh bagh-o-ragh mein phoolon ka qaflah aa ponhcha.]
Arise, for to the fields has come the flowers caravan.
The breezes of spring blow again. The birds sing songs in unison. The
spring-mad tulips dress is torn. There is a new rose to adorn
Beauty, and for love a new thorn.
Arise, for to the fields has come the flowers caravan.
634
3

Bulbulan dar safir, salsalgan dar khrosh.
Khoon-e-chaman garam josh; ay keh nashini khamosh; dar shikin ain-ehosh; baadah-e-maani banosh; naghmah sara gul baposh.
Bulbulan dar safir, salsalgan dar khrosh.
[Bulbulein naghmah raiz hein, fakhtaein mehw-e-tranam hein.
Khoon-e-chaman josh mein hai, tou jo khamosh baithha hai, ain-e-hosh (ki
pabundi) chhorr; haqiqat ki sharab pe; geet ga, phoolon sey lotf andoz ho.
Bulbulein naghmah raiz hein, fakhtaein mehw-e-tranam hein.]
The Nightingales are carolling, the ring-doves coo a loud.
All warmed up is the gardens blood. O you, in silence closeted, break all
commands of your save head; get drunk with mystic wine instead; sing and
go in rose-petals clad.
The Nightingales are carolling the ring-dove coo a loud.
4

Hujrah nashini godaz goshah-e-sehra gazein.
635
Bar labb-e-jooey nashin; aab-e-rawan ra babein; nargis-e-naaz afrein;

lakht-e-frodein; bosah zannash bar jabein.
Hujrah nashini godaz goshah-e-sehra gazein.
[Goshah nashini chhorr, goshah-e-sehra ikhtiyar kar.
Nadi kay kinarey baithh; aab-e-rawaan dikhh; naaz afrin (must naaz)
nargis, jo bahar kay dil ka tokrra hai, pani ki jabein per bosah dey rehi hai.
Goshah nashini chhorr, goshah-e-sehra ikhtiyar kar.]
Abandon your retreat and into fields and pastures go.
Sit by a brooklets margin so that you may watch its waters flow. Springs
favourite, the narcissus, how the pride of beauty makes it glow! O plant a
soft kiss on its brow.
Abandon your retreat and into fields and pastures go.
5

Deidah-e-maani kosha ay z-ayan bikhabar.
Lalah kamar dar kamar; neimah-e-aatash beh bar; mi-chakeidash bar
jigar; shabnam ashk-e-sehar; dar shafaq anjam nigar,
Deidah-e-maani kosha ay z-ayan bikhabar.
[Tou jo (hosn-e-) ayan sey bikhabar hai, haqiqat-bein ankh khhol.
Gul-e-lalah kamar dar kamar aatishin labas pehney hai, shabnam oss kay
jigar per ashk-e-sehar tapkati hai, shafaq (kay pus manzar) mein (roshan)
sitarah ko dikhh.
Tou jo (hosn-e-) ayan sey bikhabar hai, haqiqat-bein ankh khhol.]
O you, who cannot see the obvious, open your minds eye.
636
See tulips row on row, and see their bodies on fire seemingly, but their hearts
inwardly soothed by the dawn-dews tearful ministry stars in a twilightreddened sky!
O you, who cannot see the obvious, open your minds eye.
6

Khak-e-chaman wanamood raaz-e-dil-e-kainat.
Bood-o-nabood safaat; jalwah gari-haey zaat; aanchih tou dani hayat,
aanchih tou khwaney mamaat; haich nadarad sabaat.
Khak-e-chaman wanamood raaz-e-dil-e-kainat.
[Khak-e-chaman ney raaz-e-hayat zahar kar diya.
(Kaya zahar kar diya?) (jalwah-e-) safaat ka kaheen hona, kaheen nah
hona; Zaat (-e-Bari Taalla) ki jalwah-gari, jissey tou hayat samajhta hai,
jissey tou mout kehta hai; kissi ko sabaat naheen.
Khak-e-chaman ney raaz-e-hayat zahar kar diya.]
Sprouts from the gardens soil: The secret of Creations heart.
The shadow-play of attribute; how essence brings itself to light; life, as we
all imagine it; and. death, which is lifes opposite; O all this is without a
root.
Sprouts from the gardens soil the secret of Creations heart.
ETERNAL LIFE
Hayat-e-javed

637
Goman mabar keh bapayan raseed kaar-e-moghan; hazar baadah-enakhordah dar rug-e-taak ast.
[Yeh goman nah kar keh pir-e-moghan ka kaam khatam ho gaya, abhi takk
angoor kay andar bohat see aissi sharab hai jissey kissi ney naheen
chakhha.]
Do not imagine that the work of the Wine-maker is complete. With unknown
quantities of undrunk wine the vine is still replete.

Chaman khoshst wlaikan cho ghonchah natwaan zeist, qabaey
zindagiash az dum-e-saba chaak ast.
[Chaman khoob hai laikan yahan kali ki manind zindagi basar naheen ki ja
sakti, iss ki zindagi ki qaba ko baad-e-saba ka eik jhonka chaak kar deyta
hai.]
The garden is a happy place, but you cannot survive as buds in it for long;
the breeze will come and tear your beings robe to shreds.

Agar z-ramz-e-hayat aaghi majooey-o-magir, diley keh az khalash-ekhaar-e-aarzoo pak ast.
[Agar tojhey raaz-e-zindagi sey aaghi hasil hai, tou nah aisa dil dhond nah
lay jo khalash-e-aarzoo sey khali ho.]
If you possess the faintest knowledge of lifes awesome mystery, then do not
seek a heart entirely free from longings agony.

Bakhod khazidah-o-mohkam cho kohsaraan zei, cho khas ma-zei keh
hawa tez-o-shoalah bibaak ast.
[Apney aap sey wabastah reh aur paharron ki tarah mostahkem ho kar
zindagi basar kar, tinkey ki tarah zindagi basar nah kar kiyuonkeh hawa tez
hai aur shoaley bharrak rehey hein.]
Be like a mountain, grave and lofty, with your native dignity, and not like
straw. Beware, there is a wildfire raging savagely.
638
REFLECTIONS OF THE STARS

Afkar-e-anjam
Shoneidam kokabey ba kokabey goft, keh dar behraim-o-paida sahaley

neist.
Safar andar srasht-e-ma nehadand, waley ein karvan ra manzaley neist.
[Mien ney sona eik sitarah doosrey sey kah raha thha keh hum aisey
samandar mein hein jiss ka koeyi sahal naheen.
Hamari srasht mein safar hai, magar iss qaflah ki manzal koeyi naheen.]
I hear a star said to another star: We are adrift on a sea with no shore.
We were created with a wander-lust; our caravan will not stop any more.
2

Agar anjam hamanstey keh bood ast, azein direinah taabi-ha chih sood
ast.
Gariftar kamand-e-rozgaraim, khosha aankas keh mehroom-e-wajood ast.
[Agar sitarah ney wohi rehna hai jo woh thha, pher iss mosalsal chamak sey
kaya hasil?
Hum zamaney ki kamand mein grafitar hein, kaya khosh nasib hai woh, jo
wajood naheen rakhhta,]
If we still are what we were long ago, then what use is this shining on and
on?
639
We are all of us captives in Times net. Lucky are they who have not yet
been born.
3

Kas ein bar-e-graan ra bar na-tabad, z-bood-o-nabood javidaan beh.
Fazaey neilgoonam khosh nayaid, z-oujash pasti aan khakdan beh.
[Kissi ney iss bar-e-gran ko naheen othhaya, hamari hasti hamaishah ki
neisti sey behtar hai.
Hamein yeh neilgon faza raas naheen, iss bolandi sey tou dunya ki pasti
behtar hai.]
No one can bear this heavy load for long. Far better were it never to have
been.
I do not like this azure space at all: That nether world presents a fairer
scene.
4

Khonak insan keh janash biqarar ast, sawar rahwar-e-rozgar ast.
Qabaey zindagi bar qamatash rast, keh oo nau aafrin-o-tazah kaar ast.
[Khosh nasib hai woh insan jo biqarar jan rakhhta hai, zamaney kay rakhsh
per sawar hai.
Aisey he shakhs ki qamat per zindagi ki qaba mouzon hai, (woh zindagi ka
haq ada karta hai) kiyuonkeh woh naeyi eijadaat aur naeyi daryaftein karta
hai.]
How happy is man with his restless soul, so gaily riding on the steed of
Time.
640
Life is a garment tailor-made for him, because he is a maker of new things.
LIFE
Zindagi
Shabbey zaar naleid abr-e-bahar, keh ein zindagi giryah-e-paihum ast.

[Raat abr-e-bahar bohat roya kehney lag, keh yeh zindagi girya-e-pehum
hai.]
One night the spring cloud tearfully complained: A ceaseless shedding of
tears is this life.

Drakhshid barq sobak sair-o-goft: khata kardaheyi khandah-e-yakk dum
ast.
[Tez bijli chamki aur oss ney kaha tou ghulat kehta hai keh yeh tuo eik
lamah ki hansi hai.]
But lightning, flashing quickly, intervened: O no, it is a momentary laugh.

Nadanam beh gulshan keh bord ein khabar, sakhonha miyan-e-gul-oshabnam ast.
[Maaloom naheen kiss ney yeh khabar bagh takk ponhcha dee, phool aur
shabnam iss per jhagrra kar rehey hein (phool kehta hai zindagi hansi hai,
shabnam kehti hai naheen yeh roona hai).]
Who bore this to the garden I do not know; but there is talk between the rose
and dew.
641
SONG OFTHE STARS

Sarood-e-anjam
Hasti-e-ma nizam-e-ma; musti-e-ma khram-e-ma; gardish-e-bimoqam

ma; zindagi-e-dawaam ma.
Dour-e-falak bakaam-e-ma mi-nigaraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Hamari hasti, hamara nizam; hamari musti, hamara khram; hamari
gardash-e-bimoqam, hamari zindagi-e-dawaam.
Hamari khatar dour-e-falak, (sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein,]
Order is our very being; rapture for us is our moving our revolving with no
stopping is for us life everlasting.
Each of us is Fortunes darling. So we watch things and move on.

Jalwah-geh-e-shahood ra; bottkadah-e-namood ra; razm-e-nabood-obood ra; kashmakash-e-wajood ra.
Alam-e-dir-o-zood ra mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Jalwah-geh-e-shahood (dunya) ko; oss bottkadah-e-namood (dunya) ko;
razm-e-nabood-o-nabood ko; kashmakash-e-wajood ko.
Alam-e-dir-o-zood ko, dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein.]
This world of appearances, temple-house of images, battle ground for all that
is all each others enemies.
And Times odd priorities: We watch all this and move on.
642

Garmi-e-kaar zaar ha; khami-e-pokhtah kaar ha; taj-o-sarir-o-daar ha;
khwari-e-sheharyar ha.
Baazi-e-rozgar ha mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim
[Karzar ki garmiyan; pokhtah kaaron ki khamiyan; taj-o-takht ki
phansiyan; sheharyaron ki khwariyan.
Zamaney kay khail, (sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein.]
Nations armed hostilities, utter follies of the wise; crowns and thrones and
stakes, the rise and fall of ruling dynasties.
Times fantastic gimmickries we watch all this and move on.

Khwajah z-sarwari gozasht; bandah z-chaakri gozasht; Zaari-o-Kaisri
gozasht; dour-e-Sikandari gozasht.
Shaiwah-e-bottgari gozasht mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Khwajah ki khwajgi gaeyi; bandey ki chaakri gaeyi; Zaar-o-Kaisri gaeyi;
shan-e-Sikandri gaeyi.
Rasm-e-bottgari gaeyi, (sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein.]
Masters are no longer masters; slaves no longer are in halters; gone are all
the Gzars and Kaisers, all the conquering Alexanders.
Gone too are the idol-makers. We watch all this and move on.

643

Khak-e-khamosh-o-dar khrosh; sost nehaad-o-sakht kosh; gah beh bazme-naa-o-noush; gah janazaheyi badosh.
Mir-e-jahan-o-softah gosh mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Insan-e-khamosh bhi aur (josh-o-) kharosh mein bhi, kamzor badan magar
sakht mehnati, kabhi aish-o-ishrat mein, kabhi kandhon per janazah
othhaey.
Hokmraan aur ghulam! (Sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein.]
Silent and uproarious, lazy and industrious, sometimes quite hilarious, and
sometimes lugubrious.
Man, earth-lord, is slave to us. We watch his ways and move on.

Tou beh talism-e-choon-o-chund; aqal-e-tou dar koshad-o-bund; missl-eghazalah dar kamand; zaar-o-zaboon-o-dardmand.
Ma beh nashiman-e-boland mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Tou kaisey aur kitney kay jadoo mein griftar hai; teyri zaar-o-zaboon-odardmand aqal; kamand mein griftar hiran ki manind halaat kay bund
khholney mein lagi rehti hai.
Apney he nashaiman-e-boland sey, (sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey
hein.]
You caught in the magic circle of a world that is a riddle, willing victim of a
double intellect, itself a puzzle.
We high up, free from all trouble: We watch all this and move on.

644

Pardah chera zahoor cheest? Asl-e-zalaam-o-noor cheest? Chashm-o-dilo-shaoor cheest? Fitrat-e-nasaboor cheest?
Ein hamah nizd-o-door cheest mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[(Haqiqat ka) pardah hai kiyuon? Zahoor kaya? Asl-e-siyah-o-noor hai
kaya? Chash-o-dil-o-shaoor hai kaya? (Insan ki) fitrat-e-nasaboor hai
kaya?
Yeh sabb nizd-o-door hai kaya dikhhtey chaley ja rehey hein.]
Why this veiled and why that veilless? What is light and what is darkness?
Eye and heart and conscious process? Why is human nature restless?
What is distance and what nearness? We think all this and move on.

Baish-e-tou nizd-e-ma kummey; saal-e-tou paish-e-ma dummey; ay
bakinaar tou yummey; saakhtaheyi beh shabnamey.
Ma beh talash-e-alamey mi-nigraim-o-mi-rawaim.
[Jissey tou ziyadah modat samajhta hai, woh hamarey han kum hai; teyrey
saal hamarey leay eik lamah hein; teyrey pehloo mein (dil ka) samandar
moujood hai; magar tou shabnam (dunya) per raazi ho gaya hai.
Hum (eik aur) alam ki talash mein (sabb kochh) dikhhtey chaley ja rehey
hein.]
What is much for you for us is, little: for us your year passes, in an instant. O
you with seas in your bosom, why do you seize dewdrops?
Conquer these vast spaces, where to new worlds we move on.
DEW
Shabnam
645

Goftand frod aey z-ouj-e-meh-o-pervaiz; bar khod zun-o-ba behar porashoob beyamaiz.
Ba mouj dar aawaiz; naqsh digar angaiz; tabindah gohar khaiz.
[Mojhey kehney laggey meh-o-parveen ki bolandiyuon sey nichey aa,
apney aap ko mita dey aur behar-e-ashoob sey mill ja.
Mouj sey nabard aazma ho; naeyi surat ikhtiyar kar; chamak-dar moti bun
kay nikal.]
Come down, the voices said to me, from your remote celestial heights.
Recoil upon yourself and get embroiled with stormy ocean-tides.
Ride where the billow rides; and make new waves besides; arise as pearls
whose sheen abides.

Mun aish-e-hum aaghoshi-e-darya nakharidam; aan baadah keh az
khwaish rabayad nachashidam.
Az khod narameidam; z-aafaq boridam; bar lalah chakidam.
[Mien ney samandar sey hum-aaghoshi ka lotf qabool nah kiya, woh sharab
nah chakhhi, jo apna aap bhola dey.
Mien ney apna aap nah chhorra; asmaan sey nichey otri tuo gul-e-lalah per
tapki.]
I did not buy the luxury of losing myself in the sea; I did not taste the wine
which robs you of your self-identity.
646
Another I refused to be: Said goodby to the sky; and chose the tulips
company.

Gul goft keh hangamah-e-morghan-e-sehar cheest? Ein anjaman
aarastah balaey shajar cheest?
Ein zir-o-zabar cheest? Payan-e-nazar cheest? Khaar-e-gul-e-tar cheest?
[Phool kehney laga: Yeh sobh kay perindon ka shor kaya hai? Yeh kon hein
jo drakhton per anjaman arastah keay baithhey hein?
Yeh pust-o-bala kaya hai? Nazar ki ponhch kahan takk hai? Gul-e-tar kay
saath yeh khaar kiyuon hai?]
The tulip said, O what is all this tumult of birdsong? And why do all those
morning songsters on the treetops throng?
Why all this flitting up and down daylong? And should the rose to thorns
belong? O is not this quite wrong?

Tou keisti-o-mun keim ein sohbat-e-ma cheest? Bar shakh-e-mun ein
taerik-e-naghmah sara cheest?
Maqsood-e-nawa cheest? Matloob-e-saba cheest? Ein kohna sara cheest?
[Tou kon hai? Mien kon hon? Hamari yeh sohbat kaya hai? Meyri shakh
peh yeh naghmah sara perindah kon hai? Nawa ka maqsood kaya hai? Saba
ka matloob kon hai? Yeh porani dunya kaya hai?]
Who are you and who am I and why do we thus consort? And wherefore are
my branches all these singing birds resort?
647
What is their singings long and short? And what is in the breezes heart?
What is this garden in which they disport ?

Goftam keh chaman razm-e-hayat hamah jaeyi ast; bazmey ast keh
shirazah-e-oo zouq-e-jodaeyi ast.
Dum-e-garm nawaeyi ast; jan chehrah koshaeyi ast; ein raaz-e-Khudaeyi
ast.
[Mien ney kaha: Yeh chaman her jagah moujood hayat ki kashmaksh (ka
maidan) hai; yeh aisi bazam hai, jodaeyi jiss ka bandhan hai.
Sans? garam nawaeyi (sey) hai, jan (rooh)? lazzat-e-deidar per marti hai,
yeh khudaeyi raaz hai.]
It is, I said. a battlefield of lifes war raging everywhere, a unity of many,
each one separately self-aware.
To breathe is to sing songs of fire. The soul? The inner beings selfexposure. This is the secret of Gods empire.

Mun az falak aftadah, tou az khak dameidi; az zouq-e-namood ast
dameigi keh chakeidi.
Dar shakh tapeidi; sadd pardah dareidi; bar khwaish raseidi.
[Mien asman sey tapki hon, tou zamin sey paida hoa hai; asman sey girna
ya khak sey paida hona (sabb) zouq-e-namood kay karishmey hein (zindagi
apna azhar chahati hai).
648
Tou shakh kay andar tarap raha thha, (chonachih) tou ney suo pardey
phharr deay, apney aap mein aa gaya.]
I have descended from the skies and you have grown up out of dust. They
both are forms of self-display, my fall and your upthrust.
You writhed within a tree-stem first until your hundred veils were burst
and then you reached your beings crest.

Num az rug-e-ayam z-ashk-e-sehar-e-mast; ein zir-o-zabar cheest fraib
nazar-e-mast.
Anjam beh bar mast; lakht-e-jigar-e-mast; noor basar-e-mast.
[Rug-e-ayam ki numi sobh kay ansoon sey hai; yeh pust-o-bala kaya hai?
hamari nazar ka fraib (vernah iss ki koeyi haqiqat naheen).
Sitarah bhi hum mein sey hai; hamara he lakht-e-jigar hai; wooh hamara
noor-e-basar hai.]
The sap that rises in the worlds veins is our morning tears; our own illusion
are those upper and these lower spheres.
Part of our being are the stars, our kith and kin and our confreres: They are
our eyes and we the seers.

Dar pairhan shahid gul sozan-e-khaar ast; khaar ast-o-laikan znadiman-e-nigar ast.
Az ishq nazaar ast; dar pehlooey yar ast einhum z-bahar ast.
649
[Mehboobah-e-gul kay labas mein khaar ki sooeyi hai; hai khaar, magar
mehboob kay pass baithhney walon mein sey hai.
Ishq sey (naheef-o-) nazaar hai; magar yar kay pehloo mein hai; yeh bhi
bahar ka eik rung hai.]
Just like a needle in a damsels garment is the roses thorn: Close to the
rose, its boon companion and with it twin.born.
All thin and wan like one lovelorn, though in the dear ones bosom borne
another prank of the spring morn!

Bar khaiz-o-dil az sohbat-e-direinah baperdaaz; ba lalah-e-khurshid-ejahan taab nazar baz.
Ba ehl-e-nazar saaz; cho mun bafalak taaz; daari sar-e-perwaaz.
[Othh! Aur (chaman ki) sohbat-e-direinah sey dil huta; dunya ko roshan
karney waley aftab kay lalah sey nazar mila.
Ehl-e-nazar sey dosti kar; meyri tarah falak takk rasaeyi hasil kar. Hai
perwaaz ka hoslah?]
Arise and re-engage your heart with friendships of the early days; and with
the sun, the tulip of the sky, exchange a knowing gaze.
Consort with those with seeing eyes; like me take to celestial ways have
you the will to soar the skies ?
LIVE DANGEROUSLY

Agar khwahi hayat andar khatar zee
[Agar chaho tou khatrat mein zindagi basar kar.]

650

Ghazaley ba ghazaley dard-e-dil goft: azin pus dar Harem geeram
kanamey.
Besehra siyad bandan dar kamein and; bakaam-e-aaho aan sobhey nah
shaamey.
Aman az fitnah-e-siyyad khwahum; diley z-andaishah-ha azad khwahum.
[Eik ghazaal ney doosrey ghazaal sey apna dard kaha; abb tuo mein Harem
mein ghar bana loon ga.
Sehra mein shikari sobh-o-shaam hirnon ki ghat mein rehtey hein.
Mien shikari kay fitnah sey amaan chahta hon; mien chahta hon keh
meyra dil andaishah sey azad rehey.]
Said one gazelle to another, I will take shelter in the harem from now on:
For there are hunters at large in the wild, and there is no peace here for a
gazelle.
From fear of hunters I want to be free. O how I long for some security.

Rafiqash goft ay yar-e-khirdmand; agar khwahi hayat andar khatar zee.
Dumadum khwaishtan ra bar fasaan zun; z-taigh-e-pak gohar-e-taiz-tar
zee.
Khatar taab-o-tawaan ra imtihan ast; ayyar-e-momkinaat-e-jissm-o-jan
ast.
[Oss kay rafiq ney kaha, ay meyrey aqalmand dost; agar zindagi chahta hai
tuo khatrat mein basar kar.
651
Her lehzah apney aap ko saan per ragarr; aur taigh-e-aseel sey bhi ziyadah
taiz bun kar zindah reh.
Khatrey he sey howsley aur qowwat ka imtihan hota hai, yehi badan aur jan
kay imkanaat ka maayar hai (khatrat he sey insan ki zihni aur badni
qowwaton ka pata chalta hai.]
His friend replied, Live dangerously, my wise friend, if it is life you truly
seek.
Like a sword of fine mettle hurl yourself upon the whetting-stone; stay sharp
thereby.
For danger brings out what is best in you: It is the touchstone of all that is
true.
PARADISE
Bahisht
Koja ein rozgarey shishah baazey; bahisht ein gonbad-e-gardoon nadarad.

[Kahan yeh zo-fanoon dunya (aur kaan bahisht) jannat mein koeyi aisa
charkh-e-gardan (asman) naheen.]
This world of ours is full of a strange jugglery. Heaven does not have this
kind of a revolving sky.

Nadeidah dard-e-zindan Yousaf-e-oo; Zuleikhash dil-e-nalaan nadarad.
[Wahan kay Yousaf ney Qaid-khaney ki taklief naheen dikhhi; nah wahan
ki Zuleikha ka dil fariyad konan raha.]
Its Joseph is a stranger to imprisonment; and its Zuleikhas heart does not
know how to cry.

Khalil-e-oo harif-e-aatishey neist; Kalimash yakk sharar dar jan nadarad.
652
[Oss ka Ibrahim aatish ka moqablah naheen karta, nah oss kay Kalim ki jan
mein koeyi sharar hai.]
Its Abraham has not been cast into a fire; its Moses does not have a live
spark in his soul.

Yeh sarsar dar nayaftad zooraq-e-oo; khatar az lotmah-e-toofan nadarad.
[Oss ki kashti baad-e-tond ki zud mein naheen aati, nah ossey toofan kay
thhpairron ka koeyi khatrah hai.]
Its barque has never had to cope with stormy winds, and never has been
tossed about by seas that roll.

Yaqin ra dar kamin bouk-o-magar neist; wasal andaishah-e-bajran
nadarad.
[Wahan yaqin ki ghhat mein trudad ya shakk naheen; nah wahan wasal ko
fraq ka andaishah hai.]
There cetainty has never been assailed by doubt. There union is not plagued
by separations fear.

Koja aan lazzat-e-aqal-e-ghalat sair; agar manzal reh-e-paichan nadarad.
[Agar manzal ka rastah paichdar nah ho, tuo aqal ki ghalat ravei ki lazzat
kahan.]
How can you have the joy of straying from the path, if the path that you
have to tread is fixed and clear.

Mazei andar jahaney kor zouqey; keh Yazdan darad O Shaitan nadarad.
[Aisey jahan-e-kor zouq (bahisht) kay andar zindagi basar nah kar; jahan
Yazdan hai magar Shaitan naheen.]
653
Never live in a world devoid of joy and zest, where God exists, but
Beelzebub does not exist.
HUMANITY
Bandagi
Dosh dar maey kadah tarsa bachah-e-baadah frosh; goft az mun sakhoney
dar cho awaizah bagosh.
[Kall raat maey kadah mein eik sharab frosh Essaeyi bachah ney kaha,
mien tojhey eik baat batata hon ossey apney palley bandh ley.]
Last night an infidel wine-vendor said to me attend to the wise counsel I
give and hold fast to it.

Mashrab-e-baadah gosaraan-e-kohan ein bood ast keh tou az maey
kadah khaizi hamah musti hamah hosh.
[Poraney maey noshon ka yeh mashrab raha hai, keh you maey kadey se
niklay tuo hama musti aur hamah hosh ho.]
The custom of the drinkers of the past was to go from the tavern drunk quite
merrily, but in their senses still.

Mun nagoeym keh frobund labb az noktah-e-shouq; adab az dast madeh
baadah beh andazah banosh.
[Mien naheen kehta keh mohabat ki baat kehney sey labb bund rakhh,
magar itna zaroor hai keh apney zarf kay motabiq pe aur (baat kehtey waqt)
adab ko haath sey nah chhorr.]
I do not ask that you should not say your hearts say; but say it with all due
respect and only drink what you can carry well.
654

Gard rahaim waley zouq-e-talab johar-e-mast; bandagi bah hamah
jabroot-e-Khudaeyi mafrosh.
[Agarchih hum gard-e-rah hein magar (haqiqat ki) jostajoo ka zouq hamari
sarisht mein hai oss bandagi ko jabroot-e-Khudaeyi kay ewaz bhi nah dey
(moqam-e-bandagi dey kar na loon shan-e-Khudawandi).]
As for Gods role, O it is grand; but let me tell you, dust that we are, striving
is our quality: I would not barter it for Gods finality.
SLAVERY
Ghulami
Adam az bi-basari bandagi Adam kard; goharey daasht waley nazar

Kobad-o-Jam kard.
Yaani az khooey ghulami z-sagaan khwar-tar ast; mun nadeidum keh
saggey paish-e-saggey sar khum kard.
[Eik insan bisamajhi kay sabab doosrey insan ki bandagi karta hai; oss kay
andar gohar (jan) moujood hai magar ossey Kaikobad-o-Jamshaid ki nazar
kar deyta hai.
Goaya woh khooey ghulami mein koton sey bad-tar hai, kiyuonkeh mien
ney aaj takk kissi kottey ko doosrey kottey kay samney sar khum kartey hoey
naheen dikhha.]
Man out of his shortsightedness consents to be a slave. He had something in
him, but gave it all away to kings.
Because of this servility he is worse than a dog. No dog will ever call
adoringly another dog his lord.
TO A MUSLIM MISSIONARY IN ENGLAND
655

Beh mobalgh-e-Islam dar Frangastan
[Frangastan mein Islam kay mobalgh sey.]

Zamanah baz bar afrokht aatish-e-Namrud keh aashkar shwad johar-eMosilmani.
[Zamaney ney pher aatish-e-Namrud jalaeyi hai, ta-keh Mosilmani ka johar
zahar ho.]
Time has rekindled Nimrods fire so that the mettle of Islam may once again
be proved.

Bia keh pardah z-dagh-e-jigar bar andazeym, keh aftab-e-jahangir shod
z-oriyani.
[Othh keh apney dagh-e-jigar sey pardah hataein, ta-keh wooh zahar ho kar
aftab-e-jahangir bun jaey.]
Come; let us lift the veil from our hearts wound, for it is the suns
nakedness that makes it shine over the world.

Hazar noktah zadi paish-e-dilbaraan-e-Frang; godakhti sanamaan ra beh
ilm-e-Borhani.
[Tou ney Frangi mehboobon kay saamney hazar noktey paish keay, (apney)
ilmi dalaeyl kay saath (pathar kay) botton ko naram kar diya (magar oss
sey kochh hasil nah hoa).]
You have made many subtle points before the charmers of the West, and
melted many idols hearts with the heat of your arguments.
656
Khabar z-shehar-e-Sulayma badeh Hijazi ra; sharar-e-shouq fashan dar

zamir-e-Turani.
[(Tojhey chahiey keh) Hijazi ko shehar-e-Sulayma ki khabar dey, Turani
kay zamir mein shouq ka sharar daaley.]
Come, now give some news of the city of Sulayma to the people of Hijaz,
and fling a spark into the dead, cold conscience of the people of Turan.

Reh-e-Iraq-o-Khorasaan zun ay moqam shanas; babazam-e-Aajamiyaan
tazah kon ghazal khwani.
[Ay Moqam shanas! Iraq aur Khorasan ki rah ikhtiyar kar, Ajamiyuon ki
bazam mein ghazal khwani ka aghaz kar.]
O knower of maqam, strike the note of Iraq and Khurasan; revive the singing
of ghazals in the assemblies of the Ajamis.

Bassey gozasht keh dar intizar-e-zakhmah wariest; chih naghmah-ha keh
nah khoon shod beh saaz-e-Afghani.
[Zamanah gozar gaya keh woh zakhmahwar kay intizar mein hein, (mazi
mein) saaz-e-Afghani sey kaya kaya khoonraiz naghmey nah phhootey.]
It is a long time since the Afghans lute awaits the plectrums strokes. What
melodies have turned to blood, pent up within its breast.

Hadis-e-ishq beh ehl-e-hawass chih migoeyi; beh chashm-e-moor makash
surmah-e-Sulemani
[Ehl-e-hawass (Frangiyuon) kay samney kaya ishq ki baat karta hai, (aisa
nah kar) yeh tuo chiyuonti ki aankhh mein Sulemani surmah lagana hai.]
Why tell Loves story to a people given to lust? Why put the surma of wise
Solomon into ants eyes?
657
THE AEROPLANE
Tiyarah
Sar-e-shaakh-e-gul taerey yakk sehar; hami goft ba taeraan-e-digar:

[Sobh kay waqt phoolon ki tehni per baitha hoa eik parindah, doosrey
parindon sey keh raha thha:]
Perched on a rosebush branch one morning, a bird said to other birds:

Nadadand bal-e-Adamey zadah ra; zamin gir kardand ein sadah ra.
[Adam ki aulad ko per-o-bal atta naheen hoey, iss sadah manash ko zamin
per chalney wala he banaya gaya hai.]
The son of man has not been given wings, and so this poor fool is
earthbound.

Badu goftam ay morghak-e-baad sanj; agar harf-e-Haq ba tou goeym
marunj.
[Mien ney ossey kaha: Ay hawa mein ornery waley parindey, agar mien
tojh sey suchi baat kahon tuo naraz nah hona.]
I said to him: O little bird, who talk so airily, do not mind if I speak the
truth to you.

Z-tiyyarah-e-ma bal-o-per sakhtaim; sooey asmaan rehgozar sakhtaim.
658
[Hum ney hawai jahaz ko bal-o-per bana leya hai, aur (iss tarah) asmaan ki
taraf apna rastah nikal leya hai.]
We have made of the aeroplane our wings, and so have found a way to
heaven.

Chih tiyyarah aan morgh-e-gardoon separ; per-e-oo z-bal-e-malak taiztar.
[Hamara hawai jahaz kaya hai? asmaan takk ponhchney wala aisa
parindah hai jiss kay per frashiton sey bhi ziyadah taiz rafter hein.]
What a sky-soaring bird? Is this our aeroplane, with speedier wings than
angels wings.

Beh perwaaz-e-shaheen beh nairo-e-oqab; beh chashmash z-Lahore ta
Faryab.
[Iss mein shaheen ki perwaaz aur oqab ki qowwat hai, Lahore se Faryab
takk ka faslah oss ki nazarom mein rehta hai]
In flight a royal falcon and an eagle in sheer strength, with far-flung regions
in its range!

Bagardoon kharoshindah-o-tund josh; miyan-e-nashiman cho mahi-ekhamosh.
[Faza mein josh-o-khrosh sey chalta hai, jabb nashiman (airport) per hota
hai tuo machhli ki tarah khamosh hota hai.]
While in the sky, it thunders and it roars; but in its nest it is as quiet as a fish.

Khird z-aab-o-gill Jibril aafrid; zamin ra bagardoon dalil aafrid.
[Goaya khird ney pani aur matti sey Jibril ki takhliq ki hai aur zamin sey
asmaan takk ley janey wala (rehbar) banaya hai.]
659
Our wisdom has created Gabriels from common clay, and has made of the
earth a proof of heaven.

Cho aan morgh-e-zirak kalamam shoneid; mera yakk nazar ashnayanah
deid
[Jabb oss danishmand parindey ney meyri baat sonni tuo mojh per eik
dostanah nazar daali.]
On hearing my speech that wise bird looked at me in a knowing way.

Perash ra beh manqar kharid-o-goft; keh mun aanchih goeyi nadaram
shagoft.
[Apney peron ko chounch sey khhojlaya aur kaha keh tou ney jo kochh
kaha hai mien oss sey naraz naheen.]
Then, scratching his wings with his beak, he said: I do not marvel at your
words.

Magar ay nigah-e-tou bar choon-o-chund; aseer talism-e-tou pust-oboland.
[Magar ay woh jiss ki nigah kiyuon aur kitna (daleyl aur kumi baishi) per
hai aur pust-o-boland jiss kay talism mein aseer hein.]
But tell me, O you, who can see the how and why of things, whose magic
holds sway over everything.

Tou kaar-e-zamin ra niko sakhti; keh ba asmaan neiz perdaakhti.
[Kaya tou ney zamin kay moamlat darost kar leay hein keh abb asmaan per
orrna shoroa kar diya hai.]
Be it high, be it low, have you done well your tasks on earth that you are
meddling with the sky?
660
3rd January, 2013
NEW ARMY DOCTRINE

First ten days of the year saw about half a dozen missile attacks
launched by the US drones. In one of the attacks, Maulvi Nazir was
martyred because he opposed launching attacks against Pakistan Army and
was a rival of Hakeemullah Mehsud who primarily focused on perpetrating
terror inside Pakistan.
The statement of the COAS regarding the threat from within was
projected by the BBC out of proportion creating an impression that the focus
has been shifted off the threat from India. The pro-West secular regime
rejoiced over the news and the Prime Minister Raja wasted no time in
expressing his joy over this change in establishments mindset.
Afghan President went to Washington to negotiate terms and
conditions for Afghan-US relations after 2014. Both the leaders expressed
optimism about smooth transition, however, the level of presence of US
troops in Afghanistan after 2014 remained undecided. Earlier, leaders of
Afghan Taliban were flown from Kandahar to Qatar for negotiating peace
deal.
Indian occupation forces committed ten ceasefire violations along
Line of Control in as many days of the New Year out of which three
violations were very grave in nature. These incidents coincided with the
reports that Pakistan Military has revised threat perception as if Indians were
resenting their relegation as foe.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 24th December, a petition was filed against Lal Masjid
probe. The court was told that Justice Shahzad Sheikh was probing the case
in clear violation of the jurisdiction of the high court under Article 199. It
was pointed out that no high court could hear an application by or about any
official of the armed forces of Pakistan. A Supreme Court full bench had
appointed Justice Sheikh on December 4 as a commission to fix
responsibility upon the personnel of the security agencies.
Petitioner Shahid Orakzai asserted that the two members of the bench
had never heard the case before and no formal request was made by any
party for the formation of a commission. It may be recalled that General
Ashfaq Pervez Kayani was the ISI DG when Lal Masjid was besieged by
661
troops for more than a fortnight. The court was asked to stay the probe and
constitute a new bench to hear the matters related to Lal Masjid.
The Supreme Court decided to hear Memo Commission case on
January 28, 2013 and issued notices to all those party in it. In the last
hearing Asma Jahangir had submitted that on account of her some other
professional commitments, she would not be available in the month of
December 2012. Therefore, the case was adjourned to be fixed in the month
of January 2013.
Next day, Asfandyar called for the preparation of a decisive plan of
action and destruction of the sanctuaries of the terrorists who are not ready
to denounce violence. He said elimination of terrorism is state responsibility
and not of a party, adding that in order to build across-the-board consensus,
the ANP has nominated people who will contact leaders of all the political
parties and national institutions for a comprehensive strategy against
terrorism.
PIA started flights on Quetta-Kandahar route and first plane with 198
passengers on board flew. The inaugural ceremony was held at Quetta
Airport which was attended by Afghan Consul General. Appreciating the
launching of the Quetta-Kandahar air service he said that this would greatly
help improve the traveling facility between the two neighbouring countries.
On 27th December, at least 10 mortar shells landed in the Pakistani
territory in North Waziristan, but no casualty or damage was reported. Two
Levies soldiers were killed and one injured as 33 more went missing when
militants stormed three check posts near Peshawar. The exchange of gunfire
lasted about one hour in which they destroying three posts and took away 22
soldiers.
Masked men armed with weapons tortured 29 Afghan passengers near
the Michini Check post when they were going to cross the Torkham border.
Khasadar Force rushed to the scene and engaged the miscreants; two
Khasadars were injured during the cross-firing between the militia and
assailants.
At least five people including three children were injured in a bomb
blast in Haji Abad area of district Charsadda. Police sources said that a bomb
planted by miscreants on roadside near a mosque in area of Umarzai
exploded; resultantly, five people including three children sustained injuries.
The government rejected TTP demand for conditional truce. PPP
government, in response to suggestion, said any negotiations will be held
662
under the ambit of the law and constitution. All resources will be utilized to
eliminate terrorism from the country, said Information Minister Qamar
Zaman Kaira.
Terming TTPs offer for ceasefire and talks to the government an
attempt to divide political parties, Federal Minister for Railways, Ghulam
Ahmad Bilour, said that his party would decide on the issue. He, while
commenting on Talibans offer said that it is an attempt to create division
among political parties, especially to separate ANP and MQM from the rest
of the political parties.
Next day, at least four people were killed when a US predator drone
targeted a house at the border area of North and South Waziristan agencies.
The drone fired two missiles at a house in Shawal village and soon after the
attack, a large number of local tribesmen gathered at the site to retrieve the
dead bodies from the debris. The bodies of the drone victims were beyond
recognition.
Pakistani security forces again sealed Torkham border as angers flared
up against repeated torture of Pakistani truckers by Afghan forces. Two
Pakistani nationals were manhandled by the Afghan troops at Pol-e-Charkhi
Post. He said the Afghan forces had repeatedly been misbehaving with the
Pakistani nationals.
The United States and Britain are against Pakistan's nuclear
programme and the CIA uses foreign agencies for its operations in
Pakistan, Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (t) Asif Yasin Malik said. He also said
that they had complete information of the CIA agents working in Pakistan,
and US had provided a list of its spies. But neither the defence secretary
divulged when the US informed them about its sleuths nor did he clarify if
their complete information was solely based on the list provided by the US,
whose behaviour with Pakistan, he said, had changed after Salala check
post attack and suspension of NATO supplies.
Interestingly, the Lt-Gen declared that no country was allowed to
work undercover in Pakistan but he did not tell why then the exposed US
spies and agents have been operating here. Again he sounded too ambiguous
when he said The CIA also uses the agencies of other countries. Whether
he meant NGOs, media organizations, or some other sort of foreign
presence, he did not explain.
The head of TTP said his militia is willing to negotiate with the
government but will not disarm, a message delivered in a video given to
Reuters. The release of the 40-minute video follows three high-profile
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Taliban attacks in Peshawar this month: an attack by multiple suicide

bombers on the airport, the killing of a senior politician and eight others in a
bombing and the kidnap of 22 paramilitary forces.
We believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous, Hakimullah
Mehsud said. Asking us to lay down arms is a joke. Mehsud, who has a $5
million US government bounty on his head, said the militant organization
would consider peace talks with the Pakistani government but only if it
abandoned ties with US.
On 29th December, Taliban militants shot dead 21 Pakistani soldiers
who were kidnapped two days ago near Peshawar. Their bullet-riddled
bodies were found in an uninhabited area. TTP of Darra Adamkhel claimed
responsibility for the killings.
After two days of suspension, the Torkham Border was reopened for
all kinds of movement, following assurance from Afghan officials that action
will be taken against those who tortured Pakistani nationals. The border was
sealed by Pakistan after repeated incidents of torture on Pakistan nationals
returning from Afghanistan by Afghan security officials.
The disclosures from Defence Secretary on the grey areas
concerning the strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States
apparently put him into trouble with the retraction issued about his related
statements a day after his assertion. In response to a question, the spokesman
for the Ministry of Defence clarified that the remarks attributed to the
defence secretary by some sections of the press were incorrect and out of
context.
After a brief unblocking, popular website YouTube was blocked again
on the orders of Prime Minister. It is the second time when the interior
ministers decision was overturned by the prime minister as the ban slapped
on cellular Sims sale at private outlets was also set aside by the PM.
Next day, an improvised explosives device (IED) blast in Miranshah
killed two security personnel and injured another when a convoy of security
forces was on its way in Dattakhel area. Incident occurred when curfew was
imposed in Miranshah, headquarters of North Waziristan Agency, due to
movement of the forces convoy.
On 31st December, a NATO gunship helicopter violated border limits
of Pakistan and flew in the Ghulam Khan area of North Waziristan for about
five minutes. Meanwhile, two mortar bombs were also fired from across the
Afghan border, which hit Miranshah. No loss of life was, however, reported.
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At least nine persons, including children and women, got injured

when a stray mortar shell hit a moving vehicle on Kalanga Road Aka Khel
of tehsil Bara. The ill-fated vehicle carrying passengers was returning to
Peshawar after an engagement ceremony in Karigar Gari of Sepah area.
Pakistan released another four Afghan Taliban prisoners, including
former justice minister Mullah Nooruddin Turabi and ex-governor of
Helmand province, Abdul Bari, as part of a process designed to kick start
peace efforts. Turabi is said to be suffering from poor health. Pakistan last
month had released at least nine Afghan Taliban.
Abbottabad Commission Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal said the
commission had not fixed responsibility in its report. He said nobody had
been held responsible for the Abbottabad operation. Abbas Khan, who had
gone to the US for medical treatment is back in Pakistan and has signed the
report that has been finalized and is expected to be released soon.
Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and (China North Industries
Corporation) NORINCO signed a contract for manufacturing of Al Khalid I
tanks. Al Khalid is a product of Chinese and Pakistani cooperation. It was
developed in the 1990s. The Al Khalid was introduced in 2001 and is
equipped with sophisticated systems.
On 1st January, 2013, two minor girls were killed and five others
sustained injuries in mortar shell hit at Godmalang, Aka Khail area of tehsil
Bara. The repeated incidents of mortar shell strikes have created panic in the
area and it restricted the tribesmen to their residencies. Meanwhile a
guesthouse of a local tribal was blown up by installing explosive to it by
unknown militants.
Six women and a man working for a non-governmental organization
(NGO) were shot dead on their way home from Ujala Community Centre
after performing duties in Swabi. Driver of the vehicle was injured while a
four-and-a-half-year old son of a female victim remained unhurt in the
attack.
Pakistan allowed the US cargo including military vehicles for transit
to Afghanistan via Torkham and Chaman, which is certified as free of
hazardous waste material and depleted uranium ammunition. The Federal
Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a Customs General Order (CGO) to
ensure transit of particular US cargo, which is free of hazardous waste
material. According to the CGO, in case the cargo is intended for transit
from Afghanistan, a US declaration of ownership shall be accepted in lieu of
the original invoice.
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Moreover, the US cargo to be allowed entry for transit under this

CGO at Torkham and Chaman should comprise military vehicles and noncontainerized equipment and be certified as free of hazardous waste
material, including depleted uranium ammunition, as defined in the Basel
Convention. FBR did not allow the US to bring prohibited cargo for transit
to Afghanistan through land route of Pakistan. Under customs laws,
prohibited cargo not permitted for transit to Afghanistan under the MoU,
with the exception of military equipment intended for the capacity building
of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
According to FBRs list of prohibited US cargo, weapons are not
permissible for transit to Afghanistan. The prohibited US cargo includes
weapons, ammunition, military or commercial explosives, anti-tank
weapons, guided missiles, laser weapon system, tanks and armoured
vehicles, all kinds of mines, nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive device,
combat aircraft, attack helicopters, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and
drones, chemical weapons, biological weapons, depleted uranium
ammunition and special nuclear material.
Next day, two terrorists were killed and six others injured in an
operation by the security forces in North Waziristan Agency's capital
Miranshah. In suburbs of Rawalpindi, gunmen kidnapped seven soldiers
from a bus near. The gunmen were wearing military uniforms.
Pakistan Army now regards internal threats as the biggest danger to
the countrys security and has brought a major shift in its operational
priorities accordingly, reported the BBC. A new Army Doctrine shifting
focus off the conventional enemy on the east to some organizations and
individuals within the country and their associates across the western border
comes after some eleven years of war against terror.
A road map of collaboration and cooperation to further strengthen the
strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan figured prominently in
the talks between Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and the Crown
Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Defence
Minister and the Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal. In her interview,
Hina said that the talks with Saudi Arabian leadership focused mainly on
the roadmap and on a range of bilateral and regional issues including Syria
and Afghanistan.
On 3rd January, 2013, Taliban commander Maulvi Nazir, along with
his deputy was among 15 Taliban killed in two separate US drone strikes on
South and North Waziristan agencies. The US drone, in its first attack of
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2013 on Wednesday night at around 11:30pm, fired at least two missiles

targeting a mud house at Sarkanda village adjacent to Angoor Adda in South
Waziristan Agency bordering Afghanistan. Maulvi Nazir Wazir, also known
as Mullah Nazir, an important Taliban commander from the Wazir tribe was
killed along with his deputy Ratta Khan, commanders Agha Khan Wazir,
Allauddin Wazir and five others.
Locals from the area, security officials and political administration of
South Waziristan Agency confirmed the death of Maulvi Nazir in drone
attack. Residents of Angoor Adda and Wana said announcements about
Nazirs death were made on loudspeakers from different mosques. Nazir is
one of the most high-profile Taliban killed by drones. His group is one of
several Taliban factions operating in tribal areas. Nazir had survived a
previous US drone hit and then a bomb attack in November last in which he
sustained injuries.
Nazir had expelled foreign militants from his area and reportedly
favoured attacks on American forces in Afghanistan. He also signed nonaggression pacts with Pakistan military in 2007 and 2009. Nazir was a
leading commander, whose operations were based around Wana,
headquarters of South Waziristan Agency. Residents said the main Wana
market remained shut to mark Nazirs death.
In a second US drone strike at about 9:00 am, at least five militants
were killed when a US drone struck a vehicle at Mir Ali, North Waziristan
Agency. Sources said that US drone fired one missile hitting a vehicle at
Bubarak Shahi Killi, followed by another missile when people rushed to the
vehicle to rescue the victims of attack. Five militants, reportedly two of
them foreigners, were killed in the strike.
Next day, the security forces claimed to have killed 20 militants and
injured more than a dozen in air strikes Khyber Agency. The action was
taken in the wee hours in Dwatoai area of Tirah Valley and the forces jets
pounded suspected hideouts of the militants. Dwatoai is situated at a
distance of 65 kilometers to the West of Peshawar.
Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar said that there is no such thing
as good or bad Taliban, and that all those who are terrorists should be
eliminated. Speaking to media representatives in an informal conversation
outside the Parliament House, Naveed Qamar said that Pakistan has so far
released 26 Taliban prisoners. He said the Abbottabad commission report
was being reviewed, after which it would be decided whether to make the
report public or not.
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Rejecting conditional talks with the militants, the military command

linked the possibility of negotiations with them to surrendering and their
unconditional loyalty to the state. The commanders at a meeting in GHQ
also mapped out security plan for engaging troops for elections and voters'
verification in Karachi.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz urged national security institutions to
improve intelligence gathering and establish effective coordination among
civil and military institutions to exterminate terrorism. We have to redesign
and redefine our military doctrine to achieve this objective, he told
participants here at a ceremony at the National Defence University.
On 5th January, the security forces recovered dead bodies of seven
persons from main Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency. The
identity of the deceased could not be ascertained. Reasons behind the
murder and how the deceased were put to death were also not yet clear. It is
feared that the seven people were killed over suspicion of spying.
At least 25 mortar shells fired from the Afghan soil landed in the
border area of Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan. The shelling was spread
over four hours. No casualties were reported, but frequent cross-border
shelling has heightened tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan,
Thousands of tribesmen protested the killing of warlord Mullah Nazir
in South Waziristan and hoisted black flags to mark his death. The protesters
also roundly condemned US drone strikes, and demanded Islamabad
summon the US ambassador and lodge an official protest over the militant
commanders killing.
Three people, including JUI-F local leader Sahibzada Abdus Salam,
were killed and five sustained injuries in a firing incident in Dera Ismail
Khan. Abdus Salam was sitting with his workers at a local hotel when the
members of his rival group opened fire as a result of which he and Pir Shah
were killed on the spot while Spin Gul died in hospital.
Gunmen shot dead two workers of Al-Khidmat Foundation, a charity
organization of Jamaat-e-Islami, involved in education project in Charsadda.
In charge of the education wing of the charity, Zakir Hussain, was killed
along with his driver Khadim Shah, when unidentified motorcyclists opened
indiscriminate fire on them in Utmanzai area.
The one-man judicial commission, probing the 2007 bloodbath in Lal
Masjid, issued show cause notices to Chairman CDA, Syed Tahir Shahbaz,
and Director General, National Crises Management Cell, for not providing
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required record timely and directed them to present the record on January 8.
The commission also directed the chairman PEMRA to take legal action for
obtaining required record from the TV channels.
The Judicial Commission has been tasked to probe into the reasons of
Lal Masjid incident, how many people including men, women and from law
enforcement agencies were killed, whether the state has paid the
compensation to the heirs of killed people, whether the dead bodies were
identified and handed over to their heirs, whether the action has been taken
against the people who are responsible for the tragedy, whether the people
who are responsible for the tragedy could be marked with the available
evidences and facts.
Next day, three US spy planes fired at least eight missiles at two
compounds housing the militants in Babargarh area killing 17 militants and
injuring over half a dozen others. Both the hideouts were destroyed
completely in attack. Babargarh area is located near Afghanistan border. A
day earlier, thousands of tribesmen had protested against US drone strikes in
Wana.
At least 10 militants were killed and several others sustained injuries
and four of their hideouts were destroyed when jet fighters pounded their
positions at Mamonzai area of Orakzai Agency. Besides, reportedly several
others also sustained injuries in the action. Two days ago, they killed 20
militants and injured more than a dozen in air strikes in Khyber Agency.
At least six people were killed by unknown armed persons in the
Chapari area of tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency. A passenger vehicle,
carrying six people, was on its way to Jamrud when armed persons with
covered faces intercepted it and opened indiscriminate firing. Meanwhile,
Police recovered a bullet-riddled dead body of police personnel from Mathra
area of Peshawar.
On 7th January, US predator drones targeted a house and a car in two
separate strikes in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan killing at least five
suspected militants. The CIA-operated drones fired at least eight missiles at
a house and a car in Haider Khel area of Mir Ali, 25 kilometres east of
Miranshah.
Prime Minister said that the government was committed to ensure
smooth transition of power by holding transparent general elections. Talking
to a delegation of US senators led by Senator Carl Levin, chairman Senate
Armed Services Committee at Prime Minister's House, he hoped that the
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relations between the two countries will further strengthen in the interest of
the region and the world.
Next day, a volunteer of Tawheed-ul Islam (TI), Zakha Khel peace
Lashkar was killed and another person injured in a planted bomb in Bokar
area of tehsil Landi Kotal of Khyber Agency. No group has claimed
responsibility for the incident. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz
felicitated Barack H Obama on assumption of the office of US President. In
his message to the US President, the prime minister said that Pakistan has
always placed high premium on its relations with the United States.
On 9th January, US officials raised the possibility of a complete
military withdrawal from Afghanistan for the first time, as President Karzai
arrived in Washington for three days of discussions on military and
economic ties with the Obama Administration. In a briefing for journalists in
advance of Karzais visit, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, said
the White House is prepared to consider all options for US troop levels after
2014, including a so-called zero option if conditions allowed.
Next day, at least six people were killed when an unmanned US
predator targeted a house and a motorbike in North Waziristan. The drone
fired four missiles two at a house and another two at a nearby motorbike,
five kilometres northwest of Mir Ali Bazar in Khushal area. Total five drone
strikes have been reported in the first ten days of January.
At least 22 people were killed and 87 injured in an improvised
explosive device blast in a mosque in Swat. The blast targeted a mosque on
Takhtaband Road on the outskirts of Mingora town. Members of Tableeghi
Jamaat gathered in the mosque to attend weekly gathering held every
Thursday after Maghrib prayer were the victims of the explosion.
On 12th January, former KPK minister Bashir Khan Umarzai was
injured along with his son and MPA Shakil Umarzai in a roadside bombing
in Charsadda. Umarzai was coming back from Charsadda District and
Sessions Court after attending a hearing when his vehicle was targeted near
Khan Garhi Bridge with a remote controlled device. TTP claimed the
responsibility for the attack. In Nowshera, gunman shot dead a woman
serving as a nurse at District Hospital.
Next day, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 22 others sustained
injuries when a roadside bomb hit a military convoy in North Waziristan
Agency. The convoy was on way to Razmak from Miranshah when it
reached Dosali village, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the
militants on a roadside went off. Yesterday, Hakimullah Mehsud, the leader
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of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had circulated a leaflet calling for an

end to the Talibans attacks on Pakistani soldiers in North Waziristan.
Afghanistan: On 24th December, a female Afghan police officer

shot dead a NATO civilian adviser inside Kabul police headquarters, in the
first insider attack by a woman. A spokesman for ISAF said the adviser
died of his wounds and the female police officer who shot him had been
detained.
In another insider attack, the head of a local police post in the northern
province of Jawzjan shot dead five of his colleagues. The shooter, identified
as Dur Mohammad, the head of a police post was believed to have joined the
Taliban insurgents after the deadly shooting.
The insider attacks have added to growing opposition to the war in
many Western countries providing troops to the US-led NATO force, with
opinion polls showing a majority want their soldiers out as soon as possible.
NATO has said, however, that the attacks will not force it to bring forward
its scheduled withdrawal of all combat troops by the end of 2014.
The commander of an elite US Navy SEAL unit died in Afghanistan,
the Defence Department said, his death was being investigated as a
suspected suicide. Commander Job Price died December 22 of a non-combat
related injury in central Afghanistans Uruzgan Province.
Next day it was reported that the female Afghan police officer who
shot dead a NATO adviser in Kabul is an Iranian national who wanted to kill
senior security members. The officer, named only as Nargis, was later
arrested and prosecuted by the police. Investigation showed that Nargis is an
Iranian national. After her marriage with an Afghan she managed to obtain
an Afghan ID illegally.
On 26th December, a suicide car bombing at a US military base near
the city of Khost in eastern Afghanistan killed at least three Afghans and
wounded seven others. The blast took place at the entrance to Forward
Operating Base Chapman in Khost province which shares a porous border
with Pakistans tribal belt.
Next day, four Afghan policemen were killed and two wounded in an
insurgent attack assisted by an insider loyal to the Taliban. Attackers stormed
the police post at Trin Kot, a district in the southern province of Uruzgan,
before dawn and killed the officers as they slept. One policeman who fled
with the insurgents was believed to be a Taliban infiltrator, who aided the
attack,
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On 29th December, a Georgian soldier, who went missing in southern

Afghanistan last week, was found dead. Next day, it was reported that more
than 1,000 Afghan soldiers died in action this year, the highest since the
Taliban insurgency began, as the army assumes more responsibility before
NATO forces withdraw in 2014. A total of 1,056 soldiers were killed in
2012.
On 2nd January, 2013, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar told the Daily Telegraph
in an interview that Queen Elizabeths 28-year-old grandson was a relic of
the colonial past. It seems that some British authorities still dream about the
times of the 18th and 19th century and they want their ambassador to be
treated like a viceroy and their prince to go out in uniform to hunt for human
beings and play the Satanic role that they used to play in the past,
Hekmatyar said.
Hekmatyar vowed to kill as many Western soldiers as possible before
NATO combat forces withdraw from the country in 2014. Hekmatyar,
designated a global terrorist by the United States, warned that Afghanistan
could collapse into civil unrest after NATO troops withdraw, 13 years after
the US-led invasion.
On 6th January, two suicide bombers struck a meeting of community
leaders in a southern Afghan town near the Pakistan border, killing at least
five people and wounding 15 others. One gunman on foot opened fire on
guards at the entrance of the council building in Spin Boldak, forced his way
inside and detonated himself, while a second attacker rammed an explosivesladen vehicle into the outside walls.
On 8th January, a member of the Afghan army shot dead a British
soldier of an engineering regiment at a base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of
Helmand province. The attack came as Afghan President prepared for talks
in Washington on long-term US military and civilian support for his country,
where fears are growing that turmoil could erupt after foreign troops depart.
Unidentified assailants fired several rockets near Afghanistans
Kandahar Airport when a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ATR aircraft
was on the runway ready for departure. The flight PK-199, with 20
passengers and four crew members on board and all the passengers and
flight crew were safe and there was no damage to the aircraft.
President Obama and Afghan President Karzai will discuss matters of
war on January 11. After nearly 10 months in limbo, tentative reconciliation
efforts involving Taliban insurgents, the Karzai government and other major
Afghan factions have shown new signs of life, resurrecting tantalizing hopes
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for a negotiated end to decades of war. Pakistan, which US and Afghan

officials have long accused of backing the insurgents and meddling in
Afghanistan, has recently signaled an apparent policy shift toward
promoting its neighbors stability as most US combat troops prepare to
depart.
On 11th January, President Obama and President Karzai announced
that they have agreed to speed up plans for moving Afghan forces into the
security lead, with the US leader underscoring Pakistan's role in Afghan
reconciliation process. Afghanistan, the United States and Pakistan all have
an interest in reducing the threat of extremism in some of the border regions
of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said after meeting with the Afghan
leader at the White House.
The most important item on the two leaders agenda were talks
whether the United States will have a residual presence in the country
beyond 2014, when the US and its allies end combat operations. Karzai
declined to spell out the size of a contingency force he'd like to see left
behind. "Numbers are not going to make a difference to the situation in
Afghanistan, Karzai said. It's the relationship that will make a difference in
Afghanistan.
Obama also agreed that President Karzai should proceed with peace
negotiations with the Taliban. Any peace process, any reconciliation it is
not for the United States to determine what the terms of this peace will be,
Obama said. It is not possible to reconcile without renouncing terrorism,
without them recognizing the Afghan constitution, and recognizing that if
there are changes that they want to make to how the Afghan process operates
then there is an orderly constitutional way to do that and you cant resort to
violence.
Karzai explained that the Afghan High Council for Peace would
negotiate with the Taliban and with relevant regional countries, including
Pakistan, through a Taliban office in Qatar. Karzai also said that he would
stand down at the end of his second term in 2014 and allow a successor to be
freely elected.
Meanwhile, Spains defence ministry said, Sergeant David Fernandez
was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a reconnaissance
mission. The device was found on a road linking Qala-i-Naw and Darra-iBun in Badghis province in northwestern Afghanistan. Spain has lost 100
soldiers in Afghanistan since deploying troops there in 2002.
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Next day, President Obama said that the US goal in Afghanistan was
within reach as he vowed to move ahead with a timetable to end the 11year-old military campaign and focus on a broad domestic agenda. Weve
pushed the Taliban out of their strongholds, Obama said in his weekly radio
and Internet address. And our core objective the reason we went to war in
the first place is now within reach: ensuring that al-Qaeda can never again
use Afghanistan to launch attacks against America.
Obama, however, said that the US troops must have legal immunity in
order to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014. Nowhere do we have any kind of
security agreement with a country without immunity for our troops, Obama
said at a joint press conference with President Hamid Karzai.
On 13th January, seven Afghan civilians were killed after a Nato
operation against insurgents in Wardak province which is a flashpoint for
Taliban activity. Taliban ambushed a group of coalition and Afghan troops
shortly before dawn as they were returning from an operation to detain a
rebel commander. The troops returned fire and killed four insurgents, some
of whom were wearing suicide vests.
Iran: On 2nd January, 2013, Iran said it had shot down two US-made
RQ-11 reconnaissance drones in the past 15 months, adding to a ScanEagle
drone and RQ-170 Sentinel stealth aircraft it already claims to have
captured. Iran has in the past claimed to have hunted down a number of US
drones, showing detailed images of the alleged spoils.
On 8th January, Irans coast guard detained two Saudi fishing vessels
after they entered Iranian waters. On January 3, Saudi Arabia had detained
21 Iranian nationals who were aboard two boats near al-Harqus Island 42
miles off the Saudi coast, the Saudi border guard said.
On 11th January, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was invited
by his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Mursi to attend a summit of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Cairo next month. The invitation
was extended during a visit to Cairo by Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar
Salehi, who held talks with Mursi as well as with his Egyptian counterpart,
Mohamed Kamel Amr.
Tehran cut ties with Egypt in 1980, a year after the Islamic revolution in
Iran, in protest at a peace accord with Israel agreed the previous year by then
Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. The Islamic republic has expressed its
desire to normalize relations with Egypt since the overthrow of president
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Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, but Mursi and his Islamist backers have
been cautious on the issue.
India: On 24th December, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is

visiting India, signed $2.9 billion in arms deals, for the sale of 71 military
helicopters and kits for 42 fighter jets to India. The order for the Mi-17
helicopters, which was originally 59 when the deal was made in 2010, has
been increased to 71. The provision of arms shows that Russia is trying the
same means to retain India on its side as the USA has used to win it over by
selling it more arms.
Next day, Pakistan and India finalized the terms of reference for a
judicial commission expected to visit India to gather evidence on the 2008
Mumbai attacks. An agreement on the visit of the second Pakistani judicial
commission to Mumbai was finalized following several rounds of
discussions on complex technical and legal issues.
Police in IHK said that two suspected rebels and a police officer were
killed in a gun battle in the southern Kashmir village of Dodhiporao. In
addition to the dead, one Indian army soldier was wounded in the fighting.
Police believed men belonged to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
On 28th December, Indian troops shot dead two suspected freedom
fighters in Held Kashmir while seven civilians received police bullet injuries
when they protested the slaying of the rebels. The two suspected freedom
fighters allegedly belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba group were killed while
three troopers were wounded in a firefight in Pulwama town.
On 3rd January, 2013, the federal cabinet directed the trade ministry to
immediately implement the order about granting India the status of most
favoured nation (MFN). On 5th January, Right to Self-determination Day was
held in Mirpur AJK under the auspices of the National Events Organizing
Committee to remind the United Nations of 65-year-old resolutions on
Kashmir to ensure the early grant of the right to the people of Jammu and
Kashmir. No such function was held through the entire length and breadth of
Pakistan.
On 6th January, a Pakistani soldier was martyred and another injured in
a gunfight erupting after Indian troops crossed into Pakistani territory and
attacked a check post in Bagh area of Azad Kashmir. But Indian military
denied its soldiers had attacked Pakistani position, and instead accused
Pakistani troops of violating the Line of Control. The check post skirmish
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was followed by heavy exchange of fire across the border heightening

tensions between the two countries.
Next day, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with India over an
unprovoked attack on one of its security posts in Haji Pir Sector on 6 th
January. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a senior Indian
diplomat to hand him over a protest note on the unprovoked Indian attack.
The UNMOGIP said it was aware of media reports about the killing of
Pakistani soldier. Victoria Nuland said, We are concerned about any reports
of violence across the Line of Control in Kashmir. We urge both sides to take
steps to end exchanges of fire.
On 8th January, India accused Pakistan of killing two of its soldiers in an
attack and mutilating one of the bodies along the disputed border. In his
remarks that may harm an already fragile peace process, Indian Foreign
Minister Salman Khurshid bluntly said India would deliver a proportionate
response to the killings in Kashmir. The Pakistan Army denied launching an
unprovoked attack as claimed by India.
There was a firefight with Pakistani troops, army spokesman Rajesh
Kalia told a news agency, confirming the names of the men killed as
sergeants Hemraj Singh and Sudhakar Singh. We lost two soldiers and one
of them has been badly mutilated, he added, declining to give more details
on the injuries. The Pakistan Army said Indian troops crossed the Line of
Control and stormed a military post in an attack that left one Pakistani
soldier dead and another injured.
Pakistan Army is ready to tackle all direct and indirect challenges to
safeguard security of the motherland. This was said by Chief of Army Staff
General Kayani during his visit to Sialkot Garrison to view the Army
Mobilization Exercise. The exercise is being conducted to validate the recent
changes in mobilization system of the Army.
To a question on the firing from across the border on a Pakistani post in
AJK, Nawaz Sharif said such incidents were sabotaging peace efforts
between India and Pakistan. He said internal peace in India and Pakistan was
beneficial for regional peace and serious bilateral talks were a must to
resolve mutual disputes. He also termed the grant of the Most Favourite
Nation status to India a positive step to promote trade between the two
countries.
Next day, Pakistan denied allegations that its troops killed two Indian
soldiers by crossing the Line of Control and offered investigations through
the United Nations into the recent violations of the ceasefire, besides
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reiterating its commitment to peace process. Foreign Office said Pakistan

remains committed to the ceasefire agreement of 2003, an important
Confidence Building Measure that should be respected in letter and spirit.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has instructed American
Ambassadors in Pakistan and India to work with the two governments as
part of efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, stemming
from clashes along the Line of Control. State Department spokesperson said
Washington has urged calm and counseled both Pakistan and India to talk to
each other to sort out the tensions.
On 10th January, Pakistan said one of its soldiers was killed by
unprovoked Indian firing across their tense border in Kashmir, the third
deadly incident reported in five days in the disputed region. The Pakistan
military said the incident happened at Kundi post in the Battal area of
Hotspring sector.
Addressing a press conference at Foreign Office Hina Khar said
Pakistan has acted in a responsible manner every time it faced a challenge.
She said, We want to respect the cease-fire of 2003. The foreign minister
said Pakistan was serious in the dialogue process and hoped that the recent
incident of firing across the LoC in Kashmir would not derail it. She said
normalizing trade relations with India was under process and there could be
a delay of few weeks in taking final decision in this regard. She, however,
said there should be no visible or invisible barriers in smooth trading
between the two countries.
Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said in Paris after meeting
with his French counterpart, Why should this happen? It perplexes me. I
dont think anyone on the other side of the border is achieving anything
wholesome... Its extremely shocking and unacceptable. Weve even used
the word barbaric and I cant imagine that anyone would disagree with that
on any side of the border.
On 11th January, after exhibiting utmost restraint, Pakistan lodged
another protest with New Delhi over unprovoked repeated violations of LoC
by the Indian army and attacks that killed two Pakistani soldiers in five days.
This is absolutely disappointing and unacceptable. I have conveyed
Pakistan's concerns to the Indian High Commissioner with the hope that
such unfortunate incidents will not recur, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas
Jilani told a press briefing.
Lashkar-e-Taiba Founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed said India was trying
to destabilize Pakistan by fomenting unrest in the country and predicted
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violence on the Line of Control could get ugly. We do not want any force
to be used or any military operation for this. But the Indians are opting for
the other alternative, Hafez Saeed told Reuters in a telephone interview.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government will observe a Black Day
on January 14 in protest against the unprovoked firing from Indian troops on
Line of Control. Addressing a protest rally against the recent incident of
firing on LOC at Central Press Club Muzaffarabad, AJ&K Premier Ch
Majeed said that protest would be held in front of Indian High Commission
in Islamabad to vent off anger against the uncalled-for incident.
Next day, tension continued to prevail along the Line of Control
between Pakistan and India as both sides built up troops on the border.
Pakistan has so far not responded to requests from India and its army for a
flag meeting at the brigade level to de-escalate tension along the LoC. Indian
intelligence intercepts revealed that Pakistan Army has canceled all leaves
and ordered its troops to report for duty.
VIEWS
Pakistan
Startling Revelations: Secretary Defence Lt-General (r) Asif Yasin
Malik in an informal meeting with the media at the Defence Ministry on
Friday, accused the US and the UK of being against Pakistans nuclear
programme. The subject has been hotly debated between the supporters and
doubters of this thesis both in the print and electronic media, recalling the
Western and especially the US and UK reaction to Pakistans right to
conduct nuclear tests in 1998 in response to the explosion of nuclear devices
by India a little earlier. The irrefutable logic that Pakistans nuclear
capability restored a balance of power, after across the border India carried
out the tests. Even though strict sanctions Pakistan was subjected to were
somewhat relaxed when it joined the US in the war on terror, there were
unmistakable signs that Pakistans acquisition of nuclear capability remained
a source of concern. For instance, to the periodic fears that the bomb might
fall into the hands of militants was added an unprecedented favour of the socalled civilian nuclear deal to India, giving substance to that lingering
suspicion. One hopes that adequate, rather foolproof, safeguards have been
built to make sure that the arsenal is safe and secure.
Lt-General Malik remarked that he had complete information about
the CIA spies in the country; the US had handed over a list of them to
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Pakistan, adding, however, that no country was allowed to work undercover

in Pakistan. Without elaborating the point, he said that the CIA also used
secret agencies of other countries against Pakistan. The Defence Secretary
remarked that since the Salalah incident and the suspension of Nato supplies
Pakistan and the US had developed their ties on the basis of mutual interests.
It sounds rather strange that if relations are now based on mutual interests,
what rationale there exists for Pakistans official sources to publicly deal a
blow to these delicate ties with revelations which mean rather little in the
grander scheme of things.
Referring to the verdict on Asghar Khans case, the Defence Secretary
maintained that his ministry had no objection if the government decided to
take action against former COAS General (r) Aslam Beg and the former ISI
chief Lt-General (r) Asad Durrani. He gave the good news that since
September PIA had become a profitable organization and would, thus, be
purchasing 12 planes; those holding fake degrees had been dismissed from
service and appointment on political basis banned. (Editorial, TheNation
30th December)
Green book and the red herring: For Pakistan, sub-conventional
threat is a reality of present time. This, however, does not mean that the
conventional threat has receded. It will be an overstatement to consider subconventional threat as existential. It is transient in nature and would pass by
when its string pullers abdicate mischief. The country is certainly pitched
against a nebulous enemy; and alongside this, the conventional threat has
also grown manifold. These threats could only be defeated through
collective national will and multi-dimensional efforts in which the armed
forces have a critical role to play; they have to act in harmony with other
instruments of the state. However, political leadership has to take the lead.
Much hype has been created about an addition (read revamping) of a
chapter on Sub-conventional warfare to the Green Book, or the Army
Doctrine. By all counts, it would be naive to call it a major shift in the
doctrine. While living in a global village, it would be improper to assume
that any internal threat could sustain itself without external linkages like
indoctrination, logistic facilitation and even active intervention
Pakistan continues to face numerous external threats as well. Speaking
about one dimension of these threats, Pakistans secretary of defence has
recently acknowledged an open secret that the US and Britain were (and are)
against Pakistans nuclear programme. Pakistans nuclear programme has
remained an eye sore for the West, especially the United States, since its
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formulation days. Further elaborating on external threats, the secretary also

pointed out that the US had also used other (undeclared) intelligence
networks against Pakistan. Moreover, the involvement of nearly half a dozen
foreign intelligence agencies in fermenting and sustaining the unrest in
Baluchistan has often been acknowledged by high-ranking Pakistani leaders
and independent analysts
All militaries are trained to counter insurgencies and so is Pakistans
military. Successful operations in Swat and Malakand indicate superb
handling of the military aspect of insurgency. Where we have faltered is the
lack of robust political processes to convert tactical gains through military
action into strategic peace via political integration. Nonetheless, reclamation
of Swat is a success story which has many lessons for the contemporary
militaries dealing with insurgency. Moreover, Pakistans armed forces have
the full capacity to launch an operation in North Waziristan. However, this
operation would not be successful till the Pak-Afghan border is sealed;
otherwise the terrorists would run away to Afghanistan; rest, rearm and
come back to fight on another day.
Success of Pakistans military in dealing with internal threat can be
measured from the fact that militant leaders in their back-to-back statements
sent to the media last week have offered ceasefire and negotiations. Rhetoric
attached to these offers aside, militant outfits only offer for talks when they
are under severe pressure. While military action has exerted appropriate
pressure and brought the militants to this point, it is for the political
leadership to seize the moment and capitalize on it. Pending the decision,
military operation should continue. Political leadership needs to weigh the
offer and take the decision. If the talks are to begin, then conducive
environment should be created for their success, while watchfully observing
and ensuring that militants do not exploit the parleys as a mean to gain time
to consolidate their position militarily. Militant outfits have a poor track
record of honouring their commitments; they also lack a centrally
responsible leadership that could own and implement the decisions of any
agreement. Presumably, the interior ministry has shown governments
inclination to consider the offer made by Hakimullah. Gradually, other
factions could also be taken on board. If Americans can talk to Afghan
Taliban, why cant we? Apart from the contents of the new chapter in the
Green Book, terminal phase of the strategy to handle sub-conventional threat
is negotiations and political processes backed by robust deterrence. Military
has forced the militants to ask for negotiations; ball is now in political
leaderships court. (Khalid Iqbal, TheNation 7th January)
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Pakistans uncertain portals: As 2013 begins to close in on the

expected changes within and outside Pakistan, various actors are
repositioning themselves to move into the void for diverse interests. Some
interests relate to their own narrow ambitions of political longevity, while
others relate to agendas that appease their outside mentors; deconstructing
Pakistan.
In 2013, the USA will give final shape to its preparations and military
co-ordinations for a limited withdrawal from Afghanistan. These
adjustments include measures ranging from pacifications, placations,
negotiations to outright coercion and violence through its diplomatic,
military and economic power on the Afghan resistance, countries
surrounding Afghanistan and shaping of environments for the achievement
of long-term strategic objectives.
The biggest factor to govern the size, composition and location of the
stay-behind groups in the strategically-located military bases in
Afghanistan is the threat of Afghan resistance, comprising Mullah Omar
led Taliban, Haqqani Group, Hizb-e-Islami led by Gulbadin Hikmatyar and
sanctuaries inside Pakistan. Though Pakistan, as suggested in these
columns, has facilitated negotiations by releasing some Afghan Taliban, it
appears that either the USA wants Pakistan to do more or that its
objectives relate to a scenario beyond Afghanistan.
It is interesting to note that in two recent incidences of drone attacks
the USA has targeted Mullah Nazir and Waliur Rehman Mehsud; two
individuals challenging Hakimullah Mehsud of TTP in the Fata region. As
the withdrawal timeframe closes, the USA will not hesitate to use its
relatively secure bases in Afghanistan for Cold Start Operations inside
Pakistan. The civil unrest and failure of state institutions is designed to
give an impetus to instability in Pakistan and, therefore, completion of
USAs agenda in the region.
The new team that President Barack Obama has appointed is diverse
in nature. The main focus seems to be Middle East and Pakistan. Its
composition and frame of reference is obvious in its structural threat.
Chuck Hegel, the newly appointed Defence Secretary, is known for
his strong positions on Israel and soft stance on Iran. As the top man of
National Security, his appointment means that work on co-opting Iran in
the Middle East (Iraq, Syria and Lebanon) and post-withdrawal
Afghanistan is already well on its way. The USA will also exploit
differences between Pakistan and Iran over the Afghan Taliban to counter
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Pakistans influence north of Kandahar. In AfPak, the Secretary of Defence

will play minion to the State Department and CIA.
Appointment of the old CIA veteran John Brennan as head of CIA is a
reward for his planning of the Abbottabad Raid, handling of the Arab
Spring operations, targeted killings in Yemen, enhanced and crueler
interrogation techniques and, perhaps, also Salala. His appointment is an
explicit message to Pakistans security establishment about the levels of
ruthlessness and violence the USA could go to in pursuit of its objectives
in the region. The appointment also means that the major feature of
operations in AfPak will be higher intensity intelligence-led sting, covert,
drone and military operations in tandem with Pakistans internal instability.
John Kerry, apparently soft on Pakistan, will be used to placate and
persuade within the construct of a comepellence strategy framed to make a
constantly under pressure Pakistan, pliable and compliant. This strategy is
considered most appropriate to control and subsequently defang a nuclear
Pakistan without resorting to the dangerous and flat trajectory of a nuclear
escalation. Comepellence methods will involve diverse trajectories of
violence, drones, economics, diplomacy, internal instability, unrest in
Balochistan and mundane propaganda against Pakistan Army.
Elections in Pakistan favourable to US policies in the region are
crucial to US interests in the region. As discussed earlier in these columns,
the US in the past with help from the Pakistani establishment succeeded to
influence electoral results in its favour. This means coalescing and backing
a group of apparently liberal, secular, anti-right, progressive, tolerant
inclusive groups. The most obvious choice is the continuation of the NRO
coalition boosted with a few old and new rising political stars.
It also appears that the new scene of destabilization and agitations will
focus on Punjab, the Clausewitzian centre of gravity of Pakistan. If this is
not the case, then why all long marches must begin from Lahore and not
Karachi. Much will depend on how Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz reacts
to this scenario? Will it like the NRO, join the bandwagon or will it as a
reassertion of patriotism hold out an olive branch in the best interests of the
country to its political opponents, who do not share the American dream?
Meanwhile, the deconstruction of the state through bad governance,
faulty policies, use of proxies and non-state actors will continue. These are
the auxiliary operations to eat the state from within like a moth. This
reminds me of my favourite strategist Chanakya Kautilya, who said that to
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dismember a state, it is best to get into the very womb and disembowel it.
This is what is happening to Pakistan.
Pakistan Army is under lots of pressure caused by the post-9/11
events. It is into its 11th year of counter-terrorism operations at a very high
cost to its men and equipment. All its operations are conducted without a
higher direction of conflict clarified in a national counter-terrorism policy.
In fact, the absence of such a political initiative keeps the army busy in its
lonely war. Many areas like Swat that the army now controls lack political
pacification operations rendering long-term peace elusive.
Pakistans security planners also realize that the nuclear capability
minimizes the risk of a conventional conflict with India and enhances the
probabilities of proxy wars. In fact, it has been asserted in these columns
for many years that Pakistan is under siege through economic hit-men,
diplomatic adventurists and non-state actors for a very long time. With the
military inextricably involved in counter-terrorism operations and the
limited capability of law enforcement agencies, it will be a nightmare to
control the mushrooms of rising levels of violence. The use of remote
control detonations in Karachi and Balochistan is a reminder that either the
militants are changing their tactics or new ones have entered the melee.
It was, therefore, within the constitutional ambit of the army to shift
its focus to sub-conventional threats that are the real moths eating into the
state. However, instead of analyzing the issue and highlighting the true
dimensions of the threat, the better part of the vitriolic media portrayed the
BBC news as a contemplated adventure by the army on the heels of
instability that Allama Tahirul Qadris long march to Islamabad will create.
Some channels even went to the extent of implying the neo-reformist as a
military proxy. Does this imply that some segments of the media are also
part of the sub-conventional threat to Pakistan?
It appears that though some political parties may be eager to cash in
on the environment, Pakistan as a state is not prepared for the impending
changes. No one in the corridors of power has carried out a political and
strategic appraisal for what future holds for Pakistan and how best
Pakistans interests can be hedged against destabilizing policies, men of
elastic conscience within and diverse form of floating and subconventional threats. (Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNation 10th January)
A bleak day: Terrorists struck with suicide bombings in Swat and
Quetta claiming 122 lives and leaving 280 injured on Thursday, in a day of
carnage that left both the north and the south of the country affected The
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Mingora attack should provide more evidence, if any indeed was needed,
that the militants actions shed a garish light on the form of religion they
wish to implement. It should also be noted that while the attack on the
Alamdar Road snooker club might have sectarian and ethnic dimensions, it
being a Hazara area, the Mingora attack was on the Tablighi Jamaat, which
is not just of the same Hanafi sect as the militants, but also of the same
Deobandi school of thought. Thus while the Quetta attacks might be seen
as part of a continuity, the Swat attack shows that the militants may well
have acquired a new target.
The attacks represent a failure of intelligence, and the government
needs to consider two separate dimensions. First, what were the signs that
we missed, of an attack on an existing target, and second, what were the
failures of communication, if any, of the various intelligence agencies? The
blasts occurred before the Obama-Karzai talks in Washington, which will
help determine the exact shape of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
This shows that the blasts are also timed to impact Pakistans foreign
policy stance. At the same time Pakistan must realize that time for decisive
action has come. Our home is going up in flames before our very eyes.
(Editorial, TheNation 12th January)
Afghanistan
Afghanistan: competing narratives: Americas Afghanistan policy
is pegged around a strategy of deliberate ambiguity. At a time when Afghan
resistance groups needed a healing touch, putting Haqqanis on the terror list
while, at the same time, wishing to engage them in the peace process, has
radiated confusing signals. When all resistance groups are unequivocal about
complete withdrawal of foreign troops and creation of a new political
dispensation, Washingtons pressure on the incumbent Afghan government
for stationing its military contingent in Afghanistan is creating an
environment of strategic uncertainty.
This vagueness has given rise to speculations about various degrees of
rollback of American influence, viz. total hands-off; partial military
withdrawal; complete military pullout while retaining economic and political
influence of varying degrees etc are some of the assumptions.
In line with its track record, the Americans focus has shifted
elsewhere, irrespective of the achievability of stated objectives in
Afghanistan. Now Afghanistan is only of periphery interest to them.
Persistent lowering of the bar in the context of envisaged objectives
indicates that they are in a hurry to quit. The American public is war weary
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and it is eagerly pursuing early and complete withdrawal. Moreover, it is a

candid opinion that if the US interest is to keep Afghanistan unstable enough
to prevent the flow of Central Asian carbohydrates to South Asia, then
presence or otherwise of foreign forces would equally yield this objective for
at least short to medium timeframe. However, if Afghanistan is to be
stabilized then a systematic viable transition is to be ensured; as of now,
there are glaring gaps in the efforts towards these objectives.
Recently, the US Senate approved, by a heavy majority of 62 to 33, a
resolution calling for the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan. The mover
of the resolution, Senator Jeff Merkley said that the time had come to
withdraw from Afghanistan as al-Qaeda was no longer in a position to
launch a major attack on American soil, and thus the long war should be
brought to an end. Another opinion has it that a US military contingent is
needed for the Afghan elections in 2014, when some other collaborator than
Hamid Karzai must be found to be the President. Both ways, it is an implicit
admission of the failure of US strategy...
Afghanistan is in a state of perpetual turmoil. Multilateral processes
initiated at Bonn, Istanbul, Islamabad, Kabul, Doha, Tokyo, etc, have not
been able to translate into an enabling environment for political
reconciliation and reintegration of militants into the political mainstream
which are two foundation stones for lasting peace. Major causes of
stagnation are a complexly woven pattern of intra-Afghan suspicions and
criss-crossing lines of mistrust at bilateral and multilateral levels. Unless
these factors are taken into account and a corrective campaign is launched,
various actors would continue to operate at cross purposes. Intra Afghan
harmony has always been a difficult objective to achieve, and tricky to
sustain. Ethno-sectarian fault lines are deep seated; they have external
strings as well as domestic dynamics. These realities cannot be undone; yet
there is sufficient tactical and strategic space to construct durable peace
process.
All indicators point toward an early withdrawal of occupation forces.
Pakistan should brace up for a situation that would emerge out of a complete
US withdrawal; the US would, nevertheless, make serious efforts to retain
substantial politico-economic influence. Thus, contingency planning to deal
with the situation that could arise following Washingtons decision to retain
some troops in the country would entail the flying of more troops if the
situation worsened. Western diplomats, who had been sceptical for years of
Pakistani promises, now admit that Islamabad is serious about promoting
stability in Afghanistan. They seem to genuinely want to move towards a
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political solution, said an official from an EU country. Western diplomats

candidly opine that Pakistans army chief has made reconciliation amongst
warring Afghan factions his top priority.
Pakistan should strive for a democratic transition based on one
person-one-vote basis and dispel the impression of favouring any particular
ethnic group; it needs to own all Afghans. (Khalid Iqbal, TheNation 31 st
December)
What Afghanistan really needs: With 2014 drawing near, the focus
of NATOs mission has largely shifted from the battlefield to training the
Afghan national security forces, which are expected to take over security
after the foreign forces exit.
It will be a daunting task for Washington and Kabul to pave the way
for a relatively smooth transition period this year, as the capability of Afghan
forces needs to be improved remarkably so they can face up to the countrys
bleak security situation.
According to General Mohammad Zahir Azimi, the spokesman for
Afghanistans Ministry of Defence, the Afghan forces are now charged with
80 percent of security missions, but they are not equipped to face the most
lethal weapon of the militants roadside bombs. A recent US congressional
report also pointed out that high-level Afghan units still need vital air,
logistics and other support from the occupation forces.
The entire security outlook in Afghanistan looks anything but
promising. Recent analysis suggests the overall level of violence in the
country was higher in 2012 than it was before a US troop surge more than
two years ago, with insurgent activity up in the north and west. Statistics
from the Afghan side indicate more than 1,050 Afghan troops died in 2012,
which is much higher than 2011.
The Afghan government tried to engage the still potent Taliban in a
national reconciliation process, with a series of direct and indirect contacts
among the Afghan government, the US administration, the Taliban and
Pakistan last year. But the Taliban, which ruled the country between 1996
and 2001 with an iron fist, have rejected these overtures. On Saturday, they
again warned of a prolonged war in Afghanistan if any foreign troops stay
after 2014.
An effective security apparatus and continued engagement with the
Taliban will be top of the Afghan governments agenda this year, as stability,
peace and order are primary requisites for the war-torn country to take the
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path of national reconciliation and rebuilding. (Wang Hul for China daily,
reprinted in TheNation 11th January)
India
MFN status for India: The federal cabinet in its meeting, with Prime
Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in the chair on Thursday, decided to implement
the grant of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India immediately, and
directed the Commerce Ministry to act accordingly. That showed that the
earlier delay to consult representatives of industry and agriculture was mere
eyewash. No consultations are known to have taken place, and no reports of
any consultation were presented to the cabinet. Therefore, it went ahead with
a decision that will lead to the destruction of the countrys commerce and
industry. The two nuclear armed South Asian neighbours continue to avoid
even talking about the Kashmir issue, let alone, solve it. India continues
pursuit of its regional goals, which include maintaining its illegal occupation
of Kashmir, and emerging as a major industrial power. Meanwhile Pakistan
flounders in setting even it's domestic affairs straight.
The government appears anxious to make some final commitment;
especially after it itself acknowledged that it would complete its term.
However, this term has little time to run, and this means that any decision
would be best left to the government that will be elected in the coming
general election. At the same time, it is difficult to see how any coming
government can take a step which would have such damaging consequences
for Pakistani commerce and industry. It is also not possible to see how the
countrys commerce and industry, already so badly hit by load shedding and
already losing jobs at an alarming rate would be able to sustain such a shock.
It must not be forgotten that India is pursuing mercantilist aims, and wishes
to increase further its trade surplus with Pakistan, which reached $1 billion
in the last fiscal year.
Instead of using the remainder of its term taking decisions harming
the national interest, the government should work hard at persuading India
that it must be willing to allow the only valid solution to the Kashmir
problem. The government should remember that it must ensure that it
follows the aspirations of the people, and that this includes keeping the
Kashmir cause in the forefront of its relationship with India, which has never
accepted its creation, and still actively seeks the reversal of the Partition.
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Dastardly attack: The Indian forces deployed across the Line of

Control (LoC) in Kashmir sneaked into the Haji Pir sector in the early hours
of Sunday, attacked a Pakistani check post and injured two of our soldiers.
However, as they were being beaten back, they were compelled to leave
their arms behind. Although in the past such incidents have been taken place
at regular intervals, it was for quite some time that there has been no such
intrusions, giving the impression that recent developments towards the
normalization of relations between the two countries might have had a
settling effect. The government should lodge a strong protest with New
Delhi and seek an explanation for this serious violation of the LoC as well as
trust that the two sides have been trying to build.
The people of Kashmir on either side of the LoC and Kashmiri
Diaspora in various parts of the world observed the right of selfdetermination day on Saturday. The gatherings addressed by their leaders
renewed the commitment of getting the people of the disputed state their
inalienable right to exercise their choice through a free and fair plebiscite
under UN-auspices, as envisaged under the UN Security Councils relevant
resolutions. The meetings urged international community to extend their
help and cooperation to the oppressed people by pressurizing the Indian
government to honour its own solemn pledges made at the UNSC. It needs
recalling here also that while addressing the Kashmiris, Prime Minister
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru himself had held out an assurance that the future of
the disputed state rested with them; it would be only their vote that would
decide whether they wanted to join India or Pakistan.
It is a great tragedy that the beleaguered people of Kashmir have
become victims of the geopolitical ambitions of world powers, in particular
of the US that perceives the befriending of New Delhi at any cost a
prerequisite to the achievement of its goals. In the process, it even does not
hesitate to ignore the grossest of human rights violations the Indian security
forces are guilty of committing on the people of the Valley. These abuses
have shot up since the Indian government empowered these forces with a
black law that gives a free hand to them to shoot at sight or take in custody
even a suspect freedom fighter. These forces, thus, feel encouraged to
perpetrate the maximum inhumanities they possibly could to silence the
voice of freedom. However, the people even after losing nearly 80,000 of
their kith and kin and suffering torture and the pain and humiliation of rapes
of their women are continuing to hold the torch of freedom burning. If
anyone has been found wanting in its fortitude and stamina, it is the
government of Pakistan. Our leaders must realize the signal significant of
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Kashmir to the very survival of the country and proactively plead its cause
that, in fact, is our own cause. (Editorial, TheNation 7th January)
Indian intransigence: Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid
wove a web of fantasy to the South Asian Free Media Association
conference in Amritsar when he addressed it on Sunday, but his insistence on
the handover of those Pakistanis India accused of the 2008 Mumbai
massacre showed the iron Indian fist that was under his talk of breakfast in
one country of South Asia, lunch in a second and dinner in a third. He did
not speak of the main factor blocking this, a vision made physically possible
by modern means of communication, Indian intransigence. South Asia has
many commonalties, but one of the most prominent, is the fact that India is
involved in disputes with all its neighbours. While the biggest country in
South Asia, India is also the biggest single factor responsible for its
instability. If India was to adopt a good-neighbour policy, it would work to
resolve those issues which its neighbours find of importance, even
existential importance. Perhaps, the prime example is the Kashmir dispute
with Pakistan, which India tries to pretend does not even exist, but there is
also the Tamil issue with Sri Lanka or the Farrakha Barrage dispute with
Bangladesh, which show that India itself is its own worst enemy, if indeed
its vision corresponds with the honeyed words of Mr Khurshid.
However, the Mumbai massacre provides a case in point. India wants
cynically to use it to distract attention from the Kashmir issue, and to throw
the blame for its own internal failures on to Pakistan. Also, it does not want
to observe the norms of relations between sovereign states, and does not
want to give the evidence needed by Pakistani courts before any handover
takes place. In fact, India seems to be taking umbrage at the fact that
Pakistan has not handed over suspects solely on Indian say-so.
Under these circumstances, Indias hectoring tone, of making the
Most Favoured Nation status grant demand shows that India does not see its
diplomacy as aimed at achieving an arrival at an understanding of a
mutuality of interests, but as making other countries in the region fall in with
Indian wishes. Unless Mr Khurshid manages to wrest Indian foreign policy
on to a more equitable course than at present, he will find that his vision will
not come to fruition. To make it come true, India will have to solve its
problems with its neighbours, none of which involve India having to
abandon more than its intransigence. (Editorial, TheNation 8th January)
Communalism in India: The killing of six Muslims at the hands of
Maharashtra police that left 200 others badly injured reinforces Indias
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image as a place unsafe for minorities, be they Christians or Muslims. It is

notable that the fray was provoked by a petty fisticuff when a Muslim
rickshaw puller was beaten up. The ensuing scuffle soon took on the
character of communal riots with the law enforcement agencies acting in a
way that suggested they were swayed more by their prejudices than the call
to duty. According to witnesses, the police seemed trigger-happy while
handling the Muslim protestors, in fact which explains why all those killed
were Muslims. Now as the entire episode has concluded, the role of the
Maharashtra police with the state authorities at the back, representing the
face of the prevailing bigotry must be condemned.
It remains to be seen whether a genuine effort to inquire into the
incident with strict punishment for the culprits will be made. Failure to do so
would show a deliberate lack of concern for minorities. And, if one recalls
the past, this incident will most likely fail to prick the conscience of the
powers that be. There are still plenty of those who proudly recount the gory
events of Gujarat riots or the desecration of the Babri mosque. These forces
of hatred and intolerance form the darker side of India the world knows very
little about. (Editorial, TheNation 9th January)
Clear and present threats to Pakistan: The chapter on subconventional warfare in the Green Book appears to have generated a great
deal of discussion and debate. The general perception is that the Pakistan
Army may have initiated a basic paradigm shift in its strategic orientation.
Its doctrine now apparently implies that the militants within pose a greater
threat than India. The implication then would be that its enemy number one
has ostensibly changed; that India is no longer the primary existentialist
threat to Pakistan; that the internal threat posed by the militants has
acquired greater dimensions than the one posed by nuclear India.
And that would make for a massive paradigm shift in our strategic
orientation by any standards.
The quantum and quality of threats posed by our enemies are assessed
by their intents and capabilities. It is always prudent to base the threat
perceptions on their capabilities, rather than their intents that can change
very quickly. India holds strong well equipped nuclear capable armed
forces; anywhere between 80 and 90 percent of which are either deployed
or poised against Pakistan. To date there has been no discernible paradigm
shift in Indias strategic orientation away from Pakistan. There has been no
mitigation of threat from India whatsoever. And there appears to be little
reason for Pakistan to volunteer to do so. Thus far, Pakistan Armys
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strategic orientation has been rightly focused on the more ominous threat India. And that is where it should stay
If India were not deemed to be the primary threat, then Pakistan may
find it difficult to justify maintaining such large conventional and nuclear
forces. It may be pressurized by the vested western interests to right size
them to match the declared primary threats. It would certainly raise
questions on the necessity of a nuclear arsenal. That will tantamount to
attacking Pakistans centre of gravity, its bedrock. And that, in effect, will
be the manifestation of the real, the strongest existentialist threat to
Pakistan.
It could also be the consummation of a deep strategic manoeuvre by
the Indo-US combine. If a change in Pakistan armys doctrine forces it to
take its eyes off India and start looking inwards, it would be exactly in line
with what the US has always demanded of Pakistan. It was and is in the
USAs larger interest that Pakistan should concentrate its total energies in
combating the militant threat within, even at the cost of denuding its
eastern borders. This would free up India to concentrate on counterbalancing China and not be distracted by Pakistan, which, in turn, would
be kept embroiled with the militants. Pakistan armys balance will shift
westwards and away from India. And that will be to the abiding benefit of
India and the US.
A reduction in Pakistans conventional and nuclear prowess will also
confer upon India the unchallenged leadership of the South Asian region
and may eventually reduce Pakistan to the status of a vassal state of India.
This will then create the conditions for implementing further US designs
like the New Silk Road Project (NSRP), which is already practically
operational though in a disjointed manner.
The Afghans are already trading (exporting only) with India through
Torkham and Wagah, while India is exporting to Afghanistan and beyond
from Karachi and Torkham/Chaman. All that needs to be done now or soon
is to allow India to export goods through Wagah instead of Karachi and it
will have its and the USAs dream of manifesting the NSRP fulfilled
outmanoeuvring Pakistan clinically without any matching quid pro quo.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, has done
well to clear the air by declaring that the armed forces will cater for the full
threat spectrum India as well as the militancy. A balanced approach in
our strategic orientation is the order of the day. The militants may be the
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more immediate and bothersome threat, but India is certainly the more
potent and genuinely existentialist one.
Sure as the sun rises from the East so does our primary threat. Period!
(Imran Malik, TheNation 13th January)
REVIEW
BBC quoted General Kayani saying that Pakistani military has
revised the threat perception. The secular regime led by Zardari and large
section of secular media hurried to welcome the revision of Green Book,
without checking back from Army the implications of the statement of its
chief.
The anchors of Pakistans electronic media organized debates on the
perceived change. Some of the hosts were not even acquainted with as to
how an internal threat operates. They ignored that internal threat at some
stage needs outside support or voluntarily adopted by the outside enemy.
In case of Pakistan, there is hardly any doubt as to who could be the
foster-father of the internal threat. But, Pakistani politicians and the media
obsessed with the idea of befriending India prefer to brush aside such things
dubbing them as irritants. They are overwhelmed by Amn ki Asha for
reasons other than the national security.
Therefore, the demarche to Indian High Commissioner over ceasefire
violations of the Line of Control has been simply eyewash. The regime and
its like-minded are least bothered about killing of a soldier. They wont
allow his blood come in the way of giving India the status of most favoured
nation.
Even Nawaz Sharif, a Pakistani Bania, supported the decision of the
cabinet to accord MFN status to India. His aim is the same as of Zardari.
Both of them want friendly ties with India at any price with a view to cutting
the Devil of Pakistan Army to size.
They wont like to talk of rioting and killing of Indian Muslims in the
wake of defeat of Indian cricket team at the hands of Pakistani cricketers.
The visit of Pakistani cricketers was also reciprocated with an outright
refusal to send Indian cricketers to Pakistan. When it was happening,
Pakistani politicians were having meetings with an Indian film actor visiting
Pakistan.
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These politicians would also reject possibility of any mischief in the

base medicine imported from India which was used by two factories for
preparing cough syrup that killed more than hundred people. These deaths of
addicts cannot be allowed to undermine the bilateral trade relations between
two neighbours. In any case, those who have died by the blessing of Amn
ki Asha would rest in eternal process.
Pakistani politicians would also not ponder about what happened on
10 January in Quetta and Karachi. They would prefer to see this bloodshed
in isolation of the threat of Indian Foreign Minister who, while commenting
on the firing across LoC, had said that India would react appropriately in
manner and place of its choice.
th
While the secular regime in Pakistan wished for an urgent application

of the change in military doctrine; the Axis of Evil (US-Afghanistan-India)
relentlessly pursued their doctrine to solve the problem of Pakistan. The
attacks of January 10 and LoC violations provided enough proof of their
resolve to tackle the problem.
14th January, 2013
693
COME ARMY! COME

Tahir-ul-Qadris threat of Long March kept haunting the rulers in
Islamabad and Lahore. Punjab government pressurized the transporters not
to provide buses to the Long Marchers and also harassed activists of Qadris
party. Federal government focused on sealing the capital and in scaring
Qadri of terror attacks
On expiry of deadline, Qadri held a press conference and reiterated his
decision to hold the march as per schedule. MQM, however, deserted him
after striking a fresh deal with Zardari. Interior Minister Malik continued
talking of terror threat and Qadri reacted by lodging an advance FIR
against Zardari, Nawaz, Raja Pervaiz, Shahbaz, Malik and Rana Sana.
The regime launched Gujrati cousins to negotiate for calling off the
Long March, but they faltered in inducting Malik Riaz without taking Qadri
into confidence. Qadri refused to meet the business tycoon, who had to leave
the hosts residence in an embarrassing environment. Gujrati cousins were,
however, all praise for the political wisdom of Malik Riaz, who had
arranged their joining the coalition government.
Earlier, on 7th January MQM leaders lined up in the Supreme Court to
render their unconditional apologies over the contempt of court notices. Of
course, the defence counsel, Frogh Nasim was the first to submit an apology
on behalf on the party leader residing in London. The court hurried to accept
the apologies and dispose off the notices
January 10 was a bloody day in Quetta, where more than hundred
people were killed in three terror attacks. These attacks proved to be the
proverbial last straw for the targeted Hazara community. They staged a sit-in
and refused to bury the dead till removal of provincial government and
handing over Quetta to Army.
NEWS
Power politics: On 31st December, another coalition partner of PPP,
the PML-Q, also extended its support to Minhajul Quran chiefs reform
agenda. Five senior most PML-Q leaders, Ch Shujaat Hussain, Ch Pervaiz
Elahi, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Moonis Elahi and Tariq Bashir Cheema went
to Model Town residence of Dr Qadri late night to assure him that their party
supported his agenda of electoral reforms.
694
Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira asked Dr

Tahirul Qadri to refrain from resorting to any unconstitutional move in the
name of changing the system. Put forward your recommendations on
electoral reforms to the Election Commission of Pakistan, but refrain from
taking any unconstitutional step for attaining this objective, he told Dr
Qadri while talking to the media.
On 1st January, 2013 Altaf Hussain sought armys help to bring about
the revolution his party was striving for under the leadership of the Tehrik
Minhajul Quran Chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri. Dr Qadri flew into the
cosmopolitan city to address a huge gathering organized during his maiden
visit to Nine Zero.
MQM leader, in his hour-long telephonic address, appealed to the
philanthropists to donate generously according to their capacity to bear the
expenses of the January 14 long march on Islamabad and make it a success.
Camps have been set up to receive the funds, he added. Reiterating that the
MQM-TMQ struggle would continue till the change of the exploitative
system, Altaf said that after January 14 the activists of the two parties would
seize the Raiwind estate (belonging to the Sharifs).
He said the MQM-TMQ would rid the country of dynastic politics,
looters of national wealth and those who got loans written off. He asked the
Chief Election Commissioner if he was empowered to disqualify such
elements for any public office. Honest and competent people belonging to
poor and middle classes would be brought to the fore, he said. No power on
earth can now block the revolution, said the MQM chief, thanking the PMLQ for lending support and appealing to other parties to join the journey for
revolution.
Dr Tahirul Qadri said Islamabad would be converted into the biggest
Tahrir Square, a place which was the venue of all protests against then
Egyptian oligarch Hosni Mubarak. The TMQ chief said the struggle for the
revolution would be completely peaceful. He said a genuine democratic
system would be introduced in the country, uprooting the existing system of
exploitation.
No Tahrir Square will be allowed in Pakistan, and the law would take
its course, Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said, thereby
making the governments intentions clear about the joint move by the MQM
and Tehreek Minhajul Quran to storm Islamabad on January 14. He was of
the view that Arab Spring-like uprisings suited only those countries where
695
there was dictatorship and people did not have any say in government
affairs.
The Sindhi nationalist parties declined the invitation of the Tahirul
Qadri to participate in his long march towards Islamabad for upholding of
Constitution and neutral caretaker setup. They termed the move a plan
orchestrated by the troika of Zardari, Altaf and Musharraf to delay the
upcoming elections.
Next day, Nawaz Sharif said his party, the PML-N, would foil the
conspiracy being hatched to get the next elections postponed under the garb
of electoral reforms and accountability. He called for immediate
announcement of the elections schedule in order to overcome the prevailing
uncertainty. Nawaz, however, said that the workers of Minhajul Quran
should be given free hand for the long march.
Dr Tahirul Qadri said that he is ready to meet President and Prime
Minister for the formation of authoritative interim government but they have
to come to Lahore. Talking to the journalists he said that some politicians are
giving advice to Election Commission for bringing electoral reforms but this
would not produce desired results. Qadri said that the Election Commission
has no powers for amending the law.
Altaf Hussain advised Interior Minister Malik not to waste time in
London and have a meeting with Dr Tahirul Qadri over the issue of January
14 long march on Islamabad. During their meeting in London, Malik was
advised by the MQM chief to leave for Lahore, when the former requested
the latter to reconsider his partys decision as regards participation in Qadris
long march.
On 3rd January, the ruling PPP and the main opposition party PML-N,
reportedly agreed to complete assemblies term up to March 16 and decided
to close their ranks for countering attempts aimed at derailing the democratic
process. The PML-N leadership has even assured the PPP that they would
stand by the ruling party in case any of its coalition partners, including
MQM and PML-Q, withdraw their support.
Altaf Hussain assured President Zardari of continued support to the
ruling PPP. He, in his telephonic conversation with Zardari, dispelled his
concerns about MQMs support to Tahirul Qadris January 14 long march on
Islamabad. According to Farhatullah Babar Altaf said, The MQM will
continue supporting the PPP-led Sindh and federal governments.
696
Next day, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Nawaz Sharif discussed the
political situation in the country in the backdrop of Tehreek Minhajul Quran
long march call and expressed the hope that people would not allow any
attempt to derail the democratic process. The prime minister telephoned the
PML-N chief as well as ANP President Asfandyar and they talked about
handling the issue of Islamabad march announced by Dr Tahirul Qadri.
Nawaz Sharif asserted that elections would be held on time and few
thousand people could not snatch the right of 180 million. Talking to
reporters in Peshawar, Nawaz said that Tahirul Qadri was trying to push the
country into a chaos. What kind of politics it is to ask poor people to sell
their livelihood and to spend that money on long march.
Former Prime Minister Gilani said that peaceful processions and
rallies were the democratic right of everyone but if Allama Tahirul Qadri had
any hidden agenda, the government would not let him fulfill it. He is
chasing a black cat in the darkness, he added. He asked Allama to tell the
nation as to what role he played for the reforms when he was member of the
parliament.
After facing enormous criticism over its failure to stop violations of
the code of conduct, the Election Commission completely banned the
political parties advertisements promoting their publicity campaigns. The
move seems convincingly linked to the commissions denial issued the same
day to dispel the widely believed impression as reflected in some media
reports that ECP was a spokesman for PML-N.
On 5th January, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz said that all politicians
are in agreement that the democratic process should continue and all state
pillars including the judiciary, the military and the media are supportive to it.
Military leadership is the guardian of democracy, he told a public gathering
in Chakwal. There is no alternative to democracy; it is the voice of the
nation and people love it. No-one will be able to harm it.
Chief Justice asked the masses not to vote for a political party that
wants anarchy, saying loyalty to the state is the constitutional obligation of
every citizen and disloyal persons have no room in the country. He was
addressing a huge gathering of lawyers as the chief guest at the annual
dinner arranged by the outgoing cabinet of the Lahore Bar Association.
Lahore High Court Chief Justice, judges of the high court and the district
judiciary were also present.
Smelling the rat in what many see as orchestrated move of marching
on federal capital with millions of people by Tahirul Qadri, Mahmood Khan
697
Achakzai has jumped into the fray and presented himself for any role to
serve the cause of staggering democracy. He would likely be meeting with
the heads of other major political stakeholders in a next few weeks and after
getting approval from all of them he would most likely be announced as the
Caretaker Prime Minister.
Interior Minister Malik said that the TTP threatened to attack Tehreeke-Minhajul Qurans long march to federal capital and referred to intercepting
conversation of Taliban leaders talking about their plans. He, however,
added that the government would not only welcome his long march but
would also play its part in facilitating the participants and providing them
with security cover as humanly possible.
As January 10 deadline is approaching fast, the PPP-led central
government as well as PML-N Punjab government may use a new tactic of
creating artificial shortage of petrol in different parts of the country to
deprive transport provision for Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran. The expected
rallies in different groups will start their main journey towards the capital on
January 10 if the demands were not met.
Both the US and Britain denied supporting Dr Tahirul Qadri or any
other political party in Pakistan. US Deputy Chief of Mission, told media
persons that his country was not assisting Qadri for his political activities
and long march. The British High Commissioner also said in a statement that
Britain had nothing doing with the TMQ chief or his political agenda.
Next day, veteran politician and former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)
Qazi Hussain Ahmad was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Ziarat
Kaka Sahib in Nowshera district amid moving scenes. Thousands of people
from different walks of life, JI activists, party office bearers and politicians
belonging to different political parties attended the funeral.
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri warned the federal government against creating
hurdles to long march, saying he would have no control over people if they
were stopped from gathering in Islamabad. He also alleged the Punjab
government was harassing his workers in various districts. He said the
decision would be taken in Islamabad on January 14 on the future of the
country.
On 7th January, Interior Minister Malik endorsed the demands made
by Dr Tahirul Qadri as national agenda, and said the government will
welcome the planned march on Islamabad and play the role of a facilitator.
Dr Qadri, on the other hand, said if the government thought that talks should
be held on the subject, he would be willing to share the table with the prime
698
minister and his cabinet colleagues (not anybody else). The two leaders said
this while talking to reporters after exchange of views at the Model Town
residence of the TMQ chairman.
The Senate's Special Committee on Election issues met to discuss
relevant electoral issues. The committee Chairman Jehangir Bader chaired
the session to discuss recommendations proposed for legislation by the
committee and the existing status of legislation on other electoral issues
including proposal to bring Nadra under the administrative control of the
ECP or the Cabinet Division and increasing the seats of national and
provincial assemblies.
A sitting MNA of the ruling Pakistan People's Party along with his
guard thrashed a grade-20 officer and fled leaving him unconscious. Tariq
Anees, a National Assembly member from Sialkot district, forced his entry
into the office of Sarwar Awan, the Ministry of Housing & Works joint
secretary because he did not approve the summary of a development scheme
for his constituency.
Next day, TTP denied that it had threatened to attack the long march
announced for January 14 by Dr Tahirul Qadri. TTP spokesperson
Ehsanullah Ehsan said This is not true. We have not issued any threat to
attack the long march. We have no comments for the long march. Interior
Minister Malik had talked yesterday of Taliban threat.
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri warned both the federal and provincial governments
against creating hurdles and harassing workers as well as transporters ahead
of the long march to Islamabad. He said he would not be able to guarantee
peace during the march since workers would be out of his control in case of
resistance from the authorities.
A petition was filed in the Supreme Court requesting Dr Tahirul Qadri
be directed not to do any thing, which is illegal, improper, unlawful and
unconstitutional. The petitioner stated that intentions of Dr Qadri may
seemed to be good and for the welfare of Pakistan, apprehensions were
being expressed widely that the real agenda behind his rally was to derail the
nascent democracy or to bring bloody revolution which may result in the
killings of innocent human beings threatening the very sovereignty of the
country.
The MQM decided to join the long march despite being a part of the
current setup. KPK Assembly passed a resolution condemning Dr Qadris
forthcoming long march. PML-N leader Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister
Firdous Ashiq Awan separately said that their respective parties would never
699
become part of any undemocratic move by anyone to derail democracy in

the country.
Feeling the heat ahead of long march announced by Tahirul Qadri,
Islamabad district authorities began sealing sensitive installations including
government building, diplomatic enclave and prominent hotels. Interior
Ministry announced that all those entering Islamabad as participants of the
Dr Tahirul Qadris proposed long march on January 14 must possess valid
computerized national identity cards. In addition to that, no vehicle would be
allowed to enter capital without having valid documents.
The Supreme Court, expressing dissatisfaction over the incumbent
DG Intelligence Bureaus report, directed the IB to provide details of the
funds given for political purposes in 1989-90 and 2008-09. A three-member
bench was hearing the suo motu notice regarding withdrawal of the secret IB
funds in 1989-1990 and 2008-2009 for political purposes.
On 9th January, PPPs core committee meeting, jointly chaired by
President Zardari and Prime Minister Raja, vowed to hold the next general
elections on time and thwart any attempt to sabotage the election
process. The meeting, held at Bilawal House which has been declared a
presidential camp office, noted that if elections could be held in war-torn and
strife-torn Afghanistan and Iraq, there was no reason that these could not be
held in Pakistan on time.
The Federal Interior Ministry rejected the claim of the TTP that it has
not been planning any attack on the long march. The ministry has claimed
that the threat alert was based on a coded call intercepted by a credible
intelligence source. The conversation contained the talk of a person speaking
to closer operator of TTP Chief, Hakeem Ullah Mehsud, asking him for one
more vehicle to prepare terrorist attack on the rally.
Next day, Altaf Hussain laid the foundation of a new controversy in
the country by equating his 22-year stay in Britain and acquisition of the
nationality of that country to that of Quaid-i-Azam who not only carried the
same document but as the Governor General of Pakistan had also taken the
oath of allegiance to British King George VI. In his 90-minute address to a
gathering of his supporters at the Lal Qila Ground, telecast live by all
channels, he said Quaid-i-Azams successors Khwaja Nazimuddin and
Ghulam Muhammad had also taken the same oath.
It is unfair to infer that allegiance to another country taken just to
meet a legal formality dilutes the makers patriotism, the MQM leader
argued. If the Quaid could do so, why Pakistanis living in other countries
700
could not do the same, he asked. Then he cited the examples of the PPP and
the PML-N leaders to support his argument.
The MQM believed in real democracy which started with the local
bodies system. In the absence of this lowest tier of government, the system
could not be called democratic. He said in case the government did not take
steps for the local government system in Sindh, Urdu-speaking population
would be constrained to seek the creation of a separate province. But he
hastened to add that the MQM did not support the division of Sindh and the
PPP should not push it to the wall.
Interior Minister Malik warned of fresh security threats to Dr Tahirul
Qadri asking him to review his decision of the planned long march on the
capital owing to real life threats from extremist groups. At the same time,
he said that Dr Qadri had not request the Interior Ministry for the issuance of
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for holding any public gathering in the
capital. If we received such request then permission might be granted for
such a gathering at a safer place where there would be no disturbance for the
residents of Islamabad, he added.
He said that Dr Tahirul Qadri was facing some potent threats to life as
Punjab government had recently received an intelligence report that Ghazi
Force, a militant group, had planned to launch suicide attack on the January
14th rally of Dr. Qadri. The Punjab Government has conveyed to us that
senior officials were sent to apprise Dr. Qadri of the situation but he declined
to meet them, he added. He further said the group had detailed three persons
Yar Bakht, Ahmad and Naeem aged between 18 to 19 for this purpose.
On 11th January, MQM decided not to participate in the long march
scheduled to begin on January 13 under the leadership of Dr Tahirul Qadri.
This announcement was made by Farooq Sattar just two days before the long
march. On the other hand, Dr Tahirul Qadri, while speaking in Lahore,
vowed to press ahead with a mass protest march on the capital to demand
key reforms before elections.
MQMs U-turn was prompted by political compulsions as well as a
good deal offered by the PPP government. Zardari assured that the MQM
would be given a reasonable share in the caretaker government in centre and
specially in the Sindh governments. The president also assured that local
body polls would be held in Sindh soon but after taking on board all
coalition partners.
About the expected criticism from opposition parties over this sudden
stance, the MQM leader said that MQM has its own manifesto and it has
701
never taken care of it. MQM has shared its stance with the ruling party PPP
and they have time and again assured them not to part ways with the
government, he added. Other important coalition partner, which confined to
give moral support to the TMQ chief has also now terming the long march is
not a good way.
Naming the countrys most influential figures as responsible in case
the long march is attacked, Qadri, while addressing a news conference in
Lahore, said the marchers will reach Islamabad and assemble peoples
parliament on January 14 at any costs. Qadri said that President Zardari,
Prime Minister, Interior Minister, Punjab Chief Minister, Rana Sanaullah
and Nawaz Sharif would be responsible in case of a terror attack on the long
march or on him.
He accused federal and Punjab governments of joining hands to fail
his march, alleging that the governments were themselves promoting
terrorism and harbouring terrorists. He asserted that the corrupt politicians
enjoying power through fake and stolen mandate are making bids to stop
him from holding a peaceful democratic march to realize the rights of the
masses. The TMQ chief maintained that long marchers would make their
way into Islamabad even if it was sealed by the government.
He said that the Lahore High Court had dismissed petitions against his
march and allowed it, saying it was the constitutional right of every citizen.
He said that any criticism on his march would amount to contempt of court.
Qadri asserted that long march was according to the constitutional
provisions and it aimed at securing the usurped democratic and
constitutional rights of the people.
After successfully managing MQM to stay away from the proposed
long march, PPP leadership contacted PML-N leadership to help frustrate
Allama Tahirul Qadris long march who is still adamant to go ahead with his
plan. However, a last-ditch effort by PML-Q President Ch Shujaat and
Pervaiz Elahi to persuade TMQ chief to call off the march could not produce
any result.
Next day, the second round of talks in less than 24 hours between
Tehrik Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chairman and Deputy Prime Minister and
Chaudhry Shujaat witnessed some progress. The deputy PM told reporters at
a news conference along with the TMQ chief that the negotiations could take
some time to reach some conclusion. Maybe all matters are settled by the
time the march reaches Islamabad.
702
Dr Qadri said implementation of whatever would be agreed upon was

the real issue and he would not be satisfied unless he was given guarantees.
The end result of the entire exercise will be known after the end of the
march in front the Parliament House. The TMQ chairman has made it clear
that he needs institutional guarantees, as the present rulers are not
trustworthy.
When Pervaiz Elahi and Shujaat came to the TMQ Secretariat in the
afternoon, they were accompanied by property tycoon Malik Riaz. But Dr
Qadri refused to meet the Chaudhrys in the presence of Mr Malik. In front of
TV cameras, Qadri told the Chaudhrys that Mr Malik did not have a good
reputation and was known to be adept in buying with money whatever he
wanted. I dont want to destroy the image of my movement by holding talks
in the presence of Malik Riaz. (His) wealth cannot purchase even my foot
shoe, he said, causing the worst ever embarrassment to the property mogul,
who is involved in litigation against the son of Chief Justice.
At the news conference the Chaudhrys tried to comfort the snubbed
Malik by talking about his services to the poor, but the serious insult
inflicted by Dr Qadri could not be mitigated. Embarrassed Malik Riaz left
the venue, but advised Dr Qadri to continue his talks with the Chaudhrys in
the larger national interest. He said the long march could take countless
innocent lives and the tragedy should be avoided at all costs.
He further said that he had played a role in narrowing down the
differences on all three main demands of Dr Qadri and now the efforts
should be continued to translate them into an agreement. Before resuming
the press talk, the Chaudhrys brought with them Dr Khalid Ranjha, a former
law minister of the Musharraf era. The embarrassing situation would not
have cropped up if you have accompanied the Chaudhrys at the outset,
Qadri chuckled.
Earlier, Dr Qadri demanded reconstitution of election commission
after its dissolution, saying that the commission was formed after
understanding between the PPP and the PML-N and as such it was not
neutral. Terming statement of Rehman Malik regarding possibility of
terrorist attack on long march a direct threat, he urged the Chief Justice of
Pakistan to take suo moto notice.
He said that the TMQ has seven-point charter of demands and one of
those would be made public in Lahore at the start of long march while the
remaining would be told in Islamabad. Referring to Imran Khans slogan of
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change, he urged the PTI workers to act upon party manifesto and
participate in long march.
The countrys Parliament building has taken on the appearance of a
heavily guarded fortress, two days ahead of long march against the
incumbent government and its policies. Besides that, Presidency, Prime
Minister House and Diplomatic Enclave have also been given security cover
keeping in view the situation ahead of long march.
Official sources confirmed that 100 platoons of Frontier Constabulary
and a contingent of 4,000 FC personnel have reached Islamabad to help
Islamabad capital territory police to maintain law and order. Although
Islamabad district management started homework to keep the marchers away
from entering the federal capital, however, district management deployed
huge number of policemen and officials of other law enforcement agencies
borrowed from other parts of country and sealed the entrances of Islamabad
by placing huge containers.
Weighing options for blocking the way of long march on January 14,
the Federal Interior Ministry wanted from the Punjab government to stop the
participants in Lahore, it is learnt. We have conveyed to the Punjab
government that if the participants of the long march were not stopped at the
starting point, it would be difficult for us to stop them entering Islamabad, a
senior official of the Interior Ministry said after a high level meeting.
The interior minister instructed the Islamabad Capital Territory
Administration that if participants of long march stay in the residential areas,
the owner of the house would be responsible to ensure that no terrorist or
miscreant was living in his house. Owner of the house will render an
affidavit to this effect. The similar instructions would be passed on to all
hotels, inns, hostels, seminaries in the jurisdiction of ICT. The head of the
establishment will have to render an affidavit about any individual staying
there during these days.
On 13th January, Dr Tahirul Qadris march on Islamabad finally began
from Model Town with a delay of over five hours, allegedly caused by the
hindrances created by Punjab government. Thousands of Minhaj workers
including women and children gathered outside Dr Qadris residence in the
morning. Boarding hundreds of buses, trucks and cars, they left after Zuhr
prayers as administration, citing security concerns, had changed the route at
the eleventh hour.
The initial procession comprised around 200 bigger and 150 smaller
vehicles. A crane, for removing expected blockades, two tankers of petrol
704
and one of diesel, and two containers of toilets for ladies and the elderly
accompanied the caravan. Also, there were trucks and pickups containing
food, water, gas cylinders, beddings, quilts and other necessities.
Qadri had originally planned to visit Data Darbar before heading for
Islamabad but roads to the shrine were blocked. The caravan was also to
pass through The Mall but it could not happen due to ongoing MWM sit-in
outside the Governor House. Besides police and rangers, TMQ security
guards were also deputed for security. Mobile service was also suspended in
areas along the route.
Speaking at a press conference before leaving, Dr Qadri blasted the
federal and Punjab governments for creating hurdles. Terming it a
democracy march, he vowed to continue struggle for supremacy of the
constitution and the rule of law. He also demanded immediate dissolution of
Balochistan assembly and removal of provincial government for its failure.
TMQ chief alleged the federal government had placed tankers filed
with acid and gas in the federal capital and had dug ditches filled with
explosives. He said that the Yazeedi forces would be wiped out forever
with the help of the Almighty. There will be no defeat, Qadri said in a
phone interview with The New York Times on Saturday. This is for a
spiritual and moral revolution. We will not surrender before corruption.
The dispatch quoted Shamila N Chaudhary, an analyst at the Eurasia
Group who formerly served as the director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on
President Barack Obamas National Security Council, as saying that the
march on Islamabad reflects the militarys desire for regime change and
signals that military interest in political engineering is alive and well. But,
Ms Chaudhary added, the days when Pakistans military could seize power
on a whim have passed, thanks to an aggressive news media and fiercely
independent courts.
Security arrangements have been tightened for the long march of
Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran (TMQ) as Red Zone has been completely sealed by
placing containers and digging trenches at various entry points and other
spots in the federal capital. Strict aerial vigilance also continued the whole
day in federal capital and adjacent Rawalpindi city.
Rule of law: On 31st December, the Supreme Court directed the

defence secretary to submit his report on the appointment of PIA chairman
and MD on January 14. A bench hearing the petition of PML-N leaders
regarding corruption in PIA, observed that not a single matter in the national
705
flag carrier was done transparently and according to the rules. PML-N
leaders Marvi Memon and Zafar Iqbal Jhagra had moved a petition in the
Supreme Court in August 2012, seeking direction to investigate the affairs of
the PIA in depth to identify corruption.
Another bench warned that it will order registration of cases against
the NAB and police officials tasked to arrest former Ogra chairman Tauqir
Sadiq if the fugitive is not arrested soon. The court had given December 31
deadline to arrest and present the high profile fugitive, who is wanted in
Rs83 billion scam. The Punjab Police and the FIA gave contradictory
statements before the court regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive.
On 2nd January, 2013, perturbed over the leakage of tax returns of
parliamentarians to the media, Public Accounts Committee ruled that it was
not possible without involvement of insiders and asked the authorities
concerned to take notice of it. The chairman and members of the PAC
expressed their anger over the leakage of the sensitive documents to the
national media and asked FBR Chairman Ali Arshad Hakim to punish all
those involved in this scandal.
Next day, the Supreme Court sought a comprehensive report from the
NAB, asking as to who facilitated the former chairman Oil and Gas
Regulatory Authority, Tauqir Sadiq, to go abroad. Inspector General
National Motorway & Highway Police Zafar Abbas Luk informed the court
that two senior patrolling officers of motorways, one from Rawalpindi and
another from Lahore, have been suspended for not circulating the message
pertaining to Tauqir Sadiq to the concerned check posts timely. Justice
Jawad asked the Motorway Police as to why they took action now whereas
the issue of Tauqer happened on December 10.
During the course of hearing, Director (Legal) FIA Azim Khan
apprised the bench that two passports of Tauqir Sadiq were cancelled
whereas the agency contacted the Interpol to arrest him. The court was
informed that red warrant against the fugitive could not be issued because he
was not declared absconder by the National Accountability Court.
Deputy Prosecutor General NAB Fozi Kazim told the bench that due
to vacant post of the Administrative Judge in the National Accountability
Court, Tauqir Sadiq was not declared absconder in the instant matter. Justice
Khawaja remarked that the NAB should have filed a petition over nonappointment of a judge in the Accountability Court and directed the most
senior judge of the Accountability Court to perform duties as Administrative
706
Judge AC. The court also sent copy of the order to the Registrar Lahore High
Court. The hearing was adjourned till January 10.
Auditor General of Pakistan shocked a meeting of Public Accounts
Committee that a sitting minister of Pakistan Railways is using as many as
50 official vehicles including cars, jeeps and land cruisers. PAC Chairman
Nadeem Afzal remarked that it was a matter of shame for the rulers using
huge number of official vehicles and petrol causing losses to national kitty.
On 5th January, 2013, Abdul Hafeez Pirzada filed the petition on
behalf of Qadir Gilani, son of former Prime Minister, requesting the apex
court to restrain Hussain Asghar from probing into the Haj scandal as he
allegedly has lost all impartiality required in as investigating officer.
Recently the officer had submitted a progress report before the apex court
alleging that during the investigation a reliable source had informed the IO
that the bachelor's degree of Qadir Gilani has been obtained fraudulently.
On 7th January, US journalist and important witness of Benazir Bhutto
murder case Mark Seagel refused to come to Pakistan due to security threats
in spite of court summons to record his statement. After his refusal, Special
Public Prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar submitted an application in the court
that his statement might be recorded through video conference.
On 9th January, National Assemblys Standing Committee on
Petroleum Wednesday issued arrest warrant of Pakistan State Oil and Pak
Arab Refinery (Parco) managing directors in a multibillion rupees scam and
asked the police to arrest them. PPP MNA Jamshed Dasti chaired the
committee meeting in Islamabad in which the issue of oil theft of billions of
rupees from combined pipelines of PSO and Parco in Mehmood Kot was
raised. Expressing displeasure over the absence of PSO and Parco MDs, the
NA body asked the police to arrest and bring them in the committee meeting.
Former chief of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority was arrested
from Abu Dhabi. Interpol arrested Sadiq and handed him over to the
Pakistani authorities in Dubai. He is expected to be bought back to Pakistan
after the completion of legal formalities. Earlier, a Punjab Police team went
to Nepal to nab him but he had left Kathmandu a day earlier for Sharjah. The
police reported that Sadiq had a diplomatic passport, making it possible for
him to travel anywhere. Sadiq is also said to be a close relative of Pakistan
Peoples Partys Secretary General Jehangir Badar.
On 11th January, the Supreme Court sought report from the FIA to
harass the former Prime Ministers son Abdul Qadir Gilani in the Haj scam.
Director FIA Hussain Asghar, was appointed investigation officer in the
707
case, who had informed the bench that Customs documents have confirmed
the accusation leveled by PML-N MNA Imran Ahmed Shah that Rao
Shakeel, ex-DG Operations Haj, gave Rs20 million worth car to Abdul
Qadir.
Abdul Qadir alleged in the application that FIA investigation officer
harassing him. Hussain Asghar is probing the B.A. degree of ex-PMs son,
which is not required in the case. The chief justice remarked that Hussain
Asghar is an upright officer and the case would not be left incomplete. He
directed Hussain Asghar to confine himself to the Haj scam case. If there is
any complaint other than the case then other department should investigate
it. The case was adjourned till January 21.
Defiance of judiciary: On 1st January, 2013, the Supreme Court

suspended the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) notice, summoning SC
Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain for the scrutiny of the apex court accounts. The
bench also issued a notice to the attorney general for Pakistan and suspended
any proceedings before the PAC regarding the matter.
Next day, the Supreme Court raised objections to the review petition
filed by former Prime Minister Gilani against his disqualification. He had
filed a review petition against the decision of his disqualification through
mail, but the Supreme Court raised several objections to it and sent it to the
competent authority for further decision.
On 9th January, the federation filed review petition against December
21 judgment of the Supreme Court regarding appointment of two Islamabad
High Court judges, saying the impugned order is devoid of proper reasons
and should be set at naught. Also, Nadeem Ahmed advocate filed an
application for hearing of the contempt petition against the president, the
prime minister, the law minister and law secretary regarding IHC judges
appointment on Jan 14 before any available bench.
Next day, NAB informed the Supreme Court that it has suspended
three officials for misusing the apex court's name to remove two of its
investigation officers, who were probing corruption in Rental Power
Projects. The Chief Justice said: We didn't ask you for it. Fozi Zafar
prayed; Please pardon them as next time they will be careful in future,
adding, If you will pardon them then we will withdraw the letter.
The chief justice asked the DPG; You withdraw the letter and we will
direct for the registration of case against the officials. The court noted that
Asghar Khan was removed because he included incumbent Prime Minister's
708
name in the reference. Instead of arresting low officers take the action
against the influential, the CJP said. The hearing was adjourned till Friday.
The Supreme Court in the two separate judgments has directed the
NAB to take action against the responsible persons including Prime Minister
Raja Pervaiz as he is among the five responsible persons who recommended
for the illegal appointment of Tauqir Sadiq as Ogra chairman. Raja is also
one of the main accused in the misappropriation of Rental Power Projects
(RPPs).
Taming the military: On 8th January, proposing the oversight of

parliament on the operation of intelligence agencies, Parliamentary
Committee on National Security (PCNS) moved its recommendations to
parliament to solve the issue of missing persons. Senator Mian Raza
Rabbani chaired the committee meeting in Islamabad which made its
recommendation to put an end to this stigmatized issue. Rabbani told
reporters that 15 recommendations had been formulated after consultation
with all members and they would be presented in the Senate and National
Assembly separately.
Recessing economy: On 1st January, 2013, following the ECC's

approval pertaining to CNG prices, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued
a notification, increasing prices by Rs12.80/kg for Region-1 and Rs11.62/kg
for Region-11 in the light of the pricing formula of the commodity. As per
the notification of the regulatory authority, CNG price will now be
Rs74.44/kg at the CNG filling stations of Region-1 (Potohar, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan, and in Region-11 (Sindh and Punjab)
Rs65.78/kg.
On 5th January, 2013 it was reported that as part of its larger plan to
cut down circular debt, the government has drawn up a simple formula
under which the hefty loan of Rs136 billion that it took at a mark-up of
staggering Rs15 billion, would be recovered from the power consumers in
the shape of tariff hike.
Baloch militancy: On 31st December, Syed Matiullah Agha and Dr

Fouzia Marri were elected unopposed as speaker and deputy speaker of
Balochistan Assembly, and soon after their election the high court rejected a
petition of former speaker challenging his removal from the office. Dr
Fouzia of Balochistan National Party (Awami) is the first ever women of the
province to assume the august office of the deputy speaker.
709
On 1st January, 2013, at least three fishermen were killed and another
injured when unknown gunmen opened fire at their boats in Jodi, the coastal
area of Pasni, district Gawadar. The attackers managed to escape from the
scene after committing the crime. On 4th January, at least three people were
gunned down; including a member of Hazara community and eight others,
three among them security personnel and a prayer leader were wounded in
firing incidents in various towns.
On 5th January, at least four people, including personnel of security
forces, were killed and ten people were wounded in an armed attack on
Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Machh area of Bolan district, 45 kilometres
southeast of Quetta. According to Levies sources, Jaffar Express was
heading towards Quetta from Rawalpandi and was passing from Paner area
when armed men from nearby mountains opened indiscriminate fire on the
train with sophisticated weapons.
Next day, explosives planted by unidentified armed men, under a 16inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Sui went off destroying a long
portion of gas pipeline. Resultantly, gas supply to Sui purification plant from
Well No. 15 and 29 was suspended.
On 7th January, three persons were killed in various localities of
Quetta in separate incidents of blast and firing while one person was killed
in Kuchlak firing incident. The incidents in Quetta included a bomb blast in
Sariab Road, firing at a car carrying members of Hazara community on
Spany Road and shooting dead a person at Fatima Jinnah Road.
The Supreme Court declared illegal, null and void the Chaghai Hills
Exploration Joint Venture Agreement (CHEJVA), ruling that it ran counter to
the countrys mineral development act and mining concession rules.
Handing down its judgment in the Reko Diq mining lease case, the court
held that execution of the joint venture was contrary to provisions of the
various laws of the land.
In its 16-page short order, the court held that all the amendments made
to the agreement after its signing were unlawful and in contradiction with it
(agreement). The area of Reko Diq, located in Balochistans Chaghai
district, sits over the popular Tethyan copper belt and is known to have the
fifth largest reserves of gold and copper in the world.
Next day, at least five persons were killed and five others injured in
three separate firing incidents in Mastung, Pishin and Naseerabad districts.
On 9th January, at least four persons including nephew of slain Habib Jalib
710
Baloch Advocate and a religious leader were shot dead in separate acts of
violence in different towns of Balochistan.
On 10th January, ninety-three people were killed and 150 injured in
three bomb blasts in Quetta on Alamdar Road and at Bacha Khan Chowk. A
cameraman of private television news channel, a photographer, members of
security forces and rescue workers were among the killed. Twin bombings
on Alamdar Road killed 81 people and wounded more than 120 others at a
crowded snooker club.
The blasts damaged several buildings, vehicles and power pylons,
suspending the supply. Emergency was declared in all state-run hospitals as
victims were shifted to Quetta Civil Hospital and Combined Military
Hospital. Doctors said several injured were critical and the death toll might
go up.
Earlier, 12 people, including a Frontier Corps (FC) soldier, were killed
and 30 others wounded in a bombing at Bacha Khan Chowk. According to
police, explosives, planted beneath a car that was parked close to the
vehicles of Frontier Corps, exploded, killing 12 people, besides injuring 30
other. An FC personnel and a child are among the dead while 10 FC men
were injured in the bombing.
Next day, the leaders of Quetta Yakjeti Council declared they would
not bury the victims of twin blasts until Army is deployed in the city and the
Balochistan Governor fulfilled his responsibilities. Leaders of QYC Abdul
Qayyum Changezi, Alama Juma Asadi, Allama Hashim Musavi and others
stated this while addressing a joint Press conference. Hundreds of protesters
hailing from Hazara community, including women and children have staged
a sit-in at Alamdar Road since morning in severe cold and rain along with 82
bodies of the victims.
Three people, including a father and his son were killed in firing
incidents in Quetta and Dahdar. According to police, armed men riding a
motorbike opened indiscriminate firing on a tandoor killing Siraj-ud-Din and
his son Abdullah at Kilo Kamlo on Sariab locality. Meanwhile, a passer-by
was wounded in two separate blasts in Quetta and Chaman.
Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, said that the entire
provincial government has failed to improve law and order situation in
Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. He after meeting with a delegation of
Hazara community headed by Jan Ali Changhazi, PPP MPA, stated that the
law and order was the responsibility of the provincial government but it had
miserably failed to maintain peace in the province.
711
On 12th January, calls for imposition of Governors rule in Balochistan

and handing over the control of Quetta City to the military grew as talks
between the Hazara community leaders and government officials failed to
quell a protest that brought thousands onto cold, wet streets for a second
night to watch over the bodies of over 100 people killed in one of countrys
worst sectarian attacks.
Talking to reporters after talks with MQM leaders in Karachi, Hazara
tribe chief Sardar Saadat Ali demanded immediate handing over of Quetta to
the Army. Altaf Hussain also called for dissolution of the Balochistan
Assembly and Cabinet. The Chief Justice of Pakistan should take notice of
the genocide of members of Hazara community.
Imran Khan demanded immediate resignation from federal and
Balochistan governments over their failure to control the law and order
situation, besides imposing Governors rule in the volatile province. Imran
said he had directed party leaders and workers in Balochistan to take part in
the sit-in of the Quetta Solidarity Council, while he would also reach there to
express solidarity with the Hazaras.
Meanwhile, despite freezing cold weather, hundreds of Hazara Shias
continued their sit-in on the second day at Quettas Alamdar Road that was
the scene of the suicide attacks. The protesters including women and
children are keeping more than 60 coffins carrying the victims bodies there
and say they would not burry them until the army takes control of the
provincial capital.
Federal Minister Khurshid Shah, Balochistan Governor and other
government officials visited protestors and held talks with Hazaras
representative Qaumi Yakjehti Council (QYC) but they could not achieve
anything despite assurances of the federal minister that he would soon
convey their massage to the PM. The QYC warned that it would expand its
protest to the cantonment area and Balochistan High Court if their demands
would not be fulfilled.
Prime Minister Raja ordered the Frontier Crops (FC) to help maintain
security in Balochistan and instructed Chief Minister Aslam Raisani to
immediately return to country as Hazara families have refused to bury their
dead. Interior Minister called on the PM and apprised him about the latest
situation in Quetta in the backdrop of the deadly blasts. The PM ordered
immediate dispatch of Pakistan Air Forces C-130 plane to shift the injured
of the blasts to Karachi for better medical treatment.
712
Thousands of people staged stage sit-in at five points in Karachi to

express solidarity with the bereaved families of Quetta bomb blast victims
and those who are staging sit-in against massacre of Alamdar Road. Protest
sit-ins were also held in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities across the
country.
The protestors raised slogans against the government. They
condemned the Shia genocide all over Pakistan and also denounced the
Balochistan government for their failure to protect Shiites lives. It is unfair
that the judiciary take immediate suo moto notice of one Shahzaib and
turned a deaf ear to the calls for taking notice of those hundreds of
Shahzaibs who have been massacred in Quetta, said senior scholar and
MWMs central leader Allama Shaikh Hassan Salahuddin speaking at the
sit-in.
Next day, Imran Khan urged for imposition of Governors rule saying
that Balochistan government had completely failed to provide security to the
people thus it should step down. He specially arrived in Quetta to express
solidarity with the families of the victims of Quetta bomb blasts in which
more than 120 people, including 86 hailing from Hazara Shia community
were killed.
PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat asked the ruling PPP to handover
Balochistan to the Army keeping in view the bloodshed in the volatile
province. He said: whether it is democratic or undemocratic, the Army
should take control of Balochistan, stressing that Chief Minister Aslam Khan
Raisani should immediately return to the province or resign.
MQM, which is an ally of the ruling PPP in federal and Sindh
governments, observed day of mourning over the martyrdom of more than
100 innocent people in Quetta bombings. Altaf had appealed to the people
not to do any business or resort to violence during the day. Sit-in protests
were held across the country.
A group of Pakistani-Americans staged a sit-in at the Pakistan
Consulate General in New York afternoon to protest the target killing of
Shias in suicide attacks in Quetta and other cities of the country. Abid Jafri, a
spokesman for the group The Jafaria Council, USA said they endorsed
the demand of the Shia people and demanded better security measures to
protect the community.
After midnight, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz finally announced
imposition of Governor Rule in Balochistan as he met the families of Quetta
blast victims who sat along with the bodies of their unfortunate loved ones
713
for the third night in chilly winter. Raja offered fateha, consoled the relatives
of the dead, and held informal negotiations with the Hazara community
leaders present there. He then announced that the government of Chief
Minister Aslam Raisani is being dismissed under article 234 of the
constitution and Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi will be the chief
executive of Balochistan.
However, leaders of Hazara community said they would end their sitin only when the notification of governors rule will be issued. There was
also some fuss over the issue of Quetta citys security as the PM initially
said that FC, which have been given extensive powers, will look after the
law and order in the capital, but the protesters insisted on handing over the
city control to the army. Taking a lenient line, the PM then said that after
imposition of governors rule, the governor will decide about this issue and
he may call in the army.
Earlier, Advocate General briefed the PM on constitutional issues
involving the possible options. He told the PM that as per the constitution,
consultation with chief minister was essential before imposing governors
rule and deployment of Army in the city. Moreover, he told that adoption of
a resolution by Balochistan Assembly asking the federal government for
imposition of governors rule was required. Sources said that Kanrani told
the PM that at a time of deep crisis the president could impose emergency
only for ten days and if not extended through parliament, it would
automatically expire after ten days.
Governor Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Magsi summoned the meeting of
Balochistan Assembly on January 15. The session was summoned on the
advice of CM Aslam Raisani, to debate the recent Quetta carnage in which
114 citizens fell prey to terrorism. Another report said, the session will take
place on 14th January.
Turf war in Karachi: On 31st December, nine people, including

political activists, were gunned down in separate acts of violence in different
parts of the metropolis. On 1st January, 2013, a policeman was among 7
people were gunned down in different incidents of violence.
At least four MQM workers were killed and 42 others wounded in a
high-intensity blast outside Jinnah Ground in the precincts of Azizabad
police. The blast took place when the participants of a large gathering
organized by MQM started boarding the buses parked at Shahrah-e-Pakistan
after the congregation.
714
Chief Justice of Pakistan took suo moto notice of the murder of

twenty-years-old Shahzeb Khan, asking the Sindh advocate general and IGP
to appear in court on January 4 and submit a detail report on the matter.
Shahzeb was allegedly killed on December 25 in Karachi by Shahrukh Jatoi
and Nawab Siraj Talpur but the police, apparently, were reluctant to arrest
the killers due to the influence of their families.
Next day, at least seven people including a cousin of provincial
information minister were killed in different violent incidents. A cousin of
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and regional manager of
private bank was gunned down near Habib Bank Chowrangi within the
remits of SITE-A police station.
On 3rd January, 2013, a policeman was among 7 people were gunned
down in different incidents of violence. Next day, six people were gunned
down and police found four tortured and bullet-riddled bodies from different
areas of the city bring the toll to double figures. MQM filed a petition in the
Supreme Court Karachi registry, requesting exemption for Altaf Hussain
from appearing in the court on January 7.
The Supreme Court gave 24 hours to Sindh Police to arrest the killers
of Shahzeb Khan warning it of stern action in case of failure. Shahzeb, 20, a
son of a DSP, was killed on the night of December 24 at Sabaha Avenue in
Karachi reportedly over a trivial argument with influential Siraj Talpur and
Shahrukh Jatoi. A three-judge bench directed Inspector General Sindh to
ensure the arrest and submit report at SC Registrar Office, failing which the
IGP and other officials shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.
On 5th January, Police finally arrested the co-accused in the Shazaib
murder case and issued red warrant for the arrest of the main accused who
managed to escape aboard because of lethargic attitude of law-enforcement
agencies. After Supreme Courts order, police high-ups had intensified a
crackdown on culprits across the province and conducted scores of raids.
Acting on a tip off, a special police team raided a slum, Moro, in interior
Sindh and apprehended co-accused Siraj Talpur and his brother Sajjad
Talpur. Police officials claimed they recovered two luxury vehicles that had
been used in the murder of Shazaib Khan.
A copy of Shahrukh Jatois passport obtained by the media revealed
that he flew to the UAE two days after the killing. The FIA declined to own
the responsibility and said the accused was free to leave the country because
his name had not been put on the Exit Control List. It also said that the
police did not inform it about the culprit. Police sources said the Interpol had
715
been contacted for the arrest of the main accused and relevant evidences had
also been handed to it.
Two workers of Sunni Tehreek and an activist of MQM were among
five people killed in different parts of the metropolis. Two policemen were
injured in a grenade attack on police van at Mawach Goth within the
jurisdiction of Maripur police station. Meanwhile, Anti Violent Crime Cell
managed to recover an infant of two-month-old from a private hospital.
On 7th January, a man and his two-year-old daughter were killed in the
current spell of sectarian killing. Eight others were also gunned down in
separate incidents. Karachi saw its deadliest year in two decades in 2012,
with around 2,000 people killed in violence linked to ethnic and political
tensions, raising fears for elections due this year.
The Supreme Court gave a 72-hour deadline for arresting Shahrukh
Jatoi and other remaining accused in Shahzeb murder case, chastising the
top Sindh police officers for bobbling the case and warning them of dire
consequence. The same day, a special anti-terrorism court handed over Siraj
Talpur and two other arrested accused to the police on a 10-day physical
remand. Later, a police team left for Dubai to arrest the main accused of
Shahzeb murder case who managed to flee Dubai to escape arrest.
According to details, police party got the clue and left for Dubai where the
main accused Shahrukh Jatoi was hiding.
Accepting an unconditional apology of Altaf Hussain for delivering a
derogatory speech against the superior courts judges, the Supreme Court
discharged show cause notice against him. During the hearing the court also
pardoned two other MQM leaders, Farooq Sattar and Sindh Rauf Siddiqui,
for criticizing the judiciary when they too tendered unconditional apologies.
The same day, MQM chief said that his political drone attack may be
delayed by a day or two as he was searching for some remaining parts,
according to a statement issued form London. He had asked the people
yesterday to get ready for a shocking political move to be taken by him in
the next 72 hours. He stated the attack will be irresistible. No one in the
country will be able to respond to my drone attack, he said. The MQM chief
appealed to the public to wait for his move.
The Supreme Court directed the Sindh chief secretary and advocate
general to submit comprehensive reply by January 22 pertaining to the
implementation of its orders issued for maintaining law and order in
Karachi. Meanwhile, Sindh DIG Crime Bashir Memon was relieved from
his services by the Sindh government and his services have been rendered at
716
the disposal of the federal government after his statement against his
superiors in the court.
Next day, a man and his two-year-old daughter were killed in the
current spell of sectarian killing. Eight others were also gunned down in
separate violent incidents. On 9th January, the Supreme Court admitted for
regular hearing the review petition filed by MQM, seeking review of the
apex courts order pertaining to delimitation of constituencies in Karachi.
MQM is the only political party opposing the delimitations. The petition
pleaded that the courts rulings of November 26 and 28 were in violation of
the Constitution.
On 10th January, at least eleven people were killed in separate incidents
of violence within an hour in Karachi; in all thirteen people were killed
during the day. Meanwhile, Sindh Police arrested Sikander Jatoi, father of
Sharukh Jatoi, a prime suspect of Shahzeb Khan murder case, from premises
of the Supreme Court. Next day, eight people were killed in incidents of
violence in the city. On 12th January, at least seven people were killed in
separate acts of violence in the city. Next day, violence claims six more lives
in the city.
VIEWS
Power politics
A call for revolution: The question in everyones mind is: would the
combined forces of TMQ and MQM be able to live up to the challenge of
simulating Cairos Tehrir Square that toppled the Mubarak regime and which
Dr Qadri has committed to do? In the eyes of some political commentators,
both the parties have the organizing ability to hold a long march, even
though it would prove a far harder exercise than bringing large crowds to a
public meeting. And on the supposition the long march does go through, it
would still be an almost insurmountable task to keep the participants in
Islamabad till the campaigns demands are met or the corrupt lot succumbs
to the pressure. Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kairas statement that
no Tehrir Square will be allowed also raises alarm in the sense that the use
of force, if that is intended, could prove counterproductive, just as the bomb
blast that killed four returning from the Karachi meeting could reinforce the
resolve to hold the long march. Comments have also come from several
other political circles. PML-Ns Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who is also the
Leader of the Opposition, has termed the MQM and PML-Qs support for
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the long march a comic drama and JUI-Fs chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman
feels that behind Qadris sudden arrival on the scene there are hidden forces
at work.
The emerging scenario is, indeed, unpredictable and would need the
utmost skill to defuse it, which should be the priority for all political forces
in the country so as not to permit any interruption in the countrys march
towards a better democratic rule through the ballot box. (Editorial.
TheNation 3rd January, 2013)
Long march dilemma: Ever since Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT)
chief Dr Tahirul Qadri announced his plan to organize a long march in case
the electoral reforms he had proposed were not accepted, the government,
opposition and Parliament have been caught up in a dilemma about
formulating an adequate response. The reform package received a big boost
when MQM chief Altaf Hussain announced his partys unconditional
support and asked party workers to prepare the long march scheduled for Jan
14. The government met with a setback when Interior Minister Rehman
Malik failed to persuade Mr Hussain to stay away from the march. He was
told to contact Dr Qadri instead.
President Asif Zardari has constituted a committee headed by the
prime minister to review these developments including PML-Qs pledge to
support Dr Qadris long march. Saner reaction has come from PML-N leader
Mian Nawaz Sharif who has said that the long marchers would face no
hurdle from the Punjab government. His demand for the announcement of
election schedule makes a lot of sense. He believes that that would end the
prevailing state of confusion. Dr Qadri appears to have started believing that
the long march would be successful. It was this in mind that he said if
interim setup was announced before the long march, he would not accept it.
Interesting days are ahead and one needs to monitor the situation carefully.
Fear of the unknown: As I have said many a time before that, for
whatever strange reasons, we in Pakistan are not able to plan or look too far
ahead. We can only see up to wherever our noses are, even when its
absolutely clear weather. Besides, we are given to excitement by
temperament. So, while the analysts are pulling at our reins and saying
whoa, there are still quite a few of us wishing for Doctor Tahirul Qadri to
pull a miracle and help in bringing about a change for the betterment of the
people. It may happen as early as January 14, nine days from now.
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It does sound definitely odd that a person who has not been a part of
Pakistans mainstream politics and who has been living in Canada since the
past four years or so quietly should be able to come back just before the
elections and make demands which have shocked the two main parties out of
their comfort zones. Obviously, they are not going to like it. As this is a
serious issue about getting hold of power all guns have been turned full
volume on to the doctor who is threatening to rock the boat and in the
process maybe also drown some who thought they had the crown in their
pocket all set to be re-worn.
While I know which party I am going to support in the elections let
me put on record what I find interesting about Doctor Tahirul Qadri. For
starters I like the fact that he is such a well educated scholar and not just a
cleric of the preaching, screaming variety. I also really like the fact that he
talks about social welfare and about the implementation of Jinnahs vision
and that he advocates inclusiveness instead of divisiveness la the Sufis. If
he can get the majma in Islamabad to be of the appropriate numbers we
have seen in the past that when there are enough numbers, containers and
blockages can be lifted like feathers it will lead to having a neutral
caretaker setup. Thats what we all want anyway. This time the army is not
going to take over or support delay in the elections. Neither will it shoot at
its own people. So, those predicting this fallout if anarchy prevails are
wrong. If anything, it may just hasten and streamline the electoral process.
Those saying that the doctor has no authority to be saying what he is
saying have a point. If we adhere to the point we can continue with the way
things are functioning in our democracy in the vain hope that eventually the
process will improve itself. That line of argument would have been fine if
we had the luxury of time on our side. Since we do not have time my take is
to go with the doctor because even if he destroys us, we were going to be
destroyed anyway with the status quo, so we cant do too much worse by
ourselves (Tallat Azim, TheNation 5th January)
March of the mob: Last week President Zardari added fuel to the
fire by assigning Rehman Malik to talk to Tahirul Qadri regarding his socalled long march, as advised by Altaf Hussain from London. This has raised
serious questions about the presidents role in the dangerous drama
unleashed upon the nation by the shifty cleric. It also brings into focus his
unconstitutional conduct as president and how it has thwarted the democratic
process. At this crucial juncture, should he be allowed to facilitate chaos and
hence extend his tenure? What should be done to defeat this move
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choreographed by the resourceful and ruthless tacticians of the empire and

their puppets?
The apprehensions of those distrustful of President Zardari and the
troika of dual-nationals out to decide our fate, messrs Tahirul Qadri, Altaf
Hussain and Rehman Malik, are not just conspiracy theories. We have seen
puppets of the empire launched in one country after another to hijack
peaceful popular movements for change in order to install rulers that
maintain the imperialist status quo while chanting popular mantras about
revolution. The blatant funding and arming of militants, extremists and
separatists is used to introduce violence and eliminate the option of dialogue
and discussion. The idea is to disrupt the natural evolution of societies and
political systems and set into motion dynamics that would eat it all up
without a burp. The present drama has empire written on it in bold letters.
General elections held under an independent election commission and
a neutral caretaker setup are expected to reflect the anti-American
sentiments of 80 percent Pakistanis and bring in a government that could
pose problems for the empires agenda for the region. The empire cant
allow that of course. What good is the empire if it cant stop poor countries
from deciding about their destiny? Its difficult to believe that Tahirul Qadri
is so nave, but regardless of whether he understands the larger picture or
not, he is obviously a tool in the hands of those who wish to continue
controlling the world and lead it to death and destruction. Hes found
partners in status quo parties like the MQM and PML-Q that are not happy
with the way things are going and a president who will lose all his levers of
power with the installation of the caretaker setup.
With the passage of constitutional amendments by the sitting
parliament, the office of the president is now ceremonial, just as it should be
in a parliamentary democracy. This hasnt stopped President Zardari from
controlling the PPP-led government in every possible way, whether it is
deciding about policy or executive actions, discussing important national
matters with foreign dignitaries or negotiating with coalition partners. He
justifies this unconstitutional conduct by pointing to his co-chairmanship of
the PPP, which in itself is unconstitutional. So while it is nothing new that
the president is dictating the governments response to the present crisis, the
consequences of this meddling could turn out to be far more damaging than
all the things he has messed up earlier.
Every major party in the parliament except the two coalition partners
who, after years of sharing power, have developed a soft corner for Tahirul
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Qadris pseudo-revolutionary antics, is clear about the way forward; the

holding of elections without delay and the installation of the caretaker setup
in line with the constitutional provisions. The PPP might be handicapped
because of Zardaris secret schemes, but the party has enough of democratic
sense left in it, despite five years of Zardaris undemocratic stranglehold, to
understand the challenge and the response of many party leaders to the
emerging crisis reflects that. Being in government and having been a
constant advocate of change through elections, the party and its government
should be in the forefront of countering this nefarious drama. If its cochairman would let it, that is.
Rather than the president seeking assurances from the MQM and
PML-Q about not leaving the government (PML-N has assured the
government of its support for completing what is left of its term), and
choosing Rehman Malik to talk to Tahirul Qadri, the prime minister should
constitute a team of constitutional experts drawn from major parties in the
parliament to discuss electoral reforms not only with Tahirul Qadri but also
PML-Q and MQM as well as parties outside the parliament. An open
discussion on the subject can still make it possible for the government to
introduce reforms that promote democratic ideals and create consensus
among the political parties. More importantly, it will puncture the pretext
being cleverly employed by Tahirul Qadri and his supporters in the
parliament to delay elections. After exposing the supporters of Tahirul Qadri
and with the support of the bulk of parliamentarians, the governments in
Islamabad and the provinces should then get down to the business of
stopping the march of the mob.
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri have tried to mislead the popular opinion
by drawing parallels between the long march that restored the independent
judiciary and what they hope to do on January 14. It doesnt seem to matter
that the movement for the restoration of judiciary had been striving for
constitutional supremacy for more than 15 months before it took the
decision to march on the capital for the final push. The leaders of the
movement that was palpable across the streets of Pakistan, had first made
efforts to engage with the government and convince it to undo the
unconstitutional act of a general in uniform, and they announced the historic
long march only after it became obvious that the Zardari dispensation was
not willing to budge on the issue. The present ultimatum has come out of the
blue and it is aimed against the democratic advances made by the parliament
and political forces outside it.
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Zardari and Rehman Malik went all the way to block the long march
upholding the supremacy of the constitution; toppling the Punjab
government, detaining lawyers and political workers, blocking highways and
using police to teargas and beat up the participants. Isnt it a bit odd that they
are talking about allowing a non-political horde to march on the capital,
complete with its unconstitutional agenda and leaders who have sworn their
allegiance to the Queen of England? (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 6th January)
January 14: what are we looking at? The fact of the matter is that
Dr Qadris abrupt self-introduction into Pakistans political arena is no threat
to the nascent democracy in the country. It is, on the other hand, a timely
resplendent political action and a responsible political initiative to correct
what is fundamentally wrong with this countrys contemporary political
culture and its electoral process. And that, in essence, poses a grave threat to
the incumbent ruling elite and its future plans to hijack the peoples mandate
through decades-old fraudulent political practices stealing peoples
democratic rights by highly organized and manipulative methods of
enormous anti-democratic significance.
The Pakistani public is well aware of how this charade is played out
again and again with sentimental psychological symbols, meaningless
democratic rhetoric, ideological and religious slogans, bribes, favours, use of
government machinery and administrative force, kunba-parveri (nepotism)
and so on and so forth. At last, the people of Pakistan are saying enough is
enough - this must come to an end now!
Take a logical and rational view of Dr Qadris massive public rally in
Lahore. Combine this political event with Imran Khans jalsas in Lahore and
Karachi last year. Arent these immense political gatherings a public
democratic referendum against the incumbent ruling parties, the PPP and
PML-N? Arent these political rallies convincingly and openly public
indictments against the PPP and PML-N leadership? What other rational
explanation is there of such a massive and collective expression of public
dissatisfaction, distrust and rejection of the so-called democratic leadership
in the country? How else can we understand this recently emerging
phenomenon of Public Political Discontent expressed so vividly, so
convincingly, so profoundly, so collectively, so peacefully, so powerfully, so
purposefully, so democratically and with such a strongly united demand for
a fundamental change in the ways and manners in which practical politics is
conducted in this country.
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Democracy is not being threatened by Qadris political initiative it is

being strengthened: the fact of the matter is that finally the forces of change
and the status quo forces in Pakistan have come face-to-face for a decisive
showdown. On the one hand is Dr Qadris politically correct, valiant and
well timed call for public mobilization on January 14, along with Imran
Khans PTIs as well as MQMs auspicious political endorsement for change
in Pakistans political culture, structural norms, rules and process of election
practices. On the other hand is a dysfunctional, incompetent and corrupt
political system and leadership that has failed to deliver basic human rights,
economic well being, political stability, justice and equality, safety and
security, law and order, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, national dignity and
honour. In fact, this so-called democratic leadership has vested interests, has
compromised time and again with external forces against Pakistans national
interests, is patronized by Washington and London and other Western
powers, and has at times, even compromised this nations sovereignty for
personal benefits and ascendency to political power. January 14 ought to be
doomsday for Pakistans farsoodah leadership. The writing is on the wall!
What has Dr Qadri publicly proven so far since his public rally in
Lahore? Let us review his credentials with an unbiased, honest and rational
spirit of inquiry. Obviously and unquestionably, Dr Qadri is the most
eloquent politician of our time. His scholarly intellectual, conceptual and
articulate credentials are impeccable and matchless compared with any other
politician in Pakistan. His command of theological knowledge, Islamic
political history and understanding of the dynamics of political Islam are at a
capacity and capability absolutely beyond the ability or competence of any
of his political contemporaries or adversaries. Let us admit that Dr Qadri is a
scholarly phenomenon in himself and as such is capable of delivering and
contributing to Pakistans politics what has been fundamentally missing so
far.
Let us start with some basics: Dr Qadris Lahore rally has proven
certain things. First, he has organizational management skills par excellence.
His communicative links from the top of the organizational hierarchy to the
bottom levels are efficient, conducted with clarity and without delays. His
chain of command is highly organized. His policy-making process is
visionary and futuristic. The implementation of policy decisions is managed
at decentralized levels (all these attributes are essential to the sustainable
development and progress of any human organization). Dr Qadri sits atop a
huge organization and financial institution spread over 90 countries that
operates with impeccable efficiency
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It is my considered opinion that time has arrived for the political

forces of change to join hands in the struggle to save Pakistan from the
clutches of vested-interest political leaderships. This is the only option for a
future political discourse that will save Pakistan and put it on a path to
becoming a democratic self-reliant welfare state.
Imran Khan (as well as Sheikh Rasheed) would be well-advised to
enter into well intended and serious negotiations and political alliance with
Dr Qadri. This alliance would have to define the fundamentals of a
comprehensive national agenda in the post-2013 election in Pakistan as well
as develop an understanding of the nature and dynamics of national
leadership that would emerge out of the said process. The sooner it is done,
the better.
In the meantime, let Dr Qadri and his associates challenge the forces
of status quo on January 14 on Constitutional Avenue in Islamabad and drive
them to their ultimate political demise!
Let it be known: mobilizing the public to demand their fundamental
rights and dismantling the political oligarchy are democratic norms!
Nelson Mandela, the most profound political philosopher and political
activist of our times, once said that politicians always set their eyes on
winning elections while a leader sets his or her attention on the welfare of
the people and the future well being of the generations to come.
My question is: what has the traditional leadership done so far? Win
elections and demonstrate apathy for public welfare. Stop them now before
it is too late!
That is precisely what Dr Qadri is preaching and that is what
January 14 is all about!! Is it not? (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 8th January)
Al-Azhar scholars expose Tahirul Qadri: Our demand to Tahir-ulQadri for answers still stands:
1. Who made you Sheikh-ul-Islam, and on what ground?
2. Why are you accepting funding from Iran, especially when Iran has
established its enmity with Pakistan? The Sharia is the standard of laws that
Muslims obey and is an absolute must for any seeker on the Qadiri path,
which your suffix suggests. Under which law are you adhering, wherein you
find it legitimate to project interminable waves of flyers and big-screen
television projections of yourself like that which is found in Iran and
acceptable under Shia convention? Know that Almighty Allah condemns
724
such people, as they are people of Shaitan. There is a strange tie that you still
have not revealed to the public in regards to your relations with Iran,
especially with your trip to Iran ten years ago, wherein your return to
Pakistan was an immediate/overnight change of disposition supplemented
with millions of Pakistani Rupees to fund the building of elaborate
complexes.
3. What do you have to say, officially, to the charges levied against
you from one of the high courts in Pakistan? We know that Tahir-ul-Qadri is
planning to return to Pakistan to instigate a revolution like the ones that
have brought civil wars and instability to North Africa (i.e. Libya) and the
Middle East (i.e. Syria), causing catastrophic grief and releasing a flood of
extremists. Our Ulema in the United States, Canada, and Al-Azhar are
condemning this false Sheikh and therefore we advise people to avoid him
and stay away from him. Our statement to Tahir-ul-Qadri still remains firm:
Keep away from our homeland, the United States of America, as history
shows that your intent is to exploit and undermine the hard works and
sacrifices of American Muslims for the sake of the New World Order. (The
Islamic Post, reprinted in TheNation 10th January)
Ahead of the long march: An important factor is that President
Pervez Musharraf thought highly of Dr Qadri. Clearly, he represents
something military minds accept, a moderation which Musharraf also tried
to promote. It should be noted that Dr Qadri is being set up to follow the
same trajectory as Imran Khan and his Tehrik-e-Insaaf.
The problem appears to be that Pakistanis seem to be slipping from
their old loyalties, and are no longer as reliant on the elections to solve their
problems. This may well be because the problems they face are huge.
However, the belief that elections will generate a leadership, which will be
able to solve those problems, is wearing thin and precisely because the
political class that gets elected consists of the kinds of people who should
not be in the Assemblies.
It is, probably, noteworthy that this is the moment the Election
Commission has chosen to make another reiteration of its intention to hold
free, fair and transparent elections, and the Supreme Court of its intention to
back it in this.
There seems to be an attempt to derail democracy and postpone
elections, not by Dr Qadris agenda, but his assassination. However, though
the threat has been made public, it does not perforce disappear because of
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that. He may be more useful alive because he can deliver more votes that
way.
At the same time, it is also useful to political forces to scare away all
but the most dedicated from the march by creating fear of an untoward
happening. This fear itself shows how sensitive opinion is even to the
possibility of military intervention in the system. If Dr Qadri is a military
agent provocateur, he has ended up achieving the opposite of what he was
tasked to do.
Both the main contenders of the next election, even if unreformed,
have been hit by the march, and really have no choice but to let it through
without any hindrance. Just as Imran Khan has not been able to translate his
movement into a tsunami, so must the major parties hope that Dr Qadris
march will not prove more.
Though Dr Qadri, like Imran, has come in from abroad, and
represents, like him, the aspirations of overseas Pakistanis for cleaner
politics in Pakistan, he does not have the time to build a credible party. Thus,
he will leave the parties to do what they want to - have a traditional election
in the middle of the year, which will yield the same old faces, even if the
party composition changes. (MA Niazi, TheNation 11th January)
Altafs political drone: Mr Hussains political drone turned out to be
utterly shocking and, indeed, extremely regrettable: he put Quaid-i-Azams
undivided and unquestionable loyalty to Pakistan to doubt! He chose to
ignore the fact, quintessentially germane to the issue, that in 1946 the only
valid travel document for the Quaid could be the British passport and when
he took oath as Governor-General of Pakistan, the country still had a
dominion status. Mr Hussains case brooks no comparison with it. He took
the oath of allegiance to the British monarch when he was a citizen of an
independent Pakistan. The same holds true for Dr Qadri who holds a dual
Pakistan-Canadian nationality. The MQM chiefs unfortunate reference to
Quaids passport has incurred political and religious leaders severe
criticism, on or off the TV screen. He must withdraw his nonsensical
statement and tender an apology for his error. (Editorial, TheNation 12th
January)
Jinnah in January 2013: As much as one likes the educated and
urbanized representatives of the MQM like Haider Abbas Rizvi and others,
one wonders why they cannot prevail on the head of their party to go easy
on the gimmickry. One can almost see them squirming in their seats with
discomfort when these self-obsessive sermons are being made to an MQM
726
audience and in this case to the whole nation as we were all held hostage
by his address on all our channels, waiting as it were, for the illusive drone!
It, probably, was the biggest example of a drone misfiring and falling
flat on its nose. (The guys who make drones could possibly consider suing
Altaf Bhai for bringing such disrepute to their product with this misnomer
but thats a thought in passing.) However, we could not agree more to the
song he chose to sing this time for his captive audience hum sa ho tau
saamney aye. There cannot possibly be two of them in this world. One is
also reminded of the British comedy on TV called Some mothers do have
them. (Tallat Azim, TheNation 12th January)
A march for change: Of late, there have been a lowering of the PTI
tempo. Into the arena has jumped a scholar-politician of Pakistani origin
from Canada to transform the countrys politics. He held a huge rally at
Minar-i-Pakistan, Lahore, soon after his arrival and is now poised to lead a
procession of four million Pakistanis to Islamabad.
The political parties in power have not only been taken by surprise,
but are worried about this sudden show of strength. They and a section of the
media have reacted sharply and accused Dr Qadri of sabotaging democracy.
His previous record has been cited as evidence of his dubious credentials.
The Sheikh-ul-Islam as, he calls himself, has appeared on a number
of popular TV channels and answered questions hurled at him about his
sudden appearance, the source of funds for his campaign as well as his
demands and programme. The eloquent cleric has spoken with conviction
and offered a brief for his revolutionary agenda. His plea for electoral reform
and the imperative of strictly following relevant constitutional provisions to
ensure that only honest and reliable candidates would contest the elections,
has struck a responsive chord amongst people generally. If the reforms
advocated by him are accepted and the Election Commission of Pakistan
strengthens its position and ensures that it will accept candidature of only
those who fulfill constitutional and other legal requirements, there is a
possibility of desirable candidates getting elected. In other words, Dr Qadri
wants to block the return of most of the present MNAs and MPAs. Better
representatives will then be expected to undertake the tasks laid down by the
constitution for the welfare of the masses and the good of the country.
What Dr Qadri stands for makes sense and merits support. His
message is good and very much needed. There may be questions about his
background and record. He, however, has every right to pursue his agenda.
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It looks from the latest news that preventive steps are being taken by
the government (in Islamabad a number of private vehicles and containers
have been forcibility taken by the government) to place obstacles against the
long marchers and thus disallow the crowds to enter certain parts of
Islamabad. There are also rumours of possible attacks on the rally. Dr Qadri
says that the government would be held responsible if he is attacked or
harmed or the processionists are stopped and harshly dealt with.
Whatever be the end result of the long march, it can be said at this
stage that part of Dr Qadris mission has already been achieved. In a most
dramatic and effective way, he has spoken for tens of millions of Pakistanis,
who urgently need and want a change. If the same tested-tried-and-foundwanting lot again comes back, peoples miseries will go on multiplying and
Pakistan will further go down.
Can we afford this frightful prospect?
So Qadri or no Qadri, we all must work sincerely and resolutely for a
change-for-the-better a change that, to a large extent, hopefully, will bring
in decent, sensitive, knowledgeable and genuine representatives of the
people. Pakistan desperately deserves a new and better leadership.
Dr Tahirul Qadris message and march are bound to have a
considerable positive impact on all political parties to work for the good of
people in the light of the countrys constitutional provisions. (Inayatullah,
TheNation 12th January)
Pakistan: moving on: Though the MQM says it took the decision of
staying away from the mysterious march keeping in view the law and order
situation in the country, most of the political observers are not convinced.
The precarious law and order situation in the country is nothing new and
those preparing to march on the capital had been warned by the government
of terrorist attacks prior to Altaf Hussains drone-address. So what made the
party back off? Different theories are doing the rounds, mostly speculations
about a deal with the government. Given the murky politics of reconciliation
practiced by the Zardari dispensation behind-closed-doors, nobody is sure
about what was demanded and what granted. Some say that the MQM was
waiting for a nod from the military establishment, and that the party left
Tahirul Qadri in the lurch when no such nod was forthcoming. Beyond these
shots in the dark, there is another, more plausible, explanation.
Except for a few commentators and media pundits who threw better
sense to the wind and joined the supporters of the long march in trashing the
flawed democracy that we have, those who seemed all willing to throw the
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baby out with the bathwater, the reaction in the national media to Tahirul
Qadris pseudo-revolutionary antics was more measured and mature,
exposing the gaping holes in his rhetoric and his methodology, his tactics
and his status quo partners. It did not take long for a majority of
anchorpersons, honed by years of grilling all shades of politicians, to see
through the disruptive nature of Tahirul Qadris initiative and to see that he
had no solutions to offer to the problems that he ranted and raved about
except a kind of mob rule to be directed by his dubious highness. He had to
answer for his ever-shifting demands. The contradictions in his feigned
respect for the constitution and state institutions on the one hand, and his
unconstitutional demands on the other, were exposed
There are no two opinions about the gaping holes in our democratic
system, and of course the need to bring it closer to democratic ideals is
urgent. It is true that the Zardari government and its coalition partners must
share most of the blame for turning democracy into a farce. At the same
time, the restoration of an independent judiciary in the country has provided
an impetus towards correcting the flaws of the system. The free media,
despite its serious shortcomings, is also learning, and it has contributed
towards creating a politically aware public. The civil society is
understanding its power to influence politics. Despite stranglehold of
dictatorial leaders, established political parties are also evolving and learning
to respond to the public mood. New parties like the PTI have added
significantly to this momentum. Tahirul Qadri would like us to bypass this
slow progress and take a shortcut that in all probability would land us in
hell. Had he been around all these years, he would have known some basic
facts about electoral reforms and the coming elections that he would like to
dictate as per his whims and hollow claims.
The Supreme Court has ordered electoral reforms and it is monitoring
their implementation. The Election Commission is consulting political
parties regarding these reforms. A neutral caretaker setup is expected to be
appointed through consultation. We might have miles to go, but at least we
are headed in the right direction. And we have sense enough to resist moves
that aim to lead us elsewhere. (Jalees Hazir, TheNation 13th January)
Is there a connection? January 10 was quite a sad day in Pakistan.
Three bomb explosions at Quetta and one in Swat claimed the lives of over
100 people; five labourers were gunned down in Karachi; the deadline for
Dr Qadris ultimatum to the government for a change in the system ended
and the secret behind the much hyped political drone attack by Altaf became
known. It is said that events do not happen in isolation. The intent and
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purpose of all these incidents was disruptive in nature and one perforce has
to ask a question, is there a connection between them?
Even if it is conceded that these happenings were just a coincidence
carried out by different actors and entities having no coordination, there is a
strong connection between them in regard to the purpose that they serve;
harming the unity and integrity of Pakistan
After having Qadris long march to terror attacks in the context of
destabilizing Pakistan, Ashraf concluded: It is heartening to note that almost
all the political parties, intellectual circles and the Supreme Court Bar
Association have expressed their resolve not to allow democracy to be
derailed and ensure the holding of elections in time. It is advisable for Dr
Qadri to prove his democratic credentials by participating in the elections
and bring the change by winning over the people. He must understand that
political parties in power and those sitting in the opposition have the
mandate to run the country and can organize public rallies much bigger than
his at Lahore. Such rallies are not the touchstone for judging the popularity
of a party. The real test is the elections. Till the time Dr Qadri proves his
strengthen through the ballot, he cannot claim the majority support. It is for
the masses and the Supreme Court to block the way of opportunists like Dr
Tahirul Qadri out to harm the country through unconstitutional means.
(Malik Muhammad Ashraf, TheNation 13th January)
Testing times ahead: Pakistan holds the key to future peace and
strategic design of the region. Hence, the international interest, including
Indias designs to destabilize Pakistan.
It is in this context that one should view the recent top level changes
in the US State Department, the Pentagon and the CIA. We must not forget
how closely Britain, Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and even
UAE are watching the current internal developments in Pakistan.
Why have I chosen January 10 as the countdown of a fateful week for
Pakistan?
Firstly, because Tahirul Qadris deadline to the government expired on
that date, paving the way for launching his long march and initiating
Peoples Parliament on January 14 at Islamabad on the lines of Al-Tahrir
Square, Cairo.
Secondly, because the MQM leadership ditched Dr Qadri and chose
this moment for creating a highly crude and insolent controversy by
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equating Altafs dual nationality with that of Quaid-i-Azam when Pakistan

had not even come into existence.
Thirdly, January 10 took the shape of a bloody day in the entire
decade of terrorism as a darkest omen. It is a wakeup call for our political
leadership. All this will have serious consequences.
Take the three bomb blasts at Quetta that have shaken Pakistan like an
earthquake.
On January 10, nearly 150 innocent Pakistani, including women and
children, became victims of blasts at Quetta, Swat and elsewhere. Earlier,
the Supreme Court had declared the failure of the provincial government to
maintain law and order in Balochistan. Now, the Governor of Balochistan,
Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, has publicly confessed failure of the Raisani
government as well as his helplessness to improve the situation in the
province.
The situation has become so desperate that the Quetta Yakjehti
Council has declared that they would not bury the victims unless the army is
brought in to control the situation. This sit-in strike by hundreds of protesters
by the side of their 82 dear ones dead bodies lying unburied in sever cold
and rain, is a warning that testing times lie ahead demanding urgent and
effective remedies. (Editorial, TheNation 14th January)
Baloch militancy
The riches of Reko Diq: The three-member bench of the Supreme
Court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, on Monday
declared the 1993 Chaghai Hills Joint Venture Agreement (CHJVA) illegal,
null and void, because it ran counter to the countrys mineral and mining
concession rules. The decision was made after the case had been heard for
five years. Thus, the court held, the execution of the joint venture was
contrary to the provisions of various laws of the land... It should not be
forgotten that this case highlighted how the province is rich in mineral
resources, for Reko Diq is not the first site for exploration, that being the
Saindak deposits, which still await exploitation.
A number of arguments can be raised against the CHJVA, to do with
exploitation by multinationals, but the court did not consider any of them. It
used the law of the land as its touchstone, although the case is now likely to
end up in the International Court of Arbitration. In this, as in other cases
considered more political, the apex court has only gone where its
understanding of the law has taken it. In the process, it might have learnt
731
how big multinational corporations work with local governments to exploit

the resources of poor countries. It might also have highlighted the economic
importance of Balochistan to the country as a whole. However, although the
court simply set out, as in other cases, whether the matter was lawful or not,
the fact is that a local government made a crooked deal, with a company
which only took advantage of a corrupt negotiating side on the other end of
the table. It should not be assumed that the company which suffered as a
consequence of the deal will sit silently and not approach the ICA, as has
already happened in similar cases in India and Bangladesh. In the latter cases
local Supreme Court decisions were also overturned in the ICA.
Meanwhile the Balochistan government sits on the now stationary
project of the development of the Reko Diq deposits, the people of the
province, indeed the whole country, could benefit from. It should not be
forgotten that this decision will also have a great significance not just for
future joint ventures with foreign firms, but by being referred to as a
precedent worldwide, and will be taken as a cautionary tale for other foreign
companies considering investment in Pakistan. (Editorial, TheNation 9 th
January)
Governance of Balochistan: The meeting on Friday of a Hazara
delegation, led by a PPP MPA, with Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsi
was triggered by the Alamdar Road blasts on Thursday, which killed over
100 people, but it prompted him to say that the Raisani government had
failed However, as Governor, it remains his responsibility to advise the
President (or rather the federal government) that emergency be imposed in
the province. The proclamation imposing that emergency will also make
arrangements for the governance of the province, and could conceivably
include provision for military rule. However, both the Governor, as well as
those making the demand, need to think about the consequences of involving
the military. Apart from the general sentiment against such involvement,
there is a peculiar danger in Balochistan, where the accusations of military
involvement in forced disappearances, through the intelligence agencies,
have only recently been highlighted by the Supreme Court hearings on the
law and order situation. The Supreme Courts strictures on the Raisani
government provoked a parliamentary crisis, which caused a change in the
Balochistan Speaker.
The Governors remarks are not isolated, and thus do not reflect solely
his personal opinion. It is for the Chief Minister to see the writing on the
wall too, and not force the Governors hand. There is no reason why the
Raisani government must hold on to the bitter end of its tenure, except false
732
pride. With so little time left, there is nothing to stop advice to dissolve, so
that the province can elect a government capable of stopping acts of terror.
The present government simply does not have the time to stop them. This is
a task best left to the incoming government, and it may be that the election
campaign in Balochistan revolves around this issue. (Editorial, TheNation
13th January)
Country mourns Alamdar: There has been considerable criticism of
the government, and the Chief Ministers remaining abroad will only
enhance it. Already, such authorities as the Supreme Court have been
strongly critical of the government, while in a meeting with a Hazara
delegation on Friday, the provinces Governor firmly blamed it for the latest
outrage. It should be remembered that there have been a number of incidents
in which members of the Shia community have been targeted, not only
occurring in Balochistan, but also other parts of the country. As the Alamdar
Road entered the fourth day with the government waking up now to address
the problem, protests spread to several other parts of the country. There are
sit-ins and barricades laid across some of the main thoroughfares and
railway lines of all major cities. The protesters are vowing not to disperse till
foolproof measures are taken to ensure the safety and security of their lives
and property.
At this point, with the Assemblies almost at the end of their term,
there is no point in risking the whole democratic system just to prolong the
stay in office. The Raisani government should opt for general elections. If
this means that the whole country undergoes polls, this would be a very
small price to pay, especially if the federal and provincial governments the
election yields are ready to work hard to solve this crisis and allow the
Alamdar Road families to finally grieve for those lost. (Editorial, TheNation
14th January)
REVIEW
MQM was the first to jump into the bandwagon of Long March. Its
leaders led by their London-based chief harped day in and day out in favour
of Qadris cause. On 10th January, Altaf addressed his party workers via
satellite and vowed to participate in the Long March; come what may!
This was the speech about which hype was created that Altaf would
launch a drone attack. TV channels covered his speech live for two hours but
the drone attack was not launched, and instead, he resorted to suicide
733
bombing by equating the Quaid with politicians holding dual nationality, of

course, Altaf is one of them.
The drone attack came next day which was delivered by Farooq Sattar
in a press conference. He announced that MQM, in consultation with
coalition partners, has decided not to take part in the Long March on January
14, because of the terror threats. It was a case of desertion, but it could have
been also preplanned to sabotage Qadris move, probably discussed and
finalized when Malik had met Altaf in London.
Punjab government led by Sharif Brothers took all the possible
measures to nip the evil in the bud. It employed the government machinery
to impede assembly and transportation of the long marchers. Sharifs
certainly excelled Musharraf and Zardari in taking measures to deny
democratic right to the long marchers.
Punjab government, however, restrained from doing anything that
could result in violent reaction from the followers and supporters of Qadri.
Better sense prevailed after it failed in nipping the evil in the bud and it saw
an escape route in escorting the troublesome baby and passing it on to
federal government.
Meanwhile, the Scoundrel once again showed his acumen in power
politics by tasking the Gujrati cousins for negotiating with Dr Tahirul Qadri.
It must be recalled that during unfortunate incident of Lal Masjid Chaudhry
Shujaat was the man who kept Maulana Aziz and his brother engaged in
dialogue, while Musharraf prepared for commando raid at the mosque. They
were also the negotiators in Akbar Bugti episode.
The situation is quite similar to the past, as Gujrati cousins held
meetings with Qadri in Lahore, Zardaris most trusted man, a former FIA
official and now serving as Interior Minister worked over-time to fortify the
federal capital. During his interaction with the media he appeared to be quite
confident of taking care of the Long March led by Qadri.
Interior Minister Malik, to start with, preferred to perform the role of a
scare-crow. He declared that the militants will carry out attacks on the Long
March. He was so certain about the attack that he even gave names of three
terrorists which have been specifically tasked for this purpose.
When he saw himself failing to scare, he resorted to using abusive
language while talking about Dr Qadri. On one occasion, while interacting
with the media, Malik called Qadri a Jewish priest and Padri, and advised
him to dress up in a way that he looks like a Muslim.
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Malik is known for lying, but during the Long March he exceeded
previous standards set by him in this regard. For example, he claimed that he
knew a lot about Qadri which he will disclose at appropriate time and in the
same breath he requested the people to provide any information they might
have about funding of the Long March.
His boss, Zardari assessing the possible consequences of the Long
March adopted his favourite protective strategy. He stayed away from the
seat of his power and confined himself to the den called Bilawal House
located on beach-side. Perhaps, he has some stand-by arrangements to be
air-lifted from there to Dubai.
Medias role so far has been visibly biased as most of the media
houses have been embedded by the two main political stake-holders. Most
of the analysts and experts who were invited to participate in discussions
were encouraged to say something about the person of Dr Tahirul Qadri,
rather than commenting on what he said.
He was dubbed as an agent of the West and then termed as operative
of the establishment. His religious beliefs and practices were ridiculed. The
sources of funding of his Long March campaign were suspected even by
those who have filed no income tax returns.
On the other hand, on 10th January, the electronic media covered the
100-minute speech of the Scoundrel in Exile without a single commercial
break or even a blink in between. Media channels have been virtually held
hostage by the MQM as their owner fear that their commercial interests
could be harmed by the party that owns Karachi.
Malik knew all about possible terrorist attacks on Dr Qadris Long
March, but he was quite ignorant about those attacks which led to massacre
in Quetta, Swat and Karachi on 10th January. For four days the Hazara
tribesmen kept waiting for humane and sympathetic response from the
rulers.
This community of about half a million people set an extra ordinary
example of human endurance and perseverance for the nation of 180 million.
They staged a sit-in under the sky where temperatures were well below the
freezing point. At last they succeeded in putting some shame into the head of
the Scoundrel though Chief Minister proved to be too thick to absorb any.
The also set an example of how to stage a peaceful protest. Those who
preached democracy is the best revenge were forced to bend their knees
735
through a democratic process. Therefore, the success of Quetta sit-in should

boost the morale of participants of the Long March.
The PAC asked FBR Chairman Ali Arshad Hakim to punish those
who leaked the information about tax returns of the lawmakers. PAC, a
select group of the lawmakers, wanted to punish all those who were involved
in the scandal of thief-catching rather than punishing the thieves.
This is how Mr Chan, the Chairman of PAC, practiced the doctrine of
his party boss Bilawal Zardari Bhutto who had said: Democracy is the best
revenge. The other reflection of Mr Chans devotion to his party leader was
that while he ignored tax evading lawmakers he was keen to summon
Registrar Supreme Court along with account books. Chan the moon
could not see a minister using 50 official vehicles.
On 7th January, while hearing the case of contempt of court of Altaf
Hussain and other MQM leaders the Chief Justice acted more like a Chaplin
of a Church than a judge of apex court. On that day, Farogh Nasim kept
rendering apologies on behalf of MQM chief and other leaders of the party
and the Chief Justice kept obliging by accepting the repentance and dishing
out forgiveness.
15th December, 2012
NUMBER EIGHT
Mali, the land inhabited by black Muslims, became the eighth country
where the Crusaders have used their air power to bomb Islamic militants as
part of the holy was that has entered the 12th year. The other countries,
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starting from east, have been Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq,

Yemen, Somalia and Libya.
The Islamic fascists targeted by the French warplanes and gunship
helicopters have reportedly retreated into the desert with which they are well
versed. Observers are of the view that the militants would soon regroup and
engage French forces into a long drawn war, so yet another country will now
be made to bleed over extended period.
Syria, which is being softened up for the last twenty-one months, will
become the ninth country to be bombed as has been evident from the
deployment of Patriot Missiles batteries in Turkey. Elsewhere in Islamic
World there has been calm for the reason that the Crusaders are focusing on
toppling Assad regime
NEWS
Far East: On 1st January, 2013, about 500 Myanmar nationals swam
the last 500 metres to enter Malaysia illegally at the end of a 15-day boat
journey at the weekend, leaving one dead. They are believed to be one of the
largest groups of Rohingya Muslims to have reached Malaysia this year after
fleeing sectarian violence at home.
On 4th January, the UN said about 13,000 boat people, including many
stateless Rohingya Muslims, fled Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh in
2012 with hundreds dying during the perilous sea voyage. We know of at
least 485 people whove drowned or are lost at sea, said Vivian Tan,
spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency.
Middle East
Iraq: On 30th December, two people were wounded when security
forces opened fire to disperse protesters who attacked Iraq's deputy premier,
forcing him to flee a rally he was addressing. The demonstrators, who had
blocked a key highway connecting Iraq to Syria and Jordan for the past week
over the alleged targeting of their Sunni Arab minority by the Shiite-led
government in Baghdad, threw water bottles, stones and shoes at Saleh alMutlak before grabbing and hitting him.
Next day, the toll from a wave of attacks across Iraq rose to 22 dead
and at least 83 wounded. A total of 15 shootings and bombings struck 13
cities and towns in the north, central and south of Iraq. In the deadliest
attack, seven people three women, two children and two men were killed
737
when three houses were blown up in the town of Mussayib, south of

Baghdad.
On 1st January, 2013, Iraqi premier Nuri al-Maliki looked to head off
protests in Sunni areas of the country with a prisoner release even as he
threatened to use state resources to intervene to end the rallies. The move
came as powerful cleric Moqtada al-Sadr voiced support for the
demonstrations and predicted an impending Iraqi spring as ongoing rallies
blocked off a key trade route connecting Iraq to Syria and Jordan for a 10th
successive day.
On 3rd January, a suicide bomber driving a car killed at least 27 Shia
pilgrims at a bus station in the Iraqi town of Mussayab. The bomber drove
into a busy station where pilgrims were gathering to return to Baghdad and
the northern provinces on their way back from Kerbala. Meanwhile,
thousands of protesters in Sunni-majority areas of Iraq called for the release
of prisoners and the resignation of the Shia premier.
On 10th January, a spate of bombings and shootings in Baghdad and a
restive province north of the capital killed nine people. In Baghdad, a car
bomb killed at least three people and wounded 11 others. A series of separate
shootings and bombings in Diyala province killed six people and wounded
six others.
On 13th January, an attack by militants on an army checkpoint north of
Baghdad left three soldiers dead. Insurgents threw hand grenades at the
checkpoint, which lies east of Samarra, before opening fire with
machineguns. The province saw the second-highest per capita rate of civilian
deaths nationwide in 2012, according to monitoring group Iraq Body Count.
On 15th January, a militant posing as a construction worker killed an
Iraqi MP and six others by wrapping his arms round the lawmaker before
blowing himself up. The killing of Ayfan Saadun al-Essawi comes just two
days after Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi, a fellow Sunni and a member of
the same tribe and political bloc, escaped an apparent assassination attempt
as his convoy passed near where this attack took place.
Next day, attacks in Baghdad and northern Iraq killed 40 people as
hundreds attended the funeral of an MP who died in a suicide attack a day
earlier. The violence, which struck mostly in disputed territory in the north
and which officials also said left at least 245 people injured, was the
deadliest this year. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the
attacks.
738
The deadliest attacks struck the ethnically mixed city of Kirkuk, 240
kilometres north of Baghdad. Two car bombs in the same neighbourhood
killed at least 19 people and wounded 190 others. A suicide car bomb in the
town of Tuz Khurmatu, also north of Baghdad, killed five people and
wounded 40 others. Both Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu lie in a tract of disputed
territory in north Iraq that Kurdistan wants to incorporate into its
autonomous three-province region against the wishes of the central
government in Baghdad.
Meanwhile, Iraq has freed around 400 prisoners since Sunni Arabs
began anti-government demonstrations last month, and will press on with
more releases on a daily basis. Deputy Prime Minister Hussein alShahristani said that a committee formed in the wake of the protests would
accelerate the process of reviewing prisoners cases and would look to
immediately release those who had been proven innocent.
On 17th January, a spate of bombings targeting Shias across Iraq killed
22 people. The attacks marked the third consecutive day of violence which
has claimed 76 lives overall, including that of a Sunni Iraqi MP killed by a
suicide bomber and 33 others who died in twin car bombs in an ethnicallymixed city.
Palestine: On 3rd January, 2013, at least two Palestinians were
wounded in clashes with Israeli forces in the northern West Bank city of
Jenin. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Jewish settlers attacked a Palestinian
village overnight, injuring several people. Palestinian security officials said a
two-month-old baby was among those injured in the incident in the village
of Jalud.
On 10th January, Israeli settlers opened fire in the northern West Bank
wounding two Palestinians in separate incidents. Next day, Israeli army
gunfire killed one Palestinian and wounded another in the northern Gaza
Strip. The two men, one a 20-year-old farmer, were hit by live fire east of
Jabaliya and near the Israeli border. This was the third Palestinian killed by
Israeli forces since a November 21 truce between the Jewish state and the
Islamist group Hamas.
On 13th January, Israeli police evicted dozens of Palestinian activists
from a first-of-its-kind protest camp they set up in a West Bank area slated
for Jewish settlement. Police and activists confirmed that hundreds of Israeli
police entered the camp site and quickly bundled around 200 Palestinian
activists at the Bab al-Shams camp into buses and drove them from the site.
739
On 18th January, Israeli security forces seriously wounded a

Palestinian youth during clashes near Bethlehem. The 15-year-old was hit in
the face by a bullet that bounced off the ground during clashes in Aida, a
West Bank refugee camp north of Bethlehem. Clashes between Palestinians
from Aida and Israeli army and police have been taking place for over a
week now.
Syria: On 30th December, Lakhdar Brahimi warned in Moscow that
Syria was facing a choice between hell or the political process after talks
with Russian Foreign. Brahimi warned the Syrian war was worsening by
the day as he announced a peace plan he believed could find support from
world powers, including Russia.
Syrian army, after seizing the Deir Baalbeh district in fighting which
left dozens dead, fired off barrages of rockets into surrounding rebel-held
neighbourhoods as it sought to capitalize on its victory. Troops also
bombarded the nearby opposition stronghold of Rastan. Near the capital,
loyalist troops carried out air raids on towns along the eastern outlying belt
and on Daraya in the southwest, while fighting between rebels and the army
erupted in the northeastern and southwestern suburbs; 13 children were
among the victims of bombardments in and around Damascus, while 10
children were killed in air strikes in Aleppo area.
Rebels meanwhile made further advances in the battle for the
Hamidiyeh military post in the northwest province of Idlib which they
stormed the previous day. During clashes, three insurgents were wounded by
machinegun fire. A takeover of the Hamidiyeh post would pave the way for
a rebel offensive against the nearby Wadi Deif base, one of the governments
last outposts in the north. At least 100 people were killed in violence across
Syria.
Next day, Syria's government welcomed any initiative for talks to end
bloodshed in the country, after Lakhdar Brahimi said he had a peace plan
acceptable to world powers. The regime's stand, expressed by Prime
Minister, came amid a flurry of diplomacy led by Brahimi to find ways to
end the conflict.
But the violence still raged, with activists reporting the gruesome
discovery of dozens of tortured, headless corpses in a Damascus district,
while a gruesome video emerged of a separate slaying of three children in
the capital. Warplanes, meanwhile, bombarded rebel positions on the
outskirts of Damascus, killing eight civilians. In central Syria, the army
shelled the town of Halfaya in Hama province.
740
On 1st January, 2013, warplanes bombed the Damascus suburbs in a

fresh bid to push rebels further out, and troops attacked insurgent
strongholds on the Damascus airport road killing 13 people. In northern
Syria, where insurgents hold huge swathes of territory, authorities
announced the closure of Aleppo airport after rebel attacks.
A group of some 20 Syrian soldiers including a general defected from
the army and fled to Turkey, joining hundreds of other ex-troops from
Syrias military. On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi said
the government was open to talks aimed at solving the conflict.
Next day, casualties continued to pile up, when an air strike in the
Eastern Ghuta region of Damascus killed or wounded dozens of people. The
Local Coordination Committees estimated that at least 50 people were killed
and dozens of others wounded. The toll was likely to rise because bodies
were still being pulled from the rubble.
Elsewhere, warplanes bombed the town of Moadamiyet al-Sham,
southwest of the capital, killing 12 members of the same family, most of
them children. The strikes came as President Bashar al-Assads forces
shelled rebels in insurgent strongholds to the northeast of the capital, and in
Daraya to the southwest.
In northwestern Syria, clashes between mostly rebel fighters and
Assads forces at Taftanaz airbase in Idlib province killed four insurgents
and an unknown number of soldiers. Fighting also broke out around the
crucial Wadi Deif base in a fresh bid to wrest control of the strategic post.
On 3rd January, hundreds of fighters with two hardcore rebel groups,
the Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham, fought soldiers around the Taftanaz
airbase in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels had broken into the
airbase the day before after launching a car bomb at the main gate but were
pushed back by the army. The Aleppo airport is a strategic prize in Syrias
north, which is largely under rebel control.
Troops retaliated against rebel gains by bombarding a string of towns
northwest of Aleppo, including Hayan, where air strikes killed five civilians,
including women and children. Warplanes also struck town of Aazaz near
the Turkish border. Fighting also raged around the Deir Ezzor military
airport, where three rebels were killed, and in the nearby provincial capital
in the east of the country. Meanwhile warplanes also pounded rebel
strongholds northeast of Damascus, killing at least seven people in Douma.
741
In the capital itself fierce clashes erupted in the eastern Zablatani

while loud explosions and gunfire shook Tadamun in the south. The army
also bombed a string of rebel positions along the Damascus airport road and
the town of Maliha, where dozens were killed or wounded in an air raid on a
petrol station yesterday. At least 39 people were killed nationwide.
Next day, US troops began arriving in Turkey to man Patriot missile
batteries against threats from neighbouring Syria. The arrival of the US
personnel specialized in the six Patriot systems to be deployed on the
Turkey-Syria border in the coming weeks under a NATO agreement
highlighted fears that Syrias civil war could suck in other nations in the
region. Iran has called the Patriot deployment provocative, seeing it as a
blunting of its own offensive capabilities.
Syrian air and ground forces pounded insurgents dug in outside
Damascus in a ferocious offensive being waged a day after a car bomb in the
north of the capital killed at least 11 people. They were among at least 191
people who were killed yesterday, including 99 civilians. At least 27 people
died during the day.
On 5th January, it was reported that the United States would transport
some 400 troops to Turkey in the coming days to operate two Patriot
batteries, the Stuttgart, Germany-based US European Command said in a
statement. Additional equipment will arrive by sea later in January. The
Americans will be based at Gaziantep, 50 kilometres north of the border.
Syrias allies Iran and Russia oppose the Patriot deployment, fearing
that it could spark regional conflict also drawing in NATO. Iranian Foreign
Minister is visiting Cairo on January 9 for talks on Syria with Egyptian
officials and possibly with UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.
Meanwhile, at least 57 people, including 25 civilians, were killed across
Syria.
Next day, President Bashar al-Assad offered a road map to end Syrias
civil war in a speech in which he branded the opposition as slaves of the
West and told foreign powers to end their support for rebels. The main
Syrian opposition grouping, the National Coalition, immediately rejected the
plan while Britain described Assads speech as beyond hypocritical. The
European Union repeated its calls that he step aside.
Assad, speaking to wild applause from ecstatic crowds packed into a
cultural centre in Damascus, outlined a three-phase plan to resolve the 21month conflict in his country. Phase I would also entail making contact with
the full spectrum of Syrian society, political parties and administrative
742
bodies. These would include all forces inside and outside the country who
are interested in a solution, he said.
In Phase II, the current government would chair a comprehensive
national dialogue conference with these groups with the goal of drafting a
national charter. This document would uphold Syrias sovereignty and unity,
reject terrorism and pave the way for the political future of Syria, said
Assad. The charter would be put to a national referendum for
approval. Parliamentary elections would then be held within the framework
of the constitution to form a new government that would represent all
segments of Syrian society.
In Phase III, a new government would be formed in accordance with
constitutional law. Thereafter, a national reconciliation conference will be
held and a general amnesty will be issued for all detainees will be pardoned
in accordance with their civil rights, Assad said. Any resolution of the
conflict, however, he stressed, must be purely Syrian and there must be
agreement at the national dialogue conference.
On 7th January, President Assads call for peace was rejected by the
opposition and the international community. Assads plan was detached
from reality; a US State Department spokeswoman said, while Britain said
his address was empty and France said it was an attempt to justify the
repression of the Syrian people. The office of EU foreign policy chief said
Europes position remained that Assad should step down to permit a political
transition.
And Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi told CNN he would endorse
any decision by the Syrian people to put Assad on trial before the
International Criminal Court for war crimes. The opposition Syrian National
Coalition noted that Assad had ruled out any dialogue with the rebels,
making negotiations impossible.
On the day of Assads speech, another 91 people were killed across
Syria. Combat continued unabated next day outside Damascus, where troops
are bombarding rebel positions. Five people were killed in shelling on Kfar
Batna. In the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, one soldier who had defected was
killed in fighting near a local political security branch office. Pope Benedict
renewed his call for a ceasefire and dialogue to halt the endless slaughter
and civilian suffering in Syria.
Next day, about 1 million Syrians are going hungry due to the difficulty
of getting supplies into conflict zones and the fact that the few governmentapproved aid agencies are stretched to the limit, the United Nations said. The
743
UN's World Food Programme is handing out rations to about 1.5 million
people in Syria each month, still short of the 2.5 million deemed to be in
need, spokeswoman said.
Britain will host a two-day meeting on Syria starting on Wednesday,
officials said, bringing together academics and the opposition to prepare for
a future without President Assad. Experts in post-conflict stabilization will
join representatives from regional Arab partners, multilateral agencies and
the leadership of the Syrian National Coalition for the closed-door talks, the
Foreign Office announced.
Meanwhile, Syrian troops bombarded rebel bastions on the outskirts of
Damascus while fighting erupted for control of the northwestern town of
Mastuma. Troops shelled the towns of Maliha and Beit Saham to the
southeast of the capital near the Damascus Airport road and the town of
Douma to the northeast. Army reinforcements were also arriving at Daraya
in a bid to regain control of the town.
Analysts say the Syrian regime is focused on maintaining its grip on the
key axis stretching from Damascus to the central province of Homs and on
to the coastal Alawite heartland after its forces were driven from large
swathes of territory in the north and east by rebels.
On 9th January, Lakhdar Brahimi said ahead of US-Russia talks on Syria
that President Assads new plan for his embattled country is more sectarian,
more one-sided than previous initiatives. He was giving his first public
reaction to a three-step plan announced by Assad. What you need is
reaching out and recognizing that there is a problem, very serious problems
between Syrians, and that Syrians have got to talk to one another to solve it,
he said.
There was no respite from the fighting; four children from the same
family were among as many as 10 civilians killed in a pre-dawn air strike
near the central city of Homs. In the northwest, fighters seized parts of a
large military airport after a weeks-long siege; the death toll was at least 36.
A prisoner swap involving 48 Iranian men abducted by rebels in
Damascus in early August and 2,130 prisoners of Syrian and other
nationalities was arranged. A rebel spokesman and Iranian officials said the
prisoner swap, arranged through mediation by Turkey and Qatar, was the
biggest to occur in Syrias conflict. Irans foreign ministry praised the efforts
by our friend and brother Syria and the assistance of Qatar and Turkey in
freeing the pilgrims.
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Next day, Damascus accused Lakhdar Brahimi of flagrant bias against

it. In reaction to Brahimis comments that a three-stage road map President
Assad had proposed was one-sided. Brahimi had told the BBC that Assads
plan to keep fighting rebel terrorists and ignoring opposition groups tied to
them, while offering limited dialogue only to domestic opponents deemed
acceptable was not really different and it is perhaps even more sectarian,
more one-sided.
Russia urged world powers to let Syrians decide their own future. A
firm statement from Moscow said all talk particularly that coming from
Washington on ways to remove Syrian President Assad from power was
misguided because the ultimate choice rested with Syrians. The comments
were issued as Russian Deputy Foreign Minister went into a closed meeting
with his Turkish counterpart.
Meanwhile Assads key ally Iran was pursuing its separate diplomatic
track in support of Damascus, with Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in
Cairo for talks on the conflict with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and
Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr. Any solution should be worked out
among Syrians, without foreign intervention, Salehi told a news
conference.
Inside Syria, continued fighting drowned out the diplomatic tussling. In
the Taftanaz airbase in northwestern Syria, regime warplanes launched raids
to dislodge rebels who have seized more than half of the compound amid
fierce clashes on the ground. In all. 57 people were killed in violence across
Syria.
On 11th January, rebels overran Taftanaz airbase in northern Syria.
Capturing the base is an important gain for the rebels who control vast
swathes of Syrias north and east and are battling President Assads forces in
most major cities and on the outskirts of Damascus. The assault on Taftanaz
was led by fighters from the Al-Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham and Islamic
Vanguard battalions, as well as other rebel groups.
The rebels seized several military vehicles and a major weapons cache.
But government forces managed to evacuate most of the 60 helicopters
deployed there, leaving behind 20 that are no longer serviceable. Meanwhile,
Lakhdar Brahimi met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and US
Undersecretary of State in Geneva. After more than five hours of talks,
Brahimi expressed an urgent need to end the conflict, but reported no major
progress.
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Next day, Russia called for a political transition in Syria, as Switzerland

prepared to petition the International Criminal Court to open a case on war
crimes in the country. Moscow also reiterated its support for a transition plan
that was agreed in Geneva on June 30, last year. Violence raged unabated
with warplanes carrying air strike near the capital, a car bomb explosion in
Damascus province and the murder of an athletics champion shot dead by
gunmen. At least 47 were killed in violence nationwide.
On 13th January, Russia said President Assads removal from power was
not a part of past international agreements on the crisis and impossible to
implement. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conceded that a rare speech
Assad delivered on January 6 laying out his own vision for a peace
settlement probably did not go far enough and would not appease the armed
opposition. But he also urged Assads enemies to come out with a
counterproposal that could get serious peace talks started between the two
sides for the first time.
Meanwhile, shelling of the town of Hazzeh east of Damascus killed at
least nine people including a number of children. Warplanes also pounded
rebel zones on the outskirts of Damascus and in the northern province of
Aleppo, the death toll was 28. Yesterdays violence 95 people 33 civilians,
39 rebel fighters and 23 soldiers were killed nationwide.
Next day, an air strike on a rebel town near Damascus killed 13 women
and children. Reports of the civilian deaths came as Human Rights Watch
accused President Assad's regime of expanding its use of banned cluster
bombs. State television blamed terrorists for the deaths. Also near the
capital, two children were killed, while another child was killed in the
northern city of Aleppo.
On the diplomatic front, at least 55 governments prepared to demand
that the UN Security Council refer the conflict to the International Criminal
Court. The demand was to be made in a letter organized by Switzerland,
which has spent seven months collecting signatories.
On 15th January, more than 80 people were killed when twin explosions
rocked Aleppo University. So far there are 82 fatalities and more than 160
wounded in a terrorist attack that targeted students on their first day of
exams at the University of Aleppo, the Governor told AFP by telephone. the
campus, in addition to students, houses some 30,000 people who have fled
homes in areas of the city ravaged by fighting.
A military source said it was a stray surface-to-air missile fired by
rebels. State television said terrorists launched two rockets at the university
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complex, which lies in a government-controlled area of the battleground

city. Meanwhile, the army pounded rebel zones with shells and air strikes,
killing dozens.
Elsewhere in Syria, an artillery attack on the town of Houla in the
central province of Homs killed 12 people, including seven minors. In Homs
city, warplanes struck the besieged districts of Jobar and Sultaniyeh, while in
the northern province of Aleppo, an air raid in on the rebel-held town of AlBab killed at least ten people, including three women and two children. Near
Damascus, warplanes raided the southeast and northeast outskirts of the
capital.
Russia said Tuesday it would be counterproductive to refer war crimes
committed in the Syria conflict to the International Criminal Court as
proposed by dozens of states led by Switzerland. We view this initiative as
untimely and counterproductive to solving todays main goal an immediate
end to the bloodshed in Syria, the foreign ministry said.
Next day, twin car bombs killed at least 22 people in the Syrian city of
Idlib as universities nationwide held a day of mourning for 87 people killed
in explosions on the student campus in second city Aleppo. The bombings
had the hallmarks of operations staged by the jihadist Al-Nusra Front, a rebel
group which has a strong presence on the ground in northwestern Syria.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Bank Ki-moon and the
UN Security Council, the foreign ministry called on the international
community to denounce the terrorist massacre. In an allusion to Western
support for Frances military intervention against Islamist rebels in Mali, the
ministry said some countries in the world are practicing two-faced politics,
by supporting terrorism in Syria and denouncing it in others.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed no change in Irans staunch
support for President Assads regime. We hope that the plots and enmities
against the Syrian nation will soon end and peace and security can be
established in the country, the official IRNA news agency quoted
Ahmadinejad as saying.
On 17th January, more than 100 civilians were killed in a new
massacre in Syria. The deaths came when the army swept through
farmlands north of Homs city, where it said around 1,000 people had sought
refuge from fighting in the central Syria metropolis. Pro-regime daily AlWatan reported army advances against gunmen in the area, but activists
said there were no insurgents there. An air strike on Kafr Nabuda killed
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another four children. Preliminary death toll was 118; among them 61 were
civilians.
Meanwhile, in the majority Kurdish town of Ras al-Ain, in the northern
province of Hasakeh, fierce fighting pitted rebels against pro-regime
Kurdish fighters. Unlike in previous clashes in Ras al-Ain, jihadists did not
join the fight alongside the rebels. Two prominent jihadists were killed in
fighting regime troops alongside Al-Nusra Front fighters in Syria.
Russia slammed the United States for blaming deadly blasts at a
university campus on the Damascus regime. No one claimed responsibility
for the Aleppo blasts, but the United States blamed government forces for
the violence, suggesting they were caused by air strikes on university
buildings. The remarks by US State Department spokeswoman Victoria
Nuland triggered an angry Russian response.
Next day, Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a death spiral, as his
top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security
Council to take firmer action. On top of the humanitarian crisis, a split
between opponents and supporters of President Bashar al-Assad has
deadlocked efforts to reach a political end to the conflict.
Fierce clashes raged in the majority Kurdish northern Syrian city of Ras
al-Ain on the Turkish border, a day after a sniper killed a French journalist in
embattled Aleppo. Fighters from radical groups Al-Nusra Front and Ghuraba
al-Sham battled Kurdish militiamen a day after launching a new assault on
the border town. Meanwhile, a sniper shot dead Al-Jazeera reporter
Mohammed Hourani in the southern Syrian province of Daraa. He was the
second reporter to be killed by snipers in 24 hours.
Despite the relentless bloodshed, protesters took to the streets of
flashpoint areas in the strife-torn country, renewing their calls for the fall of
President Assads regime. The university bombings, for which the rebels and
the regime exchanged blame, were superceded with new explosions.
On 19th January, Syria decried a petition by 58 countries calling for a
war crimes case against Damascus, in a letter to the president of the United
Nations Security Council. The Syrian government regrets the persistence of
these countries in following the wrong approach and refusing to recognize
the duty of the Syrian state to protect its people from terrorism imposed
from abroad, it said.
The ministry accused some signatories to the petition of funding,
training and harbouring terrorists, trying to topple the regime of President
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Assad. It said the initiative was proof of the deceit and double standards of
the signatories in dealing with the Syrian conflict. At the same time that
they express their concern about the Syrian people and humanitarian laws,
these countries ignore the political, media, logistical and military support
that armed gangs are receiving.
The Kurdish National Council, a pro-opposition umbrella group of
Syrian Kurdish parties, condemned what it said was an ongoing assault
against unarmed civilians by jihadist insurgents on the northern town of
Ras al-Ain. It said the rebels, who came across the border from Turkey, were
shelling the town indiscriminately, and called on the main opposition
National Coalition and the Free Syrian Army to pressure these militants to
stop this criminal war which is detrimental to the Syrian revolution.
Elsewhere, Syrian warplanes raided the eastern outskirts of Damascus
as army reinforcements arrived in Daraya. Yesterday, 149 people were
killed, including 103 civilians and 18 children. The United Nations
Childrens Fund condemned the killing of children in Syria.
Turkey: On 31st December, Turkey accused the European Union of bias
and bigoted attitudes towards the EU candidate country and blamed it for
undermining the Turkish publics trust in the bloc. Turkey criticized
European Commissions latest report on its progress towards EU
membership as it presented for the first time its own report highlighting its
reforms over the last year.
On 9th January, Turkish government and jailed Kurdish rebel leader
Abdullah Ocalan agreed on a roadmap to end a three-decade-old insurgency
that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The deal was reached during a
new round of talks between Ankara and Ocalan and aims to have the
Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) lay down arms in March.
Saudi Arabia: On 4th January, 2013, it was reported that Saudi Arabia
has provided fighter jets to assist the United States with its drone strikes
against al-Qaeda targets in Yemen. US drones are backing Yemeni forces
combating militants in the Arabian Peninsula. The groups Yemen branch is
considered by Washington to be the most active and deadliest of the global
jihadist network.
Yemen: On 30th December, a US drone strike killed three suspected
al-Qaeda militants in the central Yemen province of Al-Bayda, in the fourth
such attack in a week. The unmanned plane fired missiles at a vehicle near
the village of al-Manaseh, in the area of Rada, among those who died was
prominent local militant Saleh Mohammed al-Ameri.
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Meanwhile, al-Qaeda's branch in Yemen announced that it will pay

tens of thousands of dollars to anyone who kills the US ambassador in Sanaa
or an American soldier in the country. An audio produced by the group's
media arm, the al-Malahem Foundation, said it offered 3 kgs of gold, worth
$160,000, for killing the ambassador.
On 6th January, 2013, a Yemeni court specializing in terrorism cases
sentenced five Yemenis to between four and 10 years in prison on charges of
membership in al-Qaeda and for plotting to carry out terrorist attacks. Key
defendant Mohammed Muawada was jailed for 10 years while three
accomplices were given a 6-year prison sentence each and the fifth one was
sentenced to four years in jail.
On 19th January, a Yemeni tribunal began the trial of 21 suspected
members of al-Qaeda, including three Jordanians and an Egyptian, accused
of attacks against security forces. The defendants, who appeared in four
separate groups, have been charged with belonging to a criminal gang
linked to al-Qaeda to carry out attacks against the state police and the army,
the indictment read.
Africa
Mali: On 11th January, Frances armed forces began a military
intervention in Mali to help the government stem a push south by Islamist
rebels who control much of the north, President Francois Hollande said. He
told reporters. This operation will last as long as is necessary.
Next day, a French pilot was killed during a helicopter raid to prevent
militant groups controlling northern Mali from advancing toward the capital.
The raid was carried out to support Mali ground troops in the battle for the
key town of Kona. Meanwhile, Malian troops were poised to reclaim a key
town from Islamists threatening to advance on the capital after France sent
in its air force, opening a dramatic new phase in the months-old conflict.
On 13th January, the French air force struck the northern Malian city
of Gao, which had been controlled by the al-Qaeda offshoot MUJAO,
destroying their bases and forcing the insurgents to flee. There were dozens
of strikes in and around Gao. All Islamist bases have been destroyed, a
resident told AFP.
Human Rights Watch, citing reports from residents, said at least 10
civilians had died as a result of the fighting in Konna, including three
children who drowned while trying to flee across the Niger river. France's
intervention has been backed by the main opposition at home, by Britain,
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which has offered logistical support in the form of transport planes, and the
United States, which is considering offering its surveillance drones to help
the operation. Its closest partner Germany has also defended France's action.
Next day, al Qaeda-linked rebels launched a counter-offensive in
central Mali after four days of air strikes by French warplanes on their
strongholds in the desert north, promising to drag France into a long and
brutal Afghanistan-style ground war. Launching a counter-attack far to the
southwest of recent fighting, Islamists clashed with government forces
inside the town of Diabaly, northeast of the capital Bamako. Residents said
the rebels had entered the town from the north overnight, approaching from
the porous border region with Mauritania where al Qaedas North African
wing AQIM has camps.
France intensified its air raids using Rafale aircraft and Gazelle attack
helicopters to pummel training camps at the heart of the vast area seized by
rebels in April, while pouring hundreds of troops into the capital Bamako.
Paris is determined to end Islamist domination of northern Mali, which
many fear could act as a launch pad for attacks on the West and a base for
coordination with al Qaeda in Yemen, Somalia and North Africa.
President Francois Hollande says Frances aim is simply to support a
mission by the 15-nation West African bloc ECOWAS to retake the north, as
mandated by a UN Security Council resolution in December. Under pressure
from Paris, several regional states have said they hope to have soldiers on
the ground this week. Military chiefs from ECOWAS nations will meet in
Bamako but regional powerhouse Nigeria, which is due to lead the mission,
has cautioned that training and deploying troops will take time.
On 15th January, caught off guard by Frances fierce offensive against
their bases, Islamists occupying northern Mali have fled into the vast desert
to regroup and plot their next move. Masters of the harsh desert terrain,
experts of survival and well-armed, the jihadists retreat should not be
mistaken for a sign of defeat, analysts said.
Defence sources said France plans to triple its force from a current
750 to a total of 2,500 troops, sign that Paris is preparing for a drawn-out
campaign to stem the advance of jihadists who have held northern Mali
since April. And West African army chiefs met in Bamako to plan the rollout of a UN-mandated, 3,300-strong West African intervention force in the
former French colony.
The 15-nation UN Security Council on Monday expressed its
unanimous support for the French offensive. But the Organization of Islamic
751
Cooperation, of which Mali is a member, called for an immediate ceasefire,

dubbing the offensive premature and urging all parties to return to
negotiations. Afghanistans Taliban have joined in condemning Frances
intervention, warning of disastrous consequences.
Next day, cracks in Frances united front behind military action in
Mali began to appear as concern mounted over the expanding scale of the
operation and the reluctance of other Western powers to commit troops. An
intervention initially presented as limited to air strikes and the defence of the
capital Bamako has escalated dramatically since the weekend. French troops
engaged Islamist fighters in western Mali.
Laurent Wauquiez, a vice-president of the UMP, Frances main,
centre-right opposition party said: We are told we will have African support
but it is reasonable to ask if were also going to be supported, on the ground,
by the organized, structured armed forces we are used to working with. Im
thinking of Britain, the United States and Germany.
Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed
support for the French-led Mali military operation, a day after calling it
premature and urging a ceasefire. OIC chief Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has
reaffirmed the full support and solidarity with the Republic of Mali in its
efforts to expeditiously recover areas in the north of its territory under the
control of armed groups in order to restore its national unity and territorial
integrity, a statement said.
On 17th January, West African troops were mobilized to join a Frenchled intervention force to stop the advance of rebels based in northern Mali.
The regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
has pledged to send 3,000 soldiers for the MISMA (International Mission for
Support to Mali) in line with a United Nations resolution. The force will be
headed by Nigerian General Shehu Abdulkadir.
Malis former colonial ruler France has at this stage a total of 1,400
boots on the ground in Mali. This will progressively be increased to 2,500
troops. European Union nations gave their support to France for its military
campaign in Mali and offers of military aid, possibly including troops, at
emergency talks on the crisis in Brussels.
On 18th January, the Malian army backed by French troops wrested the
two central towns from the rebels, as the UN warned up to a million people
could be driven from their homes by fighting in coming months. As a
dramatic hostage siege unfolded in neighbouring Algeria where Islamists
took hundreds captive in a gas field to retaliate for the week-old military
752
intervention in Mali, sparking a deadly commando raid fighting has

continued unabated on the ground in Mali.
French and Malian troops marked a victory over the rebels after days
of fighting in Konna, a key town about 400 miles from the capital Bamako.
A security source said Malian soldiers were backed by French air strikes to
ease their entry into the town. Victory in Konna, is a significant boost for the
embattled Malian army.
French aid group Medecins Sans Frontiers stepped up calls to be
allowed to deliver crucial medical aid to the area. The UN refugee agency
warned fighting in the next few months could displace another 700,000
people, adding to some 350,000 already forced to flee their homes taking
the overall number of displaced over the million mark.
Nigeria announced Thursday it would boost its troop allotment for
Mali from a planned 900 to 1,200 soldiers. A first contingent of 100
Togolese and Nigerian soldiers arrived in Mali yesterday. Chad, which is not
an ECOWAS member, has also promised 2,000 soldiers.
Next day, West African leaders sought urgent financial and logistical
aid from the United Nations for a regional force in Mali to boost a Frenchled offensive against fighters bearing down from the north. It was demanded
in a statement at the end of an emergency summit in Ivory Coast. Ivory
Coast President, who is also current head of the Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc, said it was high time others
did their bit to help end the crisis.
The US State Department meanwhile called for the departure of all
dependent family members who are not employed at the US Embassy in
Bamako for a period of up to 30 days. It cited the ongoing fighting in
northern and central Mali, fluid political conditions, the loss of government
control of Malis Northern provinces, and continuing threats of attacks and
kidnappings of Westerners.
Nigeria: On 31st December, attackers stormed a church service in the
town of Chibok in Nigeria's volatile northeast and killed 15 people. The
attack followed violence on December 28 that saw attackers slit the throats
of 15 Christians in a pre-dawn raid in Musari, also in the northeast. Both
Musari and Chibok are located in Nigeria's Borno state, where Islamist Boko
Haram has been based.
On 4th January, 2013, seven people were killed during an insurgent
attack on government soldiers in northeast Nigeria, where security forces are
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fighting militants. At least 44 people have been killed in this restive region
of Africas top oil producer over the last two weeks in clashes between
fighters suspected of belonging to Boko Haram and security forces. On 19 th
January, two soldiers were killed and five others injured in an explosion in
Okene city in Nigerias central Kogi state. The soldiers were part of the
contingent set to be deployed to Mali.
Algeria: On 5th January, 2013, Algerian army identified one of seven
armed Islamists killed east of the capital earlier this month as a key financier
of the local affiliate of al-Qaeda. Izza Rezki, also known as Abou Djaffar,
took up arms against the government in 1994, early in Algeria's devastating
civil war, and was a key aide of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
leader Abdelmalek Droukdel.
On 16th January, militants attacked a gas field in Algeria, claiming to
have kidnapped up to 41 foreigners including seven Americans in a dawn
raid in retaliation for Frances intervention in Mali. The raiders were also
reported to have killed three people, including a Briton and a French
national. An al-Qaeda affiliated group said the raid had been carried out
because of Algerias decision to allow France to use its airspace for attacks
against militants in Mali.
On 18th January, gunmen in Algeria who were holding about 60
hostages at a gas plant, wanted to swap the American hostages for prisoners
held in the United States including Pakistani Aafia Siddiqui. The abductors,
who are also holding other Algerian and foreign hostages, have also
demanded negotiations for an end to French intervention in Mali. Veteran
fighter Belmokhtar, a one-eyed Algerian militant apparently with ties to alQaeda, has claimed responsibility.
On 19th January, the Algerian army carried out a dramatic final assault
to end a siege by militants at a desert gas plant, killing 11 al-Qaeda-linked
gunmen after they took the lives of seven more foreign hostages. The
heavily armed gunmen from a group known as Signatories in Blood had
been holed up in the In Amenas gas complex since they took up to 41
foreign workers hostage in a dawn assault on January 16.
Signatories in Blood, led by Algerian Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a former
senior al-Qaeda commander in north Africa, were demanding an end to
French intervention against rebels in neighbouring Mali. Belmokhtar also
wanted to exchanging American hostages for the blind Egyptian Sheikh
Omar Abdul Rahman and Pakistani Aafia Siddiqui, jailed in the United
States on charges of Qaeda links.
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According to a preliminary government toll, 23 captives and 32

kidnappers were killed in the four-day hostage crisis that ended with a
bloody army assault. The Special Forces managed to free 685 Algerian
workers and 107 foreigners, the interior ministry said. It is over now and the
military are inside the plant clearing it of mines.
Tunisia: On 14th January, Tunisians marked two years since the fall of
dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in a climate of uncertainty due to jihadist
threats and a political impasse. In the city centre, more than a thousand
activists from across the political spectrum marched in separate groups down
Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the epicentre of the mass uprising that toppled
Ben Ali.
Libya: On 31st December, an improvised bomb exploded outside the
headquarters of the public prosecutor in the Libyan city of Benghazi causing
material damage but no fatalities. The overnight blast marked the third
attack on the site in 2012, he said.
On 5th January, 2013, a Moamer Gaddafi-era security official was
killed in Libyas second city Benghazi, in the latest attack highlighting a
lack of security in the east of the country. The killing comes a day after the
head of Benghazis criminal investigations department, Abdelsalam alMahdawi, was kidnapped at gunpoint. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Next day, it was reported that Mohammed Megaryef, president of
Libya's national assembly, escaped an attack on his hotel in the southern
oasis of Sabha. The hotel he was staying in was attacked for three hours.
There was sniper fire. It seems to have been an assassination attempt, the
assembly chief's spokesman told AFP of the incident that happened three
days ago.
On 19th January, Libyas defence minister was unhurt after being
caught in a firefight between his bodyguards and ex-rebels at an airbase in
the east of the country. Mohammed al-Barghati was leaving the airport in
Tobruk, when the shooting occurred.
Egypt: On 1st January, 2013, leading members of Egypt's Islamist
movement unveiled a new political party, pointing to new rivalries that could
split the Islamist vote in an impending parliamentary election. The creation
of the al-Watan ('Homeland') Party is part of a political landscape that was
dominated by a variety of Islamist parties in the last election a year ago, but
is still evolving.
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Al-Watan's founders include the former leader of the Nour Party, a

hardline Salafi Islamist group that came second to the Brotherhood's
Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) in the last election. The last parliament, in
which the FJP and the Nour Party together won some 70 percent of the seats,
was dissolved in June by a court ruling that found the election law had been
flawed.
On 6th January, President Mursi reshuffled his cabinet on Sunday,
reports said in the face of an economic crisis and ahead of fresh talks with
the International Monetary Fund for a $4.8-billion loan. Ten new ministers
were sworn in, including Finance Minister Al-Mursi al-Sayyed Hegazi,
whose predecessor Mumtaz al-Said headed the IMF loan negotiations which
was stalled during political unrest in December.
On 13th January, an Egyptian court ordered a retrial for former
president Hosni Mubarak after accepting an appeal against the life sentence
handed him for his involvement in the deaths of protesters in 2011.
Mubarak, his sons and Adly will remain in jail, however, as they still face
separate cases.
Ethiopia: On 1st January, 2013, an Ethiopian court convicted ten people
of having links to al-Qaeda, including leading terrorism cells, and of
laundering money. The convicts, who included one Kenyan, were charged in
April under Ethiopias anti-terrorism legislation with having links with the
extremists, the first trial in Ethiopia for al-Qaeda suspects. All but the
Kenyan pleaded not guilty. Rights groups have criticized Ethiopias antiterrorism law for being vague and used to stifle peaceful dissent.
Sudan: On 17th January, more than 100 people were in battles for
control of gold mines in Sudans conflict-ravaged Darfur region. Several
North Darfur villages have been torched in the battles between rival tribes
this month, and gunmen blocked roads to prevent UN observers from getting
to the region. Battles between tribes have added to resurgence in violence in
Darfur.
Somalia: On 12th January, a French intelligence officer held hostage in
Somalia since 2009 was killed along with at least one other soldier during a
botched rescue attempt by French troops. But the Harakat Al-Shabaab AlMujahideen insurgent group who were holding Denis Allex said in a
statement that he was still alive and being held at a location far from the
base where French military helicopters attacked overnight.
The French Defence Ministry said 17 Somali fighters were killed in the
fighting, which came on the same day France carried out air strikes against
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al Qaeda-linked rebels in Mali in West Africa. Defence Minister said at a

press conference the two military operations were not connected and sought
to downplay concerns that the botched rescue in Somalia would affect the
remaining 8 French nationals being held hostage by Islamists in the Sahara
region.
America: On 3rd January, 2013, President Obama signed into law a

$633 billion US defence spending bill that funds the war in Afghanistan and
boosts security at US missions worldwide. Obama, who is vacationing in
Hawaii, said that he signed the measure despite reservations. He said that he
did not have the constitutional authority to approve piecemeal items within
the sprawling bill. I am empowered either to sign the bill, or reject it, as a
whole, he added.
On 18th January, a US federal judge threw out charges against one of
two South Florida imams accused of funneling more than $50,000 to the
Pakistani Taliban, citing a lack of evidence. US District Judge Robert Scola
issued a seven-page order acquitting Izhar Khan, a 26-year-old imam at a
mosque in Florida.
VIEWS
Israel
Growing more complex: The bad blood between Obama and
Netanyahu began early. In their first public appearance together at the White
House in 2009, Netanyahu pointedly rebuffed Obamas call for Israel to stop
building Jewish housing on land the Palestinians want in a future state.
Obama dropped the issue after it became obvious that it was a waste of
political capital at home and that Netanyahu would not budge. Netanyahus
government has continued to announce plans for new settlements in the
Palestinian West Bank.
During the presidential campaign, Netanyahu hosted Obama opponent
Romney in Israel as if he were already a world leader. Netanyahu denied
backing either candidate, but his words and actions clearly showed
favouritism for Romney.
On Iran, Netanyahu called at the UN in September for the US to draw
a red line on Irans nuclear programme, beyond which Iran would face
military action. Obama continues to insist there is time for diplomacy, but
has said he would not countenance a nuclear-armed Iran.
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The more Netanyahu believes Obama is serious about preventing

Iran from getting a bomb, the better they will manage their relations, said
David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. If not,
the issue of an Israeli first strike on Iran becomes more likely. Miller, of the
Woodrow Wilson Centre, said Obama will be too consumed with battling
Congress on the budget, gun control legislation and other issues to spend
much time on disagreements with Netanyahu.
Is he going to go after Israel-Palestinian peace talks or war with Iran
given all his domestic challenges? Miller asked. He will go to extreme
lengths to avoid war with Iran. He said the two leaders are moving further
apart on the Palestinian issue, but have found some consensus on Iran. For
the next six to eight months, I dont think the President is going to push on
those issues. But Nir, of Peace Now, says time is running out for a peace
deal with the Palestinians and Israel could face another armed uprising like
the one that bloodied the region in 2000. (Steven R Hurst, TheNation 18 th
January)
Mali
Mali bombing highlights all lessons of western intervention: As
French war planes bomb Mali, there is one simple statistic that provides the
key context: this west African nation of 15 million people is the eighth
country in which western powers over the last four years alone have
bombed and killed Muslims after Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen,
Libya, Somalia and the Philippines (that does not count the numerous lethal
tyrannies propped up by the west in that region). For obvious reasons, the
rhetoric that the west is not at war with the Islamic world grows increasingly
hollow with each new expansion of this militarism. But within this new
massive bombing campaign, one finds most of the vital lessons about
western intervention that, typically, are steadfastly ignored.
First, as the New York Times' background account from this morning
makes clear, much of the instability in Mali is the direct result of NATOs
intervention in Libya. Specifically, heavily armed, battle-hardened Islamist
fighters returned from combat in Libya and the big weaponry coming out
of Libya and the different, more fighters who came back played the
precipitating role in the collapse of the US-supported central government. As
Owen Jones wrote in an excellent column on Monday in the Independent
Over and over, western intervention ends up whether by ineptitude
or design sowing the seeds of further intervention. Given the massive
instability still plaguing Libya as well as enduring anger over the Benghazi
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attack, how long will it be before we hear that bombing and invasions in that
country are once again necessary to combat the empowered Islamist
forces there: forces empowered as a result of the NATO overthrow of that
country's government?
Second, the overthrow of the Malian government was enabled by UStrained-and-armed soldiers who defected. From the NYT: commanders of
this nation's elite army units, the fruit of years of careful American training,
defected when they were needed most taking troops, guns, trucks and their
newfound skills to the enemy in the heat of battle, according to senior
Malian military officials. And then: an American-trained officer overthrew
Mali's elected government, setting the stage for more than half of the
country to fall into the hands of extremists.
In other words, the west is once again at war with the very forces that
it trained, funded and armed. Nobody is better at creating its own enemies,
and thus ensuring a posture of endless war, than the US and its allies. Where
the US cannot find enemies to fight against it, it simply empowers them.
Third, western bombing of Muslims in yet another country will
obviously provoke even more anti-western sentiment, the fuel of terrorism.
Already, as the Guardian reports, French fighter jets in Mali have killed at
least 11 civilians including three children. France's long history of
colonialization in Mali only exacerbates the inevitable anger
To believe that the US and its allies can just continue to go around the
world, in country after country, and bomb and kill innocent people
Muslims and not be targeted with terrorist attacks is, for obvious reasons,
lunacy. As Bradford University professor Paul Rogers told Jones, the
bombing of Mali will be portrayed as 'one more example of an assault on
Islam. Whatever hopes that may exist for an end to the war on terror are
systematically destroyed by ongoing aggression.
Fourth, for all the self-flattering rhetoric that western democracies
love to apply to themselves, it is extraordinary how these wars are waged
without any pretense of democratic process. Writing about the participation
of the British government in the military assault on Mali, Jones notes that it
is disturbing to say the least how Cameron has led Britain into Mali's
conflict without even a pretence at consultation. Identically, the Washington
Post on Monday reports that President Obama has acknowledged after the
fact that US fighter jets entered Somali air space as part of the French
operation there; the Post called that a rare public acknowledgment of
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American combat operations in the Horn of Africa and described the antidemocratic secrecy that typically surrounds US war actions in the region
Finally, the propaganda used to justify all of this is depressingly
common yet wildly effective. Any western government that wants to bomb
Muslims simply slaps the label of terrorists on them, and any real debate or
critical assessment instantly ends before it can even begin. The president is
totally determined that we must eradicate these terrorists who threaten the
security of Mali, our own country and Europe, proclaimed French defence
minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
As usual, this simplistic cartoon script distorts reality more than it
describes it.
There is no doubt that the Malian rebels have engaged in all sorts of
heinous atrocities, but so, too, have Malian government forces including,
as Amnesty chronicled, arresting, torturing and killing Tuareg people
apparently only on ethnic ground.
As Jones aptly warns: don't fall for a narrative so often pushed by the
Western media: a perverse oversimplification of good fighting evil, just as
we have seen imposed on Syria's brutal civil war.
The French bombing of Mali, perhaps to include some form of US
participation, illustrates every lesson of western intervention. The war on
terror is a self-perpetuating war precisely because it endlessly engenders its
own enemies and provides the fuel to ensure that the fire rages without end.
But the sloganeering propaganda used to justify this is so cheap and easy
we must kill the Terrorists! that it's hard to see what will finally cause this
to end. The blinding fear not just of violence, but of Otherness that has
been successfully implanted in the minds of many western citizens is such
that this single, empty word (Terrorists), standing alone, is sufficient to
generate unquestioning support for whatever their governments do in its
name, no matter how secret or unaccompanied by evidence it may be.
(Glenn Greenwald for Guardian, reprinted in TheNation 15th January)
Why Afghan ghosts haunt Frances Mali intervention:
Comparisons with Afghanistan are inevitable when any Western country
sends its military to war in a Muslim country where al-Qaeda has set up
shop and the comparison may be a particularly uncomfortable one for
Frances mission in Mali.
French officials initially drew the link themselves, explaining the air
campaign and deployment of ground troops that began last week as a way to
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prevent al-Qaeda from turning a country twice the size of France into a West
African equivalent of Afghanistan in the 1990s a sanctuary and staging
ground from which the militants projected terror into distant Western
capitals.
But Paris has just as quickly sought to squelch any association in the
mind of its public with the NATO mission in Afghanistan now slowly
drawing to an ambiguous conclusion more than 11 years after it began. After
all, France withdrew its last combat troops from that mission last November,
having lost faith in the Coalitions exit strategy.
The problem facing Paris now is that some of the assumptions of its
own exit strategy in Mali may be just as open to question as those that
underlie the US exit strategy in Afghanistan. First and foremost is the idea,
common to both theaters, that local forces can be quickly stood up to hold
the line against the militants. Malians remember well that only a few
months ago, insurgent forces ejected the army from northern Mali as if they
were throwing a drunk from a bar, noted Columbia University historian
Gregory Mann earlier this week.
Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal fell in a weekend. The army collapsed, and
it has only been weakened by internal fighting since. Any other story is a
fairytale, he said. Last weeks Islamist offensive put paid to the argument
that the Malian army itself was capable of defending the country from
further attack and of liberating territory over which it had lost control.
Its precisely that recognition that prompted last weeks French
intervention. If the Islamists, who already control half the country in the
north, overran the south, that would render redundant a UN plan to field a
West African force that would have launched an offensive to recapture the
north towards the end of 2013. President Hollande had originally planned to
support the West African force only by leading from behind, providing
training, intelligence, logistical support, and special forces to help reconquer
the northern part of Mali by next summer, explained Camille Grand,
director of the Paris-based defence policy think tank Fondation pour la
Recherche Stratgique. The decision to act directly was only taken when it
became clear that the original schedule would be difficult to meet and that
most of Mali could fall into the hands of radical groups. France feared
seeing the entire Sahel become another grey zone where terrorists could
prosper and train, similar to Afghanistan or Somalia, but just a few thousand
kilometres away from Europe.
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Still, the French government has promised its public a short war.
Foreign minister Laurent Fabius last weekend said the intervention would
last a matter of weeks although a second, unnamed official told the
Financial Times it would, in fact, last tens of weeks. After three days of
pummelling by French fighter planes failed to stop the rebels from capturing
the key garrison town of Diabaly 250 miles north of Bamako on Monday, it
was clear that the arrival of Western air power wasnt going to scatter the
insurgents, and that Frances war in Mali may not be as brief as its political
leaders would prefer. Theres a limit to how much can be accomplished
from the air across the vast desert terrain, with the insurgents able to embed
with civilian populations. France currently has 1,700 ground troops in Mali,
and plans to raise its deployment to 2,500 close to the highest number it
fielded in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, President Franois Hollande, said the goal of the
operation was to ensure that when we leave, when we end our intervention,
Mali is safe, has legitimate authorities, an electoral process and there are no
more terrorists threatening its territory. Thats an ambitious agenda given
the conditions that prevail in Mali
If Hollande defines success as the elimination of an al-Qaeda threat to
Mali, then, the likelihood is that this will be a long engagement. Even the
goal of reestablishing an electoral process and a legitimate government in
Bamako is far from simple: The current regime originates in a military coup
last year when mid-level army officers to the embarrassment of the US
military, which had been training the Malian armed forces seized power
from the civilian government. In the ensuing turmoil, at least one whole unit
of the Malian forces defected, with its weapons and equipment, to the
insurgent side. Even now, theres considerable political turmoil and division
between rival political camps in the capital, while suspicions persist in some
quarters over the political agenda of the military leadership, and also over
the benign intentions of some neighbouring countries.
Of course, this will all sound somewhat familiar to those who have
followed the war in Afghanistan. But despite misgivings, the French saw the
alternative of staying passive as the militants overran much of Mali as too
ghastly to contemplate. Still, warned European Council on Foreign Relations
analyst Jonas Parello-Plesner, The worst-case scenario is that France gets
bogged down on the ground and then pulls out quickly in order to avoid a
quagmire, leaving the mess to a semiprepared African military mission. And
as the US discovered in Afghanistan, an intervention in a failing state can
762
confound hopes for a brief and tidy war. (Tony Karon for Time, reprinted in
A new bloodbath: Confused over the surging violence in Mali and
now Algeria? Trying to find Mali on the map? War, as the great Roman
historian Tacitus wrote, teaches geography. This weeks new lesson is West
and North Africa, not so long ago colonial possessions of France.
Big irony: the US claimed its energy sources were threatened by
instability in the Arab world. So it began exploiting West Africa as a secure
alternative.
The Western governments and media have done the public a major
disservice by trumpeting warnings of an Islamist threat in Mali. It is as if
Osama bin Laden has popped up on the Niger River. Our newest crisis in
Africa is not driven primarily by religion, but by a spreading uprising
against profoundly corrupt, western-backed oligarchic governments and
endemic poverty.
Malis troubles began last year when its shaky government was
overthrown. Meanwhile, heavily-armed nomadic Tuareg tribesmen, who had
served Libyas late Colonel Gaddafi as mercenaries until he was overthrown
by French and US intervention, poured back into their homeland in Malis
north. A major unexpected consequence, fierce Tuareg warriors, who battled
French colonial rule for over a century, were fighting for an independent
homeland, known as Azawad.
They, a small, violent jihadist group, Ansar Din, and another handful
of obscure Islamists drove central government troops out of the north, which
they proclaimed independent, and began marching on the fly-blown capital,
Bamako.
France, the colonial ruler of most of West Africa until 1960, has
overthrown and imposed client regimes there ever since. French political,
financial and military advisors and intelligence services ran West Africa
from behind a faade of supposedly independent governments. Disobedient
regimes were quickly booted out by elite French troops and Foreign
Legionnaires based in West Africa that guarded Frances mining and oil
interests in what was known as FrancAfrique.
Overthrowing African regimes was OK for France, but not for
locals. When Malis French-backed regime was challenged, France feared its
other West African clients might face similar fate, and began sending troops
to back the Bamako regime. President Francois Hollande, who had vowed
763
only weeks ago not to intervene in West Africa, said some 2,500 French
troops would intervene in Mali. But only on a temporary basis claimed
Hollande, forgetting de la Rochfoucaulds dictum: There is nothing as
permanent as the temporary!
Other shaky western-backed West African governments took fright at
events in Mali, fearing they too might face overthrow at the hands of angry
Islamists calling for stern justice and an end to corruption. Nigeria, the
regions big power, vowed to send troops to Mali.
Nigeria has been beset by its own revolutionary jihadist movement,
Boko Haram, which claims Muslim Nigerians have been denied a fair share
of the nations vast oil wealth, most of which has been stolen by corrupt
officials.
Frances overheated claim that it faces a dire Islamic threat in obscure
Mali could attract the attention of numbers of freelance jihadists, many who
are now busy tearing up Syria.
Paris was better off when it claimed its troops were to protect ancient
Muslim shrines in Timbuktu. Or it could have quietly sent in the Foreign
Legion, as in the past. Instead, Mali has become a crisis with the US,
Britain, West African states and the UN involved in this tempest in an
African teapot. A nice diversion from budget crisis.
Another Algerian jihadist group just attacked an important state gas
installation in revenge for Frances assault on Mali. This bloody action has
awoken Algerias hitherto quiescent Islamic resistance groups.
They waged a 10-year war against Algerias US and French backed
military regime, one of the continents most repressive regimes, after
Algerias armed forces crushed Islamists after they won a fair election in
1991. Over 250,000 Algerians died in a long, bloody civil war. The Algiers
government often used gangs of its soldiers disguised as rebel fighters to
commit gruesome massacres to blacken the name of the opposition.
Algeria may again be headed for a new bloodbath, this time with
minority Berber people calling for their independent state. The US air forces
and small numbers of Special Forces from its new Africa Command are now
entering action in Mali and Algeria. More are sure to follow as West Africa
smoulders. (Eric S Margolis, TheNation 20th January)
America
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Anti-Muslim violence spiraling out of control in America: With

Muslim-bashing becoming politically fashionable in recent years, politicians
such as Gingrich have markedly changed their tune and it has been to the
detriment of Muslim-Americans, as well as to the general level of social
cohesion and tolerance in the country.
In addition to political hatemongering, the past several years have
seen a highly organized and well-funded group of anti-Muslim activists who
have been sponsoring campaigns targeting Muslims across the country.
Leading figures in this movement such as Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer
have led a crusade to vilify Muslims throughout the country and to exclude
them from public life through campaigns of smears and hate-mongering
which have cast Muslim-Americans as an insidious fifth column within the
country.
Their views have gotten considerable popular attention, and thanks to
a documented network of funders and media associates they have managed
to bring their message to people across the United States.
In the past few months, a major controversy erupted when Geller's
anti-Muslim organization sponsored the placement of Islamophobic
advertisements at major subway stations in New York as well as in other
cities across the country.
Some advertisements depicted pictures of the 9/11 attacks with verses
from the holy Quran superimposed, while others called Muslims "savages"
and implored people to fight Jihad. While the campaign has been
challenged by many liberal commentators, including one infamous incident
in which Egyptian-American activist Mona Eltahawy was arrested for
attempting to cover a sign with pink spray paint, they continue to run across
the country and to spread a message of indiscriminate, vitriolic hatred
towards Muslim-Americans in a manner unlikely to be tolerated were it to
pertain to any other minority group.
While correlation does not necessarily imply causation, the question
must be asked what effect do advertisements such as these have on the
psyches' of people such as Erika Menendez? Was Sunando Sen, a lawabiding, hardworking immigrant who had given his life to achieving the
American dream and who was pushed to his death by a woman who hated
Muslims a direct victim of this campaign of bigotry? That he lost his life on
the same subway system which for months has played host to hateful,
incendiary advertisements such as Geller's is a tragic irony but is in many
765
ways the natural result of a national culture of anti-Muslim bigotry that has
become mainstream in both politics and popular culture.
The sad, inescapable truth is that Sen will likely not be the last victim
of the accelerating phenomena of violence against Muslims in the United
States the only question today is how far into the darkness America must
travel before it decides to take a stand against it. (Al-Jazeera, reprinted in
TheNation 1st January)
REVIEW
French President Hollande has invaded Mali virtually on the same
pretext which was used by George W Bush to attack and occupy Afghanistan
more than eleven years ago. He apprehended that Islamic fascists operating
in Mali were likely to attack the civilized world using the safe heavens
located in that country; though the unmentioned cause is oil and other
natural resources.
France has also tried to muster a coalition of the armed forces of the
regional countries, just as the US did by marshalling NATO forces and
troops from other states. But, it is too early to say that Hollandes adventure
will meet the same fate as of Bushs adventure in Afghanistan.
The similarities with Afghanistan do not end here. The OIC has
approved of this invasion, though to start with, due to some lack of
communication between Muslim rulers and their masters, the OIC had
faltered in objecting to the invasion. However, in less than 24 hours the
mistake was undone.
Bloodshed in Syria continued unabated, while the Crusaders kept
pressing for toppling of Assad regime through auspices of the United
Nations. Sizeable elements of Kurds and al-Qaeda fighters in Syria,
however, have been matter of concern for Turkey and the West respectively.
Meanwhile, Iraq also bled profusely during the period under review.
20th January, 2013
SAVED WHAT!
The events of the week under review were dominated by Dr Tahirul
Qadri, who staged a Long March from Lahore and then a dharna in
Islamabad. The two events were spread over five days when the winter
766
temperatures were at their lowest in twin cities. The participants endured the
hardship displaying extraordinary discipline.
The attitude of the participants was as unfamiliar and surprising for
the observers as was sudden appearance of Dr Qadri on political scene of
Pakistan. Then on fifth day of the protest came an abrupt end. Those who
had got onto each others throats, sat together and issued Islamabad
Declaration, negotiated, drafted and signed in one sitting. The analysts tried
to find as to what has been saved; riyasat or siyasat?
The next morning the D-Chowk wore a deserted look. Tallat Azim
aptly remarked about the man who led the people this place and left: Kahan
sai aya, kidhar gaya wo; ajeeb manoos sa ajnabi tha, mujey tau hairaan ker
gaya wo! Indeed, sudden and unexpected end left the observers wondering
about many aspects of the Long March and Dharna.
During the very first speech of Qadri at the venue the Supreme Court
had ordered arrest of Prime Minister and 16 others in RPPs Scam and court
order was applauded by the participants of the protest. The day after the sitin ended, Investigation Officer of NAB who was member of team that
investigated Rental Power Project case, was found dead in mysterious
circumstances in his room. His demise added to hairaani of already awed
observers.
NEWS
Power politics: On 14th January, Dr Tahirul Qadri announced that
their long march is over and revolution has begun. He was chauffeured in a
sleek black car and showered with pink rose petals while his vehicle inched
its way towards a stage on one of the main thoroughfares in Islamabad,
following a 38-hour march from the eastern city of Lahore. He said morally
now all the assemblies stand dissolved and governments stand vanished but
gave a nine-hour deadline to the government to get the provincial and central
assembles dissolved formally.
He congratulated the participants of the long march and all the people
of the country at the grand show, claiming it to be the biggest march in the
history of world. He said he was waiting for one million people who have
been left behind due to the hindrances created and were still on the way to
join this revolutionary gathering.
767
He said Interior Minister Malik had made a gentleman promise with

him of allowing them to gather at D-Chowk. And he will not address them
there near the Stock Exchange building at the Quaid-i-Azam Avenue but in
front of the Parliament. Its there I will hold the parliament of the masses.
My revolutionary comrades, I give you five minutes to shift to the original
venue we had decided. He said he will formally address the protesters at
11am.
The interior ministry officials claimed the TMQ leadership and signed
a nine-point agreement with Islamabad administration undertaking to remain
peaceful during the event, keep away from the high security Red Zone and
to refrain from chanting anti-state slogans and hate speeches. They said the
march organizers had also agreed to change the TMQs earlier declared
venue of D Chowk, near the Parliament House, to the one at Jinnah Avenue.
There was no fair estimate of the number participants available but
media refuted TMQ chiefs claim that he had gathered millions of people.
However, conservative estimates too put it at well over a hundred thousand
people. But most observers were left speechless when the protesters from
around the capital kept pouring in at the venue for hours. The claims of
government of providing elaborate security to the marchers in the face of
serious threats of terrorist attack, as stated by Interior Minister repeatedly,
seemed hollow as the people were seen moving in and out of the venue of
the procession without any restraint, making them vulnerable to any terrorist
activity.
His calls have divided Pakistanis. Some see him as a reformist
champion, others say his demands are unconstitutional and replacing an
elected government with an unelected one will not help accountability.
Leading TV anchors have questioned the source of his funds for a lavish
media campaign and fleets of buses to transport supporters. Qadri says most
of the money came from donations from those fed up with the current
administration.
Earlier, Punjab leadership of the TMQ remained busy in negotiations
with the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Amer Ali Ahmed on the
directions of the Ministry of Interior during the last week to get permission
to hold a sit-in and public rally in the heart of the capital.
Next day, welcoming the Supreme Court decision of Prime Minister
Rajas arrest in RPPs case, Dr Tahirul Qadri repeatedly sought pledge from
the participants of his long march to continue their sit-in till the fulfillment
of their reforms agenda. In what he termed as the maiden address after the
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launching of revolution on completion of the march, Tahir said that issuance

of PMs arrest orders by the apex court has completed half of the job while
the rest would be accomplished tomorrow.
He asked the participants and the nation to bow before God and
celebrate this success. The charged protesters took no time to follow his
call and bowed down on the road. There might be no need of third day if
you continued supporting me, he told the demonstrators. The Jinnah Avenue
echoed with Supreme Court Zindabad, Chief Justice Zindabad after Qadris
announcement about the PM.
Dr Qadri in sobbing voice said that he would stay in Islamabad till
achieving the objectives and vowed to force the usurpers to quit power to
be replaced by an honest leadership. I have no (personal) enmity with
Zardari, Nawaz, Asfandyar and others as I am only raising the issues of the
poor, he maintained. Advising the participants to remain peaceful, Qadri
said that emotionally charged crowd could have run over Parliament had he
given a signal to them but quickly added that they believed in constitution
and democracy and wanted to bring change through constitutional means.
Qadri said his first point is to get peace at home and abroad. He said
due to the incompetence of the political leadership, a national policy against
terrorism could not be constituted. We never want miscreants with tattoos to
be arrested from the country, he said, adding that some ministers who also
have tattoos on their bodies might be promoters of terrorists. He challenged
the government to find out who was behind his campaign. Let me inform
you I have strong support of Allah; I have support of the nation, he added.
Police earlier in the day clashed with stone throwers and protesters
brandishing sticks, shooting into the air and firing teargas. Demonstrators
smashed vehicle windows and reached the edge of the heavily fortified Red
Zone, which houses parliament and Western embassies that were closed.
Eight police were hurt in the clashes, but organizers of the rally accused
police of opening fire, of attempting to arrest Qadri and of trying to provoke
them into violence.
The city administration imposed Section 144 for two days (Jan 15 and
16) to maintain law and order situation in the Rawalpindi District and avoid
any untoward incident. The City Administrator, in exercise of the powers
conferred upon him under section 144 Cr PC, has banned assembly of five
or more persons at public places, saying that certain unscrupulous elements
taking advantage of the long march by Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran intent to
breach the law and order situation in the district.
769
Warning the ruling coalition of another long march, PTI Chairman,

Imran Khan demanded immediate resignation of President Zardari and
formation of consensus-based caretaker setup. Imran put forward a sevenpoint agenda to the government for steering the country out of the chaotic
situation. He also asked his party workers to be ready for his call to launch a
tsunami march if the ruling alliance failed to meet his demand of consensusbased interim setup.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz held telephonic contact with Nawaz
Sharif, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Asfandyar Wali Khan, Altaf Hussain and
Shujaat Hussain and discussed with them the current political situation.
During his conversation with the political leaders, there was a consensus on
upholding the Constitution and the democratic system. The leaders resolved
that the system would be defended at all costs.
Fasihur Rehman Khan of TheNation reported that President Zardari
has been advised by his close aides to address the nation on television
regarding the present political scenario and announce a caretaker setup
acceptable to all, but only after doing away with Dr Tahirul Qadris sitin. The top PPP leadership is convinced the Qadri-led march and sit-in is a
foreign script and its coalition partners like PML-Q and MQM are hand in
glove in this effort.
Holed up in the Bilawal House Karachi for the last one month or so,
President Zardari is reportedly weighing all the available limited options at
his disposal and is still reluctant to adopt any hawkish line, fearing major
coalition partners, PML-Q and MQM, might rock the boat of his minority
coalition government in such an eventuality.
The action by an undecided PPP co chairperson is necessary in the
backdrop of seven-point demands by Imran Khan, topping all immediate
resignation of President Zardari. There is an overwhelming impression in the
PPP and PML-N ranks that the fear of losing media and public spotlight to
Dr Qadris bravado as well as a risky effort and alleged prompting from the
military establishment has compelled Khan up the ante.
Imrans demand for Zardaris resignation and the threat of another
long march in case a caretaker government acceptable to all is not set up is
perceived by the ruling coalition as a signal from the military establishment
that in case Qadris effort fizzles out, another potent political force will be
waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, some PPP federal and provincial ministers have also
conveyed their annoyance to President Zardari and Prime Minister Raja over
770
the way Interior Minister Malik has dealt with Qadris long march, allowing
the marchers to occupy the heart of Islamabad at D-Chowk a stones throw
away from the presidency and the parliament. Some also blame him for
giving a breathing space to Qadri since Monday night.
The PML-N decided to defend democracy and leave no margin for the
undemocratic forces in a meeting in Raiwind which was called to review
the situation emerged after the long march of Dr Tahirul Qadri. The
participants decided to meet again tomorrow to discuss the overall political
situation in the country which turned ambivalent after the Supreme Court
decision for the arrest of Prime Minister. PML-N decided to approach other
parties to save the system and Nawaz Sharif had already contacted Fazlur
Rahman to discuss the situation. The party may also talk to Asfandyar.
The Pakistan Peoples Party and its allies were divided in hawks and
doves over the option of invoking Article 6 to charge Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri,
chief of Tehreek-e-Minhaj-ul-Quran for revolt; while the PML-N has left the
matter to the federal government.
What is the constitutional justification of Dr Qadris charter of
demands, asked Qamar Zaman Kaira. We cannot deviate from the
Constitution, he added. Dr Qadris long march is more like a revolt against
the elected government, ANPs Haji Adeel said. We would better propose
that the government should decide about the elections, sources in PML-Q
and MQM said.
In the situation what is prevailing in the country, change would have
become order of the day if I had been in place of General Kayani. I am
looking into the situation with due consideration, Musharrf said this in a
telephonic conversation with a private TV channel. Describing the long
march successful, he said he had been extending full cooperation to Qadri
from the very first day.
On 16th January, Dr Tahirul Qadri unveiled his four-point charter,
asking the government either implement his demands or face the wrath of
millions of people. He asserted that tax evaders can no longer become
parliamentarians and honest people will rule the country. Tax evader should
be sent to jail without any delay and they have no right to sit in parliament.
He said there is no more room for corrupt practices in our electoral
process and candidates for national and provincial assemblies should be
screened before elections. He opined that implementation on Peoples Act
1976 must be ensured before the general elections. He demanded the
dissolution of the ECP. Excluding CEC, Qadri strongly criticized ECP
771
members and alleged that four members were appointed on political basis.
He appealed to the CEC to resign from his office.
He once again invited PTI to join TMQ sit-in to bring positive change
in the political system of the country. He gave no indication how long he
would prolong the protest outside parliament, which has brought the citys
main commercial avenue to a standstill.
Opposition parties demanded an immediate timetable for the next
general elections, but dealt a blow to Tahirul Qadri-led four-day antigovernment protest by not endorsing it. Nawaz Sharif read out a ten-point
declaration in a news conference which the over five-hour long joint meeting
drew up. It stated, Dr Tahirul Qadri is working on somebodys agenda to
derail democracy. We will not be joining him. We reject all of his demands.
Nawaz asserted that the opposition parties had rejected Qadris call for
a military role in the formation of a caretaker government to oversee the runup to the elections, saying his protest rally had threatened to destabilize the
country. Earlier, the meeting vehemently rejected the demands of the
Minhajul Quran chief.
The meeting declaration reposed confidence in the election
commission, and called on the government to carry out every national affair
in accordance with the Constitution and law. It noted that change would only
come through free and fair elections. It resolved that the forces looking to
deny the people their democratic right to vote would be sternly resisted,
urging the government to avoid anything that was not permissible under the
Constitution.
The PML-N chief, to a media query about the demand commonly
raised by PTI chief Imran Khan and Dr Qadri for resignation of President
Zardari, said such a call was of no use especially when the PPP held
majority in the National Assembly and Senate and would be able to re-elect
its president in case Zardari resigned. He said it appeared that Imran and
Qadri were in collusion with each other in this game.
Interacting with the media, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman dubbed Dr
Qadri a Julius Salik of the Muslims, and questioned him where he was when
the NRO was signed and the people were in lurch. He alleged that Qadri was
subverting the Constitution and inciting a rebellion which, according to him,
was not possible without an outside push.
Munawar Hassan said the government should resume the process of
consultation with the opposition as regards the formation of interim
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governments to frustrate the attempts aimed at postponing the coming

elections. Mahmood Achakzai said if it be needed, they would make every
city a Tahrir Square. National Party head Mir Hasil Bazenjo advised the
government to act as time was running out.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Shah said the
elections will be held in the first week of May. Talking to reporters in
Islamabad, the he maintained the polls could be held on May 4, 5 or 6. They
will not be delayed beyond May 6, he assured. Meanwhile, President
Zardari ruled out the possibility of any operation against participants of a sitin being staged in Islamabad.
In a bid to reestablish its street power, which is overshadowed by Dr
Tahirul Qadris long march, the PTI leadership decided to launch its
tsunami march against the dual office of the president after the conclusion
of TMQ sit-in. The PTI leadership may give the march call after intra-party
polls, other likeminded parties would be invited to take part in the march
under the leadership of Imran Khan.
Following application of Station House officer of Bahar Kahu police
station, Islamabad police registered a case against the 21 protesters including
Tahirul Qadri accusing them of disrupting official work, robbery, use of
contraband arms, attempt to murder and inciting the people against the
government. He was one of the officials whom the protesters had thrashed
during a scuffle with police.
Next day, a deep political crisis brewing in the country for last some
days finally came to an amicable end when PPP-led coalition accepted most
of the electoral reforms demands of Dr Tahirul Qadri, who in turn also
demonstrated flexibility on some points. The Islamabad Long March
Declaration, as the agreement was called, signed between the government
and Thehrik Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief marked the end of a four-day sitin before the Parliament House by a large number of peaceful protesters
from across Pakistan and abroad, bringing a relief to the frenzied nation.
The 3-page document, giving a role to Dr Qadri in nomination of
caretaker prime minister and promising full implementation of electoral
transparency laws, was signed by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Asharaf, a 10memnber negotiating team of coalition partners and the TMQ chief. Dr
Qadri announced it to the participants of his long march, who received the
news with a burst of cheers; some took to prostrating on the road while
others danced with tears in their eyes and prayers of gratitude on their lips.
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The peaceful resolution of this political crisis also brought a relief to a

large majority of the nation, and was widely hailed both by Qadri and his
supporters as well as the coalition government partners who all declared it a
victory of democracy. But left high and dry at the dramatic end and
unexpected finish of the whole episode, the opposition parties and groups
took to bashing both Dr Qadri and the government.
The government team of negotiators headed by PML-Q President
Chaudhry Shujaat included PPP leaders Amin Fahim, Khurshid Shah,
Farook H Naek and Qamar Zaman Qaira; MQM leaders Farooq Sattar and
Babar Ghauri; ANPs Afrasiyab Khattak; PML-Qs Mushahid Hussain
Sayed; and Senator Abbas Afridi. TMQ members Agha Murtaza Poya and
Raheeq Abbasi assisted Dr Qadri. Interestingly, Dr Qadri signed the
agreement with the prime minister and ministers whom he had termed ex
premier and ministers on the very first day of the sit-in.
An extremely jubilant Qadri termed it a great success of the people of
country and said three out of four demands of the long march participants
had been accepted fully while the demand of the dissolution of the ECP had
been postponed which would be settled through further talks. According to
the agreement, the coalition government would nominate two persons of
integrity for the slot of caretaker prime minister in agreement with his
organization.
The National Assembly shall be dissolved at any time before March
16, 2013, (due date), so that the elections may take place within the 90 days.
One month will be given for scrutiny of nomination papers for the purpose
of pre-clearance of the candidates under article 62 and 63 of the constitution
so that the eligibility of the candidates is determined by the Elections
Commission of Pakistan (ECP), agreement says. It says, No candidate
would be allowed to start the election campaign until pre-clearance on
his/her eligibility is given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The issue of composition of the Election Commission of Pakistan will
be discussed at the next meeting on Sunday, January 27, 2013, 12 noon at
the Minhajul Quran Secretariat, Dr Qadri said while reading the agreement.
Subsequent meetings if any in this regard will also be held at the central
secretariat of Minhajul Quran in Lahore.
In pursuance to the agreement, Law Minister will convene a meeting
of the following lawyers: SM Zafar, Waseem Sajjad, Aitzaz Ahsan, Farough
Naseem, Latif Afridi, Dr Khalid Ranjha and Hamayoun Ahsan, to discuss
these issues. Prior to the meeting of January 27, the Law Minister, Mr
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Farooq H Naek, will report the results of this legal consultation to the
January 27 meeting.
About electoral reforms, Dr Qadri said it was agreed upon that the
focus will be on the enforcement of electoral reforms prior to the polls and
strict implementation of article 62, 63 and 218 (3) of the constitution.
Section 77 to 82 of the Representation of Peoples Act 1976 and other
relevant provisions relating to conducting free, fair, just and honest elections
guarded against all corrupt practices will also be the focus of the
enforcement of electoral reforms, he informed.
He further read out that the Supreme Court Judgment of June 8, 2012
on constitutional petition of 2011 must be implemented in true letter and
spirit. It was also decided that with the end of the long march and sit-in, all
cases registered against each other shall be withdrawn immediately and there
will be no acts of victimization and vendetta against either party or the
participants of the march.
Addressing the gathering after the issuance of Islamabad Long March
Declaration, the 10 members of the committee also congratulated the
participants and termed it victory of democracy. It was biggest of long
march of the country, which will be remembered, said Shujaat,
congratulating the participants.
Earlier, about recent Supreme Court order about prime ministers
arrest, Dr Qadri said now the incumbent government is saying the court is
trespassing its jurisdiction. He also did not spare opposition parties in his
speech and commented that their unity is only for one day. They only differ
on share of loot money, he said, adding that corruption is the root cause of
all the problems, which is badly ruining the country.
Analysts believed that after five days of drama, TMQ chief Dr Tahirul
Qadri could only manage to delay the elections for about a month as he
struck a deal with the government, which virtually carries nothing new. The
agreement between the TMQ chief and the government seemed only a way
to give a face saving to Qadri to end his 5-day long march, they said.
Terming Dr Tahirul Qadris long march and sit-in as much ado about
nothing, religious and political parties have said the scholar has set world
records of Mukmuka (under the table deal). Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUIF, Liaquat Baloch of JI, Qari Zawar Bahadur of JUP, Maulana Abdul
Ghafoor of JUI, Maulana Amjad Khan and Maulana Asim Makhdoom of
JUI-S said everyone knows caretaker government holds elections within 90
days and all stakeholders are consulted. They said Dr Qadri should tell the
775
masses what significant job he had done by holding long march. They said
Dr Qadri wanted to rid the masses of corrupt rulers and Yazids, but at the
end he made a deal with the same people just to get out of the situation he
had himself created.
President Zardari and coalition partners were happily surprised as
back channel negotiators finally gave them a strong signal that Dr Tahirul
Qadri was ready to end the four-day long sit-in provided he was given a
face saving. Earlier, presidential aides had feared a Lal Masjid like
outcome if a crackdown was launched against the sit-in. The possible
resultant backlash from the garrison was being considered a dreadful
scenario by the PPP coalition partners which they thought would precede by
an abrupt end of the ruling coalition. MQM, PML-Q were all set to leave the
ruling coalition in such an eventuality, PPP leadership firmly believed.
The first and foremost aim of the face saving agreement was to end
the march and resultant sit-in, rest of the details were to be left for
committees to thrash out. As a result, no real concession on re-constitution
of the EC and holding of polls, as demanded by Qadri, was offered to the
religious cleric as the ruling coalition was not in a position to amend the
constitution for the purpose without mainstream opposition's support.
Fearing a backlash from the military establishment if Islamabad's DChowk was practically turned (through violence) into an Egyptian Tahrir
Square model, President Zardari just wanted to make sure that any written
and verbal assurances given to Dr Qadri should not be rejected outright by
the main opposition party, the PML-N. With these fears in mind, Zardari
phoned PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif who gave his blessings to the
peace deal, but made it clear that his party didn't attach any importance to
PPP and coalition's agreement with Qadri.
Though Dr Tahirul Qadri is unwilling to contest upcoming election, he
is set to play a key role in deciding the nitty-gritty of the polls. The PML-N
is shocked over the situation because constitutionally the opposition has an
integral role in finalizing the electoral process but the government did not
bother to consult with the opposition over Qadris demands.
Following the issuance of Islamabad Declaration, PML-N leader Ch
Nisar said that now Dr Qadri has become part of the government and got a
role in the appointment of caretaker PM which may be Qadri himself. In a
media talk, the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly said the kind
of attitude adopted and language used even by some members of coalition
governments negotiating team during the last few days make them
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disqualified to contest the election in terms of article 62 and 63 of the

constitution.
He said what Qadri had been demanding while terming the
government sheer corrupt and terming the prime minister as ex-PM, has at
once vanished and the scene got totally changed. This contradiction of word
and action is sufficient to judge character on both sides, he added. Nisar said
the agreement is nothing more than a venture to incorporate Qadri in the
naming of interim prime minister as the articles 62 and 63 are already there
to judge the qualification of a candidate.
President Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister, summoned
National Assembly session to meet on January 21st at 4 pm. According to the
Parliamentary sources, apart from legislative business, the National
Assembly would also discuss the overall political and law and order
situation in the country. President Zardari has also summoned the fresh
session of the Senate to meet on January 21st at 4 pm in the Parliament
House.
Foreign Minister Hina ascribed the confusion prevailing in Pakistan to
the years of suppression under dictatorships, saying country's institutions are
trying to find their rightful place. What looks like an extremely chaotic
situation to the foreigners is actually institutions, which have been stemmed
for many years by dictatorial regimes in Pakistan...finding their rightful
place, she told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
Asma Jehangir, the former president of Supreme Court Bar
Association, demanded that the articles 62 and 63 should not be part of the
Constitution, saying that delay in the general elections would cause an
irreparable loss to the country. She said this while addressing annual dinner
at District Bar Association of Okara.
On 18th January, Nawaz Sharif said that the platform of the joint
opposition will be strengthened and expanded by including more parties in
the run-up to the elections. PML-F chief Pir Pagara and NPP head Ghulam
Murtaza Jatoi, who visited Raiwind to offer condolences at the death of
Abbas Sharif, reciprocated the call for greater opposition alliance by
affirming their support for the idea. Ch Nisar Ali Khan will consult all
parties on the opposition side before finalizing names for the caretaker PM.
When pointed out that some reports are suggesting arrival of another
figure to again sensationalize the political stage of the country, Nawaz said
that he too was looking for that third person who (after Imran Khan and Dr
Qadri) is preparing to hold show at Minar-e-Pakistan. About involving Dr
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Qadri in the process of naming the caretaker PM, PML-N chief said it amply
testifies the cleric was part of the government.
President Zardari reaffirmed that elections will be held on time,
without a delay of a single day as stipulated in the Constitution, saying those
who were seeking postponement of elections were frustrated. He felicitated
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, the coalition partners, the opposition,
civil society and media for their role in peacefully dispersing the
demonstrators from Islamabad. The PPP co-chairman directed the CM Sindh
to complete the on-going development projects before the announcement of
polls. Bilawal announced that he would soon visit Hyderabad and other
districts to meet the party office bearers and public.
Reportedly, ISI played key role in ending the worsening stand-off
between the long-march leadership and the government after some
government elements planned for a dangerous operation to arrest Dr Tahirul
Qadri during the sit-in in Islamabad. A timely intervention by Pak Army,
made possible by its intelligence tentacles, enabled aborting of a commando
like operation aimed at arresting the chief of the Tehrik Minhajul Quran.
A federal law enforcing agency, on the advice of the interior ministry,
had been tasked to carry out the sting operation to arrest Dr Qadri. The
possibilities of casualties among those protecting the marchs leader were
accepted as an unavoidable collateral damage. But the army and the
intelligence agency leadership diffused the tension. Rather than exploiting
the situation and playing the role of a grabber, the military leadership did
their best to bring down the temperature on the political sphere.
Pak Army or ISI had nothing to do with the recent developments
from sit-in of Shias mourning Quetta killings to the long march. Had there
been any plan for military takeover, the situation was obviously ripe for it
and the planners would have exploited this opportunity, a source said. Army
and the ISI is focusing on the internal and external security challenges at a
time when the country is aggressively fighting against militancy and India
has adopted an aggressive posture.
The FIA would close any inquiry, as a result of the signing of
Islamabad Long March Declaration, against Minhajul Quran International
(MQI) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and his organization relating to the source of
massive funding that was used for the long march and a sit-in. The FIA had
launched an inquiry against Dr Qadri and MQI on the directions of Interior
Minister.
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The successful negotiations of Dr Tahirul Qadri with a government

team on his demands for electoral reforms gave a new lease of life to
Pakistan Awami Tehreek that is likely to become a part of the democratic
process by contesting the next general elections. Upon his return to Lahore,
Qadri congratulated the entire nation over his successful long march.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) summoned Minhajul
Quran International (MQI) chief Dr Qadri on February 5, and sought
explanation from him for violating the oath he took while seeking asylum.
Qadri violated the oath stating that he was not allowed to enter the country
he had sought asylum from.
Next day, Nawaz Sharif urged the nation to exercise their right of vote
carefully and correctly in the upcoming general elections for a better future
of the country. He said this while addressing a public gathering organized by
the Sindh United Party (SUP) at Hala, district Matiari. Nawaz said that
reforms could be brought about and the system can be transformed if the
voters would elect sincere, dedicated and honest representatives. If the
people dont realize this, anyone can deceive them by staging a drama, he
said, in an apparent reference to Qadri.
Dr Tahirul Qadri claimed to have achieved all targets of long march
and said that he preferred to choose the path of negotiation instead of
capturing parliament to save democracy and continuity of the process. He
said that original demand of implementation on articles 62, 63 and 218 of
the Constitution were accepted while the coalition government would also
propose two names for the caretaker prime minister with the consultation of
the Pakistan Awami Tehrik.
He alleged that the PML-N was instigating the government to save
Islamabad from chaos by taking action against the marchers. The PPP
regime also planned to attack marchers on January 16 for which the Punjab
government sent 6000 commandoes. The police deployed in Islamabad
refused to launch operation against marchers that forced the government to
go for dialogue.
Qadri lashed out at the PML-N for holding meeting of opposition
parties in Raiwind when he was leading marchers in Islamabad. Instead of
asking the federal government to initiate dialogue, the opposition parties
suggested appropriate measures to maintain peace in Islamabad. They
presented 10 points and none of these was referring to implementation of
section 62 and 63, he said.
779
He said that the PML-N leadership continued to give contradictory

statements about the motives of long march. Accusing Sharifs of
campaigning against him in the media, he said that they earmarked Rs3
billion for his character assassination. He said that Canadian government did
not issue summons for him and such reports were false. He warned Sharifs
of making public all their hidden truths, saying that he knew them better
than any other person in the world.
Ex-servicemen, lawyers and civil society members have praised the
discipline, unity and determination shown by the participants of Tahirul
Qadris long march to Islamabad and termed it a victory of the Tehrik-eMinhajul Quran. Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society Mandi Bahauddin Senior
Vice President said the TMQ long march had given a serious jolt to all
traditional politicians who were exploiting the poor in the name of
democracy.
Imran Khan threatened his party would launch an unprecedented
protest campaign ahead of general elections if a partial caretaker set-up was
installed, saying the PTI had not yet been consulted about the nomination of
a caretaker prime minister. Khan said that free and fair general elections
would guarantee a much needed change in the country. He reiterated his
demand that President Zardari should immediately resign, as under him
holding of free and fair elections was almost impossible.
Former lawmaker Raja Muhammad Afzal Khan along with his sons
Raja Muhammad Asad Khan and Raja Muhammad Safdar Khan, who were
elected on the ticket of the PML-N in 2008, announced joining the PPP. In
presence of Faryal Talpur, Syed Khurshi Shah and Haji Nawaz Khokhar,
Raja Afzal announced joining the ruling party at a press conference at the
Bilawal House where they also met with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto
Zardari.
On 20th January, less than two months before announcement of
schedule for fresh polls, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz approved
regularization of services of 105,086 lady health workers, including their
supporting staff working in the provinces, FATA, Azad Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan. The prime minister has also approved the concurrence of the
federal government to reimburse the entire financial impact of this measure
to the provinces, including arrears.
Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mehmood said that President Zardari, Prime
Minister Raja and PPP Chairman Bilawal reposed trust in him by appointing
him governor of the largest province of the country. He said this while
780
addressing public gathering in Rahim Yar Khan. In gratitude three sons of

Punjab Governor announced joining the PPP at the end of the public
gathering.
Rule of law: On 15th January, the Supreme Court directed the NAB
to arrest all the persons, including incumbent Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz,
involved in Rental Power Plants (RPPs) scam and submit report tomorrow.
The court directed NAB Additional Prosecutor General to get approved the
challans/references against all the accused persons and to cause their arrest
without any hesitation and submit report on January 17.
Giving a 24 hours deadline to the authorities to implement the orders,
the court maintained that NAB will be responsible if any of the 16 accused
manage to escape. The court order came as Dr Tahirul Qadri was addressing
participants of a sit-in he is leading in front of the Parliament House and
which has taken the county by storm. The timing of the court decision led
many analysts to believe that it was linked to Qadris agenda and part of a
bigger plan to dislodge the government and installation of a government of
technocrats or imposition of martial law by the establishment.
However, the history and the current facts about this mega corruption
scam belie all such claims. Moreover, the chief justice allayed the fears by
stating in clear terms the same day that elections will be held on time, as he
heard another case pertaining to introduction of reforms in the electoral
process.
The NAB had been using delaying tactics and no significant progress
was made while the court kept pressing the bureau to implement its order
and hold transparent investigations. Tuesdays hearing was also fixed as per
schedule and the apparent tough court decision was taken at the due input of
the Additional Prosecutor General (APG) and the NAB.
The court noted that it appears that prima facie the investigating
officers are not being allowed to ensure the implementation of the judgment
of this court in letter and spirit. The CJ made clear to the NAB chairman If
any accused involved in these cases succeeded in making good his escape
from the country, he will be personally responsible for the same and action
would be taken against him.
The APG told the court that they have already put their names on the
ECL. The chief justice remarked that there was no benefit of putting their
names on ECL as Shahrukh, who allegedly killed Shahzeb in Karachi, and
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Ogra scam accused Tauqir Sadiq escaped from the country despite their
names being on the ECL.
Suspended NAB Rawalpindi DG Col (r) Subeh Sadiq appeared and
said that the authorities have suspended him by misusing the name of
Supreme Court. He stated that he has 36 years of unblemished service to his
credit and he has been maligned and disgraced on the pretext that the
Supreme Court was unhappy with his performance. Raja Amir Abbas,
counsel for the investigation officers to whom the notices for contempt have
been issued, pointed out that on 7-1-2013 Brig (r) Principal Secretary to
NAB Chairman Farooq Naser Awan has issued a letter stating that IOs
under contempt be removed from these cases since Supreme Court of
Pakistan also does not appear happy with their performance. The court said
that they were led to believe by the Principal Secretary that such action has
been taken against the IOs on the recommendations of the DG.
The court observed that NAB chairman is already under contempt
notice for non-compliance of the judgment in the RPP cases and copy of the
same had been delivered to him in the month of March, 2012, therefore, he
should have been careful, however, under the circumstances, we issue
notice to NAB chairman to explain as to why he has falsely used the name
of the Supreme Court with a view to remove the IOs namely, Asghar Ali
and Kamran Faisal. The case was adjourned until January 17.
Those involved in the scam were Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, ex-minister for
water & power, Shahid Rafi, ex-secretary water & power, Shaukat Tareen,
ex-finance minister, Salman Siddique, ex-finance secretary, Ismail Qureshi,
chairman, Pakistan Electric Power Company (Private) Limited (PEPCO),
Munawar Baseer Ahmad, PEPCO managing director, Tahir Basharat
Cheema, PEPCO MD, Fazal Ahmad Khan, member power, Muhammad
Anwar Khan, chief executive officer, Northern Power Generation Company
Limited (NPGCL), Rafiq Butt, NPGCL CEO, Ghulam Mustafa Tunio,
NPGCL CEO, Qaisar Akran, chief engineer, (CPP) thermal, Masood Akhtar,
chief engineer-IV, Wapda (Water and Power Development Authority), Power
Privatization Organization (Pakistan (WPPO), Arshad Raza, senior general
manager, (T&P) PEPCO, Rana Muhammad Amjid, WPPO GM, Ejaz Babar,
NPGCL finance director, Zafar Ali Khan, member, National Electric Power
Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Ghiasuddin Ahmed, member NEPRA,
Khalid Saeed, chairman NEPRA, Maqbool Ahmed Khawaja, member/voice
chairman, NEPRA, Insaf Ahmed, director tariff, Abid Ali, CE M/S techno
power, Sahuwal Pvt Ltd, would face arrests.
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The ripples caused by the court decision deepened the uncertainty of

countrys political environment and the Karachi Stock Exchange fell by
nearly three percent. Law Minister Farooq Naek was quoted as saying that
the Supreme Court order did not mention Prime Minister Ashraf.
Information Kaira told a TV channel that Prime Minister Ashraf and the Law
Ministry had not received the written order of the Supreme Court.
In the wake of Supreme Court decision to arrest Prime Minister Raja
Pervaiz Ashraf and others, members of civil society organizations and PPP
activists gathered on The Mall and staged a protest demonstration against
judiciary and in favour of democracy. The protesters were of the view that
democracy was the best system of governance and hence should not be
rolled back through any means.
Asma Jehangir claimed that establishment is behind the SC's decision
to arrest the sitting Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz. Talking to a private TV
channel, Asma said that the SC's decision is against the Prime Minister and
the democratic system in the country. She said that there is a deep relation
between SC's decision and Dr Tahirul Qadri's address.
Fawad Chaudhry, an aide to the embattled Prime Minister said there
was no doubt the military and Supreme Court were working together to
topple the government. Aitzaz Ahsan said that with the arrest of Raja Pervaiz
Ashraf the Prime Ministership does not end and even if Raja Ashraf is
arrested he would continue to remain PM.
Scores of PPP activists resorted to aerial firing in different cities of
Sindh after the Supreme Courts order to the NAB to arrest Prime Minister.
Angry persons forced citizens close their shops, markets, and petrol pump.
In Larkana, the activists led by Nisar Bhutto, Khalid Memon, Oshaq Dhoki,
Khadim Bhutto and others raised slogans.
The NAB indicated that it would not arrest Prime Minister while he is
in office in connection with the implementation of Supreme Court order in
the RPPs case. NAB will neither arrest the Prime Minister nor send a
reference against him while he is in his office, a source in the NAB privy to
the development said.
Dispelling the impression of any linkage of Supreme Courts verdict
in RPP case with the long march of Dr Tahirul Qadri, Federal Minister for
Law and Justice Farooq H. Naek said that there was no mention of Prime
Minister in the court's verdict. He said that Supreme Court had given three
directions to Additional Prosecutor General NAB and there was no direct
783
mention of Prime Minister's arrest and now it would up to Chairman NAB to

examine the case and decide the things on merit.
The petitioner said that Waseer had accumulated illegal assets and not
declared them while submitting his nomination papers for contesting general
elections held in 2008. He told the court that the MNA was also dismissed
from government services on the charges of misconduct and corruption.
Next day, political parties across the aisle have adopted a cautious and
polite approach on the Supreme Courts directives to NAB authorities
regarding the arrest of all persons including incumbent Prime Minister Raja
Pervez in the RPPs scam. Even opposition parties were found much soft in
their choice of words about Raja Pervez Ashraf as compared to former Prime
Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.
NAB executive board meeting after lengthy deliberations late at night
decided not to file references in the RPPs scam on the grounds of
insufficient evidence. The NAB would submit a progress report tomorrow
before the Supreme Court accordingly.
Even if the sky falls down, the judiciary would continue to dispense
justice in the light of the Constitution, CJP vowed. Although there were the
drumbeats that the court should not hear the cases, it would continue to
deliver justice no matter what, the chief justice affirmed while exchanging
his observations with former Supreme Court Bar Association president Yasin
Azad during the hearing of three different cases.
On 18th January, the Investigation Officer of NAB who was member
of team that investigated Rental Power Project case including that of Prime
Minister Raja, was found dead in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind
bundle of conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Police found his body
hanging with ceiling fan in room No-1 of Federal Lodges in Islamabad,
where he has been living since last year following his transfer from Quetta.
Police believe deceased committed suicide allegedly by hanging
himself from the ceiling fan. Binyamin Khan told reporters: We have to
wait for the postmortem report to sort out what actually happened with the
deceased. Issuing a Press note to media, NAB officials said that Kamran
committed suicide for the reason to be known yet.
The deceased had assisted Deputy Director of NABs Rawalpindi
chapter, Asghar Khan, to probe Rental Power Project scam and the
investigative report that they had forwarded through Director General NAB
Rawalpindi Col (Retd) Subah Sadiq is said to have angered his boss. Many
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believe, murder of Kamran may be the first in series to save skin of all
accused in Rental Power Project scam.
Next day, the mystery surrounding the death of a NAB officer, who
had been a member of a team investigating RPPs scam, deepened further
after his relatives rejected the post-mortem report supporting police claims
of its being a case of suicide. The body of Investigation Officer Kamran
Faisal, who was buried in his hometown, was found hanging from a ceiling
fan at his Federal Lodges residence in Islamabad, just days after the
Supreme Court ordered arrest of Prime Minister Raja and 15 others in
connection with RPPs corruption case.
It was also revealed that during the investigations Kamran had written
a letter to his superiors to remove him from the mega corruption case saying
that he did not have enough experience, and his friends and family said the
unfortunate official was under immense pressure after the Supreme Court
ordered for arresting all the 16 RPPs case accused, including the PM.
The police took Kamran Faisals computer into their custody but his
laptop went missing. Moreover, it has so far failed to get in touch with Sajid
Ali, a close associate of the slain officer. Sources said that no FIR has been
registered and no one has yet contacted the police to get the case registered.
Only a report has been filed regarding the death of Kamran Faisal in
Secretariat police station.
Earlier, a Poly Clinic Hospital spokesman Dr Sharif Astoori said that
the initial post-mortem report indicated that Kamran committed suicide and
claimed that no signs of torture were found on his body. The report added
that there was only one mark on Faisals neck and it appeared that he had
committed suicide. But some of Faisals relatives, including his father,
insisted that Kamran Faisals body bore marks of torture.
The colleagues of Kamran, who demanded a fair inquiry, also said
that the officer was under severe pressure for last some days. Kamran
would do anything but commit suicide. Thats something we know for sure.
He was killed. And there was no doubt about it, said one of his friends.
Kamrans first cousin and close friend Tayyab and other relatives termed it a
murder, claiming that he could never commit suicide and demanded
transparent investigation into the case.
On 20th January, the government appointed a judicial commission to
probe death of a NAB investigation officer who was member of a team that
investigated high-profile rental power projects (RPPs) corruption case.
Justice (r) Javed Iqbal will be the head of the commission that has been
785
empowered to question anybody over the mysterious death of Kamran

Faisal, who was stated to be quite tense after the recent developments in the
RPPs case. The commission will submit its findings in two weeks.
Defiance of judiciary: On 14th January, the Supreme Court

decided to take up federations review petition regarding appointment of two
judges of Islamabad High Court (IHC) along with the Contempt of Court
petition against the top government functionaries on January 24. During the
proceeding Akram Sheikh, counsel for petitioner stated that government has
acted against that order by not issuing the appointment notification of
Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui as a confirmed judge and Noorul Haq Qureshi as an
additional judge for six months.
Attorney General Irfan Qadir told SC that the federal government has
filed a review petition in the case. In its review petition the federal
government has contended that constitution doesnt assign the judges of the
superior courts with the role of appointment or removal of their brother
judges and the president is the sole appointing authority of the judges.
On 18th January, Attorney General Irfan Qadir refused to attend the
meeting of the Judicial Commission scheduled. Talking to media persons,
Qadir said that Judicial Commission is not complete without inclusion of a
member from the Bar Council. He said he has written a letter to Dr Faqir
Hussain, secretary of the commission, in which he had excused himself from
attending the meeting.
Supreme Court adjourned hearing of a contempt of court plea and
governments review petition in appointment of judges in Islamabad High
Court (IHC) case for indefinite period. Attorney General had prayed the
court that review petition be kept pending until the court's detailed judgment
comes.
Expressing displeasure over the inability to arrest former chairman
Ogra, the Supreme Court granted NAB and FIA time till 22 nd January.
During the proceedings, Justice Jawwad said when the arrest warrant of
Tauqir Sadiq was issued he was present in the NAB office. He said the court
would proceed against the NAB officials if the chairman was not arrested.
Justice Khawaja said it was reported that former chairman Ogra
traveled in an official car from Lahore to Islamabad. The NAB investigation
officer had pointed out that to the Motorway police but they did not
cooperate. Justice Khawaja said whether the NAB official inquired who
provided official car to Tauqir Sadiq. The CJP inquired what steps the NAB
786
had taken to arrest those involved in appointment of Tauqir Sadiq as

chairman Ogra.
Deputy Prosecutor General informed the court that the record of the
case was with another DPG NAB Fozi Zafar and he was admitted in the
hospital. The chief justice remarked that the case files are also admitted in
the hospital? The NAB lawyer told the apex court that a team had been
constituted to arrest Tauqir Sadiq. Justice Khawaja said for the last three
days the team was in Dubai but the ex-Ogra chief could not be arrested. The
chief justice said the Sindh police, acting on the court orders in Shahzeb
murder case, brought the accused from abroad so why they could not
produce the accused. Justice Khawaja said whatever was happening with the
apex court in corruption cases, no one could say there was rule of law in the
country.
Recessing economy: On 18th January, dissatisfied with the

economic situation of Pakistan, International Monetary Fund said the Fund
was not going to write off or reschedule Islamabads loans. Head of the IMF
mission in Pakistan, Jeffrey Frank said IMF does not reschedule or write-off
loan of any country, therefore, it would not entertain any request (if made)
by Pakistan in this regard.
Baloch militancy: On 14th January, high-level meeting of the

provincial administration decided to carry out targeted action against
terrorists and their hideouts and restore law and order in the province so that
the faith of the masses in rule of law could be restored. Police and FC were
directed to take action culprits rather than resorting to defensive tactics.
They were told that whoever was found guilty of any act of violence or
crime should be arrested as no one stood above the law. Governor
Balochistan gave free hand to the institutions and relevant administration to
work for the restoration of peace in the province.
Ending their four-day long protest, the Hazaras buried their dead after
the imposition of governor rule in Balochistan. Hazaras were initially
divided over whether the government had gone far enough to meet their
demands by nominating the governor to take over the province. A faction of
protesters wanted to continue the protest unless handing over Quetta to
armed forces. However, Sardar Sahdat Hazara, head of Hazara tribal jirga,
announced to call off the protest.
While hearing the Balochistan law and order case, the Supreme Court
of Pakistan sought notification on the governors rule and held that the
people who wanted the army in the province should also be heard. The CJP
787
remarked that the law-enforcing agencies were blaming each other for the
deteriorating law and order situation. He questioned why the perpetrators of
Quetta and Mastung incidents had not been arrested yet. He reprimanded the
advocate general and said the authorities concerned did not want to arrest
those involved in such incidents. While adjourning the hearing of the case
till January 29, the CJP sought a detailed report on the law and order
situation in the province.
Next day, five policemen, including a DSP, were killed and four others
wounded in bomb blasts in Panjgur, Quetta and Chaman. Meanwhile,
Balochistan Governor adjourned the session of Balochistan Assembly for an
indefinite period after members adopted a resolution against imposition of
governors rule in the province. It was first meeting of Balochistan
Assembly chaired by Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha after ouster of Raisani
government that started two hours behind the schedule.
On 18th January, a commander and an operative of the banned Baloch
Liberation Army (BLA) were killed and two others wounded in a targeted
operation carried out by the Frontier Corps in Mastung district. An exchange
of fire ensued when security personnel surrounded Killi Pirkano area
adjacent to Mastung town; the gun battle lasted about two-and-a-half hours.
Next day, at least two people, including a woman, were shot dead in
Sariab locality of Quetta. Meanwhile, a shutter-down strike was observed in
Mastung and other towns of Balochistan against killing of Rasheed Baloch
and his associate Shah Jahan in search operation carried out by FC in
Mastung district.
On 20th January, Frontier Corps apprehended ten people, including four
Crime Investigation Department (CID) officers, for their alleged
involvement in kidnapping for ransom. Using their policing power, a party
of FC on a tip-off raided office of CID police and recovered kidnapped
Abdul Qadoos and arrested ten people, including CID SP Tariq Manzoor,
DSP Bilal and DSP Qutab Khan. The ransom money was also recovered
from the possession of police officials.
Earlier the CID Police denied the involvement of its officers in
kidnapping. They said that Abdul Qadoos was a drug dealer and he was
arrested along with huge cache of narcotics in Hazarganji, in the outskirts of
Quetta, while an FIR was also registered against him in CID police station.
CID DIG Feroz Shah said that CID had submitted an application in police
station against FCs raid at CID officials and for alleged manhandling of
police officials and ransacking the office.
788
FC started raids in different parts of Quetta and arrested dozens of

accused persons. FC sources said that targeted operation would be continued
against anti-social elements in the province without any discrimination.
Meanwhile, FC in targeted operations at Jinnah Town and Jan Muhammad
Road of Quetta arrested three accused.
Turf war in Karachi: On 14th January, a policeman was among

three people killed in separate violent incidents in the city. Eight people were
wounded in a low intensity blast at a petrol pump in Defence area. Shahrukh
Jatoi, the key suspect in the Shahzeb Khan murder case, surrendered himself
to authorities in the Pakistani consulate in Dubai.
On 16th January, at least two people were killed and several others
injured as violence continued in different areas of the provincial capital.
Next day, MQM MPA Syed Manzar Imam and his three security guards
were gunned down at Hyderi Chowk in Orangi Town. Tensions mounted in
Karachi immediately after the shooting and markets were closed bringing all
commercial and non-commercial activities to a grinding halt. Protests
erupted and sporadic gunfire was heard as news of the attack spread. TTP
spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, claiming responsibility for the killing, said it
was the second targeted attack against the particular political party in
Karachi.
On 18th January, at least eight people were gunned down in drive-by
shooting in different parts of the City. Next day, four people were killed in
various incidents, including an activist of defunct Sipah-e-Sahaba. On 20 th
January, eight people, including a Pasban leader and an activist of Ahle
Sunnat Wal Jamaat, were mowed down in a wave of targeted attacks in
Karachi.
VIEWS
Power politics
Qadris caravan: The government and Dr Qadri have, reportedly,
reached an agreement to the effect that there will be just one entry point in
Islamabad; anyone entering Islamabad would be unarmed and searched for
security purposes; no one will try to take the law into his hands, nor cross
into the Red Zone. As the marchers appear to be well organized, it is hoped
that the agreement would be adhered to strictly and the state of chaos and
anarchy that some commentators have been predicting would not ensue;
however the march is a threat to peace, with such a gathering providing an
789
easy target to terrorist elements. As the nation knows to its discomfiture, the
rule by military dictators has, time and again, proved to be a cog in the
machine of democracy. Democratic traditions, therefore, never had time
enough to take root before they were replaced with the wishes of a single
individual. The best scenario would be for the participants of the march to
submit to the electorate come election time. Meanwhile, such a display, with
the acknowledged theme of trying to disrupt the system, while it will find
sympathy with a frustrated layman after four years of abysmal governance,
is still not in the favour of the future of Pakistan. The single most essential
focus should be that democracy is not derailed under any circumstances and
the general elections are held when they are due. (Editorial, TheNation 15th
January)
No more status quo: Dr Mohammad Tahirul Qadris appearance in
Pakistan is likened to a figurative example of setting the cat among the
pigeons, but the question is who has set this angry cat among Pakistans
political pigeons causing a commotion that has never been seen before in our
history. The frightened pigeons can be seen fluttering their wings in the trap
with feathers flying all over. Shaykh-ul-Islam seems to have emerged what
Plato once described his esteemed mentor Socrates as gadfly of the state
who irritated the Athenian men of status quo by invoking issues of justice,
law and goodness. Qadri too has irritated the men and, perhaps, a few
ancestrally empowered, but heavily coated and painted women of status quo
in Pakistan.
Nothing goes off suddenly; even the earthquakes set in motion from
the depth of the earth to the rooftops of villages. This line from a poem
written decades ago by a renowned Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouti best
depicts the long-brewing frustration in Pakistan over the politics of loot and
plunder that Dr Qadri now comes to challenge. He wants the people to
topple the corrupt political hierarchy as the Egyptians did in Cairos Tahrir
Square. No matter what our myopic rulers think of him, he certainly is riding
a popular rage that cannot be contained by sealing Islamabad with
containers.
In the last five years, the state of Pakistan has come to a total
paralysis Our politicians sole concern now is for next elections to go
ahead uninterrupted so that they can get a new mandate for another term of
loot and plunder. If experience is any lesson, elections in Pakistan are never
issue-specific. They are just a renewed licence for the continuation of status
quo based on power and privilege. The people are fed up with this political
merry-go-round, and are now desperately looking for an alternative with
790
integrity and credibility with a blueprint and an able team to remake the state
of Pakistan. There is none yet among the traditional politicians to inspire
hope for change. They are all status quo people.
Indeed, we have a total void of political leadership Ours is the story
of a society that has been going round and round in aimless circles for 65
years with no genuine democracy, rule of law or good governance.
Instead of removing our systemic weaknesses and reinforcing the
unifying elements of nationhood, our professional politicians have always
succumbed to narrowly-based self-serving temptations. They have
invariably proven to be corrupt, interested only in maintaining their political
power and securing their own interests or those of their elite fraternity, not of
the people whom they claim to represent. Our present rulers have been
amply tested and inspire no hope. The miseries of the poor and the
underprivileged are only aggravating.
It is this status quo of political morbidity that Dr Tahirul Qadri now
threatens to bring to an end. Whatever his personal motives or long-term
endgame, by giving a loud wake-up call, he has stormed the bastion of
political power and greed. He has challenged the rotten system in which the
same feudalized or elitist oligarchy consisting of different men at different
times under different political flags has kept the nation hostage with or
without military collusion since independence. It has been a long tragedy of
errors. The script is the same. Only the faces have been changing. Ours is a
bizarre version of democracy.
Unfortunately, when the gravest of problems stare us in the face, we
tend to ignore them only because we cannot do anything about them. As an
expression of our helplessness, we like to carry on with life as usual, at times
even ridiculing those who speak of the need for things to be set right. In our
own ostrich mentality, we like to see anyone speaking of change as being out
of mind if not accusing him or her of being a foreign agent or heretic. This is
a rabid status quo mentality that will perennially keep us out of step with
the fast changing world.
The need for drastic change in our own mindset is urgent to get rid of
the same old usurpers of the countrys politics, outmoded social and political
structures and elitist-led status quo. There is still time for all stakeholders to
come together and prepare a national agenda for a new, strong, stable,
peaceful, tolerant and genuinely democratic Pakistan. (Shamshad Ahmad,
791
A note to Asif Ali Zardari: This note is addressed to Asif Ali Zardari
as a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, not to the incumbent
President or to the leader of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. It is an
invitation for an imagined self-reflection on the vulnerability of human
power, no matter how invincible it seems on the face of it, and how the spirit
of morality and empathy towards fellow human beings remains the only
possible manner to redeem oneself in the context of ones lifecycle and in its
relevance to national affairs.
We, all of us as mortal beings, need a transformational behaviour
modification at some point during our lifetimes. The higher the status of an
individual in a society, the more the need for self-reflection and the greater
the demand for self-introspection and self-improvement. A persons
responsibilities to ones society grows proportionately to ones place in it the higher the status, the greater is the accountability of ones behavioural
actions. Surely, Zardari cannot be an exception to this universal norm.
Now let us move to some broader and vital issues that confront
present-day Pakistan.
In todays Pakistan, the latest and most significant issue is the mantra
of saving democracy. But the important question is: what is democracy as a
concept and a political doctrine? Without fully comprehending the exact
nature of this political notion, it would be impossible to practice democracy,
let alone save it.
Democracy, in its true spirit and essence, is not only about voting for
public offices and choosing public representatives. The fact of the matter is
that voting is only a procedural element. The soul of democracy is in the
process that is of fundamental importance. This process is based on a
social contract between the people (those who elect public representatives)
and those elected representative to deliver a comprehensive package of
public welfare programmes to the nation. This programme is defined with
clarity and minute details within confined and constrained timeframes, and
to be delivered with absolute efficiency and competence by a skilful and
efficient political management. If this process of social contract and its
delivery fails, democracy fails as well. There are no two opinions on this
matter.
I, as a citizen of Pakistan (along with a vocal majority of millions of
Pakistanis), categorically claim that the so-called present-day democratic
dispensation in the country has failed in its public mandate. The social
792
contract between the rulers and the ruled has been violated, in spirit as well
as in principle and democratic norms
I insist that all constitutional provisions laid down for the elections of
peoples representatives must be implemented in letter and spirit, the
Election Commission of Pakistan must be empowered to ensure that
elections are held freely and fairly, public funds must not be allowed to be
used by the ruling political parties to help promote their candidates for
election purposes, elections must be held on time and the interim
government that is put in place must be absolutely impartial and nonpartisan.
I expect that all those politicians who have in the past violated this
countrys laws, in any shape or form, submit themselves voluntarily for
public accountability, return the unlawfully acquired wealth back to the
national coffers and, by their own free will, distance themselves permanently
from future political processes in this country. Such political wisdom would
restore peoples confidence in the future leadership of this country.
I know for sure in the last nine national elections held in Pakistan,
over three-quarters of public representatives came from the same vested
interest groups. This trend has caused the democratic process to turn into
political oligarchies with disastrous consequences for the nation.
I, as a common citizen of Pakistan, demand that this rotten political
system of public representation be dismantled. The future leadership of this
country must pass on to non-vested interests and pro-social contract political
activists now.
I expect that Asif Zardari, as the First Citizen of Pakistan, will demand
the same. But will he? (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 15th January)
A vital point: As Pakistan burns under the increasing stress of
challenges, ranging from terrorist violence to the threat of an onslaught on
Islamabad by a rapidly emerging challenger to the established order,
President Asif Zardari remains absent from the scene.
For more than three weeks, Pakistans top leader has confined himself
to Karachi, reportedly, attending to affairs surrounding his ruling Pakistan
Peoples Party (PPP). His absence has even sparked rumours of Zardari
keeping himself safely away from Pakistans mountainous north, perhaps,
under spiritual advice.
Zardaris absence from the capital is not just a matter of a missing
individual. Indeed, the presidency, which is supposedly the symbol of
793
national unity, not just remains empty, but it has become partisan and simply
unable to tackle one of the worst periods surrounding Pakistan.
For many, the threat of an onslaught led by Dr Tahirul Qadri, the head
of the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT), to storm Islamabad is indeed a timely
negation of Pakistans ruling order. For the moment, it is impossible to judge
the fate of Qadris movement. His demands centre on a robust empowerment
of Pakistans Election Commission to block politicians with tainted
backgrounds from returning to the ruling fold
Dr Qadri has already made a vital point. His condemnation of
Pakistans ruling order and the need for swift reforms to halt aggravating
security conditions as well as a faltering economy is the stuff that should
have been central to the countrys political discourse.
Instead, Zardari and the ruling PPP, as well as the PML-N, have been
much too busy seeking to block Dr Qadri without convincingly responding
to his message.
Going forward, Dr Qadri has already ignited a new way of thinking in
a country where the mainstream politicians, caught busily protecting their
petty interests, are just not capable of overcoming Pakistans worst
challenges. While Zardari stays away from the mountainous north in favour
of the plains of southern Pakistan, his ability to lift the credentials of the
ruling order may well have just eroded. (Farhan Bokhari, TheNation 15 th
January)
Who will step back, Qadri or govt? Although Interior Minister
Rehman Malik says the long march has failed as Dr Qadri could not bring
more than 20,000 people to the federal capital, the gathering is much more
than the earlier expectations and assessments. The government will be under
pressure to take measures to avert any untoward situation.
In case the government doesnt budge, its allies may create a situation
making it impossible for the PPP to stay in power. The Muttahida Qaumi
Movement, in spite of not taking part in the long march, fully supports the
demands of the TMQ chairman. Likewise, the PML-Q also supports the
demands, although it is not throwing its weight behind Dr Qadri and is going
by the wait and see policy. In case the two parties decide to withdraw their
support for whatever reasons, the PPP will lose its majority in the National
Assembly and will be bound to collapse.
In such a situation the role of the defenders of Pakistan becomes very
crucial. They are already facing a difficult situation because of the escalating
794
tension on the eastern border and continuous provocations from the western
border. The people want a change, but the army is caught in a difficult
situation. Lets see who gives in, Dr Qadri or the government? (Ashraf
Mumtaz. TheNation 15th January)
The long march: There is now a complete disconnect between the
rulers and the ruled. Why do long marches take place? Two critical
elements: desires of the masses and arrogance of the rulers
The gap between the priorities of the ruling class and the needs of the
subjects has been growing by the day for the past two thousand days. And
it is this gap that attracts long marchers. To be certain, there is now a
complete disconnect between the rulers and the ruled.
The rulers are almost completely engaged in extracting public assets
to fill private pockets while their subjects are looking for the security of their
lives and limbs.
What we have is a state where monetary rewards of political power
are extremely high. What we have is a state where public policy is for the
rulers. What we have is a state where taxes are also for the rulers to
consume.
What we have is a state where investment into human capital is
extremely low. What we have is a state where investment in infrastructure is
extremely low. What we have, as a consequence, is a weak, fragile state.
I can walk out and gather a crowd of ten. A political leader through his
network of patwaris, MNAs and MPAs can manage to gather a few
thousand. But what happened in Lahore on October 30, 2011 and then on
December 23, 2012 is a completely different phenomenon.
It is true that Dr Qadri has a huge religious following but attracting
several hundred thousand is symbolic of the huge gap between the priorities
of the ruling class and the needs of the subjects (and the longing for
change).
A long march needs two things to be successful: a critical mass and
sustainability. A critical mass, learning from the Arab Spring, is no more
than a hundred thousand and sustainability could be anywhere from a week
to four weeks (depending on the intensity of the violence).
Once a long march attains critical mass, the government gets trapped
into a no-win situation an under reaction by the government is seen as a
sign of weakness by the long marchers and an over reaction by the
795
government could result in bloodshed which would further strengthen the

long marchers.
Again, learning from the Arab Spring, long marches put the guns in a
difficult position. The guns have three choices to choose from: side with the
long marchers, protect the regime in power or stay neutral. Protecting the
regime in power or staying neutral ultimately becomes a factor that revolves
around the sustainability of the long march (once critical mass has been
achieved).
Why do long marches take place? Two critical elements: desires of the
masses and arrogance of the rulers. How do long marches take place? Two
phases: individual frustration that over time transforms into collective
violence. (Farrukh Saleem, The News 15th January)
The trouble is family: Our politicians must want their children born
25 years old so that they can immediately win a seat in parliament. What
else explains their hurry to induct them into politics? Why not their preferred
vocation and if that is politics, why so young? The impression is that the
young have no choice and the objective is to create a political dynasty and
thereafter milk it for fame and fortune.
Take the example of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. I find it hard to believe
that BB would have wanted her children to follow in her footsteps. How
could she when she personally made no secret of the fact that she preferred a
career in diplomacy rather than wade in the fetid swamp that politics had
become in Pakistan. Given the circumstances and her mothers inability to
shoulder the burden alone, and with her brother on the lam, BB clearly felt
she had no option
BB would have been alive today and so too would Rajiv Gandhi had
she stuck to diplomacy and he to flying their preferred vocations. And yet,
here we are today, stuck with Bilawal Would our electorate welcome a
move outlawing political dynasties? Thats unlikely. Notwithstanding the
ravaging, plundering and swindling of the state by the scions of political
dynasties, they continue to re-elect them. The Gilanis, for example, stand a
good chance of being re-elected although their depredations are now the
stuff of legend. By the looks of it, and unless Qadri has his way or has
another vision and is confined to a sanatorium, a whole slew of Sharifs will
also likely be elected to parliament. For the electorate anyone will do,
including the inexperienced scion Bilawal and the equally raw Sharif brood,
notwithstanding their wispy post-pubescent moustaches and dynastic
pretensions and the confusions, hang-ups and urges they harbour.
796
Anyway there is nothing about to happen here that the bourgeoisie or

political dynasts need fear. This country is so rife with petty provincialism,
so fragmented by biradari, dharas and tribes which are further divided into
resilient family units and so great is the distrust of the state that it is simply
not made for collective change. Pakistan is unfit for revolution. And this, in
a sense, is also an insurance policy against extremism lest anyone is scared
the TTP will triumph. That said, we seem to be no closer to finding a leader
and a party who will unite this country and give it a fresh start; and who will
bring salvation, prosperity and sweeping reform and re-invent the
relationship between the citizen and the state. (Zafar Hilaly, The News 15th
January)
Beginning of the end: Thousands of Shia protesters braved sub-zero
temperature for nearly three days as they staged a sit-in in Quetta, refusing
to bury 87 victims of the January 10 twin bombings at Alamdar Road that
targeted members of the ethnic Hazara community. Their demand: the army
should be called into the restive provincial capital of Balochistan where
more than 1,100 of their community members have so far been killed in a
spate of bombings and terror attacks during the last five years.
The unprecedented protest by the grief-stricken and vulnerable
Hazaras has highlighted how this democratic setup has let them down by
failing to provide one of the basic fundamental guarantees provided by the
constitution the security of life and property of a person
The angry crowd depicted the general mood of the vast majority of
Pakistanis. Yes, if they could get hold of elected representatives, they would
dispense quick street justice to them. The tidings could have never been
this ominous for these so-called champions of democracy.
Youngsters carrying sticks and firearms kept Karachis main MA
Jinnah Road and Shahrah-e-Faisal blocked even past midnight. It was rule of
the mob as police and paramilitary rangers took a back seat, as they always
do in such casesIn Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the states writ collapsed long
ago. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other Al-Qaeda-inspired
local and foreign militants have been on a killing spree, targeting political
and religious rivals and security personnel. Top leaders to political workers,
and even children like Malala Yousafzai, all remain permissible targets.
The civil and military leaders have been unsuccessful in coming up
with a proactive strategy to counter the threat of religious extremism and
terrorism. The inclusion of the internal threat to the country in Pakistan
Armys doctrine, while a welcome step, has come too late.
797
As another chapter of the Great Game in Afghanistan is about to close

with the withdrawal of the US troops by 2014, this war-ravaged state
appears all set to brace another round of instability and civil war. Pakistani
territory will continue to serve as an extension of this conflict our much
touted idea of strategic depth now working in the reverse order. Today,
Pakistan has come to offer strategic depth for many players in Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, the civil-military leaders fail to inspire any confidence that
they are ready for the challenge.
Punjab is bubbling with anger not just because of poor law and order,
but also because of growing economic hardships on the back of the energy
crisis. No wonder, Dr Tahirul Qadri has managed to mobilize crowds as he
marches towards Islamabad, vowing to bring a revolution that overthrows
the current ruling elite largely perceived as corrupt and incapable to lead the
country
The mainstream political parties, unfortunately, do not seem to have
the vision, the ability and the capacity to deal with the present crisis. The
days of a normal transition, sadly, seem out of reach.
Under these circumstances, everyone from the man on the street to
armchair strategists, analysts and political commentators is speculating
about the future, which is why very few appear ready to place their bet on
the possibility of free and fair elections. It seems to be the beginning of the
end for the present order. What will emerge from its rubbles still remains
shrouded in mystery. But the suspense could end within days. The reverse
countdown seems to have started. (Amir Zia, The News 15th January)
Dr Qadri speaks: Dr Qadri insisted that he wanted the task of reform
achieved by constitutional means, claiming that if he had descended to
disorder, he could have seized power immediately. However, that the march
has created disorder in the federal capital shows more than anything else,
why it is being used as inimical to democracy, as an excuse to wrap up the
system and take over. Dr Qadris sporadic threats to public officials also
belie his claim of non-violence He seems least concerned with the fact that
the country is headed to an election, the first since 1996 not supervised by a
military regime. Dr Qadri has said he does not want a takeover, but he has
also attacked the Chief Election Commissioner, who was only recently
appointed, and that too with the consent of both major political parties. Dr
Qadri is thus in no position to demand major electoral reforms, nor of saying
that the Election Commission cannot be trusted to be involved in the
process.
798
This is not the only excuse to derail democracy. There is also the
Quetta situation, where Governors Rule has been imposed. Taking it with
Dr Qadris long march, and with the demands he has raised, the mainstream
political parties must get together and evolve a joint stand. The political
parties have often said, and the people agree, that they regard the coming
elections of crucial importance. There are two pressing issues before the
nation, which demand joint action: electoral reform and the Quetta situation.
They cannot be made political footballs, and demand joint action by the
parties if they are not to become excuses for Bonapartism and adventurism.
Dr Qadris Pakistan sojourn: In the Pak-US relations, Pakistans
nuclear capability takes the centre stage, while America despite its
assurances is wary of this capability; thus, neutralization of its nukes is a
high-priority objective for Washington. In the war on terror too, Pakistan
figures prominently. Despite being an ally, its efforts and intentions are
doubted. There are irritants that can pitch these seasonal friends at the
whims of the dominant ally if it finds that Pakistan is creating hurdles in the
smooth transition of arrangements in Afghanistan. One needs to critically
examine the events shaping up in and around Pakistan.
Internally, the terrorists have stepped up their attacks throughout
Pakistan. India has raised the temperature by resorting to LoC violations,
accusations and threats. These events are certainly not happening in isolation
or without objectives. The stage is being set where Pakistan will be
pressurized to comply with USAs regional strategic agenda.
Thus, Dr Qadris mission has to be analyzed in this scenario.
Apparently, he has been sent to kick up a political storm to pressurize the
PPP-led government to accept his demands. A transitional setup that is
allowed to prolong its tenure to indefinite time will not restrict itself to just
cleansing the electoral process; it will have to conduct bilateral and
multilateral affairs, as they cannot wait for indefinite times.
Take the worst case scenario; what happens if Dr Qadris sit-in
prolongs to longer durations. Perhaps, this uncertainty will move events in
unpredictable directions; terror threats will increase and may be executed in
the capital territory; then the terror wave can and will spread throughout the
country and we may have to use the military arm to control the situation. In
this situation, the US may raise the slogan of our nuclear assets falling in the
militants hands and may resort to overt action to take the threat out; such an
option is already on its planning charts. We have forgotten that the USA had
799
deployed a large contingent of Blackwater in Pakistan; so where are they

and what are they doing? By now, they should have collected enough
information about our assets.
In whatever way one thinks, Dr Qadris sudden return does not spell
any reform for Pakistan. He will move back to the luxury of Canada and
supplicate before the Pope (see picture flashed on Facebook). We can
foreclose his efforts by announcing the formation of an interim setup and
resorting to early polls. The media has a greater responsibility to educate and
guide the people, who are blindly following the self-styled Shaykh-ul-Islam,
about his objectives. Instead of airing non-serious verbal matches, the media
should telecast well documented and serious programmes to disclose his
dubious character. (A R Jerral, TheNation 16th January)
Defining times: This year promises to be an important one for
Pakistan. The country has been undergoing rapid changes an exploding
youth bulge, disastrous politics and a virtual break down of law and order.
Yet, Pakistan defies easy analysis. How do you reconcile the most
dangerous country in the world headlines with those of out-performing
stock exchanges? How do you reconcile endemic corruption with the
selflessness of Abdul Sattar Edhi?
It might not be obvious to the casual observer, but a logical
convergence of these seemingly random tendencies is underway. And this
year, for better or worse, things will come to a head. We can no longer
continue to kick the can down the road as a nation.
A good first step is identifying the biggest risks facing the country in
the short-term. The over-arching risk for the Pakistani polity is a further
deterioration in the capabilities of the state. This is not to say that Pakistan is
a failed or even failing state. Anatol Lieven has shown masterfully that the
social, ethnic and economic bonds in Pakistan make it a hard country, i.e.
hard to fail in the way Somalia has failed, for example.
But that should hardly be the standard. Moreover, the speed with
which state institutions have decayed in recent times is unprecedented. This
is the number one problem because the state itself is failing to carry out its
basic functions. The resulting power vacuum is the primary cause of
instability. Dynastic politics and martial laws have both contributed to the
erosion of the states capabilities.
Next in line on the list of risks is the state of Pakistans politics. Some
might object that the economy should take precedence. We will come to that
soon enough, but evidence shows that in general, politics trumps economics
800
as far as public policy decisions are concerned. This is certainly true for
Pakistan, whose political economy framework must count as one of the most
interesting yet frustrating cases to study. More specifically, there is a big
question mark over the effectiveness of the two-party system.
Previous military interventions notwithstanding, the PPP and the
PML-N have largely failed to deliver during repeated stints in power, and
have remained parties only for the Bhuttos and the Sharifs respectively. This
is precisely the reason behind the rise of Imran Khan and his PTI; people can
see no other option.
Whether this third force can translate popularity into electoral
majority remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: another five years
of a self-serving, hobbled coalition will not take Pakistan forward.
Looking outward, there are challenges on the foreign policy front. The
big test this year will be whether a re-calibration can be achieved in our two
key relationships with the United States and India. Regarding the former, it
is high time both Islamabad and Washington admit that their strategic
interests in the region are increasingly divergent. This realization should lead
to a more realistic relationship, minus the ridiculously-contrived public
diplomacy.
With India, things have been more positive in recent times. Yet events
on the Azad Jammu & Kashmir LoC this week show that things can turn bad
pretty quickly. Again, realism should dictate Pakistans engagement with
India; this might mean aiming for a mutually beneficial dtente rather than
an idealistic peace. The unfolding end game in Afghanistan has the potential
to upset Islamabads plans regarding the US and India, as well as our
relationship with other players in the region. Dealing with this must be the
top priority this year, and for the immediate future.
The last major risk to consider is the economy. The reason for its
position at the end of the list is not for lack of impact; it most directly affects
every Pakistani. Rather, it is so because this problem can be most easily
fixed if the governance aspect is sorted out. The basic legal, financial and
physical infrastructures required for a sound economy exist, along with a
favourable geographic location.
Periodic spurts of high growth in the countrys history show this to be
true. What has been lacking, particularly in the past five years, is honesty
and competence within the political leadership. The country cannot endure
an unsustainable fiscal deficit, energy crisis and record levels of government
borrowing for much longer than it already has.
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It doesnt take rocket science to identify these main risks, and it makes
for some depressing reading indeed. However, times of great flux and
uncertainty also provide an opportunity for great change for the better if
such an opportunity is, indeed, seized.
The road to salvation lies only through a free and fair national
election. As pointed out earlier, the two main parties have failed us
miserably. The large number of young first time voters has the potential to
upset the established electoral calculus, and herald in a new era. But it is
only through the ballot box that such political change should come. At such
a critical juncture, Pakistan simply cannot afford any unconstitutional moves
something its history is replete with. The so-called establishment must
realize that times have changed, and any miscalculations made this year will
have dire consequences. (Waqas Aslam Rana, The News 16th January)
Loyal to their loot: The treasure, time, and energy of the state are
again being expended for elections. But to what end? Past precedence
provides ample evidence that elections are a tool to access power and to
perpetuate power under the hijab of democracy. It serves the monopoly of
the family franchise. It is this tiny oligarchy that turns out to be winners. A
minority thus stultifying and holding the majority hostage.
While the dark shadows of Fifth Column terror, rampant inflation, and
despair are lengthening across the breadth of the land, impostor leaders sit
on the board and pretend to govern. When the hierarchy itself is dissipated,
the protectors become predators.
Learn from Afghanistan, whose rotten oligarchy is responsible for its
ruination. Left unsaid and unclear now is the endgame of its post-2014
position.
How does one explain when the leaders of an impoverished nation are
far more rich than the rulers of the wealthy West? They are loyal to their loot
because, without it, they have no independent stature.
It is a matter of common concern that the common persons capacity
to dream big is limited by what is in his pocket. Low self-worth is a
consequence of weak community camaraderie. It is that which makes the
young feel old. One may not be able to erase a demoralizing record, but then
one is never too old to feel young again.
If, against all odds, the Palestinians and Kashmiris can forcibly resist
foreign military occupation, surely it does not take that much to try to resist
802
the occupying power of big money. It is one way to re-energize the nation.
(Mowahid Hussain Shah, TneNation 17th January)
The end of time for rulers! Dr Qadris agenda in 1999 was Hatao
Nawaz Sharif. He was then part of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA),
led by the PPP, ANP, MQM and Imran Khan. They succeeded in installing
General Pervez Musharraf and waited to be rewarded. He supported
Musharraf through the referendum and the 2002 elections, and was
expecting a big reward for the services rendered, but got only a seat in the
National Assembly. Out of frustration, he left the country and acquired the
citizenship of Canada.
For over seven years, Dr Qadri preached and propagated the concept
of liberal and political Islam and gained acceptability by the West, and
returned to Pakistan, armed with a mission: Get the elections postponed and
restrain Nawaz Sharif, coming to power because he was not considered
USAs friend
The response, which Dr Qadri received at Lahore on December 23,
2012, turned his head and he lost his bearing. He fell like humpty dumpty,
breaking into parts:
One: His demands were genuine, but to say that the cleansing must be
done within five weeks of all the ills and ailments of the last five decades
was ridiculous, unless he were to call the angles to perform the tasks. He
also did not spell out the mechanism for this mundane task.
Two: As his march started for Islamabad on January 13, he had a new
brainwave to demand dissolution of the Election Commission that rang
alarm bells in the capital.
Three: On reaching Islamabad on night between January 1415, he
demanded the dissolution of the Assembly, termination of the government
and takeover by peoples parliament by 11:00 am. Otherwise, he will storm
and take over the government. (As I write these lines, he has crossed the
barrier and is addressing the public opposite the Assembly building.)
Four: Because of lack of response and the restricted space, he has not
been able to muster more than 25,000 persons, mostly his Minhajul Quran
School students and teachers, thus shattering the myth of the critical mass
of millions of the Al-Tahrir Square of Egypt.
Five: Some political parties and persons, initially supported him, but
have kept a distance from him now. Only Musharrafs All Pakistan Muslim
803
League (APML) and Sheikh Rashid, seem to be betting on him. He is

isolated.
Six: Dr Qadri has lost the support of the PPP government, who soon
may decide to deport him and put a ban on the movement. The judiciary has
warned him not to interfere with the ongoing process of elections. The army
stands by its promise to uphold the constitution, which embodies the will of
the people. The media, by and large, has rejected his buffoonery.
Seven: Dr Qadris unbridled ambitions and his unconstitutional
demands have caused his self-destruct within a short period of a few days;
whereas, a revolution like the one at Tahrir Square needs a larger time span
of weeks for the materialization of its aim, and remain firm and constant
throughout the period of the struggle.
However, Dr Qadris surge has left a strong message for the political
parties in power and those who are likely to form the next government that
the burden of change now falls on their shoulders.
That must come through a very conscious and deliberate reckoning of
the failings and weaknesses of the democratic order and the means and
methods to bring about the change. (General Mirza Aslam Beg, TheNation
17th January)
Democracy Preserved: Finally on Thursday, the fifth day of the long
march organized by Minhajul Quran chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, the standoff
between the government and Dr Qadri came to an end, much to the relief of
the people of Pakistan who had been worried for fear that some untoward
incident might occur leading countrywide disturbances. The 10-member
committee nominated by President Asif Zardari and headed by Chaudhry
Shujaat Hussain held talks with Dr Qadri and reached a unanimous
agreement. The document that all participants in the negotiations signed and
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf countersigned is called Islamabad Long
March Declaration, which, in brief, stipulates: the National and Provincial
Assemblies would be dissolved any time before March 16, due date for their
dissolution, and general elections held within 90 days; the first month would
be devoted to scrutinizing the papers of the candidates including their
character and other prerequisites (loan and tax defaults) to eligibility as
required under articles 62, 62 and 218 (c) of the constitution; the caretaker
Prime Minister would be unanimously agreed to among the committee
members and Dr Qadri; the question of reconstitution of the Election
Commission of Pakistan would be examined by constitutional legal experts
and the 10-member committee would meet Dr Qadri at Minhajul Quran
804
headquarters at Lahore with their recommendations; and electoral reforms

would be in line with the various provisions of the constitution and in light
of Supreme Court judgment of June 8, 2012.
One must put on record here that MQMs Altaf Hussain, PTIs Imran
Khan and political commentators have been urging the government to defuse
the situation by holding talks with Dr Qadri. While the talks were going on,
another significant development took place: the President summoned the
National Assembly and the Senate to meet on January 21. Earlier in the day,
as Dr Qadri was delivering his daily oration before the crowd that had joined
him for a sit-in at Islamabad, he suddenly told the audience that the day of
deliverance had arrived and the march would end in an hour and a half. If his
demands were not met, he would announce a new course of action to
pressurize the government. Credit must go to the participants of the sit-in
that though more than 200 of them, including women and children, had been
taken ill and hospitalized because of the inclement weather, they continued
to brave it, shielding themselves from rain with whatever they could.
President Zardari must also be complimented for issuing orders that no
violence should be used to disperse the crowd. There is little doubt that the
support Dr Qadri enjoys stems from the bad governance that the people have
been experiencing. Their troubles range from unannounced and long load
shedding of power and gas to backbreaking inflation to economys
breakdown to unemployment just the reverse that they expected from a
democratic government.
But Dr Qadri a Canadian citizen, had no right to insist on being made
part of any election process or its scrutiny beforehand. On the other hand, Dr
Qadri has persistently maintained that he only wanted to cleanse the system
in vogue in the country that would let the people enjoy the fruits of real
democracy. When the long march became a reality the federal government
and its allies consorted with each other more than once and PML-N held a
meeting of opposition parties on Wednesday under the chairmanship of its
leader Mian Nawaz Sharif where all present opposed Minhajul Quran
leaders demands and called for immediate announcement of the election
date and of the caretaker government. It is up to the people to read deeply
into the Islamabad Declaration and see whether Dr Qadri achieved anything,
or merely saved face behind an elaborate sham of perceived victory.
Taking the capital by storm: It is worth noting that Dr Qadri and
PTI chief Imran Khan both learnt about the Western political system during
stays abroad. They would like to see it replicated here. Well, not exactly that
805
system, but their conceptions of it, which show every sign of following the
propaganda made for it, which is that it is fair and representative.
It is actually as money-driven, and attracts the same sort of people, as
in Pakistan. Their only real superiority is that they have learned to hide their
selfishness better, and have made some changes to their lifestyle, such as not
using as much protocol.
This helps explain why both Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan want
changes to the system, not a change of system. However, the method that Dr
Qadri has adopted, and which Imran has announced he may emulate, has
laid them open to charges of not following the very democratic principles
they espouse.
After all, in which Western country, or even any other democracy in
the world, has engaged in electoral reform after a demand by the masses?
Dr Qadri, after all, does not represent even one constituency, and has
been advised to get elected, then engage in reform. However, if he could win
enough seats to legislate, why would he engage in reform? Past history
shows that this would only happen if he was afraid of losing the next
election.
This might be the reason that military regimes in Pakistan have not
only advocated reform, but have carried it out. Though the impetus has been
from politicians, the fact is that military regimes introduced the presidential
system, and brought back the parliamentary.
This electoral reform theme has also been a standard excuse for
military takeovers, and is perhaps why Dr Qadri is accused to acting as a
cats paw. This ignores two factors. First, that the political class is egregious.
Second, that there is a popular response, only limited by Dr Qadris own
credibility. This credibility has been made more suspect by timing.
The long march coincided with two major events. The first was the
imposition of Governors Rule on Balochistan, following the refusal of the
heirs to bury the victims of the Alamdar Road blasts. That refusal was an
expression of the anxiety of the Hazara community at being targeted for
sectarian reasons.
Then was the Supreme Courts order for the arrest of Raja Pervaiz, for
actions when he was Water and Power Minister. The second was hailed by
Dr Qadri as a victory, and showed the type of person thrown up by the
system, and the priority of ministers under it.
806
Once again, it appeared as if Dr Qadri was building hope in the

present system, by holding out the hope of reform. It may be that, in periods
of military rule, too much hope is invested in democracy because its
proponents over-promise, portraying it as the panacea to all ills. However, at
present, with the result that, when it leads to poor governance, popular
loyalty to it becomes doubtful.
Even the joint declaration by the opposition parties in Lahore on
Wednesday, was not just about reiterating support for the Election
Commission, but a statement of support for democracy. This becomes
significant if one assumes that there is a third alternative to democracy and
to military rule, the binary which it is assumed that Dr Qadri is working
around.
That alternative, Islam, would probably win support among the
people, if they were not convinced as they are; that the Islamic system is to
be obtained through democratic elections. Because of this conviction, Islam
is seen as just one of several systems, competing under democracy, than a
rival to democracy itself. Indeed, it should be noted that Dr Qadri is an
Islamic scholar, who would like to use the democratic system.
Is it worth exploring how the long march will affect the coming
elections? It should also be seen how far the money spent on the whole
exercise since Dr Qadris return originated at home.
Also, Dr Qadri should not rely on the MQM chiefs rather fanciful
explanation for his British nationality to justify his own Canadian
citizenship. His freedom to take up Canadian citizenship notwithstanding,
his intervention in Pakistani politics at this juncture, when India has begun
breathing down Pakistans neck over the LoC, only serves to distract the
entire nation from a very real threat that is emerging?
It is, perhaps. a genuine coincidence that a citizen of a country
bordering the USA (and perhaps its closest ally) should come back to
Pakistan just ahead of a general election. (M A Niazi, TheNation 18 th
January)
An Isloo perspective on the sit-in: It is obviously not easy for those
who control and play with the destiny of this country to reconcile to a
forceful usurper who, horror of horrors, speaks about the basic issues of the
common man. It has finally come home to roost that the vacuum and space
created between the haves and the have-nots will be available to anyone to
take advantage of, if those who want to lead us do not get their act together.
807
The unimaginably huge exercise has definitely succeeded in

heightening awareness and expectations of both the voters and the
contestants. Thank goodness the threat of the hidden hand in the shape of a
military intervention was proven wrong as were all other hidden agendas.
So what is one to make of this? I went to meet and mingle with the
participants of the dharna several times in these five days. They were
extremely well organized; always polite and so many had brought small
children, completely unafraid of the consequences.
The biggest surprise was that they did not consist of uneducated cult
followers. They understood the importance of their mission and were able to
convey to anyone, who got into conversation with them of what had
motivated them to be there.
It could well be described as the face of the disenfranchised a
representation of those who yearn for betterment and opportunities and a
rightful place under the sun, but realize that things are stacked against them
because they did not have enough connections with the powerful.
The drivers of this march and sit-in were no hidden agendas, but the
glaring lapses in governance in the last five years and the terrible looming
possibility of another five years of the same.
There were many incidents of solidarity made by the ordinary
residents of Islamabad. Everybody wanted to play host and provide some
sort of succour to the so many guests from out of city. Many people brought
food and water.
The best feature of this sit-in was that there was not a single incident
of female harassment or discrimination and all participants as well as
visitors felt equally safe.
If for nothing else, Dr Tahirul Qadri deserves marks for frightening
and exposing the entire political spectrum of the land into huddling together
on a war footing and saying they are united for democracy. They have never
united this quickly for providing any relief to the common man.
The other religious leaders are particularly enraged with the Allama
for stealing their thunder and being able to pull off the show with aplomb. It
has also made them angry because Doctor Qadri spoke of interfaith harmony
and about all citizens having equal rights despite being of minority faith,
about Islam being peaceful and progressive.
808
Naturally, no politician could approve of anything that takes away his

powers or harms his hold on it or his personal interests. It has become
evidently clear that the forces of status quo unite and close ranks when they
face a threat from any quarter, but never for the common good of the people.
It was a very despondent city on Wednesday night when uniform
announcements from all quarters completely isolated Dr Qadri and there was
credible information floating around of an impending action against him. So
many of us spent that night tossing and turning, thinking of the thousands of
women and children at risk particularly because we had also interacted with
them and had seen their level of commitment
A lot of dissenting opinions could be heard in the uproar and the din
that followed the agreement between Dr Qadri and the government inclusive
of all its allies. Every opinion was given its due airing by the vigilant media.
Whatever one may like to call it, the long march and sit-in episode has had a
very positive impact on our still and stagnating political waters.
I think it has turned Pakistan around in so many ways. There has been
an ample display of maturity among all those in government, in the media,
among the protestors, among all shades of Pakistani opinion. There are no
quick-fixes to our problems, but the thousands who protested peacefully for
five days have proven that we can, if we display enough courage, try and
arrest the rot.
It is a win for Pakistan and also a win for democracy. A new journey
has begun and the year ahead is looking somewhat more hopeful. As the
poet said: Kahan sai aya, kidhar gaya wo; ajeeb manoos sa ajnabi tha,
mujey tau hairaan ker gaya wo! (Tallat Azim, TheNation 19th January)
Extraordinary happenings: It is, indeed, amazing how Dr Qadri
managed to achieve what he did, so soon. It is also somewhat puzzling as to
how the government in Islamabad suddenly changed its stand and agreed not
only to discuss Dr Qadris demands, but also accept most of his points.
Suddenly, the villain stood transformed into a hero. One possible reason is
that they were apprehensive of untoward happenings, considering the large
number of women and children braving the inclement weather they could
not rule out the possibility of a dreadful incident somewhat like the Lal
Masjid episode.
The opposition PML-N, JUI and others are sceptical of the
authenticity of the agreement reached. One of the leaders has dubbed it as
muk muka. Whatever may be said to belittle the consensus reached, the fact
remains that:
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A significant headway has been made to ensure that elections would be

held on time and the letter of the constitution would be observed to
screen out corrupt and dishonest candidates. How will this be actually
achieved will depend on the character and calibre of the Election
Commission, and also how neutral and competent the caretaker
government would be;
The long march and Dr Qadris spirited and eloquent speeches have
sensitized not only the political parties and the civil society, but also the
public at large to the desirability of a change for a cleaner and peopleoriented government;
The discipline, peacefulness and the passion displayed by Dr Qadris
followers old and young men, women and small children certainly
enhanced the image of the people of Pakistan internationally.
I opened this column by saying that the last few days in Pakistan were
quite extraordinary. One may in this behalf mention also the brutal Hazara
killings in Quetta and how their near and dear ones kept sitting with the
bodies of the deceased for four days in severe cold, refusing to bury them
unless the government was dismissed and an assurance of security was
provided. And in sympathy with them, hundreds of people in Lahore,
Karachi and other places too staged sit-ins for days till the government was
kicked out and the Governors Rule imposed.
Not to be ignored during these days was the Supreme Court order
relating to the arrest of the Prime Minister. Though the case has been
deferred for a few days on procedural grounds, in any modestly civilized
country, the Prime Minister would have resigned particularly when the
charges pertain to corrupt practices.
Last but not the least, there was suddenly a heating up of the Line of
Control and exchange of fire between the Indian and Pakistani troops. The
first casualty was of a Pakistani soldier and in all three Pakistani personnel
were killed. Two Indian soldiers (one of which, according to Indian military,
was beheaded) also died, but Pakistan insisted it had not launched any attack
on LoC nor intruded into the Indian occupied part, only fired back when
attacked. The Indian reaction was unnecessarily belligerent. Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh went to the length of saying that there could be no longer
business as usual with Pakistan. The Indian Army Chief also used
aggressive language. Pakistani theatre plays were banned and the Pakistani
womens cricket team was no longer welcome. The visa facility for senior
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citizens at the Wagha Border was also deferred. Our Foreign Minister Hina
Rabbani Khar responded proportionately and accused India of
warmongering. She proposed a meeting of the Foreign Ministers to defuse
the tension. The excessive reaction on the part of India was also criticized by
a section of the Indian media. Said the Indian Express in its Thursdays
editorial: An increasingly jingoistic clamour has been worked up in TV
studios and outside; government has passed up every opportunity to
underlying the imperative of keeping the bilateral dialogue separate. Good
sense has prevailed and India realizing its larger interest is willing to talk to
Pakistan to settle the differences arising out of the recent incidents.
(Inayatullah, TheNation 19th January)
Mavericks and theatrics: Is our appetite for theatrics insatiable? We
have had intelligent folks from our first post-independence generation tell
us that in not supporting Dr Qadri we might have lost our last opportunity
for revolutionary change and that the present brand of democracy isnt really
worth saving.
What is it that is worth saving in our state and society then? And what
kind of change will fix the ugly institutional structures and policies and
social values and ethos that make life miserable in Pakistan? Hearing selfstyled prophets of moral virtue in this land of the pure over the last few days
it is hard not to believe that incinerating non-tax paying fake degree-holding
politicos will bring instant salvation to all.
Let us start with admissions again. Pakistan has multifarious
problems. The solutions are thorny, which require clarity of vision and
unflinching commitment to implement. There isnt any. The approach of our
reigning elites (political, military, judicial, religious and professional) to
mammoth problems is of the knee-jerk firefighting variety. The PPP-led
regime is probably the most corrupt and incompetent government we have
had. It is also hardly contestable that a non-performing democracy is the
biggest threat to democracy, which fuels undemocratic forces and enables
men on horseback to hone and pursue personal ambition.
But in spewing venom against the political class let us acknowledge
that the degeneration has been across all institutions of state and society. It
may just be that time exaggerates the size of men and women of the past.
But any comparison of those at the helm of institutions today with those
from the 1960s or 1970s makes our contemporary leaders look very small.
Compare the bureaucrats of today with those of the past, or the judges or
generals. It is these public officials who provide the steel frame of the state.
811
They are the ones meant to help elected governments formulate policies and
further to implement these policies and enforce the law
In yearning for change, throwing all our weight behind lesser evils
will not cut it. Exhibiting unconditional loyalty for saviour institutions and
indulging in hero-worship is part of our problem. Grown men and women
need to regain their ability to speak their minds and denounce selective
accountability. The means of change will have to be concrete policies and
detailed practical plans to address actual problems religion-inspired
violence, insurgencies in Balochistan and Fata, economic meltdown, energy
crisis, educational apartheid, lack of state capacity to deliver citizen services,
broken criminal justice system and not saviour rhetoric laced in moral selfrighteousness. (Babar Sattar, The News 19th January)
Islamabad under siege: There are some analysts, who think that all
that was needed on the fourth day of the sit-in was a face-saving exit for the
leader of the protest. If this notion is correct, then it brings out an abject
lesson for those who practice or intend practicing politics in Pakistan.
Politicking has now become a refined science ruled by pragmatism. It is
within this ambit that heat needs to be raised in a controlled manner keeping
a door open for a face-saving exit, when things do not go according to plans.
Perhaps, Qadri Sahib disregarded this critical element in his frequent rushes
of adrenalin.
Another good that emerged from the four day story was the
satisfaction that the Pakistan Army stayed away from the crisis, proving
many conspiracy theorists wrong. The armys stance will go a long way in
consolidating its already respectable image of doing only what the
constitution envisages it to do.
While I have leveled criticism on Dr Tahirul Qadri and the manner in
which he appears to have exploited his diehard followers into what could
have become a catastrophe, we must acknowledge that the first two days of
the sit-in saw people other than Dr Sahibs followers join the protest. During
one of my visits, I met many families (with no religious affiliations) from
Islamabad and surrounding areas, who had come to express solidarity not
with the leader of the Tehrik, but with the demands raised by him.
While one is happy to note that the government did well to adopt the
peaceful track in dealing with the long march, the protest itself was and
should act as an eye opener for those who have misgoverned the country for
the past five years. It is galling to hear ministers and ruling party members
of Parliament appear on television and in a shameless brazenfaced manner
812
deny the ills spawned within their term of office. By doing so, these
representatives are doing nothing short of calling the people liars.
The long march and the sit-in, also brought out the stark fact that there
was an overwhelming desire for change amongst the people. It may,
therefore, be well for the coalition partners and the opposition to realize that
times are changing and their practiced rhetoric in election speeches may not
work this term. (S Tariq, TheNation 20th January)
The name of the game: In 1999, the Grand Democratic Alliance
(GDA), led by the PPP produced General Musharraf, who ruled the country
for over 10 years. But having said that, Dr Qadris phenomenon is quite
different and demands a careful analysis:
Dr Qadri sought political asylum in Canada in 2005, but he is now
politicking in Pakistan.
Dr Qadri drew a large crowed of over a million in Lahore, drawn
mainly from Punjab, but he could not muster more than 35-40
thousand in Islamabad. There was no visible participation from other
provinces either, yet he claimed to speak for the Pakistani nation. The
government responded to his threat of revolution, at a time when he
was totally isolated and his devotees were quietly slipping away. Why
did the government boost-him-up, when his options were limited and
he was almost in a blind alley.
Dr Qadri put up seven demands, five were rejected and only two were
conceded with amendments. In the process the Prime Minister was
made to sign the agreement relegating himself to the position of Dr
Qadri, the head of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), who was also
awarded the right to suggest the names of the care-taker Prime
Minister and also to change the composition of the Election
Commission.
The government also awarded sanctity to Qadris movement by
calling it Long March Declaration. Thus for all political purposes, Dr
Qadri was made part of the government.
Dr Qadri has been helped to create a new political power base of the
left in Punjab, in support of the PPP, encouraging the religious right,
to make similar demands for marches and jalsas in sensitive zones of
Islamabad.
813
The Shia community in Pakistan remains part of the majority, yet with
the emergence of Qadris phenomenon, the Shia representation in his
movement, coincided with the killing of Hazaras in Quetta by foreign
agents, which caused countrywide agitation. Thus, there was a visible
design to create a Shia power-base in the country, which our enemies
have failed to create, despite years of Shia-Sunni riots, killings and
direct foreign intervention, such as in Parachinar.
Who is the brain behind Dr Qadris movement? How it will impact the
coming elections? Who is it to foretell peace and political stability in
Pakistan? Thus, the enigma of Dr Qadris movement for change would
linger on, leaving one wondering if change means tons of revolutionary
garbage to be left behind on the clean and shining Jinnah Avenue of
Islamabad? (General Aslam Beg, TheNation 21st January 2)
United we stand - divided we fall: Qadri. He, along with his merry
band of followers, not only managed to hold Islamabad hostage for four long
days, but also, and this is extraordinary to the ninth degree, actually made a
high-level government delegation crawl into his container for negotiations,
which, if the content had been as purported, could have and would have, if
enforced, probably have seen them all in jail or, at the very least, out of
office.
The show, for this is exactly what it was, held the entire nation
spellbound with, as one day merged into the next, an increasing number of
people actively prepared to rally to Dr Qadris electrifying call for peaceful
change. Thus, swelling the ranks of his existing long marchers to a much
needed degree estimates of these high spirited, dancing, music making,
wonderfully peaceful followers, ranging from a mere 20,000 up to, by the
fourth day and in the rain, 400,000 that is really stretching imagination to the
limit but, when it came to the crunch, Dr Qadri fell apart at the seams,
completely losing any hope of serious victory the very moment, after almost
five hours of negotiations, he emerged from his plush container beaming as
broadly as were his government companions.
It was obvious to all and sundry that a deal had been done and that the
momentous event, one which could have galvanized the otherwise divided
nation towards holding hands and moving forward for betterment, change
and peace, had been so completely and wastefully thrown away to the
consternation of many and to obvious government and political glee.
This Pakistani-Canadian of, if currently head-hunting media have
managed to get their facts right, dubious background and still unknown
814
intentions, arrived out of nowhere, promising an end to corruption, political

exploitation and violence and, interspersed amongst unwarranted religious
rantings, managed, all so fleetingly, to shine a ray of peaceful hope on a
much divided nation which was, desperate as times are and despite the fastapproaching election, largely prepared to listen.
The upshot of all this is that the people will never again be conned
into believing that across the board unity, leading to peace, can actually be.
They will no doubt about it and despite the seeds of change being so briefly
sown, return to traditional divisions and mayhem. (Zahrah Nasir, TheNation
21st January 2)
Rule of law
Stability in tailspin: The arrest orders timing has raised certain
crucial questions about the likelihood of the democratic setup surviving as it
approaches the end of its term. Technically, though, Mr Ashraf can remain
Prime Minister even while in jail, up until he is actually found guilty.
Pressure may rise on him to tender his resignation on moral grounds. But the
critical situation existing today does not leave many options with the ruling
setup to avail. For example, it could replace Mr Ashraf with another sitting
MP, but Qadris call for dissolution of the political setup, lock, stock and
barrel, would continue to remain a nagging issue needing a quick solution,
especially now that the timing of the Supreme Court order has rewarded Mr
Qadri with the partial credit of having his demands fulfilled.
Now emboldened, even dissolution of the Parliament, in case that
option is exercised, would not meet part all of his demands; it is doubtful
whether even that extreme measure would prompt him to relieve the
pressure; it seems more likely that he would feel encouraged to insist on the
acceptance of the totality of his demands. The fear of the army taking things
in hand if the situation did not defuse was also palpable, and the aim of
completing a normal transition seemed dangerously out of reach for some
time. The army, however, has remained in its constitutional role during the
past five years. Keeping in mind the external as well as the militancy threat
it is up against, there is a slim chance it would commit that folly. Besides,
the army would not take the risk in the face of the strong commitment to
democracy of the judiciary, the media and, indeed, the public at large. In any
case, it would be disastrous for the country to bear another stint of military
dictatorship.
815
Under the present circumstances, the only way out of the logjam
seems to be for all the political parties to put their heads together and present
a solution that eases the situation. (Editorial, TheNation 16th January)
Murder or suicide: Initially when the news surfaced, headlines
blinked suicide until Kamran Faisals family made an appearance on a
local channel insisting that he had been killed. In their words, he seemed
under pressure prior to his death but he had coped with the mounting
vexation of his assignment. They further added that he had received threats
to his life from anonymous sources and that he had recently requested a
transfer from the high-profile investigation regarding Pervez Ashrafs
controversial Rental Power Projects. Adding a darker twist to the entire
fiasco, Kamran Faisals uncle claimed to have found visible torture marks on
the deceaseds arms, back and wrist after the autopsy was performed. Even
more unsettling is the opinion of the three-member medical board that
expressed its concern over his death and stated, This is not like what is
being said. NAB insiders, on request that their names remain withheld,
spoke of how the officer had been mentally tortured at the NAB
headquarters to alter the report regarding the RPPs but he refused to comply.
Tearful but determined to be heard, Kamran Faisals cousin Mohammad
Afzal said: Kamran would do anything but not commit suicide. Thats
something we know for sure. He was killed. And there is no doubt about it.
The tragedy leaves behind a shattered family, unanswered questions and
resentment.
Essential in this ominous development are three questions. Firstly,
what kind of assurance is provided to those who work in the realm of
investigating those exponentially more powerful than they are? Secondly,
how deeply does Kamran Faisals mysterious end affect those who work in
similar domains? Most importantly, will his death go in vain? In a country
where dusty heaps and piles of transparent probing cases are filed and
concrete results rarely accumulate, what becomes of those who are silenced
and hunted for attempting to make this place a littler cleaner, a little fairer?
The details undoubtedly grisly and dismaying are important to
mention so that they may reach and somehow shake the torpid conscience of
our civil society and government. Officers working in capacities where
exposing the corrupt profiteering of the ruling elite carry a burden that many
of us will never be able to fathom. They leave behind a plethora of muffled
queries and grievances. If anything, it is our duty to keep their voice and
cause alive. (Editorial, TheNation 20th January)
816
Baloch militancy
Governors rule: There are two issues that need dealing with. The
first is the need for the new dispensation to solve the problems being faced
by the Hazara community. It has been said that the perpetrators are known,
but were being protected because of political expediency. Unless Governor
Magsi brings these criminals, irrespective of political protection they enjoy,
to book the danger will continue of their being repeated, and so will the Shia
communitys agony. He must keep sight of why the governance of the
province is once more in his hands. He should also tackle the other issues
that afflict the provinces law and order, so as to leave his successor a
peaceful situation.
This would raise the other issue, of what justification remains for not
dissolving the Assembly and opting for the fresh elections that offer the only
real prospect of yielding a government which could bring some kind of
peace to the province. There seems no justification for any notional benefit,
such as the satisfaction of completing the Assemblys maximum possible
tenure, in the face of the Alamdar Road tragedy, which was just another
episode in the agony of the Shias. However, such is the problem facing the
province, and so close is the end of the Assemblies tenure, that some sterile
wish to complete that tenure, must not be allowed to stand in the way of
what is right and proper. Balochistan being in the national mainstream, its
problems are the whole nations and the solution is national. (Editorial,
REVIEW
Dr Tahirul Qadri landed in Pakistan with the slogan of riyasat bachao
ya siyasat (save the state not politicks). After launching his campaign at
Minar-e-Pakistan on 23rd December, he started his Long March from Model
Town Lahore when nobody paid any heed to any of the deadlines given by
him.
After reaching Islamabad 38 hours later, Tahir staged a three-day sit-in
in his endeavour to turn the D-Chwok into Tahrir Square. During this period
he demonstrated his skills of charging the crowd at will and yet ensuring that
the people led by him refrained from doing anything untoward. This was
made possible primarily because he uttered nothing contrary to their wishes.
The inclement weather rain and hailstorm apparently ended his
protest short abruptly. He threatened to storm the parliament building and
817
the regime agreed to send a team of negotiators within two hours. The team
comprising members from the coalition partners sat down in Tahirs bunker
and produced Islamabad Declaration within few hours.
The Declaration brought no change in the context of siyasat or
riyasat; it also promised little change both for the ruled and the rulers. This
has been inferred not because of the contents of the declaration, but the
respect Zardari gives to declarations or promises that he makes.
Dr Qadri over-looked the reality that the politicians of ruling coalition
could go to any extent to save the siyasat. The have precedence to be
followed set by the founder father of the PPP and father-in-law of President
Zardari wherein he sacrificed the riyasat to save siyasat.
He allowed disintegration of the State only to be in power corridors in
whatever remains of Pakistan. If the present rulers are pushed hard, they
may decide to tread that course and disintegrate Pakistan further. It wont be
a bad bargain to have at least four Presidents and four Prime Ministers in
future.
It was for this reason that the status quo forces accused Qadri of
making unconstitutional demands. They vowed to defend aein
(Constitution) at all costs. The social contract that has been badly mauled by
the amendments carried out by status quo forces during the Zardari rule.
This document has been turned into a mere code of conduct between
political mafias. It has nothing to do with saving the riyasat and everything
about saving siyasat. This mindset was further reflected when all political
leaders took softer stance over Supreme Court order for arrest of Prime
Minister in RPPs Scam.
The immediate effect created by the Long March was that when Qadri
cried Chor Chor, all the political forces comprising looters and plunderers
closed their ranks. These thieves, who have monopolized the most rewarding
business enterprise of politics, joined hands and rejected all his demands
terming them unconstitutional and part of hidden agenda to derail the hardearned system.
Most political observers did not expect that these forces would unite
so soon because over the years they had seen them fighting with each other
day in and day out. This misperception was due to the lack of knowledge
about beastly nature of Pakistani politics. They misread the growling and
scuffling of beasts while scavenging the kill; not realizing that it is the way
beasts relish the feast.
818
These political forces united to save their kill, because killing by using
the democratic skills and eating it together under the banner of
reconciliation, is the only art they know. This kind of politics is their bread
and butter. They cannot afford someone pushing them out of this business
for any heavenly reason; so the mokk moka forces united to snub Qadri.
No doubt, Nawaz Sharif harbours personal grudge against Dr Tahirul
Qadri for he had joined a movement against his government in late nineties
which culminated in military coup by General Musharraf. Nawaz is a person
who does not forgive the enemies, but in this case the threats posed by
Qadri were more than personal.
Qadris Long March exposed the two political parties, which have
been often vowing to end the status quo and empowering middle class and
the poor. Altaf Hussain was seen circling through the revolving door to
Qadri House thereby exposing his shifty character. He is always on the look
out for taking advantage of developing situations, in other words, he has
mastered the art of sailing in two boats simultaneously.
The most often asked question during the Long March was: why
Imran Khan did not join the Long March? The reason was that PTI too has
matured politically and its interests have become somewhat similar to the
two major parties; PPP and PML-N.
Today, PTI has electables in its ranks; and, Qadris Long March is
primarily against these electables; who claim seats on the basis of their
family background or have illegal money to buy the electorate. It was for
this reason that Imran Khan appeared confused during the Long March;
confused approach is not good for any leader.
Media, barring few exceptions, acted as frontline force in defending
the status quo forces under the noble sounding pretext of saving the
democracy. At the site of the Qadri-led sit-in journalists interviewed the
participants of the protest. In one interaction, someone tried to equate it with
Quetta sit-in, Hamid Mir of Geo TV rejected this equation saying in Quetta
the situation was different because of dead bodies. A participant gave him a
shut-up call by saying that why should we always look for dead bodies to
do politics.
In another interaction, the senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said that
this long march and sit-in reflected the beauty of democracy. One could not
imagine such freedom of expression during military dictatorship. It was
rather disheartening to note that even the journalists of his caliber could
suffer from tunnel vision.
819
He forgot that only five years ago at the same venue the people had
gathered to protest against the decision of a military dictator who had sacked
the Chief Justice. Abbas should have acknowledged that these people were
protesting because life has been made quite difficult for the masses due to
corruption and incompetence of democratic rulers.
Some analysts focussed more on in between the lines rather than
reading the lines and understanding them. Such expert readers always end up
drawing inferences relating to the funding and backing of protest rallies and
for that it is invariably the establishment that is blamed.
They fail to comprehend that a coup or a conspiracy could be funded
to achieve a specific goal but a movement cannot be sustained with funding
alone. It requires a clear cut goal, motivation and commitment to achieve
that goal, which cannot be purchased. Qadris protest had touch of a
movement.
Media joined status quo forces in accusing Dr Tahirul Qadri of using
women and children as human shield; whereas media had been shielding
these forces. Of course, it was done on cash payment as there is no freelunch in media business.
The analysts are no wiser even after the event; some say Qadri has
saved nothing, some say he has saved bit of siyasat and bit of riyasat; others
say he has only saved his izzat and nothing for the masses. But on the other
hand, masses have earned lot of respect by their conduct par excellence
during the sit-in.
The people of this part of the world have been oppressed for times
immemorial. They have always feared the might of their rulers and shied
away from raising their voice against the injustice. This Long March could
grant them the courage to give vent to their feelings and demand redress of
grievances; therefore, more of such protests could follow but people will be
careful in choosing a leader.
The only incident that was received with loud ovation by the
participants of three-day sit-in was the Supreme Court order for arrest of the
Prime Minister. But during the last day of dharna the Chairman NAB told
the court that nothing wrong has been committed in the RPPs case. The very
next day, one of the investigators, Kamran Faisal, was found dead in his
room. Someone must have cheered his death quietly.
21st January, 2013
820
INQILAB: HOW
LA TO ILLA
The last two volumes give selective account of Allamah Iqbals
observations on the deplorable plight of his contemporary mankind,
especially Muslims and his earnest desire to bring change for betterment of
821
the humanity. Whereas Volume II reflected upon the pain and the agony of
Allamah, Volume III gave the glimpses of his ambitions for the mankind.
The two situations, the prevalent and the desired, were quite
contrasting; or poles apart as they say it. The Man had plunged to the lowest
and from that lowly position Allamah wanted to take him to the heavenly
heights; his rightful place amongst all the creations of the Creator.
That was no easy undertaking, yet as true well-wisher of the
humanity, he devoted his life to salvage the humanity from rock bottom and
lift it sky high. This meant a change of immeasurable magnitude requiring
commensurable devotion and determination for its accomplishment.
The change is a common phenomenon in the scheme of the Nature
and history of mankind. Change can be brought in more than one ways; the
determining factors would be the magnitude of the change desired and the
urgency in terms of time and space.
Upsetting of the status quo is mandatory for bringing the change. The
human beings because of their impatience have often favoured a sudden
change; the revolution. Such revolutions have been invariably bloody; both
in the distant past and in modern times.
The revolutions of modern era, despite bearing colourful names, are
bloodier than the past. These bear branded names given by those who want
to sell them with some evil designs behind the phenomenon of bringing
change through violence and bloodshed.
These are not for the good of people as generally propagated, so not
revolutions in true sense. These are mere means to serve some vested
interests under cover of a change. That is why attractive names are
concocted to deceive the people. The genuine revolutions get their names
only after their completion or when they near completion.
For the last few years there has been lot of clamouring in Pakistan
about the need for ending the status quo, for stirring up social, political and
economic change. There is no doubt that the change has become need of the
hour and the majority agrees on its necessity; however, there is disagreement
over the manner in which t the change may be brought.
Some say the obtainable conditions have not yet become unbearable;
therefore a change could be brought gradually in planned and controlled
manner. Such a change has brighter prospects of producing the desired
results, or delivering what the society wants to achieve.
822
Others say that things have become intolerable warranting an instant

change even through violent means, if so needed. Such a change cannot be
planned or controlled and a violent revolution may not end up producing the
intended results as has been seen happening elsewhere in the world.
In other words, as it has chances of going out of control so it cant be
guaranteed that it would be a change for better. In fact, the end result could
be even worse than the status quo. However, things could go wrong even in
case of slow change as it happened in 2008 when foreign vested interests
hijacked the process of change and resultantly Pakistanis got Zardari as
replacement of Musharraf.
Socio-economic and political conditions of Muslims of Allamahs
times were quite similar to those in present day Pakistan. Iqbal wanted
change, but he did not approve of any of the reformatory concepts and
theories which were evolved and propagated in his times.
He believed in resurrection of Islam as the only cure for all the
ailments of the mankind in general and Muslims in particular. This was
Allamahs Inqilab (revolution) for bringing a meaningful change. It was
because of this that he earned the title of Hakimul Ummat.
Islam had brought the greatest revolution in the history of mankind.
The people who had been through this revolution were decreed as the best
among the entire humanity. The same holds valid for all those who opt for
this today or in the times to come. They are the best; here and hereafter.
A good human being may not be a Muslim, but a good Muslim is
undoubtedly the best of human beings. This is what Allamah firmly
believed. Good Muslims come forth only through periodic resurrection of
Islamic teachings because extended over-indulgence in worldly pursuits
casts shadow over that which is Divine in the nature of mankind.
Over-indulgence in worldly pursuits stagnate the soul of the Man. It
chokes the points which keep the soul fresh and that choking has to be
removed with the help of the tools of Islamic beliefs and practices. This
ensures resurrection of the link between Man his Creator or revival of right
relationship between the body and the soul.
This is Allamahs INQILAB; wholesome and unmatched and for that
reason declared the ultimate revolution by the Creator. This revolution needs
no colourful name as it already has the best of all names Islam. It is not
perpetration of bloodshed for serving someones supreme interests. It is for
the peace and tranquility of all and sundry; an ultimate revolution.
823
Two aspects of Inqilab through revival of Islam need to be mentioned

here in brief. One: the phenomenon of resurrection (change) must begin at
individual level; from person to person; young and grown up, men and
women. Each individual must return to the folds of Islam so that units are
refined for the betterment of whole. Strengthening of parts makes the body
strong.
This process envisages that a change must spark from within and then
spread outward to the society. It is based on the reality that her fard hai
millat kay moqadar ka sitara. Yet, no one is indispensable when it comes to
the interests of the Millat as Jamshaids perish but Iran stays.
Two: The change ought to start with rejection; the rejection of all that
is false and evil. And at the same time affirm the truth. La ilah marks the
start point. It is not only the rejection of fake gods, but all that has been
concocted in their names; all that causes distraction from righteous path.
Having rejected all that is fake the man must embark upon the search
for the Truth. The journey for the search of truth must continue throughout
ones life-span. The quest must lead to the wholesome Reality and
embracing that whole-heartedly.
Therefore, whenever Allamah mentions the word revolution he means
concurrent acts of revolting against the fake and embracing Truth; in
accordance with teachings of Islam. He firmly believed that Islam is the
complete code of life prescribed for the Man by his Creator.
This belief wasnt an outcome of his religious devotion alone. It was
also based on his deep knowledge of philosophy along with study of almost
all the social, economic and political concepts practiced all over the world.
Islam is the Manufacturers manual for the best of Machines made by
Him, so Iqbal urged the use of the Manual for trouble-shooting as well as for
its efficient running for which establishing and maintaining constant link
between the Man and his Creator is essential.
Allamahs endeavour for revival of Islam begins with the call that is
the same that has become symbol of recognition of this great religion. This
call, according to the Divine revelations, has been integral part and the very
foundation of the message of Allah brought by every Messenger.
The resurrection of Islam ought to begin with its basic tenet. This
commandment is well known to all Muslims but they falter in applying that
in day to day dealings. Therefore, the call for resurrection has to stress upon
practicing it in letter and spirit.
824
In his book Zarb-i-Kalim, Allamah Iqbal refers to this call in the very
first poem after two introductory compositions. This is the call that is made
in all Muslim abodes everyday for the assembly for Morning Prayer.
DAWN
Sobh
Yeh sehar jo kabhi farada hai, kabhi hai imroz; naheen maaloom keh hoti
hai kahan sey paida.
Woh sehar jiss sey larzata hai shabastan-e-wajood; hoti hai bandah-eMomin ki azam sey paida.
(Shabastan-e-wajood: Insani jism ka ya kainat ka siyah khanah.)
The morn that shifts so soon tomorrow new, whence it comes is only known
to few:
The dark abode of being is shook by morn, which by Muslim's Call to prayer
is born.
(Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah)
It is only in the Morning Prayer that Muslims are specifically urged to
rise by reminding them that prayer is better than the sleep. In the next
poem Allamah raised that cry, which has become hallmark of his poetic
works. In this poem Iqbal gives out the outline dimensions of the Inqilab he
envisaged.
NO GOD BUT HE (Unity of God)
La ilah illallah
825

Khodi ka serr-e-nehan la-ilah illallah; khodi hai taigh, fasan la-ilah
illallah.
[Serr-e-nehan: Chhopa hoa bhaid. Fasan: Talwar ki dhaar taiz karney wala
alah.]
The secret of the Self is hid, in words No god but He alone. The Self is just
a dull-edged sword, No god but He; the grinding stone.

Yeh dour apney Brahim ki talash mein hai; sanam kadah hai jahan, la-ilah
illallah.
[Brahim: Ibrahim (A.S.) jinhon ney apney waqt kay badshah ka bott kadah
tabah kiya thha. Sanam kadah: Bott khanah.]
An Abraham by the age is sought to break the idols of this Hall: The avowal
of God's Oneness can make all these idols headlong fall.

Kiya hai tou ney mataa-e-gharoor ka souda, farib sood-o-ziyan, la-ilah
illallah.
[Mataa-e-gharoor: Gharoor ki doulat, morad dunya ki doulat. Sood-oziyan: Nafaa aur noqsaan.]
A bargain you have struck for goods of life, a step that smacks conceit; all
save the Call No god but He is merely fraught with fraud and deceit.

Yeh maal-o-doulat-e-dunya, yeh rishtah-o-paiwand, bottan-e-veham-ogoman, la-ilah illallah.
[Rishtah-o-paiwand: Aziz daariyan aur taalaqat kay rishtey.]
The worldly wealth and riches too, ties of blood and friends a dream the
idols wrought by doubts untrue, all save God's Oneness empty seem.
826

Khird hoeyi hai zaman-o-makan ki zonnari, nah hai zaman nah makan, lailah illallah.
[Zaman-o-makan: Waqt aur jagah morad hai dunya. Zonnari: Brahminon
ka woh dhagah pehanana jiss ko jiniv kehtey hein, yaani kafir ho jana.]
The mind has worn the holy thread of Time and Space like pagans all though
Time and Space both illusive. No god but He is true withal.

Yeh naghmah fasal-e-gull-o-lalah ka naheen paband, bahar ho keh khazan,
la-ilah illallah.
These melodious songs are not confined to Time when rose and tulip bloom,
whatever the season of year be No god but He must ring till doom.

Agarchih bott hein jamaat ki astinon mein, mojhey hai hokam-e-azan, lailah illallah.
Many idols are still concealed' in their sleeves by the Faithful fold,
I am ordained by Mighty God to raise the call and be much bold.
THERE IS NO DEITY EXCEPT GOD

This poem bearing the same title as above is taken from Masnavi Pas
Chih Bayad Kardin which Allamah explained the meanings of the two
basic components of the strategy of Inqilab i.e. la and Illa. This has been
translated in English by BA Dar, who wrote a concise introductory note of
the poem.
La ilah ill Allah (there is no god except Allah), along with the second
proposition that Muhammad is the last of Gods prophets, is the basic creed
of Islam which, Iqbal thinks, is essential for the moral regeneration of
individuals and societies. It is this simple formula that releases man from
bondage to race, country or colour and enables him to keep in direct contact
with God, the spiritual basis of our life.
827
He states that if a dogma must be defined as an ultra-rational

proposition which, for the purpose of securing religious solidarity, must be
assented to without any understanding of its metaphysical import, then these
two simple propositions of Islam cannot be described even as dogmas; for
both of them are supported by the experience of mankind and are fairly
amenable to rational argument.
In the Rumuz, Iqbal says that human thought is idolatrous and idolfashioning and is ever in search of new idols. In these days it follows once
again Azars trade, but the new idols it has created, whose beloved name is
colour, fatherland, blood-relationship, is shedding blood.
This formula, there is no deity except God, is a synthesis of two
aspects, - the negative and the affirmative. Logically, these two aspects seem
to be closely interrelated. If, for example, you negate beauty, it implies
affirmation of ugliness. The famous Ten Commandments, embodying the
negative thou shalt not, signify no more than an affirmative order advising
the people to refrain from taking certain steps.
Some Hindu thinkers and Muslim mystics have tended to define God
in negative terms. The Upanishadic neti neti (it is not so) and the mystic
characterization of the Absolute as in the state of ama (darkness), are
indicative of this negative theology, but even in this case, negation of
different characteristics implies affirmation of certain other attributes which
signify a state that is above human comprehension and logical expression.
Iblis (Satan) represented as a symbol of denial, negation, destruction.
In the economy of human life, this is as necessary as-affirmation, positiveness and construction. Civilization signifies constructive efforts of several
generations of people, but it also implies destruction of a vast number of
natural objects and processes. As Rumi says: When you wish to reconstruct
on an old site, You must first dismantle the foundation.
We meet in life contrasts between good and evil, freedom and
determinism, separation and union, love and intellect, peace and war. These
contrasts, and several others of this type, represent the two poles of the same
lite-process. Without negation none of these contrasts could be defined,
hence negation is an absolutely essential function of our thought and will.
Without negation there would be no clearness with regard to values, no
knowledge of heaven and hell, of good and evil;hence Mephistopheles is
indeed the inseparable companion of the one who is to learn what these
distinctions are and is thereby to come into contact with what constitutes
their value.
828
Soderblom, in his Gifford Lectures for 1933, says in then same strain
But No is also needed. Without No there will be no proper Yes. For then all
that denies and destroys, degrades and delays what is right and good would
be allowed to remain un-attacked and un-abolished. That is why No is
necessary in the moral warfare of the individual, in the evolution of religionand in the history of the race. [Life is a Commentary on the Isharat of the
Self; no and but are the stations of the Self Javid Namah.]
That the negation and-denial of Iblis signified something affirmative,
both Rumi and Iqbal accept. Rumi, for instance, says: When I say no my
meaning is but. Iqbal says: Under the veil of no I have murmured yes.
The polarity of affirmation and negation, no and yes, is well illustrated in
Rumi who says: To anyone who is annihilated in My Face, everything is
perishing, is not applicable; because he is in except he has gone beyond
no; whoever is in the state of except is not subject to annihilation.
Similarly, Iqbal has tried to bring out the significance of this polarity
in the following verses (besides what he says in the present book): Break
down the old and start rebuilding; who remains in the whirlpool of no
never reaches except. Iqbal thinks that the present day West is in the state
of no and so is Russia in spite of her socialistic revolution
Although no is as essential to the development of human life as
yes, yet, if movement from negation to affirmation does not take place at
the proper time, the consequences are disastrous. In the constitution of life,
beginning is with no, and is except if No and Except remain disjointed, it is
a message of death Zarb-i Kalim.
La ilah illallah
Noktaheyi migoeym az mardan-e-haal; ummataan ra la jalal, illajamal.

[Mien sahib-e-haal bazorgon ki baat batata hon, ummaton kay leay la
jalal hai aur illa jamal (la sey ghair Allah ki nafi hai aur illa mein Allah
Taalla kay samney jhokk jana).]
I tell thee a significant point known only to the people of ecstasy: For
nations, negation expresses power, affirmation expresses beauty.
(People of ecstasy, mardan-i-hal: Persons who pass through different states
in their spiritual experiences. This phrase stands here for people engaged in
829
dynamic activity in contrast to mardan-i-hal, people who only talk and do

nothing. Jalal: Power. Jamal: Beauty.)

La-o-illa ehtisab-e-kainat; la-o-illa fatah baab-e-kainat.
[La-o-illa sey kainat ka ehtisab hai, la-o-illa sey kainat (ki barkaton) ka
darwazah khholta hai.]
Negation and affirmation together signify control of the universe: They are
the keys to the doors of the universe.

Her duo taqdir-e- jahan-e-Kaaf-Noon; harkat az la zaiyad, az illa sakoon.
[Inn duonon (alfaz) sey iss jahan-e-kon ki taqdir banti hai, la sey harkat
mein azafah hota hai aur illa sey sakoon mein.]
Both are the destiny of this world of Becoming. Movement is born out of
negation, stationary state, out of affirmation.

Ta nah ramz-e-laillah ayad badast; bund-e-ghair Allah ra natwaan
shakast.
[Jabb takk laillah ka noktah haath nah aey ghair Allah kay bund torrey
naheen ja saktey.]
Unless the secret of negation is grasped, the bonds of the other-than-God
cannot be broken.

Dar jahan aghaz-e-kaar az harf-e-la 'st; ein nakhastein manzil mard-eKhudast.
[Dunya mein kaam ka aghaz la sey hai, yeh mard-e-Khuda ki pehli manzil
hai.]
The beginning of every work in the world is with the word of negation: It is
the first stage of the man of God.
830
(In Darb-i-Kalim, Allamah says: In the universe, negation is the beginning;

affirmation the end.)

Millatey kaz soz-e-oo yakk dum tapeid; az gill-e-khod khwaish ra baz
aafrid.
[Woh millat jo eik lamah kay leay la kay soz mein tarrpi oss ney apni matti
sey apney aap ko (az sar-e-nau) paida kar liya.]
A nation which burns itself in its heat for a moment recreates itself out of its
own ashes.

Paish-e-ghair Allah la goftan hayat; tazah az hungamah-e-oo kainat.
[Ghair Allah kay samney la kehna zindagi hai, issi kay hungamey sey kainat
mein taazgi paida hoti hai.]
To say No to the other-than-God is Life: The universe is ever renewed by its
tumult.

Az janoonash her garibaan chaak neist; dar khor ein shoala her
khashaak neist.
[La kay janon sey her (eik ka) gariban chaak naheen, her khashaak iss
shoaley kay laiq naheen.]
Not every person is affected by its madness; not every haystack is fit to
catch its fire.
(Literally, not every collar is torn by its madness. In Oriental poetry, a mad
person, in a fit of madness, often tears his clothes, especially the collar.)

Jazbah-e-oo dar dil-e-yakk zindah mard; mi-konad sadd reh nashin ra reh
naward.
831
[Oss ka jazbah eik zindah mard kay dil mein paida hota hai aur woh
sainkarron reh nashinon ko (manzil ki janab) gaamzun kar deyta hai.]
When this ecstasy affects the heart of a living person, he makes sluggards
sitting on the roadside to move on swiftly.
(Sluggards, rah-nashin: wayside beggars, sitting and doing nothing. Rahnaward: He who is on the way, going somewhere, indicating movement,
progress towards the goal.)

Bandah ra ba khwajah khwahi dar sataiz; tokhm-la dar mosht-e-khakoo baraiz.
[Tou ghulam ko aqa kay khalaf larrana chahta hai tuo oss ki mosht-e-khak
mein la ka beij bo-dey.]
Dost thou wish the servant to fight the master (for his rights)? Then sow the
seed of No in his handful of dust.
(Iqbal coined the word khwajgi to express the idea behind capitalism. It
was first used in Rumuz-i-Bekhudi. Capitalism has cast many a charming
idol: race, nationalism, church, state, civilization, and colour.)

Her kara ein soz bashud dar jigar; houlash az houl-e-qiyamat baishtar.
[Jiss shakhs kay jigar mein iss ka soz hoga oss ki haibat qiyamat ki haibat
sey barrh kar hogi.]
Whoever has this burning ardour in his heart is more awe-inspiring than the
Doomsday.

La moqam zarb-haey pey beh pey; ein ghav-e-raad ast ney awaaz-enaey.
[La zarb-haey pey beh pey ka moqam hai, yeh bijli ki karrak hai, bansari ki
awaaz naheen.]
832
No is a succession of violent blows; it is the rumbling of thunder, not the

piping tune of a flute.

Zarb-e-oo her bood ra saazad nabood; ta baroon aeyi z-gardaab-ewajood.
[Oss ki zarb her moujood ko mita deyti hai ta-keh tou moujood kay
bhanwar sey bahar aajaey (la moujood illallah).]
Its blow changes every being into non-being, so that thou comest out of the
whirlpool of Existence.
(The point Iqbal wishes to emphasise here is that one who follows Tawhid in
spirit feels everything besides himself and God as of no value and hence
insignificant and unreal. One must, however, guard here against a
misconception. Iqbals normal position is that the world of matter is real and
not illusory.)

Ba tou mi-goeym z-ayam-e-Arab; ta badani pokhtah-o-khaam-e-Arab.
[Mien tomhein Arab ki taarikh batata hon ta-keh tou iss kay pokhtah aur
khaam ayyam sey agah ho.]
I relate to thee the history of the Arabs that thou may know its good and bad
aspects.
(Literally, so that you may know what is ripe and unripe in (the history of)
the Arabs.)

Raiz raiz az zarb-e-oo Lat-o-Manat; dar jehaat azad az bund-e-jehaat.
[Oss ki zarb sey (sabb) Lat-o-Manat raizah raizah ho gaey aur woh quom
(jahan-e-) jehaat kay andar rehti hoeyi bhi jehaat ki bandashon sey azad ho
gaeyi.]
Their strokes broke Lat and Manat into pieces; confined within dimensions,
they yet lived free of all bonds.
833
(Lat and Manat: Two idols, among many, which the Arabs worshipped. Here
they stand for objects and persons other than God, to whom people pay
homage.)

Her qabaey kohna chaak az dast-e-oo; Qaisar-o-Kissra halak az dast-eoo.
[Oss kay haathon her porani qaba chaak hoeyi, oss ney Qaisar-o-Kissra (ki
saltanaton) ko khak mein mila diya.]
Every old garment was torn off by them; Chosroes and Caesars met their
doom at their hands.
(Chosroe was the title of Persian monarchs and Caesar, of Roman emperors.
Qaisar and Kisra are used as symbols of imperialism.)

Gah dasht az barq-o-baranash badard; gah behar az zour-e-toofanash
badard.
[Kabhi oss ki barq-o-baran ney sehra ko hila diya aur kabhi oss kay zor-etoofan ney samandar ko jhanjhorr diya.]
At times deserts were overrun by their thunder showers; at other times seas
were churned by their storms.

Alamey dar aatash-e-oo misl-e-khus; ein hamah hangamah-e-La
bawud-o-bus.
[Jomlah alam oss ki aag kay samney khus ki manind thha, yeh sara la he
ka hangamah thha.]
The whole world, no more than a straw, was set afire by them: It was all a
manifestation of No.
834
Andarein deir-e-kohan paihum tapeid; ta jahaney tazaheyi aamad

padeid.
[Woh oss poraney bott khaney mein mosalsal tarrpey yahantak keh eik niya
jahan zahar ho gaya.]
They were constantly astir until out of this old world they brought forth a
new one into existence.
(Jahan-e-Taza: New World. According to Allamah the New World means a
world in accordance with the basic principles of Islam and is most relevant
to the contemporary situation.)

Baang-e-Haq az sobh khaizi-haey oost; her chih hust az tokham raizihaey oost.
[Onn ki sobh khaizi sey baang-e-Haq boland hoeyi, jo kochh bhi hamein
nazar ata hai yeh onn-he kay boey hoey beij haein.]
The invitation to the truth (the call to prayer) is the result of their early
rising; whatever exists is the outcome of their sowing (of seed).
(Rising early in the morning: It stands for intense devotion to God. Sowing
of seed is to prepare the field for cultivation. The first line signifies that the
ideal man is in constant touch with God from Whom be gets inspiration, as a
result of which he tries to establish the rule of Gods laws on this earth.)

Ein-keh shama-e-lalah roshan kardah-und; az kinar-e-jooey-e-oo
awordah-und.
[Yeh jo iss duor mein gul-e-lalah (tazah aloom) ki shamaa roshan ki gaeyi
hai yeh pouda onn he ki jooey aab kay kinarey sey laya gaya hai.]
The lamp of the tulip that has been lit up was brought from the banks of their
river.
(Iqbal refers to the tremendous creative work done by the Arabs in the fields
of science and art. All that is visible in this world, of civilization, of
knowledge, art and skill, is the result of their creative activity. It was they
who sowed the seed and we in the present age are witnessing and enjoying
835
the fruit of their labours. Modern sciences and arts are a continuation of
what the Arabs achieved in their days.)

Loh-e-dil az naqsh-e-ghair Allah shast; az kaff-e-khakash duo sadd
hungamah rast.
[Jabb Arabon ney apney dil sey ghair Allah ka naqsh dhho diya tuo onn ki
kaff-e-khak sey sainkarron hangamey othh khharrey hoey.]
They erased from the tablet of their heart the impress of the other-than-God;
hundreds of new worlds therefore came into being at their hands.

Hum chonaan beini keh dar dour-e-Farang; bandagi ba khwajgi aamad
beh jung.
[Iss tarah tou ney deikhha keh Frangiyuon kay duor mein bhi ghulami ney
aqaeyi sey jung ki hai.]
You will similarly see that in the period of Western dominance capital and
labour have come to blows.
(Daur-i-Farang: Period of European domination, both political and
intellectual. Iqbal seems to imply that the class struggle, strife between
capital and labour, is the result of this age which is secular in nature,
divorced from religious background.)

Roos ra qalb-o-jigar gardeidah khoon; az zamirash harf-e-La aamad
baroon.
[Jabb Roos ka qalb-o-jigar khoon ho gaya tuo oss kay zamir sey La ka
lafaz othh khharra hoa.]
As the heart of Russia was sorely afflicted, the word No came out of the
depths of her being.
(Depth of being: The word used by Iqbal, damir, signifies conscience, heart,
and hence inner recesses of mind. This is a peculiar use of the word in Iqbal.
The Quran says (xli. 53): We will show them Our signs in the outer world
836
and in the inner world (of self). The actual word used is anfus which the
mystics regard as a region where they receive illumination and hence are
able to arrive at the truth, mentioned in the above Quranic verse. This
region of mystic experience may be called qalb (mentioned in the Quran,
xxxii. 7-9) about which Iqbal says: It is, according to the Quran, something
which sees, and its reports, if properly interpreted, are never false
(Reconstruction). In Javid Namah, Allamah says: If you possess the spirit
of a true Muslim, look into your heart and the Quran, a hundred new worlds
lie in its verses, whole centuries are involved in its moments.)

Aan nizam-e-kohnah ra barhum zadd ast; taiz naishey ber rug-e-alam
zadd ast.
[Oss ney apna porana nizam darhum barhum kar diya hai aur jahan ki ruge-hayat per taiz nishtar lagaya hai.]
She has upset the old order and applied a sharp scalpel to the veins of the
world.

Kardah-um andar moqamatash nigah; la slateen, la Kalisa, la ilah.
[Mien ney iss (inqilab) kay moqamat per nazar daali hai, oss ney pehley
salateen pher Kalisa aur aakhar mein Allah Taalla ki naffi ki hai.]
I have closely observed her position which is: no kings, no church, no deity.
(In Javid Namah Allamah says: You have finished all the idols. Pass on
from no march onward to but; pass on from no if you are a true seeker,
you are alive if you take the road to affirmation.)

Fikr-e-oo dar tond baad, la bamanad; markab-e-khod ra sooey illa
naranad.
[Oss ka fikr La ki taiz aandhi he mein raha, oss ney apni swari ka rokh
Ilah ki taraf nah morra.]
837
Her thought has remained tied to the wind-storm of negation, and has not
marched towards the affirmative but.

Ayad-ash rozey keh az zor-e-janoon; khwaish ra zein tund baad aarud
baroon.
[Eik dinn ayey ga jabb woh zor-e-janon sey apney aap ko iss aandhi sey
nikaal dey ga.]
Maybe a day will come when through force of ecstasy she may extricate
herself from this whirlwind.

Dar moqam-e-La niyasayad hayat; sooey ilah mi khramad kainat.
[Kiyuonkeh zindagi La kay moqam mein asoodgi naheen paati, kainat
khod bakhod Ilah ki taraf chall nikalti hai.]
Life does not rest at the station of Negation, the universe moves on towards
but.

La-o-ilah saaz-o-burg imtaan; naffi bey asbaat marg-e-imtaan.
[Quomon ka samaan La aur Ila duonon hein, asbaat kay baghair naffi
mein quomon ki mout hai.]
Negation and affirmation both are necessary for the nations: Negation
without affirmation is their death.

Dar mohabat pokhtah kay gardad Khalil; ta nagardad la sooey illa dalil.
[Khalil Allah ki mohabat mein kaisey pokhtah ho sakta hai, jabb takk La
oss ki rahnomaeyi illallah ki janib nah karey.]
How can Khalil (friend) be ripe in love unless negation guides him towards
affirmation?
838
(Reference is to the life of Prophet Abraham (A.S.). See the Quran, vi 76-80
where Abrahams experience of the kingdom of the heavens and the earth
is described, involving denial of all false gods and attaining certainty by
affirming his complete submission to Him Who originated the heavens and
the earth, and he was not of the polytheists.)

Ay keh andar hojrah-ha saazi sakhon; naarah-e-la paish-e-Nimrodey
bazann.
[(Ay Sufi!) tou jo hojrey kay andar baithh kar baatein banata hai, (bahar
nikal aur) Nimrod kay saamney La ka naarah laga.]
O you, who indulge in debate in your closet, raise the cry of negation before
a Nimrod.
(Here Nimrod stands for any haughty ruler whose authority is not based on
consent and who rules autocratically.)

Ein keh mi-beini nairzud ba duo jau; az jalal-e-la ilah agah shou.
[Yeh jo kochh tou dikhhta hai oss ki qimat duo jau kay brabar bhi naheen,
La-ilah kay jalal sey agah ho.]
What you see around you is not worth two grains of barley, be acquainted
with the might of there is no deity.

Her keh andar dast-e-oo shamshir-e-laast; jomlah moujodaat ra
farmanrwast.
[Jiss kay haath mein La ki shamshir hai woh saari moujodaat ka
farmanrawa hai.]
He who has the sword of negation in his hands is the ruler of all the
universe.
GHAZALEIN
839
Allamah Iqbal has mentioned these basic aspects of Inqilab in all his
books. Some of the Ghazals from Bal-e-Jibril are reproduced, but it must be
said even at the cost of repetition that each ghazal included herein is because
of one or two verses and the issues mentioned in remaining verses could
justify its inclusion under other headings as well.
***** (Part-I, 9) *****

Mita diya merey saqi ney alam-e-mun-o-tou; pila kay mojh ko maey La ilah
illa ho!
My Saki made me drink the wine of There is no god but He: From the
illusive world of sense, this cup divine has set me free.

Nah maey, nah shear, nah saqi, nah shor-e-chung-o-rabab; sakoot-e-koh-olabb-e-jooey-o-lalah-e-khodruo.
Now I find no charm or grace in song and ale, or harp and lute: To me appeal
the tulips wild, the riverside and mountains mute.

Gadaey maey-kadah ki shaan-e-biniazi deikhh; pohunch kay chashmah-ehaiwan peh torrta hai saboo.
Thy mendicant, inebriate, has in great abandon, shattered his sustaining cup
at the spring of life.

Mera saboochah ghanimat hai iss zamaney mein; keh khanqah mein khaali
hein Sufiyuon kay saboo.
My flagon small is blessing great, for the age athirst and dry: In the cells
where mystics swell big empty gourds are lying by.
840

Mien nau niaz hon, mojh sey hijab he oola; keh dil sey barrh kay hai meyri
nigah bi-qaboo.
In love a novice I am yet, much good for you to keep apart, for my glance is
restive more than my wild and untamd heart.

Agarchih behar ki moujon mein hai moqam oss ka; safaey paki-e-teenat
sey hai gohar ka wazoo.
The dark unfathomed caves of sea hold gems of purest ray serene: The gems
retain in midst of brine their essence bright and clean.

Jamil-ter hein gul-o-lalah faiz sey oss kay; nigah-e-shaer-e-rungein nawa
mein hai jadoo.
Through the poets quickening gaze; the rose and tulip lovelier seem: No
doubt, the minstrels piercing glance is nothing less than magic gleam.
***** (Part-II, 1B) *****

1933
-

841
Aala Hazrat Shaheed Amirul Momineen Ghazi Rehmatullah Alih kay lotf-okaram sey November 1933 mein mosannaf ko Hakim Sanai Ghaznavi
Rehmatullah Alih kay mazar-e-moqadas ki ziarat nasib hoeyi. Yeh chund
afkar-e-parishan jinn mein Hakim he kay mashhoor qasidey ki pairvi ki
gaeyi hai, oss roz-e-saeed ki yadgar mein sapord-e-qalam keay gaey: Ma az
pey Sanai-o-Attar Aamdaim.
In November, 1933, Aala Hazrath Shaheed Ameer ul Momineen, Nadir Shah
Ghazi granted the author permission to visit the shrine of Hakeem Sanai
Ghaznavi. These verses were written in commemoration of the event, in
imitation of a famous panegyric by the poet.
These verses were written in commemoration of the event, in imitation of a
famous panegyric by the poet, We are coming after Sinai and Attar.

Bohat deikhhey hein mein ney Mashriq-o-Maghrab kay maey-khaney;
yahan saqi naheen paida, wahan bi-zouq hai sehba (sharab).
I have seen many a wine-shop East and West; but here no Saki, there in the
grape no glow.

Nah Iran mein rehey baqi, nah Tooran mein rehey baqi; woh banday faqr
thha jinn ka halak-e- Qaisar-o-Kissra.
In Iran no more, in Tartary no more, those world-renouncers who could
overthrow Great kings.

Yehi Sheikh-e-Haram hai jo chora kar baich khhata hai; galim-e-Buzar-odalaq-e-Awais-o-chaddar-e-Zehra.
(Galim: Godrri. Dalaq: Kharqah.)
The Prophets heir filches and sells the blankets of the Prophets kin.
842

Hazoor-e-Haq mein Israfil ney meyri shakayat ki; yeh bandah waqt sey
pehley qiyamat kar nah dey barpa.
When to the Lord I was denounced for crying Doomsday; too soon, by that
Archangel who must blow its trumpet.

*
*
Nida aeyi keh ashoob qiyamat sey yeh kum hai: gariftah Cheeniya ahram O
Makki khoftah dar Batha (Yeh misraa Hakim Sanai ka hai).
God made answer: Is Doomsday far? When Makkah sleeps while China
worships? (Second part of the verse is of Hakim Sanai).
''

Labalab shishah-e-tehzeeb-e-hazir hai maey La sey; magar saqi kay
haathon mein naheen paimanah-e-illa.
Though the bowl of faith finds none to pour, the beaker of modern thought
brims with the wine of No.

Daba rakhha hai oss ko zakhmah-var ki taiz dasti ney; bohat neichey soron
mein hai abhi Europe ka wavaila.
(Taiz dasti: Mashaq-o-honarmund hona.)
Subdued by the dexterous fiddlers chords there murmurs: In the lowest
string the wail of Europes woe.
843

Ossi darya sey othhti hai woh mouj-e-tond jolan bhi; nahungon kay
nashiman jiss sey hotey hein teh-o-bala.
(Mouj-e-tond jolan: Zor-o-shor sey ochhalney wali lehar. Nahung: Magarmachh.)
Her waters that have bred the shark now breed the storm-wave that will
smash its den below!
(Translated by Naim Siddiqui)
***** (Part-II, 8) *****
(Kabul mein likhhey gaey)
()
Written in Kabul

Mosilman kay lahoo mein hai saliqah dil nawazi ka; marawwat hosn-ealamgir hai mardan-e-ghazi ka.
Muslims are born with a gift to charm, to persuade; brave men they are
endowed with a noble courtesy.
!

Shikayat hai mojhey ya Rabb! Khudawandan-e-maktab sey; sabaq shaheen
bachon ko dey rehey hein khakbazi ka.
Slaves of custom are all the schools of old; they teach the eaglet to grovel in
the dust.

844
Bohat moddat kay nakhchiron ka andaz-e-nigah badla; keh mein ney faash
kar dala tariqah shahbazi ka.
These victims of the past have seen the dawn of hope, when I revealed to
them the eagles ways.

Qalandar joz duo haraf la ilah kochh bhi naheen rakhhta; faqih-e-shehr
Qaroon hai loght-haey Hijazi ka.
The man of God knows but two words of faith; the scholar has tomes of
knowledge old and new.

Hadis-e-badah-o-mina-o-jaam aati naheen mojh ko; nah kar khara
shagafon sey taqaza shishah saazi ka.
About wine and women I know not how to write; ask not a stone-breaker to
work on glass.

Kahan sey tou ney ay Iqbal seikhhi hai yeh darvaishi; keh charcha
padshahon mein hai teyri biniazi ka.
O Iqbal! From where did you learn to be such a dervish: Even among the
kings there is talk about your contentment!
***** (Part-II, 22) *****

Yeh payam dey gaeyi hai mojhey baad-e-sobh gaahi; keh khodi kay aarifon
ka hai moqam padshahi.
845
The morning breeze has whispered to me a secret, that those who know their
selfhood, are equal to kings.

Teri zindagi issi sey, teri aabroo issi sey; jo rehi khodi tuo shahi, nah rehi
tuo roosiyahi.
Selfhood is the essence of thy life and honour, thou shalt rule with it, but
without it be in disgrace.

Nah diya nishan-e-manzil mojhey ay hakim tou ney; mojhey kaya gilah ho
tojh sey, tou nah reh-nashin nah raahi.
Thou hast not led my way, O man of wisdom! But why, complain? Thou
knowest not the way.

Halqah-e-sakhon mein abhi zir-e-tarbiyat hein merey; woh gada keh jantey
hein reh-o-rasm-e-kajkulahi.
Fakirs who know the wont and way of kings are as yet being trained in my
literary circle.

Yeh moamley hein nazik, jo teri raza ho tou kar; keh mojhey tuo khosh nah
aya yeh tareeq-e-khanqahi.
Thy monastic cult is a strait and narrow path, which I like not, but thy
freedom I respect.

846
Tou homa ka hai shikari, abhi ibtida hai teyri; naheen muslihat sey khali yeh
jahan-e-morgh-o-mahi.
This world of inferior prey is meant to sharpen thy claws, thou art an eaglehunter, but art a novice yet.

Tou Arab ho ya Ajam ho, tera la ilah illa; loghat-e-gharib, jabb takk tera dil
nah dey gawahi.
Whether thou art in the East or West, thy faith is meaningless, unless thy
heart affirms it.
***** (Part-II, 23) *****

Teri nigah frou-mayah, haath hai kotah; tera gonah keh nakhil-e-boland ka
hai gonah.
(Nakhil: Khhajoor ka drakht.)
Thy vision and thy hands are chained, earth-bound, is it thy natures fault, or
of the thought too high?

Gala tuo ghhont diya ehl-e-madrassah ney tera; kahan sey aey sada-e-la
ilah ilallah.
The schoolmen have strangled thy nascent soul, and stifled the voice of
passionate faith in thee.
847

Khodi mein gom hai khodaeyi, talash kar ghafil; yehi hai teyrey leay abb
salah-e-kaar ki rah.
Absorb thyself in selfhood, seek the path of God, this is the only way for
thee to find freedom.

Hadis-e-dil kissi darvaish-e-bi-galim sey poochh; Khoda karey tojhey teyrey
moqam sey agah.
Ask an unclad dervish what the heart doth say, may God show thee thy place
in the world of men.

Brahnah sar hai tou azm-e-boland paida kar; yahan faqat sar-e-shahin
kay waastey hai kollah.
If bare-headed, have a towering will, the crown is not for thee, but for the
eagle alone.

Nah hai sitarey ki gardash, nah bazi-e-aflaak; khodi ki mout hai teyra
zawaal-e-nimat-o-jah.
When thou losest selfhood, thou losest power, too; blame not the stars and
fate for thy fall.

Othha mien madrassah-o-khanqah sey ghumnaak; nah zindagi, nah
mohabat, nah maarfat, nah nigah.
848
Monasteries and schools left me sad and dejected no life and no love; no
vision and no knowledge.
***** (Part-II, 48) *****

Nah takht-o-taj mein, ney lashkar-o-sipah mein hai; jo baat mard-eqalandar ki bargah mein hai.
A monarchs pomp and mighty arms can never give such glee, as can be felt
in presence of a qalandar bold and free.

Sanam-kadah hai jahan aur mard-e-Haq hai Khalil; yeh noktah woh hai
keh poshidah la ilah mein hai.
The world is like an idol house, Gods Friend, a person free: No doubt, this
subtle point is hid in words, No god but He.

Wohi jahan hai tera jiss ko tou karey paida; yeh sung-o-khisht naheen, jo
teri nigah mein hai.
The world that you with effort make to you belongs alone: The world of
brick and stone you see, you cannot call your own.

Meh-o-sitarah sey aagey moqam hai jiss ka; woh mosht-e-khak abhi
awargaan-e-rah mein hai.
The clay-made man is still among the vagrants on the road, though man
beyond the moon and stars can find his true abode.

849
Khabar mili hai khodyan-e-behr-o-bur sey mojhey; Frang reh-gozar-e-seile-bipanah mein hai.
This news I have received from those who rule the sea and land, that Europe
lies on course of flood gainst which no one can stand.

Talash iss ki fazaon mein kar nasib apna; jahan-e-taazah meri aah-e-sobhgah mein hai.
A world there is quite fresh and new in sighs at morn I have: Your portion
seek within its tracts, thus goal and aim achieve.

Merey kadoo ko ghanimat samajh keh baadah nab; nah madrassey mein hai
baqi nah khanqah mein hai.
Count my gourd an immense gain, for pure and sparkling wine no more the
seats of learning store nor sells the Sacred Shrine.
Three more poems have been chosen from Zarb-e-Kalim in which
Allamah Iqbal has dwelled on this point. All the three poems are translated
by Syed Akbar Ali Shah.
NAMAZ
Namaz
Budal kay bhais pher aatey hein her zamaney mein; agarchih pir hein
Adam, jawan hein Laat-o-Manaat.
850
Yeh eik sajdah jissey tuo tou gran samajhta hai; hazar sajdey sey deyta hai
Adami ko nijaat.
In different garbs and various masks the idols re-appear in every age: They
e'er retain their youth and gloss though man has grown old on this stage.
Prostration 'fore God you presume as irksome, tedious, burden great but
mind, this homage sets you free from bonds of men, of might who prate.
NEGATION AND AFFIRMATION
La-o-illa
Fazaey noor mein karta nah shakh-o-burg-o-bur paida; safar khaki

shabistan sey nah kar sakta agar danah.
If seed had not upraised its head from dark and dismal earthly bed, in Space,
lit by the rays of Sun, foliage and fruit would have never won.
'' ' '

' '
Nihad-e-zindagi mein ibtida La, intiha Illa; payam-e-mout hai jabb La
hoa Illa sey biganah.
To Negation life is bent at start, at close avowal must be its part. It is death
news if unaware, and God's existence won't declare.
''

Woh millat rooh jiss ki La sey aagey bharrh naheen sakti; yaqin jaano,
hoa labraiz oss millat ka paimanah.
Though odd and strange the matter sounds, but who can't cross Negations's
bounds must rest assured, his death is near, naught can save him from blight
and sear.
BY GRACE OF GOD RISE
851
Qom baezn-Allah
Jahan agarchih digargon hai, qom baezn-Allah; wohi zamin, wohi

gardon hai, qom baezn-Allah.
Though change so great has swept the world, there is no need to grieve or
smart; the same the earth and same the skies, by Grace of God rise, play
your part.
''

Kiya nawaey Anul-Haq ko aatash jiss ney; teri rugon mein wohi khon hai,
qom baezn-Allah.
The same hot blood runs in your veins that raised the cry The Self is True
by Grace of God rise, play your part and go in quest of ventures new.

Ghumein nah ho keh pragandah hai shaoor tera; Frangiyuon ka yeh afson
hai, qom baezn-Allah.
Don't mourn or weep for scattered brain, it is a spell that Franks have cast;
this charm with case you can remove, act, act, anew and leave the past.
THE TULIP OF SINAI: QUATRAINS

Some of the robiyat chosen from Chapter Lalah-e-Toor of Payam-eMashriq relevant to the context are reproduced below:
*****(1)*****

Shaheed-e-naz-e-Oo bazm-e-wajood ast; niaz andar hust-o-bood ast.
852
Na-mi beini keh az mehar-e-falaktaab; beh seimaey sehar dagh-e-sajood

ast.
[Bazm-e-wajood, Allah Taalla ki shaheed-e-naz hai; hust-o-bood ki nihaad
kay andar niazmandi hai.
Kaya tou sehar ki paishani per, mehar-e-falaktaab ki surat mein sajdah ka
nishan naheen deikhhta.]
All being is a martyr to His whim, all life is graven with the need of Him:
Seest thou not the Sun that flames the Sky has left the scar of Worship on
Dawns rim?
(Translated by A J Arberry)
****(10)*****

Jahan-e-ma keh nabood ast boodash; ziyan-e-touum humi zayad
basoodash.
Kohan ra nau kon-o-tarah-e-digar raiz; dil-e-ma ber nataabud dir-ozoodash.
[Hamara jahan jiss ka hona nah honay kay brabar hai; yahan faidey kay
saath noqsaan bhi barrhta hai.
Yeh porana ho choka hai, iss ki buniyad az sar-e-nau othha kar ossey niya
kar, hamara dil iss kay dir-o-zood ki taab naheen rakhhta (dil chahta hai
keh oss ki khwahash forun poori ho).]
This world of ours, where Loss is born with gain and dissolution is with
Being twain.
Our heart will not endure it, soon or late: Make new the old, and build it up
again!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(16)*****
853

Ba Yazdan roz-e-mehshar Brahmin goft; farogh-e-zindagi taab-e-sharar
bood.
W-laikan gar na-runji ba Tou goeyam; sanam az Adami paindah-ter
bood.
[Qiyamat kay dinn Brahmin ney Allah Taalla ki janab mein arz kiya; insani
zindagi ki chamak shararey ki manind thhi.
Agar aap naraz nah hon tuo kahon, keh meyra (banaya hoa) bott aap kay
insan sey ziyadah paindah nikla.]
On the Day of Resurrection the Brahmin said to God: The light of life was
like a brilliant spark;
But, if you dont mind, I will say this to you: The idol lasted longer than
man.
(Translated by Mustansir Mir)
*****(17)*****

Gozashti taizgaam ay akhtar-e-sobh; magar az khwab-e-ma bizar rafti.
Mun az na-aaghi gom kardah raham; tou bidar aamadi, bidar rafti.
[Sobh kay sitarey! Tou taizi sey gozar jata hai; shaiyad tou hamari khwab
(ghaflut) sey bizar hai.
Mien (haqiqat) nah samajhney kay bais gom-kardah rah hon; tou bidar
aata hai aur bidar he jata hai.]
Swift-paced thou hast departed, star of dawn! Perchance disgusted that we
slumbered on:
854
It was through ignorance I lost the way wakeful thou earnest, wakeful thou
art gone.
(Translated by M. Hadi Husain)
*****(22)*****

Mosilmanan! Mera harfey ast dar dil; keh roshan-ter z-jan-e-Jibril ast.
Nahaanash darum az Azar nihadaan; keh ein sirrey z-asrar-e-Khalil ast.
[Mosilmano! (Sono) meyrey dil mein eik haraf hai; jo rooh-e-Jibril sey
ziyadah roshan hai.
Mien ney ossey onn lougon sey poshidah rakhha hai jinn ki sarisht mein
Azari (yaani bott parasti) hai; kiyuonkeh yeh Ibrahim (A.S.) kay asrar
mein sey eik sirr hai (lafz Allah ki taraf asharah hai).]
Muslims! I have a word within my heart more radiant than the soul of
Gabriel:
I keep it hidden from the Sons of Fire; it is a secret Abraham knew well.
(Translated by A J Arberry)
*****(103)*****

Trash az taishah-e-khod jadah-e-khwaish; barah-e-digraan raftan azaab
ast.
Gar az dast-e-tou kaar-e-nadir ayad; gonahey hum agar bashad sawab
ast.
855
[Apna rastah apney taishah sey khod bana; doosron kay banaey hoay
rastey per chalna azaab hai.
Agar teyrey haath sey koeyi nadir kaam ho jaaey, agar woh gonah hai tuo
bhi tojhey oss ka sawab mil jaaey ga.]
Carve out your path with your own pick-axe; it is a torment to take the path
of others.
If what you can do is unique, it will deserve a reward even if it is a sin.
*****(131)*****

Beh shabnam ghonchah-e-nau rastah mi-goft; nigah-e-ma chaman
zadaan rasa neist.
Dar aan pehna keh sadd khurshid darad; tamiz-e-pust-o-bala hust ya
neist.
[Naeyi paida honay wali kali ney shabnam sey kaha; hum chaman mein
paida honay walon ki nigah haqiqat takk naheen (tou jo aasman sey
tupkati hai tou hameen bata).
Keh oss wosaat mein jahan sainkarron soraj hein; pust-o-bala ka farq hai
ya naheen hai.]
Thus spake the new-sprung blossom to the dew: We meadow children have
no piercing eye:
In this broad plain that holds a hundred suns; what difference exists twixt
low and high?
GHAZALEIN
Some poetical works from the second part of the Zabur-e-Ajam are
reproduced.
856
*****(26)*****

Sakhon-e-tazah zadum kas basakhon-e-wa na-raseed; jalwah khoon
gusht-o-nigahey batamash na-raseed.
[Mien naeyi baat kehta hon magar koeyi meyri naheen samajhta; jalwah
khon ho choka hai laikan ossey deikhhney kay leay eik nigah bhi naheen
pohnchi.]
I uttered a new word, but there was none that heard; vision to rapture grew,
but glance was none to view.

Sung mi baash-o-darein kaargeh-e-shishah gozar; waaey sungey keh
sanam gasht-o-beh mina na-raseed.
[Iss kaargeh-e-shisha (kainat) mein sung bun kar zindagi gozar; afsos aisey
pathar per jo bott bun gaya magar mina ko nah torr saka. (Afsos hai onn
per jo botton ki tarah pojjtey hein, magar kohnah rawayaat ko naheen torr
saktey)]
Be thou a stone, and pass within these works of glass; woe, stone to idol
wrought that goblet shattered not!

Kohna ra dar shikan-o-baz beh taamir kharam; her keh dar virtah-e-La
maand beh Illa na-raseed.
[Farsoodah rawayat ko torr dey aur az sar-e-nau taamir ki taraf qadam
barrha, jo koeyi La he kay chakkar mein reh jata hai woh Illa takk
naheen pohnch pata.]
Break down the old, and then rebuild the world again; who in No God
remained has neer Except attained.
857
Ay khosh aan jooey tonak mayah keh az zouq-e-khodi; dar dil-e-khak fro
raft-o-badarya na-raseed.
[Khosh naseeb hai woh chhoti nadi jo tahafz-e-zaat kay paish-e-nazar,
zamin kay andar chali gaeyi, magar oss ney darya takk jana gawara nah
kiya.]
O happy rivulet in selfhood passionate, who to earths heart dost flee and
flowest not so sea!

Az Kalimey sabaq aamoz keh danaey Frang; jigar behar shigafeid-o-beh
Seina na-raseed.
[Danayan-e-Frang ko chhorr, Kalim sey sabaq seikhh; onnhon ney behar
ka seinah tuo chaak kiya hai magar Toor-e-Seina takk naheen pohnch
sakkey.]
To Moses lesson list; for Europes scientist though oceans depth he plumb,
could neer to Sinai come.

Ishq andaz tapeidan z-dil-e-ma aamokht; sharar-e-mast keh ber just-obeh pervanah raseed.
[Ishq ney hamarey dil sey tarrpaney kay andaz seikhhey hein; yeh hamarey
dil he ka sharar hai jo bharrka aur pervaney takk pohnch gaya.]
Loves self learnt quiverings art from this our trembling heart; our spark it
was that spired until the moth expired. (Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(40)*****

Kashidi badah-ha dar sohbat-e-biganah pey beh pey; banoor-e-digraan
afrokhti paimanah pey beh pey.
[Tou ney gairon ki sohbat mein pey beh pey jaam londhaey, aur apney
paimanah (adraak) ko dosron ki roshni sey chamkaney ki koshash ki.]
858
Too oft was thy light with strangers to take wine, to suffer others light
within the bowl to shine.

Z-dast-e-saqi-e-khawar dou jaam-e-arghwan dar-kash; keh az khak-e-tou
khaizad nalah-e-mastanah pey beh pey.
[Abb saqi-e-khawar kay haath sey bhi eik dou lalah-gon jaam pelay; takeh
teyri khak sey pey beh pey mastanah naley othhein (saqi-e-khawar shaed
apney aap ko kaha hai)]
The orient wine-bearer hands thee the purple cup; drink! Let the drunkards
air from thy parched earth mount up!

Dilley ko az tabb-o-taab-e-tamana aashna gardad; zanad ber shoalah-ekhod ra surat-e-pervanah pey beh pey.
[Woh dil jo tabb-o-taab-e-tamana sey aashna ho jaey, woh apney he
shoalah per pey beh pey pervanah-war girta hai.]
The heart that knoweth well the fever of desire moth-like will hover still
about the candles fire.

Z-ashk-e-sobhgahi zindagi ra burg-o-saz awar; shawud kisht-e-tou
veraan ta naraizi danah pey beh pey.
[Sobh kay aanson sey apni zindagi ki aabiyari kar; agar tou oss mein pey
beh pey danah-haey ishq nah giraey ga tuo teyri khheiti veraan ho jaey gi.]
Sprinkle thy morning tears upon lifes desert plain; new harvest scarce
appears except thou sow thy grain.

Bagardaan-e-jaam-o-az hungamah-e-Afrang kumtar goey; hazaraan
caravan bagozasht azein veranah pey beh pey.
859
[Jaam aagey barrha aur Afrang ki baat chhorr; iss dunya sey hazaron
caravan gozar chokkey hein (yeh bhi abb jaaney waley hein)]
Pass wine! Speak not to me of Europes tumult vast; caravans countlessly
that desolation passed.
*****(49)*****

Mun haich nami tarsam az hadsah-e-shabb-ha; shabby-ha keh sehar
gardad az gardash-e-kokab-ha.
[Mien raat kay hadsaat sey bilkol naheen darta; raat kaisi bhi ho, bilaakhar sitaron ki gardash ossey sehar mein tabdil kar he deyti hai.]
In the accidents of night there is naught can me affright, seeing that the night
is borne by the wheeling stars to morn.

Nashanakht moqam-e-khwaish aftaad badaam-e-khwaish; ishqey keh
namoodey khwast az shorash-e-Ya Rabb ha.
[Woh ishq jo Ya Rabb kay naaron sey apni namaish chahta hai, oss ney
apney moqam ko naheen pehchana, woh aopney he daam-e-(riya) mein
gariftar hai.]
Of its station unaware, it has fallen in its own snare, this thy love that did
arise from thy supplicating cries.

Aahey az dil khaizud az baher jigar sozi ast; dar seinah shikan oo-ra
aaloodah makon labb-ha.
[Dil sey jo aah othhti hai, woh jigar sozi kay leay hai, ossey seiney mein
dabaey rakhh, labbon takk nah aaney dey.]
860
When the heart gives forth a sigh, tis of burning inwardly; let it not thy lips
defile; break it in thy breast, and smile!

Dar maeykadah baqi neist az saqi-e-fitrat khwah; aan maey keh na-mi
gunjad dar shishah-e-mashrabb-ha.
[Maeykadah mein woh sharab baqi naheen, jo kissi mushrab (firqah) mein
nah samaey; asal sharab saqi-e-(deen)-e-fitrat sey hasil kar.]
None remains in tavern now; beg of Natures saki thou the rich wine that
cannot pass in the drinkers narrow glass.

Asoodah nami gardad an dil keh gosast az dost; ba-qiraat masjid-ha badanash-e-maktib-ha.
[Jiss dil ka taalaq Allah Taalla sey kut choka ho; woh masjid ki qiraat aur
maktib ki hikmat sey motmain naheen ho sakta (Taalaq ba-Allah kay
baghair mehiz rasmi taalimat sey etminaan-e-qalb nasib naheen hota)]
Not with mosque and chanted verse, not with learning schools rehearse to
repose returns the heart when its Darling doth depart.
*****(53)*****

Qalandar aan keh beh taskhir-e-aab-o-gill koshund; z-shah baaj
stanund-o-khirqah mi poshund.
[Qalandar jo dunya ki taskhir mein koshan rehtey hein; bazahar who
khirqah pehnatey hein laikan padshahon sey kharaj wasool kartey hein.]
Qalandars, who to their sway water strive to win and clay, from the monarch
tribute bear though the beggars robe they wear.

861
Beh jalwat und-o-kamundey beh mehar-o-meh paichund; beh khalwat

aund-o-zaman-o-makan dar aaghoshund.
[Jabb woh jalwat mein hotey hein tuo mehr-o-mah per kamund phhainktey
hein; aur jabb khalwat mein hotey hein tuo zaman-o-makan onn ki aaghosh
mein hota hai.]
They appear, and round the sun and the moon their rope is spun; they retire,
and in their breast time and Space repose at rest.

Baroz-e-bazm sarapa cho perniyan-o-harir; baroz-e-razm khod aagah-otun framoshund.
[Doston mein raisham-o-kamkhwab ki tarah naram hotey hein; magar
jung kay douran badan sey bey pervah aur josh-e-jihad mein must hotey
hein.]
When the revel rules the day bright as shimmering silks are they; yet when
battle is toward for the sacrifice prepared.

Nizam-e-tazah bacharkh duo rung mi-bakhshund; sitarah-haey kohan ra
janazah ber doshund.
[Woh bhoorrey asman ko niya nizam atta kartey hein; aur oss kay poraney
sitaron ka janazah nikaal deytey hein.]
A new order they devise for the broad and dappled skies, bear the ancient
stars and all on their backs to funeral.

Zamanah az rokh-e-farda kashood bund-e-niqab; maashraan hamah
sarmust baadah-e-doshund.
[Zamanah mostaqbil kay chehrey sey niqab olatt choka hai; magar loug
abhi takk mazi ki sharab sey must hein.]
862
Time hath from her face untied morrows veil, to lay aside; yet to-day men
still delight in the wine of yesternight.

Ba-labb raseed mera aan sakhon keh natwaan goft; bahairatam keh
faqih-haan-e-shehar khamoshund.
[Mien ney woh baat keh di hai jo kehi naheen ja sakti thhi; hairan hon keh
faqihaan-e-shehar abhhi takk kiyuon khamosh hein. (Onnhon ney meyrey
khalaf fatwah kiyuon naheen diya)]
Hovers on my lip the word that must never be declared; strange, the learned
of the town silent are, nor even frown!
*****(54)*****

Duo dastah taigham-o-gardoon brahnah saakht mera; fasaan kashidah
barooey zamanah aakht mera.
[Mien duo dhhari talwar hon aur asman ney mojhey brahnah kar diya hai;
pher mojhey saan per taiz kiya aur zamaney kay moqabal la khharra kiya.]
mera A double-handled sword am I laid naked by the circling sky; fortune
hath sharpened me in Space, and whetted me upon Times face.

Mun aan jahan-e-khiyalam keh fitrat-e-azli; jahan-e-bulbul-o-gul ra
shakast-o-saakht mera.
[Mien afkaar-e-nou ka woh tazah jahan hon jissey fitrat; gul-o-bulbul ki
dunya monhadam kar kay wajood mein laeyi hai.]
I am the world of fantasy; the genius of eternity the world of nightingale and
rose hath shattered, fashioning me for those.

863
Maey jawan keh beh paimanah mi-raizam; z-rawaqey ast keh jaam-osaboo godaakht mera.
[Yeh maey jawan (naey afkaar) jo mein tomharey saboo mein daal raha
hon; aissi taiz sharab hai jiss ney meyrey jaam-o-saboo pighla diya hein.]
The youthful wine to cheer the soul that I am pouring in the bowl is from the
vat, whereby my jar and glass decanter molten are.

Nafas beh seinah godazam keh taer-e-Harmam; tou aan z-garmi-e-awaz
mun shanakht mera.
[Mien taer-e-Haram hon apna jazb seiney mein mehfooz rakhhta hon;
mojhey garmi-e-awaz sey pehchana ja sakta hai.]
The breath is burning in my breast; the sanctuary is my nest, and men may
recognize my throat by the great ardour of my note.

shakast kashti-e-adraak-e-morshadaan-e-kohan; khosha kassey keh beh
darya safinah saakht mera.
[Poraney sofiya kay adraak ki kashti toot choki hai; mobarak hai woh
shakhs jo darya-e-asr-e-rawan mein mojhey kashti banata hai.]
Wrecked is the barque the ancient guide built out of sense, therein to ride;
blest is the one who fashioned me to be his vessel on the sea.
*****(55)*****

Misl-e-sharar zarrah ra tun beh tapeidan dehum; tun beh tapeidan dehum
baal-e-paridan dehum.
864
[Mien sharar ki manind zarrah mein aag laga kar ossey orrney kay leay per
mohiya karta hon.]
Each atoms body like a spark I set a quivering, each atom quivers through
the dark and soars as on a wing.

Soz-e-nawaeym nigar raizah-e-almas ra; qatrah-e-shabnam konam
khooey chakidan dehum.
[Meyri awaz ka soz deikhh, mien almas kay tokrrey ko qatrah-e-shabnam
bana kar tupka deyta hon.]
List to my music burning new! Each diamantine grain I fashion like a drop
of dew to trickle soft as rain.

Choon z-moqam-e-namood naghmah-e-shireen zanum; neim shabban
sobah ra mail-e-dameidan deyhum.
[Jabb mien apney moqam sey naghmah-e-shireen alapta hon; tuo nisf shabb
he ko sobah kay andaz ata kar deyta hon.]
From manifestings stage when break my soft, sweet melodies, even in the
dead of night I make the dawn desire to rise.

Yusuf-e-gom gashtah ra baaz kashoodam niqab; ta beh tonak mayigaan
zouq-e-kharidan dehum.
[Mien Yusuf-e-gom gashtah ko pher samney ley aya hon, ta keh kum mataa
lougon kay andar oss ki khridari ka shouq paida ho.]
Joseph, concealed from sight so long, I have revealed anew, that I may fire
the needy throng his beauty to pursue.

Ishq-e-shakaib aazma khak z-khod raftah ra; chashm-e-tarey daad-omun lazzat-e-deidan dehum.
865
[Khod framosh Mosilmanon ki khak ko ishq-e-sabar aazma ney chashm-etar di aur mien ney onnhein lazzat-e-deid di hai (Mojh sey pehley Mosilman
apney halaat per faqat aansoo bahatey thhey, mien ney onnhein naey roshan
mostaqbil ki rah deikhhaeyi hai.)]
Dear love that doth mans patience try, to dust in ecstasy hath given eyes to
weep, and I the wondrous joy to see.
*****(56)*****

Khodi ra mardam aamaizi dalil narasaeyi-ha; tou ay dard aashna biganah
shau az aashnaeyi-ha.
[Dosron sey ziyadah mail jol zahar karta hai keh khodi abhi napokhtah hai,
ay dard aashna! Tojhey chahiay keh tou aashnaeyi sey biganah reh.]
Ever to be about with men proveth the self doth not attain; to friends be thou
a stranger, then, who art familiar with pain.

Badargah-e-salatein ta koja ein chihra saeyi-ha; biyamoz az khodaey
khwaish naaz-e-kibriaeyi-ha.
[Padshahon kay darwazey per kabb takk jobbah saaeyi karey ga, apney
Allah sey biniazi kay andaz seikhh.]
How long before the palace gate of princes wilt thou bow thy face? From
God, Who did thy soul create, learn thou the pride of matchless grace.

Mohabat az jawanmardi bajaaey mi-rasad rozey; keh aftad az nigahash
karobar-e-dilrobaeyi-ha.
[Mohabat apni himmat sey eik roz iss moqam per pohnch jaati hai, keh
mehboob kay naz-o-ada ossey motasir naheen kartey (Mohibb moqam-emehboobiyat takk pohnch jata hai)]
866
The warriors love will come one day to such a point of excellence that
notice he will no more pay to mortal beautys blandishments.

Chonan paish-e-harim-e-oo kashidam naghmah-e-dardey; keh daadam
mehramaan ra lazzat-e-soz-e-jodaeyi-ha.
[Oss kay harim kay samney mien ney iss tarah dard bhhara naghmah gaya.
keh mehram bhi soz-e-jodaeyi ki lazzat mehsoos karney lagey (mehraman
sey shaed Malaikah ki taraf asharah hai).]
I sang before the sanctuary so sad a song of hearts desire, that each initiate
learned from me the joy of separations fire.

Az aan ber khwaish mi-balam keh chashm-e-Moshtari kor ast; mataa-eishq nafarsoodah maand az kum rawaeyi ast.
[Mien iss leay apney aap per naz karta hon keh kharidar nabeina hai,
kiyuonkeh beina kharidar nah honey kay sabab ishq badastoor tazah hai.]
Unseeing are the buyers eyes, and I rejoice and jubilate because Loves
precious merchandise remaineth still immaculate.

Biya ber lalah pa ko beim-o-bibakanah maey naushaim; keh ashiq ra
behal kardund khoon-e-parsaeyi-ha.
[Othh keh lalah ko apney paon sey masal dein aur barsar-e-aam baadah
noshi karein, ashiqon kay leay parsaeyi ka khoon halal kar diya gaya hai.]
Come, let us on the tulip tread and drink the wine-cup fearlessly; lawful it is,
if lovers shed the blood of ancient piety.

Baroon-aa az Mosilmanan garaiz andar Mosilmani; Mosilmanan rawa
darund kafir majaraeyi-ha.
867
[Mosilmanon sey door bhag aur Mosilmani mein dakhil ho ja, kiyuonkeh
oss dour kay Mosilma kafiron kay andaz apna chokkey hein.]
Go forth from Muslim company, and in Islam thy refuge take; for Muslims
count as equity the measures infidel they make.
*****(74)*****

Kum sakhon ghonchah keh dar pardah-e-dil raazey daasht; dar hajoom-egul-o-rihaan ghum-e-dum saazey daasht.
Mehramey khwast z-morgh-e-chaman-o-baad-e-bahar; takkiyah ber
sohbat-e-aan kard keh perwazey daasht.
[Kum sakhon kali apney dil mein raaz chhopaey (baithhi) thhi, hajoom-egul-o-rihaan mein ossey humdum nah millney ka ghum thha.
(Pher) oss ney morgh-e-chaman aur baad-e-bahar sey humdumi ki tawaqo
rakhhi, (goya) onn per takkiyah kiya jo (perwaz kar) jaaney waaley thhey.]
Silent rosebud in her heart had a secret, veiled apart, suffered countless
aches and woes buffeted by thyme and rose.
So she sought, to keep her word, breeze of spring and meadow-bird, putting
faith in these (yet both soared on wing) to guard her troth.
*****(75)*****

Khod ra konum sajoodey, Deir-o-Haram namandah; ein dar Arab
namandah, aan dar Ajam namandah.
868
[Apney aap ko sajdah karta hon kiyuonkeh Deir-o-Haram naheen rehey;

yeh Arab mein naheen, woh Ajam mein naheen.]
I bow down before myself there is no temple or Kabah left! This one is
missing in Arabia, that one in other lands.

Dar burg-e-lalah-o-gul aan rung-o-num namandah; dar nalah-haey
morghan aan zir-o-bum namandah.
[Lalah-o-gul mein woh rung-o-num naheen raha; nah perindon ki faryad
mein woh lay hai.]
The petals of rose and tulip have lost their colour and moisture; the laments
of birds have lost their melody.

Dar kaargah-e-geiti naqsh-e-nawi nabeinam; shaed keh naqsh-e-digar
andar adum namandah.
[Zamaney kay karkhaney mein tojhey koeyi niya naqsh nazar naheen ata;
shaed adum mein abb koeyi aur naqsh baqi nah ho.]
In the workshop that is the world I see no new designs: Pre-existence has,
perhaps, run out of blueprints.

Siyarah-haey gardon bizouq-e-inqilabey; shaed keh roz-o-shabb ra
toufiq-e-rum namandah.
[Asman kay siyyarey zouq sey khali (nazar aatey) hein; shaed roz-o-shabb
mein (gardash-e-kohna sey) hutney ki toufiq nahein rehi.]
The heavenly bodies no longer want to revolve: Day and night are, perhaps,
unable to move.

Bimanzil aarmidund pa az talab kashidund; shaed keh khakiyan ra dar
seinah dum namandah.
869
[Manzil per pohnchey baghair he paon pasar diay aur hasool-e-manzil ka

khayal chhorr diya; shaed Adam-e-khaki kay seiney mein dum baqi naheen
raha.]
They have put up their feet before reaching their destination: the earthlings
have, perhaps, no breath left in their chests.

Ya dar biyaz-e-imkaan yakk burg-e-saadaheyi neist; ya khamah-e-qaza ra
taab-e-raqam namandah.
[Ya imkanat ki biyaz mein koeyi saadah warq naheen; aur ya qaza-o-qadr
kay qalam ko likhhney ki himmat naheen rehi.]
Either the Register of Possibles has no blank pages left or the Pen of Fate
has grown too tired to write.
28th January, 2013
BJP IN PAKISTAN
Qadri phenomenon dissipated sooner than expected. The government
team met him on 27th January as per terms of Islamabad Declaration, during
which he was pacified further. He seemed to have decided to give up street
politics and instead contemplated going to the Supreme Court for
implementation of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.
870
The news of court orders to arrest Prime Minster that Qadri

announced from his container in D-Chowk cost the investigating officer his
life. The NAB declared that Kamran Faisal had committed suicide and Kaira
hurried to blame the Supreme Court for pressurizing the deceased. The
regime named its favourite former judge, Javed Iqbal to head a commission
for the probe.
Faisals family, the media and people at large showed lack of trust in
the manner in which the inquiry was being held, forcing the apex court to
take yet another suo moto notice. The NAB Chairman retaliated by writing
a letter to the President in which he hurled accusations against the Supreme
Court and threatened to resign if the judges were not told to mend their
ways.
The Zardari-led Executive continued flouting court orders at will.
Touqeer Sadiq, fugitive Chairman of OGRA was detained by law enforcers
in UAE on January 15, but NAB defying the court orders made no
arrangements to bring him back to Pakistan. Reportedly, Zardari paid a
secret visit to UAE for this purpose.
The court orders were also ignored on law and order situation in
Karachi. When all this was happening, some electable politicians put their
loyalties on sale. Others like birds at the advent of spring danced around to
seduce new partners for nestling season. PPP, led Faryal Talpur, remained
hectically busy in this regard. She was able to entice Rajas from Jehlum and
a Khosa from Dera Ghazi Khan into the folds of PPP.
Her brother, President Zardari remained preoccupied in cutting its
adversaries to size prior to forthcoming general elections. The commission
he had formed to split Takht-e-Lahore, submitted its report in the National
Assembly causing uproars and walkouts in protest, but he succeeded in
making an issue out of non-issue which could be used for campaigning
against PML-N.
NEWS
Power politics: On 21st January, ECP accused Prime Minister of
pre-poll rigging by means of foul play in the funds spending and banned
with immediate effect the diversion of public funds as well as the
recruitments in the government departments ahead of the general elections.
It has become imperative that the commission takes all necessary steps
under the law to prevent any action on the part of the federal, provincial and
871
local governments that amounts to influencing the results of upcoming

general elections by depriving candidates from having a level playing field,
the statement issued by ECP said.
Next day, backsliding on the exercise to redraw electoral
constituencies in Karachi a subject directly linked to ending political and
ethnic polarization, as observed by the apex court on November 26 last year,
and met with a legal challenge and criticism from MQM of Altaf Hussain
the Chief Election Commissioner stated there would be no fresh delimitation
of constituencies in Karachi before the next general elections. The process of
re-verifying electoral rolls in Karachi was a difficult task; however, the ECP
staffers had been working in a transparent manner, he told the media
following his visit to different areas in Karachi with regards to the
verification of electoral rolls.
Chaudhry Shujaat was sure that the agreement signed between the
government team and Dr Tahirul Qadri in Islamabad would be implemented
in letter and spirit. The assertion negated the impression created by some
PPP leaders that the agreement with Qadri is just a worthless piece of paper.
He said the declaration had been signed by the prime minister, seven
federal ministers and leaders of the allied parties and they all were its
guarantors, adding PML-Q would ensure its implementation and the
mischievous elements would face disappointment once again when a
mechanism to implement the agreement would be evolved at the January 27
meeting. He said Qadri would be taken on board while forming a caretaker
setup.
Shujaat said he had warned the PPP of leaving alliance if any
operation was launched against the participants of the TMQ sit-in. Giving a
detailed account of events scripted by few in the government to create
another Lal Masjid, Shujaat said an operation had started on January 15; the
interior minister telephoned him on January 16, saying Qadri had somehow
escaped and they were going to launch an operation to disperse the people,
but he prevented Malik from doing so.
On 23rd January, the ECP approved a draft of electoral reforms for
effective legislation to curb rigging in the upcoming general elections and
ensure transparency and credibility of the polls. The commission at its
meeting approved to enhance monetary penalty for illegal and corrupt
practices. It also approved increasing nomination fee for the candidates of
National and Provincial Assemblies. The ECP notified the registration of 11
new political parties. The ECP will present the final list of 28 dual national
872
lawmakers to the Supreme Court, besides directing the session courts to

expedite cases against 32 fake degree holder lawmakers before elections.
Saifuddin Khosa, PML-N MNA from Dera Ghazi Khan (NA-173) and
scion of veteran PML-N leader Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, has formally joined
PPP along with his supports and companion. He announced joining PPP at
Zardari House in federal capital listing serious differences with PML-N
leadership over policies especially relating to southern Punjab province.
President of Women Wing of PPP Faryal Talpur welcomed Saifuddin
Khosa for joining the party and said his joining would further strengthen the
PPP. She said his party had always followed the politics of principles with
the sole objective of the welfare of the people. It is pertinent to mention here
that it would be the third defection of a sitting MNA from PML-N in less
than two weeks as earlier the two real brothers, both MNAs from Jhelum,
had joined PPP along with their father.
Next day, Opposition Leader said that 60 days are sufficient for
holding general elections while 90-day time for this purpose will be an
additional burden on the national exchequer. Nisar demanded replacement of
governors to ensure transparent polls, saying that governors were appointed
on political grounds and they could not be unbiased.
He said that he had suggested to the Election Commission of Pakistan
to replace governors, chief secretaries, IGPs and the head of other
departments before the elections. On the interim setup, Nisar said the PMLN had initiated the consultative process with opposition parties three months
ago.
On 26th January, Parliamentary Commission on creation of new
provinces in Punjab finalized its recommendations for one new province
comprising Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions, and
Bakkhar and Mianwali districts. All the members, except PML-N members
who boycotted the proceedings of the commission, singed the report that
would be sent to Law Ministry for legal vetting and giving it a shape of a
bill, likely to be tabled in the National Assembly on January 29.
Commission proposed naming the new province as Bahawalpur
Janoobi Punjab. The assembly of the new province would have 124 seats,
out of which 101 would be general and the remaining 23 seats would be
reserved for minorities and women. Similarly, the proposed province would
have 59 seats in the national assembly out of which 47 would be general
seats while 12 would be allocated to women and minorities. In the Upper
873
House, it would have representation equal to other provinces, and hence the
strength of the Senate would rise to 130 eventually.
Punjab Assembly Speaker did not nominate two members to the
commission from the provincial assembly. The speaker was of the view that
as the new province was to be made in Punjab so Punjab Assembly
members representation in the commission must be double the strength of
the MPs from Senate and NA. He even went to the extent that he would
move the court against the constitution of what he termed illegal and
unconstitutional commission.
PPPP elected Makhdoom Amin Faheem as president while Prime
Minister Raja Pervez was elected as the general secretary during party
elections. The election was conducted by the party's election commission
headed by Law Minister Farooq H Naek. Manzoor Wattoo was elected as
Punjab president and Tanveer Ashraf as the general secretary. Qaim Ali Shah
was elected as Sindh president and Taj Haider as the general secretary. In
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Anwar Saifullah was elected as the president. In
Balochistan, Sadiq Umrani was elected as president and Baaz Muhammad
Khan Khetran as general secretary.
The PML-N and some other parties proposed recently that anyone
from among Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid, Justice (retd) Mian
Shakirullah Jan, Justice (retd) Ajmal Mian, Pakhtoonkhwah Milli Awami
Party Chairman Mehmud Khan Achakzai, senior Baloch leader Ataullah
Mengal, former Supreme Court Bar president Asma Jehangir and PML-N
Senator Ishaq Dar could be picked up to shoulder the responsibility.
If Dr Tahirul Qadris opinion in the selection of a caretaker prime
minister has to be given importance, as agreed upon between him and the
leaders of all four ruling coalition partners before the end of the four-day
long sit-in in Islamabad on January 17, the PML-N and other opposition
parties will have to join heads once again as none of the half a dozen names
proposed by them for the office is acceptable to the chairman of the Tehrik
Minhajul Quran.
Next day, Jamaat-i-Islami and PML-F announced to join the
oppositions sit-in outside the Parliament House and march toward the
Election Commission office. But PTI decided to take a U-turn on party
leader Imran Khans announcement to participate in the PML-N-led protest,
noting that joining the show of their arch foe could prove a political blow
to the party. The PML-N top leadership had announced that they would
march from parliament to election commission office to make the body more
874
powerful and impartial during their protest drive in the federal capital which
would also focus on law and order situation in Balochistan and Karachi.
A government team led by Makhdoom Amin Fahim held first round of
talks with Dr Tahirul Qadri at Minhaj headquarters to streamline the fourpoint Islamabad Long March Declaration regarding conduct of elections and
the related matters. The government gave word to Minhajul Quran chief to
announce precise date for upcoming polls and dissolution of the assemblies
within seven to ten days.
The government also reiterated its commitment that elections would
be held within 90 days of the dissolution of assembles. However, the most
significant outcome of negotiations was governments commitment to give a
precise date for elections and dissolution of assemblies. Moreover, the
government agreed to give legal cover to the proposed electoral reforms
before the next meeting, whose date would be fixed on January 31.
Federal Law Minister briefed President Zardari on legal aspects of the
proposed Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab (BJP) province and the legal vetting
of the bill which is likely to be tabled before the National Assembly January
29. The expected opposition of the bill from the PML-N and the MPs from
Bahawalpur division, who wanted to see the restoration of the old
Bahawalpur Province, was discussed. The government strategy to tackle
these hurdles in the way of the smooth passage of the bill from the National
Assembly also came under discussion. President Zardari instructed that the
proposed bill must be tabled in the National Assembly.
About 70 per cent of the incumbent legislators will stand disqualified
in case they decide to contest the next elections, to be held after strict
enforcement of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution and the amended
electoral laws, said Kanwar Dilshad, a former senior official of the ECP.
International Republican Institution (IRI) revealed that PML-N would
emerge as the main party in the National Assembly with 32 per cent increase
in its popularity while popularity graph of PTI has gone down to 18 per cent.
PPP attained third position with 14 per cent vote bank.
On 28th January, as the parliamentary commission on new provinces in
Punjab gave final touches to its recommendations the differences within the
commission made the issue more controversial. However, despite protest
walkouts and notes of dissent from opposition JUI-F and coalition
government partner ANP, the majority of the commission members signed
the recommendations that would be presented to the NA speaker. PML-N is
already boycotting the commission.
875
JUI-F protested over the composition of the proposed Bahawalpur

Janoobi Punjab province, proposed making Dera Ghazi Khan part of
Balochistan and submitted a dissenting note on three recommendations of
the commission. The JUI-F leader also opposed inclusion of Bhakkar and
Mianwali in new province and supported restoration of Bahawalpur as a
separate province.
ANP parliamentary leader Haji Adeel, while submitting a note of
dissent, walked out of the meeting when two other allies, the MQM and
PML-Q, demanded carving out of Hazara province out of the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa province. Adeel also suggested that parliamentarians from
Bhakkar, Mianwali and Bahawalnagar must be consulted over inclusion of
these areas in the new province in Punjab.
Imran Khan while giving a deadline to Zardari for leaving the
Presidency till the formation of the caretaker set up announced that PTI
would launch a massive protest drive if Zardari fails to meet the
deadline. He said that free and transparent polls could not be held under a
President who was leading a major political party of the ruling alliance.
Chief Election Commissioner once again refused of conducting fresh
delimitation of electoral constituencies in Karachi before the next elections.
During his meeting with the leaders of opposition parties protesting outside
the provincial election commission, the chief election commissioner assured
them the presence of Army personnel in voters verification process.
Meanwhile, the protest sit-in of over 20 political and religious parties
was concluded on third consecutive day outside the Provincial Election
Commission office against the absence of Army personnel in ongoing
voters verification process in the City. The opposition leaders reiterated that
they will continue to protest against the ongoing verification of electoral
rolls until the SC verdict would not be implemented in its true spirit.
Next day, the ruling coalition decided to constitute a three-member
committee to finalize the date for dissolution of the National Assembly after
consultation with all stakeholders within a week. During the meeting at
Awan-i-Sadr, the coalition partners resolved that elections would be held on
time, besides discussing the caretaker setups at the centre and in provinces.
On 30th January, ECP took 'serious' notice of the violation of its
directives regarding ban on recruitments in government departments and
diversion of public funds. It has asked the secretaries cabinet division and
railways and the Sindh chief secretary to offer their comments within seven
days.
876
PML-N and JUI-F agreed on forging electoral alliance in upcoming

general polls. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri said that PML-N had extended
offer for electoral alliance. In response to this offer, JUI-F had held a
meeting and decided in principle to go for electoral alliance in Punjab, KPK
and Balochistan.
On 1st February, National Assembly proceedings were marred by the
uproar and walkouts over the tabling of recommendations of parliamentary
commission on new provinces in Punjab and the ongoing wave of violence
in Karachi. As the ruling PPP MNA Arif Aziz Sheikh tabled the commission
report before the house, PML-N new entrant from Sindh Syed Zafar Ali
Shah chanted 'No, No' and said that the report was unacceptable to them. A
number of PML-N MPs, including Umair Hayat Rokri, Zahid Hamid and
Ayaz Sadiq, wanted to speak on point of order to record their protest over
commission's report but were not allowed.
The chair then rushed to resume debate on law and order situation
with special reference to the fresh spate of violence in port city of Karachi.
Defying chairs direction Rokri tore apart the copy of the report to protest
the proposal to include Mianwali in the new province and staged a walkout.
FATA Parliamentary Leader Munir Orakzai and JUI-F leader Laiq
Muhammad Khan rejected the report and lodged strong protest over not
including recommendations for granting the status of province to Hazara and
FATA.
The Lahore High Court remarked that incumbent parliament and
political parties had no mandate to create new provinces, observing that a
few hundred lawmakers wanted to force their decision on the people which
could result in anarchy in the country. The court also ordered the Deputy
Attorney General to reappear before it on February 4 along with the
notification issued by the government regarding formation of a
parliamentary commission for creating new province in Punjab.
Next day, stating some PPP members as prejudiced, chauvinistic and
obstacle to resolution of issues between the two allied parties, the MQM
announced that its party chief would not participate in any formal meeting
with any PPP leaders or any committee unless a final decision is made on
some longstanding issues related to public welfare. This was announced
after a joint meeting of its coordination committee participated by its
members from Karachi and London late last night.
On 3rd February, PML-N along with its newfound allies will march up
to the offices of the ECP and stage a sit-in for empowerment of the
877
Commission. Jammat-i-Islami, PML-F, Sindh Awami Tehrik, a few other

nationalist parties of Sindh, PML AJK and PPP of Sardar Khalid Ibrahim
will join the sit-in.
Shahbaz Sharif said PML-N will take part in the next elections with
the commitment to ridding the country of corruption, saving national
resources and adopting austere lifestyle. Replying to a question, the chief
minister said the Metro Bus project had been completed at a cost of Rs30
billion only.
Lawmakers from the PML-F are likely to press their demand for
notifying Nusrat Sehar Abbasi as opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly,
with the House having no legislation work or anything heavy on its agenda
for todays proceedings. The PML-F said that it could not be ruled out that
the PPP and the MQM had made arrangement, in which the MQM would sit
on opposition benches, so that they would bring a caretaker set-up with their
mutual understanding.
Rule of law: On 21st January, observing a countrywide strike over

the controversial death of their colleague, Kamran Faisal, investigation
officers of the NAB, asked the bureau chairman to arrest Prime Minister
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to implement Supreme Courts order in the rental power
projects (RPPs) case, instead of colluding with criminals. They also rejected
the commission set up by the government, and called for formation of an
inquiry body under an apex court sitting judge.
Besides, a charter of demands was handed to Fasih Bokhari by a
seven-member team of NAB investigation officers. These developments are
significant since they followed a decision of NAB staff to go on a pen down
strike across the country as a mark of solidarity with the family of Kamran
Faisal and to offer resentment and disgust over what they termed a premeditated murder.
The demands presented to the bureau chief included implementation
of apex courts order in letter and spirit, removing all contractual NAB
employees. Incorporation of a NAB representative into the new commission
and Rs20 million compensation for the bereaved family was the other
demands that the seven-official team made to Fasih Bokhari.
These IOs are also determined to appear before the apex court on
January 23 during the hearing of the RPPs case to convey their concerns to
the court. Not surprisingly, a new confrontation has made way between
permanent and contractual employees of the bureau. The IOs want
878
contractual employees working on senior posts at NAB headquarters be

removed. They are of the view that the bureau could not conduct impartial
and transparent investigations into the cases in the presence of contractual
officers possessing top posts.
NAB chief has held out assurance that investigation officers and staff
would be given full protection. During the videoconference, he said he
would visit the family of Kamran Faisal within a week and then announce
compensation money, keeping in view the budget constraints. At the same
time, he said he had talked to the government but a new commission could
not be formed.
According to the notification, the commission head will get assistance
of an official of grade-20 or above. It has been empowered to order a police
investigation into any matter coming before it and to summon any person
and any record for examination. It is learnt that Faisal was under severe
pressure while investigating the RPP scam and he had requested the
Supreme Court to let him dissociate himself from the case. The FIR of the
case has not been registered so far.
Pakistan's worldwide renowned psychologist Dr Najma Aziz on
snubbed members of investigation team probing NAB official's death, and
advised them to record her statement through proper channel in case if they
want to question her regarding her deceased client, Kamran Faisal.
Investigators had approached the psychologist and asked her to confirm or
deny the reports suggesting that deceased Kamran Faisal remained under her
treatment.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz withdrew his review petition against the
Supreme Courts March 30 judgment in the Rental Power Projects (RPPs)
corruption case. The Supreme Court on March 30 declared all RPPs
contracts illegal and non-transparent. During the hearing, counsel for PM,
Wasim Sajjad requested the bench he should be allowed to withdraw review
petition, as his client did not want to pursue it. The court, accepting Prime
Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashrafs plea, disposed of the matter.
Next day, a five-judge bench of the Lahore High Court said the
contempt proceedings against President Zardari would be dropped if he sent
a written statement by February 6 to stop political activities at the
presidency. The bench gave this option through Advocate Waseem Sajjad,
counsel for the federation, on a petition seeking contempt proceedings
against the president for not quitting the political office and instead carrying
out political activities at the presidency in violation of an earlier court order.
879
Sajjad submitted that there are five high courts in the country where
no political party, no bar council or any other organization brought this
matter before the court. The petitioner in this case, he alleged, was trying to
make the office of the president controversial. Wasim Sajjad told the court
that efforts are being made to catch the president one way or the other. He
said Article 248 of the constitution provides protection to the office of the
president.
A member on the bench pointed out that according to Article 204 (2)
of the constitution a court shall have the power to punish any person who
obstructs the process of the court in any way or disobeys any court order. Mr
Sajjad replied that one article of the constitution does not nullify the other.
He said a special article will prevail upon the general article of the
constitution. The CJ asked if he meant that application of the law should be
postponed till the president is in the office. He said that contempt does not
mean to punish the respondent but to bring this into his notice that he is at
fault.
Postings on deputation in the FIA in violation of its rules and
regulations forced the agency director general to raise voice for justice.
Despite court hearings, postings on deputation of close relatives of
prominent personalities have kept mum; many those directly concerned with
the matter. And why it should not be so; when these officers have had links
with important government functionaries.
Investigation team of Islamabad police discussed possibility of
questioning Director General (HR) in relation with mysterious death of
Kamran Faisal. DG (HR) allegedly pressed Kamran Faisal to sign an
affidavit in back dates, police believe role of DG (HR) has become vital that
can solve mystery of Faisal's death.
On 23rd January, the Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered a probe by
another apex court bench into the death of Kamran Faisal following a report
listing the doubts of his family and friends. The court rejected a plea from
NAB for suspension of work on implementing an apex court order in the
Rental Power Plants case in the wake of the death of an investigation officer.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja will take up this case on January 24.
When the court asked NAB Prosecutor General KK Agha that what
steps had so far been taken regarding the officials murder, the latter said
police were looking into the matter. The prosecutor general, however, failed
to show any notification about the one-member commission of Justice
880
(retired) Javed Iqbal that the government had tasked to probe events
surrounding the controversial death.
Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, while expressing concerns over NAB
credibility, remarked that whether on that day the body of Kamran Faisal
was taken for burial or the NAB took its last breath. The chief justice
observed that there were good and bad persons in every institution,
important thing was that the people should have confidence in the
institutions, even in the NAB. He said if this shocking incident could be
overlooked, then who was safe in the country. Justice Chaudhry however
noted that adding that Kamran Faisal had demonstrated courage by leveling
allegations against a sitting minister.
Appearing on a court notice, parliamentarians Faisal Saleh Hayat and
Khawaja Asif criticized the NAB for dragging the court on the
implementation of its order. They prayed that an independent judicial
commission be formed to unmask those involved in Kamran Faisals death.
NAB Prosecutor General contended that Bureau also wanted to know that
what had happened with Faisal.
An application was filed before the Supreme Court, Lahore Registry,
to seek direction to restrain the NAB Chairman, the Punjab director general,
DG (HR and finance) and the Punjab additional prosecutor general from
performing their duties till decision on the implementation of the rental
power projects case pending before the apex court. The petitioner also
prayed to the court to allow him to become a party in the case to argue as a
public interest litigant.
As employees of the NAB continued their strike for the third
consecutive day to protest the mysterious death of their colleague, the local
administration in its initial inquiry report has declared the death a suicide
case. NAB officials had alleged that Faisal did not commit suicide rather he
was murdered.
Some officials in the bureau are of the view that NAB employees
were weakening their case regarding fair and transparent investigations into
the death of Kamran Faisal as they had started making other demands. The
NAB investigation officer had demanded for the removal of all contractual
employees from the bureau and for the provision of their housing and
accommodations.
Next day, the Supreme Court ordered NAB to file references against
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz, Interior Minister and Senator Jehangir Badr
over illegal appointment of former Ogra chief Tauqir Sadiq and helping him
881
flee the country. In a startling revelation during the hearing of the case, NAB
Director Irfan Baig informed the court that Rehman Malik and Leader of the
House in Senate Jehangir Badr helped Tauqir escape from the country. He
also told the court that a report to file reference against these two protectors
of the accused had been sent to the NAB chairman for approval.
To a court query regarding the persons who approved the illegal
appointment of Tauqir Sadiq, the NAB director said that investigation
against Prime Minister was underway in this regard. The bench granted one
week to NAB to file references against Tauqirs appointer PM Raja Pervaiz
and his protectors and facilitators.
Interior Minister Malik in response to NAB's report against him in the
case of Tauqir Sadiq dismissed the claim that the accused escaped the
country through authorized routes. He made it clear that the allegations
about his non-cooperation with NAB in Tauqir's case were totally baseless
and a false propaganda.
He said he had earlier ordered inquiry into the fleeing case of Tauqir
Sadiq and Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had
been asked to submit a report in this regard. He also showed the official
record in which he had ordered to put his name on January 19, 2012 within
24 hours of submission of file to his office.
In another case, the Supreme Court issued notices to the NAB
chairman, Islamabad Police chief, Polyclinic Hospital medical
superintendent and PTA and sought reports from them about the death of
Kamran Faisal. A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Jawwad S Khwaja
and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, was hearing a constitutional petition under
Article 184 (3) regarding death of the NAB official.
During the proceedings, Justice Khawaja said: The crime and
evidence of unnatural death of Kamran suggest it being having some
relevance with the apex courts RPPs case order implementation. The court
wanted to know the truth, he said. It is an obstruction to the course of
justice; an interference in investigations.
NAB Quetta Investigation Officer Hamid Munir and brother-in-law of
Kamran informed the court that his laptop was missing. Other family
members of Kamran categorically stated they had told police that he was
murdered and it was not a suicide. Besides, the police did not register an
FIR. An autopsy report ruled his death a suicide. Kamrans family and
colleagues disputed the findings and called for a judicial probe.
882
Hamid Munir pointed out that senior functionaries of the NAB,

including its deputy chairman, met his brother-in-law on the night between
January 17 and 18. The meeting was held at the NAB office. The PTA was
directed to submit record on the call log on Faisals cell phone and
communication took place between the various persons linked directly or
indirectly with the case regarding implementation of Supreme Courts RPPs
judgment. Hamid Munir told the court that a flurry of activities took place
between January 15 and 18 at the NAB office.
NAB officials, who are already working under severe stress after the
death of Kamran Faisal, under mysterious circumstances, fear that the
intelligence wing of the Bureau is seriously observing their movements. A
senior investigation officer (IO) of the NAB on the condition of anonymity
said that NAB officials fear for any possible severe reaction from the high
level management due to the frequent interaction of some IOs with the
media to protest over the death of their colleague. However, they consider
that this action might be taken once Kamran Faisal case would be settled, he
added.
Ansar Abbasi reported that a few months after he was given the high
profile RPPs cases, the late Kamran Faisal had hinted to his seniors and
colleagues in NAB in November 2012 of a possible attempt to harm him by
giving him something poisonous to eat. Background interactions with NAB
officials and Islamabad Police reveal that in a full house meeting that was
chaired by the DG NAB Rawalpindi and attended by several officials of
NAB Rawalpindi in the second half of November 2012, Kamran had said he
suspected that he had been given something wrong to eat and therefore
required to be examined by doctors.
In a rare show of protest from treasury benches against the decision of
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz to drop murder charges against the owners of
Baldia Town Factory in Karachi, PPP lawmakers led by Senator Raza
Rabbani and Awami National Party staged a protest walkout from the
Senate.
President Zardari assured that a case against owners of fire-struck
Baldia factory would not be withdrawn by the government. President held
out this assurance to Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan who telephoned
him following a report that Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz has ordered
withdrawal of the case, four months after the worst-ever industrial disaster in
the history of Pakistan. More than 250 people had died in the fire at a
garment factory in Karachi's Baldia Town in October last year.
883
On 25th January, a case into the death of Kamran Faisal was lodged
with the Secretariat Police Station Islamabad by a National Accountability
Bureau Assistant Director Noman Aslam also includes section 302
(premeditated murder). The officer had stated in the complaint that there
were speculations that Faisal was killed, therefore, police investigate the
matter thoroughly.
On 28th January, the NAB expressed lack of confidence in the
Supreme Court bench hearing a suo moto on the mysterious death of
bureaus investigator Kamran Faisal, while the attorney general also
requested the court to stop proceedings saying that government had already
constituted a commission to probe the case. The court ordered NAB
Prosecutor General to submit the reasons for no confidence in the bench in
writing by February 1, saying that those might be considered if found
tenable. The court also raised questions over the notification regarding the
formation of the commission by the interior ministry and asked AGP Irfan
Qadir to submit the original notification on next hearing. The bench also
appointed Anwar Kamal as amicus curiae in this case.
Apparently perturbed over the Supreme Courts severe remarks on
NABs partiality and inefficiency regarding cases of mega corruption it
presently investigates, Chairman NAB warned of stepping down alleging
that the Bureau was unable to carry out its investigation process under the
undue pressure exerted on it by the Supreme Court. The Chairman NAB in
a letter written to President Zardari leveled serious charges of over-stepping
the jurisdiction as well as powers and pre-poll rigging on the countrys apex
court with the remarks that if these issues were not addressed expeditiously,
he would be forced to resign.
Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain advised President Zardari not to accept the
resignation of Chairman NAB, Admiral (r) Fasih Bokhari. Shujaat said that
the chairman was under pressure amid high profile investigations and to
avoid any mishap with elections nearing, the chairman should himself
withdraw his resignation. President and PM have reportedly decided to act
upon the advice.
Defiance of judiciary: On 23rd January, a special report on the

matter of non-appearance of Principal Accounting Officer (PAO) of Supreme
Court before the PAC for examination of accounts was presented in the NA
with the recommendation that the matter may be resolved through further
debate in the Lower House. According to the report, the Committee
884
unanimously decided to place this special report of the PAC, under rule 234
of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the National Assembly.
On 29th January, former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority chairman
Tauqir Sadiq, wanted in multibillion corruption scam, was finally arrested in
the United Arab Emirates. Sadiq, wanted by NAB in a graft scam of Rs82
billion, will be deported from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan after completion of
legal formalities. The accused is a close relative of Pakistan Peoples Party
(PPP) Secretary General Jahangir Badar.
Next day, the Supreme Court directed NAB chief Fasih Bokhari to
submit authentic copy of a letter in which he had reportedly criticized the
judiciary, particularly the apex court, and warned that the court would not
allow anyone to interfere in judicial affairs. NAB chairman in that letter to
President Zardari had complained that SC was unnecessarily pressing NAB
officials in high profile cases. The chief justice added that the intention of
the letter was to pressurize, criticize and bring hatred to the court.
The democracy in the country is due to the Supreme Court, the CJP
stated while heading a three-member bench hearing a case in connection
with non-implementation of its SCs March 2012 judgment in the RPPs case.
He said as long as the courts are working under the constitution, no pressure
and interference would be allowed and if they (government) wanted to get
rid of the courts then they should abolish them.
On 31st January, the Supreme Court issued a show-cause notice to
NAB chief for contempt of court and made it clear that it will not allow
delay in elections by any quarter or subversion of the present democratic
order under any disguise. The notice to Fasih Bokhari was issued over his
writing a controversial letter to President Zardari wherein he accused the
apex court of interfering in bureaus investigations, particularly against
politicians. This was a second contempt notice to Fasih Bokhari, who, along
with some other officials of NAB, was also issued such a notice last year in
September for not implementing the SC judgment in RPPs case.
The SC office was directed to communicate the notice to the chairman
along with yesterdays order in which the bench had noted: We are of the
opinion that whatever had been expressed in the letter tantamount to causing
interference with or obstruction to the process of the court and (that) the
certain expressions are to scandalize the court and its performance, which
undermine the authority of this court and bring (it) into hatred.
During the proceeding, Prosecutor General NAB presented the
authentic copy of the chairmans letter duly signed by him. The bench after
885
going through the letter asked him to read it. When he read out the words
pre-poll rigging from the letter, the chief justice remarked that the court
always speaks of electoral reforms and timely elections. The CJP said that
RPPs and other cases were pending in the court and he, Agha, being the
officer of the court and not as NAB prosecutor should tell why the chairman
had gone to such extreme. Agha replied: I cant read other persons mind,
but I think this is the manifestation of frustration.
Justice Azmat asked the PG why dont you get the law amended that
the corruption is no longer a crime and the apex court should not hear the
corruption cases. If you would do this then most of the people will be
happy. The CJP said in the RPPs judgment, the court, being conscious of the
rights of the persons involved in corruption, used guarded language. The
case was adjourned until February 4.
Another bench of the Supreme Court directed NAB and the FIA to
submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken to arrest former OGRA
chairman Tauqeer Sadiq and how their path was impeded. FIA Director
Legal told the bench that Tauqeer Sadiq was arrested in the UAE on January
13 and a report of his arrest was sent to NAB Headquarters and the FIA was
arranging documents in order to meet the extradition requirement of the
Interpol.
Justice Khawaja observed that it was the FIA who provided passport
to Sadiq who flew from Pakistan. It appears impossible that Tauqir will be
brought back to Pakistan. Admonishing the authorities concerned, Justice
Khawaja said no progress was shown in the current matter even after 15
days. Azam Khan told the court that UAE attorney general had
communicated to the FIA that a residential visa could not be cancelled.
However, Waqas, an investigation officer of NAB apprised the bench that he
had contacted with the Interpol for resolving complication of the extradition
of Sadiq but got no response.
The court was informed that Sadiq was granted a visa of cashier on
behalf of a confectionary business outlet in the UAE in September 2012 for
three years, which was cancelled. The NAB investigator told the court that
he was pressurized when he was pursuing Sadiq, who is running a labour
employment and immigration company, in the UAE. He also told the bench
that NAB is trying to arrest a person Imran who sent substantial amount to
Sadiq and the last transaction of 60,000 UAE dirhams was made in the name
of Sajjad.
886
A lawyer, Anwar Kamal, refused to provide his services to assist the

bench after the court had asked him to become amicus curiae. Kamal said:
Tauqeer Sadiq was my student in Law College at the Punjab University and
he had contacted me to represent him in the court. Therefore, I am sorry to
assist the court. The hearing was adjourned until February 7.
In a response to a presidential reference on the issue of judges
appointment, the Supreme Court opined that the president was bound to
approve the recommendations put forward by the Judicial Commission. In
its 102-page response to the 13 questions raised by the reference, a fivejudge bench also declared valid the appointment of Justice Mohammad
Anwar Khan Kasi as chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC),
though it declared Justice Riaz as the most-senior judge of the IHC.
The reply added that a decision on the seniority of judges could not be
made through a presidential reference and the case of Justice Riaz and
Justice Kasi seniority was not relevant. It said that the Judicial Commission
(JC) could recommend someone other than the most senior judge to be made
the chief justice of a high court, as per the principles laid down by the SC in
Al-Jehad Trust case. However, the JC could also state its reasons for doing
so.
The court also noted that neither the constitution nor any law
authorizes the President, a symbolic appointing authority, to decide the inter
se seniority of judges, which even otherwise is not only against the
principles of independence of judiciary but also violative of Article 175(3),
which provides for separation of the Judiciary from the Executive.
Next day, the Supreme Court, hearing Kamran Faisals murder case,
again directed the NAB to submit written reservations it raised on the bench
within 10 days. The court also gave conditional exemption to NAB
Chairman from personally appearing before the court on the next date of
hearing, but ruled that whenever the court needed him, he would have to
appear.
During the proceedings, an uncle of Kamran Faisal, Dr Anwar Saeed
Chaudhry, came up on the rostrum and said he wanted to become party in
the case. Justice Jawwad said normally the apex court did not hear
individual cases, but it was of public importance, so the bench was hearing
it. The hearing was adjourned till February 11.
On 2nd February, forensic experts exhumed the body of Kamran
Faisal. Rana Naseer Ahmed, head of a six-member forensic team, said:
Punjab Forensic Science Agency sought the exhumation of the body after a
887
controversy was developed on the initial post-mortem report. The

exhumation was performed in tight security. Faisals father and uncle were
also present during the exhumation.
Chief Justice said that violation of court orders would not be tolerated
under any circumstances, adding nobody is above the law and the
Constitution and all cases will be heard on merit. He said while speaking at a
session of the National Judicial Policymaking Committee (NJPC) at the
Supreme Courts Lahore Registry.
Federal Minister Khurshid Shah said that the judges making antiparliamentary remarks will not be forgiven. He said that parliament is
sovereign and it has the power to make legislation until its last day. He said
that all institutions must work within their limitations. He was talking to
media with reference to remarks of LHC judge about formation of new
province in Punjab.
Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani filed a review petition
against the Supreme Court ruling in the contempt case, praying his
disqualification should be reviewed in the interest of justice and the
conviction be set aside. In January, Gilani had sent his review petition to the
apex court through mail but the Registrar Office returned it while endorsing
the objections of Institution Branch, which said the plea was incomplete and
not filed within the prescribed period.
Taming the military: On 28th January, a nine-member bench

resumed hearing the case regarding an alleged memorandum from Hussain
Haqqani to US Admiral Mike Mullen. During the proceedings, the court
inquired from Asma about Haqqanis attendance. She retorted, Do whatever
you want, I cannot personally go abroad to bring him back. Asma submitted
a letter written to the Interior Ministry with regard to her clients security.
She told the court that Haqqani could not appear before the court for security
reasons.
On November 12, Asma Jehangir had stated in the court how the
Ministry of Interior could provide protection to Haqqani on his arrival when
the Yousuf Raza Gilani government had kept him in the PM House. She had
also said whether the court could give an assurance that ISI and MI would
not arrest him on his arrival and during his stay in Pakistan. However, the
chief justice had said, he would have to appear before the court according to
his undertaking.
888
On 31st January, Islamabad High Court dismissed an intra-court appeal

filed by a retired Army colonel against service extension granted to Chief of
Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in 2010. A two-judge bench
dismissed the petition after hearing arguments by Col (r) Inamur Rahim,
convener of the Ex-Servicemen Society, who had challenged the legality of
extension given to General Kayani.
On 2nd February, the military slammed international watchdogs report
by terming it a pack of lies that is part of anti-Pakistan agenda. The
unusually grim denial came a day after a report from the Human Rights
Watch (HRW) had suggested serious human rights violations by Pakistans
security and intelligence agencies in Balochistan and FATA.
Recessing economy: On 26th January, thousands of textile workers

and owners took out various rallies and held protest demonstration at
District Council Chowk against severe gas load shedding, and set ablaze
tyers, burnt effigy of the rulers and attacked it with sticks. The protesters
were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the gas
stoppage.
On 30th January, the government unveiled a three-year trade policy
framework, at a time when few weeks were left of its ongoing tenure. The
much-delayed Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2012-15 envisages,
among other things, exports target of $95 billion, establishment of an
Export-Import (Exim) Bank and establishment of Pakistan Land Port
Authority (PLPA).The policy framework, which was supposed to be
announced in July or August last year, was approved by the federal cabinet
in its meeting chaired by Prime Minister.
Baloch militancy: On 21st January, security personnel recovered

two bullet-riddled bodies in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti. According to
officials, security forces found the bodies in Pir Koh area of the Dera Bugti.
FC arrested a man and seized explosive materials from his possession in
Notal area. A Quetta anti-terrorism court sent the three CID police officers
and another accused apprehended over kidnapping for ransom on a sevenday physical remand.
Next day, Balochistan High Court canceled the interim bails of three
accused in the Akbar Bugti murder case. These are former Balochistan chief
minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf, former interior minister Aftab Ahmed
Sherpao and former Balochistan Home Minister Mir Shoaib
Nosherwani. The BHC has directed all the accused to appear in the antiterrorism court.
889
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) on the first private member day of the

49th session of the National Assembly staged walkout from the proceeding
of the house and termed the imposition of governors rule in Balochistan as
undemocratic step of ruling PPP. Before staging walkout as mark of protest,
Maulana was of the view that if sit-ins result in implementation of
governors rule in a province then why this formula was not implied after
Tehreek Minhajul Quran (TMQ) Chief Dr Tahir-ul-Qadris long march in
Islamabad.
On 23rd January, unidentified armed men gunned down a prayer leader
belonging to Sunni sect, at Kakar colony within the limits of Satellite town
Quetta. Meanwhile, at least ten accused were rounded up by Frontier Corps
in targeted operations in different parts of Quetta.
On 26th January, at least six tribesmen of government-formed peace
force were killed and three others injured in an attack by Baloch insurgents
in Dera Bugti district, while a local tribesman was also killed in landmine
explosion in the same district. In District Khuzdar, two men were kidnapped
from Wadh area. Next day, the Ahle Sunnat Waljamat (ASJ) held a protest
demonstration against targeted killing of religious scholars and the party
workers in Quetta in front of Press Club. A large number of activists and
leaders participated in the demonstration.
On 29th January, two police constables, including a member of Shia
Hazara community, were shot dead in Arab Karam Khan Road in Quetta.
Unknown armed men in a car opened fire on the police constables who were
riding a motorbike as a result; they sustained fatal wounds and died on the
spot.
Expressing apprehension over the consequences of the governors rule
in Balochistan, the counsel for the provincial government told the Supreme
Court that a constitutional crisis might emerge regarding the formation of
caretaker government in Balochistan. He questioned how the Balochistan
Assembly would be dissolved when the provincial government was under
suspension as all the provincial assemblies would be dissolved on the advice
of the chief ministers concerned under Article 112 of the Constitution.
A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, was
hearing the petition regarding the worsening law and order situation and
target killings in Balochistan. The petition was filed by Balochistan High
Court Bar Association against the target killings, kidnapping for ransom etc
in the province.
890
The chief justice observed that democratic process must continue in

the country under all the circumstances and change could be brought only
through timely elections. He directed Balochistan Chief Secretary to ensure
that people in the province could exercise their right to vote in the general
elections. The chief justice said that democratic process should not be
derailed and all and sundry should ensure free and transparent elections.
The chief justice said they were confident that the Elections
Commission would ensure that the process of registering voters of Dera
Bugti, Kohlu and Mari districts be completed in a transparent manner to
enable the citizens of these districts to exercise their right to vote in the
general elections. The chief justice further directed the chief secretary to
ensure that the civil administration and rule of law prevailed in Kohlu and
other districts without any discrimination and the citizens living there must
have their fundamental rights like those living in the other districts.
Next day, the federal cabinet gave formal go-ahead to hand over
Gwadar Port management from Port of Singapore to a Chinese company.
Kaira said the cabinet had accorded approval to handing over of Gwadar
Port to make the port operational for the collective betterment of the people
of Balochistan.
On 31st January, six alleged militants and a commander of the
outlawed Baloch Liberation Army were killed and several others were
arrested by Frontier Corps during an operation in Mangochar area of Kalat
district. The militants were involved in many crimes, including killing of
settlers, bomb blasts and kidnapping for ransom in Quetta and other parts of
the province.
Next day, a truck driver was killed and three others injured in a firing
incident in Notal area. The assailants managed to escape from the scene.
Meanwhile, two soldiers of FC received bullet injuries when gunmen
attacked Arab Shiekhs hunting party in Kech district. In Quetta, a shutterdown and wheel-jam strike against imposition of the governors rule
paralyzed life.
On 2nd February, hundreds of Baloch Students Organization (Azad)
activists took out a rally and staged demonstration in Turbat city to protest
the alleged military operation in Balochistan and recovery of bullet-riddled
bodies of missing persons. Participants of rally, holding placards and
banners inscribed with different demands, marched through streets of the
city. Next day, a man was shot dead in Quetta while two people were
wounded in a landmine blast in the Lyari area.
891
Turf war in Karachi: On 21st January, two political workers were

among six people gunned down in different violent incidents. Next day,
twelve people were killed in separate incidents of violence in the city. On
23rd January, two people including a worker of MQM were gunned down in
separate acts of violence. Meanwhile, several political and religious parties
started a campaign for a three-day sit-in from January 26, outside the office
of the provincial election commission (PEC), against the ongoing voters
verification in the city without army personnel.
Next day, at least four people, among them a DSP and a sub-inspector,
were killed and over dozen others wounded in twin blasts in Quaidabad area
of Karachi. Next day, two policemen were killed in a late night targeted
attack in Korangi area of the city. DSP Korangi said the cops were killed in a
targeted attack.
On 26th January, at least 12 people lost their lives in the city.
Policemen, political and religious workers were among the dead. Next day,
four people, including workers of MQM and PPP, were shot dead in separate
targeted attacks in the metropolis. On 28th January, at least eight people were
killed in drive-by shooting in the city.
Next day, eight people, including two MQM workers and a
policeman, were killed in targeted attacks and a militant gun attack at a
police station in the metropolis. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court gave five
days to the Sindh Police to arrest those who aided Shahrukh Jatoi, prime
accused in the Shahzeb murder case, to flee the country.
On 30th January, at least seven persons were killed and several others
injured in target killing in different localities of the city, including two
people in a powerful bomb blast in Sohrab Goth. Meanwhile, Police
rearrested Ajmal Pahari from Jauharabad area and booked him in four more
cases of murder.
Next day, three clerics were among eighteen more falling prey to the
ongoing wave of violence in Karachi. The Sindh government decided to start
a targeted action against terrorists and anti-state elements from Friday
(today). Chairing a meeting on law and order, Chief Minister called in police
reinforcements from other districts to ensure order in the provincial capital.
On 1st February, attacks against the law enforcers claimed the lives of
15 policemen in the first month of the current year; in all 240 people were
killed in January. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam observed black day in the
metropolis against the target killings of vice president of Binoria seminary,
892
Mufti Deenpuri, his colleague Mufti Saleh and student Hassan Ali who were
killed yesterday. ECP extended till February 11 the deadline to complete the
door-to-door verification process of voter lists in Karachi. Next day, eight
people were killed in separate incidents. On 3rd February, five people were
gunned down in separate acts of violence in different parts of the city.
VIEWS
Power politics
A face-saving exit: As time passed, his desperation over the
governments lack of response became more and more pronounced and he
realized that the plan had fallen apart and that is was difficult to keep his
followers in the freezing cold for a long time. The burgeoning criticism and
disapproval of using women and children as pawns on the chessboard also
had its toll on him. He yearned for a face-saving exit, which was finally
provided by the government on the fifth day.
Democracy is all about flexibility and accommodation, and the
government proved its democratic credentials by letting the march go ahead
unhindered and then tolerated the presence of around 100,000 people in the
capital, which almost paralyzed life in the capital. Had a dictator been
around, we would have witnessed another episode like the Lal Masjid.
Now a few words about the agreement between Dr Qadri and the
government. Dr Qadri wanted immediate dissolution of the assemblies,
which has not been conceded and it has been left to the governments
discretion to dissolve Parliament any time before March 16. He wanted the
reconstitution of the Election Commission immediately, which has not been
accepted and consigned to further deliberations. The agreement underscores
the need for scrutiny of the aspiring candidates for 30 days, instead of three
days in accordance with Article 62 and 63 about their eligibility criteria.
Interestingly, the scrutiny of the candidates and implementation of these
Articles is the responsibility of the Election Commission and not the
government.
Furthermore, the provision for suggesting two names for the caretaker
PM, in consensus with the Pakistan Awami Tehrik, does not make him a
stakeholder. Article 224(1A) of the constitution prescribes that a caretaker
PM will be appointed by the President in consultation with the PM and the
leader of the opposition. Article 224(A) added through the 20th Amendment
provides that in case of disagreement between the PM and the opposition
893
leader, the matter will be referred to a Parliamentary Committee with equal

members from the ruling and opposition parties, with the government and
the opposition providing two names each for the PMs appointment. In case
the Committee fails to arrive at a consensus within three days, the matter
will be referred to the Election Commission to be decided within two days.
Against this backdrop, there is not much that Dr Tahirul Qadri
achieved through the sit-in and the negotiation process, except a face-saving
exit. (Malik Muhammad Ashraf, TheNation 22nd January)
Long march impact on politics: In hindsight, we can argue with
reasonable confidence that Qadri could not get any clear support from any
quarter that mattered. Perhaps, the international or the domestic players that
inspired his mission were unable or unwilling to come out more forcefully in
the support of his cause, or a bargain was struck quickly making it
unnecessary to provide him with any more oxygen; leaving him with no
option but to find a face-saving exit from a stagnant situation that had
become dangerously hopeless after the rain in a freezing Islamabad.
Should we forget that someone initially egged the MQM to join in and
then someone convinced the MQM not to go ahead. One Islamabad insider
argues that those powerful domestic and international interests that
coalesced and sustained the lawyers movement against Musharraf were not
on the same page. And some argue that one of such interests even advised
PTI not to throw its lot with the protestors at D-Chowk. The PML-N,
however, is convinced that Imran Khan and his kitchen cabinet panicked
after the show of force by opposition stalwarts under Nawaz at Raiwind.
Life can be totally idiotic. The PML-N that had cried conspiracy
appears to be the main beneficiary of long march; the PPP apparently
against whom Dr Qadri spent most of its rhetoric has neither gained nor
lost, but PTI that always stood for change and was admired by Qadri and his
marchers seems to be the main victim of all what happened. This
unpredictable outcome owes to the fact that political parties ultimately
depend upon the morale of their support bases and the impressions of those
neutral sections of the populations that support a winner. The PML-N
supporters have been energized by what they saw a decisive, strong stand by
Nawaz and his ability to assemble leaders like Maulana Fazalur Rehman, Pir
of Pagara and Mehmood Khan Achakzai. Maulana though may have been
unhappy by the dismissal of government in Balochistan and may have
erroneously seen Dr Qadri and his protestors as another link of the same
chain.
894
The PPP can convince its supporters that it defended democracy,

successfully rebuffed a challenge from the establishment and has even
recruited Dr Qadri as a supporter to frustrate the PML-N in Punjab. But PTI
has been left with a difficult situation, both internally and externally. Its
support base of young men and women were dazed by Dr Tahirul Qadris
powerful rhetoric against the politics of corruption and status quo, and could
not understand why Imran Khan did not come out strongly to strengthen the
protestors at D-Chowk. For political observers, Imran and his kitchen
cabinet failed to demonstrate the political skill or what you may call killer
instinct to politically exploit a situation
Let me conclude with this. My Facebook page is followed by about
70,000; most of them are between ages 21 and 35; these educated men and
women exist in different cities of Pakistan and across the world. I keep on
asking questions; hundreds vote in such surveys and since you have to vote
through your profile page, therefore, results are mostly accurate reflections
of mood. When the long march ended, I asked them if the way the long
march ended has strengthened their struggle for political change or it has
consolidated the old politics of status quo? Almost 80 percent thought that
the old political order has strengthened itself. And in a country of 200
million, with 65 percent young under 35, with more than 100 nuclear
warheads and humongous challenges of unemployment, water and energy
shortages and increasing frustration for want of solutions, this end of the
long march disturbs me. (Moeed Pirzada, TheNation 22nd January)
Dr Qadris quest for change: It is unfortunate that the opposition
could not rise to the occasion and participate in this entente. Regardless of
this, and while the agreement has been criticized for lacking substance and
co-opting Dr Qadri as a virtual partner of the government, it should
eventually impact across Pakistans political landscape, keeping in mind that
political change is an incremental process.
Dr Qadri was able to use his eloquence and marshalling of street
power to highlight the need for electoral reform through strict
implementation of the existing Articles of the constitution and of electoral
mechanisms. However, how to implement such reform remains a difficult
process in the face of the political elite that has persisted in power
throughout a classic catch-22 situation. What matters is the need for such
reform being publicly articulated and acknowledged.
895
In these days, we have heard many claims from many quarters of

being able to raise equally large and sustained rallies; but the fact remains
that no one in Pakistan has done so in recent history.
Furthermore, irrespective of whether or not he has some hidden
agenda and who may be behind it, the support he has received demonstrates
the demand for better governance. Walking along the Blue Area boulevard,
one was impressed by the courage and commitment of his followers. The
mood throughout the large multitude of people from all over the country,
waving a sea of Pakistani flags was infectious and optimistic. One met
people from the tribal areas, and a boy who had come all the way from
faraway interior Sindh, having sold his goat to do so. Another participant
said their leader had decreed that not even a leaf be touched in this our
capital city. None of the stage-management and opportunism evident in
political rallies was visible. To the contrary, one was struck by his
supporters dedication to the promise of change brought by Dr Qadri.
His main achievement and legacy as the eminence grilse brokering
this agreement should be two-fold. To hold a mirror to Pakistans flawed
political process as a wake-up call to the political parties to improve their
performance as befits a modern-day democracy. And to establish the
foundation for an activist and nationwide religious force firmly opposed to
extremism and terrorism. He has strikingly showcased the Pakistani
populaces desire for both. (Rehana Aziz, TheNation 22nd January)
The long betrayal: Now, coming to the ugly side of the drama, let
me begin with a simple analogy. Assume that someone dear to you has been
wrongly implicated in some crime and for that has been jailed for life. If you
were to protest, what would it be for? To have an honest and sincere jailer
posted to the jail who would disburse the daily meals without deducting
anything and the daily punishments on time and measure? Or, would you
demand a free and fair trial? No doubt an honest and sincere jailer is nice to
have in such a situation, but isnt it more fundamental to protest against the
plot of which your loved one has involuntarily become a part?
All of those calling for radical change across the Muslim world and in
Pakistan see this current system as incapable of delivering even in its purest
form. They dont restrict themselves to the micro details of this system but
also point to the larger canvas of geopolitical interests of the western
countries without which, according to them, no analysis is complete. It is
hard to refute this argument when seen in the context of the decade-long war
on terror, or before that the decade-long Soviet-Afghan war. Isnt it true that
896
in these two history-shaping events the jailer had no role to play at all, so it
really doesnt make any substantial difference whether he is honest or
corrupt.
Therefore, those truly calling for radical change must have felt
betrayed by the half-truths of Dr Qadri. He kept on pointing out the
corruption of the jailer (all of which was true and therefore mesmerizing) but
conveniently forgot to even mention both the internal and external forces,
which at the same time have implicated your loved one and handed down the
life-sentence verdict.
Dr Qadris error of omission is worse than any of the errors of
commission he might have ever committed, because societies have
something called collective memories and in there the thought of being
betrayed again by a false inqilab will live on for a long time. As a result, it
will be tougher to mobilize the masses again, even the one crying wolf is not
lying.
The ugliest of it all, though, was the ending which suggests that the
self-proclaimed saviour and the alleged villain will live together happily
ever after (or at least for another four years). (Abdul Baseer Qazi, The News
23rd January)
Winds of change: The most important demand of Dr Qadri was the
proper pre-screening of candidates prior to their being declared eligible for
elections. In my opinion a 30-day period is too short for a thorough
screening of a thousand or more candidates. It should be at least 90 days.
Moreover, the initial screening should better be carried out by a committee
of eminent non-political citizens appointed by the chief justice of Pakistan,
and their recommendations should then be sent to a neutral Election
Commission for a final decision. Otherwise there is every chance that it will
be another eyewash.
It is also important to establish proper mechanisms that would ensure
that the maximum amount as allowed expenditure stipulated in the SC
decision (Rs1.5 million) for election to the position of MNA is not exceeded.
This needs to be carefully monitored by external neutral supervisors
appointed by the Election Commission.
The present system of democracy based on the British parliamentary
system will not work in Pakistan till we have genuine land reforms and
break the stranglehold of feudal landlords on the election process. The
present parliamentarians, the majority of whom belong to the feudal
aristocracy, will not implement genuine land reforms.
897
The only way forward is therefore for the interim government to seek
the approval of the Supreme Court and then have a referendum in order to
bring in a presidential system of democracy in which the president selects
his own team of technocrats as cabinet ministers. This will, in one shot, put a
stop to the huge malpractices that go on where investments of Rs100-200
million are made by the corrupt and the powerful to get into power. Once
elected, they use every means at their disposal to loot billions. If the job of
parliament is confined to lawmaking and oversight of national programmes
where there are no opportunities for corruption, such persons will lose all
interest in getting elected to parliament.
Dr Qadri did not address certain other matters that lie at the heart of
the issue These include the mechanisms of appointment of heads of key
national organizations such as the National Accountability Bureau, the FIA,
PIA, the Railways, Pakistan Steel, Ogra and others. If the government in
power has any say in such appointments then the doors of corruption will
remain wide open, and billions will continue to be looted. Such
organizations should be completely autonomous and appointments to them
should be only made through their own respective board of governors.
The PML-N has already experienced the shallowness of written
agreements reached with the PPP. Dr Tahirul Qadri failed to get any
guarantors to what was agreed to in writing, and may meet the same fate.
Another long march may, alas, be necessary when it becomes clear that
the agreement was just eyewash. Imran Khan missed a wonderful
opportunity but now he should team up with Dr Qadri for clean and
transparent elections. The MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami, Minhajul Quran, and
other like-minded parties should do the same. (Atta-ur-Rahman, The News
23rd January)
The difference the doctor has made: Whoever thought up the Qadri
caper was a genius. If its an army man, he should be given another star,
retired and sent to Hollywood where even Stephen Spielberg could learn a
trick or two from him about staging spectacles.
The imaginatively choreographed cast of extras milling about
shouting, laughing and crying on cue added immensely to the impact. The
happy ending was vintage Hollywood. Had Rehman Malik not been
excluded, it would have been perfect. However there has to be a villain(s);
Nawaz Sharif also helped out by collecting a whole slew of them at
Raiwind.
898
The slick capsule housing Dr Qadri was a great stage prop. But its
importance was not limited to being only that. It provides a clue to much
else. Consider, we know it was made for Musharrafs use. Then how did
Qadri get his hands on it? The answer to that question will probably unravel
a great deal of the mystery of who exactly were Qadris mysterious backers.
Was it Zardari, Musharraf and the establishment, or all three?
Dr Qadri personally deserves two Oscars and a presidential pride of
performance award one for playing the leading role so brilliantly, and the
other for co-scripting the spectacle. The presidential award is for helping
Zardari to get a leg-up on Nawaz Sharif, yet again. As for the critics, forget
them, the dullards envy of brilliant men is always assuaged by the
suspicion that they will come to a bad end. Of course, Qadri may still come
to that at the hands of the Canadian immigration authorities; or the Taliban
may get him. He is high on their target list for being a Shia-supportingBarelvi-mullah, both of whom they consider detestable grave worshippers.
But in the eyes of the public Dr Qadri is a hero the new star on
Pakistans political firmament. And why not? Our tradition is one of protest
and revolt. And for the cant about the constitution and legal procedures, the
right of revolution becomes an inherent right when these procedures are
inadequate or made unavailable by those hiding behind the jargon of law and
order and the constitution.
In practice, too, Qadris performance was flawless. Knowing his flock
of extras was suffering from the intense cold after three nights out in the
open, Qadri recalled the suffering at Karbala to revive their spirits. It was, of
course, preposterous but it served his purpose, although my tears stayed in
their ducts refusing to be jerked.
To strengthen their resolve, Qadri puffed out his (puny) chest and
claimed he would be the first to confront Rehman Maliks force. The highpitched screams, his show of defiance evoked from his female followers,
were ear-splitting. Rehman Malik would have been lynched, if even a stick
had been raised over them.
At key moments during the proceedings, Qadri cleverly invited all
doubters to leave, as if they would, even if they could. And when his
audience appeared downcast, Qadri raised their spirits by swearing victory
was at hand, although there was not the remotest possibility of that once
Agha Murtaza Pooya vice-chairman of Pakistani Awami Tehreek (PAT) had
reported back on his dash to Karachi and the outcome of his furtive meeting
with Zardari.
899
Qadris was a masterly display of controlling a crowd not, mind you,

composed of the usual rabble but one made up of educated middle and lower
middle class supporters. That greatly impressed a veteran journalist who
remarked: In over 30 years of covering political demonstrations I had not
seen a more disciplined crowd. Or, for that matter, one as determined,
focused, educated, polite and warm hearted. During the course of a single
days wandering amongst them, he said, he was searched on no less than
16 occasions, very politely and efficiently.
To conduct meetings with the governments representative in full view
of his supporters and the nation at large was a deft move by Dr Qadri.
Clearly he was neither going to be bought out nor strike secret deals. It also
ensured his supporters outside, and the press, had a seat at the table. Here
was a man with an instinctive feel for publicity.
Dr Qadri received government ministers and a former prime minister
and called out the government representatives one by one, much like
apprehended rogues at the local thana are trundled out to meet the visiting
crime beat reporter and they were obligingly contrite. But not content.
Qadri proceeded to do what the pope never does to visiting atheists,
which is to rub their noses in the ground and have them recant.
I felt especially sorry for Kaira. He had done a good job ridiculing
Qadri. Actually, Kairas mimicking of Qadri was among the stellar moments
of the whole spectacle. We know Kaira has little regard for Qadri but there
he was, on national TV, where he had to eat his own words and pretend he
was enjoying it.
The fact is Qadri had tapped into a rich vein of public contempt for
politicians. Just about every insult he hurled at them is what the public also
feels. And when, at one point, he appeared at a loss for words to describe
their corrupt ways that lent his feelings greater sincerity. It also prompted the
crowd to venture a few suggestions of their own.
Needless to say criticism of Qadri has been rife. He is called a
hypocrite and worse. But few among the great unwashed care what Qadri
signed on to, or that he exaggerated the numbers of demonstrators. Of
course, he did, but then not really. If not physically, then in spirit, millions
were participating in the demonstration thanks to the blanket TV coverage.
And if, as the rumour goes, Qadri gets to collect a dollar each from the
Americans for every demonstrator in attendance (hence, his constant
references to the imaginary two million), so what? He deserves it and the
Americans can afford it.
900
Qadri has changed the political dynamics in the country. Henceforth,

what politicians say, how they speak, the spirit and the size of the crowd and
the way the latter behave will be measured by the standards set by the Qadri
dharna.
Islamabad finally has something to boast about other than hosting the
highest number of well-heeled thieves anywhere in Pakistan. And if those
standards seem impossibly high, that suits Qadri even better.
Apparently Zardari has plans for Qadri. He believes that Qadris
popularity, if skillfully exploited, will dent Nawazs hold on central Punjab,
at least sufficiently to deprive Nawaz winning a plurality of the seats there,
and, if not, of winning big. The latter concern also apparently greatly alarms
the military.
Nawaz had had the opportunity to make his peace with them over the
past five years but he chose not to. Nawaz often forgets that the devil is not
always as black as he is painted and, as a result, if he wins, democracy may
have to suffer in the future as it did in the past.
Imran Khan was wise not to jump into the fray, although he was
tempted and had been invited to do so by Qadri. And thats not because he
would have gained. But its just as well he did not because Imrans young,
emotional and undisciplined followers would have risked the confrontation
turning violent, and that would have almost certainly led to casualties and
left a bad taste in the mouth. Meanwhile, heres hoping we have smooth
sailing till the elections, although thats like asking for the moon. (Zafar
Hilaly, The News 23rd January)
A flash flood that petered away: It appears that the government was
initially taken off guard. The PML-N went into full drive to impede the long
march and sent police reinforcement to Islamabad. Under pressure and
misreading the environment, their next faux pas was to go all-out in support
of the federal government through reinforcing Islamabad, a joint opposition
and stage counter protests in Lahore. Unlike what was suggested, the PMLN chose to board the NRO 2 bandwagon, rather than assert patriotism by
holding out an olive branch to its political opponents. This put them deeper
into this crack that President Asif Zardari grabbed the opportune moment to
convert this flash flood to a trickle.
As Dr Qadris dharna took twists and turns, so did the reverberations
on his intentions, motives and effects on Pakistani politics. The Orwellian
satire was in full public display in the container with people hugging, and
smiling, while the sheep obediently peeped through. The futility of the
901
march was writ large on the faces of the government representatives

standing behind Dr Qadri.
In a dramatic irony of the plot, representatives of PML-Q and MQM,
rather than be allies of the Allama, chose to be with the winners. In the
course of five hours, the PML-N card was effectively used by negotiators to
subdue Dr Qadri. Least, smiles and not cajoling allowed Zardari to hijack a
revolution that never was. As the public spectacle concluded to a whimper, it
left the sane musing and questioning: why all this and to what effect?
But as a minimalist agenda, Dr Qadri managed to secure a document
that is likely to rock the pro-election scenes in Pakistan for times to come. I
am sure; he has left enough skeletons in the cupboard to live and fight
another day, possibly setting the tone of events for a pro-West nationalist
Pakistan. His words peace at home and peace abroad were straight out of
these columns, as were many sentences and phrases in his English speech.
For Imran and his party, the temptation to merge the tsunami into this
sea of energy and overturn the corridors of power was irresistible. Many
analysts opined that PTIs arrival would provide the much needed impetus
and tip a peoples revolution. The views and opinions of experts and anchors
vacillated every moment. Within the stormy party meetings, contrarian
comments were heard and counter-argued. Imran held resolutely and resisted
the forbidden fruit. Like a cricketer of class, he declared that he wished the
middle stump uprooted in front of the crowds, rather than support a tempting
agenda whose objectives appeared shady and flexible. He declared that to
achieve Jinnahs Pakistan, the act to experiment with expediencies was, in
fact, a betrayal of the great leader.
The only party that has emerged non-committal through its
conspicuous absence is PTI. Many critics still opine that Imran Khan missed
the boat once again. During his arguments with me, he declared that leaders
lead the people and not otherwise. Despite my contrarian assessment, I agree
because in the end, it proved to be a petering flash flood. Events in the next
four weeks will prove some right and others wrong. The Ides of March are
round the corner. (Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNatioin 23rd January)
The Islamabad Declaration: Has the PPP co-chairperson, the skilful
artisan and practitioner of Machiavellian politics (the prince does everything
possible to save his rule), once again hijacked the agenda for political
change in Pakistan? Has he politically deceived Dr Tahirul Qadri by the PPP
governments accord signed in Islamabad during the long march on the
capital? Has he prevailed for the continuation of political status quo in this
902
country? Has he marginalized Nawaz Sharif and forced him to play on the
back foot for the ultimate future glory of the Machiavellian Prince? Has he
made Dr Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khans politics of change doctrine
irrelevant in tomorrows Pakistan?
These are some vital questions that need not only be understood in the
aftermath of the Dr Qadri-PPP agreement, but must also be answered and
analyzed in the context of the political probabilities that are likely to emerge
out of Pakistans realpolitik dynamics. The traditional political actors in the
corridors of power in this country are not likely to let their hold on national
politics slip away so easily. Eventually, the forces of political status quo and
the forces of political change have come face-to-face for a final showdown.
It is going to be a messy business full of the ruling elites Mafioso tactics
and a battle of wits and determination by the advocates of the doctrine of
political change.
Dr Qadris daring and enterprising movement for massive public
mobilization against an inefficient, corrupt, greatly mismanaged so-called
democratic regime and political system came to an abrupt end when the
princes forces, armed with diabolic intentions to counteract the Islamabad
Declaration, decided to descend on the bulletproof custom-made container
housing the movements leader.
It seems that an earlier government plan, publicly articulated by the
Interior Minister to effectively terminate the revolutionary public movement
and its leader by force, was clearly and admirably sabotaged by the ISI and
the military establishment. I venture to guess (indeed, without any authentic
information) that a timely call from the GHQ had warned the prince (at the
time, running the presidency from his Karachi residence) that such a brutal
course of political action would not be tolerated. My personal view on the
matter is that it was put straight to the prince that any aggressive action
against peaceful protestors was absolutely unacceptable and indeed, the
consequences would be serious. If this assumption is accurate, then the
military establishment must be congratulated on its political wisdom and
farsighted vision, as well as on its humanitarian concerns for public safety.
Hence, the prince moved on to his second option: the mantra of
political reconciliation by dialogue, deliberation and consensus-building.
Suddenly, a government delegation was at Dr Qadris door, seeking a
political resolution and an agreement on the terms and conditions for the
Islamabad Declaration.
903
Ironically, the government delegation to Dr Qadris container included

even the Federal Information Minister, who had, only earlier in the day,
ridiculed the esteemed Doctor and lambasted him. Even more strange, as
well as precious in terms of decent human behaviour, was the moment when
Dr Qadri embraced the said Minister and appreciated his efforts in the
service of democracy. Perhaps, Dr Qadri was showing admirable personal
courtesy, political wisdom and flexibility for the success of ongoing
negotiations.
I suspect, as an observer of the traditional ruling elites political
behaviour, that Pakistani Machiavellian princes of political status quo
orientation, a whole lot of them together inclusive of PPP and its allies, have
no intention of honouring the Islamabad Declaration in its true letter and
spirit. It is almost certain that they are going to do everything and anything
within the realm of possibilities and beyond to sabotage the intended
outcomes of the said agreement which are the change of guard at the helm
of national affairs, the induction of middle class leadership at provincial and
national levels, independent legislative assemblies, and a transformational
change in the political culture of this country.
All these political dimensions in a would-be revolutionary Pakistan
are death warrants to the established incumbent political forces; therefore,
they are going to fight tooth and nail to prevail against any fundamental
changes in the political structure of this country. They will have their cronies
put up for elections with hidden financial and political support. They will
cover up their ill-deeds with massive propaganda campaigns, character
assassinations of their adversaries, and a selectively organized hostile media
assault against the advocates of political change.
As a consequence, come March of this year, a more determined,
united, sentimentally and politically expressive public mass movement will
have to re-emerge to take control of the political events in Pakistan. Youth,
young and old, men and women and people of all persuasions and
backgrounds will have to join in to save Pakistan from the rotten political
culture and system. Such has been the nature and history of political chaos in
the annals of human existence. Pakistan cannot be an exception to this
universal rule.
Indeed, neither Tahirul Qadri nor Imran Khan is going to be irrelevant
to Pakistans future political landscape. In my opinion, as the status quo
forces thrust forward with more harmful ammunition to sabotage the
movement for political change, the more the revolutionary forces will
904
strengthen their resolve for a fundamental political change in the country. I

can clearly see at this moment a powerful and vibrant political alliance
between Dr Qadris camp and Khans Tehrik-i-Insaaf.
It seems both Qadri and Khan are marked to play a fundamental
revolutionary part in the transformational politics of this nation. It is bound
to happen.
A word to the princes of political demagogy and family oligarchies:
change is inevitable now read the writing on the wall do not push the
nation into a further economic, social and political abyss. Otherwise, you
will be held responsible. There is going to be a day of political
accountability and judgment soon. (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNatioin 23 rd
January)
Dual office: Presidents dual office case has been going on for quite
some time now. In almost every hearing the litigant applies a tactic for more
time It goes without saying that the repercussions of the president who has
to be non-partisan and neutral while he conducts the duties of his office
behaving like a parochial individual would rather sever the already weak
chain that binds the federation. The strategy by the President of buying time
will do more harm than good to his already sagging reputation. Initially
when the petition was filed in the Lahore High Court, the government
simply preferred to ignore the issue. We have the example of how the letter
to the Swiss court was written after a considerable waste of time. If that is
what is being done in the present case, which very much seems to be the
case, it is only unfortunate. Out of court, it is further disappointing that the
PPP ministers keep on with their bombardment of arguments largely on the
premise that since the presidents office was inherently a political office, the
courts demand that it becomes apolitical is strange and cannot be met.
Clearly, it suggests a defiant mood.
Now with the elections fast approaching, the presidency has become
the hub of politics and there is the aspect of the Election Commission
keeping a close watch on the emerging canvass. And besides, already the
President has had enough of politics; the twilight of his tenure should,
therefore, be spared the trouble of bringing discredit to his legacy.
Our Greek tragedy: In 399 BC, Socrates stood before a jury of 500
Athenians his peers accused of refusing to recognize the gods
recognized by the state and corrupting the youth. The penalty was to be
death. After hearing the arguments of both Socrates and his accusers, instead
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of deliberating on the merits of the case as was required under the Athenian
law, the jury by a vote of 280 to 220 promptly gave a guilty verdict and
sentenced him to death.
Athenian law prescribed death by drinking a cup of poison. Socrates
who was 70 years old and well-respected by Athenians as their benefactor
was to be his own executioner. He was taken to the nearby jail where his
sentence was to be carried out. Plato, the most famous student of Socrates
was not present at his mentors death but knew those who were there. He
describes the scene through the narrative voice of a fictional character
Phaedo. The dialogue takes place in Socrates prison cell, where he awaits
his execution.
Socrates is visited there by his friend Crito who had made
arrangements to smuggle him out of prison to the safety of exile. But
Socrates declined Critos offer for escape. The man who was to administer
the poison brought the cup full of hemlock mix to him and asked him to
drink it.
Phaedos account goes on: Up till this moment most of us were able
with some decency to hold back our tears, but when we saw him drinking
the poison to the last drop, we could restrain ourselves no longer. In spite of
myself, the tears came in floods, so that I covered my face and wept not
for him, but at my own misfortune at losing such a man as my friend. Crito,
even before me, rose and went out when he could check his tears no longer.
Apollodorus was already steadily weeping, and by drying his eyes, crying
again and sobbing. He affected everyone present except for Socrates himself
who said, You are strange fellows; what is wrong with you? These words
made us ashamed, and we stopped crying.
As the chill sensation got to his waist, Socrates uncovered his head
and said his last words: Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Do pay it.
Dont forget. Of course, said Crito. Do you want to say anything else?
There was no reply to this question, but after a while he gave a slight stir,
and the attendant uncovered him and examined his eyes. Then Crito saw that
he was dead, he closed his mouth and eyelids. This was the end of our
friend, the best, wisest and most upright man of any that I have ever known.
Socrates lived nearly 2400 years ago during the time of Athens
transition from the heights of glory to abject decline after its defeat by
Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. While democratic Athens, the strongest
city-state in Greece prior to the wars beginning, found itself devastated and
reduced to complete subservience and anarchy, oligarchic Sparta emerged as
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the leading power of Greece. The economic costs of the war were felt all
across Greece; poverty became widespread in the Peloponnese and Athens
never regained its pre-war prosperity.
The Athenian public was totally disillusioned with the then prevailing
democracy with gross inadequacies of governance, morality and law and
order. They were fed up with their corrupt rulers. Socrates understood their
pain and anguish. Claiming loyalty to his state, he challenged the course of
Athenian politics and society. He praised better governed Sparta, the
archrival to Athens, and blamed his own states corrupt politics in various
dialogues.
One of Socrates purported offenses to the ruling hierarchy was his
position as a social and moral critic. He spoke out against them and against
their corrupt practices in the name of democracy.
The last years of Socrates life saw Athens experience constant
political and economic upheaval. The Thirty Tyrants a junta who
overthrew democracy ruled for about a year before the return to
democracy came about. At this point it declared a status quo-driven
amnesty for all recent events.
This was like the NRO of today and Socrates challenged it. Rather
than accepting what he perceived as opportunistic power-based immorality
within his state, Socrates spoke out against the very popular notion of might
makes right. He believed the state was more important than the rotten
Athenian politics. He spoke the truth and challenged the status quo.
More than two millennia after his death, Socrates is as relevant as
ever. The Greeks are already nostalgic for him and are now turning to the
same wise man for help. The situation in Pakistan is no different. We too
witnessed the Athenian scene being enacted in our capital with a lot of
political ferment and frenzy.
Dr Tahirul Qadri is no Socrates. But, like Socrates, he behaved as
what Plato had described his esteemed mentor a gadfly of the state who
irritated the Athenian men of status quo by invoking issues of justice, law
and goodness. Qadri too irritated the men and perhaps a few heavily coated
and painted women of status quo in Pakistan. He challenged the rotten
system in which the same feudalized and elitist oligarchy consisting of
different men at different times under different political flags had kept the
nation hostage with or without military collusion since independence.
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Whatever his personal motives or political ambitions, he did storm

Pakistans citadel of political power and greed giving a loud wake-up call
to the people that sounded like a death knell to the countrys deeplyentrenched status-quo-driven feudal, tribal and elitist power structure.
He spoke the truth, calling for change that the people had been
waiting for too long. They joined him in throngs because they were sick and
tired of the system that had given them nothing but hardship and misery.
They trusted him because he did not belong to the exclusive club of
Pakistans privileged political fraternity.
To be part of this fraternity, one must be the very antithesis of the
criteria laid down in Articles 62 and 63 that Qadri had demanded to be
implemented in letter and spirit. He rattled the political ranks by showing the
politicians their true face in the mirror. No wonder, there was so much
political rumpus. How dare he challenge the domain to which nobody, not
even successive military dictators, could ever bring change? Qadris crime
was no different from that of Socrates. He had to be punished.
No sooner did Qadri give his last ultimatum, sending heartbeats and
pulse rates shooting, the jury arrived. The curtains of Qadris bulletproof
container were drawn and the trial lasted just for a couple of hours. The
verdict was unanimous. Qadri shall be admitted into the ignominious
fraternity that he had vowed to topple. He willingly accepted to be his own
executioner, and joined the exclusive club, forging a new configuration of
political power.
Unlike the real Greek tragedy, all in the container were seen happy,
gleefully embracing each other. The hostage crowd returned home. There
couldnt be a more comic end to our Greek tragedy. (Shamshad Ahmad,
The News 25th January)
Change nowhere in sight: More than two millennia after his death,
Socrates remains as relevant as ever. The Greeks have already been getting
nostalgic of their old wise man who doled out self-help tips, while railing
against the hypocrisies of society and the state and whose lessons live on
more than 2,400 years after his death. They despise their present political
leaders and their subservience to Brussels bureaucrats. The situation in
Pakistan earlier this month looked no different. The Athenian scene was
enacted in our capital with lot of ferment and frenzy. Dr Muhammad Tahirul
Qadri was no Socrates. But, like Socrates 2,400 years ago, he did storm the
citadel of political power and greed in Pakistan.
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Whatever his personal motives or political ambitions, like Socrates,

Qadri challenged the rotten system in which the same feudalized and elitist
oligarchy consisting of different men at different times under different
political flags had kept the nation hostage with or without military collusion
since independence. By rebuking the ruling hierarchy and their hypocritical
corrupt practices in the name of democracy, he showed them their true face
in the mirror. State, not politics was his slogan. The people of Pakistan, like
the Athenian public, stood totally disillusioned with the prevailing
democracy in their state.
For the first time, they were hearing someone speaking their mind and
calling for long-awaited change. They joined him in throngs because they
knew the change they wanted will never come through elections under the
present rotten system. Dr Qadri managed to mobilize a huge crowd for his
long march. It was immaterial how many thousands they were. He did
control the street power presenting an unprecedented spectacle of discipline.
Contrary to general perception of Muslims being a rowdy and aggressive
people, the peaceful and disciplined sit-in at Islamabads D-Chowk was a
different experience altogether.
But this was not meant to be a discipline and peace rally. It was a
willfully mobilized and grandiloquently charged political dharna that its
participants genuinely believed would demolish the system of corrupt
politics in their country. They had gone there to convert Islamabads DChowk into Cairos Tahrir Square. Qadris demand for electoral reforms
under a new caretaker set up before the coming elections was loud and clear.
He cited the constitutions Article 254 for deferring the next elections. The
world of politics stood rattled. How dared he challenge the domain to which
nobody, not even the successive military dictators, could ever bring change?
Qadri surely was a political outcast, not because he was a dual
national or because in recent years for security reasons he had been living
overseas, but only because ancestrally he was neither the child of fortune,
nor born into power as has been the requisite for being part of the
privileged club of Pakistani politics. To be part of this feudalized elitist
exclusive fraternity, one must be the very antithesis of the criteria laid
down in Articles 62 and 63 that Qadri had demanded to be implemented in
letter and in spirit. No wonder, heartbeats and pulse rates zoomed up with
Qadris last 90 minute ultimatum. The ruling hierarchy got the message. A
group of notorious wheelers and dealers was soon there to deal with the
challenge. Qadris crime was no different from that of Socrates. Curtains in
his bulletproof container were drawn. The jury sat there briefly before
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giving its unanimous verdict. Qadri shall be admitted into the ignominious
fraternity that he had vowed to topple. He accepted to be his own
executioner. Unlike the real Greek tragedy, all in the container were seen
happy, gleefully embracing each other. The hostage crowd returned home
with change nowhere in sight. There couldnt be a more comic end to our
Greek tragedy.
Meanwhile, the media is galore with unending speculations and
interpretations. Despite all the claims to the contrary, nothing has changed in
Pakistans corrupt politics. Those who expect the coming elections to bring
any change will be disappointed. The same political wizards remain in
saddle. The same wizardries characterize our political scene. The status quo
of loot and plunder that Dr Tahirul Qadri threatened to topple has only
been reinforced. Hopes are still being pinned on the coming elections.
Democracy is not all about elections. If that was really so, countries with
regularly elected dictators would have been rated the worlds most
democratic states.
Democracy is also not about wealth or family lineage. Democracy is
about the people, who are the final arbiters of their destiny. They choose
their leaders in the hope of rule of law, justice and good governance. In our
case, we have seen a number of political leaders cycled through elections
under political as well as military regimes. Invariably, very few of them
went beyond maintaining their own political power and privilege, and
securing their self-serving interests or those of their elite fraternity. As
elected leaders, they never inspired hope to convert Pakistan into a selfreliant, democratic state enabling its citizens to live their lives and raise their
children in dignity, free from fear, want, hunger, disease, corruption,
violence and injustice.
Since independence, the people of Pakistan have had no role in
determining the course of their history or the direction of their countrys
political, economic and social policies. As a newly-independent nation, we
just could not cope with the challenges of freedom inherent in our
geopolitical and structural fault lines. Language became our first bte noire.
We lost half the country, and are still possessed by the same ghosts in the
name of culture, ethnicity and history. We still have not been able to evolve a
political system that responds to the needs of an ethnically and linguistically
diverse population. There is no constitutional remedy to the genuine
concerns on unequal size of provinces and lopsided sharing of political and
economic power.
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The problem is that the overbearing feudal, tribal and elitist power
structure in Pakistan is too deeply entrenched to let any systemic change
take place. It does not suit them. They make amendments in the constitution
for self-serving reasons only. Our present provincial set up has long been the
cause of political instability with an ever-looming threat to the countrys
very survival. We must remember that Pakistan of 1947 could not survive
even for 25 years. Despite the 1973 Constitution, the remaining Pakistan
continues to face threats of further disintegration mainly due to unaddressed
concerns of different regions.
Lately, there have been demands for more ethnic-linguistic provincial
units in the country. If this trend were to continue, we will be left with a
loosely wired skeleton of a federation with self-serving disgruntled and
corrupt politicians playing havoc with this country. In any lopsided unequal
setup, no method of governance will work. It is a system designed for
paralysis, which we are already experiencing. To avert the vicious cycle of
national tragedies, a serious and purposeful national effort is necessary for
a holistic review of our governmental system before it is too late.
The foremost is the need for rationalization of our federal system by
recasting our ethnic-based provincial architecture to be able to redress our
regional disparities. We must remove the inherent flaws in our body politic
by replacing the present four ethnic-based provinces with as many
administratively-determined provinces as necessary, free of ethnic and
parochial labels but still constitutionally keeping their ethnic and historical
identities intact. Reason, not self-serving emotion, should be our yardstick.
Also needed is a political system that suits our nations genius.
Temperamentally, we are a presidential nation. It is time we abandon the
system that we have never been able to practice, and opt for an adult
franchise-based presidential system suitably designed and tailored to
Pakistans needs. We must also adopt the proportional electoral system to
ensure representation of political parties proportionate to the percentage of
popular vote they receive. It will provide greater access to non-feudal, nonelitist, educated middle class people in the elected assemblies. (Shamshad
Ahmad, TheNation 29th January)
The rule of two: Pakistans 21st century democracy has surpassed the
splendour of kings, the powers of czars, the persistence of ruthless dictators,
the epitome of capitalistic glory, the wheeling-dealings of perfect con artists,
the alliance of common vested interests, and the ultimate attempt to deceive
common citizens.
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A media report claims that a whopping Rs7 billion has been set aside
by the coalition of like-minded traditional politicians of political status quo
orientation to buy out a large chunk of the electronic media in the service of
maintaining themselves in power by aggressive propaganda campaigns,
massive disinformation assaults on their adversaries and billions more to
outright purchase the next general election as if it were a commodity.
It seems that winning the election is going to be a straightforward
shopping spree in an open Juma Bazaar. This very specific brand of
Pakistani democratic doctrine, owned and promoted by the political
leadership of the two major ruling parties, the PPP and the PML-N, is aimed
at saving democracy in Pakistan.
The everyday persistently chanted mantra of the parties leadership is
to save democracy as if the future of Pakistani democracy is synonymous
with the preservation of political powers in the hands of the PPP or PML-N
leadership personified in the rule of two.
The fact of the matter is that the saving democracy slogan has
become a kind of meaningless and rundown, deceptive rhetoric worthless
and dubious in its conception as expounded by the leaderships of the two
mainstream political parties. Democracies are neither saved nor run by
slogans only. We know that political slogans are meant for public
manipulations, altering the masses perceptual landscape and presenting a
distorted view of the hidden agendas prepared specifically by vested interest
groups.
Here are some examples from the global political arena to illustrate
my point: not long ago, the Clinton Administration coined the phrase
roadmap for peace to resolve the Palestinian issue. It was used with such
careless frequency, non-serious implications and manipulative audacity that
the term lost all of its significance. In fact, just the mention of the term
caused outrageous reactions in thinking political circles it meant that no
serious political process was being initiated to resolve the issue and the
slogan was used primarily for public consumption to pacify peace activists
and to consolidate the political status quo in the Middle East.
Then came the US and its allies bombing Iraq and Afghanistan, and
the slogan to promote democracy in the Muslim world. After over a
decade-long destruction of two of the oldest human civilizations and the
brutal massacre of countless people, the word democracy seems like an
insult and a slap in the face of the entire humankind. Only the apologists of
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the global political status quo would disagree with this view and that is a
shame.
It is obvious that in an age of electronic media with massive global
and local audiences, political slogans are coined for the explicit purpose of
public deception. And the sad part of this entire manipulative dynamics is
that those distinct slogans and precisely-aimed terminology seem to work
perfectly at least for a specified time until the damage is done.
In present-day Pakistan, the traditional vested interests ruling elite
seems to believe that the save democracy slogan is a perfect tool to railroad
the public into political submission for the continuity of the PPP or PML-N
rule of two. However, I claim that they are grossly mistaken, amazingly
uninformed of public sentiments, dangerously ignorant of political ground
realities prevailing in the country, absolutely unaware of the historical
dynamics of change that are growing in the undercurrents of the failing
political system, its structure, its leadership and its political culture.
Presently, they are living in a fools paradise.
Save democracy is an ambiguous and worthless slogan in presentday Pakistan. The questions are: what democracy are they (the rule of two)
bent on saving? Is it this democracy in which the countrys Chief
Executive is indicted in several criminal cases? Is it this democracy in
which the main opposition party quietly ignored the questionable democratic
credentials of a presidential candidate and did not challenge his nomination?
Is it this democracy in which the Prime Minister, the Interior Minister and
the ruling partys Secretary General are accused of helping a convict to
escape with billions of rupees embezzlement? Is it this democracy in which
political power is intensely applied to get bank waivers of billions of rupees
of loans? Is it this democracy in which government-owned lands are
acquired at throw-away prices in order to convert them into vast personal
real estate worth billions and trillions? Is it this democracy in which the
President, Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers surpass the living
style and protocol of colonial times foreign rulers?
Or is it a democracy in which each and every norm of democratic
principles are violated? Is it a democracy in which the major opposition
party ignores the fundamental rules of democratic engagement and
responsibilities because of a muk-muka alliance between the rule of two?
Or is it a democracy to be saved in which the deprivations of the
common citizens multiply daily, depressed and bankrupt citizens commit
suicide because of financial hardships, women sell their bodies to feed
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hungry children, children cannot go to schools, the sick die without medical
aid, and the rich become richer at the expense of common citizens?
Or is the rule of two going to save a democracy in which power,
gas, petrol, daily consumable items and the safety of people are virtually
non-existent? Are they (the rule of two) going to save a democracy in
which the last five years of the national debt has multiplied at a rate equal to
the past 60 years?
Centuries ago, Plato once said that a ruler must not be a traitor. The
king must be a philosopher, who is selfless, dedicated to the welfare and
happiness of each and every citizen, and responsible and accountable for his
political behaviour. The happiness of citizens is the ultimate test of a
civilized society and its rulers.
Ask yourself, gentle reader, a serious question: what has the rule of
two given to the common citizens of Pakistan in the kind of democracy
that they are bent on saving? Is this a democracy or a worthless,
meaningless slogan of skilful deception?
Gentle reader, you will have to make your own judgments. Think
about it seriously. Here the whole of human life is expressed in dark
labyrinths. (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 29th January)
The IRI survey: how Pakistanis think: Approval ratings of 32
percent for PML-N with a 14 percent lead are a good omen that a year ago
trailed its closest rival PTI. In Punjab, approval ratings of 49 percent
compared to PTI with plummeting 19 percent seem encouraging. Its decline
was once steep, but is now recovering; particularly due to the Punjab-centric
bad policies of the federal government that itself has plummeted from 44
percent to 8 percent. It still has to recover its close to 60 percent approvals in
2009 (long march for restoration of the deposed judiciary), which it gained
after dumping its allies. It is important to see the recent approvals in the
context of PML-Ns 22 percent ratings in 2008 (when it formed the
government in Punjab and became the major ally and later opposition party
at the national level).
Back in 2008, PTI was not a factor for contention, but is now a major
challenger. The survey also indicates a seesaw of opinions alternating
between PML-N and PTI, indicating that both appear to vie for the same
segments of society. The induction of the Qadri Factor and ability of Imran
Khan to create waves at the time of his choosing and win over the sceptics
(ex-leftists) will also affect future opinion polls and voting patterns.
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As opinions indicate, the PML-N may not be in a position to make a

government in the centre or Punjab without the cooperation of its coalition
partners. The survey specific to Southern Punjab also indicates the
disenchantment of the people with PML-N. Punjab is particularly vulnerable
to lawlessness where majority of 40 percent voters supporting the inertia
will unleash their bag of dirty tricks.
PTI, once seen as the rising star in Pakistani politics, now trails PMLN by a massive disapproval of 14 percent at national and 30 percent at
Punjab level. It leads opinions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 32 percent against
the PML-N at 12 percent. A party despite a social reforms agenda or change
in line with the aspirations of the people seems to have lost its bearings postOctober 30, 2011. Indeed, it is time for introspection and serious soulsearching within PTI
The PTIs inaction has to do with electable politics, restructuring
through intra-party elections and the unhealthy internal competition within
the old guard. The ideology of the party is betrayed through distinct lack of
camaraderie within the aspirants and by implication, the followers. This
tussle has overtaken the urge to reach out to the sea of emotions that cry
change. The survey is an indictment that unless PTI fields majority of new
faces and distances itself from the traditionally electable rhetoric, swing
voters will not make a favourable choice. An important indicator in this
regard is that the popularity of PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa surged from 30
percent to 32 percent after Mr Azam Hoti called it quits. PTI needs more
action and less deliberation.
To conclude, the electoral results will ultimately depend on
transparency and due process. The people of Pakistan are most likely to turn
out for voting in large numbers in which the votes between the ages of 18
and 40 years will be decisive. A winning party, therefore, must have the right
manifesto, the right faces and an imaginative electoral and media strategy to
ride the airwaves. As a caution, spoilers of the game will hound the
elections. (Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNation 30th January)
Rule of law
Storm in NAB: The death of NAB assistant director, Kamran Faisal,
who had been removed as the investigation officer of the RPPs case, has
prompted other NAB assistant directors to go on a pen-down strike. Kamran
Faisal was found dead in his Federal Lodges flat, and was declared to have
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committed suicide in the autopsy. However, the assistant directors appear to

have reservations, and apart from demands for more security and dismissals
of contact employees, there is a call for a joint investigative team headed by
Tariq Saeed Khosa, a senior police officer. Instead, the government
appointed Mr Justice (r) Javed Iqbal, who recently headed the commission
that probed the Abbottabad raid, to head a judicial commission. If indeed
there was no foul play involved, and the deceased committed suicide, there
would still be serious questions about the pressures under which NAB
officials work. This would be much more than the inevitable pressures of
any investigation force, because NAB cases involve much money (proceeds
of corruption) and at least some of the accused would have a high profile.
The Prime Ministers case is typical: the alleged offence dealt with the time
he was a minister, but the time for arrest has come when he had become PM.
If Kamran Faisal indeed committed suicide, it seems to have been because of
job-related pressures. The other possibility is of course, much more sinister.
The demand for additional security is understandable, but the
personnel of policing and quasi-policing agencies should realize that their
security cannot be their organizations top priority. Still, the complaint that
senior officials did not attend Kamrans funeral indicates the absence of the
kind of integration needed in an organization fighting a crime that is not only
deeply entrenched, but also not socially accepted.
While internal difficulties must be handled by the Nab, the present
investigation must be pursued without fear or favour, and conducted to the
satisfaction of the deceaseds colleagues. Kamrans investigating colleagues
better understand the difficulties they face, they will also not be fooled if the
investigation is skimped or cursory. The very fact that the PM was involved
in the case made it inevitable that anything happening to the officials
concerned would cause wild suspicions to arise. He needs a fair
investigation more than anyone else, to prevent any further damage to his
reputation. (Editorial, TheNation 22nd January)
Turf war in Karachi

Chaotic Karachi: Once a city bubbling with the gaieties of life,
Karachi the sprawling Sindh metropolis has fallen on bad days, so bad that
death and destruction, depression and despondency now rule there. Where
the people used to stay out till late hours making social calls or eating out
without the thoughts of fear crossing their minds, they scurry back home as
soon as their job outside is done. The atmosphere is charged with the
dreadful feeling of insecurity. Nothing, neither life nor property, is safe.
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Target killings on political, ethnic or sectarian grounds, or simply for not

obliging the extortionist mafia with the demanded sum of money; abductions
of the well-off for ransom; or just acts of terrorism all of these have
become the stuff of life in Karachi. And one should not be surprised if in this
mayhem all sorts of criminals thieves and robbers, scoundrels and
pickpockets could make hay without let or hindrance. On Thursday alone,
18 Karachiites were lost to this lot of trigger-happy thugs and many more
were wounded and this was not an unusual day. This time it were the clerics
and students of a well-known seminary, who were the main target, though
dead bodies dumped in gunny bags or casually thrown by the wayside were
also discovered.
But the question is where is the government whose justification for
existence lies, if for nothing else, in providing security to its citizens? The
federal government unfailingly speaks through its mouthpiece Interior
Minister Rehman Malik in the Cassandraesque voice of a looming danger;
and then he disappears in the safety of his heavily guarded abode, as if his
job ends with sounding a note of warning. He promptly appeared on the
scene some days back alerting the already fright-stricken citizenry to the
dangerous days ahead of February when his little bird warns of a big terrorist
onslaught on the city. What precautions he has taken to ward off the danger
is not known. Apparently, not any! As experience shows, Karachi suffers
laden with bleeding sores. The provincial government, rarely if ever, turns
up to meet the challenge. Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has ordered the
police to shoot the miscreants at sight, as if they were supposed to be
waiting for his orders to control the situation. Quite naturally, concerns are
being expressed all over the country, with the political parties in the
forefront, some sensing the murderous spree in Karachi as a ploy to put off
the general elections. PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has accused the
government of leaving the people at the mercy of blood-thirsty gangsters
and maintains that they have to be dealt with an iron hand. Punjab Chief
Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif opines that a determined leadership alone
could root out militancy.
The situation in Karachi or, for that matter, in Balochistan and KPK
where Karachi is enacted, albeit with lesser frequency, cannot be left to
chance. The three ruling coalition parties must bear responsibility for the
chaotic situation; pointing fingers at the government of which they are a part
cannot absolve them of the blame. They have to act and act fast before the
tragedy of Karachi spills over to the relatively safer parts of the country.
(Editorial, TheNation 2nd February)
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REVIEW
Most of the media wizards had been frantically talking about
conspiracy theory involving establishment in staging of the Long March
and Dharna by Tahirul Qadri. To their utter dismay, however, their
favourite conspiracy theory could not be proved. These wizards could not
dig out a single proof of the much hyped conspiracy theory; despite the fact
that they had been quite certain about a script that was being followed by
Qadri.
The men in uniform hate writing, especially the scripts. They do write
few pages only to evolve concept of operation based on which operational
orders are issued and implemented with clarity and conviction. Pakistans
history tells that a conspiracy so hatched begins and ends within few hours
of darkness in clock-like perfection.
As the most likely script theory did not materialize, so the question
about who pulled the strings of the puppet called Qadri remained
unanswered. There are many conspiracy theories about that. All of them
cannot be discussed herein but the most dangerous one is briefly described
to ponder about.
Suppose: The idea was conceived in Washington and the script was
written after Zardari was taken on board. The aim was to create political
chaos to be used as a pretext for delaying the general elections for two years.
Qadri was contacted directly by the US or through Altaf Hussain and
seduced to return to Pakistan so that he could mobilize enough crowds to the
streets to create upheaval.
MQM leaders were to remain in contact with Qadri to be abreast with
the developing situation and keep the originators and beneficiaries of the
idea informed. Rest of the coalition leaders, especially of PPP and ANP were
to criticize Qadri to give a touch of reality to the drama.
Qadri succeeded in drawing large number of people out in the streets,
but that was not enough to precipitate the desired reaction from the
establishment. As the establishment did not react in panic Zardari was
denied the opportunity to renew the request he had made to the US in
Memorandum to Mullen.
It was in anticipation of this possibility that Zardari has been away
from the seat of his power which is within the striking distance of 111
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Brigade. He has often moved away from the mountains in anticipation of

such eventuality, of course, on the advice of his English speaking Jotshis.
The drama was called off after five days, but the mission has not been
abandoned. The US and Zardari would still do something to delay general
elections. The most dangerous option could be that the US could even carry
out a sting operation to prove that nuclear arsenal of Pakistan is not in safe
hands.
Therefore, the fire that was apparently extinguished by the man who is
known for his mitti pao strategy is certainly smouldering under the mitti. It
may flare up again and in not too distant future. Next opportunity will come
once assemblies would be dissolved, date of general elections will be
announced and interim governments formed; but nothing will be done to
ensure free and fair polls. This could force Tsunami Khan and others to
come out and resort to agitation. Concurrently, perpetration of indigenous
and foreign sponsored terrorism will be intensified.
Dr Tahirul Qadris jubilation over the Supreme Court orders for arrest
of Prime Minister and others in RPPs case cost the investigating officer,
Kamran Faisal his life. The Executive made immediate moves to save itself
from any blame for his sudden death within three days of the court orders
which were primarily based on the report submitted by the deceased.
Apart from accusing the apex court judges of treating the NAB
officials harshly during the court proceedings, the Executive made the move
to cover up the facts related to Kamrans sad demise. It chose former Justice
Javed Iqbal of Abbottabad Commission fame to do the job; father of Kamran
rejected the choice and demanded Chief Justice to take suo moto notice.
The debate that whether Kamran was murdered or he committed
suicide is of little significance, because his killers and beneficiaries of his
death are the same in either case. Whether he was murdered or he committed
suicide, hands of three persons are stained with his blood; these are Prime
Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, NAB Chairman Fasih Bokhari and Chief
Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.
The name of Chief Justice in the list of accused is included because
since his reinstatement he has preferred to talk too much rather than
allowing his judgments speak loud and clear. He did not award exemplary
punishment to a single criminal; instead he passed vague verdicts which
gave room to hardened criminals to wriggle out.
919
If a judge lets a thief free, rest assured that some ones belongings
would be stolen sooner or later. If a looter goes unpunished, some ones
property will be plundered again. If a judge sets a killer free some innocent
person is likely to be murdered by him.
The lions share of the kill however goes to Chairman NAB. He is
the one, whom this nation honoured with coveted rank of naval chief, but
after retirement he chose to serve the gang of looters led by Zardari. He
protected the interests of plunderers showing no sympathy with the
plundered.
The valiant Admiral Fasih Bokhari disappointed the Pakistani people
as Chairman of National Accountability Bureau not only because of his poor
performance as NAB chief, but also by demonstrating some negative
character traits. The disappointment has been more pronounced for more
than half a million Pakistanis in uniform.
After having one of his brave investigator, Kamran Faisal killed in the
line of duty, he wrote a letter to the Supreme Commander of the armed
forces of Islamic Republic of Pakistan showing his intent to stage a hasty
retreat from the battle ground. He apparently, made no effort to trace out
the killers of Kamran and instead kept harping suicide mantra.
Apparently, he sought the permission of his present employer to quit,
but both, employer and the employee were conniving to divert pressure off
their backs on account of corruption cases and death of Kamran Faisal. Any
how, the death of Kamran has been a perfect manifestation of the statement
made by the Chairman PPP, who is half Bhutto and half Zardari but claims
to be both, that: Democracy is the best revenge.
Zardari regime is obsessed with the idea of Hindi-Sindhi fraternity.
Under the influence of this obsession he has been relentlessly working on
creating similarities with India. The latest has been the proposed creation of
new province by the name of BJP (Bahawalpur Janoobi Province) made by
a commission appointed by him.
If the proposal is implemented Pakistan would have its own BJP, but
with slight difference. Indian BJP is the second largest political party in that
country known for fanning hatred against Muslims. The BJP to be created by
breaking the Heartland of Pakistan may or may not materialize, but it will
sow enough seeds of hatred amongst the people of this country.
This is Zardaris political pincer against Punjab, the stronghold of
PML-N that gained impetus as general elections neared. In launching and
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sustaining of this maneouvre, Zardaris coalition partners, secular or nonsecular, Punjabis or non-Punjabis have fully cooperated with him
The New province will include District Miawali (located in northwest), DG Khan Division and District Bhakkar (located in the west),
Bahawalpur Division with its District Bawalnagar (located in south-east)
and Multan Division; yet it will be called Janoobi Punjab. Perhaps, it has
nothing to do with geographic locations, but to show love for its abbreviated
name; BJP.
One of the pretexts for carving out new province that has been quoted
is the distance of far-flung districts from Lahore, which is too inconvenient
for its residents. The commission, however, seemed to have missed
calculating the difference in distance of Issa Khel from Bahawalpur and
Lahore.
Rajas from Jehlum, Khosas from Dera Ghazi Khan and other birds of
the same feather elsewhere are busy cashing their electability. Pre-poll
season for them is like bullish trend in stock market. They, like investors
eyeing short-term profits, resort to selling their shares and on the other hand
the big investors buy those for long term gains.
There is another breed of politicians, which cash their mandate during
coalition forming season. MQM and PML-Q have excelled in this business.
Reportedly, the former has been paid Rs350 million per month for courting
partnership with Zardari regime.
4th February, 2013
VICTORY LAP
During the period under review, Mali became the eighth country to be
re-conquered by the holy warriors from France in the ongoing Crusades.
921
French President Hollande rushed to Mali for the victory lap. At the end of
the period, Muslim rulers assembled in Cairo to formally acknowledge
France as the winner.
The pro-West enlightened forces in Egypt have been finding it hard to
swallow the bitter pill of the comeback of the Islamists to power in their
country. Mohammad Mursi was pressed by the civilized world to
accommodate their client elements. Mursi however has done well so far in
handling them well and consolidating his position in the process.
OIC leaders assembled in Cairo and agreed to work seriously to find
end to the bloodshed in Syria that has been going on for the last about two
years. This meant that what all has been happening in this regard so far had
lacked seriousness. Meanwhile, the US print media disclosed that CIA has
been using a base in Saudi Arabia for drone strikes in Yemen and Somalia.
NEWS
Far East: On 21st January, Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal
sentenced a popular Islamic televangelist to death, the first verdict by the
controversial body set up to probe abuses during the country's bloody war in
1971. Abul Kalam Azad, a former member of Bangladesh's biggest Islamist
party, was found guilty of torture, rape and genocide in 1971 bloody
struggle.
On 23rd January, Thai insurgents shot dead a teacher in front of dozens
of children in a school cafeteria, in the latest deadly attack on an education
worker. Cholathee Charoenchol, a 51-year-old Muslim, was shot in the head
at Tanyong school in Bacho district in Narathiwat province. He was the 158th
teacher and other school staff killed during a nine-year-old insurgency.
On 28th January, at least 50 people, including policemen, were injured
in capital of Bangladesh as Islamist activists protested against the
prosecution of their leaders on the charges stemming from a war of
independence 40 years ago. The protesters set off crude explosives and
threw bricks on the police who tried to disperse them with teargas, batons
and some shots in the air. Similar protests broke out in Rajshahi and
Chittagong.
On 5th February, riots broke out in Bangladeshi cities after a court
sentenced a senior Islamist opposition leader to life in prison for mass
murder during the 1971 war. Abdul Quader Molla, 64, the fourth-highest
922
leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was the first politician to be found guilty
by the International Crimes Tribunal, a much-criticized domestic court based
in Dhaka. Molla cried Allahu Akbar and said the charges were false after
presiding judge Obaidul Hassan delivered the verdict in a crowded and
tightly guarded court.
A man was shot dead in clashes with police in the port city of
Chittagong as the ruling sparked immediate protests by Jamaat, the countrys
largest Islamic party, which enforced a nationwide strike in anticipation of
the conviction. In Rajshahi, police fired teargas and rubber bullets at about
500 Jamaat supporters who hurled a dozen homemade firebombs.
The verdict is the second by the tribunal. On January 21 a top TV
preacher who is an ex-Jamaat official was sentenced to death in absentia for
murder and genocide. Ten other opposition figures including the entire
leadership of Jamaat and two from the main opposition Bangladesh
Nationalist Party (BNP) stand accused of war crimes.
Both Jamaat and BNP have labeled the cases show trials aimed at
barring the leaders from upcoming polls. International rights groups have
questioned the proceedings. Prosecutors said during the war Molla was a
senior figure in the then-student wing of Jamaat, while studying physics at
Dhaka University.
Next day, Police fired rubber bullets at hundreds of activists from
Bangladeshs largest Islamic party during a second day of rioting sparked by
the conviction of a top opposition figure for war crimes. After four people
were killed during violence that flared late into the night yesterday, dozens
more Jamaat-e-Islami supporters were wounded near Dhaka and the district
of Khulna.
On 8th February, tens of thousands of people rallied in the capital
Dhaka and other cities to demand a ban on Bangladeshs largest Islamic
party and the execution of its leaders who are on trial for war crimes. The
pro-government supporters said the sentence from a domestic war crimes
tribunal was too lenient and that Molla too should have been sent to the
gallows. Eight other leaders of the party are still being tried by the court.
Mainland Asia: On 24th January, North Korea said it would carry

out further rocket launches and a nuclear test that would target the United
States, dramatically stepping up its threats against a country it called its
sworn enemy. The announcement by the countrys top military body came
a day after the UN Security Council agreed to a US-backed resolution to
923
censure and sanction North Korea for a rocket launch in December that
breached UN rules.
Middle East
Iraq: On 22nd January, a wave of attacks in and around Baghdad and
in northern Iraq killed 26 people and wounded dozens more, shattering a
relative calm after a spate of deadly violence last week. The unrest came
amid a political crisis that has pitted Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki against
several of his erstwhile government partners and with more than four weeks
of anti-government protests in Sunni majority areas hardening opposition
against the Shia leader's rule.
Next day, a suicide bomber made his way into a Shia mosque north of
Baghdad and blew himself up in the middle of a funeral, killing 42 people
and leaving corpses scattered across the floor. The attack, the deadliest in six
months, is likely to heighten tensions as Iraq grapples with a political crisis.
No group claimed responsibility.
On 26th January, gunmen killed two soldiers and captured three more
west of Baghdad in apparent revenge attacks, as mourners buried antigovernment protesters that troops shot dead a day earlier. In Fallujah, police
said gunmen attacked check points in the east, west and north of the town,
killing two, wounding one and kidnapping three. No organization
immediately claimed responsibility for the incidents.
On 3rd February, a suicide car bomb followed by an assault by
grenade-throwing gunmen on a police headquarters in central Kirkuk, a
disputed ethnically mixed city in north Iraq, killed 30 people. The vehicle
that was detonated had been painted to make it look like a police car and the
militants who sought to seize the compound were dressed as policemen. No
organization immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Next day, a suicide bomber blew himself up near a group of antiQaeda fighters receiving salaries north of Baghdad, killing 23 people, the
second bloody attack to hit Iraq in as many days. The blast, which also
wounded at least 44 people, came after Baghdad raised the salaries of the
mostly-Sunni militiamen in a bid to placate weeks of anti-government
demonstrations in Sunni areas.
On 5th February, attacks north of Baghdad, including a third suicide
blast in as many days, killed at least eight people, amid a spike in violence
that has left almost 70 people dead in all. The latest bloodshed, in which
over 150 people have been wounded, has raised tensions as Iraq grapples
924
with a political crisis and demonstrators in mostly Sunni areas of the

country. Next day, attacks targeting security forces across Iraq left three
policemen and an army officer dead; several people were wounded in attacks
Mussayib, Mosul, Tuz Khurmatu and Baghdad.
On 8th February, five car bombs killed at least 34 people in Shia areas
of Iraq as sectarian and ethnic tensions intensify ahead of provincial
elections in April. Two car bombs were detonated simultaneously at a bus
stop in Baghdad, killing at least 16 people and wounding another 44. In the
Shia city of Hilla, 15 people were killed in two car bomb explosions at a
vegetable market. Another three people were killed by a parked car bomb in
Kerbala.
Next day, assailants fired dozens of mortars and rockets at an Iranian
exiles camp in Iraq in a dawn attack that killed five people, the first deaths
from violence since they resettled near Baghdad last year. It was not
immediately clear who was behind the assault on Camp Liberty, a former US
military base on the western outskirts of the capital housing about 3,000
members of the Peoples Mujahedeen of Iran, or the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq
(MEK). The UN mission in Iraq called for an immediate probe and said
monitors were following up on the deaths, while the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees condemned what he called a despicable act of
violence.
Palestine: On 21st January, Israeli Army removed a Palestinian protest
encampment of four tents and a building under construction near a West
Bank village. In addition to demolishing structures near Beit Iksa, on the
northwestern outskirts of Jerusalem, 20 Palestinians at the site were evicted
without incident. On 23rd January, a Palestinian was killed by Israel fire in
West Bank.
On 28th January, nine people were injured and seven arrested in the
east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan after clashes broke out as Israeli
forces demolished several houses. Elsewhere, residents of Jayyus village in
the northern West Bank said a group of Israeli settlers had established an
illegal settlement outpost on land belonging to local residents.
On 30th January, officials from the United Nations and European
Union expressed concern over a spate of incidents in which Palestinian
civilians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire. In separate
statements, UN Humanitarian Coordinator James Rawley and the local EU
missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah said security forces should refrain from
using live fire.
925
On 1st February, Israeli army gunfire wounded two Palestinian

teenagers near northern Gazas border with the Jewish state. They were hit in
the legs by Israeli army gunfire east of Jabaliya as they approached a
security barrier. Next day, Palestinians and activists were forcefully removed
from a new camp near a West Bank village, after a third attempt at the novel
form of protest against Jewish settlement. Israeli Army used tear gas and
violence to remove hundreds of people who had set up four temporary huts
and three south of Nablus. Journalists were also removed from the site.
Syria: On 21st January, President Assad's regime put together a new
paramilitary force of men and women, some trained by Iran, to fight what is
now becoming a guerrilla war. The force called the National Defence Army
gathered together existing popular committees of pro-regime civilian
fighters under a new, better-trained and armed hierarchy. The new force is
not connected to the pro-regime shabiha militia, which the army and security
forces have deployed ever since the outbreak of an anti-regime revolt to
suppress dissent across the country.
Syrian opposition said it had postponed a decision on forming a
government-in-exile at its meeting in Istanbul, saying it needs guarantees of
support from dissident forces on the ground. After studying the proposals
and after deliberation on the question of creating an interim government, we
decided to set up a five-member committee tasked with consulting with the
forces of the revolution, the Free Syrian Army and friendly countries, the
council said.
Next day, fresh outbreak of fierce fighting gripped the strategic city of
Homs. At least 23 troops and pro-regime fighters were killed and dozens
wounded in Homs, dubbed the capital of the revolution by the opposition.
We have reports from the military hospital in Homs of up to 130 soldiers
and pro-regime fighters killed or wounded in the past three days, the
Britain-based watchdog said.
The Observatory said at least 42 people, both civilians and pro-regime
militiamen, were killed yesterday when a suicide car bomb struck a building
used by paramilitary forces in Salamiyeh, in the central province of Hama.
Meanwhile, warplanes and tanks pounded rebel strongholds in Damascus
province.
Meanwhile, key Assad backer Moscow said the conflict may become
a drawn-out battle with no clear outcome. You know at first the forecasts
were two to three months, four, and it is already two years, said Deputy
926
Foreign Minister. So the situation can develop in different ways. I think it

could become protracted in nature.
On 23rd January, fighting raged in several Syrian flashpoints. Five
members of one family were killed in a dawn missile attack on the village of
Abu Taltal in Aleppo province. In Ras al-Ain in the Kurdish northeast more
than 58 people have been killed in a week of fierce fighting there.
Yesterday's death toll was at least 123, among them 62 civilians including 15
children.
In Moscow, Foreign Minister criticized Syria's opposition for its
obsession with toppling Assad, and warned of a long conflict. For now,
everything is running up against the opposition's obsession with toppling
Bashar Assad's regime. As long as this irreconcilable position remains in
place, nothing good can happen. Armed actions will continue and people
will die, Lavrov told reporters.
The UN said that more than 650,000 people have already fled Syria to
neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. President
Vladimir Putin of Russia offered to host an international conference in
Moscow on the refugee crisis. If the interested nations agree to this, we will
be ready to propose Moscow as the venue, news agencies quoted Putin as
saying.
Next day, President Bashar al-Assad attended prayers at a Damascus
mosque, in a rare public appearance, as his troops bombarded rebel districts
of Homs in the centre of the country. Key Damascus regional ally Iran,
meanwhile, warned that Syria as it near a second full year of conflict was
unlikely to see peace in 2013.
The army shelled besieged areas of Homs in a fifth straight day of
fighting in western districts of the city, where 31 soldiers, 16 rebels and 26
civilians have been killed since Sunday. As at least 69 people were killed in
violence across Syria, air raids struck the embattled town of Daraya near
Mazzeh military airbase southwest of the capital Damascus and the rebelheld town of Yabrud.
On 26th January, the violence raged unabated between rebel fighters
and forces loyal to President Assad. The air force raided rebel positions
nationwide, including in an eastern district of the capital. At least four
civilians were killed in air raids on the northern rebel city of Al-Bab, while
similar strikes were reported in Daraa province in the south. Warplanes also
bombed the opposition stronghold of Qusayr in central Syria, where nine
rebels were killed defending the town against an army onslaught.
927
Driven from large swathes of land in the north and east by rebels, the
regime is focused on maintaining its grip on the key axis from Damascus to
Homs, and on to the coastal Alawite heartland. Troops have meanwhile been
forced to relinquish vast stretches of territory in the north and the east. Near
the northwestern city of Idlib, rebels freed more than 100 inmates as they
battled troops at a major prison, 10 insurgents killed since the attack began
the day before.
NATO declared that a Patriot missile battery went operational on
Turkeys border with Syria. Britain, meanwhile, pledged a multi-million
dollar aid package to help Syrian civilians, nearly half of which would be
channeled through agencies in Jordan where a record 6,400 refugees arrived
yesterday. Iran would consider any attack on Syria an attack on itself, a
senior government official was quoted as saying. Syria has a very basic and
key role in the region for promoting firm policies of resistance... For this
reason an attack on Syria would be considered an attack on Iran and Irans
allies, said Ali Akbar Velayati,
Next day, violence raged between rebels and loyalists, costing at least
67 lives, including 24 civilians, 19 rebels and 24 soldiers. Fighting erupted
in the south Damascus and spread to the nearby Qadam train terminal, while
the army shelled nearby districts. On the Damascus outskirts, warplanes
pounded the Eastern Ghuta region.
Russias prime minister said President Assad had made a grave,
perhaps fatal error by delaying political reforms. He should have acted
much more quickly and reached out to the peaceful opposition which was
ready to sit at the negotiating table with him, Russian news agencies quoted
Dmitri Medvedev as saying. Syrias high judicial council, meanwhile,
announced a suspension of prosecutions of opposition members so they can
join a national dialogue, state media reported.
Any sign of Syrias grip on its suspected chemical weapons slipping
as it battles an armed uprising could trigger Israeli military strikes, Israels
vice premier said. Silvan Shalom confirmed a media report that Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had last week convened security chiefs to
discuss the civil war in nearby Syria and the state of the countrys chemical
arsenal.
On 28th January, Syrian opposition appealed for hundreds of millions
of dollars (euros) to step up the revolt against Bashar al-Assad, as the
president asserted his forces had made significant gains in the conflict. At
an international meeting in Paris, the main opposition Syrian National
928
Coalition (SNC) said it needs $500 million (370 million euros) in funding to
set up an alternative government. But credibility of the opposition alliance
was damaged by mounting evidence that extremist are playing a central role
in the campaign against Assad.
The rebels' playground is limited to some border areas with Turkey,
Jordan and Lebanon, and some pockets in the countryside of the capital,
which are being dealt with, particularly the airport road, said Assad. If the
Turkish border was closed to tackle the smuggling of arms and militants, this
matter would be resolved in only two weeks. Assad said that armed groups
financed from abroad have been dealt severe blows of late.
On the ground, rebels took over one of four key suspension bridges in
Deir Ezzor, which straddle the Euphrates River and connect the eastern city
to Hasakeh province further north. Fighting also erupted in a southern
district of Damascus, while the army bombed rebel positions on the capital
outskirts. In all 47 people were killed nationwide.
On 30th January, international donors pledged more than the targeted
$1.5 billion in aid for Syrians, UN chief Ban Ki-moon told a news
conference in Kuwait, warning of a catastrophic situation in the war-torn
country. Ban said that based on UN reports half of Syrias hospitals and a
quarter of its schools had been destroyed, and other vital infrastructure had
been badly affected. He stressed that humanitarian assistance alone would
not resolve the crisis, which he said required a political solution.
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman
both called at the conference for more aid to cope with increasing numbers
of Syrian refugees in their respective countries. Syrias opposition chief laid
down conditions for talks with President Bashar al-Assads regime, as world
outrage at a massacre piled pressure on all parties to halt their 22-month
conflict.
And amid concerns that Syrias stockpile of chemical weapons could
fall into the hands of Lebanons militia Hezbollah, Israeli forces carried out
an air strike on a convoy near the Syria-Lebanese border, security sources
told AFP. Khatib said via his Facebook page he is ready for dialogue with
officials of Assads regime subject to conditions, including that 160,000
detainees are released and that passports for exiled citizens be renewed in
embassies abroad. Until now, Syrias main opposition groups have said they
are only prepared to enter into dialogue on ways to end the 22-month
conflict if Assad steps down.
929
Israeli forces carried out an air strike overnight on a weapons convoy

from Syria near the Lebanese border. The attack came after Israel expressed
concerns that Damascuss stockpile of chemical weapons could fall into the
hands of Lebanons Hezbollah group, an ally of the Syrian regime, or other
militant organizations. An Israeli spokeswoman declined to comment on the
report.
Next day, Syria threatened to retaliate over what it says was an Israeli
air raid, as President Assads allies rushed to denounce the strike that
threatened to take the conflict beyond Syrian borders. Israel maintained a
stony silence over Syrias claims, as well as over separate reports that its jets
had struck a weapons convoy near the Lebanon border. Commentators
compared the modus operandi to a 2007 bombing raid on an undeclared
Syrian nuclear facility at Al-Kibar, widely understood to be an Israeli strike
but never acknowledged by the Jewish state.
On the battlefront, fierce clashes raged between soldiers and rebels on
the southern outskirts of Damascus as regime tanks pounded the area. At
least 21 rebel fighters and 26 regime troops were killed in less than two days
in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. While clashes raged in the
Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk and in Tadamun district. Yesterday at
least 139 people were killed across Syria, among them 51 civilians, 46 rebel
fighters and 42 soldiers.
On 1st February, Syrias exiled opposition has for the first time agreed
on the concept of dialogue with the regime, while maintaining its insistence
on President Assads ouster, ahead of key US-Russian talks on the conflict.
Syrian National Coalition said in Cairo that it welcomed any political
solution or international effort aimed at Assads departure.
On the ground, southern Damascus saw fresh clashes, while army
shelling hit a town in northern Aleppo province and Homs city was also
pounded, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. At least 163 people
were killed nationwide yesterday, the watchdog said.
Next day, Russian Foreign Minister held first direct talks with Syria's
opposition leader in Germany, amid a renewed global push to iron out sharp
differences over how to end the conflict in Syria. The meeting did not
include US Vice President Joe Biden or UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar
Brahimi, despite initial suggestions that four-way talks might be held as all
four are in Germany for the high-level Munich Security Conference.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official visiting Damascus reiterated that
his country stood squarely behind the Syrian regime. On ground, Syria's
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rebels seized a key district in the northern city of Aleppo, as troops again
bombarded areas south of Damascus. Most neighbourhood residents fled the
area after rebels took control.
On 3rd February, Israel implicitly confirmed it staged an air strike on
Syria last week as President Assad accused the Jewish state of trying to
further destabilize his war-torn country. The foreign minister of Damascus
ally Iran, meanwhile, said he welcomed Syrian opposition leader Ahmed
Moaz al-Khatib's stated readiness to hold talks with representatives of
Assad's regime.
Israeli armed forces chief Lieutenant General Benny Gantz started a
visit to Washington with the Syrian conflict and Iran's controversial nuclear
programme on his agenda. And US Vice President Joe Biden flew in to Paris
for talks with President Francois Hollande also covering Syria.
On the ground, at least 16 people, among them 10 children and a rebel
commander, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area
of the northern city of Aleppo. Video distributed by activists showed a man
describing the carnage. At least 109 people were killed yesterday in violence
across Syria.
Next day, Israel will regret its latest aggression against Syria, Irans
security chief Saeed Jalili told reporters during a visit to Damascus. Syria is
at the forefront of the Muslim worlds confrontation with the Zionist entity,
he added. In Munich, Israeli Defence Minister implicitly confirmed that the
Jewish state had staged an air strike on Syria.
Syrias opposition chief urged President Assad to respond positively
to a call for dialogue and to delegate his deputy to end the war. The ball is
now in the regimes court. They will either say yes or no, Ahmed Moaz alKhatib told pan-Arab channel Al-Jazeera. He later said he was ready to meet
Assads deputy.
Fresh violence killed at least 81 people across Syria, including six
children who died as regime warplanes raided the outskirts of the rebel-held
town of Douma near Damascus. And a three-year-old child and his 17-yearold brother were killed in army shelling of the northern province of Raqa,
while at least 13 insurgents died in fierce battles in parts of Damascus
province.
On 5th February, violence erupted in the northern city of Aleppo where
rebels clashed with troops near an army barracks. Army tanks also shelled
the districts of Qadam and Assali on the outer edges of Damascus. The UN
931
food agency said it will dramatically expand its aid operation in Syria to
reach one million more people amid growing alarm over the humanitarian
situation.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad discussed the Syrian conflict with
Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Mursi, in the first visit by an Iranian leader
to Egypt in decades amid thawing relations. Mursi, an Islamist who fiercely
opposes Ahmadinejads Syrian regime allies, met the Iranian leader in Cairo
airport after his arrival for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit.
Next day, Syria's army launched an assault in the Damascus region,
shelling rebel neighbourhoods and sealing main entrances to the capital. The
offensive coincided with two suicide car bombings that killed almost 20
members of the security forces in the ancient city of Palmyra. The Syrian
National Council, the main component of the Coalition, rejected the
possibility of any talks, saying it is committed to ousting Assad's regime.
On 7th February, leaders of Muslim nations called for a serious
dialogue between Syria's government and an opposition coalition on a
political transition to end nearly two years of civil war, but pinned most of
the blame for the bloodshed on the state. A two-day summit of the 57member Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Cairo backed an initiative
by Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia to broker negotiations to stop the
fighting.
Next day, Syrian forces shelled rebel belts on the eastern and southern
outskirts of Damascus where street battles also erupted as an army offensive
raged into a third straight day. Six rebels were killed in shelling at dawn of
the city of Mudamiyeh, just south of the capital. Islamist Al-Nusra Front
rebels killed seven Syrian soldiers at a checkpoint in the northern city of
Safireh, after losing more than 100 men in the area over the past 72 hours.
Meanwhile, the number of Syrians fleeing their conflict-torn
homeland has hit 5,000 a day, while overall numbers have risen by 25
percent in the past month alone, the UN refugee agency said. The largest
number have fled to Lebanon, which is hosting almost 261,000 Syrians,
followed by Jordan, with close to 243,000. Some 177,000 Syrians have fled
to Turkey, and around 85,000 to Iraq.
On 9th February, President Bashar al-Assad reshuffled his cabinet as
regime warplanes raided rebel areas in a bid to end the stalemate civil war.
Assad changed seven ministers and split the ministry of labour and social
affairs into two, and brought in a woman, Kinda Shmat, to head the latter.
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Ismail becomes finance minister and Sleiman Abbas takes the oil and
mineral resources portfolio.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said in his first news conference
since taking up the post that Washington was weighing its next steps on
Syria. We are evaluating now, we are taking a look at what steps, if any,
diplomatic particularly, might be able to be taken in an effort to reduce that
violence and deal with that situation, Kerry said.
In the latest fighting, regime warplanes launched air strikes within the
Menegh military airbase in the northern province of Aleppo after rebels
stormed parts of the garrison, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
said. Air raids also targeted northern and eastern areas outlying the capital,
amid fighting between loyalist troops and insurgents. Jets also hit the town
of Sabineh south of Damascus, and fierce clashes broke out between rebels
and troops in the embattled town of Daraya, where the army shelled
insurgent positions. At least 15 people were killed a day after it 136 deaths
were reported nationwide.
Bahrain: On 1st February, several thousand Bahrainis marched near
the capital Manama to demand reforms in a protest called by the Shiite
opposition in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom. The demonstrators also called
for the departure of the kings uncle Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa,
who has been prime minister for more than four decades.
Saudi Arabia: On 6th February, The Washington Post reported that
CIA drone strikes against al-Qaeda militants in Yemen, including US-born
Anwar al-Awlaki, originated in Saudi Arabia. The secret Saudi base's
location, also disclosed by several other US news organizations, had been
withheld by the organizations for more than a year at the request of senior
Obama Administration officials. The New York Times had reported that the
CIA had quietly established a drone base in Saudi Arabia two years ago.
Yemen: On 20th January, three US drone strikes were reported that
killed nine suspected members of al-Qaeda in the province of Marib. One
raid targeted a vehicle transporting four suspects in Wadi Abida. Another
raid struck a vehicle in the same area killing five people including Hamad
Ghreib, a member of al-Qaeda.
Next day, four suspected al-Qaeda militants were killed in an air raid
that targeted their vehicle. Tribal sources said earlier on Monday that two US
drone strikes targeting a vehicle killed two suspected Al-Qaeda militants on
a road between Marib and Al-Jawf, northeast of Sanaa.
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On 22nd January, five suspected al-Qaeda militants were killed and

several others wounded in a US drone strike north of the Yemeni capital. The
missile attack targeted a group of militants in Al-Jawf province near the
Saudi border; witnesses said they saw three burnt bodies after the strike and
that unidentified vehicles sped away from the scene. On Saturday, air raids
attributed to a US drone killed nine suspected members of the group.
Tuesday's raid brings to at least 32 the number of people killed in suspected
US drone strikes since December 24.
On 28th January, a suicide car bomb at a checkpoint in central Yemen
killed 11 soldiers and wounded 17 others as the army led an offensive on alQaeda militants suspected of holding European hostages. The attack targeted
a checkpoint manned by members of a battalion of the elite Republican
Guards on the road between Rada and Manaseh. Another three people were
killed during operation.
Africa
Mali: On 20th January, French troops advanced towards Malis rebelheld north as more African troops were deployed and Russia, Canada and
Germany offered key aid for the Paris-led offensive. The French progress
towards the rebels strongholds came amid reports that the al-Qaeda linked
militants were abandoning some of their positions and converging on the
mountainous region of Kidal, their northernmost bastion, 1,500 kilometres
from Bamako near the border with Algeria.
Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno visited 200 troops gathered in the
Niger capital Niamey ahead of their deployment to Mali. Chad has pledged
2,000 of its battle-hardened troops experienced in fighting rebels at home
and abroad for an African force in Mali. Fifty Senegalese soldiers
meanwhile arrived in Bamako, taking the number of African forces in Mali
to 150, as French soldiers sought to consolidate gains.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Russia had offered to
help transport troops and supplies to Mali and Canada had extended help to
bring African troops to the country. Canada, meanwhile, evacuated most of
its staff and their families from its embassy in Mali and is urging any
Canadians still in the West African nation to leave immediately.
Next day, French and Malian troops recaptured the key frontline
towns of Diabaly and Douentza in a major boost to their push north to flush
out al Qaeda-linked rebels. The inroads are a significant advance in the 11day offensive led by former colonial power France, whose aim is the total
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reconquest of Mali's strategically important but sparsely populated vast

desert north.
The troops got a red carpet welcome from locals who cheered them as
the soldiers took photographs on their mobile phones to record the
triumphant entry. Diabaly has been the theatre of air strikes and fighting
since it was seized by Islamists a week ago. Douentza lies in what was
Islamist territory east and north of the town of Konna, whose capture earlier
this month by extremists sparked the French intervention.
As news of the advances came through, the European Union offered
to host a global meeting on Mali in Brussels on February 5, involving the
EU, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States
regional bloc. The EU aims to send about 500 military trainers to Mali by
mid-February.
On 22nd January, Malis army chief said his French-backed forces
could reclaim the northern towns of Gao and fabled Timbuktu from militants
in a month, as the United States began airlifting French troops to Mali.
Malian forces patrolled Diabaly and recaptured the strategic crossroads town
of Douentza, which was seized by the militants in September.
On 24th January, French warplanes destroyed two militant bases in
northern Mali as a leading al-Qaeda linked group in the region split, with the
breakaway group saying it wanted talks to end a Paris-led offensive against
the militants. The French bombing raids overnight targeted Ansongo, about
50 miles from the town of Gao and extremist bases in the nearby village of
the Seyna Sonrai.
A security source in Niger confirmed the raids, saying two main
bases of the militants were destroyed as well as their fuel stocks and
armoury. More than 2,000 Chadian soldiers and 500 troops from Niger are
being deployed at Ouallam in Niger, near the Mali border, to open a second
front against the rebels as part of a UN-mandated African force to boost, and
eventually take over, the two-week-long French-led campaign.
On 26th January, French-led troops seized the airport and a key bridge
serving the fighters stronghold of Gao in a boost to a 16-day-old offensive
on al Qaeda-linked rebels holding Malis vast desert north. In a parallel
pincer-like movement, battle-hardened troops from Chad and soldiers from
Niger moved towards the Malian border from the Niger town of Ouallam,
which lies about 60 miles south-east of Gao.
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Reportedly, the militants had left Gao in the wake of the French-led
campaign on January 11. An alliance of Tuareg rebels who wanted to declare
an independent homeland in the north and hard-line groups had seized the
northern towns of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal in April last year.
Next day, French-led troops were closing in on Malis fabled desert
city of Timbuktu after capturing a string of other towns in their offensive
against rebel groups in the north of the country. A Malian reconnaissance
team has reached the edge of Timbuktu, a senior Malian officer said, adding
that French and Malian soldiers were approaching the city without meeting
any resistance.
The senior Malian officer said the troops main concern was to ensure
security, as there had been widespread looting in Gao. We want to avoid
these scenes in Timbuktu and elsewhere, he said. Gao is the biggest of six
towns seized by French and Malian troops since they launched their
offensive to wrest the vast desert north from the fighters.
On 28th January, fleeing Islamists torched the building housing
priceless ancient manuscripts in Mali's fabled desert city of Timbuktu, which
was ringed by French-led troops making a lightning advance north. A
building housing tens of thousands of manuscripts from the ancient Muslim
world and Greece was set aflame, raising fears of further damage to the
country's cultural heritage after months of destruction by the radicals. French
paratroopers swooped in to try to block fleeing hardliners as ground troops
seized the airport of Timbuktu.
French helicopter carrier, the Dixmude, arrived in the Senegalese
capital Dakar carrying hundreds of troops as well as vehicles and materiel to
be transported to neighbouring Mali. There have been reports of reprisal
attacks and the killing of Tuaregs, a Berber people, and Arabs leading the
rebellion against Bamako by Malian soldiers and the local people.
Next day, African leaders and international officials pledged $455.5
million at a donor conference in Addis Ababa for military operations against
the militants in Mali and humanitarian aid. Malian President Dioncounda
Traore thanked the entire international community as nations offered cash
or support at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopias capital.
The conference came a day after French-led forces seized Malis
fabled city of Timbuktu from Islamists as part of an offensive against the
radicals who have controlled the countrys vast desert north for 10 months.
African leaders and officials, as well as representatives from the United
Nations, European Union and China also took part in the conference.
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Hundreds of Malians looted stores in Timbuktu, saying the shops

belonged to Arabs and terrorists linked to the radical Islamists. The angry
crowd plundered stores belonged to Arabs, Mauritanians and Algerians who
they say supported the al-Qaeda-linked Islamists. Meanwhile, Britain has
offered up to 240 military trainers for the conflict in Mali, with up to 40 to
be sent to Mali and as many as 200 to train English-speaking troops in
neighbouring countries.
On 30th January, French troops entered Kidal, the last militant bastion
in Malis north after a whirlwind Paris-led offensive, as France urged peace
talks to douse ethnic tensions targeting Arabs and Tuaregs. The arrival of the
French troops in Kidal comes days after the capture of Gao and Timbuktu in
three-week campaign that Paris hopes to wind down and hand over to
African forces.
In the face of ground strikes and devastating air bombings that
destroyed their headquarters in Timbuktu as well as their fuel supplies and
armoury, the Islamists had no choice but to flee. But the lack of resistance
for the moment does not mean they have been neutralized, said Alain Antil,
the head of sub-Saharan affairs at the French Institute of International
Relations.
Next day, French warplanes hit rebel command posts near the last
militant stronghold in northern Mali, as the UN mulled a peacekeeping force
to take over the fast-moving French-led operation. Ground troops gathered at
the gates of Kidal, a desert outpost that is the last rebel stronghold yet to be
fully recaptured.
On 2nd February, President Hollande received a warm welcome as he
visited Mali to push for African troops to take over a French-led offensive
that drove back rebels from the country's desert north. Hollande told the
crowd France's mission was not finished yet but that African countries
would soon have to take over.
Mali's interim president Dioncounda Traore, who joined hands with
Hollande and raised them in a victory salute, thanked his counterpart for the
efficiency of the French troops, which he said had allowed the north to be
freed from barbarity and obscurantism. Hollande and Traore visited
Timbuktus 700-year-old mud mosque of Djingareyber and the Ahmed Baba
library for ancient manuscripts, both targeted by the militants.
There are warnings that Mali will need long-term help and fears that
the Islamists will now wage a guerrilla campaign from the sparsely
populated north. There was a grim backlash against light-skinned citizens
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seen as supporters of the extremists. Rights groups have reported summary

executions by both the Malian army and the Islamists.
Next day, France said it carried out major air strikes near Kidal, the
last bastion of armed extremists chased from Mali's desert north in a
lightning French-led offensive. An army spokesman said 30 warplanes had
bombed training and logistics centres run by Islamist extremists overnight in
the Tessalit area north of Kidal.
Residents said French and Chadian soldiers had patrolled the town for
the first time as the rest of the country feted Hollande on his tour, a victory
lap that came three weeks into a so far successful intervention to oust the
Islamists who occupied northern Mali for 10 months. The French-led forces
have met little resistance in their campaign, with officials saying many
Islamists have likely fled to the mountainous terrain around Kidal.
On 4th February, French fighter jets pounded rebels supply bases in
northern Mali to flush the insurgents out of hiding as Paris pushed for
African troops to quickly take over the offensive. Dozens of French
warplanes carried out massive air strikes on rebel stronghold of Kidal over
the weekend.
Next day, Mali urged the international community to stand by its side
to drive out the extremists as the United Nations, African Union and other
global players met in Brussels. Talks will look at financing the deployment
of some 8,000 African troops and speeding up plans for a UN mission to
eventually take over the baton in Mali.
On 6th February, French and Malian troops clashed with the rebels
near the town of Gao. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the
extremist rebels, who have been driven from key strongholds which they had
controlled in northern Mali for 10 months, struck back at troops with rocket
fire yesterday. The confirmation of clashes comes after one of the militant
groups, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, said it had
attacked military positions in Gao.
The Malian army arrested two young men in Gaos market who were
brandishing two grenades and a pistol. Frances sole fatality so far has been
a helicopter pilot killed at the start of the military operation 27 days ago.
Mali said 11 of its troops were killed and 60 wounded after the battle at
Konna last month but has not since released a new death toll.
Next day, nearly a month after launching an offensive in Mali to drive
out the extremists, France mulled the withdrawal of its troops and after
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asked the UN to prepare a peacekeeping force to take the charge. French-led

forces continued to come under attack in reclaimed territory, and with fears
of a prolonged insurgency, Paris is keen to hand over the military burden.
The French defence ministry said Thursday that the intervention in its
former colony has already cost France 70 million euros ($95 million), with
the figure rising by 2.7 million euros per day. This is a real war with
significant losses but Im not going to get into an accounting exercise,
Defence Minister said.
On 8th February, a suicide bomber blew himself up in northern Mali as
a dramatic turn towards guerrilla tactics by Islamists and an outbreak of
fighting among soldiers in the capital show the war is far from won for the
embattled nation. In Mali's first ever suicide bombing, an attacker drove up
to a group of Malian troops in Gao and detonated an explosive belt,
wounding one soldier.
In the capital Bamako infighting in Mali's deeply divided military
erupted as soldiers attacked a camp of elite paratroopers loyal to expresident Amadou Toumani Toure, who was ousted in a March coup. The
putsch was launched by soldiers from Mali's poor and ramshackle army after
their humiliation in the north at the hands of well-armed rebels fighting for
independence for the Tuareg, a northern people who have long complained
of being marginalized by Bamako.
Next day, Malian troops bolstered security at army checkpoints and
villagers detained two youths allegedly strapped with explosives after rebels
claimed responsibility for the countrys first suicide attack. The Movement
for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) claimed the attack and
vowed to carry out more against the Malian soldiers who chose the side of
the miscreants, the enemies of Islam.
Nigeria: On 20th January, Police in Nigeria found at least 15
unidentified corpses floating on a river in southeast Anambra state, while
local media said the number of bodies could be much higher. I don't know
the exact number of bodies but I have seen at least 15 corpses floating on the
river, Anambra police commissioner said after visiting the scene. Local
media reports put the number of corpses at between 30 and 40.
Next day, a South African court convicted Nigerian national Henry
Okah of 13 terrorism charges, including bombings that killed 12 people in
Abuja on independence day 2010. "I have come to the conclusion that the
state proved beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused," said Judge
Neels Claassen, handing down the verdict in the South Gauteng High Court.
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Okah was found guilty of masterminding attacks in Abuja and Warri,

a major hub of the oil-rich Delta region. The Movement for the
Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), a group fighting for a greater
share of the Delta oil wealth, claimed responsibility for the attacks. Okah
denied involvement in the blasts and said the charges were politically
motivated.
On 22nd January, gunmen believed to be from extremist group Boko
Haram opened fire at a market in northeastern Nigeria, killing 18 people.
The militants were angry over the hunters selling meat such as pork. Other
residents however spoke of hunters in the area recently banding together to
form a local vigilante group in response to robberies by Boko Haram
members, sparking a revenge attack from the militants.
On 8th February, gunmen on motorbikes shot dead nine health workers
who were administering polio vaccinations in two separate attacks in
Nigerias main northern city of Kano. No one claimed responsibility but
militant group Boko Haram, a sect which has condemned the use of Western
medicine, has been blamed for carrying out a spate of assaults on security
forces in the city in recent weeks.
Algeria: On 20th January, Algerian troops captured five kidnappers
and found the bodies of 25 captives at desert gas complex, as a minister
warned the toll from a hostage crisis may rise. The mastermind of the
hostage-taking, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, said meanwhile in a video posted
online that the attack was carried out by 40 fighters from the world and
European countries.
In Tokyo, the government said it was aware of reports that nine
Japanese had died in the hostage-taking, but had no confirmation of the fate
of 10 of its nationals who remain unaccounted for. Governments scrambled
to track down their missing citizens as more details emerged of the deadly
showdown after rebels of the Signatories in Blood group raided the plant,
demanding an end to French military intervention in Mali.
Next day, Algiers said that 37 foreigners of eight different
nationalities, as well as an Algerian, were killed by hostage-takers in a wellplanned attack on a remote gas plant. Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said
five other foreigners were still missing and that several of the hostages had
been executed with a bullet to the head as the four-day crisis ended in a
bloodbath.
On 30th January, British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in
Algeria in the wake of hostage crisis. The first visit by a British premier
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since Algeria won independence from France in 1962 comes less than two
weeks after 37 foreign hostages were killed when gunmen stormed the In
Amenas facility and in the attacks aftermath. Cameron is accompanied by
his national security adviser and a trade envoy, while British reports said the
head of Britains foreign intelligence service MI6 was also on the trip. At his
meetings with Sellal and Bouteflika, they would talk about how they can
strengthen bilateral relations, Camerons spokeswoman said.
Tunisia: On 6th February, Police clashed with protesters outside
Tunisias interior ministry where thousands had gathered, as hundreds of
mourners accompanied an ambulance carrying the body of a slain opposition
leader. Protesters threw rocks at the police who responded by firing tear gas
and using batons in a bid to disperse the crowd on Habib Bourguiba Avenue,
in Tunis.
Next day, Tunisia's ruling Islamists rejected plans by the premier to
form a government of technocrats while the main trade union called a
general strike amid renewed unrest, deepening a crisis sparked by the killing
of an opposition leader. With tensions running high since the murder of a
leftist opposition leader, Chokri Belaid, clashes between police and
protesters broke out in the capital and in a central town.
The Tunisian League for Defence of Human Rights said threats and
intimidation were continuing under the Ennahda-dominated government,
and called for the protection of political figures. Four opposition groups
including Belaid's Popular Front bloc said they were pulling out of the
National Constituent Assembly, elected in October 2011 but which has failed
to draft a new constitution. Pro-Ennahda militias have been accused of
organizing attacks on secular opposition groups already at loggerheads with
Ennahda over the constitution.
On 8th February, Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters as
tens of thousands joined the funeral of opposition leader Chokri Belaid
whose murder plunged Tunisia into new post-revolt turmoil. Skirmishes
erupted on the margins of the funeral procession which turned into a
demonstration in Tunis. The interior ministry said 132 people were arrested
and estimated the size of the funeral crowd at 40,000.
Next day, thousands of backers of Tunisias ruling Islamists rallied in
the capital to denounce Prime Minister Hamadi Jebalis plan to form a new
government of technocrats amid deepening political uncertainty. Jebali, who
is seen as a moderate, said he would step down if he failed to form a new
government within days.
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Egypt: On 20th January, five people were killed overnight in a

northern Cairo district as clashes erupted after a police officer accidentally
killed a man while chasing a drug dealer. The clashes broke out outside a
police station in the Shubra el-Kheima district when relatives and
neighbours of the dead man gathered and then attacked the police with guns
and Molotov cocktails.
On 25th January, five people were killed in the Egyptian canal city of
Suez, as protesters clashed with police and mass rallies shook Egypt on the
second anniversary of the revolt that ousted Mubarak and brought Islamists
to power. The health ministry said 379 people were injured in clashes in nine
provinces.
Fierce clashes broke out between protesters and police in the city of
Suez, while in the neighbouring province of Ismailiya, protesters stormed
the governorate headquarters, entering the building, setting fire to a room
used by security services and looting furniture and equipment.
Demonstrators had earlier set fire to the Brotherhood headquarters in
Ismailiya.
The unrest came on the second anniversary of a revolution that
brought to power Islamist President Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Egypt is also in the throes of an economic crisis as foreign investment and
tourism revenues dwindle, the Egyptian pound stands at its lowest level
against the dollar and a budget deficit shows no sign of recovery.
In the Mediterranean city of Damietta, protesters surrounded the
governorate building and blocked traffic in the area while in the Nile Delta
city of Kafr el-Sheikh they stormed the courtyard of the building and clashed
with police. In Cairo, police fired tear gas at protesters outside the
presidential palace, where violent clashes between Morsi's allies and foes in
December killed several people. Morsi urged Egyptians to spend the
anniversary in a peaceful and civilized way, in a speech marking the
Prophet Mohammed's birthday.
Next day, twenty-six people were killed in Port Said after 21 Egyptian
football fans and club members were sentenced to death over a deadly postmatch riot last year in the canal city. The clashes erupted after a Cairo court
handed down the death sentences over the football riot last February in
which 74 people were killed, and came a day after violence swept Egypt on
the second anniversary of its uprising.
Two policemen were among those killed, the interior ministry said in
a separate statement, adding that there were many critical injuries among
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police forces. Two police stations in Port Said were stormed and heavy
gunfire could be heard in the Al-Manakh neighbourhood. Ambulances
ferried the injured to hospitals and mosques urged worshippers to donate
blood.
In the capital, both inside and outside the court, there were explosions
of joy at the verdict. Relatives hugged and shouted Allahu Akbar. One man
who lost his son in Port Said wept outside the court, telling AFP: I am
satisfied with the verdict. Another had pinned a picture of his dead friend to
his chest and said he was pleased, but wanted justice served for those who
planned the killing.
On 27th January, three people were killed and more than 400 injured in
Egypts Port Said as rioting sparked by death sentences passed on fans of a
local football team rocked the city for a second straight day. Crowds
attempted to storm three police stations and others torched a social club
belonging to the armed forces, looting items inside.
In Cairo, a brief burst of gunfire sent mourners running in several
directions amid chaotic scenes, which later degenerated into rioting.
Policemen barred Interior Minister from attending the funeral of their two
colleagues killed in the Port Said clashes. Overnight clashes in Cairo ran
into late afternoon, with one Nile Bridge blocked off and the odour of tear
gas hanging in the air.
Next day, one person was killed in Cairo as clashes between police
and protesters raged into a fifth day, and President Mursi scrambled to
contain deepening divisions with calls for national dialogue. In a televised
address he also slapped the three provinces with night-time curfews, while
calling the opposition to a national dialogue at the presidential palace.
On 29th January, military chief warned that the political crisis
sweeping the country could lead to the collapse of the state, as thousands
defied curfews and the death toll from days of rioting rose to 52. He further
warned that the political, economic, social and security problems facing
Egypt constitute a threat to the countrys security and stability and vowed
to defend vital infrastructure, including the Suez Canal.
Meanwhile, the judiciary ordered the arrest of members of the Black
Bloc, a shadowy group of militants who have appeared among protesters
during the latest clashes with police. Prosecutor General authorized the
arrest of all people suspected of belonging to the group and ordered that
they be brought before the courts. The demonstrators, their faces hidden by
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black masks, have appeared among stone-throwing protesters during the

riots.
Next day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the visiting
Egyptian president to ensure constant dialogue as his country grapples with
a political crisis that has sparked deadly unrest. Merkel told a joint press
conference in Berlin with President Mohamed Mursi that Germany wanted a
successful transformation process in Egypt, where Mursi took over last year,
and was ready to help. The visit came as Egyptian opposition leaders sought
urgent talks on the political crisis, as fresh violence killed two more people
in Cairo after nearly a week of violence.
After meeting Merkel, Mursi was due to take part in a conference with
German Economy Minister Philipp Roesler and the president of the German
Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In December Germany announced it
had postponed debt relief for Egypt of up to 240 million euros ($316
million) due to concerns about its commitment to democracy. Germany is
Egypts third biggest trading partner.
On 31st January, rival factions condemned the violence which has
killed dozens in a week of unrest and pledged support for a national dialogue
to resolve the political crisis gripping Egypt. Top Islamic scholar Grand
Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb chaired talks between liberal opposition heads,
Islamists, youth groups, independents and church members at the
headquarters of Al-Azhar, Sunni Islams highest seat of learning.
They signed an Al-Azhar document vowing to support a serious
dialogue and condemn all forms of violence and incitement to violence,
and stressing the responsibility of the state and its security apparatus to
protect citizens. Even with few concrete points agreed, the talks marked a
coup for Egypts Islamist President Mursi whose calls for dialogue were
snubbed by the opposition only last week.
Next day, protesters and security forces clashed at the presidential
palace as thousands of people rallied in cities across the country against
Egypts divisive Islamist leader President Mursi. The Republican Guard
appealed for calm as demonstrators hurled petrol bombs over the palace
walls and security forces responded with water cannon and tear gas and
troops fired warning shots into the night sky.
Protesters skirmished with riot police and two were wounded by
birdshot fired by police. The clashes were less intense than in last weeks
unrest which resulted in 56 deaths, mostly in Port Said. Thousands of people
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protested in the canal city calling for Mursis removal and similar marches
also took place in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria.
On 2nd February, Egyptian riot police deployed near President's palace
as his administration rushed to contain fallout from footage of police beating
a naked man during the deadly overnight clashes. In Cairo's Tahrir Square,
protesters stoned Prime Minister Hisham Qandil's motorcade when the
premier tried to visit after separate overnight clashes nearby between
protesters and police.
The opposition National Salvation Front called for Interior Minister
Mohammed Ibrahim to resign over the beating of the naked man, which
triggered an outpouring of condemnation on social media websites. Ibrahim
has ordered a probe to hold accountable the policemen who beat the man.
Next day, sporadic clashes broke out overnight between protesters
demanding the ouster of President Mursi and security forces outside the
presidential palace. There were no reports of casualties from the
confrontations which follow violent clashes on February 1.
On 6th February, Egyptian President urged Syrian opposition groups to
unify, as he addressed leaders of Islamic states at a summit that also tackled
the battle against militants in Mali. Though Syria is not represented at the
conference, much of the debate was expected to focus on its conflict in
which the UN says more than 60,000 people have been killed.
Four Egyptians and a Syrian man were arrested in Cairo after they
waved their shoes in the face of visiting Iranian President Ahmadinejad. The
incident occurred as Ahmadinejad left Al Hussain Mosque in Cairo where
the five people made the offensive gesture to protest Irans support for the
Syrian President.
On 8th February, thousands took to the streets across Egypt after
opposition groups called for Friday of dignity rallies demanding President
Mohamed Mursi fulfill the goals of the revolt that brought him to power.
Banging on drums, waving flags and clapping in unison, demonstrators
marched from several locations in the capital to Tahrir Square and the
presidential palace.
Next day, thousands of protesters clashed with police in several
Egyptian provinces in rallies calling on Islamist President Mohamed Mursi
to fulfill the goals of the revolt that brought him to power. More than 120
people were injured in the unrest across the country yesterday.
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Somalia: On 29th January, at least six people were killed when a

suicide bomber blew himself up amongst a group of security officials
outside the Somali prime ministers office in central Mogadishu. It is
believed that many of those killed or wounded were soldiers or police.
America: On 20th January, US President Barack Obama, with his

eyes on the exit sign in Afghanistan, took the oath of office in a small
ceremony at the White House that officially begins his second term in office.
The president hopes to accelerate a process of winding down America's
longest war, which began with a US invasion of Afghanistan.
VIEWS
Myanmar
No willing hosts for Rohingyas: Rejected as citizens by both
Bangladesh and Myanmar, they continue to be victimized in the camps
where they seek shelter. Jonah Fisher of BBC reports: Deliveries to the
camps on Myebon have to be made by boat, and attempts to get proper
sanitation and supplies into Taung Paw have so far been blocked. Rakhine
Buddhists control the jetty and are refusing to allow aid agencies regular
access to the Rohingya camp. Hence, obstruction by the Buddhist
community was preventing aid workers from doing 90 percent of their work.
Only the Burmese military could force the aid through, but it has refused to
intervene.
The Rohingyas, who have crossed over to Bangladesh and are
residing in Madham Charpara, are not registered as refugees. Since 1992, the
Bangladeshi government has denied permission to the UNHCR to register
them. They are still considered illegal migrants and are not entitled to food,
healthcare or education benefits provided by the UNHCR and its partner
organizations.
According to a survey conducted by Doctors without Borders, 40
percent of the deaths in unregistered camps are caused by diarrhoea. There is
only one toilet for every 10 families. The unhygienic life these refugees are
leading here is the main cause of their illnesses, said Professor Pran Gopal
Datta, Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Medical University.
Bill Frelick, Director of Human Rights Watchs Refugee Programme
in Bangladesh, also said: This is sheer inhuman treatment. He added that
unregistered refugees cannot get healthcare facilities outside their camps,
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and the aid agencies with better medical treatments are not allowed to reach
them either. The Bangladeshi government has ordered at least three
international aid organizations to cease assistance to the refugees living
outside registered UNHCR camps. This is a cruel policy, he remarked.
Nevertheless, the ethnically Bengali, Rohingyas seek refuge in
Bangladesh, which now has an estimated population of them quarter of a
million. Bangladesh, however, does not appreciate their presence despite
their ethnic ties to the country and has been striving to make life as difficult
as possible for them in the hope that they will leave.
The Thai government has decided to temporarily detain Rohingya
migrants for six months, without upgrading their status as refugees. The
National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General, Lt Gen Paradon
Pattanathaboot, said that Thailand will not set up permanent refugee camps,
though it could still build temporary detention centres. Bangkok promised to
receive Rohingyas for a maximum of six months, but warned that it would
deport those who try to escape. More than 1,400 Rohingyas have been
rounded up since early January.
Thailand has provided them with food and water on humanitarian
grounds. The NSC is of the view that after the six month period, the
UNHCR should take care of them. Bangkok Post has reported that on
January 31, Thailand stopped the entry of boats carrying 340 Rohingyas, and
officials ordered migrants to continue their travel to Malaysia after
delivering them food and water.
The question is: whether these arrests, humiliations and deportations
could stop the Rohingyas from emigrating into the neighbouring countries?
As long as the Myanmar government continues to treat them as aliens, the
problem would persist. All countries have a moral obligation to accept
refugees, who are in danger and help them to resettle.
The UN needs to take bold steps to resolve the issue in a wholesome
way, beyond its refugee dimension. It needs to act with speed and will as it
did in the case of East Timor. (Khalid Iqbal, TheNation 4th February)
Syria
Danger ahead: The Mideast is stumbling into one of its most
dangerous crises in decades. Im just back from the region and as an old
Mideast hand, I am very worried.
This region is always tense, but right now a series of separate conflicts
are rapidly beginning to intersect. We see the Mideast, North Africa and the
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Sahara buffeted by revolutions and counter-revolutions. Old colonial powers

France and Britain, and the US, are trying to reassert their domination in the
region. The jihadist are back.
In a brazen act of war, Israel launched air strikes on Syria last
Wednesday in a clear attempt to worsen the crisis in that war-torn nation and
challenge Syrias ally, Iran. Israels forces are on high alert and may invade
Syria, whose strategic Golan Heights were seized and annexed by Israel.
Will more Syrian land follow?
Goaded by Israel, Iran thundered any attack on Syria is an attack on
Iran. An Iranian general warned Tel Aviv might come under attack. Hot air,
as they say in Farsi. Separated from ally Syria by Iraq, Irans not very
mobile ground forces would be unable to intervene in Syria in any
substantial way. Israels air force would devastate any Iranian columns
advancing in open terrain.
Irans feeble air force is barely operational after decades of crushing
embargos by the United States and its allies. Tehrans dilapidated warplanes
are far more menacing to their pilots than their enemies. Irans passenger
airliners are flying coffins thanks to the US embargo of new aircraft and
spare parts.
The only way Iran could strike at Israel is by firing medium-ranged
Shahab-III missiles and a small number of Sajjil-2 solid propellant missiles.
Both are inaccurate. Their 750-1,000 kg conventional warheads would only
do limited damage - unless they made a lucky hit on Israels heavily
defended Dimona nuclear reactor.
Israel estimates that a major Iranian non-nuclear strike would only
cause a few hundred casualties. Israel is fast deploying a multi-layer antimissile system: the Arrow-III, which has shown high hit probability in tests
against missile warheads. The low level Iron Dome system, which had an 80
percent hit probability against rockets fired from Gaza, and the new, highly
accurate Davids Sling high altitude system, and more systems in the
pipeline, give Israels the worlds most advanced and accurate anti-missile
system that could be relied on to knock down a majority of incoming
missiles from far-away Iran.
More important, Israel would quickly counter-attack once its powerful
radars (and a US-manned X-band radar based in Israel that can scan Iran)
spot missile being launched by Tehran. Israel has its own arsenal of accurate
medium-ranged missiles, armed drones, its powerful air force, and satellites
watching Iran.
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How would Israel know that an incoming Iranian missile was

conventionally armed and not carrying a nuclear warhead? Rather than
gamble, Israel would probably hit Iran with its own nuclear arsenal,
including nuclear-tipped cruise missiles fired by Israeli submarines lurking
in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Iran is not believed to have nuclear warheads but how can Israel
really be sure since it successfully concealed its own nuclear programme
from the US.
Meanwhile, Egypt threatens to turn into another Syria. The Chief of
Staff of Egypts armed forces just warned his strife-torn nation is on the
brink of collapse. Conservative Arab nations, the US and Britain are
fuelling a counter-revolution by Mubarakist forces and Christians. Egypts
economy has all but collapsed, igniting violent social unrest. A coup may be
imminent.
Syria is teetering on the brink of national collapse. The Assad
government has no popularity beyond its Alawi base, but half of the Syrians
dont want to live in an Islamic state and fear what will happen to them if
insurgent forces seize power. Syrias economy has almost ceased to function.
This bloody civil war threatens to turn Syria into a larger version of the
ghastly 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war that I covered.
Russia is growling in the background. Syria, recall, is as close to
Russias southern border as northern Mexico is to Texas. Washington is
underestimating Russia growing anger. Israel is still determined to push the
US into war against Iran. The Turks cannot decide whether to be neutrals or
reborn Ottomans. Caution: danger ahead. (Eric S. Margolis, TheNation 3rd
February)
Egypt
Egypt's very-much-unfinished revolution: What we are witnessing
is the last, dying gasps of the Nasserite era. The ideological vision of Gamal
Abdel Nasser, who led the 1952 revolution that overthrew Egypt's monarchy,
has defined the last six decades of Egyptian politics: Arab nationalism,
vehement anti-colonialism, the nationalization of the country's economy, and
the pre-eminence of the military are the foundation on which modern Egypt
is built. While Nasserism was arguably successful in helping Egypt emerge
from its political past, it has long been in slow decline - and is now on the
verge of collapse.
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The crumbling of the Mubarak regime two years ago momentarily

wrenched Egypt's population out of a decades-old slumber. But today, many
vestiges of Nasser's Egypt - key structures of state, society, and the economy
linger on. They are the creaking, dysfunctional machinery of a
protectionist system still striving to shut out the forces of modernity and
globalization in order to preserve the vested interests of an elite few.
Egypt's insidious state security establishment is a prime example of
the country's unfinished revolution. The Jan 25 protests proved to be the
watershed moment when for all its networks of informants, secret police
officers, and legions of thugs it had no answer to modern technology,
digital media, and mobile communications. While describing the uprising as
a Facebook Revolution remains misleading, protesters understood how
their technological advantages enabled them to outmanoeuvre a clumsy and
brutal security apparatus. Two years on, however, the Interior Ministry
remains unreformed, the scars of years of brutalization of Egyptian society
are yet to be healed, and civilian law enforcement faces an undetermined
future.
Depressingly then, though no less predictably, the Muslim
Brotherhood has quickly revealed itself as representing a continuation of this
broken system. President Mohamed Mursi has shown himself as eager to
maintain an authoritarian stranglehold over the political process as his
predecessor, unilaterally issuing a declaration that granted him far-reaching
powers and ramming through a new constitution on short notice. In another
sinister echo of the old regime, the Brotherhood is now employing its own
armed thugs to violently confront protesters, as seen in the December 2012
clashes outside the presidential palace
The limping legacy of the Nasserist state is also evidenced in Egypt's
bloated public sector. Poorly functioning government departments and
sluggish bureaucracy have come to epitomize for many the ailing nature of
an ossified state, and the burden of public sector salaries on a near bankrupt
economic system cannot endure forever. Meanwhile, the gulf in professional
standards between Egypt's introverted public sector and an increasingly
globalized commercial business community grows greater by the day.
Nasser's seismic nationalization policies have unintentionally granted
his successors a handy mechanism of exerting power and influence through
the gradual redistribution of the nation's wealth to a small clique surrounding
the ruling establishment. The startling disparities of wealth within Egypt
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represent a cruel and dangerous paradox: According to World Bank

statistics, 20 per cent of Egyptians live below the poverty line.
Yet even as Egypt teeters on the edge of economic cataclysm, any
efforts toward a redistribution of wealth and resources, or alterations to its
inequitable system of fuel and food subsidies, have so far remained halfhearted. Political forces have buckled to domestic political expediency, so
far resisting the IMF's warnings that reforms of taxes, subsidies, and the
public budget are prerequisites for Egypt to receive its $4.8 billion assistance
package.
On the two-year anniversary of the revolution, solutions to Egypt's
crisis of modernity are hard to come by. Mursi's intrinsically conservative
government appears just as authoritarian as its predecessors, and the
opposition has failed to build a political organization or define its agenda.
Meanwhile, the retrograde visions of the radical Islamist opposition threaten
to pull Egypt even further from the modern world.
Despite their differences, the diverse political forces in Cairo all hold
to a misguided notion that Egypt's main challenges are relatively fixable,
superficial abuses not fundamental issues related to the broken structures
of their state and society. Two years ago, demonstrations against the
established hierarchy sparked protests from almost every corner of the
country from schools, to hospitals, places of work, and even within
families. These pressures will continue to represent an existential threat to
Egypt's political elite.
The 18 days that brought down Mubarak demonstrated that Egypt is
capable of achieving the unthinkable. Today, more of the honesty, courage,
and soul-searching that stirred the public's imagination during those days
will be required to bring an end to the old, dying political order in Cairo.
(Charles Holmes for Foreign Policy, reprinted in TheNation 28th January)
Algeria
Blood on the sands: several pinches of salt are required to
swallow the claim that the atrocity in Algeria was a direct consequence of
the military action in Mali. In this, one does not need to accept the word of
Abdelmalek Sellai, the Algerian prime minister, who has claimed that the
attack had been planned for at least two months a plausible timescale. A
statement by one of the purported leading lights of the perpetrators bears this
out.
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It does not follow, though, that there is no connection to Mali,

northern portions of which are under the influence of the militants, now
challenged by French forces and Malian troops. After all, one of Algerias
strategies has been to push its troublesome Islamists across the border into
Mali, and Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the Algerian terrorist believed to have been
behind last weeks attack, is said to have been closely associated with the
Mali-based outfit Ansar Dine.
A veteran of the 1980s Afghan jihad, Belmokhtar has also been
associated with GIA and the force it morphed into, al-Qaeda in the Islamic
Maghreb (AQIM), but is reported to have fallen out with the AQIM
leadership, thereafter forming the Masked Men Brigade and its apparent
offshoot, the Signed-in-Blood Battalion.
Whats really intriguing, though, is that not just the victims but also
the perpetrators in Algeria are believed to have been multinational, with
reports that some of them spoke in North American accents and that
Canadian documents were found on at least two of the dead hostage-takers.
Intriguing, perhaps, but not entirely surprising, given that anecdotal
evidence of North Africa emerging as a new magnet for would-be militants
has been emerging for years.
The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has meanwhile
suggested that the west could be engaged for years, if not decades, in the
combat against terrorism in North Africa even though, mind you, no
British troops have officially been deployed to the region since they
contributed to overthrowing the shaky established order in Libya. Although
weapons from Gaddafis arsenals have contributed to the destabilization of
North Africa, the British foreign secretary, William Hague, has claimed that
the situation would have been much worse had the west not intervened in
Libya.
Thats pure conjecture. No one should seriously doubt that the
salvation of North Africa will depend to a considerable extent on the
domestic trajectories of regional states. And recent events are a reminder that
the no-holds-barred Algerian path may not be the ideal option. (Mahir Ali
for Khaleej Times, reprinted in TheNation 24th January)
Mali
Mali: Fastest blowback yet in this disastrous war on terror:
French intervention in Mali has now produced the fastest blowback yet in
the war on terror. The groups that seized the In Imenas gas plant last week
952
reportedly with weapons supplied to Libya by France and Britain insisted

their action was taken in response to Frances operation, Algerias decision
to open its airspace to the French and western looting of the countrys
natural resources.
It may well be that the attack had in fact been planned for months.
And the Algerian government has its own history of bloody conflict with
Islamist movements. But it clearly cant be separated from the growing
western involvement across the region.
France is in any case the last country to sort out Malis problems,
having created quite a few of them in the first place as the former colonial
power, including the legacy of ethnic schism within artificial borders as
Britain did elsewhere. The French may have been invited in by the Malian
government. But its a government brought to power by military coup last
year, not one elected by Malians and whose troops are now trading
atrocities and human rights abuses with the rebels.
Only a political settlement, guaranteed by regional African forces, can
end the conflict. Meanwhile, French president Franois Hollande says his
country will be in Mali as long as it takes to defeat terrorism in that part of
Africa. All the experience of the past decade suggests that could be
indefinitely as western intervention is likely to boost jihadist recruitment
and turn groups with a regional focus towards western targets.
All this is anyway about a good deal more than terrorism. Underlying
the growing western military involvement in Africa from the spread of
American bases under the US Africa Command to Frances resumption of its
post-colonial habit of routine armed intervention is a struggle for resources
and strategic control, in the face of Chinas expanding economic role in the
continent. In north and west Africa, thats not just about oil and gas, but also
uranium in countries like Niger and Mali. Terrorism has long since become
a catch-all cover for legitimizing aggressive war.
The idea that jihadists in Mali, or Somalia for that matter, pose an
existential threat to Britain, France, the US or the wider world is utter
nonsense. But the opening of a new front in the war on terror in north Africa
and the Sahel, accompanied by another murderous drone campaign, is a
potential disaster for the region and risks a new blowback beyond it.
The past decade has demonstrated beyond doubt that such
interventions dont solve crises, let alone deal with the causes of terrorism,
but deepen them and generate new conflicts. More military intervention will
bolster authoritarian regimes and its rhetoric further poison community
953
relations in the intervening states. It seems the price has to be paid over and
over again. (Seumas Milne for Guardian, reprinted in TheNation 24th
January)
UK intervention in Mali treads a familiar - and doomed path:
The British government is going for gold in mission creep. Just a week ago
David Cameron clearly indicated there would be no boots on the ground in
Mali. His office declared there was absolutely no question of British troops
entering the conflict in a combat role. Britain would lend two C-17
transports and that was it.
To this was soon added a surveillance plane. Now there is to be a rollon-roll-off ferry. France may be awash in nuclear bombs and aircraft
carriers, but it cannot ship an army to a real war. Then, as French troops
advanced on Timbuktu, the adrenaline of triumph drifted across the Channel
and into the nostrils of Westminster. Could Britain play too?
Cameron descended into his Cobra bunker, his lips quivering with the
thrill of fear. Like every prime minister who uses that place, he emerged
feeling he had to talk Churchill. He told the Commons: We must frustrate
the terrorists with our security. We must beat them militarily. We must
address the poisonous narrative they feed on. We must close down the
ungoverned space in which they thrive, and we must deal with the
grievances they use to garner support. The deliciously operative word was
we.
Cameron then said that, if there were a British contribution to [the
war], it would be in the tens, not in the hundreds. His spokesman elaborated
that it would be at the lower end of that range, and just for training. By last
weekend tens had indeed become hundreds, so far 350 trainers and an as
yet undisclosed force protection unit.
None of these would, at this stage, have a combat role. Indeed, it
now appeared that 90 troops were already on the ground, for logistics,
intelligence and surveillance support. Everyone, said the defence secretary
Philip Hammond yesterday, would be taking part for just a short
intervention to stabilize things on the ground. Very soon the local Africans
would take over. No one would be in combat. It was just a case of in-andout, easy to handle, reasonable, no trouble.
This is the jargon of creep-speak down the ages. It was used in 1914
and 1939. It was used at Basra and Helmand. I suggest Cameron at once ban
from sale William Dalrymples new book, The Return of a King, a gripping
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account of the 1839 British Afghan expedition and a textbook on mission

creep.
He should also ban the BBCs mischievous choice of the book as
Radio 4s current book of the week Parallels with the past and with other
theatres of war should not be glibly drawn. Mali is not Afghanistan. There
the so-called al-Qaeda menace appears to be a ragtag coalition of Tuaregs,
gangsters and dissidents, armed with weapons mostly released by NATOs
regime change in Libya. They managed to grab a barely accessible Saharan
base, but have melted away at the first sign of serious opposition.
Africa still answers to the drum of empire. As in Sierra Leone now a
British protectorate so in the former French colonies, European powers are
drawn back to redefine and reclaim their old responsibilities. Mali is
Frances Sierra Leone. That is her affair. To pretend this poses an existential
threat to Britain passes belief. Cameron has to elevate the supposed Malian
affiliates of al-Qaeda to the status of a generational menace, which he
claims will last for decades. They must be beaten militarily, the
ungoverned space in which they thrive closed down and the grievances on
which they prey dealt with. And all by us.
There is no remit under the UN or international law for Britons to be
fighting wars in the Sahara. We grasp at the fact that we are an EU ally of
France, which is an ally of the part of Mali that failed to protect its northern
citizens from marauders. It is odd how eager Cameron is to cite the EU when
on shaky ground.
In Tuesdays Guardian the al-Qaeda historian Jason Burke gave a
detailed assessment of that movements current condition. It bore not the
slightest relation to the global monster of the prime ministers Cobra-fevered
imagination. It was not on the same planet.
Even at its height a decade ago, al-Qaeda could do no more than stage
a few terrorist spectaculars. These were nasty, but modern cities can survive
them, and modern policing appears recently to have their measure. Al-Qaeda
has failed to win over a government, a territory or a large body of support. If
it (whatever it is) really planned the Mali incursion, it could not even hold
Timbuktu. Camerons politics of fear may be in need of an enemy, but is this
the best he can do to stir the blood of the heirs of Blenheim and Waterloo?
The one thing on which al-Qaeda relies for recruits is its status as
world bogeyman. It is a comfort blanket for securocrats and a franchise for
crazies. It also feeds on the over-rapid modernization of Muslim countries,
easily portrayed as being under western influence. It is this that has
955
destabilized Egypt, and is playing into the hands of fundamentalist parties

everywhere. The values imperialism of western intervention is al-Qaedas
best hope.
The Oxford historian John Darwin has written of empire as rarely a
coherent project, but rather the result of thinking in monoliths, the default
mode of most state organizations. It is a habit of mind that has not gone
away. Last week Cameron could speak with passion of Britains national
sovereignty and culture, defending them against Europes interfering neoimperialists. It is strange he cannot see that many states and peoples around
the world feel just the same about Britain. Mali in practice may prove no big
deal. It is Mali in theory that is so dangerous. (Simon Jenkins for Guardian,
reprinted in TheNation 31st January)
REVIEW
French President Hollande went to Mali to have a victory lap. As
expected by him, he received warm reception on arrival primarily by the
Malians of black origin as light-skinned Malians of Arab descent had been
dubbed as Islamist fascists and beaten back into the wilderness of desert.
During the invasion and occupation of eighth Islamic state in the ongoing
Crusades of this century not a single Muslim leader dared opening his
mouth.
Israel became the first country to indulge in direct military
intervention by carrying out air strikes inside Syria. No one condemned the
aggression; not even the Arab Brothers or the Turkey which has been
championing the Palestinian cause of late. In fact, Turkey has been itching to
do the same what Israel has done. Only Iran, out of more than fifty Muslim
countries, picked up the courage to warn Israel to stay away from Israel
Obama Administration has been pretending to be debating whether to
arm the rebels in Syria or not. It has been no more than a cover up to what
the West has been doing for nearly two years, supplying weapons and
logistic support to the Syrian rebels. However, Wests interest in direct
intervention has dissipated because the war-torn country has been infested
with al-Qaeda fighters.
10th February, 2013
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DIALOGUE: NO EXECUTION
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan offered dialogue to the regime with
two pre-conditions; release of its commanders under arrest and chiefs of
PML-N, JI and JUI-F to act as guarantors. All the three proposed guarantors
urged the government to take the offer seriously, but Nawaz Sharif declined
to the offer in view of the past record of Zardari regime. The government, as
usual showed reluctance, perhaps, waiting for a word from the foreign
masters.
As regards Afghanistan, British Prime Minister David Cameron
arranged a puppet-show. Karzai and Zardari were summoned to England and
they resolved to work for the peace in Afghanistan, but Taliban rejected the
joint statement released after the tripartite meeting. Maulana Fazlur Rehman
however was invited for dialogue with Taliban in Qatar.
After blaming Pakistan for ceasefire violations along LoC, India
hanged Muhammed Afzal Guru, the second man to be executed in about a
decade after hanging of Ajmal Kasab in November last. The former was a
Kashmiri charged for attack on Indian Parliament and the latter a Pakistani
involved in Mumbai attack. The execution showed that India was confident
of Pakistans inability to react meaningfully and it was prepared to take on
the reaction from Kashmiris.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 14th January, unknown miscreants blasted a check
point of traffic police with explosives in Charsadda, but no human loss was
reported. Charsadda has been on the hit list of miscreants as several blasts
rocked different areas of the district during the recent days.
Next day, militants attacked a security forces check post in Shalober
area of tehsil Bara in Khyber Agency, sparking clashes that killed six
security personnel and four terrorists overnight. The central spokesman of
Lashkar-e-Islam, the defunct militant organization of Managl Bagh, claimed
that the men of banned out had killed six security personnel and two
Khasadars, besides kidnapping scores of them. The LI spokesman warned
that a tit for tat reply will be given to the forces.
As many as 18 bullet-riddled bodies were recovered from Alam
Godhar area of Bara, sub-division of Khyber Agency. Majority of the
victims were locals, who were shot dead somewhere else and the bodies
957
were dumped at Alam Godhar area. Eight victims belonged to one family
including a mentally retarded person.
On 16th January, the enraged protesters of Tehsil Bara, who had taken
the bullet-riddled dead bodies of the 18 people in front of the Governors
House to stage protest over this brutality, attacked Senator Hamidullah Jan
Afridi with shoes and bottles when he arrived there to express sympathies
with the mourners. During this episode, a protestor got injured critically
when a bodyguard of the Senator resorted to aerial firing.
Meanwhile, Governor Masood Kausar met the representative jirga of
the protestors and assured to hold an inquiry into the killings of their people.
He also announced to provided Rs0.4 million special compensation for each
innocent person killed in the incident, besides the normal compensation of
Rs0.3 million.
Earlier, Police fired shells at the mourners. The shells caused a
stampede among the protesters. Taking advantage of the situation, police
took away the bodies in trucks. The protesters, however, succeeded in
reaching Governors House to stage a sit-in.
On 20th January, Obama Administration is nearing completion of a
detailed counterterrorism manual that is designed to establish clear rules for
targeted-killing operations but left open a major exemption for the CIAs
campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan. The Washington Post said that the
carve-out would allow the CIA to continue bombing suspected militants for
a year or more before the agency is forced to comply with more stringent
rules spelled out in a classified document that officials have described as a
counterterrorism playbook.
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan carried out a motorcycle
bomb attack on another Awami National Party leader in Karachi, wounding
his nephew, two security guards and a passer-by. Mohammad Din Shah
Afridi was passing through Khyber Chowk in Baldia Town in his car when
an explosives-laden motorcycle parked along the roadside exploded.
Next day, a Frontier Corps soldier was killed and his colleague
sustained bullet injuries when unknown gunmen opened fire on them in the
Moro area in Bazaar Zakha Khel in Tirah Valley. Two FC personnel were
killed and nine others including peace militia volunteers injured in a remote
controlled bomb blast in Dawezai area of Mohmand Agency.
A counsel for ISI and MI that a group of men detained for years on
suspicion of terror attacks had been held on moral grounds, admitting there
958
was no evidence against them. Chief Justice said the intelligence agencies do
not have authority to keep anyone in their custody for indefinite period and
no moral ground had any legal value. The Supreme Court gave the
government until January 22 to resolve the issue of Adiala jails missing
prisoners. The chief justice noted that out of 11 prisoners, four have already
died, and told the authorities to either present evidence against the remaining
seven detainees or release them without further delay.
The military commanders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Western
military alliance pledged to continue cooperation against the prevalent threat
across the Pak-Afghan border posed by the militants through their widely
used weapon-Improvised Explosive Device. The development followed a
meeting of the Working Group's Sub-Committee for Counter Improvised
Explosive Devices (C-IEDs) at the GHQ participated by the three sides.
On 22nd January, at least four security personnel were injured when an
Army vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled blast in North
Waziristan while traveling from Spinwam to Mir Ali. Meanwhile, militants
targeted school busses in Chota Lahor tehsil of Swabi district. No causality
was reported.
A three-member bench, hearing Adiala Jail prisoners observed that
without evidence no one could be detained even for a second. The court
questioned why they were shifted to internment centres when there was no
evidence against them. The chief justice asked the counsel for ISI and MI,
If you dont like the Constitution, get the articles regarding fundamental
rights abolished as in the presence of these articles you cant detain anyone
unconstitutionally and illegally.
The Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, while hearing the missing
persons case, gave a final warning to officials to appear before the court in
person or face action. He issued the warning to Secretary Interior, Secretary
Defense, ISI, IGFC, Sector Commanders, IGP KPK, DIG Headquarters,
CCPO, Home Secretary and other concerned officials to appear in person on
Feb 14, failing which their salaries and other perks and privileges would be
stopped.
The NA unanimously adopted a resolution to confer civil award on
parliamentarians who embraced martyrdom on recent various days. The
resolution moved by MQM legislator S Iqbal Qadri recommend that in
recognition of their meritorious services. They sacrificed their lives for
better future of the people...I support this resolution and condemn terrorist
activities, said ANP senior MNA Pervaiz Khan.
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Next day, at least seven mortar shells were fired from Afghan soil
which landed in the border area of Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan
Agency, no casualties were reported. Militants dumped the mutilated body
of a purported Afghan spy accused of collaborating on US drone strikes that
killed a prominent warlord in Pakistan. The body of the man identified as
Asmatullah Kharoti was found in Wana.
Five miscreants were killed and three others injured when an
explosion rocked Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency. The blast occurred in a
warehouse of Taliban militants situated in Jandari area. Four tribesmen from
a militia which supports the Pakistani government against militants were
shot dead on the outskirts of Peshawar.
On 24th January, Attorney General Irfan Qadir told the Supreme Court
that around 700 people are in the custody of security agencies and the court
said detaining people without trial was unconstitutional and violation of
fundamental human rights. Hearing the case of Adiala Jail prisoners, who
upon their release were allegedly picked up by the agencies from outside the
jail, the court expressed dissatisfaction over a report submitted by FATA
Secretary Nasir Jamal.
The report stated that hand grenade and weapons were recovered from
the detainees, who he said had also attacked an army convoy in FATA. Tariq
Asad, counsel for captives argued how the weapons could be recovered from
the prisoners while they were in detention. The chief justice remarked that
the ISI had given a written statement that no weapon was recovered from
them.
The attorney general said these people were arrested in connection
with the war on terror from FATA, where the army has been fighting
militants for around a decade. They could not be released until the military
operation in those regions concludes, he said, but declined to say how long
they had been in custody. The AG said the prisoners would be tried under the
Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). The chief justice asked the attorney
general how the captives would be tried under the FCR when you dont
have proof against them. Irfan Qadir said that evidence against them has
been collected and their trial will be completed within one month.
Tell us under what law they have been detained for the last 15
months, the CJ asked, reiterating that the agencies could not detain anyone
even one day without evidence. The AG remarked that the court taking suo
moto regarding the matter first decide about the law and then issue order for
their release and the government would implement it. The chief justice said
960
instead of requesting courts for doing everything try to find out a way by
yourself.
Senator John Kerry, President Obamas pick for next Secretary of
State, dismissed a proposal that US stop aid to Pakistan until Islamabad
complied with Washingtons demands, saying such a sledgehammer
approach was not the way to deal with issues. Rather than cut aid, which is
a pretty dramatic, draconian, sledgehammer approach to a relationship that
really has a lot of interests...we have our ground lines of communication
roads that go to Afghanistan and that route is critical to our supply to our
troops...we have in addition to that intelligence cooperation, Kerry told the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The ANP in the National Assembly demanded the government to
unveil the findings of the Abbottabad Commission report in Parliament for
further debate on them. The report was presented to Prime Minister Raja
Pervaiz Ashraf last month; now it should be made public, said ANP
legislator, Bushra Gohar, on a point of order. She demanded that the report
be unveiled, so that an inquiry could be initiated against those responsible.
On 26th January, thirty-two militants of the TTP were killed in a clash
with pro-government volunteers of Ansarul Islam during a gunfight in
Maidan area of tehsil Bara. The clash started when Taliban militants stormed
into a base of AI. The AI fighters retaliated to regain the base and both
groups targeted each other with heavy artillery. Twenty-one volunteers of AI
were also killed in the standoff. Separately, three of a family were killed in a
mortar strike in Bagh, Tirrah Koki Khel area of tehsil Jamrud.
Inviting Taliban for table talks, ANP said its history was replete with
sacrifices and it would continue sacrificing in future to protect the
constitution and country. TTP was interested in holding peace talks with the
Pakistan government and stated the outfit is seeking serious and powerful
mediators who can freely negotiate on behalf of the army.
Next day, the fighting between the two militant groups in Tirrah
Valley of Khyber Agency that started two day ago claimed at least 61 lives.
The fighting has forced hundreds of families to migrate to the safer places.
Ansarul Islam has vowed not to let TTP make hideouts in the valley under
their control.
On 28th January, death toll in factional fighting in Tirrah Valley rose to
81 and as the clashes spread to the other parts of the valley, tribesmen started
migrating to safer places. The fighters of AI stormed posts of TTP, located in
Dwa Toai area of tehsil Jamrud and a fierce combat took place in the area.
961
Ten militants were killed and scores of them were wounded. According to TI
so far 25 volunteers of AI have lost their lives while 85 TTP militants were
killed. A number of TTP fighters have been captured and AI has re-taken
control of their posts, they had lost to TTP on the first day of fighting, he
claimed.
The court has acquitted Lal Masjid Khateeb Maulana Abdul Aziz and
his spouse Umme Hasaan along with four other accused in a case regarding
abduction of the federal capital police personnel. On this occasion, all the
accused, including Maulana Abdul Aziz, Umme Hasaan, Maulana Abdul
Basir and Maulana Muhmmad Afzal, were present. The court had reserved
its decision on the case in the last hearing on the completion of arguments by
the lawyers of both the sides.
Afghan official thanked Pakistani government for the release of
Afghan Taliban prisoners while Islamabads military establishment assured
that it fully supports Afghan-led settlement in the war-torn country. The
development followed a meeting between Pakistans Chief of Army Staff
and visiting Defence Minister from Afghanistan General (r) Bismillah Khan
Muhammadi at the GHQ.
Next day, ten suspected militants were killed and their four hideouts
were destroyed in air strikes in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency. It was the
second consecutive day when jets targeted militants. Locals are evacuating
the area for safer locations but they have to go on foot as there are no
transportation due to the shortage of petrol and diesel.
At least six men of a peace force were killed in a clash between
militants and the militia in Tirrah Valley of Khyber tribal region. A militant
was also killed in the fighting as skirmishes between Qamarkhel peace jirga
and militants continued in Tirrah Valley. Meanwhile, suspected militants
gunned down an Elite Force personnel providing security to polio
vaccinators in Swabi.
On 30th January, at least 14 militants were killed and nine others
sustained injuries when fighter planes pounded their hideouts in Hasanzai
and Arblan area of Orakzai Agency. In the last three days action, so far a
total of 37 militants have been killed, 25 other got injuries while 19 their
hideouts have also been destroyed completely.
Fierce fighting between pro-government Ansar-ul-Islam (AI) and
banned outfit TTP continued on sixth day which left 12 militants dead while
six other received critical injuries in different localities of Tirrah Valley of
962
Khyber Agency. The local tribesmen said that the death toll reached 92 after
the clashes over the last six days.
Next day, two polio vaccination workers were killed when their
motorcycle hit a roadside planted bomb in Kurram Agency. The two
volunteers were on their way to administer polio drops to children in
Malikhel area. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack; however,
militants have banned polio vaccinations in some parts of tribal belt.
Meanwhile, at least nine persons were injured when a magnetic time bomb
exploded in police mobile in Peshawar.
On 1st February, six people were killed when mortar shells fired from
Afghanistan side hit Pakistans northwestern border area of South
Waziristan. Around 30 mortar shells landed in the Angoor Adda area. It was
not clear yet who fired these shells from the other side of the border.
At least 27 people were killed and over 50 sustained injuries when a
suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed motorcycle outside a
mosque soon after Friday prayers in a crowded market in Hangu. The attack
took place at a narrow lane housing two mosques; Masjid Faizullah
belonging to Shia sect and Masjid Purdil of the Sunni sect.
Next day, at least 36 people including 13 soldiers, 12 militants and 11
civilians were killed in a pre dawn attack on a security forces camp and a
house near Naurang town, 35 kilometres from Lakki Marwat. Eleven army
and frontier constabulary personnel were also wounded in the attack. TTP
claimed responsibility saying it was in response to a US drone strike in
neighbouring North Waziristan last month in which two of their commanders
were killed.
Up to 30 militants infiltrated to the area from frontier tribal regions
bordering North Waziristan Agency and attacked the camp from different
directions simultaneously. The militants were heavily equipped with
sophisticated and automatic weapons and some of them were wearing
explosive jackets. They kept engaged the security personnel for several
hours. Nine army soldiers and three FC personnel laid down their lives while
fighting the militants.
Eight militants were killed and three security forces personnel were
injured in separate incidents in Orakzai Agency. The first incident occurred
in Dabori area when security forces convoy was targeted with remote control
device, injuring two security personnel, a Captain and a JCO. In another
incident, militants opened fire on a security forces vehicle in Jinah Talab
area in which a soldier got injured.
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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said: The United States will have to
keep up an open-ended drone war against al-Qaeda militants in Pakistan and
elsewhere to prevent another terror attack on America. Panetta claimed that
the US drone campaign has been very effective.
On 3rd February, the banned TTP came up with a firm response to a
government peace offer by saying that it can hold talks if the chiefs of PMLN, JUI-F and JI acted as guarantors and if the TTP leaders were set free. TTP
spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said their lack of confidence in the army is
based on their experience as it had violated agreements signed in the past.
Ehsan also called on the government to free three members of the
Talibans political committee, Muslim Khan, Haji Umar (also called Maulvi
Umer) and Maulana Mehmood, who had been captured by security forces.
He said this was necessary so that the five-member political committee can
participate in negotiations. He said if freed, Maulvi Umar and Muslim Khan
would lead the Taliban delegation in the talks.
The politicians whom the Taliban consider trustworthy have deferred
their response on their latest overture of seeking guarantees from them as a
pre-condition to hold talks with the government. Spokespersons for the three
proposed guarantors were very cautious to say anything till something
concrete came out of the talks offer by the Taliban. However, Nawaz Sharif
refused to stand guarantor for talks between the Taliban and the government
because of the poor credibility record of the rulers. Talking to reporters he
said: Those who dont honour their commitments cant be trusted.
Next day, Fazlur Rehman welcomed positive demand by Pakistani
Taliban of making Nawaz, Munawar and himself guarantor for holding
peace talks with the government. He said the conditions set by the banned
TTP for holding talks was a progress in the right direction. The JUI-F chief
recommended using the platform of FATAs grand jirga for peace negations
with the outlaws.
On 5th February, Sherry Rehman said CIA drone strikes in Pakistan are
a clear violation of our sovereignty and a violation of international law that
threaten stable relations between the two governments, Pakistan has long
resented what it describes the United States failure to appreciate its
domestic terrorism problems and counterterrorism operations, which Sherry
said have cost nearly 50,000 military and civilian lives and billions of
dollars in expenditures.
Next day, at least five suspected militants were killed and four others
wounded in drone hit on a militant compound in North Waziristan Agency.
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An unmanned US Predator vehicle targeted a house in Spinwam village; the

headquarters of the Agency. Since January this year, 47 suspected militants
have been killed in seven drone strikes.
The TTP invited the representative delegation of JI, JUI-F and PML-N
to visit the Tribal Areas. Talking to the media over the phone from an
undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan said the delegation(s)
of the (said) political parties would be guaranteed full security, if it visited
the tribal belt.
On 7th February, at least 15 militants were killed and their five
hideouts were destroyed when jet planes pounded their positions in Mir
Kalam Khel and Jandari areas of Orakzai Agency. Besides, two vehicles
were also damaged in the air strikes. Security forces have been fighting
militants in Orakzai Agency for the last three years and so far over 90 per
cent area of the agency has been cleared.
Commander ISAF General Allen met with General Kayani. According
to the US Embassy, the trip is the last Gen Allen is making to Pakistan as
ISAF commander. He was joined in Islamabad by his successor General
Dunford Jr, who assumes command of the 50-nation coalition force on
February 10. While acknowledging that there is more to do, both leaders
were pleased with the progress to date.
Nawaz Sharif finally came up with a clearer stance by announcing
support for negotiations with the Taliban and asking the government to
initiate the process without wasting time for the sake of much-needed peace
and national reconciliation. Nawaz rued that the track record of the federal
government is not such that anyone can stand guarantee for it, but his party
and he himself back talks with the militant organization for the sake of peace
which is dire need of the time.
Next day, US drones fired two missiles into a compound in North
Waziristan Agency, killing at least nine militants and wounding more than
five others. Their identities were not clear yet, but there may be some
foreigners among them, a security official said. The attack took place in a
village on the border of North and South Waziristan tribal areas.
At least 16 people were killed and 27 sustained injuries when a bomb
exploded in Kalaya area of Orakzai Agency. The bomb exploded when
people were busy in routine business after offering Friday prayers at a
nearby mosque. The remote-controlled bomb was planted by militants in a
vehicle.
965
Senior lawyer of Peshawar High Court Malak Jarar was gunned down
by unknown armed persons in Gulbahar area while another lawyer was
tortured by Gulbarg police in a separate incident. Two lawyers, one each in
Karachi and Lahore were also killed.
On 9th February, at least 18 militants were killed and 14 others
wounded when fighter jets targeted militants' positions at Bota Khel, Nika
Ziarat, Sama Bazaar, Adukhel and Jandari area in Orakzai Agency. Eight of
the militants hideouts were also destroyed in the operation. As many as 264
militants have been killed and 156 injured so far in the operation against
militants since July, 2012.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif said that his party will participate in the All
Parties Conference of ANP. Next day, security forces arrested four militants
in separate raids and seized uniforms of Pakistan and Afghan armies along
with a huge cache of arms and explosives from them in Samar Bagh area of
Lower Dir.
Afghanistan: On 14th January, Hamid Karzai said decision on

immunity for US troops staying in Afghanistan after the 2014 planned
withdrawal will be made by the end of the year. The issue of immunity is
under discussion (and) it is going to take eight to nine months before we
reach agreement, Karzai told a news conference in the capital, Kabul, after
returning from meetings with US President in Washington.
Next day, it was reported that suicides in the US military rose to a
record level last year, with 349 troops taking their lives, despite concerted
efforts to stem the trend. The number of suicides was higher than the death
toll from combat in 2012 in Afghanistan, where 310 American troops were
killed. The 349 suicides among active-duty service members were up from
301 the previous year.
US military leaders and civilian officials have struggled to contain the
problem and launched an array of programs to try to address it. But it
remains unclear why the suicide rate continues to climb, as a significant
number of troops who take their lives have not faced combat. The rising
number of suicides has been blamed on the strain of more than a decade of
war, which has fueled mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse and
high divorce rates.
On 16th January, six suicide bombers launched a coordinated attack on
Afghanistans spy agency in Kabul, killing two people and wounding 30.
The attack started at around noon when a suicide attacker detonated a large
966
car bomb near a gate of one of the National Directorate of Securitys (NDS)
buildings. Soon after, five men wearing vests packed with explosives and
carrying grenades and automatic rifles attempted to storm the compound, but
they were shot dead by security forces.
On 21st January, NATO troops joined a fight against a Taliban suicide
squad that stormed Kabul police headquarters, killing three police officers
and unleashing a stand-off that lasted for more than eight hours. The Taliban
claimed the attack, which turned into the longest stand-off between the
insurgents and security forces in Kabul since April last year. Three of the
five attackers were killed in the early part of the assault while two others
wearing suicide vests holed up in the five-storey building. They were later
also killed.
Next say, Britain's Prince Harry, who compared shooting insurgents in
Afghanistan to playing video games, has probably developed a mental
problem, the Taliban said. There are 49 countries with their powerful
military failing in the fight against the Mujahideen, and now this Prince
comes and compares this war with his games, PlayStation or whatever he
calls it, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP.
On 26th January, at least 10 policemen were killed and 18 others,
mostly civilians, were wounded in a suicide attack in a crowded area of the
northeast Afghan city of Kunduz. The attacker, who was on foot, detonated
his explosives next to a group of police officers. Such attacks have in the
past been blamed on Taliban insurgents.
By next day, insurgents killed a total of 23 policemen across
Afghanistan within 24 hours, reflecting the increasing police role in the war
before the withdrawal of NATO troops. Thirteen died in roadside bomb
blasts, while 10 were killed in a suicide attack.
On 28th January, a number of high-ranking Taliban members arrived in
Doha to continue efforts to open a liaison office for the group, Qatari
newspaper Gulf Times reported. Afghan officials said they are working on
opening the office for insurgent representatives to facilitate the peace
process. Meanwhile, Mullah Baradar, former long-term number two in
Afghan Taliban hierarchy, will soon walk free from a Pakistani jail but he
might be too frail to play any role in the Afghan reconciliation process,
including the Doha initiative.
On 2nd February, Karzai flew to London for a three-day trip, during
which time he will also meet Prince Charles. The talks in this summit will
be focused on ways to accelerate peace process in Afghanistan and further
967
strengthen cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the fight

against terrorism and extremism, said a separate statement issued by
Karzais office. A spokesman for the Pakistani presidential palace
meanwhile told AFP that Zardari was already in London.
Next day, Taliban roadside bombs killed five civilians, including a
family of four and two police officers in the country's troubled south. A
mother, father and two daughters died along with their driver in Helmand
province. The blast was so powerful that the bodies were shattered in small
pieces.
On 4th February, leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan said they would
work to reach a peace deal within six months, while throwing their weight
behind moves for the Taliban to open an office in Doha. Following talks
hosted by British Prime Minister, President Zardari and Hamid Karzai urged
the Taliban to join the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Cameron said: Now is the time for everyone to participate in a
peaceful, political process in Afghanistan. Three leaders discussed both the
Afghan-led peace process and on strengthening co-operation between
Pakistan and Afghanistan. Foreign ministers, military leaders and
intelligence chiefs attended the talks for the first time.
Ruling out a zero option, the top Pentagon leadership said that the US
would have a modest presence in Afghanistan after 2014, the exact number
of which they are still discussing. Ive never heard anyone suggest
nobody has ever suggested zero to me. And I think that the ultimate number
will be based on the mission and how deeply we want to be involved with
their continued development, and also what they want. I mean, literally what
the sovereign nation of Afghanistan wants, General Martin Dempsey told
the CNN.
The most important thing thats happened is that the Afghan Army has
become operational, Panetta said in response to a question. They have
developed their ability to provide security. We couldnt make a transition in
the areas that need add transition, which involves over 75 per cent of the
Afghan population right now is in under Afghan control and under Afghan
security, he said.
Britains military says its soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued
with surveillance drones so small they can fit in the palm of your hand. The
Scandinavian-designed Black Hornet Nano weighs as little as 16 grams. The
four-inch-long helicopter is fitted with a tiny camera which relays still
images and video to a remote terminal.
968
On 7th February, the United States described rejection of the outcome

of third trilateral UK-Afghanistan-Pakistan summit by Afghan Taliban as
'unfortunate'. US Embassy spokesperson said the United States welcomes
the trilateral summit and fully endorses the content of the joint statement
issued at the conclusion of the meeting.
A NATO helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan but there were no
fatalities, an ISAF spokesman said, while the Taliban claimed to have shot it
down and killed all on board. ISAF spokesman denied Taliban claim but
declined to give details of the type of helicopter involved or the number of
troops aboard, saying the crash was under investigation.
On 9th February, it was reported that a landmine explosion ripped
through a civilian vehicle in southern Afghanistan and killed six members of
a family. The blast took place late last evening in Helmand Province.
Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman left for Qatar to hold talks with
Taliban. Taliban had earlier invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman for talks.
Next day, the NATO started withdrawing its military equipment from
Afghanistan as at least 25 containers crossed the Torkham border point
heading to Karachi for shipment. An official for a private company,
responsible for shipment of the US cargo from Afghanistan, has also
confirmed the US equipment withdrawal. Fawad Khan, spokesman for the
Bilal Associates said his company cleared the US defense equipment at the
Torkham border point on the Pakistani side of the border in strict security.
Iran: On 17th January, Russia said it is trying to firm up plans for a

new round of talks this month between global powers and Iran over Tehrans
nuclear programme, which the West suspects is aimed at developing a
nuclear weapons capability. European Union official said the two sides had
yet to agree a date.
On 23rd January, Russia warned Israel and the West against any
military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but suggested Tehran should be
quicker to cooperate over inspections of its nuclear sites. Speaking at his
annual news conference, Russian Foreign Minister mixed words of caution
over isolating Iran or attacking it.
On 27th January, a Tehran court sentenced an Iranian-American pastor
to eight years in prison over his role in underground churches in the Islamic
nation. Saeed Abedini, had converted to Christianity, was convicted of
threatening Irans national security over underground church activities a
decade ago.
969
On 30th January, President Zardari called for early finalization and

implementation of Pak-Iran projects especially in the energy sector,
transportation & connectivity and trade and commercial activities in order to
promote greater bilateral cooperation on one hand and to bolster trade and
economic ties at regional as well as bilateral level. He said this during his
meeting with Iranian delegation headed by Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior
Adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran on International Affairs.
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Finance Minister Dr. Abdul
Hafeez Shaikh, Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Minister for
Water &Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Secretary General to the
President M. Salman Faruqui, Advisor to PM on Petroleum and Natural
Resources Dr. Asim Hussain and Jalil Abbas Jilani, Foreign Secretary and
other senior officials were present from the Pakistan side.
Discussing the bilateral mega projects, the President reiterated
Pakistans commitment for expeditious implementation of all mega projects
including Pak-Iran Gas pipeline, the 1000 MW Taftan-Quetta transmission
line, 400 MW Gwader Power supply project, construction of NoshkiDalbandin sector of Quetta-Taftan Highway, the up-gradation of QuettaTaftan track and others.
On 1st February, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi wished
success to his new American counterpart John Kerry and expressed the hope
that he will manage to soften anti-Iranian US policy. Salehi said the former
presidential candidate and senator was a known figure in the US foreign
policy field and has good knowledge of current events in the Middle East.
Next day, Iran unveiled a fighter jet it said was designed and built
domestically, with President Ahmadinejad touting it as one of the most
advanced aircraft in the world. State television footage showed the grey,
futuristic-looking aircraft, code-named Qaher (Conqueror) F-313, displayed
in a hangar. The unveiling comes as Iran marks the 34 th anniversary of the
1979 revolution.
On 3rd February, Iran announced fresh talks with world powers on its
nuclear drive and said it was open to an offer from arch foe the United States
for two-way discussions if Washington's intention was authentic. Iranian
Foreign Minister said the six world powers planned to resume talks in
Kazakhstan on February 25 and he insisted Iran had never pulled back from
the negotiations.
On 10th February, President Ahmadinejad said the United States must
change its attitude if it wants to hold direct nuclear talks with Iran, as he hit
970
out at Washington for imposing sanctions on Tehran. His comments, in a

speech marking the 34th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, came just
days after Iran's supreme leader rejected US Vice President Joe Biden's call
for direct talks.
India: On 14th January, amid tensions at the Line of Control over

violation by Indian forces, Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh asked
his ground commanders to be aggressive. Pakistan protested strongly the
ceasefire violations committed by troops of the neighbouring country at a
flag meeting held to discuss a recent flare-up and a fresh firing incident by
Indian border forces which injured a Pakistani soldier.
People across Azad Jammu & Kashmir observed black day to protest
against the recent violation of ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC) by the
Indian troops. The call for observing the black day was given by the AJK
government to register protest against the continued violation of LoC by the
Indian army besides to invite the international community and United
Nations' attention towards increasing unprovoked aggressive designs of
India in the region.
Next day, Indian troops again resorted to ceasefire violation and
carried out unprovoked firing at Line of Control in Hot Spring and Jandrot
sectors. Resultantly, Naik Ashraf embraced martyrdom at Kundi Post due to
unprovoked Indian firing. A local administration official said that two
civilians had been wounded in cross-border shelling this week.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there could be no
business as usual with Pakistan after a clash last week along the Line of
Control. Speaking to reporters at a ceremony to mark Indias Army Day,
Singh said that the killings on January 8 on the Line of Control were a
barbaric act.
While committing to pursuing the peace process with India, Pakistans
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar voiced her deep disappointment at the
inflammatory rhetoric coming from across the border over the firing
incidents along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region. The
foreign minister termed the Indian statements as extremely contradictory.
Contrasting with Indias hostile rhetoric, Pakistan, on the other hand,
conducted itself responsibly in the face of loss of its two soldiers in Indian
attacks. The democratic government in Islamabad pursued peace and
normalization of trade with India at great political risk to it, she pointed out.
971
On 16th January, Hina Rabbani Khar hit out at strident comments by

Indian politicians over the incidents of ceasefire violations, and warned
against upping the ante between the nuclear-armed neighbours. We see
warmongering, Khar said at the Asia Society in New York. Khar once again
denied Indian accusations that Pakistani forces had beheaded one of the two
soldiers and said an inquiry had found no evidence of the deaths.
Indias army reached an understanding with Pakistan to de-escalate
military tensions in Kashmir after a recent deadly flare-up in the disputed
border region. An understanding has been arrived at between the two
director-generals of military operations to de-escalate the situation along the
Line of Control (LoC), army spokesman Jagdeep Dahiya said in reference.
Next day, it was reported that India could buy up to 189 of the Rafale
fighter jets currently being used by France to bomb militants in Mali. The
possibility of an additional 63 jets being added to an expected order for 126
was raised during a visit by Indias Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid to
Paris last week.
On 18th January, former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf lashed
out at Indian media for fabricating false stories against Pakistan's armed
forces forcing the channel to cut-off the programme before its actual time. In
an interview with Times Now, Musharraf defended the Pakistan Armys
stand dismissing allegations that the Indian soldier was beheaded by Army.
Amid a demand for a toughly-worded resolution against Pakistan,
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signaled to Islamabad that it should
mend its ways if it wanted friendship with India. Pakistan High
Commissioner Salman Bashir said Islamabad is willing to address all Indian
concerns over LoC, including its demand for a probe into the mutilation of
the bodies of Indian soldiers.
On 20th January, Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, in a
ground-breaking confession exposed the nexus between Bhartia Janta Party
(BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for breeding Hindu
terrorism. He disclosed that Samjhauta Express, Makkah Masjid and
Malegaon blasts were carried out by the two parties. Speaking at Congresss
Chintar Shivir at Jaipur, Shinde said: We have reports that RSS, BJP camps
are promoting Hindu terror in the country.
India wants friendly relations with Pakistan, but it will not be possible
unless Pakistan makes equal efforts, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh said. He also said the alleged inhuman killing of two Indian soldiers
972
by Pakistani troops near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Jan 8
may adversely impact bilateral relations.
Next day, Pakistan arrested 27 Indian fishermen along with six boats
for illegally straying into its territorial waters. Intelligence agencies claimed
to have arrested five suspected spies including two Indians from Burki near
Lahore in separate raids.
On 22nd January, Interior Minister Malik ordered to release Indian
fishermen along with their boats after holding preliminary investigations and
with issuing warning to them to refrain from violating Pakistani waters. He
has asked director FIA Karachi to ensure that they would leave after taking
undertaking. This is being done as gesture of good will to India, the
spokesman added.
Pakistan and India engaged in a verbal duel in the Security Council
over the relevance of UN observer group in the disputed Kashmir region
after India suggested that the mission should be abandoned while Pakistan
said it still had a role. India's UN Ambassador argued that the UNMOGIP,
which monitors ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir, has been overtaken by
1971 Simla Accord and urged the world body to consider spending money
allocated for the group elsewhere.
Police in Indian Kashmir warned residents to build underground
bunkers to prepare for a possible nuclear war in the disputed region, which is
on an edge after a string of border clashes. The warning comes despite a
ceasefire which took hold last week after the Indian and Pakistani armies
agreed to halt cross-border firing that had threatened to unravel a fragile
peace process.
Strongly backing Home Minister Sushilkumar Shindes remarks on
Hindu terrorism, Indian Home Secretary and External Affairs Minister said
the remarks are based on facts and at least 10 people, who were involved in
a spate of terror attacks in different parts of the country, had links with
Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) or its affiliated organizations.
Next day, Pakistani Taliban have said the UN bodies and the United
States should stop the BJP-sponsored state terrorism in Kashmir, otherwise
they have the ability to strike inside Indian-administered Kashmir.
Ehsanullah Ehsan said the Indian home ministers statement regarding BJPbacked terror camps was an open confession that Hindu extremists were
being patronized under the state authority for killing innocent Kashmiri
Muslims.
973
On 24th January, David Coleman Headley, who helped plot the

devastating 2008 Mumbai attacks before agreeing to become an informer,
was sentenced by a US judge to 35 years in prison. Headley struck a deal to
avoid the death penalty by pleading guilty to scoping out Mumbai on behalf
of Pakistani militants and to a second plot to attack a Danish newspaper.
Next day, India's president told Pakistan that its hand of friendship
should not be taken for granted following a string of border clashes. We
believe in peace on the border and are always ready to offer a hand in the
hope of friendship, Mukherjee said in a televised address on the eve of the
country's Republic Day celebrations.
On 26th January, India wheeled out a new long-range nuclear missile
that can hit anywhere in China and warned rival Pakistan not to take its
friendship for granted as it celebrated its Republic Day with a big parade.
The first appearance in the annual parade of the Agni V came along with the
display of other military hardware acquired as part of a massive
modernization drive costing tens of billions of dollars.
Talks between the water secretaries of Pakistan and India, scheduled
to be held in Islamabad on Jan 28-29, have been put off. The two sides were
scheduled to discuss the Tulbul navigation project-Wullar Barrage during the
talks. The official, who did not wish to be identified, did not specify reasons
for postponement of talks.
On 4th February, Pakistan reassured the Kashmiri people of political,
moral and diplomatic support for their just cause for the right of selfdetermination as enshrined in the UN Charter and the relevant UN
Resolutions, and called for an end to human rights violations in the occupied
Valley. In their messages on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, President
Zardari and Prime Minister paid rich tribute to Kashmiri martyrs who laid
down their lives in their quest for realizing their inalienable right to choose
their destiny by themselves.
Fazlur Rehman meanwhile said that negligence of the ruling
leadership over the Kashmir issue could lead to disappointment among the
Kashmiri people. Addressing a news conference at the Parliament House, he
said that despite Indian aggression on the line of control (LoC), Pakistan was
blamed for antagonism.
Next day, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz said that Kashmir is not a land
dispute between the two states; rather it is the issue concerning over 16
million Kashmiris living on both sides of Line of Control. Addressing a
974
function in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day he said plebiscite was

the right way to give the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq praised Pakistan and its people for supporting
Kashmir cause. Chairman Tehreek Hurriyat Conference Occupied Kashmir
Syed Ali Geelani, however, said that grant of Most Favoured Nation status to
India by Pakistan has stunned the Kashmiris.
On 6th February, Hina Rabbani Khar called on India to exercise
restraint and stop killing innocent Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir. Those
responsible for such crimes should be brought to justice, the foreign minister
said in her address to a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and
Kashmir in Cairo.
Next day, Indian authorities prevented Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar
Farooqs participation in the OIC leadership summit in Egyptian capital
Cairo. Even as there was no official word on denying travel documents to
Mirwaiz, observers say that this is indicative of New Delhis modified
behaviour towards the Kashmiri leader who led a team of his colleagues to
Pakistan seven weeks ago.
On 8th February, India strongly rejected the suggestion of allowing an
OIC fact-finding mission to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the rights
situation there. New Delhi said the OIC has no locus standi on such matters
and termed suggestions to this effect by the Pakistan Foreign Minister as
propagandist.
Next day, India hanged a Kashmiri man for his alleged role in an
attack on the countrys parliament in 2001, sparking clashes in the valley
between hundreds of protesters and police. Muhammed Afzal Guru, a onetime fruit merchant, was hanged at New Delhis Tihar Jail at 8am after
President Pranab Mukherjee rejected a mercy appeal. He was only the
second person to be executed in India in nearly a decade. Guru was found
guilty of conspiring with and sheltering the militants who attacked the
parliament in December 2001. He was also held guilty of being a member
of the Jaish-e-Muhammed, which fights against Indian rule in Kashmir.
Gurus trial was declared unfair by leaders of freedom struggle in
occupied Kashmir where Indias forces have been involved in gross
violations of human rights and have killed thousands of innocent Muslims.
Lawyers said Gurus conviction was based on fabricated evidence and the
New York-based Human Rights Watch described the execution as
inhumane, while one of Gurus co-accused who was later cleared said it
was a travesty of justice.
975
Indias main opposition party, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata

Party, welcomed the execution and said the world could see India is
committed (to) the fight against terror. With authorities fearing a backlash
over the execution, a curfew was imposed in parts of Kashmir and the centre
of the main city Srinagar was sealed off.
Leading separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq announced a four-day
protest shutdown. This execution will definitely strengthen our resolve and
add a new chapter to the freedom struggle, he said. Guru, who had insisted
he was innocent and said he wanted to see his teenage son grow up; had
been framed, he added. Gurus family was unaware that he had been
executed but the government said they had been notified by express mail.
Chief of Tehrik-ul-Mujahiddin, an organization of freedom fighters in
Occupied Kashmir, Sheikh Jameelur Rehman said that Congress martyred
Afzal Guru just to get the votes of extremist Hindus of India. Sheikh
Jameelur Rehman, also Secretary General of Jihadi organizations Ansarul
Aama, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Mutahida Jihad Council said that India
paved the way for its destruction. He warned India of consequences, saying
that every child of Kashmir would now be Afzal Guru. He said that Pakistan
should reconsider its approach toward India as New Delhi is indulged in
Muslim genocide.
Chief of Ansaarul Aama Pakistan Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil,
chief of Ansaarul Aama Jammu said that scared of Kashmir Movement,
India resorted to coward tactics now. He said that hanging and imposing life
imprisonment on leaders of the freedom movement were derogatory steps on
the part of India. Hanging of Afzal Guru could not deject Mujahidin and
they would take historic revenge of Afzal's murder, he added.
Kashmir Maulana Muhammad Farooq Kashimiri, vice-chief Maulana
Sajjad Shahid said that Afzal's martyrdom was a judicial murder and Indian
courts were not independent but influenced by the extremist Hindus. The
Indian courts could not prove anything against Guru but his hanging is an
evidence of their enmity against Muslims, he said.
Chief Commander of Jaish-e-Muhammad Occupied Kashmir Maulana
Qari Yasir said that freedom of Kashmir came closer with the martyrdom of
Afzal Guru as mujahideen would fight for the freedom with a new resolve.
He said that they would avenge each and every drop of blood of martyrs.
Maulana Badar Munir said that Pakistan was releasing Indian terrorists,
while India was killing Kashmiri Muslims and mujahideen. He demanded of
Pakistan government to hang all Indian terrorists imprisoned in the country.
976
On 10th February, residents of Indian-held Kashmir chafed for a

second day under a curfew imposed following the hanging of Afzal Guru.
Fearing a backlash, Indian authorities imposed an indefinite curfew on
yesterday in major populated areas of Kashmir, shut down Internet services
and blocked local newspapers in a bid to prevent demonstrations.
VIEWS
Pakistan
Self-defeating approach: American Ambassador to Pakistan Richard
Olson has reaffirmed the US policy of persisting with drone strikes in the
tribal areas on the plea that they are necessary for securing Pakistans
borders against attacks from non-state (terrorist) actors. These pilot-less
planes, he said, were targeting the sanctuaries of these militants and till they
had been eliminated the drones would continue to be of use. By killing one
terrorist, the US is raising a full corps of militants sympathetic to him:
friends and relatives and fellow tribesmen; for embedded in the psyche of
Pashtuns is the age-old tradition that it is a matter of honour and a sacred
duty to take revenge on someone who has killed their near one or in some
ways betrayed them.
The imperative nature of this obligation to honour could be gauged
from the fact that at times it is even inherited, when the preceding generation
could not, for some reasons, discharge it during its lifetime. Against the
backdrop of this perspective of the life of a tribesman in the region, of late
there has been no dearth of western writers and columnists, including
Americans, who have been trying to bring this tradition (known as
Pakhtunwali) home to the policymakers in Washington. As for Pakistan, its
media and the public at large, they have for long been crying hoarse that the
continued use of drones is doing them more harm than good. Had President
Bush pursued his own strategy of winning hearts and minds, it may have
meant markedly less stress on military means, including drones. He could
not follow through the much-hyped ROZ (Reconstruction Opportunity
Zones) project that could have opened up job opportunities for the local
people and given them a tangible stake in life. Things then would certainly
have been different. His successor President Obama, though appearing more
understanding of the issue and committed to ending the over decade-long
conflict, is, strangely, putting greater focus on drones and withdrawal of
troops.
977
It is also incomprehensible how the Pakistan government while it is overtly

protesting against drones its army is resorting to shelling of some areas of
North Waziristan. The local tribesmen have, as a consequence, given an
ultimatum that unless their demands are met they would stage a long march
to Islamabad. Their demands: compensation for the killed; immediate
stopping of shelling; and pledge not to do shelling again. There is need to
address their concerns before another crisis raises its head. (Editorial,
TheNation 21st January)
Need for well grounded perception: Media is picking up selective
lines from my book yeh khamoshi kaha tak?(How long this silence?) This
is creating a very wrong perception
Army is the best institution in the country; it is the backbone of
Pakistan. Yes, there are faults in it. And it is only to these that I refer. I have
seen these grow during the military regime. Every military regime has left
its scars on the army. It is to these that I refer. Army is my love. It is in my
blood. I was born in it, and I will insha Allah die a soldier. I can never betray
it. If my silence could improve things, I would have chosen to remain silent.
But I see things deteriorating by the day. And there seems no other way to
control it, but to make it public. I fought all my life to protect the army,
protect it at great risk to my career. I do not imply that the army is a corrupt
organization. But yes, there are pockets and it is to these that I refer. If we do
not check it now, it will become irreparable.
I do not speak to damage the army or its discipline. The army operates
under the orders of the government. It was the political leader, in uniform,
who slowly induced the army to become party to US massacre in
Afghanistan. It is now the baby of this political government. The army must
submit to political decisions; and its officers to its chain of command. And
the armys leadership must advise the government not to place his troops
under such severe moral strain. It might damage the army critically. That is
what I am trying to prevent. I am hearing their silent, disciplined pangs of
obedience. They must remain steadfast. Such times do not last forever. Stay
together, for you are holding the security of this country in your
togetherness. And do not be disrespectful to your superiors, for being
respectful is the pride of every soldier. Always salute smartly, and look into
the eyes of your superior when you salute him; and also when you are
saluted by the soldier look into his eyes and you will know his pride or
pain. If you do not learn to obey, you shall never be able to command. The
decision of the commander has to be obeyed. It is only an immoral decision
which is unlawful. The commander knows and appreciates what you may
978
not know. Trust in him and be as one. Take pride in your loyalty. Have
patience and fortitude and trust in Allah. He will deliver us.
Why now? This is Allahs will; as is everything else. I spoke when I
was liberated by the law of silence. I wrote in 2009, two years after leaving
government service. I spoke on the TV. The focus, however, remained on
personalities rather than issues. I too, then, chose silence; but the pain of
sufferings I saw each day and the political tamasha going on, was
overpowering. So I decided to write a book. It took this much time. And isnt
it the best time? Our problems on the Line of Control are peripheral; only
being blown up as part of a larger game. And when is it that we are not in
some kind of a problem? I have not seen such a day in many years.
This is a good time because another meaningless election is around
the corner. A new set of lies is afloat. A new government will be formed, and
then we shall all settle down to another period of injustice, tyranny and
plunder. What better time than this to wake up to truth? Truth never causes
damage; only untruth causes pain and sorrow; and destruction.
If India is exploiting whatever I am saying, should that fear keep me
silent? They will always exploit everything. But covering up and pretending
that we are great, will not make us great. Standing up to truth can only put
our house in order. And are we to shrivel up, only so that we can please the
onlookers?
If Nawaz Sharif says his Army Chief betrayed him, then he should
have had the spine to sack him there and then and court-martial him. And he
should have resigned too, for failure to control his army. That is leadership.
Whenever he came to know, if he did not agree, he should have raised his
hands and said, No more. Stop now and pull back. The peace process
would not have been derailed. My soldiers would not have died in vain. That
should be the calibre of the leadership of a nuclear power. Not one that is
bending backwards to please the world and keep the Army Chief happy. Or
the one that tries to shift responsibility and blame; and show himself as the
innocent helpless babe. If you are the one sitting on Pakistans throne, then
you are responsible for every pain that this nation suffers. And if you cant
take the burden, then step aside. It takes guts to rule a nuclear power and it
takes brains; and patience, and grace, and wisdom and above all it takes
faith. Yes, our government, even today is incapable to stand up to the stature
of a nuclear power. We have been left with little self respect, why should the
world respect us? We need to mature, as a nation, to that stature; and we
have very little time.
979
I implore you to speak up to save this nation and its armed forces. I do
not ask you to speak in my favour. Your views may be very different. I will
respect them, if you respect this nation, its honour, its security and my
children the children of Pakistan. The pressures on me and all these
insinuations are merely to force me to shut up. Genuine concerns are also, at
best, parochial. See the larger picture. Please realize the intent and motives
of those who do not want things to change from what they are today; those
who do not want to come out of this decaying, putrid stagnation.
May Allah be with all of us and may he continue to protect and guide
us from darkness unto light.
P.S. Please make comments only after reading my book. And no, it
will not make me a millionaire. (Lt Gen Shahid Aziz, TheNation 4 th
February)
India
Inflammatory rhetoric: Reacting to the aggressive statements of
Indian leaders about Pakistani troops alleged intrusion into the Indian
occupied part of Kashmir across the Line of Control (LoC) and killing of
two Indian soldiers, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar termed them
highly inflammatory as well as extremely contradictory. Ironically, it is
Pakistan that is the aggrieved party since the Indian forces entered into
Pakistani side as far deep as 400 metres and killed a Pakistani soldier and
wounded another a little over a week back and since then they have violated
the LoC twice
Foreign Minister Khar has urged the Indian leadership not to let the
controversy affect the peace process that serves the interests of both.
Nevertheless, the unsubstantiated allegation against Pakistan that appears to
have been leveled only to put the world off track about its own intrusion into
Pakistani side should prompt our leaders to seriously reconsider our
obsequious attitude towards India. The grant of Most Favoured Nation status
is the biggest confidence building measure by Pakistan, a concession that
would prove ruinous to our industry, agriculture and the economy as a
whole. It had better be reviewed, especially as India has shown once again
that it can block progress, indeed reverse the trend, to growing
understanding on one pretext or the other in order that its wishes are obeyed.
It must not precede settlement of the Kashmir dispute. (Editorial, TneNation
17th January)
980
Kashmir and Pak-India relations: The reaction to the event

indicates how fragile the peace overtures between Pakistan and India are; it
has also demonstrated the relevance of resolving the Kashmir dispute to the
maintenance of durable peace between the two countries. Experience has it
that though bilateral initiatives could lead to substantial progress, these
processes are often liable to instant unraveling.
India and Pakistan have recently made significant progress in
engaging each other on important issues such as the Siachen glacier and Sir
Creek, improving trade and economic relations, developing energy sector
cooperation, and greatly liberalizing visa regimes. Sports and cultural
exchanges had just begun to create confidence in the viability of peaceful
co-existence. Against this backdrop, the LoC clashes could not have come at
a worse time.
The facts surrounding the deaths of Indian soldiers are still disputed
and New Delhis initial claim that one of them was beheaded now seems to
be incorrect. Yet, elements in the Indian government and media displayed
anti-Pakistan sentiment to such an extent that a souring in relations was
inevitable. Hockey players and artists visiting India were sent back in a
hurry, as if war had started. The operationalization of the much touted visa
regime for senior citizens has been withheld on flimsy grounds and Pakistani
women cricketers visit to play for the World Cup in India is in doldrums.
This is a moment for sobriety, prudence and statesmanship, not
frenzied responses and the beating of war drums. Indias response to this
trivial incident has, indeed, been erratic. It should muster the political will to
settle the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the people of
Jammu and Kashmir. In the presence of this tipping point, the outcome of
efforts towards durable peace between the two countries would remain
questionable. (Khalid Iqbal, TheNation 21st January)
Indias home-grown terror: Television viewers, on Sunday, saw the
Indian Home Minister make startling revelations: he admitted, by
implication, that India was a terrorist state where Hindu extremists openly
ran terrorist training camps Not surprisingly, Hindu extremists are terming
Mr Shindes charge against them an attack on Hinduism. That would whip
up religious hysteria that might have serious consequences, in particular, for
the Muslims in India and, in general, other minority communities.
Another exposure of Indian troops barbaric treatment of Pakistani
soldiers bodies comes from Indian writer Karan Thapar who, in his article
published in Hindustan Times, brings to light several incidents of Indian
981
troops having beheaded Pakistani soldiers in Kargil and elsewhere. The

article carried by this paper in its issue of Monday quotes sources of
unimpeachable honesty and integrity in saying that high officials crowed
over the feat of their soldiers and nailed the heads onto trees and, in one
such case, top military commander Major-General Puri came down from
Mughalpura to see it. Karan Thapar rightly questions the logic behind the
hyped allegation against Pakistani troops for decapitating an Indian soldier
when the Indians themselves have been guilty of the brutality. Addressing
the media, he says, In this instance, we whipped up passion when we should
have helped audiences realize the LoC is a tough place, where brutal actions
often happen and both sides retaliate in equally gruesome ways.
However, in a demonstration of Indias eagerness to establish its
overlordship in the region and in utter disregard of the facts brought out in
these two incidents of exposure, Dr Manmohan again said that the LoC
January 8 incident could adversely affect ties with Pakistan. He
unconvincingly added that New Delhi wanted friendly relations with
Islamabad, but it had to make equal efforts. The situation constitutes a
clarion call to world powers to act against the terrorist outfits openly
operating in India and demand of its government how they were being
allowed to do so. (Editorial, TheNation 22nd January)
Indias sound and fury: Time was when Pakistan would agree to
talk to India only if New Delhi would consent to include Kashmir in the
agenda for the proposed meeting. New Delhi was all along keen to discuss
Indo-Pakistan trade and cultural ties. During his historic visit to Lahore,
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee agreed to include Kashmir in the
agenda for the composite talks. Pervez Musharrafs meetings with Indian
leaders focused on Kashmir. It is another story that he in the rush for some
sort of a settlement went to the length of compromising on Pakistani stand
offering to move away from the UN resolutions. Earlier, his Prime Minister
is on record as having said that a trade agreement could be taken up only if
the Kashmir question was accepted as part of the negotiations.
During the last few years, however, there has been a change of policy.
It is Pakistan that has been asking for the opening of talks. After the Mumbai
incident, Indias attitude towards Pakistan hardened and the moves to settle
disputes and differences, more or less, came to a halt. Slowly but surely,
after the lapse of a couple of years, there was a beginning of the thaw.
One after the other, Indian delegations of politicians, businessmen,
artists, singers, workers and the youth came to Lahore, Islamabad and
982
Karachi. An Aman ki Asha movement was set afloat. The focus on the part of
Indians remained on trade and culture. Obviously, an ascendant India wanted
to enter Pakistani market to prepare the ground to enter Central Asia and,
inter alia, tap the oil and gas resources there. It also agreed to ease the visa
regime. There was hardly any movement on Kashmir or other disputes. All
this was achieved without conceding Islamabads repeated requests for the
Indian Prime Minister to visit Pakistan.
Almost suddenly, a few days back, the Line of Control (LoC) heated
up with firing from both sides. India accused the Pakistan Army of behaving
in an uncivilized manner, accusing its troops of beheading an Indian soldier.
A deliberate campaign was launched officially and by the media against
Pakistan. Pakistani artists and sportsmen were asked to stop their activities
in India, while the senior citizens, who wanted to go there via the Wagah
border, were turned back. Belligerence was writ all over the Indian media
and the reaction emanating from the armed forces.
It was Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khars reasoned and
prompt response in her speeches at the Asian Society and Council of Foreign
Affairs in New York that helped reduce tension. She did not hesitate to call
the Indian statements as war mongering her offer of an inquiry by the
UN, of the border incidents though declined by New Delhi reminded India
of the fact that Kashmir question was very much an international issue.
Rightly also, our Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani while presiding over
the council session drew the attention of the members to the UN Military
Observer Group stationed at the LoC
The fact of the matter is that i). the first casualty was that of a
Pakistani soldier; ii). three Pakistani soldiers were killed as against two
Indians shot by Pakistani troops; and iii). firing had been going on for some
time when Indians started constructing new bunkers on the LoC, violating
the 2005 agreement.
To address the issue of bunkers (which the Indians claim that they
were only repairing, not building new ones), it would be appropriate if
senior Indian and Pakistani military officers jointly visit the sites and settle it
according to the 2005 agreement. Their joint report may later be ratified by
the Foreign Ministers.
Now that the Indian Home Minister has spilled the beans bringing to
light the role played by the Indian terrorists in the Samjhota Express
carnage, and the killing and burning of Muslims, Prime Minister
983
Manmohan Singh and the South Block should review their attitude and stop
routine references to the Mumbai incident to demonize Pakistan.
As stated in an Indian newspaper editorial, Indias larger interests
demand a reasonable and realistic handling of the border incidents. Let the
two Foreign Ministers meet and sort out their differences. (Inayatullah,
Indias Cold Start Doctrine madness: Indias Cold Start Doctrine
(CSD) is a Pakistan-specific destruction-oriented one essentially aimed at
destroying Pakistani armed forces - its centre of gravity. The Indians intend
to inflict crippling degradation on them, thus nullifying their viability as a
competing and potent fighting machine.
The Indian armed forces opted for the CSD against the backdrop of
the failure of General Sundarjis utopian plans to attack Pakistan, south of
the Sutlej, cut it into two and then defeat it in detail. Those plans faltered due
to the pedantic Indian mobilization system and a resultant failure to achieve
strategic surprise. This allowed Pakistan to mount its response and defeat
Indian strategic designs in time and space. These failures were repeated later.
The Indians, thus, needed a doctrine that would overcome these flaws,
cut Pakistan to size before it could mount any meaningful (including
nuclear) response and before the international community could intervene.
So, the CSD was born in 2004.
The CSD stipulates that the Indian armed forces would launch
synergetic joint operations in multiple thrusts (eight or so) on wide
frontages. Each thrust will be launched by an Integrated Battle Group (IBG)
comprising assorted combinations of armoured, mechanized, RAPID
(Strike) divisions, independent armoured/mechanized/artillery/infantry
brigade groups with supporting arms and services at compatible level. These
IBGs would primarily be drawn from the holding corps (aka the pivot corps)
up to two-thirds of their strength.
Of their three strike corps, the Indians are likely to employ at least two
in these IBGs and retain one for strategic balance. Each IBG could, thus,
muster strength of up to a corps. These thrusts would be launched in
conditions of complete air supremacy. The Indian navy would conduct joint
operations along the coastlines.
The Indian armed forces would aim to achieve strategic surprise,
generate unacceptably massive multidimensional firepower and achieve their
984
deliberately shallow land objectives without breaching Pakistans nuclear

threshold and well before its conventional responses materialize.
A vast, multidimensional, modern and hi-tech arsenal is being
collected, ostensibly in anticipation of Indias anointed by the US role of a
global superpower, albeit its use against Pakistan is a foregone conclusion.
If India wants to make any impact on the global level, it must first free itself
of this debilitating Pakistan Syndrome.
To that end, it must settle all its affairs with Pakistan, including
Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, water, trade, et al. This will neutralize all the
centripetal tugs and pulls that the strategic environment in South Asia keeps
exerting on it and pegging it down in its search for extra regional and global
relevance.
However, Indias CSD is genetically flawed, predicated as it is upon
outrageously fallacious assumptions.
The Indians intend to achieve strategic surprise. Pakistan is aware of
the threat and has already taken steps to thwart it. It has already given the
necessary forward bias to its deployments and posture, thus reducing its
reaction time. Amongst other tangible measures, it has also unveiled a hitech short range tactical nuclear missile (Nasr) specifically meant for such an
eventuality.
Further, the CSD assumes that the Indian armed forces would be able
to achieve their strategic objectives, while remaining below Pakistans
perceived nuclear threshold. This is an astonishing assumption.
They can only stay below Pakistans nuclear threshold, if they
know what, when and where it will be. And even if they knew where
Pakistans military (and geographical, economic and political) threshold(s)
of pain rested, what guarantees do they have that these would not change
during the course of the battle? These will fluctuate with the run of the battle
and continuously create strategic uncertainties for India.
The Indians further assume that the Pakistanis would not react
strategically till its thresholds were actually threatened or breached. On the
contrary, they (Pakistanis) will definitely consider all possible operational
contingencies, including pre-emptive ones. The conflict could, thus arguably,
assume nuclear dimensions, even before a single shot has been fired in
anger. Indias misplaced bravado could, therefore, have disastrous
ramifications (strategic restraint -?) for the subcontinent and beyond.
985
Further, Indias IBGs will attempt to overwhelm Pakistans defence

and its strategic responses at a very early stage in the battle. It is to be
understood that Pakistans dependence on its nuclear assets is directly
proportional to the differential in conventional forces of the two countries.
In simple words, the larger the difference in the conventional forces of
the two countries, the greater will be Pakistans reliance on its nuclear
arsenal. And the speed with which this difference in conventional forces
starts becoming more and more tangible during battle, that much faster
would Pakistan be forced to resort to its strategic assets.
For Pakistan, its nuclear arsenal acts as an equalizer nullifying Indias
conventional superiority in numbers and technology.
Even Pakistans conventional responses will be force-oriented too.
Pakistan will cause unacceptable destruction and losses to the aggressors
military potential through the adroit use of terrain and massive
multidimensional firepower. That, in turn, would set Indias pretensions to
global status back by a few decades, if not more; ironically, that would be
the very thing they would have set out to forestall in the first place.
The Indians seem to have misjudged Pakistans resolve as a nuclear
power and the international communitys capacity to influence Pakistan,
when it is faced with existentialist threats. Nuclear weapons have actually
introduced the balance of terror and mutually assured destruction (MAD)
factors in the subcontinent. Both will act as the biggest deterrents to any
impetuous, ill-conceived and militarily unsustainable expeditions emanating
from the East. Pakistans declared nuclear policy needs to be heeded.
Instead of wasting time, effort, money and resources in the pursuit of
clearly unattainable and unrealistic strategic goals, India should aim at
reaping the peace dividends of our respective nuclear prowess. It must settle
down and resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan. It must not fall for the
lure and illusions of promised or borrowed greatness.
In all probabilities, Pakistan would make such an adventure militarily,
economically and politically unviable. India would be well advised to not
start something it cannot control or finish effectively. The alternative will
bring nothing, but disaster for the region and the world at large. (Imran
Malik, TheNation 27th January)
Kashmir Solidarity Day: When Pakistan fist marked February 5 as
Kashmir Solidarity Day back in 1989, it was on the call of then Jamaat-iIslami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad, now deceased. Then Punjab Chief
986
Minister Nawaz Sharif, and then Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, herself now
deceased, declared closed days to mark the day. The occasion was started
then because the Kashmiri freedom struggle had moved to a phase of armed
rebellion. The Kashmiri people began what became known as an intifada,
after 42 years had passed since partition and their illegal occupation by
India. Now, over two decades on, it needs to be asked whether Kashmir
Solidarity Day is now much more than a holiday, and whether it contributes
to the Kashmiri peoples struggle for self-determination, a right which has
been denied by India not just because the family of its first Prime Minister
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hailed from there, or because it wanted to continue
its illegal occupation, but because it wanted to use it to pose an existential
threat to Pakistan. Pakistans people well know that this day marks their
moral support to the Kashmiri people, but they should also be aware that
since India has never accepted Pakistans right to exist, the dispute over
Kashmir is being used by India to destroy Pakistan. Since the Solidarity Day
was first marked, the Indian attempt to strangle Pakistan, by its theft of
Pakistans water guaranteed to it by the Indus Waters Treaty, depends on its
illegal occupation of Kashmir.
However, though there are a series of questions which niggle at
Pakistan, with the water and Siachen disputes prominent among them,
caused by the Kashmir issue, the essence of the problem is that India refuses
to fulfill its own commitments, to the international community to the
solution it proposed in the shape of UN Security Council resolutions on the
subject, for a UN-supervised plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri
people. Pakistan continues to press for this solution not just because it is a
principled stand, but because it is strongly supported by the Pakistani
people.
However, this Solidarity Day, which is the last before a general
election, also marks an occasion to ask whether the government has been
doing as much as it should, to provide the moral and diplomatic support. It is
unfortunate for the Kashmiri people that the present government has
concentrated on currying favour with India by granting it Most-Favoured
Nation status. It was noticeable that the talks on this issue, which was part of
the Indian imperial project for the region, saw Pakistan virtually as careful to
keep Kashmir off the table. That is behaviour that is bound to be noticed by
the Pakistani electorate when it votes later this year. It is not merely a
question of making the right noises, but of actual performance. That India
has made the Line of Control only recently a subject of dispute lends
987
emphasis, not that any was needed, to this Solidarity Day. (Editorial,
TheNation 5th February)
Wither solidarity with Kashmiris? Twenty-three years after the
origination of Kashmir Solidarity Day, we need to take stock of the
situation We need to realize that we are dealing with a crafty neighbour,
whose leadership religiously follows Chanakyan principles of guile, deceit
and machination in statecraft. The current mantra being chanted by the
Indians is that Pakistan should develop trade and commerce with India, grant
it the status of Most Favoured Nation and place the core issue of Kashmir on
the backburner. The sad aspect is that a number of Pakistani politicians and
media men have fallen prey to such preaching.
Against this backdrop, the Mumbai attacks were choreographed by the
Saffron Brigade of India to scuttle peace talks and blame Pakistan for them.
The heinous role of Hindu extremist organizations like the BJP, Shiv Sena
and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in terror attacks have now been
admitted by its Indias Home Minister. The recent violation of the Kashmir
Line of Control (LOC), through unprovoked Indian firing, martyring three
Pakistani soldiers and falsely blaming Pakistan for breaching the LOC,
beheading two Indian soldiers, the jingoistic outburst by Indian politicians
and medias warmongering should have served as a lesson to our peaceniks.
The recent media comments of the non-Muslim residents of Jammu
indicate that they too are suffering at the hands of the illegitimate Indian
occupation forces. Credence to their just struggle, avoiding the label of a
solitary quest by Kashmiri Muslims can be achieved by adding the voice of
the Kashmiri Hindu and Sikh minority.
It is recommended that while expressing solidarity with the
Kashmiris, Pakistan should not compromise on the core issue of Kashmir.
Concessions to India sans its return to the dialogue table should not even be
considered. (SM Hali, TheNation 5th February)
Indian brutality in Kashmir: The September Eleven incident has
erased the line separating the freedom fighter from a terrorist and this has
provided India with a handle to portray alienation of Kashmiris with Indian
occupation as a foreign sponsored movement employing terror tactics. This
has also enabled India to get away with the grave human rights violations it
is perpetrating in the disputed valley.
In addition, one has to take into account that in the course of armed
resistance spread over two decades, the Kashmir landscape has been
thoroughly bruised and traumatized. The evolving non-violent mass
988
resistance movement in Kashmir is in step with the global dynamics and

reflects their impact in shaping local ground realities.
The developments in Kashmir augurs well, but still Kashmiris need
our earnest support in highlighting Indias atrocities that are the bitter staple
of life under its occupation. The Kashmiri armed resistance was being
waged by around 1,500 freedom fighters, operating in IHK at the peak of
insurgency. But to neutralize this modest number of freedom fighters, the
Indians have physically deployed 700,000 troops, who occupy every nook
and corner of cities and hamlets and crisscross the forests turning the
landscape into a virtual jail. Around 100,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives
during the 20 years of conflict and 8,000-10,000 people have simply
vanished after arrest by the security forces.
The Indian armed forces employ infamous Special Operations Group,
an officially patronized band of local collaborators, to perform the dirty job
of extrajudicial executions. The culture of fake encounters thrives whereby
innocent locals are killed and dumped in nameless graves as Pakistani
militants and cross-border terrorists to enable their killers to claim gallantry
awards and promotions.
The Kashmiri armed struggle by a small number of freedom fighters
has played a major role in keeping alive the hopes of throwing away the
Indian yoke for over two decades. Their struggle has been rewarded in a way
that while they were few in number in challenging the might of the Indian
state now the entire Kashmir stands awakened.
The Kashmiris are losing the fear of Indian bayonet and embracing
the power of mass non-violent resistance to assert their will. They have also
managed to keep alight the flame of armed resistance in face of tremendous
odds. On the Solidarity Day this year, we eloquently endorse these
endeavours and recommit ourselves to supporting the valiant struggle with a
renewed vigour and with all means at our command. (Momin Iftikhar,
Indian concern over Gwadar: As anticipated, India has shown its
concern over Pakistans handing over the control of Gwadar Port to China,
Indian Defence Minister A. K Anthony has termed it a matter of serious
concern to New Delhi saying that Gwadar port is situated at a strategic
location on the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the Persian Gulf and is only
about 400kms away from the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil supply
route. Pakistan has recently signed an agreement to transfer operational
control of the Gwadar port from Singapores PSA International to Chinese
989
Overseas Port Holdings. A former Indian Additional Secretary and head of

Centre for Air Power Studies has opined that it would enable Chine to
deploy military capability in the region and enter the Arabian Sea and the
Gulf.
New Delhi was also uneasy when China built ports in Hambantota
(Sri Lanka) and Chittagong (Bangladesh) but it rates Gwadar as a more
serious development. The Chinese Foreign Office has issued a statement
defending Beijings decision to take over the port operation as part of the
continued cooperation between the two countries. Islamabad is justified in
asserting that it is within its right to award the operation to China. The
Indian fears are based on a wrong premise. (Editorial, TheNation 8 th
February)
Afzal Guru hanged: The hanging of Afzal Guru in New Delhis
Tihar Jail may have caused India a law and order problem after it sparked
protests and rioting, but it also caused question marks to be raised over its
justice system. This question should have been raised worldwide, because
the world community has bought into the Indian propaganda about being the
worlds largest democracy, where the justice system ensures a fair trial and
punishment for only the guilty. His hanging was the result of an official
bloodlust, for which the attack demanded not justice, but vengeance, and
that too, even if it be only on a fruit merchant caught in the crosshairs of the
investigating agencies. The hanging is an indictment of the entire Indian
justice system, going all the way to President Pranab Mukherjee who
rejected the final mercy petition. However, it particularly reflects the failure
of investigating agencies to identify the culprits and gather the evidence
against them that would satisfy a trial court.
That Guru was a Kashmiri as well as a Muslim probably went against
him and he received a trial which was described as manifestly unfair, leading
to his execution 12 years after he is supposed to have committed the crime
of abetting the attackers, who were all killed during the attack. The direction
of Indian bloodlust can be gauged from his execution only being the second
in a decade, the first being that of Ajmal Kasab, who was hanged in
November for the 2008 Mumbai massacres. India, it seems, wants only to
execute Muslims accused of crimes which it has blamed on Pakistan. The
execution of Afzal Guru has already caused disturbances all over India, but
especially in his native Kashmir, where a virtual curfew was clamped down
in the capital of Srinagar. It is not encouraging of reliance on the Indian
justice system that though someone has been punished for the Parliament
attacks, no one has been punished for either the Gujarat riots or the Samjhota
990
Express blast, even though they are both older offences than the attacks on
either Parliament or Mumbai. Would this be because the victims are mostly
Muslim, or because the perpetrators include RSS activists, as recently
disclosed by Internal Affairs Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who was integral
to both Gurus trial and his execution?
Pakistanis need to ask why, if India is so prompt at executions after
false accusations, what is keeping Pakistan from executing Sarabjit Singh,
who was proven to be guilty, convicted and sentenced to death in 1991, for
bombings the year before in Lahore and Multan in which several people
were killed. India is encouraged only to get him released by the decades he
has been on death row. If India can execute people for crimes they were
improperly tried for, Pakistan should not hesitate to execute criminals, even
if they belong to India. This does not just apply to the present government,
even if it is busy granting India MFN status, but to all previous governments
which have sat on Sarabjits case. (Editorial, TheNation 11th February)
REVIEW
The offer of dialogue by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is likely to earn
no response, because Zardari regime does not have the time left for this
exercise because of the forthcoming elections. Other political parties too are
pre-occupied in elections related affairs except the ANP which has shown
interest in the dialogue.
Ironically, the ANP which has been instrumental in creation of TTP
has planned to call an APC in Peshawar. This is the party that has been
vowing to fight against Taliban to the last man, last bullet. The change in
its stance has surprised many observers.
There is no doubt that killing of Bashir Bilour has forced ANP to
rethink, but two other factors have also contributed towards this change.
One, it needs temporary respite in view of the electioneering campaign that
has to start soon which wont be able to take off in hostile environment. In
other words, ANP wants to buy time not necessarily the peace.
Two, the party has the prior approval of the United States for
engaging Taliban in dialogue. This was revealed inadvertently by one of
ANP leaders who took part in debate on a TV channel. When asked about
this change of mind after five years; the reply was that then the US was not
in favour of dialogue.
991
There has been lot of talk of United States pulling out its troops
Afghanistan, despite US military commanders have been insisting on not to
quit the occupied country. It only wants to make arrangements to reduce
financial burden and killing of its troops and yet remain in occupation of the
country.
David has been assigned the task of a broker because of Brits
experience and knowledge of the region. It was in this connection that he
called the two stooges ruling Af-Pak region and they showed the willingness
to continue working towards this end; so the Crusaders are likely to remain
in the region and so shall be the perpetration of bloodshed.
The hue and cry raised by India over ceasefire violations along LoC
was an unusual reaction to incidents the like of which have happened quite
often during several tense periods in the past. Intensity of Indian reaction
was certainly related to internal situation of Pakistan, especially in the
context of forthcoming general elections. If that be so then it cannot be ruled
out that all this happened with the consent of Zardari.
In the wake of this tension Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed on
5 February with the spirit with which anniversaries are observed. Such
annual rituals are meant for remembering the departed souls and those who
observe them have no wish what-so-ever that those souls would stage a
comeback. Pakistan did not go beyond calling for end to rights violations in
Kashmir. It dared not reminding the world body that there are many
resolutions on the issue which ought to be implemented.
th
The originator of the idea of observing Kashmir Solidarity Day, Qazi

Hussain Ahmed, has passed away recently. It would be better that his idea
too be buried so that an anniversary could be observed in befitting manner.
But, then there are some advantages of going through this ritual annually:
This year Mian Manzoor Wattoo earned the titles of Minister of KGB
(Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan) so, in addition to hordes of CIA agents in
Pakistan, the Zardari regime now has the distinction of having KGB, of
course in addition to BJP.
Four days latter, India hanged a Kashmiri fruit merchant. Muhammed
Afzal Guru on charges linked to attack on Indian Parliament. As visualized
by New Delhi no one in Islamabad dared saying a word about this unjust
judicial killing; in fact both President and Prime Minister were missing from
the place of their duty.
11th February, 2013
992
INQILAB: HOW
EXPLAINED
The basic theme of Allamah Iqbals concept of revolution, described
in the last chapter, was primarily given in the third poem of that chapter.
That poem was taken from the Musnavi Pas Chih Bayad Ay Aqwam-eSharq. In this chapter five poetical compositions from the same book have
been included which explain this concept in some detail.
Iqbals revolution is all about understanding Islamic teachings afresh
and practicing them in correct perspective; motivated by the force of Love
than compulsion. The first poem, as it should be, is introductory in nature in
which as observed by the translator Jamil Naqvi in his explanatory note
Iqbal has tried to emphasize four points:
(1) He is greatly indebted to Rumi from whom he has learnt (a) that
societies cannot be made active except through what Iqbal
calls jadhb (sukr), junun (madness), which stand for Love or the vital way of
appropriating the universe and (b) that a true believer should be
characterized by active pursuit of ideals, but his dynamism must be
intimately related to the fundamental spiritual background of our life.
(2) Unfortunately, the present age has forgotten that spirit is primary
and more important than matter. Mere reason cannot be of great use here.
One should illumine one's eye with the lamp of the heart. (3) The world is
in need of learning once again the true value and significance of religion and
politics and their intimate relation in the life of human societies.
(4) The ideal of life for an individual is to live soulfully, i.e. in everfruitful contact with God, and then to diffuse the fruit of this contact among
the people around him so as to bring about a better social order.
TAMHEED
This poem with paying respect to Morshid Rumi and followed by
showing optimism about advent of change in the Muslim World.

Pir Rumi morshid-e-roshan zamir; carvan-i-ishq-o-musti ra amir.
993
[Pir Rumi morshid-e-roshan zamir aur carvan-i-ishq-o-musti ka amir hai.]

The Pir of Rum, the clairvoyant murshid, the leader of the caravan of love
and ecstasy;

Manzilash bertar z-mah-o-aftab; khaimah ra az kehkashan sazad tanab.
[Oss ki manzil chand aur suraj sey bhi boland-ter hai; kehkashan oss kay
khaimey ki tanab hai.]
Whose station is far above the Moon and the Sun, for whose tent the Milky
Way serves as pegs;

Noor-e-Quran darmiyan-e-seinah-ash; Jaam-e-Jam sharmindah az
aienah-ash.
[Oss kay seinah kay andar Quran-e-Pak ka noor hai; (yehi wajah hai keh)
oss kay aienah (qalb) sey Jaam-e-Jam sharmindah hai.]
Whose heart is effulgent with the light of the Quran, whose mirror is more
revealing than Jamshids cup.

Az naey aan naey-nawaz pak-zaad; baz shorey dar nehaad-e-mun
fataad.
[Oss pak-sarisht neay-nawaz kay naghmah ney meyri tabiyat kay andar
dobarah hangamah paida kar diya.]
That musician* of Pure breed has thrown my being into tumult once again
with his music.
(*Reference is to Rumi whose very first verse in the Mathnavi is: Listen to
the reed when it relates its story, and complains of separation.)

Goft, jahan-ha mehram-e-asrar shod; khawar az khwab-e-graan bidaar
shod.
994
[Oss ney mojh sey kaha: Insanon kay zamir raazha-e-hayat sey bakhabar
ho rehey hein. Mashriq gehri neind sey bidaar ho raha hai.]
Said he: The people have become aware of the secrets, the East has awoken
from its deep slumber;

Jazbah-hay tazah oo-ra dadahand; bundha-e-kohna ra bakoshadahand.
[Ehl-e-Mashriq ko niya jazbah atta ho raha hai, oss kay poraney bund
kholey ja rehey hein.]
Destiny has given it new aspirations, and loosened its age-old chains.

Joz tou ay danaey asrar-e-Farang, kas neko na-nishist dar naar-eFarang.
[Ay dana-e-asrar-e-Farang! Teyrey baghir aur koeyi (ghulam) Europe ki
aag mein baithh kar salamat bahar naheen aya.]
No one, O knower of the secrets of the West, has experienced the fire of the
West better than thee.
(Fire of the West: Reference is to the fire into which Abraham was cast by
his enemies. It is said that Abraham came out of this fire unscathed and
better equipped to face the challenge of his enemies.)

Baash manind-e-Khalil Ullah must; her kohan bottkhanah ra bayad
shakast.
[Ibrahim Khalil Ullah ki manind (apney haal mein) must reh, her porana
bottkhanah toot jaey ga.]
Be God-intoxicated like the Friend of God*, and help bring down every idoltemple**.
(*Friend of God is the title of Abraham. **Breaking of idols is associated
with the name of Abraham.)
995

Imtaan ra zindagi jazb-e-daroon; kum nazar ein jazb ra goyad janoon.
[Jazb-e-daron (he) sey quomon ki zindagi hai (magar) kum nazar iss jazb
ko janon kehtey hein.]
It is ecstasy that imparts life to peoples, though the undiscerning call it
madness.

Haich quomey zir-e-charakh-e-lajward; bi-janoon zo-fanoon kaarey
nakard.
[Koeyi quom iss neiley aasman kay neichey janoon-e-zofanoon kay baghair
(azim) karnamah saranjam naheen dey sakti.]
No people under the azure dome of the sky has ever achieved anything
without this ingenious madness.

Momin az azm-o-tawakkal qaahir ast; gar nadarud ein duo johar kafir
ast.
[Momin azm-o-tawakkal he sey sahib-jabroot hai, agar iss mein duo safaat
nah hon tuo woh kafir hai.]
The believer is strong through his will and his tawakkul; if he lacks these
two, he is an unbeliever.
(Tawakkul: Complete reliance on God. Here Iqbal follows Rumi and
interprets tawakkul in the positive sense of relying upon God while starting
any programme of work. It is related that a Bedouin left his camel grazing
unprotected. He lost it and came to the Prophet (S.A.W.) complaining that he
had left the camel grazing quite unprotected, relying completely on God.
The Prophet said, Tie the camel's knot and trust in God. This is
Islamic tawakkul.)

996
Khair ra-oo baaz midanud z-shar; az nigahash alamey zir-o-zabar.

[Momin khair ko shar sey alag pehchan leyta hai oss ki eik nigah sey dunya
zir-o-zabar ho jaati hai.]
He can distinguish between good and evil; a mere look from him can shake
the whole world.

Kohsar az zarbat-e-oo raiz raiz; dar gireybanash hazaran rastkhaiz.
[Paharr oss ki zarb sey raizah raizah ho jatey hein. oss kay gireyban mein
hazaron hangamey hotay hein.]
His blow can crush a mountain to pieces; and he has thousands of
resurrections at his command.

Ta maey az maeykhanah-e-mun khordaheyi; kohangi ra az tamasha
bordaheyi.
[Jabb tou ney meyrey maeykhanah sey sharab pe hai aur porani iqdaar ko
samney sey hata diya hai.]
Having drunk wine from my tavern, you have removed all out-modedness
from your vision.

Dar chaman zie misl-boo mastoor-o-faash; darmiyan-e-rung pak az rung
baash.
[Tou abb chaman mein khoshboo ki tarah mastoor aur zahar reh; dunya
mein rehtey hoey bhi oss kay rung sey pak reh.]
Live in the garden like smell, both hidden and manifest, live among colours,
but be free from colour.

Asr-e-tou az ramz-e-jan agah neist; deen-e-oo joz hobb-e-ghair Allah
neist.
997
[Teyra zamanah rohaani ramoz sey agah naheen. oss ka mazhab sirf ghair
Allah sey mohabat hai.]
Your age is not aware of the secrets of the spirit: Its creed is nothing but love
for the other-than-God.

Falsafi ein ramz kum fehmidah ast; fikr-e-oo bar aab-o-gill paichidah ast.
[Falsafi ney bhi iss ramz ko naheen pehchana oss ki saari soch maadi
ashiya kay gird ghoomti hai.]
Little has the philosopher understood this point: His thought revolves only
round matter.

Deidah az qandeel-e-dil roshan nakard; pas nadeid illa kabood-o-sorkh-ozard.
[Oss ney apni aankh ko dil kay chiragh sey roshan naheen kiya iss leay oss
ney sirf neiley, sorkh aur zard (zahari) rung deikhhey (woh Allah Taalla ka
rung nah deikh saka).]
He has not illumined his eyes with the lantern of the heart; hence he sees
nothing but blue, red and yellow.

Ay khosh aan mardey keh dil ba kas nadaad; bund-e-ghair Allah ra az pa
koshad.
[Mobarak hai woh shakhs jiss ney kissi ko dil nah dey; jiss kay paon ghair
Allah kay bund sey azad rehey.]
Fortunate is he who never bowed before any man, and who freed his feet
from the chains of servitude to the other-than-God.

Serr-e-sheri ra nafihmad gaao-o-maish; joz beh sheraan kum bago asrare-khwaish.
998
[Gaein bhainsein sher kay raaz naheen samajh saktein, iss leay apney raaz
sirf sheron ko bata.]
What it means to be a lion is beyond the ken of cows and buffaloes; never
reveal your secret except to lions.

Ba harif siflah natwaan khord maey; garchih bashad padshah-e-Room-oRayy.
[Kum-zarf saathi kay saath sharab naheen pe ja sakti khwah woh Room-oRayy ka badshah he kiyuon nah ho.]
One should not drink wine in the company of a churl, though he may be king
of Rum or Rayy.
(Rum means West Asian mainland.)

Yusuf-e-ma ra agar gorgey bord, beh keh mardey nakassey oo-ra khard.
[Hamarey Yusuf ko agar bhairuya ley jaey tuo yeh oss sey kaheen behtar hai
keh koeyi aisa shakhs ossey kharidey jo insaaniyat sey aari ho.]
It is better that our Joseph be taken away by a wolf than be bought by an
unworthy person.
(The brothers of Yusuf (A.S.) falsely claimed that he had been devoured by a
wolf. The folklore has it that when Yusuf was being offered for sale in the
Egyptian market by the Midianites, a woman came forward to buy him in
exchange for a piece of yarn.)

Ehl-e-dunya bi-takhiyal bi-qiyas; booriya bafaan atlis nashanaas.
[Ehl-e-dunya nah takhiyal rakhhtey hein, nah soch, woh boriey bonaney
mein lagey rehtey hein, onnhein atlis ki khabar he naheen.]
People of the world lack reason and imagination: they are weavers of mat
and know nothing about satin.
999

Ajami mardey chih khosh shearey sarood; sozad az taseer-e-oo jan dar
wajood.
[Ajami mard ney kaya khoob shear kaha jiss ki taseer sey jan mein soz
paida ho gaya.]
What a beautiful verse a Persian poet has sung, which sets the soul afire:

Nalah-e-ashiq bagosh mardam-e-dunya; bang-e-Musilmani-o-diyar-eFarang ast.
[Dunya-dar kay kanon mein ashiq ka nalah (-o-faryad youon hai jaisey)
Frangiyuon kay molk mein bang-e-azan.]
To the ears of the people of the world, the wailing of the lover is like the cry
of the azan in the land of the Franks.

Maani-e-deen-o-siyasat baz goey; ehl-Haq ra z-ein duo hikmat baz
goey.
[Deen-o-siyasat kay maani pher biyan kar, ehl-e-Haq ko az sar-e-nau onn
ki hikmat bata.]
Reveal once again the significance of religion and politics; tell the devotees
of the Truth what you understand by them.

Ghum khor-o-naan ghum afzaiyaan makhor; z-aankeh aqil ghum khord
koodak shakar.
[Ghum khha ley, magar ghum bhraney walon ki roti nah khha, kiyuonkeh
aqalmand ghum khhata hai aur bachah shakar khhata hai.]
Suffer grief (patiently) and do not eat the bread of those who augment grief;
a wise man suffers grief while a child eats sweets. Rumi.
1000

Kharqah-e-khod baar ast bar dosh-e-faqir; choon saba joz booey gul
samaan magir.
[Faqir kay kandhey per tuo goodri bhi bhoj hai baad-e-sobh ki manind
swaey phool ki khoshboo kay aur samaan nah othha.]
To the mendicant*, even his patched-up garment is a burden. Like breeze
you should carry nothing except the smell of roses.
(*Faqir: In Iqbal's terminology, Faqr is not begging for lack of means, but a
positive attitude of detachment towards the material world. One who serves
God's purposes and obeys His laws and subjects himself to His will is what
Iqbal would call a Faqir.)

Qolzamey ba dasht-o-dar paihum staiz; shabnamey khod ra beh gulbergey
baraiz.
[Agar tou samandar hai tuo abadi-o-veranah sey mosalsal nabard aazma
ho. Agar shabnam hai tuo phool ki patti per tupak.]
Are you an ocean? Then be constantly at war with your environment. Are
you a dew-drop? Then drop yourself gently on a rose-petal.

Serr-e-Haq bar mard-e-Haq poshidah niest; rooh-e-Momin haich mi-dani
keh chiest?
[Mard-e-Haq sey raaz-e-Haq poshidah naheen; kaya tou janta hai keh roohe-Momin kaya hai?]
The Divine mystery is not hidden from the man of God; do you know what
is the true nature of a believers soul?

Qatrah-e-shabnam keh az zouq-e-khod oqdah-e-khod ra badast-e-khod
kashood.
1001
[Woh aisa qatrah-e-shabnam hai jo azhar-e-zaat kay shouq mein apni

moshkil apney haath sey hul karta hai.]
It is a drop of dew which, out of desire for self-manifestation, unravelled its
own knot with its own hands.

Az khodi andar zamir-e-khod nashist; rakht-e-khaish az khalwat-e-aflaak
bost.
[Woh tahaffaz-e-zaat ki khatar apney zamir kay andar rehta hai, jo aflaak ki
khalwat sey safar ikhtiyar karta hai.]
Which sat in the depth of its being by dint of selfhood, which started on its
journey from the stillness of the heavens.

Rokh sooey darya-e-bipayan nakard; khaishtan ra dar sadaf penhan
nakard.
[Jo behar-e-bipayan ki taraf rokh naheen karta nah apney aap ko seip mein
penhan karta hai.]
Which did not turn towards the limitless expanse of the ocean; nor hid itself
in an oyster.
(Oyster: It is generally said that if a drop of water enters the oyster, it
becomes a pearl. Self-development in the eyes of Iqbal, does not consist in
acquiring material wealth or in showing off one's talents it rather lies in
gaining in depth and radiating one's dynamism and vitality towards all
without any-distinction.)

Andar aaghosh-e-sehar yakdum tapeid; ta bakaam ghonchah-e-nouras
chakeid.
[Balkeh woh sobh kay aaghosh mein eik lamah kay leay chamak kar apney
aap ko nau-dameidah ghonchah kay monh mein tupka deyti hai (aur ossey
phool bana deyti hai).]
1002
It palpitated in the lap of the morning for a moment and then dropped into
the mouth of the new-born bud.
(Translated by Jamil Naqvi)
ADDRESS TO THE WORLD-ILLUMINATING SUN
Jamil Naqvi in the explanatory note wrote: According to the tradition
prevalent in the Wisdom Literature particularly, the Orient represents the
land of light, knowledge, right guidance, while the Occident is the land of
darkness, ignorance and misguidance. He added: As a source of light and
illumination, Iqbal seems to be enamoured of the Sun, which rises in the
East and diffuses its light and warmth to all; East and West alike.
However, what Allamah observed in his life-time was quite contrary
which Jamil described in these words: The East is not only politically under
the heels of the West; intellectually too it is the Wests slave. Iqbal wishes to
free the people of the East from bondage to Western modes of thought,
which are not conducive at all, he thinks, to the welfare of the people of the
world. In order to build anew, Iqbal had to demolish old and harmful
systems of thought
Iqbal has explained his programme of social Reconstruction in
different books, especially in Rumuz-i Bekhudi and Javid Namah. Here he
epitomizes this programme by statingthat dhikr and fikr, meditation and
rational approach, are essential for normal growth of individuals and
societies.
Dhikr, literally, reciting the name of God or words in His praise or
reciting some sacred phases, in Iqbal, however, dhikr does not mean this
ritual reciting of some formulas in the mystic tradition, which he condemns
as harmful for the growth of society. For Iqbal, dhikr stands for an attitude of
mind which is the result of maintaining constant touch with Reality that
affords the individual spiritual nourishment at all crucial moments of his life.
Fikr is rational approach, an attitude of mind which characterizes a true
scientist who is always in search of Truth. Iqbal thinks that an individual
should cultivate both these characteristics; he should be a scientist as well as
a mystic.
These two terms, dhikr and fikr, are derived from the following verse
of the Quran (iii. 190): Those who remember (dhikr) Allah standing, sitting
and (lying) on their sides, and reflect (fikr) on the creation of the heavens
1003
and the earth: Our Lord, thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to
Thee!
Jamil noted: Iqbal recommends both dhikr and fikr, reason and
intuition, intellectual and vital ways of dealing with the universe, the former
represented by scientists and the latter by mystics. If you ignore fikr, reason,
you are destroying the motivation for social progress, advance in civilization
and hence you fail to fulfill the negative demand of faith, La ilah. If you
ignore dhikr or, in other words, lose your contact with the Source of Being
and Life, you are creating a spiritual vacuum in your life, mischief and
disharmony in society and hence paving the way for violent and aggressive
revolution.
Khatab beh Mehr-e-Alamtaab
Ay amir-e-khawar! Ay mehr-e-munir! Mikuni ber zarrah ra roshan zamir.

[Ay aasman kay shehzadey! Ay aftab-e-darakhshan! Tou her zarrah kay
andaroon ko chamka deyta hai.]
O lord of the East, O shining Sun! Thou illuminest the heart of every mote
of dust.
(Raushan zamir: One who can see into the heart of things; one whose heart
is so illumined that everything can be seen in it. This is the epithet usually
applied to God-intoxicated people who are credited with having the
miraculous power of foreseeing and foretelling events.)

Az tou ein soz-o-saroor andar wajood; az tou her poshidah ra zouq-enamood.
[Teyri wajah sey wajood-e-kainat mein soz-o-saroor hai, teyri wajah sey her
poshidah kay andar apney aap ko zahar karney ka shouq hai.]
It is through thee that Being has ardour and exhilaration; it is through thee
that every hidden thing desires to manifest itself.
1004

Mi-rawud roshan-ter az dast-e-Kalim; zoraq-e-zarrein-e-tou dar jooey
seim.
[Teyri zarrein kashti chandi kay darya mein chalti hoeyi dast-e-Kalim sey
bhi ziyadah roshan (nazar aati) hai.]
Thy golden canoe in the silvery waters moves brighter than the hand of
Moses.

Pertuv-e-tou mah ra mehtab daad; laal ra andar dil-e-sung aab daad.
[Teyrey pertuo ney chand ko chandni atta ki aur laal ko pathar kay andar
aab-o-taab bakhshi.]
It is thy rays which give light to the Moon, and provide sustenance to the
ruby within the heart of the stone.

Lalah ra soz-e-daroon az faiz-e-tost; dar rug-e-oo mouj-e-khoon az faize-tost.
[Teyrey faiz sey gul-e-lalah ko soz-e-daron mila; aur oss ki rug mein mouje-khoon dourri.]
The inner burning of the tulip and the coursing of blood in its veins are the
result of thy bounty.

Nargisan sadd pardah ra mi-durd; ta nasibey az shoa-e-tou bord.
[Nagis ney sainkarron pardey phaarr deay ta-keh teyri shoa sey noor pa
sakkey.]
The narcissus tears away hundreds of veils to catch a glimpse of thy ray.
1005

Khosh biya sobh-e-morad awordaheyi; ber shajar ra nakhl-e-Sina
kardaheyi.
[Teyra ana, mobarak ho, tou meyri sobah laya hai, tou ney her drakht ko
drakht-e-Toor bana diya hai.]
Welcome, with thee comes the morning of our hearts desire, thou hast
transformed every tree into the Burning Bush of Mount Sinai.

Tou frogh-e-sobh-e-oo mun payaan roz; dar zamir-e-mun chiraghey ber
froz.
[Tou sobh ki roshni hai aur mien aakhar-e-roz hon, meyrey zamir kay andar
(bhi) chiragh roshan kar dey.]
Thou art the beginning of the morning while I am at the end of my days;
light a lamp in my heart.

Teerah khakum ra sarapa noor kon; dar tajalli-haey khod mastoor kon.
[Meyri tareek khak ko sarapa noor bana dey, mojhey apni tajalliyat mein
chhopa ley.]
Illumine my dark earth from head to foot; cover me up in thy illuminations.

Ta baroz aarum shabb-e-afkaar-e-sharq; ber frozam seinah-e-ahrar-esharq.
[Ta-keh mein mashriq kay afkaar ki raat ko dinn mein tabdil kar don, takeh mein mashriq kay ahrar ka seinah chamka don.]
That I may bring the light of the day to the night of the Orients thought;
brighten up the heart of the free men of the Orient.
1006

Az nawaey pokhtah saazum khaam ra; gardash digar dehum ayyam ra.
[Ta-keh mein apni nawa sey her khaam ko pokhtah kar don aur ayyam kay
dour ko badal don.]
Give maturity to the inexperienced through my songs, and give a new turn to
the events of the world.

Fikr-e-sharq azad gardad az Frang; az sarood-e-mun bagirad aab-o-rung.
[Ta-keh Mashriq ka fikr Maghrab sey azad ho jaaey aur meyri lay sey aabo-rung lay.]
Thus may the thought of the Orient free itself from the Franks and gain
lustre through my songs.

Zindagi az garmi-e-zikr asto bus; hurriyat az iffat-e-fikr asto bus.
[Zindagi (ka mazah) sirf garmi-e-zikr sey hai, hurriyat sirf fikr ki pakeezgi
ka naam hai.]
Life comes not but through dhikr (meditation); (true) independence comes
not but through purity of thought.

Choon shawud andaishah-e-quomey khraab; nasrah gardad badastash
seim-naab.
[Jabb kissi quom ki soch khraab ho jaati hai tuo oss kay haath mein khalis
chandi bhi khhota sikkah bun jaati hai.]
When the thought of a people becomes corrupt, then in their hands pure
silver turns into base metal.
1007

Mirud andar seinah-ash qalb-e-salim; dar nigah-e-oo kajj ayad mostaqim.
[Oss kay seinah mein qalb-e-salim mur jata hai, ossey seidhi rah kajj
deikhhaeyi deyti hai.]
The pure heart dies in their breast, and to their eyes the crooked appears
straight.

Ber karan az harb-o-zarb-e-kainat; chashm-e-oo andar sakon beinud
hayat.
[Woh kainat kay hungamon sey eik taraf ho kay baithh jaati hai, oss ki
nigah sakon he mein zindagi deikhhti hai.]
From the battlefield of life they keep themselves safely away; for them life
resides only in the stationary.

Mouj az darya-ash kum gardad boland; gohar-e-oo choon khazaf naarjumand.
[Oss kay darya (-e-hayat) sey koeyi mouj naheen othhti, oss ka gohar bhi
pathhar kay tokkray ki manind bi-qimat ho jata hai.]
Seldom do waves arise from their ocean; their pearls are as worthless as
pieces of clay.

Pas nakhastein bayadash tutheer-e-fikr; baad azan aasan shawud
taamir-e-fikr.
[Iss leay sabb sey pehley fikr ki tutheer karni chahiey, oss kay baad fikr ki
taamir aasan ho jaati hai.]
It is therefore necessary that their thought should first be purified (of all
dross); reconstruction of thought would then be easy for them.
1008
THE WISDOM OF MOSES

The title of the poem have been translated by Jamil Naqvi in some
detail. About first word he wrote: The word hikmah is generally used for
wisdom. The Quran employs this term often for knowledge received
through revelation from God.
As regards the second word, he added: Iqbal has taken Moses as a
prototype of Prophethood and in his works we often meet with the contrast
of reason and love expressed as Moses and Pharaoh, philosopher and
prophet, etc. Moses or Kalim stands for knowledge based on revelation.
Naqvi went on: The Prophet brings about a revolution in the minds of
the people, transforms societies by his new message. Speaking about the role
of the Prophet, Iqbal says: The Prophets return from the repose of unitary
experience is creative. He returns to insert himself into the sweep of time
with a view to control the forces of history, and thereby to create a fresh
world of ideals A prophet may be defined as a type of mystic
consciousness in which unitary experience tends to overflow its
boundaries, and seeks opportunities of redirecting or refashioning the forces
of collective life, (Reconstruction, pp. 124-25).
The message that Iqbal wishes to convey is that man must first start
with a firm conviction in Gods overall supremacy conveyed in words like
Law is only Allahs. This conviction is the basis of a new social order that
emancipates people from loyalty to false ideals.
Under the influence of this teaching, the Prophet transforms ordinary
people into men of highest calibre both spiritually and materially. Such
people are not anchorites; they insert themselves into the sweep of history
and refashion it after the pattern desired by Gods; when they annihilate their
will in the Will of God, the world of God moves according to their will.
They are repositories both of dilbari (love) and qahiri (might),
jamal (beauty) and jalal (power).
Hikmat-e-Kalimi
Ta nabowwat hokm-e-Haq jaari konud; posht-e-pa ber hokm-e-sultan mizanud.

[Jabb nabowwat Allah Taalla ka hokm jaari karti hai; tuo badshah kay
hokm ko thhokra deyti hai.]
1009
As the prophet establishes Gods decrees, he repudiates Caesars law.

(Iqbal here brings into sharp contrast Gods Will and kings will, keeping in
mind perhaps the well-known saying of Christ: Render unto Caeser what is
Caesars and render unto God what is Gods. Iqbal feels that it is not
possible for one to be loyal to Gods will and yet to accept and follow the
lead of ordinary mundane rulers.)

Dar nigahash qasr-e-sultan kohnah deir; ghairat-e-oo ber natabud hokme-ghair.
[Oss ki nigah mein badshah ka mahal eik porana bottkadah hai, oss ki
ghairat ghair Allah ka hokm bardasht naheen karti.]
In his eyes the royal palace is like an old idol-temple; his sense of honour
makes him disobey the order of the other-than-God.

Pokhtah sazud sohbatash her khaam ra; tazah ghoghaey dehud ayyam
ra.
[Nabi ki sohbat her khaam (shakhsiyat) ko pokhtah kar deyti hai, woh
zamaney ko naey hangamey atta karta hai.]
The imperfect become perfect through association with him. He gives a new
tumult to the age.

Dars-e-oo Allah bus, baqi hawus; ta nayaftud mard-e-Haq dar bund-ekas.
[Woh Allah bus, baqi hawus ka sabaq deyta hai ta-keh Allah Taalla kay
bundey kissi aur kay daam mein nah phansein.]
His message is that Allah is sufficient and all else is meaningless, so that the
man of truth does not fall into anybodys snare.
1010

Az num-e-oo aatash andar shakh-e-taak; dar kaff-e-khak az dum-e-oo
jan-e-pak.
[Oss kay num sey angoor ki shakh mein aag bhar jaati hai aur oss kay dum
sey khak (badan) kay andar pak rooh paida ho jaati hai.]
His moisture imparts fire to the vines twig and his breath gives life to this
handful of earth.

Maani-e-Jibril-o-Quran astoo; Fitratullah ra nigahban astoo.
[Nabi (A.S.) ki zindagi (paigham) Jibril-o-Quran Pak ka amli namoonah
hai, woh Fitratullak (Deen-e-Islam) ka nigagahban hai.]
He is the meaning of Gabriel and the Quran, and he is the custodian of Gods
Law*.
(*Quranic verse (xxx. 30): So set thy face for religion, being upright, the
nature made by Allah in which He has created man. Allahs Nature, as the
Quranic verse signifies, stands for Islam to which the Prophet is
commissioned to give practical and concrete shape.)

Hikmatash berter z-aql-e-zofanoon; az zamirash ummatey ayad baroon.
[Oss ki hikmat aql-e-chalak sey berter hai, oss kay zamir sey (naeyi) ummat
wajood mein ati hai.]
His wisdom is superior to artful Reason, his spirit gives birth to a people
(ummah).
(It appears that, according to Iqbal, the hikmat (wisdom) of the Prophet is
not qualitatively different from reason only it is much higher than the latter.)

Hokamraney biniaz az takht-o-taj; bikullah-o-bisepah-o-bikharaj.
1011
[Woh aisa hokmaran hai, jo taj-o-takht sey biniaz hai, nah woh kullah
rakhhta hai, nah sepah aur nah kissi sey kharaj wasool karta hai.]
He is a ruler disinterested in throne and crown: sans crown, sans army, sans
tribute.

Az nigahash frodin khaizud zday; dar deher khom talkh-ter gardad zmaey.
[Oss ki nigah khazan ko bahar mein tabdil kar deyti hai, oss ki sharab
(taalim) her khom ki tilchhit ko aur ziyadah nashah-awar bana deyti hai.]
His look transforms autumn into spring, and through him the dregs of every
pitcher become stronger than the wine.

Andar aah-e-sobahgah-e-oo hayat; tazah az sobah namoodash kainat.
[Oss ki aah-e-sehar-gahi mein naeyi zindagi hai, oss ki sobah-e-namood
kainat ko taazgi atta karti hai.]
In his morning-lamentation lies life and the universe is renewed by the
morning of his manifestation.

Behar-o-bur az toofanash kharab; dar nigah-oo payam-e-inqilab.
[Oss kay toofan kay zor mein samandar aur khoshki doob jaatey hein; oss ki
nigah mein inqilab ka payam hota hai.]
The sea and the earth are devastated by the intensity of his deluge, and in his
eyes there is a message of revolution.

Durs la khouf alihim mi-dehud; ta-dilley dar seinah-e-Adam nehud.
[Woh onnhein la khoufun alaihim ka durs deyta hai, ta-keh Adam kay
seinah kay andar dil mazboot ho.]
1012
He teaches the lesson of they have no fear; he puts a heart into the breast of
man.
(Quranic verse (x. 62): Now surely the friends of Allah have no fear, nor
do they grieve.)

Azm-o-taslim-o-raza aamozdash; dar jahan misl-e-chiragh afrozdash.
[Woh ossey azm, farmanbardari aur razi ba-raza rehna sikhha kar dunya
mein chiragh ki manind roshan kar deyta hai.]
He teaches man determination, submission (to the will of God) and willing
acquiescence; and makes him radiant in the world like a lamp.

Mun namidanam chih afsoon mi-konud; rooh ra dar tun digargoon
mikonud.
[Mien naheen janta keh woh kaya afson phhonkta hai jiss sey badan kay
andar jo rooh hai woh kochh aur ho jati hai.]
I do not know what magic he practises, but he totally transforms the soul in
the body.

Sohbat-e-oo her khazaf ra durr konud; hikmat-e-oo her tehi ra por konud.
[Oss ki sohbat her sungraizey ko moti bana deyti hai aur oss ki hikmat her
eik ka daman bhar deyti hai.]
In his society a piece of clay becomes a pearl; and his wisdom gives
abundance to the deficient.

Bandah-e-darmandah ra goyad keh khaiz; her kohan mabood ra kon raiz
raiz.
[Woh girey hoay ghulam sey kehta hai othh aur her poraney mabood ko
raizah raizah kar dey.]
1013
He says to the downtrodden slave: Arise and break into pieces every ancient
deity.

Mard-e-Haq! Aafsoon ein deir-e-kohan az duo harf Rabbi-ul-Ala
shikan.
[Ay bandah-e-Haq! Rabbi-al-Aala kay duo alfaaz sey iss poraney bottkhanah (dunya) ka jadoo torr dey.]
O man of God, break the spell of this old world with these words: God is the
highest of all.

Faqr khwahi az tehi dasti manaal; afiyyat dar haal-o-ney dar jah-o-maal.
[Faqr chahta hai tuo aflas ki faryad nah kar; sakoon qalb ki kaifiyat per
monhisar hai, iss ka taaluq jah-o-maal sey naheen.]
If you wish to gain faqr, dont complain of poverty; well-being depends on
ones attitude and not on rank and wealth.

Siddiq-o-akhlas-o-niaz-o-soz-o-dard; ney zar-o-seim-o-qamash-e-sorkh-ozard.
[Siddiq, ikhlas, niazmandi aur soz-o-dard (sakoon laatey hein) nah keh sona
chandi aur sorkh-o-zard (raishami) kaprrey.]
Truthfulness, sincerity, submissiveness, ardour and sympathy these are
needed and not gold or silver, nor red and yellow coins.

Bagozar az Kaoos-o-Kay ay zindah mard; touf-e-khod kon gird aiwaney
magard.
[Ay zindah mard! Kaykaoos-o-Kayqibad jaisey badshahon kay mahalaat ka
tawaf karney ki bajaey apna tawaf kar.]
1014
O living man, avoid these kings and nobles, walk around your own self and
not around the palaces.

Az moqam-e-khwaish door aftadah-eyi; kargissi kum kon keh shaheen
zadaheyi.
[Tou apney moqam sey door ja parra hai, tou shahinon ki aulaad hai
kargison jaisey kaam nah kar.]
Thou hast fallen away from thy true station, thou art born of a falcon, do not
follow the ways of vultures.

Morghak-e-andar shakhsar-e-bostan; bar morad-e-khwaish bundad
ashiyan.
[Parindah bhi bagh kay darakht ki tehniyuon per apni marzi kay motabiq
apna ashianah banata hai.]
A bird in a garden grove builds his nest to his own liking.

Tou keh daari fikrat-e-gardoon masair; khwaish ra az morghakey kumter
magir.
[Teyri soch ki pervaaz asmanon takk hai tou apney aap ko parindey sey
kum-ter nah samajh.]
Thou who hast a heaven-traversing imagination should not think thyself
inferior to a bird.

Digar ein nah aasman taamir kon; bar morad-e-khod jahan taamir kon.
[Inn nou asmanon ko dobarah taamir kar. Iss dunya ko apni marzi kay
motabiq bana.]
Rebuild these nine heavens and refashion this world according to thy own
desire.
1015
(According to Lisan aI-Arab, the word seven was used by the Arabs to
denote multiplicity. Iqbals use of nine instead of seven does not seem to
be a departure from the classical tradition; it may have been used to
conform, not of course exactly, to the latest scientific research.)

Choon fana andar razaey Haq shawud bandah-e-Momin qazaey Haq
shawud.
[Jabb bandah-e-Momin apney aap ko raza-e-Elahi mein gom kar deyta hai
tuo woh qaza-e-Elahi bun jata hai.]
When he gets annihilated in Gods will, the man of faith becomes God
decree.

Char sooey bafazaey neilgoon; az zamir-e-pak oo ayad baroon.
[Pher yeh jahan-e-charsoo aur yeh fazaey neilgon oss kay zamir-e-pak kay
andar sey naeyi surat mein bahar ata hai.]
The four dimensions along with the blue heavens are born out of his pure
bosom.

Dar razaey Haq fana shuo choon salaf; gohar-e-khod ra baroon aar az
sadaf.
[Apney abaa ki tarah Allah Taalla ki raza mein gom ho kar sadaf sey
apney moti ko bahar nikaal;]
Annihilate thyself in the will of God like thy forefathers; bring out thy pearl
out of the oyster.

Dar zalaam ein jahan-e-sung-o-khisht; chashm-e-roshan kon az noor
sarisht.
1016
[Iss jahan-e-sung-o-khisht ki tareeki mein apni pak teinat kay noor sey
roshan kar.]
In the darkness of this world of stone and bricks, illumine thy eyes with the
light of thy nature.
(Light of nature: Nur-i sirisht, the natural simplicity and righteousness of
man, the basic nature (fitrat Allah) on which God created man.)

Ta nageeri az jalal-e-nasib; hum nayabi az jamal-e-nasib.
[Jabb takk tou Allah Taalla kay jalal sey hissah nah paaey ga, oss kay
jamal sey bhi behrah andoz nah ho sakkey ga.]
Unless thou takest thy share of the majesty of God, thou canst not enjoy
Divine Beauty.
(Majesty (jalal) and beauty (jamal) are the two antithetical but
complementary aspects of Gods Essence. The former indicates might,
wrath, awfulness, while the latter stands for beauty, mercy and lovingkindness.)

Ibtidaey ishq-o-musti qahiri ast; intihaey ishq-o-musti dilbari ast.
[Ishq-o-musti ki ibtida qahiri (sakhti) aur intiha dilbari (mehboobi) hai.]
The beginning of love and ecstasy is majesty (qahiri); the end of love and
ecstasy is beauty (dilbari).
(Dilbari, lit, art of heart-ravishing, heart-captivating, while qahiri, lit, is
conquering power, might. These two terms like jamal and jalal, khalwat and
jalwat form two complementary aspects of a higher synthesis.)

Mard-e-Momin az kamalat-e-wajood; oo wajood-o ghair oo her shaey
namood.
[Mard-e-Momin kamalat-e-wajood (kay shahkaron mein) sey hai. Woh
wajood-e-(haqiqi) hai, baqi her shaey sirf (wajood) nazar aati hai.]
1017
The man of faith is a symbol of perfect existence: he alone is real; all else is
mere appearance.
(According to pantheistic mystics, wujud (being), as such, belongs to God
alone; all else is devoid of wujud and if they possess it, it is only as a
reflection (zill). Here Iqbal asserts that man alone has independent existence
and enjoys fullness of being. By wujud, Iqbal means strong and rich
personality.)

Gar bagirud soz-o-taab az la ilah; joz bakaam-e-oo nagardad mehr-omah.
[Agar Momin la ilah sey hararut aur chamak pa-ley tuo soraj aur chand
(yeh kainat) ossi kay maqsad ki takmil kay leay gardash kartey hein.]
If he gains ardour and zeal from There is no deity (but God), the Sun and
Moon will revolve only at his bidding.
THE WISDOM OF THE PHARAOHS
In the explanatory note of this poem Naqvi wrote: Here Iqbal
describes the, state of Muslim society as it existed under bondage to the
British imperialism in the Muslim world generally and in the South-Asian
subcontinent in particular. The basic point, according to him, is that the
Muslims of today are unfortunately divorced from the refreshing source of
their faith. Their attachment to it is only superficial; they talk fondly of the
deeds of glory of their ancestors and write books about them, but fail
miserably to follow in their footsteps and live up to the ideals of their faith.
Under the influence of Western civilization, pursuit of material ends
has become the sine qua nun of modernism. Devoid of any contact with their
spiritual source, people live their life from day to day, trying to satisfy their
bodily cravings.
The educational system is devised to promote the interests of the
foreign rulers, and the so-called religious leaders too promote the welfare of
the rulers than that of the people to whom they belong. In the history of the
subcontinent many instances can be quoted where religious scholars sided
with the British against the millat, and so interpreted the Shariah as to suit
1018
the interests of the imperial rulers. Those educated in modern schools and
universities are cut off from their cultural moorings and are therefore, more
interested in the affairs of the body than in spiritual development.
Hikmat-e-Faroni
Hikmat-e-arbab-e-deen kardam ayan; hikmat-e-arbab-e-keen ra hum

badaan.
[Mien ney Ehl-e-aiman ki hikmat zahar ki hai abb keinah doz (Faroniyuon)
ki hikmat bhi samajh ley.]
I have unfolded the wisdom of the people of faith; now learn the wisdom of
the people of malice.
(People of malice, as distinguished from the people of faith, who pass their
days totally divorced from the spiritual reality of life and are therefore
involved only in material welfare, regard moral values absolutely irrelevant.
The result is total moral anarchy in social life. Iqbal employs this contrast in
several contexts.)

Hikmat-e-arbab-e-keen makr-o-fun; makr-o-fun takhrib-e-jan, taamir-etun.
[Faroniyuon ki diplomaisi makr-o-fun hai, yaani woh rooh ko bagarrtey
aur tun ko sanwaartey hein.]
The wisdom of the people of malice is deceit and artifice; what are deceit
and artifice? They destroy the soul and build the body.

Hikmatey az bund-e-deen azadah-eyi; az moqam-e-shouq door afatadaheyi
[Onn ki palisi deen sey azad aur moqam-e-shouq-o-mohabat sey door hoti
hai.]
This is wisdom that has freed itself from faiths bonds and has strayed far
away from the station of Love.
1019
(Station of love (maqam-i shauq) is loyalty to the spiritual values of life.)

Maktab az tadbir-e-oo girud nazam; ta bakaam khwaja andaishah-eghulam.
[Onn ki tadbir sey aisa nizam-e-taalim jaari kiya jata hai, jiss sey taalimyaftah naujawanon ki soch apney aaqaon kay mofaad kay motabiq ho
jaey.]
The school follows in his (Pharaohs) ways so that the servant learns to think
in line with the masters desires.

Shaikh-e-millat ba hadis-e-dilnasheen; ber morad-e-oo konud tajdid-edeen.
[Ulmaey (sooa) dilnashin hadisein sona kar apney aaqaon kay motabiq
deen ki tajdid kartey hein.]
The religious leader of the millat, in a charming way, reinterprets religion to
his (Pharaohs) liking.

Az dum-e-oo wahdat-e-quomey dou neim; kas harifush neist joz chob-eKalim.
[Hikmat-e-Faroni kay fason sey quom ki wahdat tokrrey tokrrey ho jati hai
Asaaey Mosa (A.S.) kay ilawah oss ka koeyi ilaj naheen.]
The unity of the people is sundered through his machinations; nothing can
withstand him except Moses Staff.
(Moses Staff is a reference to events in the life-history of Moses, where his
staff helped him overcome the crises, first in combating the deceit of the
magicians and then in crossing the river when pursued by Pharaoh and his
hosts... Moses Staff, in Iqbal, therefore, stands for power, might, without
acquiring which the people of the exploited societies cannot hope to meet
successfully the challenge of the West, both political and economic.
1020

Waey quomey
taamir-e-ghair.
koshtah-e-tadbir-e-ghair;
kaar-e-oo
takhrib-e-khod,
[Afsos oss quom per jo gairon ki diplomacy ka shikar ho kar apni takhrib
karey aur dosron ki taamir.]
Woe to a people that, prey to others stratagems, destroy themselves and
build up others.

Mi-shwud dar ilm-o-fun sahib-e-nazar; az wajood-e-khod nagardad ba
khabar.
[Woh ilm aur art mein tuo sahib-e-nazar ho jaaey magar apney aap sey
ghafal rehey.]
They gain knowledge of science and art, but remain unaware of their own
self-identity.

Naqsh-e-Haq ra az nageen-e-khod saturd; dar zamirash aarzoo-ha zaado-mord.
[Apni angothhi kay nageenah sey Allah Taalla ka naqsh mita dey oss kay
zamir mein arzooein paida hoti aur murti rehein.]
They erase the Lords impress from their signet; aspirations arise in their
heart only to die away.
(Lords impress, naqsh-i Haqq, Gods image. It stands for voluntary
submission to Gods Will)

Binasib aamad z-aulaad-e-ghayoor; jan batun mordah-eyi dar khak-egor.
[Woh ghairatmand aulad sey binasib rehey, oss kay badan mein jan aisey ho
jaisey qabar mein mordah.]
1021
They are not blessed with a progeny imbued with a sense of honour; their
children have souls in their bodies like corpses in graves.

Az haya biganah piraan-e-kohan; naujawanaan choon zanan mashghoole-tun.
[Oss kay bhoorrey haya sey khali hon aur naujawan auraton ki tarah
apney badan ki araish mein mashghool rehein.]
Their old people lack modesty; the young are busy decking themselves out
like women-folk.

Dar dil shan-e-aarzoo-ha bisbaat; mordah zayenad az batoon-e-ummahat.
[On naujawanon ki arzoon mein sabaat naheen (kabhi kochh sochtey hein,
kabhi kochh) woh apni maon kay pait he sey mordah paida hotey hein.]
The desires that spring from their hearts are unstable, they are born dead
from the wombs of their mothers.

Dokhtaraan-e-oo bazulf-e-khod aseer; shokh chashm-o-khod noma-okhardahgir.
[Aisi quom ki larrkiyan apni zulf mein aseer, shokh chasham, khod noma
aur dosron ki soch sey motasir hoti hein.]
Their daughters are caught in the snares of their curling locks, bold-eyed,
fond of display and carping;

Saakhtah perdakhtah dil bakhtah; abrawan misl-e-duo taigh aakhtah.
[Woh araish, zibaish aur dil-bakhtagi ki shouqin hoti hein, onn kay abroo
yuon hotay hein jaisey duo khhinchi hoeyi talwarein.]
Well-dressed, with exquisite make-up, coquettish; their eyebrows like two
unsheathed swords;
1022

Saad seimeen shan aish-e-nazar; seinah-e-mahi bamouj andar nigar.
[Onn kay chandi jaisey sofaid bazoo nazar kay leay aish (ka saman mohiya
kartey) hein (onnhein deikhhna yuon hai) jaisey koeyi mouj-e-(aab) kay
andar machhli ka seinah deikhhey.]
Their white silvery forearms pleasing to the eyes; their bosoms showing like
fish in water.

Millatey khakistar-e-oo bisharar; sobh-e-oo az shaam-e-oo tarik-ter.
[Yeh aisi quom hai jiss ki raakhh mein koeyi chingari baqi naheen, oss ki
sobh oss ki shaam sey bhi ziyadah tarik hai.]
A nation whose ashes are devoid of any live spark, whose morn is darker
than its eve.

Her zaman andar talash saaz-o-burg; kaar-e-oo fikr-e-maash-o-tars-emurg.
[Woh her dum ruppey paisey ki talash mein rehti hai, oss ka kaam maash ki
fikr aur mout sey darna hai.]
It is always in search of material goods, its only preoccupation is anxiety for
livelihood and fear of death.

Monamaan-e-oo bokhil-o-aish dost; ghafil az maghz und-o-andar bunde-post.
[Oss quom kay doulatmund bokhil aur aish parast hotay hein, woh (rasoom
kay) chhilkay mein gariftar aur (haqiqat kay) maghaz sey ghafil hotey hein.]
Its rich are miserly, pleasure-loving, intent upon seeking the shell, and
neglectful of the kernel.
1023
(Kernel and shell: The distinction of what is visible, what appears to the eye,
the apparent, the external and what is real, the hidden, the essence, is very
much relevant in moral evaluation of ones behaviour. Rumi has discussed
this problem in hundred different contexts in which he tries to bring home to
the people the value of the kernel in contrast to the shell, the intention
behind ones action rather than the action as it appears to our eyes.)

Qowwat-e-farmanrwa maabood-e-oo; dar ziyan-e-deen-o-aiman sood-eoo.
[Hokmaran ki qowwat onn ki maabood hai, woh deen-o-aiman kay noqsan
mein apna faidah deikhhtey hein (dunvi faidah ki khater deen-o-aiman
baich deytey hein).]
The might of its ruler is the object of its adoration, in loss of faith and belief
lies its gain.

Az hadd-e-imroz khod biroon najast; rozgarash naqsh-e-yakk farada
nabust.
[Aisi quom aaj (fauri mofaad) ki hud sey bahar naheen nikalti oss ki
zindagi mein eik kal ka naqsh bhi sabt naheen hota.]
It never looks beyond its today and never creates a tomorrow for itself.
(Iqbal thinks that a true leader is one who produces dissatisfaction among
the people about the present and urges them on to a brighter and better
future.)

Az niyakaan daftrey andar baghal; al-amaan az goftah-haey bi-amal.
[Woh apney abaa (kay karnamon) ka daftar baghal mein dabaey pherti
hai, magar oss kay pass baatein he baatein hein amal koeyi naheen.]
It has the annals of its ancestors under its arms, but, alas! It only discourses
on them without acting on them.
1024

Deen-e-oo ehad-e-wafa
taamir-e-deir.
bostun baghair; yaani az khisht-e-Haram
[Oss ka deen ghairon sey ehad-e-wafa bhandhna hai, woh goya Haram (ko
gira kar oss) ki einton sey bott kadah taamir karti hai.]
Its creed is to offer loyalty to others, to build temples with the material of the
mosque.

Aah! Quomey dil z-Haq perdakhtah; mord O murg-e-khwaish ra
nashanakhtah.
[Afsos oss quom per jiss ney Allah Taalla sey dil hata liya, jo mur choki hai,
magar apni mout ko pehchanti naheen.]
Alas! For a nation which has cut itself adrift from God, which is dead, but
does not know that it is dead.
THE ESSENCE OF THE SHARIAH
According to Naqvi this is perhaps the most important chapter of the
book. The first point that Iqbal emphasizes is that wealth (capital) in itself is
nothing evil. It is the use to which it is put that determines its value. Any
exploitation of one class by the other must be condemned.
Islam lays down certain limits with regard both to earning and
spending money. Unfortunately, modern age, under the European ways of
secularism, has lost sight of this very import-ant distinction between lawful
and unlawful earnings and the result is that all kinds of social evils are
undermining the peace and security of the people. Iqbal particularly refers to
the banking system, which, he thinks, is based on exploitation of man by
man.
In the sphere of morals, human reason is found to be defective in
affording guidance. Iqbal thinks that revelation, as embodied in the
Shariah, can help us here. It is based on social justice and can easily meet
the economic demands of the common man.
1025
In the end, Iqbal comes to resolve the age-old tension

between Shariah and Tariqah. According to him, Tariqah is the mode of
following the laws. When you follow the Shariah with all your heart in its
true spirit, you are following the Tariqah. In the words of Iqbal, it is to
discover the ultimate source of the law [Shariah] within the depths of [our]
own consciousness. This discovery enables the individual to rise above the
petty differences of the theologians and the jurists and to realize the real
worth of the Shariah, whose object is to establish a socio-economic system
in which every individual has the inalienable right to live free from all manimposed claims and the State is responsible to meet his primary needs of
food and shelter and upbringing of his children. None be dependent on
others (for primary needs).
Dar Asrar-e-Shariat
Noktah-ha az Pir-e-Room amokhtam; khwaish ra dar harf-e-oo wasokhtam.

[Mien ney Pir Rumi (R.A.) sey kaeyi nokaat seikhhey hein, mien ney onn kay
alfaaz (ki rooh) ko apna liya hai.]
The essence of the Shariah I have learnt many things from the Master of
Rum, especially have I burnt myself in (the fire of) these words of his:

Maal ra gar beher deen bashi hamool; naam maal saleh goeyud Rasool
Rumi.
[Agar tou maal ko deen kay leay rakhhta hai tuo Hazoor-e-Akram (S.A.W.)
ka arshaad hai keh achhey tariq sey kamaya hoa maal kaya khoob hai!]
If you carry money for the sake of the Faith, that money is a blessing, says
the Prophet.
(Rumis point of view in the controversy between unalloyed materialism,
which totally ignores the demands of the spirit, and fake spiritualism that
flies from involvement in the mundane affairs, is that of Islam which treads
the middle path between the two extremes. Rumi does not denounce wealth
as such but only its misuse and undesirable consequences that follow from
its possession (Mathnavi, i. 983): Water in the boat leads to its destruction,
1026
water under it helps to push it forward. What is condemnable is not wealth

or efforts towards acquiring it but the attitude of mind that breeds capitalistic
blindness to human welfare and deadens sensitivity to the miseries of the
exploited people.)

Gar nadari ein andar hikmat-e-nazar; tou ghulam O khwajah-e-tou seimo-zar.
[Agar teyri nazar iss hekmat per naheen, pher tou ghulam hai aur doulat
teyri aaqa hai.]
If you dont keep this point in mind, you are a slave and money is your lord.

Az tehi dastaan koshaad imtaan; az chonin monaam fasaad-e-imtaan.
[Doulat sey biniaz loug he ummaton kay kaam sanwartey hein, seim-o-zar
kay ghulam doulatmand quomon mein fasaad ka bais bantey hein.]
The welfare of the nations is in the hands of the poor, while the rich man
causes disruption to the nations.

Jidat andar chashm-e-oo khwar ast-o-bus; kohangi ra oo kharidar ast-obus.
[Aisey doulatmand ki nazar mein jiddat bimaani hai, woh sirf qadamat ka
kharidar hai.]
In his eyes, novelty is something mean; he buys only old things;

Dar nigahash naswaab aamad swaab; tarsud az hungamah-haey inqilab.
[Oss ki nazar mein nakhoob, khoob hai. Woh inqilab kay hungamon sey
darta hai.]
What is wrong he regards as right and is afraid of the upheavals of
revolution.
1027
(This verse refers to the capitalists aversion to change and his striving to
maintain the status quo at al cost.

Khwajah naan-e-bandah-e-mazdoor
mazdoor bord.
khord;
aabrooey
dokhtarey
[Aisa aaqa apney mazdoor ghulam ki rooti aur oss ki baiti ki aabroo chhein
leyta hai.]
The capitalist usurps the portion of the labourer, and robs the honour of his
daughter.

Dar hazoorash bandah mi-nalad cho naey; ber labb-e-oo nalah-haey pey
beh pey.
[Oss kay saamney ghulam bansri ki tarah fariyad karta hai, oss kay labbon
per matawater haey haey ki fariyad rehti hai.]
The labourer bewails before him like a reed, with constant cries issuing from
his lips.

Ney bajamash badah-o-ney dar saboost; kaakh-ha taamir kard-o-khod
bakost.
[Nah mazdoor kay jaam mein sharab hai nah oss kay saboo mein, woh
(dosron kay leay) mahalat taamir karta hai aur khod kothhrri mein rehta
hai.]
His cup lacks wine; he builds palaces but is himself a homeless wanderer.
(These verses refer to the capitalists blatant violation of moral values which,
as Iqbal seems to imply, is the natural consequence of amassing of wealth
when divorced, motivationally, from spiritual orientation.)
1028

Ay khosh aan monaam keh choon darvaish zeist. Dar chonin asarey
Khoda andaish zeist.
[Mobarak hai woh doulatmand jo darvaish ki manind zindagi basar karta
hai jo iss zamaney mein bhi Allah Taalla ko yaad rakhhta hai.]
Praise be to the rich person who lives like a dervish and is God-oriented in
an age like ours.
(Iqbal characterizes the present age as lacking in spiritual orientation. If
amidst such an environment, a person, having wealth, lives a simple life of
piety and abstinence; surely it is a matter of great significance.)

Ta nadani noktah-e-akal-e-halal; ber jamaat zeistan gardad wabaal.
[Jabb takk tou halal kamaeyi ka noktah nah samjhey teyri zindagi
maashrey kay leay wabal hai.]
Unless people understand the significance of a lawfully earned food, life of
society becomes miserable.
(In the economic system of Islam, the first and foremost principle is the
distinction between what is lawful and what is not lawful. Islam places
restrictions on the scope of acquisition of wealth as well as on that of
expenditure. The contemporaries of Prophet Shuaib, when advised by him
to be careful in their business dealings lest they violate the basic moral
principles of equity and justice, remarked: Does your prayer enjoin you that
we should not do what we please with regard to our property? (Quran, xi.
87) These limitations, born out of moral considerations alone on the
acquisition and expenditure of wealth, cut at the root of economic imbalance
in society. With such an economic System in force, there is no fear of
economic exploitation and class-war.
Rumi explains that unlawful food inexorably leads to immoral behaviour. If
you find anybody overwhelmed by greed, jealousy, lust, cruelty, you could
very easily and correctly argue that his food had not been lawfully acquired,
for food is the seed and thoughts in ones mind are the fruit: Mathnavi, i,
1642 ff.)
1029

Aah Europe z-ein moqam agah neist; chashm-e-oo Yanzar banoor Allah
neist.
[Afsos Europe iss moqam sey aaghi naheen rakhhta, oss ki aankhh Allah
Taalla kay noor sey naheen deikhhti.]
Alas! Europe is not aware of this principle, her eyes do not see through
Gods light;
(Reference is to the famous tradition of the Prophet (PBUH): Fear the
sagacity of the believer, for he sees through the light of God.)

Oo nadanad az halal-o-az haram; hikmatash khaam ast-o-kaarash
natamaam.
[Woh halal-o-haram mein imtiaz naheen karta, oss ka falsafah khaam hai
aur oss ka kaam namokamal.]
She does not know lawful from unlawful, her wisdom is immature and all
her activities defective.
(Iqbal quotes in Bal-i Jibril Rumis verse: True knowledge is born of lawful
food, love and compassion are born of lawful food.)

Ummatey ber ummatey digar charad; danah-e-ein mi kaarad aan hasil
borad.
[Eik quom dosri quom per pilti hai, danah yeh kasht karti aur hasil woh ley
jaati hai.]
One nation preys on another, one sows the seed, another takes away the
harvest.

Az zaefaan naan raboodan hikmatast; az tun shan-e-jan raboodan
hikmatast.
1030
[Gharibon sey roti chhein leyna aur onn kay badan sey jan nikal leyna
onnki diplomaisi hai.]
It is wisdom to snatch food from the weak and to rob their body of the soul.

Shaiwah-e-tehzeeb-e-nau Adam duri ast; pardah-e-Adam duri soudagri
ast.
[Naeyi tehzeeb ka shaiwah insanon ki chir-phharr hai aur yeh kaam woh
tajarat kay pardey mein saranjam deytey hein.]
The way of the new culture is to murder people; and this killing is done
under the garb of commerce.
(Iqbal says: Believe me, Europe to-day is the greatest hindrance in the way
of mans ethical advancement (Reconstruction, p. 179). The reason for this,
according to him, is that European culture is divorced from the spiritual
basis of life, what he callsnur-i haqq here. A few lines earlier, he says in the
same lecture: Humanity needs three things to-day-a spiritual interpretation of
the universe, spiritual emancipation of the individual and basic principles of
a universal import directing the evolution of human society on a spiritual
basis.)

Ein banok ein fikr-e-chalak-e-Yahood; noor-e-Haq az seinah-e-Adam
rabood.
[Yeh bank jo Yahoodiyuon ki ayyar soch ka nateijah hein, insan kay seiney
sey Allah Taalla ka noor nikal leytey hein.]
These banks, the result of clever Jews thinking, have taken away Gods
light from the heart of man.

Ta teh-o-bala nagardad ein nizam; danish-o-tehzeeb-o-deen, saudaey
khaam.
[Jabb takk yeh soodi nizam teh-o-bala nah ho danish, tehzeeb aur deen ki
baatein bisood hein.]
1031
Unless this system is destroyed completely, knowledge, religion and culture

are mere empty names.
(Iqbal thinks that Western culture which is through and through secular in
complexion cannot be expected to face the challenge of the new age. No
change, superficial or far-reaching, can stave off its doom. What is needed
is: total destruction of this culture. It is the same remedy that was suggested
by Waliullah: total and complete revolution.)

Adami andar jahan khair-o-shar; kum shanasud nafaa-e-khod ra az
zarur.
[Iss jahan-e-khair-o-shar mein Adami apney nafaa-o-noqsan mein tamiz
naheen karta.]
In this world of good and evil, man seldom knows what is profitable to him
and what is harmful;
(Iqbal thinks that human reason is not capable of arriving at the universal
moral truth for which man has to fall back upon revelation. Conclusions in
the field of morality arrived at by human intellect are more often marred by
the natural prejudices to which man is subject.)

Kas nadanad zasht-o-khoob kaar cheist; jadah-e-humwar-o-nahumwar
cheist.
[Koeyi naheen janta keh achhaeyi aur boraeyi kaya hai, siraat-e-mostaqim
kon sa hai aur tairrha rastah kon sa.]
Nobody knows the right and wrong of an act, which path is straight and
which crooked.

Sharaa ber khaizud z-aamaq-e-hayat; roshan az noorash zalam-ekainat.
[Sharah-e-hayat ki gehraiyuon sey othhti hai aur oss kay noor sey kainat ki
tareekiyan door ho jati hein.]
1032
The Shariah grows out of lifes bosom; its light illumines the darkness of
the universe.
(In the true mystic tradition, Iqbal believes that the innermost depth of heart
is the place where man receives spiritual illumination, revelations from the
God of life. Ghazali in Ihya (111/9, 23-24) describes this fact in a symbolic
way. There are two ways to fill a pond. First is to pump water into it from
some reservoir. The other is to dig the ground underneath to such a depth
that water gushes out of the bottom and thus the pond begins to receive ever
fresh and sweet water and no longer stands in need of external supply. The
first is the way of reason while the second is the way of the mystic. Says
Rumi: The Sufis book is not (composed of) ink and letters, it is naught but a
heart white as snow.
Discussing the relative merits of the two paths, symbolized in another story
of the Chinese and the Greeks, the former decorating the wall with diverse
paints while the latter only polishing the wall, Rumi says: Reason here
becomes silent or (else) it leads into error, because heart is with God or
indeed the heart is He. The burnishes of heart have escaped from scent and
colour; they behold Beauty at every moment without tarrying. They receive
a hundred impressions from the Empyrean, the Chair and the Void, what
impressions? Nay, tis the very sight of God.
This mystic conception of polishing (saiqal) the heart has its counterpart in
Iqbal in umq, depth. This term is used sometimes with damir, but most
often he uses the word damir (or amaq) alone to indicate the innermost
recesses of the heart as the source of inspiration. It is only outstanding
people, of great intellectual stature who can reach these depths.
This awareness of depths is what Iqbal calls the vital way of appropriating
the universe. It is. as he states in severa1 places, out of illumination
experienced in the innermost recesses of the heart that great Prophets and
great reformers have been able to lay the foundation of a new world order.
This question of amaq, depths, damir-heart, is very intimately bound up
with the question of intuition, or ilham, and its relation to reason. Iqbal holds
(Reconstruction. p. 2) and so was the position of Ghazali, that both reason
and intuition or ilham spring up from the same root. Reason plunges down
into the depth and brings out jewels while what we call ilham is the same
reason plunging deeper down into the depths of the self and bringing out
more precious jewels. It is wrong to bold that reason and intuition are
mutually antagonistic. All scientists and philosophers and all thinkers have
1033
been using both these. What is denounced in Iqbal, Ghazali and Rumi is not
reason but sophistry.)

Gar jahan danad haramash ra haram; ta qiyamat pokhtah manud ein
nizam.
[Agar loug sharah ki haram kardah ashiya ko haram samjhein tuo yeh
nizam qiyamat takk pokhtah rehta hai.]
If the world were to accept its judgment regarding what is forbidden, this
system would endure for ever.

Neist ein kaar-e-faqihaan ay pessar; ba nigahey digarey oo-ra nigar.
[Baitey! Sharah ka moamlah faqihon kay bus ki baat naheen tou sharaa
ko doosri nigah sey deikhh.]
It is not for the jurists to evaluate it, O son, look at it in another way;
(Looking in another way in contrast to the legal and formalistic attitude of
the jurist, it is the penetrative insight born of spiritual regeneration which,
though based on reason, goes beyond reason and is the essence of what
Rumi and Iqbal call Faqr.)

Hokmash az adalst-o-taslim-o-razast; baikh-e-oo andar zamir-e-Mustafa
(S.A.W.) ast.
[Sharah ka hokm adl, taslim-e-(ihkam Elahi kay saamney sar-e-taslim kham
kar deyna) aur raazi ba-raza rehna hai, sharah ka beij Hazoor Akram
(S.A.W.) kay qalb mein hai.]
Its legal formulations are based on justice and submission to Divine Will, its
roots lie in the bosom of Mustafa (PBUH).
(Bosom of Mustafa; innermost heart of the Prophet, i.e. the revelation
received by him from God on his heart, as stated in the Quran, xxvi 194)
1034

Az fraq ast aarzoo-ha seinah taab; tou na-maani choon shawud oo bihijaab.
[Agarchih Allah Taalla sey fraq kay bais wasl ki aarzooein seiney mein
machal rehi hein laikan agar woh bihijab ho jaaey tuo tou baqi naheen
rehta.]
It is through separation (from God) that desires warm the hearts. When
He manifests Himself, you will cease to exist.
(Separation, firaq, in opposition to union, wasl. Very early in the history of
Sufism, a conflict raised its head in the fundamental tension between the
esoteric and the exoteric, batin and zahir, the emphasis being laid on the
former to such an extent that tasawwuf came to be regarded as a rival of
the Shariah. Genuine attempts, however, were made by people like Ghazali
and Ibn Taimiyyah, among others, to arrive at some integrative experience
which might resolve this tension and help to arrive at some synthesis.
Hujwiri has tried to evaluate both the terms of the tension, and it seems that
he is personally inclined to the superiority of the Shariah and its
concomitant categories. Yet it must be admitted that no scientific attempt
seems to have been made by him to resolve this tension.
Following Sirhindi, Iqbal tried to emphasise the true spirit of Islam as it
manifested itself completely in the Shariah. His emphasis on firaq in
contrast to wasl is in the same spirit. He is emphatic that in the highest
experience, which the mystics call unitive, the true individual retains his
separate existence and self-possession while face to face with God.

Az jodaeyi garchih jan ayad balabb; wasl-e-oo kum joo razaey oo talab.
[Agarchih jodaeyi sey jan labbon per aaeyi hoeyi hai magar tou oss kay
wasl ki bajaey oss ki raza ka talib reh.]
This separation is no doubt hard to bear, try not to seek union with Him,
rather submit to His will.
(The ideal for Iqbal is not to seek unitive experience, experience of oneness
with God, but to follow Gods Will which is given in concrete shape in
the Shariah.)
1035

Mustafa daad az razaey oo khabar; neist dar ehkam-e-deen cheezey
digar.
[Hazoor Akram (S.A.W.) ney oss ki raza he ki khabar di hai, ehkam-e-deen
mein iss kay sawaey aur kochh naheen.]
Mustafa (PBUH) communicated His will to us; the injunctions of religion
consist of nothing else.

Takht-e-Jam poshidah zir-e-boriyaast; faqr-o-shahi az moqamat-erazaast.
[Jamshid ka takht boriay kay neichey poshidah hai, faqr-o-shahi raza he
kay moqamat hein.]
The throne of Jamshid is hid under the mat (of a fakir), Faqr and political
authority are both stations of (submission to Gods) Will;

Hokm-e-sultan gir-o-az hekmatash manaal; roz-e-maidan neist roz-eqeel-o-qaal.
[Padshah-e-Haqiqi ka hokm baja la, aur shikayat nah kar, maidan-e-jung
qeel-o-qaal ki jagah naheen.]
Accept the injunctions of the Shariah and do not complain the field of battle
is not the place to argue why.

Ta tawani gardan az hekmatash paich; ta na-paichad gardan az hokm-etou haich.
[Jahan takk ho sakkey oss ki hokm adooli nah kar, ta-keh koeyi aur teyri
nafarmani nah kar sakkey.]
So far as you can help, do not disobey its law, so that nobody may disobey
your orders.
1036
(This verse reminds one of Sadis well-known verse: You too should not
disobey Gods commands, that others shouldnt disobey your orders.)

Az shariat ahsan-al-taqweem shau; waris-e-aiman-e-Ibrahim (A.S.) shau.
[Ehkam-e-Shariat ki papandi kar kay ahsanal taqween ka masdaaq aur
aiman-e-Ibrahim (A.S.) ka waris bun.]
Be of the best make through the Shariah, and inheritor of Abrahams faith.
(Reference is to the Quranic verse: Certainly We created man in the best
make (xcv 4). But if he fails to follow the true path, he is brought to the
lowest of the low. Islam has a particularly intimate relation with the
personality of Abraham. The Quran states that Islam is the faith of your
father Abraham who named you Muslim)

Pas tariqat chiest ay wala-safaat; sharaa ra deidan beh aamaq-e-hayat.
[Ay wala safat tariqat kaya hai, sharah ko hayat ki gehraiyuon sey
deikhhna.]
O man of lofty attributes, what is Tariqah: To see the Shariah in the recesses
of lifes heart.
(Tariqah, path: This is another term in mysticism that is sometimes opposed
to Shariah. Iqbal tries to explain that Tariqah is Shariah when its laws are
followed in their real spirit.)

Faash mi-khwahi agar asrar-e-deen; joz beh aamaq-e-zamir khod
mabein.
[Agar tou deen kay asrar faash deikhhna chahta hai tou ossey apney zamir
ki gehraiyuon kay allawah aur kaheen nah deikhh.]
If you wish to see the essence of religion clearly, look but into the depth of
your heart;
1037

Gar na-beini, deen-e-tou majboori ast; ein chonein deen az khoda
mahjoori ast.
[Agar tou yuon naheen deikhhey ga tuo teyra deen (bahar sey thhunsa
hoa) hai aur aisa deen Alllah Taalla sey door karta hai.]
If you do not enjoy vision, your faith is only compulsion; such a religion is a
veil between you and God.

Bandah ta Haq ra nabeinad aashkar; ber nami ayad z-jabr-o-qadr.
[Jabb takk bandah, Haq (sadaqat) ko ashkar nah deikhhey woh jabr-o-qadr
kay chakkar sey bahar naheen nikal sakta.]
If man does not see God fully manifest, he cannot rise higher than (the
polarity of) free-will and determinism.
(What Iqbal describes here can be elucidated by a reference to some
passages in the last lecture of the Reconstruction. Here he gives three stages
of religion in the last stage, he says (p. 181) metaphysics is displaced by
psychology, and religious life develops the ambition to come into direct
contact with the ultimate reality. It is here that religion becomes a matter of
personal assimilation of life and power; and the individual achieves a free
personality, not by releasing himself from the fetters of the law, but by
discovering the ultimate source of the law within the depths of his own
consciousness.
Iqbal expressed by quoting (Reconstruction, p. 181) from a Muslim Sufi:
No understanding of the Holy Book is possible until it is, actually revealed
to the believer just as it was revealed to the Prophet. Iqbal says: Iman is not
merely a passive belief in one or more pro-positions of a certain kind; it is
living assurance begotten of a rare experience. Strong personalities alone are
capable of rising to this experience and the higher Fatalism implied in it
(This]) fatalismislife and bound-less power which recognizes no
obstruction, and can make a man calmly offer his prayers when bullets are
showering around him: Reconstruction,. pp. 109-10.)
1038

Tou yakkey dar fitrat-e-khod ghotah-zun; mard-e-Haq shau ber zun-otakhmin matun.
[Tou apni fitrat kay andar ghotah-zun ho kar Haq Taalla ka (itaat shaar)
bandah bun apney zun-o-takhmin per nah itra.]
Dive into your inner nature for a moment, become a man of truth, dont rely
on mere conjecture:

Ta babeini zasht-o-khoob kaar cheist; andar ein neh pardah-e-asrar
cheist.
[Pher tou deikhh ley ga keh aamal ki achhaeyi aur boraeyi kaya hai, aur
asrar kay inn nou pardon (kainat) kay andar kaya hai.]
That you may see the right and wrong of things, and know what secrets lie
behind these nine veils.

Her keh az serr-e-Nabi girad nasib; hum beh Jibril-e-Amin gardad qarib.
[Jo shakhs Nabi Karim (S.A.W.) kay raaz-e-(shariat) sey hissah pata hai
woh Jibril Amin (A.S.) (jo hekmat ki alamut hein) kay bhi qarib ho jata hai.]
He who shares in the experiences of the Prophet gets close to the faithful
Gabriel.
(The angel Gabriel is described in the Quran as the faithful spirit (ruh u1amin) that has brought revelation on thy heart xxvi. 193. Close to
Gabriel may signify that the person now enjoys the privilege of receiving
direct revelation from God.)

Ay keh mi-naazi beh Quran-e-Azim; ta koja dar hojrah mi-bashi moqim.
[Ay Mosilman! Tou jo Quran Pak per fakhar karta hai kabb takk hojrah
nashin rehey ga.]
1039
O you who are proud of having the great Quran, how long will you sit
(inactive) in cell?

Dar jahan asrar-e-deen ra faash kon; noktah-e-sharah-e-mobin ra faash
kon.
[(Bahar nikal) deen ka raaz aur sharah-e-mobin ka noktah faash kar.]
Reveal to the world the essence of religion, and the significance of the clear
Shariah;

Kas nagardad dar jahan mohtaj-e-kas; noktah-e-sharah-e-mobeen ein asto-bus.
[Sharah-e-mobin ka noktah yeh hai keh dunya mein koeyi insan kissi
doosrey insan ka mohtaj nah rehey.]
None need be dependent on another (for onesprimary needs); this is the sum
and substance of the clear Shariah.
(In one of his letters to the Quaid-i-Azam, Iqbal has unequivocally stated
that if the Shariah of Islam is enforced, the essentials of a peaceful life are
fully assured.)

Maktab-o-Mulla sakhon-ha saakhtund; Mominaan ein noktah ra nashanakhtund
[Ulema apney madrasson mein mehaz baatein banatey hein, nah woh iss
noktey ko samajhtey hein nah Mominon ko samjhatey hein.]
The jurists and the theologians have spun long tales; the faithful have failed
to grasp this point.

Zindah quomey bowud az taawil-e-mard; aatash-e-oo dar zamir-e-oo
fasard.
1040
[Mosilman zindah quom thhey magar ehkam-e-deen ki taawilon ney

onnhein mout sey humkinar kar diya; onn kay zamir kay andar jo aag thhi
woh bojh choki hai.]
A living nation met its death due to misinterpretations, her heart lost fire (of
life).

Sufiyaan-e-basafa ra deidahum; sheikh-e-maktab ra niko sanjeedahum.
[Mien ney Sufiyan-e-basafa ko deikhha hai aur ulema-e-madaris ko bhhi
khoob perkhha hai.]
I have seen Sufis of pure heart and taken good stock of the teacher in school.
(The Prophet refers to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. who tried to
interpret certain Quranic verses so that he could prove the genuineness of
his Prophethood.)

Asr-e-mun paighanmbari hum aafrid; aan-keh dar Quran baghair az
khod nadeid.
[Meyrey dour ney eik nabi (Mirza Qadiyan) bhhi deikhha hai, woh jissey
Quran Pak mein apney sawaey aur kochh nazar nah aya.]
My age produced a prophet too, who could see in the Quran nothing but
himself;

Her yakkey danaey Quran-o-khabar; dar shariat kum swaad-o-kum
nazar.
[Yeh sabb Quran-o-Hadis kay alam honay kay daaweydar hein magar
Shariat sey bibehrah aur oss kay raaz deikhhney sey bibasar.]
Every one of them is fully conversant with the Quran and the traditions; but
they are totally unaware of the true significance of the Shariah.
(Their knowledge is theoretical only; they lack fire of conviction and zeal
for activity, for they have missed the true spirit of the message.)
1041

Aql-o-naql aftadah dar bund-e-hawus; menber shan-e-menber kaak asto-bus.
[Onn ki aql-o-naql hawus kay bund mein bandhi hoeyi hai, onn ka member
sirf kaak hai (woh sirf pait kay bandey hein).]
(Menber-e-Kaak: Kaak eik qisam ki chhoti sei rooti hai. Menber-e-Kaak
iss chobi maiz ko kehtey hein jiss per naanbaeyi rakhh kar roti baichta hai.)
Reason and tradition both have fallen prey to lust; their pulpit is a counter
for the display of their wares.
(Reason and tradition stand for two kinds of knowledge into which
pursuit of learning was divided in classical Islamic period, corresponding to
what is called aql and naql.The latter stands for all those aspects of learning
that deal exclusively with religious problems, while the former refers to all
those branches of learning that today come under the title of science and
humanities.)

Z-ein Kalimaan neist ummeid-e-kashood; aastein-ha bi-yaddey baiza
chih sood.
[Inn Kalimon sey koeyi ommeid rakhhna la-hasil hai keh woh quom kay
halaat darost kar sakein gey kiyuonkeh onn ki aastinein yadd-e-baiza sey
khali hein.]
There is no hope of salvation from these reformers. What is the use of the
sleeve when it lacks the White Hand?
(Kaliman, plural of Kalim, the title of Moses. Kalim in Iqbal stands for an
ideal reformer, prophet, teacher. White Hand is a miracle of Moses.)

Kaar-e-aqwam-o-millal naayad darost; az amal banoma keh Haq dar
dast-e-tost.
[Quomon aur millaton ka kaam iss tarah naheen sanwartey, apney amal
sey sabat kar keh Haq (sachaeyi) teyrey pass hai.]
1042
The problems of the nations cannot be set right by you, unless you prove by
action that you are the bearer of truth.
15th February, 2013
1043
CUSTODIANS OF SYSTEM
President Zardari along with his son, who is half Bhutto and half
Zardari, went to Lahore where on 9th February, Malik Riaz of Bahria Town
gifted them a sprawling fortress-like Bilawal House so that they could turn
Lahore into Larkana to fulfill the wish of late Salman Taseer. Zardari stayed
their for a week before hopping to Bilawal House, Karachi, but a day after
he left nine sitting MPAs of his party defected to PML-N.
In Lahore Zardari received no protocol to which he is entitled as head
of the state. During the stay he remained confined to the Bilawal House,
while some jiyalas of his party like Shaukat Basra went out to show
solidarity with young doctors on strike. The intention of these jiyalas was
to disrupt the launching ceremony of Metro Bus Service, but Basra landed in
hospital after scuffling with the police.
The attention of media during next three days remained focused on
the Supreme Court where a petition of Dr Tahirul Qadri was being heard.
Unfortunately, he could not prove his locus standi and as result of that his
petition was thrown on his face. In addition, his intentions were questioned
and for three days he was ridiculed for holding Canadian nationality.
Soon after Qadri, the dual national, was knocked out by the Supreme
Court, the Lahore High Court resumed hearing of petition against President
Zardari for holding dual office. The full courts exuberance about the case
appeared to have been exhausted and it preferred to seek a written assurance
from Zardari to refrain from indulging in political activities and adjourned
the hearing till next month.
During the same days, the media acquired and published contents of
the forensic report of Kamran Faisal carried out by Lahore-based laboratory.
The report provided sufficient proofs to rule out any possibility of Kamran
committing suicide. The medical board that had carried out initial
postmortem examination was not impressed and insisted that it was a case of
suicide.
In Karachi, meanwhile, a medical board re-determined the age of
Shahrukh Jatoi and found him more than 19-year old. He was sent to
ordinary jail, but was being treated as VIP there. And, at the end of period
under review, the PPP government in Sindh decided to withdraw cases
against criminals of Lyari gang. MQM reacted and once again decided to sit
on opposition benches in provincial as well as national assembly.
1044
NEWS
Power politics: On 4th February, drenched in heavy rain and marred
by apathy of their top tier leaders, a shortened protest procession of
opposition parties marched from the Parliament House to the ECP building
where they handed the commission officials a declaration of demands and
secured a promise of their meeting with the ECP on February 6. About 13
opposition parties led by the PML-N had originally planned a two-day sit-in
before the ECP building for empowerment of the commission so it could
hold fair elections and to protest against the situation in Balochistan as well
as implementation of SC verdict regarding delimitation of Karachi
constituencies.
Tahirul Qadri announced mass rallies in six major cities from
February 15 in the second phase of his what he described as revolutionary
struggle for electoral reforms in the country. Qadri said marches would be
organized in six cities Rawalpinid, Faisalabad, Multan, Sukkur, Peshawar
and Gujranwala. The first meeting, he said, would be held in Gujranwala on
February 15 after Friday prayers.
Next day, Nawaz Sharif said that elections would be held on time and
his party would not allow any delay take place. Speaking to party members
and reporters at Jeddah airport, he said some forces were trying to delay the
elections under a conspiracy, but the PML-N would not allow this to happen.
The PTI reiterated its demand for resignation of President Zardari,
stating that being the co-chairman of the PPP, he could not do justice with
his role of overseeing the holding of general elections, and hence his stay in
the Presidency would make the election process doubtful. The call for the
president to step down came during PTIs Political Strategy Committee
meeting at the partys central office. The PTI also demanded structural
changes in the election commission with the aim to plug the flaws and
weaknesses exposed in the incumbent set-up.
The ECP issued notices to 22 members of Punjab Assembly allegedly
having dual-nationalities in a reference moved by a retired diplomat. On
October 10 last year, Asif Ezdi, a retired ambassador had moved a reference
to Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Iqbal for the disqualification of 43 MPAs
of Punjab Assembly who he alleged were the dual-nationals. However, out
of 43 MPAs moved against by Ezdi, as many as 21 MPAs provided
necessary documents to prove that they did not have the nationality of any
other country except Pakistan.
1045
On 6th February, the ECP pushed forward its plan to prevent those
politicians from contesting upcoming general elections who have not paid
their taxes, while it also revived its decision to send the educational degrees
of those lawmakers to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) whose
transcripts have not been verified as yet. However, in a move that showed it
backtracking from another major decision, the ECP declared the
constitutional bodies exempt from ban on recruitments. The ECP already
has reversed its stance on the issue of delimitation of Karachi constituencies.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehrik
(PAT) agreed to launch a joint mass movement if the ruling coalition failed
to form a neutral caretaker setup and reconstitute the Election Commission.
They also sought immediate solution to the presidents dual office issue.
Senior PTI leaders met PAT and TMQ chief Dr Tahirul Qadri at his
residence on the directions of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. They said the PTI
leadership had taken the responsibility of mustering support of likeminded
parties, especially members of defunct All Parties Democratic Movement
(APDM) for launching a mass movement. The PAT leadership told the
visiting PTI leaders that members of the ruling coalition belonging to Punjab
could support them in case of a mass protest drive.
A bomb-proof state-of-the art Bilawal House, spreading over 126
kanals of land in Bahria Town Lahore, is almost complete and awaiting the
advent of its occupant, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who is expected to set his
foot on the new house on February 9 along with his father, President Zardari.
Constructed under the supervision of able engineers of property tycoon,
Malik Riaz, it is a fort-like purpose-built building with spacious lawns,
conference rooms, staterooms, bed rooms and offices.
It may be recalled here that immediately after his release in 2004, Asif
Ali Zardari had announced to build a Bilawal House in Lahore on the pattern
of one in Karachi. Initially, it was set up in a rented house near old airport
(in 2005), but later shifted to another building in Model Town. Neither
Bilawal nor Benazir Bhutto ever visited the two houses as they were in exile
during the period.
Completed at a cost of around Rs5 billion, the house also has a
helipad and airstrip for landing of small planes. The boundary wall, having
thickness of 30 inches, has been built using concrete and steel material to
make it bomb-proof. A three-layer security system has been provided to
ensure fool proof security for the residents. A bunker and basement
constructions are also there for security purposes.
1046
It also houses offices for Asif Zardari, Bilawal, Faryal Talpur and their
personal staff. The residential compartment comprises six bedrooms and an
equal number of drawing rooms. There are reports that Malik Riaz would
present this house as gift to Bilawal Bhutto to strengthen his friendship with
the Zardari family.
Next day, Dr Tahirul Qadri submitted a constitutional petition in the
Supreme Court seeking immediate reconstitution of the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in accordance with the constitution so that
truly free and fair elections could be held on time. The Minhajul Quran
chief prayed the court to declare void ab-initio the appointments of Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and the four ECP members for their being not
in accordance with articles 213 and 218 of the constitution.
Reacting to enormous criticism of the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP) over its apparent inability to address their reservations on
key electoral issues, the chief election commissioner (CEC) lashed out at the
political parties terming their allegations as false and baseless. I have full
faith in the integrity, independence and competence of all the members as
well as the staff of the ECP. We have only one objective free, fair and
transparent elections. I only request that all parties and leaders assist us in
achieving this dream instead of making false and baseless allegations, he
said in a statement.
Adding to the opposition parties concerns, the ECP has softened the
ban on recruitments in government departments and hinted at lifting the ban
on public funds diversion, saying the matter was under consideration. The
commission has declared the constitutional bodies exempted from the ban.
Responding to the CEC statement on political parties, the PTIs
Hamid Khan advocate said, The political parties have the right to criticize
the ECP if they feel that the commission fails to perform its duties. Its our
democratic right nobody can deprive us of. Why not criticize the ECP when
it keeps acting like a political entity and fails to honours its promises and tall
claims?
A former ECP official said, the commissions management had landed
in a troubled situation following reservations shown by political parties. No
matter how legitimate the ECP constitutionally stands, the fact that political
parties have serious reservations has weakened its credibility. The only way
to deal with this situation is to address the parties reservation or the
legitimacy of the general polls would be under dark clouds, he said.
1047
The Election Commission dismissed the dual nationality reference

against 35 Members of Provincial Assembly (Punjab) after the complainant,
a retired diplomat, failed to support any credible documentary evidence in
support of his claim. Ambassador (retd) Asif Ezdi, who moved the reference
against the said number of MPAs accusing them of dual-nationals, appeared
to land in embarrassing position when the CEC reprimanded him for filing a
seemingly unfounded reference without solid proof.
On 8th February, the Supreme Court fixed Tahirul Qadris petition
against the appointment of the chief election commissioner and the four
members of the Election Commission for hearing on February 11 and issued
notices to the respondents, petitioners and the attorney general. The
petitioner prayed to the apex court to direct the federation to appoint on
urgent basis the chief election commissioner and all other members of the
ECP in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 213/2 (a) of
articles 213 and 218 of the Constitution.
Plainly hinting at backing off from another high-sounding statement it
made over a couple of weeks back, the ECP announced paying sympathetic
consideration to requests for lifting ban on public funds diversion and
recruitments in government departments on a case-to-case basis. The
decision is likely to further annoy the political parties which stand
unanimous on voicing their distrust in the present Election Commission,
particularly after it backtracked on delimiting electoral constituencies in
Karachi.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labour Michael Posner paid a two-day visit to Pakistan during which he had
official meetings with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights
Mustafa Khokhar, CEC Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, and Adviser to Prime
Minister on National Harmony. He said: We look forward to timely, free,
and fair elections that will result in the first civilian democratic transition in
Pakistan's history.
In a hurried move, the government tabled the much controversial 24 th
Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, aiming at the creation of
Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab province, arousing the ire of PML-N which
severely opposed it. Reacting to the bill, the PML-N said all was being done
in haste without settling the major issues coming out of the creation of the
new province. The bill says that Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab shall comprise
territories of Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions and the
districts of Mianwali and Bhakkar.
1048
Next day, PML-Q top leadership met with Pakistan Awami Tehreek
(PAT) leaders to buy time for announcing the schedule of dissolution of
assemblies, but reportedly they also used the opportunity to check if the PAT
would like to make a political alliance with them. The PML-Q has been at
odds with its bigger partner PPP lately due to serious differences over seat
adjustments and other political matters and seeks a lifesaving alliance ahead
of the upcoming general elections.
At least ten political parties including PML-F, PML-N, JI, JUI-F and
nationalist parties decided to make electoral alliance and field joint
candidate against the ruling PPP in next elections in Sindh. This was
announced by the leaders of parties who met at the residence of PML-F
leader MPA Jam Madad Ali.
President Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz
Ashraf, appointed Shaukatullah Khan as the new governor of KPK,
replacing Syed Masood Kausar. The outgoing governor was replaced for
health reasons. Shaukatullah Khan, 42, is the youngest governor of KPK and
was serving as the federal minister for states and frontier region before he
was made the governor.
On 10th February, Punjab government launched a metro bus system in
Lahore, the countrys first major urban public transport scheme. The 30
billion rupee ($300 million) project, completed in collaboration with Turkish
company Al-Buraq, will ferry up to 12,000 passengers an hour along a
dedicated 29-kilometer roadway from the suburbs to the city centre.
The design of the new bus stations is similar to the Metrobus service
run by Al-Buraq in Istanbul, with the addition of a nine-kilometre elevated
roadway through the centre of Lahore to avoid the citys congested roads.
Building work was completed in under a year and the CM hailed the Turkish
cooperation.
Addressing a congregation in Chakwal, Imran Khan alleged the main
opposition group PML-N and the PPP were allying as fake enemies for the
upcoming elections, to hoodwink and befool the masses. This is the reason
why these parties are not making any effort in making the Election
Commission of Pakistan independent, Khan observed.
The PTI chief said the Sharif brothers had spent all the development
budget of Punjab on Metro Bus Service project that would benefit just 5,000
people, while Mughal-e-Azam Asif Ali Zardari has been plundering Rs12
billion each day and asked him to explain from where he had earned the
money to build a lavish 120-kanal Bilawal House in Lahore.
1049
Various political parties staged an Awami March from Mazar-eQuaid to Tibet Centre, protesting against pre-poll rigging and nonimplementation of the Supreme Court verdict in connection with voters
verification process and poor law and order situation in the city. A large
number of activists including women and children of different parties
participated in the rally.
Next day, the Supreme Court questioned the right of Dr Tahirul Qadri,
as a dual national, to file a petition seeking reconstitution of the election
commission and directed him to submit the concise statement of his claims
and the notification of his Canadian citizenship. The court grilled Qadri over
the status of his Canadian citizenship with repeated queries revolving around
his locus standi against the composition of the ECP. The AG however
informed the court that a dual nationality holder could approach the SC
under the provisions of fundamental rights and there was no such bar in the
law.
On 12th February, the second day of the Supreme Court proceedings in
a petition seeking reconstitution of the ECP was also consumed in the
preliminaries with the three-judge bench urging Dr Tahirul Qadri to first
establish his locus standi before presenting arguments in support of his
contention. The CJP said if they allowed a dual citizen to challenge a
constitutional institution, then tomorrow another dual national would
approach the apex court with a petition against strategic installations.
At one stage, Dr Qadri told the court that his petition was quo
warranto, which brings the respondents under obligation to prove how they
are holding their offices in the ECP. But the chief justice immediately said
that the quo warranto was beyond the apex courts scope and that the
petitioner would have to approach the relevant forum.
At the end of the proceedings, the Pakistan Awami Tehrik chairman
said while talking to journalists that the court was within its right to ask as
many questions as it thinks are necessary before making up its mind about
the plausibility and substance of the arguments and coming up with a verdict
which will have far-reaching consequences. During the hearing, Justice
Gulzar remarked that dual nationals have no right to approach the court and
challenge the strategic assets or foreign and monetary policies, or attack the
constitutional institutions.
The CJ said: How can we dissolve the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP), which has prepared the electoral rolls and organized byelections? Little time is left for the upcoming general elections and we
1050
would never allow anyone to derail the democratic system. Much water has
flown under the bridges. He also made it clear that that concept of martial
law has been buried for good and now no one can go for this even if he
wants to.
Do you have precedents to support your argument regarding locus
standi, the court asked. On this, Dr Qadri referred to the judgments in cases
of Shela Zia, Malik Asad Ali, Shahid Orakzai and Dr Mubashir Hassan. The
court said none of them is a foreign national. Dr Qadri said Article 51(2)
talks about the qualification of voter, which he fulfills and in that capacity
has right to file this petition.
The chief justice said there was no cavil with this provision. But when
you are outside Pakistan you are foreign national, there you present yourself
as a Canadian citizen. Qadri said Shafqatullah Sohail, a Canadian citizen,
had filed petition in the memo scam. The court questioned him to show it the
order about his locus standi. The bench will resume the hearing on
tomorrow.
Talks between PPP co-chairperson Zardari and PML-Q high command
remained inconclusive over the crucial issue of seat adjustment. Chaudhrys
refused to retreat from their claim over constituencies of Gujrat, including
those that were won by the PPP candidates. A senior PPP leader defied the
PML-Q claims on some of the constituencies, including those of Gujrat.
Next day, the Supreme Court dismissed Dr Tahirul Qadris petition for
reconstitution of ECP as he failed to satisfy the court on his intentions
behind the move and his right, as a dual national, to file such petition. Upon
his failure to establish his case, Qadri flared up and started making uncalled
for aspersions against the bench; however, the court showed restraint and
decided not to proceed against him under contempt of court laws.
The CJ said there are more than 100 political parties in the country
and most of them were not part of the current parliament but they had not
expressed any reservations on the ECPs constitution. The CJ also inquired
as to how the TMQ chief suddenly returned from Canada to question the
ECPs organization, adding that Qadri would have to convince the bench
over his sincerity in the matter.
Responding to which, Qadri said he believed that he was being tried
for being a dual national and that his loyalty to Pakistan was being
questioned. Qadri pleaded that on the third day of the hearing he had not
been allowed to read his concise statement. The court asked Dr Qadri to
answer the questions he had been asked. When the judges ask you a
1051
question, you are bound to reply, the CJ told him, adding that this has been
the practice since long.
The bench also questioned Attorney General regarding the eligibility
of Qadris petition. The AG advised the bench to focus on the petition
instead of Qadris character. An argument ensued between the AG and the CJ
over whether Qadris plea months prior to the upcoming polls could be
considered as sincere. The AG argued that Qadri satisfied the requirements
in terms of locus standi. He said petitioners intentions could not be
questioned in the absence of evidence to support the claim of insincerity.
Munir Paracha, counsel for the federation and the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP), told the bench that Qadri had called for
delaying the elections for two years during his rally in Lahore on December
23. When Qadri denied giving any such statement, the court ordered for the
recording of his Lahore rally to be presented to the court. Paracha, however,
failed to provide the DVD of the speech. The chief justice said if Qadri
uttered those words then it was very serious matter.
Earlier when the bench questioned Qadris loyalty under Queen
Elizabeths oath, Qadri addressed the chief justice saying that if the CJs
loyalty cannot be termed suspicious for his PCO oath that he took from
dictator President General (r) Pervez Musharraf then his oath under Queen
Elizabeth cannot be questioned either.
He exhibited a picture showing Chief Justice taking oath from
Musharraf. Qadri asked the CJ that when he had taken oath from a dictator
and submitted to his LFO (Legal Framework Order) then how he (CJ) could
be loyal to democracy. Is the oath taken from a dictator is better than the
one (I took) from Queen Elizabeth? The chief justice remarked that Qadri
should know that Musharraf was the president in 2005 and every chief
justice takes oath under the president. Irked by Qadris response, the bench
warned him that the hearing of his petition will be adjourned indefinitely if
he addresses the bench in such a manner.
After a series of dialogues had been exchanged between the bench and
Qadri and the chief justice said the cleric had ridiculed the court, adding that
the petitioners intentions appeared to be malafide. Qadri was then requested
to step down from the rostrum. The court later dismissed Qadris plea.
Dr Tahirul Qadri got furious and lost his cool after the Supreme Court
rejected his petition, seeking reconstitution of the ECP. Talking to the media
in the SC premises, the PAT leader said that the SC decision on his petition
1052
was unconstitutional and political which hurt millions of Pakistanis who

wanted free and fair elections in the country.
He said that the court insulted millions of Pakistanis serving the
nation from abroad. He said: The court had made up its mind even before
giving the verdict, showing the newspapers with the CJP remarks that the
court would not allow anyone to dismiss the ECP. Instead of listening to the
contents of my petition, the court only argued about my dual nationality.
Dr Qadri said he was entitled to file petition under the Article 184 (3)
of the Constitution. I have given references of 6 judicial decisions in this
respect. If there is a matter of public interest, the Constitution allows me to
file petition. But the court raised the matter of dual nationality from the very
first day and it did not permit me to read out even a single word from the
petition.
Nawaz Sharif said the Supreme Court, by dismissing the petition of
Dr Qadri, has saved the elections from being sabotaged. The PML-N chief
told media people after a party meeting that the decision was victory of
justice and rule of law, which would go a long way to strengthen democracy
in the country as well as to discourage conspiratorial elements.
The election commission, with the assistance of Pakistans monetary
bodies, is set to tighten noose around the tax-evading politicians through
tracking their financial transactions to keep them from contesting the general
polls. The scrutiny of the tax and wealth details would start after the
announcement of electoral schedule for the general polls. The FBR has
assured the ECP that it would verify the politicians wealth statements in ten
days. The development follows a meeting between the senior officials of the
ECP, SBP, FBR and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
On 14th February, leaders of the ruling PPP and the PML-Q, who met
at the residence of Manzoor Wattoo, agreed to field potential candidates on
contentious seats irrespective of their party affiliation. The main purpose
behind the seat adjustment is to win the seat no matter which party a
candidate belongs to. The election alliance between the PPP and the PML-Q
means PML-Ns defeat in the coming polls, Qamar Zaman Kaira told the
media after the meeting.
Imran Khan has asked President Zardari to tell the nation what
favours did he give for the over Rs5 billion gift of Bilawal House from
business tycoon Malik Riaz. Referring to media reports carrying an assertion
by the Transparency International Pakistan that 200-kanal Bilawal House
1053
had been gifted to Zardari by Riaz, the PTI chief questioned the reasons
behind such a costly gift.
Dr Qadri has no intention to file a review petition because, in his own
words, I dont expect justice from this court. The result would not be any
different even if 10 review petitions are filed, the PAT chief said. The PAT
chief claimed that the situation would have been different if the apex court
had let him present his case about the reconstitution of the ECP.
Next day, the ruling allies at the Centre the PPP and the PML-Q
suffered a major blow in Punjab as a dozen of their leaders joined the PMLN ranks. The track-changers included two MNAs of the Q League, while
nine of the ten PPP defectors are Punjab Assembly members. This is being
regarded as the biggest bash meted out by the ruling party in Punjab to both
its political rivals since recent defection to the PPP of MNA Saifuddin Khosa
from DG Khan, and Raja Afzal and his two sons from Jhelum.
Taking to the media, Samiullah Khan bashed the present leadership of
the PPP. He said the PPP has lost the status and position it enjoyed during
the time of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The party is no more of
the poor but has been hijacked by a group to secure its interests, he added.
He said that compared to the PPP performance at the federal level, the
Punjab Government has delivered to the masses.
Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the
defection of PPP parliamentarians to the PML-N was the violation of
Charter of Democracy (CoD), which should be discouraged. He said
according to a CoD clause, it was agreed that both the parties would not
trade each other's members. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
had also breached the mandate of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q),
he added.
A full bench of the Lahore High Court observed: If the slot of
presidency is being used for the benefit of a particular political party, it
would be a contempt of court. The court directed Advocate Wasim Sajjad to
obtain clear instructions from President Zardari whether he was willing to
refrain from indulging in political activities in public arena or not. The bench
will resume the case on March 8.
On 16th February, MQM once again announced breakup with the PPP,
saying that it is walking out of the federal and Sindh coalition governments.
Addressing a press conference in Azizabad, Farooq Sattar accused PPP of
patronizing criminals in Karachi and another reason was the excess political
baggage that the PPP had accumulated through its poor governance and
1054
which the MQM doesnt want to keep carrying when the elections are
around the corner.
In reaction to MQMs decision to dissociate itself from the ruling
coalition led by PPP, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif said
the PPP and MQM were faking a fight and the latest MQM move is nothing
but a bid to hoodwink the people of Pakistan. MQM and PPP are partners in
crime, Khawaja Asif alleged. He further maintained that Muttahida will
now erect a fake opposition in Sindh Assembly to pave way for
establishment of an interim set-up.
Javid-ur-Rehman reported in TheNation that the MQMs decision to
part ways with the PPP-led government, just three weeks before the fiveyear term ends, is seen by most opposition parties as a bid to install an
MQM opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly to bring a favourable
caretaker government in the province to counter an anti-PPP alliance in the
traditional PPP stronghold.
Dr Tahirul Qadri known as a defiant proponent of far-reaching
electoral reforms and a formidable critic of the government policies
surrendered to the ruling coalitions suggestions for electoral reforms in a
fresh round of talks. Qadri however claimed he did it to dispel the
impression that he wanted to delay the next elections. Pakistan Awami
Tehreek retracted one of his vital demands for a 30-day timeframe for
scrutiny of the files of election candidates and agreed that the process be
carried out in 14 days.
Next day, Dr Tahirul Qadri once again declared the present ECP
unconstitutional, saying he would destroy elections if it became a barrier in
the way of his revolution. In his address to a public gathering in
Faisalabad Qadri said he wanted to restore the system that had been the
dream of the countrys founding father. He said the declaration he had signed
with the government during his sit-in in Islamabad would bring positive
changes in the country.
Rule of law: On 4th February, Supreme Court sought para-wise report

from FIA and Interior Secretary in NICL scandal case and adjourned the
hearing for 10 days. CJP remarked during the hearing NICL case is case of
national wealth and national interest. Rehman Malik appeared in the court
and told that he would ensure gearing up the pace of the case.
Chief Justice expressed displeasure over Aitzaz Ahsans plea in which
he sought reformation of the bench during the hearing of the LPG quota
1055
case. Judges have taken the oath of treating everyone according to law. It
will make no difference whether you appear before us or not. Three judges
are hearing the case not one, the CJ remarked. The court said: You proceed
or not, the decision will be according to the law. The hearing was adjourned
until February 14.
On 6th February, after 23 hearings in eight months on a plea seeking
contempt of court proceedings against President Zardari for defying a
judgment in dual office case, an LHC bench was given a simple assurance
that Presidency would not be used for political activities. When the court
sought a deadline from the federations counsel Wasim Sajjad regarding
Zardaris quitting the headship of the PPP, he said the president was not
heading any political party at all.
He said the PPP was just an association and it was not functional as a
political party. The party heading the ruling coalition is Pakistan Peoples
Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), which is being headed by Makhdoom Amin
Faheem. The bench observed that it was not right for the president to have
an association which had political agenda. The bench added that the question
whether a private political activity of president contravenes the court
judgment needs deliberation.
To another court query, the counsel asserted that presidents office was
not apolitical as he was recommended by a party for the term. He said that
a political person could not be non-controversial figure and added that it was
unreasonable to aim for that much neutrality, outside the domain of the
constitution. He said that a separate petition could be filed if president
indulged in activities of the association (PPP), which were against the
directions passed by the Supreme Court.
Petitioners counsel AK Dogar rejected the written statement submitted
by Wasim Sajjad and argued that federal government was delaying the
matter intentionally by engaging the court into frivolous debate. He argued
that President Zardari was willfully disobeying the judicial orders, and the
head of state had not undertaken in his written reply that he would leave the
political office of PPP co-chairmanship. President was made party in the
contempt petition as individual but no power of attorney had been filed on
his behalf, he added.
Earlier during hearing, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Irfan Qadir
had requested the court to adjourn the hearing. The bench rejected the
adjournment request and replied that the case was significant in nature and
1056
the hearing would carry on even if the AGP was not available to appear for
the hearing. The bench will resume hearing on February 15.
On 11th February, the Supreme Court ordered a nationwide investigation
of hundreds of ghost schools, instructing the district and sessions judges to
survey and to submit a report by March 18. Taking up a petition dating back
a year from a charity in Sindh province seeking investigation of fake
schools, most of them in rural districts, the court expressed dissatisfaction
over the reports the provincial government submitted about the condition of
the schools throughout the country.
Defiance of judiciary: On 4th February, the Supreme Court rejected

the NABs plea for constitution of a larger bench to hear the matter of
implementation of SCs judgment on RPPs corruption. In a related matter,
the court gave NAB Chairman a weeks time to engage counsel to defend
himself against the contempt charges. Fasih was issued a contempt of court
notice for writing an interposing letter to President Zardari.
The court observed that whatever the NAB chairman has expressed in
his letter tantamount to interfering or obstructing the court process. The
bench further said that the chairman had used certain expressions to
scandalize the court and its performance that resulted to undermine the
authority of the court and bring into hatred of general public, which has
confidence over the court.
Next day, Imran Mukhtar of TheNation reported that background
interviews with some immigration officials of the FIA and NAB
investigating the corruption cases indicated that NAB would not be able to
get Touqir Sadiq deported to Pakistan. An official of FIA dealing with the
immigration matters wishing not to be named said that deportation of a
person was the prerogative of the country where he landed and not the
country from where he flew.
On 9th February, as expected, the Swiss authorities said that graft cases
against President Zardari could not be opened so long as he remains head of
the state. In reply to a letter written by Pakistan government in connection
with the money laundering cases against the president, the Swiss have
explicitly stated that the cases could not be reopened as Zardari enjoys
presidential immunity.
Next day, President Zardari here got a briefing about the reply of the
Swiss authorities (in connection with the graft cases registered against him).
Farooq H Naek told the president that the international community
1057
acknowledged his immunity being the President of Pakistan and that he

could not be prosecuted while in the Office. Manzoor Wattoo claimed that
the Swiss cases had been over a long time ago and Presidents immunity put
the last nail in the coffin of the Swiss cases.
Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani maintained that
the letter written by Swiss authorities to Pakistan government stating that the
cases against President cannot be reopened has vindicated his stance on the
issue. His counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan remarked that the Swiss letter has been an
embarrassment for the Supreme Court.
On 11th February, the Supreme Court directed FIA, the Ministry of
Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government authorities
concerned to provide prompt assistance to the NAB to apprehend former the
Ogra chairman from the UAE. The bench also sought a report from NAB
Prosecutor General on the efforts made by the anti-graft body during the
period from January1, 2013, to date for Tauqir Sadiqs arrest.
The court was told that Tauqir Sadiq was detained in Al Wathba Prison
in Abu Dhabi for 15 days ending on February 14, 2013, which was
extendable to 30 days. The NAB prosecutor general told the bench that
Tauqir Sadiq was not a UAE citizen, saying after cancellation of his passport
by the Pakistani authorities Sadiq was residing in UAE as an alien. He
further said the UAE authorities had been asked to deport Sadiq, but
deportation differed from extradition.
He pointed out Pakistan and UAE were not signatories to extradition
pact, so bringing him back to Pakistan would take some time. The bench
directed NAB to act with alacrity and independently of government, the
cabinet division or the prime minister and adjourned hearing of the case till
February 18.
Islamabad Police did not present forensic report for Kamran Faisal Case
before the Supreme Court. The police apprised the Supreme Court that the
forensic report has not been released as yet. Moreover, the court exempted
the doctors of Poly Clinic Islamabad from appearance before the court, when
they requested the court to do so. The hearing of the case was adjourned till
February 19.
On 13th February, it was reported by The News that forensic report on
the death of Kamran Faisal established unambiguously that he was tortured
before death; even the analysis of ligature mark (rope knot mark) on the
neck of the deceased showed signs of pre-death and pre-hanging torture. All
these conclusions are inconsistent with a typical case of suicide by hanging,
1058
a source of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) confided to The

News, adding it appeared that before his death, Kamran Faisal was
struggling to defend himself from torture and there was a possibility that he
was hanged either after death or while he was unconscious.
The report also raises serious doubts about the veracity of the
Islamabad Police claim that the deceased was a psychiatric patient and was
taking anti depressants as it concluded that no sign of drug or poison was
found in his body. Contrary to what the Islamabad medical board had
concluded, the forensic report reveals that the Hyoid bone of the deceased is
intact whereas in cases of suicide by hanging, it invariably gets fractured. It
also confirmed the ante mortem (pre-death) fracture of right superior corn of
thyroid cartilage.
About the rope (azaar band) used for the hanging of Kamran Faisal,
the forensic outcome reports certain inconsistencies. About its conclusion of
not consistent, the report said that it indicates that the physical, chemical,
and/or optical characteristics of the analyzed sample are different from those
of the comparison sample or from a unique source.
About its conclusion of consistent, the report said, A conclusion of
consistent indicates that the analyzed sample possesses identical physical,
chemical, and/or optical characteristics as those detected within a
comparison sample. However, the analyzed samples lack sufficient
individualizing characteristics to identify a unique source.
About the site of the crime scene, the PFSC observed, Scene was
already visited and processed by different agencies and was totally
compromised. All the items were already dusted with black powder to
develop latent prints. Most of the room articles were touched multiple times
by different persons who had visited the scene before Punjab Forensic
Science Agency, Crime Scene Investigation team...
The report says when the PFSA experts approached the Islamabad
Police investigation officer to get the scene-related details, the officer was
not available. The SHO of the police stations showed different documents to
these experts, including a letter addressed to the chairman NAB in which a
request was made by Kamran Faisal to change his wing.
A medical prescription was also attached with the above mentioned
report. This prescription was written by Dr Azra of Polyclinic Hospital,
Islamabad. The prescription-slip bearing Slip number 2334, dated
18.10.2012. Age 35 y, 1999-was on Cap. Clazia 5mg. Stopped six months
later. Well OK. Till last month, C/O Disturbed sleep, Forgetful Mentally
1059
disturbed, Hopeless, Suicidal thoughts. The copies of above-mentioned

document and the medical prescription were demanded but the Station
House Officer refused to give it, saying it is secret and cannot be given.
Ruling out the possibility of the Islamabad Polices claim that Kamran
Faisal was taking anti-depressants, the forensic report revealed that blood,
liver, spleen, kidney and stomach contain no drug/poison. A total of 51 drugs
were tested but it is found by the forensic experts that Kamran Faisal was
not taking any anti-depressant.
On 16th February, the National Accountability Bureau chief raised
objections to Chief Justices hearing a contempt case against him, and
prayed through an application the case be placed before another Supreme
Court bench. But Fasih Bokharis plea was turned down by the Registrar
Office stating it contained contemptuous language. The retired admiral filed
the application under for placing the contempt case before another bench.
A six-member medical board, earlier constituted to conduct the
postmortem of Kamran Faisal, rejected outright the findings of Punjab
Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) that the deceased was tortured before his
death. Reportedly, the medical board in its detailed and final postmortem
report, objecting to some of the findings of the PFSA report, had declared
the death a suicide case.
A three-member team comprising officials of National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) and Punjab Police left for Abu Dhabi to solve the legal
complexities with the authorities concerned for the early return of Tauqir
Sadiq, former OGRA chairman. The former OGRA chairmans sponsorship
was withdrawn by his UAE employer Nasir Al-Mazhrohi that led to his
arrest.
Taming the military: On 6th February, Masood Sharif Khan

Khattak, former Joint Director (Internal) in pursuance of the courts order in
a straightforward reply, claimed that in addition to Rs270m, Rs360m had
been withdrawn by the PPP government in 1988-1990 to remove the
governments in then NWFP and other provinces. He submitted that the suo
moto taken on the report an English newspaper had already been settled
judicially 21 years ago.
The case was not heard again despite the fact that Mirza Aslam Beg and
Ghulam Ishaq Khan (late), had wanted so much to disqualify Benazir
Bhutto from politics forever. The Lahore High Court Judge was specially
designated to hear the accountability cases prepared in the then Presidency
1060
under the direct supervision of Ghulam Ishaq Khan and his henchmen of
whom Roedad Khan was the most prominent.
The former DG IB contended that Late Ghulam Ishaq Khan would
never have been able to do any such thing but he did so as he was supported
and prompted by General Mirza Aslam Beg, the then Army Chief who was,
in turn an unquestioned master of his own actions and thinking. Khattak
however, contended that he is convinced that the Army as an institution had
nothing to do with all these events and that the individuals mentioned, by
virtue of the offices they held, acted in their individual capacities.
Masood Sharif further submitted that Benazir Bhutto was unable to get
intelligence information from the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and
Military Intelligence (MI), thus she had tried to increase IBs secret fund to
make it effective. The former DG, IB claimed that there was a hidden hand
of then military chief Gen Mirza Aslam Baig and then ISI chief Lt Gen Asad
Durrani in the no confidence move against Benazir Bhutto.
Tariq Lodhi, another former DG IB also submitted his written reply
before the court in the instant case and requested the court to keep his
statement over the misuse of IBs secret fund secret. The chief justice
however noted that all the secret documents pertaining to the matter had
come on record. The court directed Tariq Lodhi to submit within two days
fresh and updated statements over the misuse of secret fund.
On 12th February, the Supreme Court again directed the authorities
concerned to make foolproof security arrangements for Husain Haqqani, on
his arrival and stay in, and departure from, Pakistan. The court also asked
Asma Jahangir, counsel for Haqqani, to hold meetings with the federal
interior secretary and the Islamabad inspector general of police over
modalities of security arrangements for her client during his arrival and stay
in Pakistan and departure from the country after appearing before the apex
court. The bench adjourned hearing of the case till March 11.
Hussain Haqqani said that he is not satisfied with the measures taken
for his security in Pakistan. In a letter written to the Interior Ministry, the
former envoy said that security measures were not enough for him. Haqqani
said that he was receiving threats via email and telephone in the United
States and the US authorities were investigating the matter. Pakistan's
interior and foreign ministries could confirm this.
Recessing economy: On 11th February, Pakistani rupee fell to its alltime lowest worth against US dollar in open market mainly because of oil-
1061
related payments and $520 million tranches due to be paid to International

Monetary Fund during the current month. The dollar reached its highest in
the open market with one dollar trading for 100.1 rupees.
Baloch militancy: On 4th February, three people were killed and

another wounded in separate incidents of firing and landmine blast in
various towns of Balochistan. Next day, the dismissed chief minister of
Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani dispatched his resignation to Jamiat
Ulema-e-Islam (F) provincial chief and Islamic Ideological Council
Chairman Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani. The collation parties have
evolved consensus in elimination of governors rule and formation of the
new government.
On 6th February, three people were gunned down in separate incidents
of violence in Quetta and Chaman. Meanwhile, Indian minister poked his
nose into Gwadar affair saying that China's role in operating strategically
important Gwadar Port is a matter of concern for India. On 8 th February, at
least two Frontier Corps personnel were killed and three others wounded
when militants ambushed their convoy with rockets in tehsil Mand area of
Kech district. In Quetta, a bullet-riddled body was recovered from Dera
Bugti.
On 9th February, three more people were killed in violence in Quetta,
while in Kuchlak area a bomb blast near a police station killed a man and
wounded three others. A shooting in a tribal clash in Dera Murad Jamali area
of Naseerabad district killed two men and wounded a woman. Two traders
were kidnapped from Eastern Bypass area, in the outskirts of Quetta.
Next day, four people were killed and a woman wounded in separate
incidents of violence in the provincial capital, while law enforcement
agencies recovered a kidnapped person from Nushki. In the evening, as
many as seven people, including women and children, were wounded in
rocket attacks in Quetta.
On 12th February, two labourers were killed and another wounded in a
firing incident in Naal area of Khuzdar District. Next day, a man was shot
dead in Quetta and a body was recovered from Kech district while two
brothers were kidnapped from Pasni, a coastal town of Balochistan.
On 14th February, two dead bodies were found dumped in Hub, while
a man was killed in tribal clash in Jhal Magsi. Next day, the Election
Commission office was set on fire in Awaran district of Balochistan by
unidentified armed men. On 16th February, Quetta once again soaked with
1062
blood of innocent people and this time again it was Hazaras which came
under the attack. At least 73 people hailing from this Shia minority
community were killed while more than 180 others seriously wounded in the
massive blast at Kirani Road near Hazara Town. Governor called it a failure
of intelligence. Banned outfit Lashkar Jhangvi (LJ) claimed responsibility
for the bombing.
The blast was carried out through a remote controlled device and
about 800 to 1000 kilogram explosive material was used in it. The blast was
so powerful that it made the entire city to tremble as the thud was heard as
far as 5 kilometers from the site. A plaza was destroyed and more than two
dozen other shops, 25 vehicles and rickshaws were badly damaged.
A government official said that a meeting headed by the governor
decided to observe province wide mourning, announced 10 million reword
for those who would inform about the terrorists and Rs1 million
compensation for the each victim family. Hundreds of Hazara protesters
blocked Brewery Road in protest and pelted stones on civilian and police
vehicles and smashed their windowpanes. Security personnel barred media
persons for coverage owing to security reasons.
Next day, life remained paralyzed in Quetta to mourn the loss of 85
Hazaras who became victims of a deadly suicide blast and the authorities
inaction to nab sectarian killers operating with impunity. A complete shutterdown strike was observed throughout Quetta on the call of the Malis-eWahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) and the Hazara Democratic Party (HDP).
As protests spread to different parts of the country, including Lahore,
Islamabad, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Multan among other cities,
mass graves were dug up in Hazara town for the burial of those killed in the
blast. Emotionally drained, the Hazara community however refused to bury
their dear ones till handing over Quetta to Army.
Police backed by Frontier Corps were deployed across the city to
avert any untoward incidents and mobile teams of law and enforcement
agencies kept patrolling throughout the day. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief
Secretary Babar Yaqoob said that the compensation announced for victims
would soon be paid.
Turf war in Karachi: On 4th February, anti Extremist Cell of the

CID claimed arresting nine suspects including four alleged target killers.
Next day, the CID apprehended at least four alleged TTP activists in from
Karachi. On 6th February, six people were killed in the incidents of violence.
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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court resumed hearing of Karachi law and

order case. At the outset of the hearing, Additional IG police submitted a
rejoinder about investigation of various cases. He told the court that 630
criminals have been arrested during different police raids over the past few
months. He told the court that 2,300 people lost their lives in targeted attacks
last year.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain said that the police department had
confessed in its report that over 22,000 absconding offenders were roaming
free in the City. Then how the life of a common citizen can be saved? How
can free elections be ensured in worst law and order conditions? Who should
we blame about absence of peace from the City, Justice Khilji said.
Justice Khawaja asked how the police can deal with 22,000 criminals
with insufficient manpower. This task is impossible for police while the
Rangers are not proving effective in Karachi despite consuming heavy
budget. Justice Amir Hani inquired IG Sindh Police about the number of
cases that were categorized as A class involving target killings, and asked
how a murder case can be categorized as A class within a week. The bench
adjourned hearing of the case till tomorrow.
On 7th February, at least 14 people were killed in separate acts of
violence in different parts of the metropolis. Religious parties gave a call for
observing strike tomorrow. Next day, an advocate of Sindh High Court was
among 5 people gunned down in separate incidents of target killing. The
strike against targeted killings of Ulema brought Karachi to a standstill as
businesses remained closed. The strike call was given by Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Fazl and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat.
In the Karachi law and order case the apex court issued its verdict.
The judgment read that none of the apex courts earlier orders had been
implemented. The federal government in particular did nothing to gain
control over the law and order situation in Karachi. It states that no action
was taken against illegal immigrants in the city, citing a Sindh High Court
report that approximately 400 police officials were involved in stoking the
violence. No action had been taken against them.
The court directed the Sindh advocate general to submit a report next
week in the court about the economic activities in the port city. The order
states that witnesses in Karachi killings were not being provided protection.
The apex court summoned the director general of the National Database and
Registration Authority (Nadra) to appear in the court on next hearing to
inform the court about the illegal immigrants.
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On 9th February, four people were killed in various incidents of

violence. Medical board, set up to determine the right age of Shahrukh Jatoi,
the main accused in Shahzeb murder case has finalized its report and would
submit it before the court tomorrow. Reportedly, the board has established
that Shahrukh Jatoi is above 19 years of age. Next day, five people including
a father and his son were killed and another injured in the target killing in
megalopolis.
On 11th February, the unabated incidents of target killing claimed at
least 11 lives, including three activists of MQM in different parts of the City.
Meanwhile, an Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) sent Shahrukh Jatoi, the key
accuse in Shahzeb Khan murder case, to central jail after the medical report
revealed that his age is between 19 to 20 year. Next day, eight people were
killed and four others wounded in various incidents of target killing.
On 13th February, six more people were killed in violence. On 15 th
February, a police constable and two political workers were among 11
people gunned down in separate incidents of target killings in the city. MQM
criticized PPPs plan to withdraw the cases against the accused of Lyari
Peoples Aman committee.
Next day, a seminary teacher was among four people gunned down in
separate acts of target killings and violence in the city. On 17th February, at
least seven more people lost their lives in different incidents of violence in
the city. Meanwhile, MQM ministers submitted their resignations to Sindh
Governor.
VIEWS
Power politics
Who is conspiring? While PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif
should realize that when he says that there is a conspiracy to delay the
coming elections, he raises two questions. He made this pronouncement on
Tuesday, while talking just prior to leaving Jeddah for home after
performing Umra. The first question is: who he is referring to and why he
does not say who exactly is conspiring. This question is particularly
pertinent because Mian Nawaz is a former Prime Minister, not just chief of
the largest opposition party, and thus should not fear any consequences, nor
should he speak in riddles. Where the government, judiciary and armed
forces officials have all continuously reiterated their commitment to doing
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their part to hold free and fair elections on time, there does not seem much
room to see villains, where everyone is striving to achieve the same goal.
He might be referring to Tahirul Qadris long march but that is over
without the elections delayed. The forces suspected of wishing to put off
elections and back Dr Qadri in the hope that he might provide the excuse to
stage a putsch have not been identified and it seems that Mian Nawaz is not
going to name anyone. However, when he said that delay in elections were
not in the national interest, he showed that those forces would not find his
party supporting them. It goes almost without saying that no putsch is
possible without the support of at least some political forces.
However, by saying what he did, and that too while abroad, he tacitly
confirmed the warning by PPP Senator Raza Rabbani of the threat to the
next election. Also, being abroad, he expressed support for the granting of
the vote to overseas Pakistanis, blaming the government for avoiding this.
He did not mention how the government had allowed this issue to become
hopelessly confused with that of dual nationals being disqualified from
assembly membership. It should not be forgotten that the overseas Pakistanis
in Saudi Arabia are prevented from obtaining dual nationality by Saudi law
and from voting in Pakistani elections by Pakistani law. However, it should
not be forgotten that even residents of Pakistan will only vote if elections are
held. For that, it is essential that Mian Nawaz and other politicians show the
firmness of their commitment. (Editorial, TheNation 7th February)
Rs82 billion democratic scam: The fundamental moral edge of
parliamentary democracy over all forms of political governance is that the
parliamentary system is based on the precise ethical standards of personal
and collective conduct of the political leadership that comes into power by
virtue of a public mandate. When the said public mandate is violated in any
shape or form by any of the elected representatives, in the legislative
assemblies or in the executive branch, the democratic reaction is always of
immediate and swift recourse to redress the citizens grievances and follow
up to correct the flawed policies of the incumbent political regime. The
accountability of political leadership is collective as well as of the individual
member whenever a breach of public trust occurs...
Sadly, in present-day so-called democratic Pakistan, parliamentary
politics runs counter-clockwise: every democratic norm, principle,
convention and tradition is violated blatantly and with impunity. It is as if
wrong is right and right is wrong. Take, for example, the Rs82 billion
corruption scam against the former Chairman of Pakistans Oil and Gas
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Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The said individual is a close relative of the

ruling partys (PPP) Secretary General. The accused is known to have
escaped (reportedly to the UAE and now reported to have been arrested in
Dubai) after he was legally charged with criminal conduct. The Supreme
Court of Pakistan has already issued an indictment against Pakistans Prime
Minister, the Federal Interior Minister and the PPP Secretary General for
helping the accused flee the country.
The vital and the central issue of democratic governance in this multibillion rupee corruption case is that all the basic and fundamental norms of
parliamentary democracy are being violated indiscriminately and without
consequences. The questions are: why hasnt the PPP Secretary General
resigned so far in view of the Supreme Courts ruling and the circumstantial
evidence that clearly links the accused to the Secretary General? Did the
ruling partys Secretary General help the accused escape? Was the Prime
Minister involved or knowledgeable of the OGRA Chairmans escape? Did
the Interior Minister help in any form the former Chairman run away from
the country?
But these are all legal issues that will be sorted out in due course of
time through criminal investigations, if there are any. But what begs
attention here is the lack of parliamentary democratic moral discourse: the
PPP Secretary General, having been accused and known for his close
personal relationship with the former OGRA top official, has obviously lost
personal credibility and now has no moral ground to continue in his coveted
position in the party structure.
Similarly, the party chairman, in view of moral imperatives of
universal democratic norms, must ask the incumbent Secretary General and
the Interior Minister to resign forthwith. What moral grounds are left for the
sitting Prime Minister to lead a democratic administration? The simple
answer is none!
Consider more blatant violations of democratic moral or ethic norms
in Pakistans so-called parliamentary democracy: the NAB Chairman, a nonpolitical office, lately has openly assumed a political activist role of accusing
the Supreme Court of Pakistan of interference in his legal responsibilities.
What the NAB Chairman (a presidential nominee) seemingly does not
intentionally understand is that the mysterious death of a NAB official
investigating a major corruption case against the top leadership of the ruling
party is a very, very serious matter and that the death of the official in
itself, along with various accusations of political duress and pressures
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against certain other officials within his institution (essentially non-political

in its mission and constitutional mandate), is clear proof of his leadership
failure.
A truly democratic head of state would have terminated the NAB
Chairmans services for politicizing his office. But this is democratic
Pakistan: personal loyalty and institutional power have always been used for
vested interests. The NAB Chairman and President are both the products of
this system and, indeed, both are skilful practitioners of the art of counterclockwise politics in this country.
Aborting and abrogating the moral norms of the fundamentals of
parliamentary system will not serve the cause of promoting democracy in
Pakistan. Sandcastles do not last forever - solid state institutions cannot be
built on weak foundations. But the fact of the matter is that in contemporary
Pakistan, the entire edifice of the political structure is based on an antidemocratic culture, which has been reinforced by the incumbent political
leadership - invariably leading to a dismal future of the nation. Should these
political forces prevail, we are looking at a very bleak tomorrow and the
days that follow. The truth is that the ruling elite expresses a level of
political irrationality that transcends good political taste and sound political
judgment.
Dr Qadris timely and aggressive intervention in the politics of this
country is a hope in these dark times Imran Khans PTI would be well
advised to enter into a political alliance with Dr Qadri in a pre-emptive drive
against poll-rigging, un-parliamentary practices of the ruling parties and to
set an agenda of political change in Pakistan.
Democracy in Pakistan can be saved and promoted only if precise
democratic norms are restored and explicit resolutions to undemocratic
practices are offered and put into place.
How many more Rs82 billion democratic scams can this nation
tolerate? (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 7th February)
A word about coming elections: Whatever is said about the
credentials and hidden agenda of Dr Tahirul Qadri, the fact remains that he is
working for a reform of the electoral process with the aim of screening out
constitutionally undesirable elements from our future elected houses. Some
of his demands may be considered excessive or unrealistic, but his declared
objective of seeking to ensure that a better lot of politicians contest the
elections is unexceptional.
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Imran Khan too wants change for the better, by seeking, through the
elections, to get rid of the corrupt and incompetent politicians holding power
for the past many decades.
It was, therefore, not very surprising to see the two coming close to
each other. Also, it is possible that the results of the recent opinion poll
ratings may have induced PTI to forge alliances with other political groups.
The movement to cleanse the terribly polluted politics of Pakistan
brings to mind the resolve, many years back, of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir
Bhutto to usher in a new era in the country, by following a code of conduct
and binding themselves to pursue the agreed goals and policies. The Charter
of Democracy, they signed in the year 2006, begins with the words: We the
elected leaders of Pakistan have deliberated on the political crisis in our
beloved homeland, the threats to its survival, the erosion of the federations
unity, the militarys subordination of all state institutions, the
marginalization of civil society, the mockery of the constitution and
representative institutions, growing poverty, unemployment and inequality,
brutalization of society, breakdown of the rule of law and the unprecedented
hardships facing our people under a military dictatorship, which has pushed
our beloved country to the brink of the total disaster.
Trying to avoid another military overlordship, they committed
themselves to undiluted democracy, universally recognized fundamental
rights, internal party democracy, a bipartisan working of Parliament through
a powerful committee system, the empowerment of people at the grassroots
levels, emancipation of the people from poverty, ignorance, want and
disease, uplift of women and minorities, an independent judiciary, a neutral
civil service, rule of law as well as merit. They also pledged to commit
themselves to concede the rights of the vibrant opposition and
ideological/political tolerance. And lastly, that we shall not join a military
regime or any military sponsored government.
It did not take long, however, for one of the parties to put aside these
pledges and commitments to start hobnobbing with the then military dictator
and negotiating a deal with him with the blessings of foreign powers. The
bargain was translated into action, inter alia, through a specially-devised
ordinance issued by the military (so-called) Chief Executive of the
country
With such a tainted government that does not hesitate to use to its
advantage public resources, right and left, and that is known for violating
rules and regulations (it sacrificed a Prime Minister, who was asked to flout
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the Supreme Court verdict, for a long time), Qadri and Imran and for that
matter many other political parties, including the PML-N, are rightly
apprehensive of considerable electoral manipulation. Hence, their concern
for a truly independent Election Commission armed with adequate powers to
check pressures and ensure fair elections.
Everybody accepts the integrity of the Chief Election Commissioner,
while there are some doubts about the Provincial Election Commissioners.
Messrs Qadri and Imran may not succeed in replacing them, but their
agitation is bound to alert Fakhru Bhai to keep a vigilant eye on their
conduct prior to and during the elections.
It would be ungenerous not to recognize the PPP leaders remarkable
political finesse in throwing up one shosha after another. The latest is the
flurry created with regard to the new provinces. In Zardari, the country has a
master political tactician. We keep seeing rabbits popping up out of hats
every other day. Suddenly, Manzoor Wattoo was foisted as provincial party
head over the old weather-beaten jiyalas. Just see how a new Governor has
been planted in the Punjab to boost the PPP electoral fortunes.
To conclude the column on a serious note, the coming elections will,
indeed, be a historic battle between good and evil. Qadri, Imran and some
others, including Nawaz, will have to work hard to successfully face the
looming formidable challenges. The country can no longer afford to
continue with the patronage-and-kinship ridden politics. We have to change
and fight for a new Pakistan. (Inayatullah, TheNation 9th February)
Pakistans stinking black hole: For any caretaker or interim
government in Pakistan, the debt trap, corruption and the energy sectors
should be the main priorities. In the interim, the Supreme Court and civil
society should put all its weight behind NAB to provide relief to an honest
man trapped in alligator infested waters. Pakistans recovery could then be a
matter of months. (Samson Simon Sharaf, TheNation 9th February)
Confusing signals from court? The court has graciously admitted
his petition, but given this peculiar political climate, rife with doubts, fears
and uncertainties is naturally concerned with determining his real motives.
Its enquiry makes perfect sense; but at times debates start to create
unintended effects and that is where the risk lies.
There may be various flaws in Qadris petition; perhaps he was not
properly advised by legal wizards, perhaps he should have approached the
high court. But the unusual focus on his dual Canadian nationality is
sending signals of a different kind. It appears as if, in this country, we are
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now arguing that those holding dual citizenship cannot even file public
interest petitions. As if we doubt their patriotism, we suspect all their
intentions, as if we see them necessarily as agents of foreign powers. Extend
the legal arguments and the media debate and it means that they cannot be
stakeholders in public interest or public welfare
Legal arguments have to be precise, truth has to be discovered, but
there are always underlying assumptions, prejudices and beliefs that govern
our arguments. Our obsession with national interest had been legendary
and has mostly hurt us over the past 60 years, but now it appears that in the
new media debate we are trying to define public interest in a very narrow
spectrum. If these were just arguments in a court case, then it would not be
that problematic, but it now appears symptomatic of some deep-seated fears
or prejudices of national psyche suited to a different era of human history. It
is interesting to take a quick glance at how we have reached this stage?
Many in the politics and media wanted to target and bludgeon certain
politicians in key positions; nothing worked so it was pointed out that dual
nationals violate the constitution. While many have been thrown out, those
against whom the original angst existed are still there. Now Dr Qadri is
definitely controversial and may have an agenda, but if our arguments to
expose him end up creating a moral and political disconnect between
Pakistan and its Diasporas; if this encourages mentality more suited to the
19th century, then we are risking something much bigger for the state of
Pakistan and its welfare in a global village of myriad interdependences
(Moeed Pirzadah, TheNation 13th February)
CJP chastens Qadri: The Supreme Court threw out, on Wednesday,
Dr Tahirul Qadris petition asking for reconstitution of the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on the ground that he was a dual national,
thus not entitled to petition the court in the public interest, and that the court
could not allow a foreign national to upset the applecart of the countrys
political system. The SC observed that the petitioner had failed to establish
his bona fides, nor the sincerity of his intentions; nor had he pointed to any
of his fundamental rights that had been impinged. The court also observed at
the hearing that Dr Qadri had suddenly launched a dubious agenda. To sum
up, he could not convince the court of his locus standi in raising the issue of
the ECP.
Throwing caution to the winds, Dr Qadri engaged the court in
argumentation and waved the Chief Justices photograph taking oath of
office from President Musharraf when his own allegiance to Pakistan was
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questioned for having owed allegiance to the Canadian state as well. He did
not hesitate a moment to point out that Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry had also taken oath from a military dictator. His demeanour and
observations were hinted by the court as having constituted contempt of
court, though the issue was not pursued, yet his angry remarks at a press
briefing on coming out of the court could provoke the court to order him to
explain his conduct
Comments have also come from Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Justice (R) Fakharuddin Ebrahim who welcomed the verdict and showed the
courts confidence in the ECP; all objections should now end. The CEC held
out the assurance that the elections would be held in time. Interior Minister
Rehman Malik called the court decision a historic judgment. To the
amazement of many he said that the government had always honoured court
decisions. Talking to media at Islamabad, he said it was drop scene of the
drama. The question now is whether Dr Qadri would call it quits or pursue
his crusade at the public platform. The dual nationals holding Pakistani
passports must also be distanced from the Qadri parade; he must not be
allowed to portray himself as their spokesperson, nor should they be tarred
with the same brush as this mischief maker. (Editorial, TheNation 14 th
February)
13 - lucky for some: This is the 13th year of the new century and a
lot of superstition is attached to this number, with there being actual
incidences of not having this number in hotels for either floors or rooms. It
is considered unlucky
The prospect of another five years of bad and ineffective governance
is too frightening to contemplate, as is the thought of a badly hung
Parliament with everyone being in the government and the whole exercise of
meeting in the hallowed chambers being nothing but a you scratch my back
and I will scratch yours and the people be damned. (Tallat Azim, 17 th
February)
What is behind MQMs quit cabinet move? The reasons cited by
the party leaders are that the PPP patronizes criminals and terrorists and has
failed to implement the Sindh Peoples Local Government Act.
However, those opposed to the party headquartered in Karachi allege
that the MQM is involved in a mock fight with the PPP and has a greater
plan in mind to safeguard the interests of both the parties. If this is not the
real plan, then the only other plausible reason for the decision is that efforts
are being made to isolate the PPP before the next elections
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It is being speculated that the MQM has taken the quit cabinet
decision to be able to get the seat of opposition leader in the Sindh
Assembly, by virtue of which the party will get a role in the selection of
caretaker chief minister for the province. Under the Constitution, it is for the
chief minister and the leader of the opposition to select the caretaker chief
minister.
If this theory is believed, then the PPP and the MQM will jointly
contest the elections in Sindh against the grand alliance of 10 parties,
cobbled together by Pir Pagara. Such a strategy may be in the interest of
both the parties, especially because the PPPs strongest rival PML-N is
already making inroads into the stronghold of both the PPP and the
MQM (Ashraf Mumtaz, 18th February)
Defiance of judiciary
The fate of the letter: Two different interpretations have been put on
the letter received from the Swiss authorities in response to the one written
by the government in pursuance of the Supreme Court decision declaring the
National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) null and void. The case is well
known and pertains to the charge of money laundering against President Asif
Zardari. To refresh public memory let us recall, briefly, that there were
accusations against Mr Zardari of having received kickbacks in the award of
a pre-shipment contract to a Swiss company for which the case was pending
before a Swiss court.
One version given by the BBC points to the Swiss refusal to reopen
the case on the ground that Mr Zardari enjoys immunity by virtue of the
office he holds and till he relinquishes that office no legal proceeding could
be conducted against him. Their other contention is that no such case against
him is at present being heard in a local court in Pakistan. This interpretation
suggests that Mr Zardari would become liable for prosecution if and when
he steps down from the office of president.
The government sources have put on an entirely different
interpretation of the Swiss response. Law Minister Farooq Naek has given
out that the Swiss authorities have informed the government that the cases
against Mr Zardari, which were closed following former Attorney General
Malik Abdul Qayyums request, cannot be reopened for trial. According to
some legal experts, the Swiss have declined to take up the case again
because it has become time-barred. Should that be the case, it speaks a lot
about the inadequacies of our legal system. That makes the people wonder
how, under what legal pretext, the PPP-led government was able to drag the
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matter on from December 2009 when the landmark NRO judgment was
pronounced; it took more than two years for a definitive action to be taken
when Mr Yousuf Raza Gilani was disqualified to hold the office of prime
minister and remain MNA for disobeying the court orders to write for the
reopening of the case to the Swiss. Here the famous legal dictum, justice
delayed is justice denied comes to mind. This constitutes a clarion call for
effecting legal reforms on a priority basis; for, the case in hand apart, tens of
thousands of cases have been lying pending for years in the countrys courts
and the higher judiciary have time and again declared their resolve to reform
the system to ensure quick disposal. (Editorial, TheNation 11th February)
Baloch militancy
Death in Quetta: The Governor, who was entrusted the government
of the province after the dismissal of the Raisani government, was supposed
to end the bloodletting of the Hazara community, for whom the Alamdar
Road blasts had by no means been the first. Instead of bringing peace to his
provincial capital, Nawab Magsi has been forced to say that there had been
an intelligence failure. This will not wash, and it is unlikely to find any
favour not just with the Hazara community, which had crossed the limits of
its endurance with the Alamdar Road blasts, but with the country as a whole,
which is deeply concerned about what is happening in the countrys largest
province. With the perpetrators confident enough to claim responsibility,
there does not seem simply to have been an intelligence failure, but a fullfledged dereliction of duty. Nawab Magsi is responsible to the extent that he
failed to detect this. Either he must obtain a free hand in dealing with the
problem, or the federal government must find someone who can deliver.
There has not been a revival of the demand voiced after the Alamdar
Road blasts, that the Army intervene. That may be repeated, though it does
seem that this would not solve matters. Elections are around the corner, but
the problem is too urgent to allow any waiting for that election to throw up a
government to tackle the problem.
There has been much harm caused, not just to the Hazara or Shia
communities, or to Balochistan, but to Pakistan as a whole. This is not the
time when Governor Magsi or the intelligence agencies can absolve
themselves of blame or responsibility, or attempt to assuage the outrage by
only announcing rewards for information or compensation for victims.
Instead, he must make clear how he plans to make the province safer for
what the victims of Saturdays blast were doing: going about their everyday
lawful occupations. It must not be forgotten that this was what the
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Balochistan government was sacked for failing to do, and why Nawab Magsi
was given the government. If he fails to achieve that purpose, it would not
mean that the province has become ungovernable, as much as that the PPP is
incapable of governing it. It would appear that the province is ripe for an
election, because any permanent solution can only be achieved by a
government with a mandate. (Editorial, TheNation 18th February)
REVIEW
The counsel of Zardari, Waseem Sajjad informed the Lahore High
Court that his client is not holding dual office. He clarified that Zardari is
just a member of an association by the name of PPP (Pakistan Peoples
Party) which has no party symbol issued by the Election Commission of
Pakistan. The party that is a major partner in the ruling coalition is PPP
Parliamentarians.
The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court seemed to have been
impressed by the argument. No judge on the full bench thought it
appropriate to ask the counsel, if that be so, then what were the implications
of the much hyped the will of Benazir Bhutto based on which Zardari and
his son Bilwal inherited political versah of the largest political party of
Pakistan. Instead, the LHC resorted to delaying tactics and adjourned the
hearing till next month.
The manner in which party leadership was inherited five years ago
reveals an interesting aspect. It is said that on the Day of Judgment or
Doomsday as some would like to call it, every individual would be
addressed by the name of her mother, instead of father. Zardari by adding
Bhutto with the name of his son Bilawal perhaps conveyed to the Pakistanis
that their Doomsday has arrived.
During hearing of Dr Tahirul Qadris petition the Supreme Court
insisted for three consecutive days that the dual nationals have no locus
standi to seek a change in any state institution, especially in the Election
Commission just weeks ahead of general elections. In the process, the Chief
Justice and other judges on the bench virtually insulted thousands of
expatriates holding dual nationality.
The judges seemed to have suffered memory blackout. The forgot that
dozens of dual nationals have been sitting in the Parliament as lawmakers,
amending the Constitution, right at walking distance from the Supreme
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Court building. The Chief Justice and his court have not doubted their
intentions and have accepted all their acts as constitutional and legal.
It was clear that the apex court had been influenced by the conspiracy
theories about Qadri and derailment of democracy. The questions asked by
the CJP during second and third day pointed his inclination towards falling
prey to these theories. He referred to martial law more than once and
pretended to be the custodian of the democratic system; and questioned
about issues never raised by the petitioner.
This was biased and prejudiced approach towards a person who had
approached the highest court in the country with the hope that his genuine
request would be heard sympathetically. The court preferred to decide on
suspicions about his intentions rather than contents of his petition. Well,
fine! Then why this criterion was not applied in the Memorandum case?
The question as to who is behind Qadri, however, still remains
unanswered. The events have certainly ruled out Judiciary and Army as was
initially suspected by the media wizards. The only possibility that has not
been ruled out so far is the foreign hand and if that is established at some
stage so will be the establishment of Qadri-Zardari nexus.
It the forensic examination results as reported in The News are
authentic, Kamran Faisal has certainly been tortured and murdered. There
is hardly any doubt about the motive of torture and murder and the person
who must have ordered that. He is the one who has been harping suicide
from the day one.
The Chairman NAB, Fasih Bokhari seemed to have gone beyond the
call of his duty. He has blood on his hands and so have those criminals in top
echelons of the ruling elite whom Fasih has been serving with dedication.
All of them should land in deep trouble.
But, that can happen only if the Chief Justice of Pakistan shuns for a
while his love for democracy and his urge for defending the system; and
instead focuses on his primary duty of dispensing justice. If that happens,
more than one person would go to the gallows, which should not scare the
judges in any way.
The judges must think positively; by administering justice they
would do no harm to democracy and instead earn goodwill of Jamhoor,
which is nearly two hundred millions in Pakistan. Moreover, in the process
the PPP would have few more shaheeds added to its honour-roll.
1076
Zardari regime could not digest the opening of Metro Bus Service in
Lahore, the city which he intends turning into Larkana. One of his jiyalas,
Shaukat Basra led a gang of woman activists under the garb of showing
solidarity with young doctors on hunger strike to disrupt opening ceremony
of the bus service.
Police did not allow accomplishing his sinister mission and instead he
was thrashed by the law enforcers and he landed in hospital. He, however,
had the distinction of Zardari visiting him in the hospital, the only occasion
when Zardari stepped out of Bilawal House. Basra thus earned the honour of
being a PPPs war hero wounded on battle front.
The occasion was also marred by the propaganda of PML-Ns
political adversaries and embedded media in which Chief Minister was
accused of spending the entire budget in Lahore. They ignored the fact that
provision of public transport is the need of mega cities; Metro Bus service
cannot be launched in Chicho ki Mallian or Tarinda Mohammad Panah.
Like the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, the Chief Justice of
Pakistan has also lost his exuberance in pursuing the Memorandum Case.
During the last few hearings, he has been virtually begging Asma Jehangir to
produce his client as per her promise. She was quite blunt in telling him that
her client will be risking his life if comes to Pakistan.
Ironically, the Chief Justice seemed to have taken the matter of
Haqqanis security quite seriously. He has been passing instructions right
and left for provision of fool-proof security. No one seemed to be listening
to him, except Asma with a cynical smile of her face and Haqqani telling the
CJP catch me if you can like Muhammad Ali Clay.
18th February, 2013
1077
BLAME GAME
The increase in intensity of perpetration of terror in Balochistan
coincided with Pakistans decision to go ahead with Iran-Pakistan gas
pipeline and handing over operating responsibility of Gwadar Port to a
Chinese company. These acts also resulted in a threat of sanctions from the
United States and India seeking an explanation from Islamabad about
Gwadar.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan took yet another suo moto notice of
terror attack in Quetta. The democratic executive, not knowing what to do,
resorted to blaming its political opponents for not doing enough against
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. TV anchors and some Shia leaders also accused PML-N
of providing safe heavens to this militant outfit.
Punjab government was forced to do more and Malik Ishaq was
arrested along with several others from various places of the province.
Similarly, Frontier Corps carried out raids in and around Quetta killing few
and arresting several suspects. This resulted in a protest by ASWJ in
Quetta, which was fired upon by unknown gunmen.
Political drama in Sindh continued as yet another episode of the serial
based on forced marriage of PPP and MQM was enacted. MQM pulled out
of coalition which enabled PPP to reverse the decision about local
government law. In National Assembly, the PML-N and the PPP politicians
told the ECP to remain within its shoes and refrain from asking questions
about degrees of lawmakers.
NEWS
Power politics: On 18th February, Chaudhry Nisar said the
government had sold an island worth billions of rupees near Karachi and he
would bring a lawsuit against it. He claimed that he knew very well that to
whom the island had been sold. Malik Riaz was posing as if he was going
to change the fate of this country by advertising his plan to develop a new
big city near Karachi and construction of worlds largest building There is
a question mark on the funding, he argued, adding $45 billion was a big
amount and a worthy one to be worried that where it was coming from.
At present the project is in proposal stage but Malik Riaz is
advertising as it is in commencement phase, Nisar said as he mentioned the
name of Abu Dhabi Group chairman Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al
1078
Nahyan. He also pointed to his leaders silence on President Zardaris palace

in Lahore, and complained that he being the opposition leader in the
National Assembly was continuously speaking on the issue. He said that
institutions must not keep quite on this gifted palace to the president from a
business magnet.
On 20th February, the Election Commission decided to from an
investigating committee of officials from five state institutions to better
scrutinize candidates for the upcoming elections, while the commission may
also make public the details of their nomination papers for wider public
inspection. The committee will identify tax evaders, loan and utility bill
defaulters and beneficiaries of written off loans to prevent them from
running in the elections. It will comprise officials from the Election
Commission of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, State Bank of Pakistan,
NAB and National Database and Registration Authority.
After the meeting, the SBP governor and FBR chief told a press
conference that full cooperation would be provided to the election
commission to ensure free and fair elections. Tax and asset details of
election candidates would be available to the ECP via online access, they
assured. NAB Director General Sher Afghan also said that the records of all
those investigated by the bureau would be provided to the ECP.
The government and opposition national assembly members joined
hands to condemn the Election Commission saying that the electoral body
should not cross limits while addressing the parliamentarians to seek any
information. The matter of sending letters to legislators to verify their
degrees by the ECP dominated the House proceedings and legislators from
both side of the aisle, except for the MQM members, were unanimous that
the commission should adopt civilized way while addressing the
parliamentarians.
The Senates Standing Committee on Law and Justice has approved
the parliamentary committees report pertaining to the formation of a new
province with a majority. The report was rejected by the Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz. Law Minister Naek stated that the formation of a new
province would be done on administrative not ethnic basis, adding that the
constitution did not prohibit the formation of new provinces but an
amendment would be needed to Article 1.
Chairman of Tehrik Tahaffuz-e-Pakistan Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan said
that ideological foundation of the country is in jeopardy. Addressing the
members of High Court Bar Multan, he added that the situation was highly
1079
volatile in the country. He said, Today we will have to think like a Pakistani
instead of thinking as a Jiyala or Matwala.
PPP and PML-Q decided to field joint candidates in the upcoming
polls.
As per agreement both the parties would be entitled to nominate their
candidates on the seats they won in the general elections year 2008.
Abovementioned decisions were taken in a meeting held at the residence of
PML-Q President Ch Shujaat Hussain, and Manzoor Wattoo, PPP Punjab
chapter president, who headed the PPP delegation that called on Shujaat to
discuss the issues related to seat adjustment and cooperation in the coming
elections.
Next day, repeating its history of U-turns, the ruling PPP got repealed
the recently passed Sindh Peoples Local Government Act 2012 and revived
the Local Government Ordinance 1979 amid protests by the MQM
lawmakers in Sindh Assembly. The surprising move of revocation of its own
law by the PPP comes as just few weeks are left to the dissolution of the
assemblies. The MQM bitterly opposed to this old law. The PPP made this
after it was approved by Zardari.
The MQM lawmakers voted against it. Amid slogans of no-no,
shame-shame of the MQM lawmakers, the law minister continued the
clause by clause consideration of the Bill. After adaptation of law to revive
the old system, MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari on a point of order condemned
the move and termed it the revival of dictator Ziaul Haqs black order. On
the other hand, jubilant MPAs of ruling PPP were seen hugging and
congratulating each other.
The National Assembly passed Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical
University Bill amid a strong protest from the opposition benches. The
opposition lawmakers, holding the pictures of Quaid-e-Azam, strongly
opposed the change of the name of PIMS. We will not accept insult of our
Quaid at any cost, they said, chanting slogans.
A report of the Senate Standing Committee on Law, Justice and
Parliamentary Affairs on the 24th Constitutional Amendment Bill, for the
purpose of creation of Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab out of the Punjab, came
before the Senate, but with a note of dissent from senior PPP leader Raza
Rabbani who severely criticized the idea, saying it was an inappropriate time
for the move.
Governor State Bank of Pakistan said the central bank would provide
lists of bank defaulters to the ECP on February 26, asking defaulters to settle
1080
their matters with the banks a day earlier. Yaseen Anwar said this while
briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Finance Revenue and Economic
Affairs that met with its chairperson Senator Nasrin Jalil in the chair.
On 22nd February, acting Sindh Governor Nisar Ahmed Khuhro signed
the Revived Sindh Local Government Ordinance 1979 Bill-2013 after
Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad left for London. Summoning of the governor by
Altaf Hussain surprised political analysts who were predicting that MQM
would not leave ground for the PPP to get signed the Revived Sindh Local
Government Ordinance 1979 Bill-2013. However, the exit of the governor
made the way clear for the PPP to get signed the bill by acting Governor.
MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said that the PPP stabbed the back of the
people of Sindh by repealing the Sindh Peoples Local Government Act2012. He went on to say that MQM is the second largest party in the Sindh
Assembly with 51 MPAs, hoping that the speaker would issue the
notification confirming Syed Sardar Ahmed as the opposition leader
immediately.
On 24th February, Ashraf Mumtaz of TheNation reported that although
the Muttahida Qaumi Movement ostensibly opposed the repeal of the
Peoples Sindh Local Government Act (PSLGA) and its replacement with
the 1979 Zia-era local bodies system, analysts say the estranged party has
in fact helped the PPP do what it wanted to do and what is in the interest of
the both the erstwhile allies. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebads departure
to Dubai en route to London at this crucial moment facilitated the PPP to put
in place a system which his party the MQM claims to be strongly
opposed to.
Qamar Zaman Kaira appealed to judges to bar the media from
publishing or airing their remarks made during the hearings of cases. The
PPP minister maintained that only the court decisions should be published
and not the comments of the judges during the proceedings. This will
remove the impression of trial of any specific party, he added. He said that if
the media and the Election Commission prepare a code of conduct for
elections media coverage, the PPP would support it.
Trade centres and business houses in the second largest city of the
province of Sindh observed a shutter down strike in protest against the a
statement of provincial education minister vowing not to allow setting up of
a Hyderabad University. In his address to the Convocation of Jamshoro
University, Provincial Education Minister, Pir Mazharul Haq had revealed
1081
that he would not allow the setting up of a University in Hyderabad city and
would stand in the way of any such efforts.
Rule of law: On 20th February, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice

remarked that tax recovery is not being made despite court's orders and the
accused are being given clean chit; therefore, the court cannot shut its
eyes. He gave these remarks while presiding over a 3-member bench of the
Supreme Court during the course of hearing of International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) containers.
During hearing the court sought details of the recovery of taxes. Rana
Shamim of NAB told that a sum of Rs5.6 million was recovered. The CJ
inquired the recovery made so far constitutes what percentage of the real
amount. Rana Shamim said over 11,000 show-cause notices have been
issued. The CJ observed it looks apparently no progress has been made. This
is a clear case wherein evasion of billion of rupees has been made under tax
head. The hearing of the case was adjourned till February 22.
On 22nd February, Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) submitted its final
challan with Control of Narcotics Substances Court (CNSC) Rawalpindi,
declaring Federal Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Ali Musa Gilani, the
son of former Prime Minister and former Principal Secretary to PM,
Khushnood Akhter Lashari and 12 others, as accused in ephedrine illegal
quota allotment case.
The court declared Khushnood Akhter, Tauqir Ali Khan and Anjum
Shah as absconders while the rest are on bails. The final challan also
included the names of 52 witnesses and recorded statements of 125 people.
The ANF investigators also attached the details of frozen assets of those
involved in the case including Ali Musa Gillani and Makhdoom
Shahabuddin. Special Judge later deferred the hearing till March 8.
The Supreme Court observed that if the FBR makes recovery only of
custom duties then much money would be collected that the next budget
could be deficit-free. Chief Justice, heading a three-judge bench, which
heard ISAF container case, sought details from the FBR about how much
money has not been recovered yet and how many cases, involving national
wealth, were pending in the Tribunals and the High Courts by 25th February.
In the ISAF containers scam despite the SC order the FBR had so far
recovered only Rs5.6 million out of Rs45 billion. The chief justice said that
billion of rupees have been stuck up in cases where no stay has been granted,
it seem that FBR does not want to recover the national wealth, he added. The
1082
court gave 15 days to Director General NAB, Sindh Wajid to file references
against those involved in the ISAF containers scam.
The NAB sought more time for filing reference against the accused
persons of the scam to which the Chief Justice recalled the FTO report in the
scam, saying, In view of findings of FTO, the report had been accepted by
apex court through judicial order direction have been made that let the
NAB conduct thorough and proper investigation it does not mean that the
NAB authorities sit on FTO report accused persons should be confronted
with contents of the report and let the trial courts decide. The hearing was
adjourned till February 25.
Next day, FIA wrote letters to US and UK in connection with the
arrests of three accused in NICL case involving a corruption of Rs5 billion.
Passports of the three accused including a former trade secretary have also
been canceled. The main accused in the NICL case, is a holder of Pakistan as
well as US passports and nowadays residing in the United States. The former
director NICL Amin Qasim Dada and former trade secretary Muhammad
Javed are presently in UK.
Defiance of judiciary: On 18th February, the Supreme Court

directed the concerned authorities to make tangible efforts to bring former
Chairman OGRA, Tauqir Sadiq back from UAE to Pakistan. During the
hearing Justice Khawaja questioned the FIA that under what grounds the
Tauqir Sadiq is detained in UAE while having no valid passport. Prosecutor
General assured the court that the NAB is making all possible efforts to
apprehend the accused saying documentation relating to extradition and
deportation of Tauqir Sadiq has also been finalized.
Next day, the Supreme Court turned down NAB chairmans request
for discharging the contempt notice served on him for ridiculing the
judiciary. His attack was against the apex court, held the chief justice, who
was heading a three-judge bench that did not exempt the retired admiral
from personal appearance. Navid Rasul Mirza insisted that his client had
great respect for the judiciary and he never thought of committing contempt
of court.
On 20th February, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the news
items that appeared in two dailies reading the government constituted a
commission to probe the contents of the letter written by NAB chairman to
President Zardari. The court also rejected the prayer to exempt the NAB
chairman from personal appearance in the contempt case against him. NAB
chiefs counsel Navid Rasool Mirza told the bench that he had no knowledge
1083
of the commission. Upon this, the court has also issued notices to publishers,
printers and editors of those newspapers, which had published this news
regarding the formation of the commission. The hearing of the case was
adjourned till March 14.
Taming the military: On 21st February, the military dispelled the

reports that it favours the postponement of the forthcoming general
elections. Pakistan Army puts its weight behind the democratic process in
Pakistan, said ISPR Director General during an informal interaction with a
select group of defence correspondents. General Bajwa reiterated that the
military supported free and fair polls like everybody else.
Next day, hearing Adiala Jail missing prisoners case, the Supreme
Court directed secretary FATA to furnish the complete record of 11 missing
prisoners on February 26. Chief Justice made it clear that the responsible
authorities would have to answer of 11 missing prisoners. It is to be noted
that out of 11, four prisoners have already died during the two years under
the custody of spy agencies.
Deputy Attorney General told the bench that internment centre had
received an application regarding the release of these prisoners; therefore a
medial check-up would be initiated. He also said centres review board
would decide their plea as per medical check-up soon. He said that the court
should have been careful regarding its jurisdiction in FATA.
Recessing economy: On 19th February, just a few days before the

expiration of its term, the PPP-led federal government brought in a new
economic guru, the fifth finance minister, as the country's economic
indicators touch the lowest ebb. The government replaced Abdul Hafeez
Shaikh, with Minister of State for Investment Saleem Mandviwala.
Baloch militancy: On 18th February, Pakistan formally handed

over Gwadar Ports operations and development of its infrastructure to
China at a signing ceremony held at the Presidency in Islamabad. President
Asif Ali Zardari, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Liu Jian, Foreign Minister
Hina Rabbani Khar, federal ministers, members of parliament and
government officials were present at the occasion. Though Federal Minister
for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghori could not attend the ceremony, the
president lauded his efforts in facilitating the transfer of port operations to
China.
The deal offered China an energy and trade corridor that would
connect it to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of
1084
the world oil trade. Experts say it would cut thousands of kilometres off the
distance which oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East have to
make to reach China. Indian Defence Minister had already expressed
concerns over the deal.
The family members of the deceased and Hazaras continued their sitin, placing the dead bodies on Alamdar Road, Quetta. Thousands of mostly
women, but also men and children, blocked Alamdar Road in Quetta,
vowing to continue their sit-in until the authorities take action against the
extremists behind the attack which also wounded more than 200 people.
Karachi came to a halt as public transport workers and traders stopped
work after a Shiite party called a protest strike. Schools were closed, traffic
was off the roads and attendance in offices was thin. Several political and
religious parties have backed the strike call. Protesters on the edge of the
capital Islamabad also shut down the main road leading to the airport.
Protests were also held in almost every major city of the country where
demonstrators blocked major roads paralyzing routine life.
Assuring the Hazara community of taking strict action against
terrorists and miscreants, Prime Minister stressed the need for collective
action and wisdom to eliminate terrorism. It is not time for political divide.
It is not time to discriminate between the government and the Opposition.
We only need collective wisdom and action for nations deliverance from
challenges it is faced with, he said.
Following the bombings in Quetta and assassination of Shia leaders in
Lahore and Karachi, the security agencies have sent a stern warning to the
provincial governments, urging them to take all necessary steps against the
militants linked to banned outfits and the well-wishers of the terrorists.
Intelligence sources said that the extremists linked to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ)
and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) from the Southern Punjab were carrying
out sectarian attacks against minorities not only in Punjab but also in
Balochistan.
There are some confidential reports suggesting regular contacts
between the hard-line religious extremists and a few political leaders. The
federal ministries are asked to take up the issue with the provincial
authorities, an official of the Military Intelligence (MI) said, referring to
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. The official also confirmed that some
political leaders were already put on the watch-list of agencies.
When asked about the statement of Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar
Magsi that the security forces were either scared or incapable of taking
1085
action against militant groups in Pakistan, another intelligence official

rejected the claim straight. We need to find out the real motives behind the
assaults. Discrediting the government for political mileage does not suit
anybody at a time when the country is confronting multiple threats on the
external and internal fronts, the official cautioned.
Underlining that Saturdays attack in Quetta was the second against
Hazaras, UN Secretary-General called for quick action against those
responsible. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attack in
Quetta, targeting the Hazaras which resulted in more than 80 persons killed,
his spokesman said in a statement issued last night.
Reportedly, federal government was weighing options to launch a
targeted operation against those involved in killings of Hazaras in Quetta.
The president called Balochistan Governor and asked him to seek help from
the Pakistan Army, if necessary. The president directed the provincial
governor to order an immediate action against those nominated by the elders
of Hazara community.
There are three localities including Akhrottabad in Quetta where the
alleged culprits are said to be residing and the provincial government should
immediately arrest them, President told the governor. However, some
sources said that the government was indecisive about its strategy to handle
the situation and was just trying to gain time until the installation of a
caretaker.
Chief Justice, taking suo motu notice of the massacre of Hazara
community, issued notices to the AGP and the Balochistan advocate general
and fixed the matter for hearing on February 19. During the hearing of
Balochistan law and order case on February 15, the chief justice said the
state was responsible for enforcing the fundamental rights enshrined in
Article 9 of the Constitution, so concrete and effective steps must be taken to
protect the fundamental rights of people of Balochistan.
Meanwhile, some unidentified criminals blew up three electricity
towers in the area of Kohlu early morning. Explosives were planted to the
three electricity towers in Mawand area of Kohlu. The blast damaged the
towers, suspending electricity supply to the surrounding areas.
Next day, President Zardari had a detailed session with Prime Minister
and Chief of Army Staff over the fast deteriorating law and order situation,
particularly in Balochistan, and the ways and means to bring things under
control. Reportedly, COAS assured complete support to the government in
bringing peace to Balochistan within the ambit of the constitution.
1086
Majalis Wahdat-e-Muslieem (MWM) General Secretary Alama

Ameen Shaheedi called off sit-in of Hazara community and said the dead
bodies of Hazara town incident would be buried at 9am tomorrow. He said
that the heirs of victims have now accepted their announcement
wholeheartedly; earlier end of sit-in was opposed by some youngsters. He
said that they are standing by the families of the victims, adding that they
would not allow anybody to do politics and divert this movement.
Earlier, Prime Minister had sent a six-remember committee headed by
Qamar Zaman Kaira to Quetta. The committee met Governor and discussed
the law and order situation in the province. They later met with leaders of
QYC Abdul Qayyum Changezi, Sardar Saadat Ali Hazara and other religious
Shia scholars and persuaded them to end their sit-in.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz ordered immediate launch of a targeted
operation aimed at eliminating those responsible for playing with lives of
innocent people, and to restore peace and security in Quetta. The Prime
Minister also ordered transfer of IG Balochistan Tariq Omar.
Security forces killed four terrorists and arrested seven others,
including a high-value target, in a pre-dawn raid on suburban areas of
Quetta; two law enforcers were also hurt. One of the masterminds of
Saturday's attack was among those in custody. Sources said the group (LeJ)
was planning a deadly attack on the Hazara community. The action was
taken on a tip-off about the presence of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi operatives in
suburban area.
The Supreme Court raised serious questions about the competence of
intelligence agencies, and stated someone must be held responsible for the
failure to protect the people of Balochistan. Conducting the hearing of the
Hazara killings suo moto case, Chief Justice remarked if former chief
minister Nawab Aslam Raisani could be held responsible for a previous
attack, then why not the prime minister or the governor for the recent one.
He also said the court would not order deployment of army in Balochistan,
adding it would not go beyond its limit.
The chief justice expressed dissatisfaction over the response from the
interior and defence secretaries, who said he did not get enough time to
collect reports from the intelligence agencies in Balochistan and could
submit a detailed one if more time was given. Justice Chaudhry questioned
why the agencies had failed in collecting information before the hearing of
the case. He said a strong will was required to counter terrorism and that the
1087
government could engage tribal elders and political forces to take action
against outlaws.
In the wake of serious threats to their lives, a large number of the
Hazara community members were leaving Pakistan for settlement in
Australia or to stay there as refugees. The number of applicants seeking
immigration and asylum in Australia has seen an rise since the last month's
deadly attack in Quetta. Chief of the Hazara tribe Sardar Sadat said that his
tribe members were mostly applying for Australia due to its relaxed visa
policy and related factors.
In India, Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid commented on
Chinas taking control of Pakistan's Gwadar Port that it raised tension in his
country. He said that there was a need to maintain a balance between India
and China over the strategic Gwadar port issue.
On 20th February, scuffles broke out as the Hazara community buried
the 113 victims of a second major bomb attack in five weeks. A contingent
of security forces rushed and tried to pacify young mourners by resorting to
aerial firing. These young mourners also exchanged fire with police. Reports
said they resisted the burial of their kin and called for an army action against
militants. Nevertheless, the annoying situation triggered a stampede.
Meanwhile, life returned to normalcy and routine activities were restored as
demos were called off across country. A C-130 airplane shifted nearly 40
injured of the blast to Karachi for treatment.
An intelligence report submitted in the Supreme Court during hearing
of the suo moto notice taken in the aftermath of the deadly blast in Quetta
city revealed the government had prior information of the attack. Terrorists
had planned to bomb a religious procession of the Hazara community on
January 10, but then they changed their plan and carried out a blast on
February 16 instead, detailed the ISI report which was read out in the
courtroom and was requested to be kept confidential. It stated the ISI had
warned the government of a possible terrorist attack beforehand.
Chief Justice questioned the justification behind doing nothing if the
provincial government had the information available on January 27, noting
that it was 35 to 40 per cent accurate. Justice Chaudhry observed that the
intelligence agencies had completed their job, but the civil administration
could not take steps to counter the attack. Upon this, the Balochistan
advocate general replied the government received many intelligence reports
and in most cases they did not know where an attack might take place. To
1088
this, Justice Chaudhry said all concerned institutions should have conducted
search operations.
According to the ISI report, the information about obtaining of
explosive from Lahore and possibility of fresh terror attacks on the Shia
community on the day of the chehlum was shared with the civil
administration. The IB report, submitted by Interior Secretary, said the civil
administration had failed to avert the incident by not acting timely.
Balochistan Additional Home Secretary told the bench the provincial
administration had transferred the DIG (Operations). He said they had
arrested seven persons, of them four Shah Wali Mukaram, Abdul Wahab,
Naeem Khan and Anwar Khan were the assassins, financer and
mastermind of the bombing. The water tanker used by them was prepared in
a garage in Hazar Gunji.
When the proceedings began in the morning, no one from the federal
or the provincial governments was present. The justices had to wait for the
attorney general and the defence and interior secretaries. Earlier, the court
asked the president, prime minister and the Balochistan governor to submit
their replies through the attorney general for Pakistan regarding the incident.
The court also summoned the Balochistan home secretary, Quetta CCPO and
Frontier Corps commandant to appear in person. The hearing was adjourned
till tomorrow.
As the lawmakers succeeded to bring the absent Interior Minister
Rehman Malik into the Senate to have his version on the Quetta killings, he
came with the disclosure that the explosive material used for the horrible
incident was transported from Lahore by Lashker-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and all the
provinces had been asked for action against the banned outfit.
Rehman Malik said that Al-Qaeda, Lashker-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had the nexus and his ministry had
written all the provinces to take strict action against LeJ. He further said that
it was also a fact that LeJ, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and BLA had
connections what he said it a broader conspiracy to disintegrate Balochistan.
Declaring that the day-to-day law and order was the prime
responsibility of the provinces after the 18 th Amendment and Federal Interior
Ministry had job to give policy and share intelligence based information, he
said three security alerts were issued to Balochistan government and the last
one was regarding an explosion on Saryab Road. Summon all the chief
ministers and call them to question, he added.
1089
He said that liquid bomb was used for the first time in February 16
incident with the composition of diesel and potassium chloride and that was
prepared in Lahore by LeJ activists and transported from there to Quetta
through water browser. We have arrested seven accused in connection with
this terrorist activity during a raid in Lahore while four were killed in the
encounter, he informed the house. He said LeJ had headquarter in Lahore
and sub-headquarter in Karachi and there was need for action against its
chief Malik Ishaq and other activists of the banned outfit placed on the
fourth schedule.
We have arrested 30 terrorists of LeJ, SSP and Jesh-e-Mohammad in
Karachi for their alleged involved in terrorists activities, he said adding that
he would still stick to his stance that that these banned organizations were
involved in Karachi killings at that time and banned Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) was not at all. Reiterating his previous statements, he also
said there was information of some terrorist activities in Karachi, Quetta and
Peshawar.
He requested the house to get passed the important legislations like
Anti-Terrorism Bill, Evidence Act and Anti-explosive Material Bill pending
with the parliament that would definitely pave way to end the menace of
terrorism in the country. He also endorsed that Quetta blast was an
intelligence failure but requested the house not to blame intelligence and
security agencies as their personnel had sacrificed their lives for the sake of
the country.
Nawaz Sharif demanded the government draft a special law for the
earliest punishment to the culprits of Hazara massacre. He phoned Sardar
Saadat Hazara and shared grief over the tragedy. During talks with Sardar
Saadat, Nawaz also called for punishing the police and the intelligence
people whose negligence brought about this incident.
Altaf Hussain has criticized the decision of Shiite elders to end Quetta
protest and sit-in state without taking the bereaved families into confidences
as the demands were not fulfilled. He was addressing the MQM's Rabta
Committee simultaneously in Karachi and London. Altaf Hussain stated that
'one-sided' move to end the sit-in was tantamount to hurting the Shia faith
and added that some elements were doing politics over the bodies of Quetta
blast victims. Allama Amin Shaheedi rejected Altafs viewpoint.
Next day, contrary to the stance of intelligence agencies, ISI and IB,
the Balochistan provincial administration told the Supreme Court that the
information provided to them was not specific about the February 16
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bombing. Attorney General for Pakistan Irfan Qadir submitted a report on

behalf of the federation, and said it should be treated as report from both the
prime minister and the president. He requested the court to keep the contents
of the report confidential.
The chief justice told the Quetta CCPO that they have great trust in
him. The police should have launched the crackdown and after complete
combing they could have traced out the culprits, the CJP said. He gave
example of General Imran who in 1986 launched a cleanup operation. The
chief justice remarked, You should keep in your mind that you are not only
the CCPO of Quetta but also a son of the soil. It is your duty to protect their
(follow citizens) lives as God has given you this opportunity.
An Additional and Sessions court acquitted Jamhoori Watan Party
leader Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti in illegal weapons case. Shahzain was
arrested along with his companions at Bulali check post on December 22,
2010 by Frontier Corps which had claimed to have seized heavy cache of
weapons from Shahzains fleet. Meanwhile, three people including a woman
were killed in different incidents of violence in the province.
On 22nd February, the Punjab police initiated action against banned
militant organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi that purportedly claimed
responsibility for bombing the Hazara community in Quetta. Police in
Rahim Yar Khan arrested Ahle Sunnat wal-Jamaat Deputy Ameer Malik
Muhammad Ishaq from his residence and took him to the district jail. In
Islamabad, Interior Minister called on President Zardari and briefed him
about the law and order situation prevailing in the country.
Talking to reporters on the occasion, Malik Ishaq said no leader or
worker of Ahle Sunnat and Sipah-e-Sahaba, the LeJ parent group, was
involved in the Quetta blast. He condemned the arrest of religious scholars,
terming it a cruel act. Ishaq said arrests on the direction of Rehman Malik
would sabotage efforts to maintain peace. He claimed 45 workers of Ahle
Sunnat were killed in the Quetta blast. He appealed to the chief justice of
Pakistan and the federal government to hold a joint meeting of Shia and
Ahle Sunnat leaders to find a solution to the problem.
Zafar Chattha, the district police officer in Rahim Yar Khan, said: LeJ
has accepted responsibility for the recent Quetta blast and Ishaq is its
supreme commander. That's why we have arrested him and 24 other LeJ
militants.
Chattha said Ishaq was being held under public order legislation and would
be held at least a month while investigators interrogated him. Ishaq was
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released from prison in July 2011 after spending 14 years behind bars
charged with 34 counts of culpable homicide and terrorism.
Frontier Corps raided Nakhel Street of Nawa Killi and shot dead two
men and nabbed four others in a shootout during a raid in the outskirts of
Quetta in which four security personnel got injured. FC also conducted a
raid in Qambrani area of Quetta and killed four suspected terrorists, besides
arresting several others.
Following the incident, activists of Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat placed
the bodies of Manan and Qasim outside the Quetta Press Club and staged
demonstration against the security forces, saying that the deceased were
innocent. Shouting slogans against the governor and security forces, they
demanded release of ASWJ leader Muhammad Ramzan Mengal who was
arrested by law enforcement agencies. The protestors later moved to TNT
Chowk where they staged a sit-in along with the dead bodies.
Federal Law Minister said that governor rule in Balochistan would be
lifted before March 14. He denied consideration of any proposal to extend
governor rule. An extension order from parliament was needed after two
months but government had no intention of extending governor rule, he
added.
Next day, Police registered a case for injuring seven Ahle Sunnat-WalJamaat workers during a rally in Quetta. The case had been registered
against Balochistan Shia Conference President Dawood Agha, Hazara
Democratic Party (HDP) Chairman Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Majlise-Wadatul
Muslimeen Chairman Amin Shaeedi and four others on the complaint of
Jamal Shah, an injured worker of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat.
Hazara Democratic Party opposed handing over Quetta to army while
condemning another Shia representative organization over playing politics
over the dead bodies of Hazara youth and demanded that the head of the
banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi be put on trial. Party Chairman Abdul Khaliq
Hazara said the policymakers of the county have stained Pakistans land
with bloodshed for the pursuance of the interests of Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Officials said earlier this week that security forces had killed four men
and detained more than 170 alleged suspects. LJ emerged as a spin-off from
mujahideen groups which were funded by the US CIA and backed by the
Pakistani intelligence services during the 1980s war against Soviet troops in
neighbouring Afghanistan. Ishaq, who has been arrested before, was released
by a court on bail in July 2011, even though he has been implicated in
dozens of murders.
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Interior Minister Malik said that the federal government will take
action by its own if Punjab government failed to hunt down terrorists in the
province.
Malik said the top leadership of Lashkar-e-Jhanjvi (LeJ) was based in
Punjab. Terrorists are having havens in Punjab, he said, adding that greater
steps were required to nab the violence mongers and terrorists in that
province.
While criticizing the performance of the federal government towards
curbing terrorism in the country, Nawaz Sharif said killing of innocent
Hazara people in Quetta could have been averted had the government taken
timely and effective measures after the Alamdar Road tragedy. Talking to
media people at the residence of martyred eye surgeon Dr Ali Haidar, Nawaz
Sharif said after the Alamdar Road incident the government should have
taken the matter seriously, but it did nothing as a result of which the Hazara
Town tragedy took place.
On 24th February, two suspects were killed and four others were
arrested by Frontier Corps in a targeted operation in Qila Abdullah,
bordering with Afghanistan. Acting on a tip-off, the FC carried out operation
in which security personnel seized rocket launchers, hand grenades,
Kalashnikovs and explosives from the possession of suspects. Meanwhile,
unidentified gunmen shot dead six Pathan labourers in tehsil Pasni.
The activists of Sunni Tehrik took out a rally to protest against target
killing and terrorism in the country particularly in Karachi and called upon
the government to launch an army operation against terrorists in Karachi,
Quetta and Southern Punjab. The speakers said that terrorists were hiding
under the umbrella of some parties and called upon the government to nab
those patronizing terrorists.
Interior Minister Malik claimed that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi had links with each other. Malik said Malik Ishaq and
Allama Ludhiyanvi were leading two groups of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi with the
new name, Ahle Sunnah wal-Jamaat. He said that due to the action taken
by the government, the banned outfits had been crushed and now they were
on the run. He criticized the Punjab government for not taking proper action
against these outfits.
Minister of State for Information Samsam Bokhari criticized the
Punjab government for its policy of appeasement towards violent sectarian
groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Siphah-e-Sahaba who are being allowed
1093
by the Sharif rulers to use Punjab as their base camp to plan and carry out
deadly attacks against the minority communities in Balochistan and Sindh.
Turf war in Karachi: On 18th February, sectarian violence spread

out in various localities of Karachi during a strike call given by Shia Ulema
Council against the Quetta blast. At least four people of defunct Sipah-eSahaba were killed when gunmen resorted to firing outside a mosque located
in Patail Para area, while eight vehicles and five motorbikes were gutted. An
exchange of fire between the protesters and law-enforcement agencies
continued intermittently. in all ten people were killed in the city.
Meanwhile, a complete shutter-down and wheel jam strike was
observed in the metropolis on the call of multiple Shia organizations,
including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Shia Ulema Council and
others. The strike was also supported by Jamaat-e-Islami, Sunni Tehrik,
MQM, PTI JUI-P, PML-F and many traders and business bodies.
Next day, at least nine people were gunned down in various violent
incidents in the city. On 20th February, a PPP worker was among three
people killed in separate acts of violence. On 21 st February, five more people
were killed in separate acts of violence.
On 22nd February, ten people were killed in separate acts of violence
here. Two activists of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat, formerly known as outlawed
Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, were gunned down in remits of Site area police
station. Two policemen and four activists of religious parties were also
among those killed during the day.
The Supreme Court ordered the FIA director general to submit a
report within three days on failure of the Sindh FIA to stop Shahrukh Jatoi
from leaving the country. The court also disposed of the suo moto notice
about Shahzeb murder and directed the trial court to conduct day-to-day
hearings to conclude the case within seven days according to the provisions
of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. The apex court also directed monitoring judges
of the SC and the Sindh High Court to oversee the trial till its final
conclusion.
The chief justice, after going through the report submitted by the FIA
officials, said: The FIA has admitted that they failed to stop the accused
from leaving the country. Malik, on insistence of PPP MNA Nabeel Gabol,
alerted his staff on duty at the Karachi airport on December 25. They also
failed to trace how Shahrukh managed to avoid the immigration counters
and reached UAE.
1094
The FIA Karachi chief sought one week to get the details how the
accused left the airport on December 25 without having exit stamp on his
passport, but the court rejected his request. Malik claimed the boy reached
the plane with the help of two or three protocol officers of PIA and the
officers had not been coming to duty since then. The hearing about the
investigation of FIA into the escape episode was adjourned for 10 days. On
23rd February, twelve more people were killed in the city. Next day, three
people were shot dead, while three bullet-riddled bodies were found from
different areas in the city.
VIEWS
Power politics
The dual nationality debate: I ask myself a very simple and morally
relevant question: who is a more patriotic Pakistani? A Pakistani-born
national who holds dual nationality, resides overseas and has, in the last two
decades, remitted an enormous amount of hard-earned money back to his or
her native land, makes expensive air trips every year to visit his or her
birthplace and emotionally remains loyal to his or her cultural affiliations
and values by promoting the Pakistani community in his or her adopted
country? Or a Pakistani, who lives in Pakistan, embezzles remitted money,
violates national culture, indulges in corruption, money laundering, tax
evasion and is involved in multiple acts of moral and illegal conduct?
The ultimate irony, the most warped paradox of the contemporary
sham of muk-muka democracy in Pakistan, is that the political discourse of
the political leadership is focused on the destruction of democratic norms,
values and conventions that they claim to be saving. Such deceit, massive
exploitation and violation of public mandate is unprecedented in the history
of this nation. Non-issues, such as the dual nationality debate, are at the
forefront, while the matters that are certainly malignant to the core principles
and practices of parliamentary democracy are held in the background and
completely ignored.
Consider, for example, the following: the countrys President,
reportedly, accepts a gift of billions of rupees in the shape of an expensive
residential estate from a businessman in a metropolis and operates his
partys political campaign from there. It is a clear legal, moral and ethical
violation of the conflict of interest code of conduct in parliamentary
democracy. Yet, the main opposition partys leadership does not table a vote
1095
of no confidence against the President in the National Assembly; it does not

even raise an objection. The legislators, supposedly public representatives,
also do not demand his resignation on account of such a blatant breach of an
important and fundamental norm of democratic governance. The
justification offered by the opposition leaders and national legislators for this
kind of unconstitutional and morally bankrupt political discourse is that they
do not wish to derail the nascent democracy. What baloney! What a shame!
Balochistan is burning and dissident political activists are
disappearing in scores on a daily basis. The Hazara community is being
mercilessly killed and yet, the federal and provincial governments are not
willing to accept the responsibility of such grave mismanagement of national
affairs. There are no resignations, no reprimands, no demands by the
opposition in the central legislature for the removal of the current political
administration. Our democracy-loving leadership claims that their political
behaviour is in the interest of saving democracy in the country.
The fact of the matter is that in a true democracy, even the death of a
single citizen caused by the political regimes inefficiency and lack of
security and safety for peoples lives and property is enough reason for an
elected government to resign collectively or at least, for the responsible
cabinet minister to exit voluntarily.
Here, in this country of the pious and honourable, common citizens
experience holocausts on a daily basis. American drones reign lethal fire
from the sky at dawn and in the middle of the night, killing innocent men
and women their children constantly living in fear; suicide bombers
blowing themselves up amidst crowded market places, spilling human body
parts and blood everywhere. Ask the Hazara community what this
democracy has given to their community. Ask the victims of drone attacks
what it means to lose an entire family. And yet, the entire political leadership
is singularly focused on saving the nascent democracy.
Is it not ironic that the traditional political leadership has just woken
up, after five-long years, to initiate peace talks with the insurgent forces?
How much more apathy of this muk-muka democracy, hell-bent on saving
this sham, manipulative, willfully and knowingly organized violence against
the Pakistani society, can be tolerated? What kind of democracy is this and
what democracy do they claim to be saving?
Even more sad and ironic is the predicament that seemingly all of the
electronic media, save a couple of TV anchors, and all of the traditional
leadership have decided to turn a non-issue into a major national debate and
1096
paradox the questions about a Pakistanis dual nationality; his or her

loyalty to the nation, legal and constitutional rights and obligations, and
inherent, non-revocable claims as a native citizen of this country.
The recent Supreme Court comments during a hearing on Dr Qadris
petition on the composition of the Election Commission of Pakistan has
added fuel to the fire. The fact of the matter is simple: a dual nationality
holder Pakistani is entitled to all rights reserved for all native-born citizens,
except where the constitution specifically constrains or demands a certain
legal course of action.
Then the question is: why such an enraged political-media debate on
this issue? The answer is simple: Dr Qadris political doctrine, his abrupt
entry into political activism and his emerging standing as a political
phenomenon (similar to Imran Khans tsunami) has challenged the present
corrupt system, its traditional leadership, its farsooda political culture and
has threatened the forces of political status quo and the ruling elites mantra
of saving democracy in Pakistan.
Hence, the debate on the dual nationality issue is a pretext to launch
an assault on the credibility of those who have finally decided to challenge
and bring unqualified, inefficient and selfish politicians to task. That is the
crux of the debate on dual nationality and, unfortunately, a large segment of
the electronic media has chosen to expand this meaningless and absurd
discussion to the centre stage of national politics.
Added to this predicament is an emerging dilemma in Pakistan: a
national trend to organize the entire society on a purely legalistic framework.
Indeed, it is good that everyone is treated equally before the law. However,
in civilized societies, not every problem is resolved by or referred to a court
of law. People take moral-ethical responsibility for their conduct. They make
sound and fair judgments based on moral-ethical developments. They
minimize the gaps in a conflict situation and they make mature, rational and
commonsense decisions in the affairs of their lives and community living.
The issue of dual nationality is simple. It does not need a judicial
review or an extensive media trial. It is a matter of applying simple
rationality an acceptance of its moral-ethical obligations by the state and
a matter of simple judgment by the common citizens and people at large.
There is nothing more to it. (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 20th February)
ECP shows the way: It was only natural, - though a poor reflection
on parliament that the formation of the scrutiny committee by the Election
Commission of Pakistan, should have accentuated the insecurity of the
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parliamentarians, 70 percent of whom by different estimates are alleged to

be tax defaulters. The session of the National Assembly on Wednesday was
marked by an acute sense of paranoia amid vehement albeit a sordid desire
evinced by the legislators and members alike to clip ECPs wings.
Now what is it that the ECP has done to earn this wrath? Perhaps it
has had what the retrogressive bent of mind would consider the temerity to
hit at the parliaments underbelly. The scrutiny committee set up by the
commission would join forces with the FBR, NAB, State Bank of Pakistan
and NADRA to turf out contestants, who are in any way on the wrong side
of the law. The category includes; convicted politicians and loan and tax
defaulters. Also the letter sent by the ECP to 249 parliamentarians asking for
their educational certificates, seems to have struck a raw nerve in certain
legislators, provoking Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan
also a recipient of the letter and Law Minister Farook H Naek to bombard
the commission with a barrage of criticism. Comments such as vilification
of politicians were heard which reek of the tendency of keeping up the
masquerade. The PML-N that has been reiterating what it says is it
unflinching resolve to abide by the canons of good conduct, ought to curb its
members from being so brazen as to take on the role of devils advocate.
Definitely when one member of the assembly would start to muscle in on the
ECP to make an exception, the rest would think it well within their right to
follow suit. Let it be clear that the ECPs statute book is for everyone; those
failing to meet the new standards have no justification to talk of witchhunt.
Given the conflagration waiting to engulf the electoral process,
manoeuvring by many if not most of the political parties that could serve
such partisan interests ought to be discouraged. It is because of continued
inclination to condone meddling with the democratic process that the
electorate feel all the more reason why the present lot of legislators are not
fit to be in the assemblies. A success of the scrutiny process could mean that
a new lot of individuals hopefully of impeccable characters would be given
the chance to serve their country. (Editorial, TheNation 22nd February)
Downright scandalous: In all conscience, the PPPs penchant to
glorify two of its outstanding leaders, Benazir Bhutto, and Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto though both undoubtedly martyrs and individuals with a vast
following has started to turn on itself. The furore in the National Assembly
that followed the passage of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical
University (PIMS) bill that provides for the universitys affiliation with the
Quaid-i-Azam Post Graduate College was a glaring evidence of how the
1098
people have come to dislike such shenanigans. All such moves, intending to
throw into oblivion the name of the Quaid must be strongly condemned for
we stand to lose our identity and the purpose of our existence the moment
we forget who was the great statesman who gave us this country.
Among the protestors were PML-N and MQM; good as it may seem,
the latters uproar appears somewhat tainted owing to the recent attacks
made on the personality of the Quaid by the party chief. The move is more
than just a pretence of improvement of higher education apparently to
demonstrate to the people that this feat was another of PPPs great steps, it
shows the deteriorating levels of reverence for the Quaid. Over a period,
different parties and quarters have been in one way or other displaying their
disregard for history by twisting it and presenting the version that suits them
best, but there is absolutely no match when it comes to how the ruling PPP
has got it down to a fine art. It appears an effort is on to erase from peoples
consciousness the traces of Quaid or perhaps appropriate his legacy.
Consider for example how abruptly, the pictures and portraits of Quaid-iAzam have been obscured by photographs of the Bhutto Clan adorning the
backdrop every time President Zardari goes on airwaves from the
presidency. This has been done too frequently to inculcate in the audience
the thought that these two leaders of the party enjoy a similar place in
history. And besides there are plenty of examples one can find whereby
notable landmarks and public places have been renamed after the partys
leaders just for the purpose of self projection.
Granted Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto commanded an
incredible amount of support within Sindh, there is however no point in
trying to make them look bigger than the founder of the nation. These two
leaders have their own place in peoples hearts and minds, but going beyond
that will only draw massive outrage and anger. The PPP should know that it
is counterproductive; it is doing more than good to the image that is being
projected. (Editorial, TheNation 23rd February)
5 against 223: Among other things it had on its agenda, the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had also given a 15-day notice to 249 MPs
to get their submitted degrees verified, something they should have done a
long time ago, given that there have been cases of expulsion from Parliament
for this very same reason.
Out of the total of 249, who were asked to do so, only 26 came back
with their educational documents duly verified and found genuine. The ECP
letter of February 7 had clearly stated that those who failed to submit their
1099
degrees would be treated as fake degree holders and, therefore, have to face
criminal proceedings.
After all, faking your degree and lying brazenly to boot fall way short
of the expected qualities we would like to see in our lawmakers as also
stipulated in Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution which cannot be wished
away and which seem to have come into the forefront of late. After the lapse
of the 15-day deadline and no verified status for a bulk 223 degrees, the ECP
has stated that it has not withdrawn the issue of fake degree and has also
resolved to implement the order of the Supreme Court in letter and in spirit.
The huge irony in this episode has been that the biggest routers for
implementing all Supreme Court orders, the camp of PML-N, led by its top
leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, have publicly criticized and opposed the
ECPs move to get the degrees of the 249 MPs verified, even though they
are only implementing the 2010 orders of the Supreme Court.
Jo dar gaya, wo mar gaya (the afraid are as good as dead) is the
name of a movie, which comes to mind with this scenario. It is the five men
comprising the Election Commission, led by the illustrious Fakhru Bhai,
who are up against this hugely powerful but immensely irritated lobby of
parliamentarians.
The ECP has the support and backing of the vast majority and it is
now up to them to prove that they will not succumb to pressure or deserve
the same label as that of the mentioned movie.
Feathers of this frenzied VIP flock have been further ruffled by the
fact that the ECP has constituted a committee to identify tax evaders, loan
and utility bill defaulters and beneficiaries of written-off loans. It is an
altogether new phenomenon. The power lobby is far too used to managing
and removing all irritants in its way and it is to be seen how they wiggle out
of this particular situation
It is, therefore, important for all of us to put our collective weight
behind the five men who constitute the ECP and ask them not to be afraid of
the bullies and to exert the authority that the constitution gives them so it
is not 5, but 18 crore versus 249. (Tallat Azim, TheNation 24th February)
Baloch militancy
Who is behind Hazaras slaughter? The heart-rending holocaust
was of course the most terrible one. A columnist in English daily came out
with five narratives, including the one: The Punjab-did-it narrative: In
uniformed power circles here, the question remains: Why is the LeJ The
1100
Army of Jhang not in the Punjab? Why are there sectarian tensions
spilling over in Quetta, Karachi and even Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? The
answer: The Punjab government may have aligned itself with sectarian
elements, or at least reached a truce with them, encouraging them to fan
out. No evidence is offered for this perspective.
There is a perception that the PML-N has soft corner for the militant
organizations, and Rana Sanaullah has connection with Malik Ishaq. Of
course, political parties wish to draw a political mileage by discrediting the
government so that they can enjoy the support of the religious right in the
forthcoming elections.
The question is why the previous provincial government and now the
civil administration under the Balochistan governor did not take measures to
protect the Hazara (Shia) community. Governor Zulfiqar Magsi has blamed
the military and agencies for their failure to stop violence in Balochistan.
But one could ask him why his administration did not depute CID and
security personnel to go after the savage murderers and dismantle their
sleeper cells
It is unfortunate that at a time when members of security institutions
are laying down their lives while fighting terrorists, they are being blamed
by some unconscionable elements either for not doing enough, or for turning
a blind eye to the pernicious acts of terrorism. An anchorperson and
columnist of a renowned media group continues his onslaught against the
military and intelligence agencies and resorts to illogical discourse and
irrelevant references. In his column published on February 18, 2103, he
asked the Balochistan governor what action he had taken after the failure of
the intelligence agencies.
He also demanded the supreme commander of the armed forces and
president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez
Kayani as to who was responsible for stopping the water tanker carrying
1,000kg explosives from entering Quetta. Instead of asking questions, he
should understand that after handing over operations of Gawadar Port to
China and Pakistans decision to go ahead with Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline,
Pakistans enemies would try to fan sectarian hatred and create mistrust
between Pakistan and Iran. (Muhammad Jamil, TheNation 19th February)
Balochistan burns: There is reason to believe, or perhaps events
from the past tell us that considering the challenge at hand, President
Zardaris emergency meeting with Prime Minister Raja Ashraf and the
COAS Gen Kayani more contemplation and debate than workable
1101
measures did not provide the hope that the beleaguered Hazara community
was looking for.
If those who hold the helm are undecided about what is to be done,
they are in fact aiding and abetting the killers to plan their next massacre.
Should the leadership fail to stand up to the scourge or should it fail to feel
as though their own near and dear ones are the victims, Pakistan would slip
further into anarchy and the rule of the non-state actors. The troika as well as
the Parliament agreed to a targeted operation while recoiling from the
thought of the army intervention, one of the major demands of the
protestors. There are, however reports in the press that military sources were
positive that the army could do the job. These are the circumstances, when
protection of the Hazara community ought to take precedence over other
concerns. So far as the police is concerned or the FC, they lack the resources
and the personnel as confessed by a senior police officer of the area, who
said that in most of the areas, there was no such thing as writ of the state.
On Tuesday, a claim appearing more of a balm to the protestors
was made by the FC that it had killed four terrorists and made some arrests
that the Prime Minister Raja Ashraf said, he was personally overseeing. The
Supreme Court as well the Parliament, too could do well to buck up the FC
letting it have the freedom when it comes to zeroing on the terrorists; since
they kill with impunity, they need to be stamped on with just as much
ruthlessness. For otherwise, there would no end to the reign of bloodletting.
Sadly, the role of the politicians left much to be desired. There was no open
condemnation of the terrorist outfit based in south Punjab that has been
carrying out a spate of attacks against the Shia community and not only that,
openly brag that by ethnic cleaning of the community, they were fulfilling a
great religious obligation. Imran Khan did criticize the outfit forcefully and
so did Mian Shahbaz Sharif who ordered a police action against its network
in the province, thus shrugging of the charge leveled against his party for
previously lending verbal support to the outfit. Meanwhile the arrest of a
suspect from Lahore with the discovery that it was from here that explosive
material was procured offers a crucial clue which will should help the
investigation process.
The continued attacks rocking Quetta point towards two corollaries;
first is that the Shia community now seems disposed to arming themselves
for their own security, and secondly the overall impact this senseless
bloodshed registers on the separatist sentiment in Balochistan. Time is of
essence. (Editorial, TheNation 21st February)
1102
When only death is not a sham: Enough is never enough, humanity

is not a consideration, and human life has no value for the military and
civilian rulers of our unfortunate nation. Hundreds are killed each month but
the rulers do not as much as blink an eye. Nobody is charged or tried,
although in most cases the perpetrators are known to the so-called lawenforcing agencies.
Be it the parading of a naked woman in the village on the orders of
local elders or the killing of innocent people in a citys streets by a mafia or
sectarian massacres in military-controlled Quetta of innocent and poor Shias,
all this happens because the law-enforcement and intelligence agencies are
deliberately looking the other way.
Who does not know that the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is killing Shias? This
criminal fundamentalist outfit was created during Zias rule allegedly under
the agencies patronage? How can we be sure that it does not continue to be
supported by some elements?
Our suspicions are justified by the fact that few Jhangvis have been
arrested or investigated for the first Quetta carnage this year. Have these
heinous criminals been given the license to kill innocent citizens by the
rulers? If no action is taken to arrest and prosecute the leaders of this gang as
well as those who carried out these two attacks, would the people not have
the right to question Zardari and Kayani? Zardari as he is the de facto head
of government and Kayani as he controls the defence establishment
including the ISI.
The killers are a law unto themselves or have powerful protectors.
Therefore lawlessness continues unabated at the expense of minorities, and
the poor are traumatized with the loss of loved ones. What is amazing is that
the provincial and federal governments do not hold the law-enforcing
agencies accountable for their gross failures, creating the impression that
they themselves are involved in the problem.
The ongoing case in the Supreme Court on Karachis law and order
shows clearly how uncooperative the Sindh administration is, how at each
step the courts are being stalled. From a clean administration one would
expect full cooperation; its absence shows just how unclean the affairs of the
countrys premier city are.
The opposition parties are mere spectators. No dharnas are held by
the major parties. Where is Imran Khan? Making a speech in Quetta is not
enough Mr Khan, the situation demands action on the streets and at the same
time in the courts against the perpetrators who are also known to you.
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Mr Nawaz Sharif, why is the countrys largest opposition party

inactive when people are being murdered? Are the minorities, Muslim or
otherwise, not worth protecting?
All one hears from politicians on talk shows and in the press, day in
and day out, is the elections, caretakers, Qadri bashing etc. The daily killings
take less than five to ten percent of the politicians time. Is this not a shame?
Do you need to be reminded that you seek the vote of the very people you
help to obliterate, for if you do not actively help to protect them, then you
are helping their killers? Or maybe we have forgotten that the large majority
of our politicians do not care for anything other than their own personal
interest and that is precisely why we are in this mess.
Some people and parties are trying to attribute the local mayhem to
the Taliban; this is neither correct nor credible. Our pattern of violence of the
last more than two decades has only changed periodically in intensity and
not in its mechanism and methods; therefore there is no indication of a new
player entering the fray.
While the present governments in the centre and the provinces, and
the military, are responsible for the crimes being committed against
humanity (and their unwillingness to act against the criminals is quite
evident), it is also very clear that the opposition has done nothing actively to
pressurize and force the governments to act.
The collective inaction, while people die for no reason or because they
belong to a minority sect, is nothing but a monumental shame for which all
are responsible. This sham democracy of ours is now fully exposed as it has
failed miserably to work in the interest of the people and has only served to
fill the coffers of the rulers and the establishment during the last five years.
The charade is based on a string of rigged elections since 1990 and an
arrangement of power adjustment with the military; therefore it can be
nothing other than sham. (Farooq Sumar, The News 21st February)
The Quetta massacre: Be that as it may, Quetta was already a hotbed
of activity. There were two major developments there, which were preceded
by two involving the USA. Then there was the background of the Baloch
armed struggle. The Quetta blast coincided with the handover to a Chinese
company of the management of Gwadar, after the Port of Singapore
Authority, initially given the contract, opted out. Then came the Riko Diq
mineral deposits decision, which upset the large mining companies. The
USA was involved by its confrontation with Iran over its alleged nuclear
programme.
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Balochistan has been used in the occupation of Afghanistan, and the

USA would want to use it in any invasion of Iran.
Also, the USA claims that Taliban chief Mullah Omar is in Quetta. All
this in a province that is already destabilized by the war on terror, and
already faces an armed uprising, missing persons aplenty and ethnic killings.
It is, perhaps, worth noting that the recent events did not involve the
war on terror, but the allegation is that there is an attempt to influence
domestic politics.
The PPP supporters are naturally taking aim at the Punjab
government, by raking up its Law Ministers links with sectarian activists,
thus putting up the allegation that the PML-N is a pro-sectarian party. This is
also meant to convince the USA that the PML-N, if it comes to office in the
general election, will not be as reliable an ally in the war on terror as the PPP
has been.
At the same time, there is also a sneaking suspicion that there is an
attempt to put off the elections. It is possible that the Election Commission
of Pakistan (ECP) may wash its hands of Quetta because of the instability
there, but unless it puts off elections there, as well as in one other province,
Sindh being the likeliest, the attendant benefits to the President will not
accrue.
If elections are postponed, the President (whose term expires this
year) will be re-elected by the existing Assemblies. Of course, if these
Assemblies are dissolved, the presidential election will have to await a
general election, with the incumbent staying in office till then.
One of the important factors behind this has been the demand that
there be an army operation against the terrorists. This has been taken to
mean that the Hazara community lacks trust in civilian institutions.
It has also been taken to mean that there is a danger of the military
taking over. That is not entirely unjustified, as the army has a previous
history of takeovers. However, no one now wants an opposition suppressed,
merely that the military perform its constitutionally prescribed role as the
states armed might.
The provincial government is supposed to guarantee the lives and
security of citizens. That they have been unable to do so for the Hazaras is
particularly unfortunate, considering their experience of persecution and
killing elsewhere (the uprisings in Afghanistan, the Iranian Revolution).
While they have been killed because of their sect, their ethnicity makes them
1105
a target, and their creation of enclaves within Quetta seems to have afforded
attackers the ease of targeting, rather than protection.
And while the PPP government was right to have imposed emergency
on the province last month, it should remember that that alone was not the
answer. Preventing further attacks was. That has not been done. Coming
elections are not relevant. Saving lives is. (M A Niazi, TheNation 22 nd
February)
Managing terrorism and coming elections: Who, besides
Musharrafs unpardonable hasty and selfish policies, is responsible for
Pakistans descent into lawlessness and chaos? None other than the
successor national and provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Balochistan.
Yes, the role of the intelligence and law enforcement agencies has
been poor and most disappointing, but whose job it was to ensure that these
entities were well manned, properly trained and equipped? That their work
was monitored carefully. What kind of police do we have in Karachi and
Quetta? Has their recruitment been on merit? Are they trained properly? Are
their placements done with care? And are the ruling political parties not
involved in the violent activities in the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan
and other places? Isnt it a fact that each of the coalition partners in the
Sindh province has militant wings that are patronized and funded by them?
And what about the IB - the major civilian intelligence agency of the
country? How independent and well equipped is it? What kind of
relationship does it have with the ISI and MI? How do these agencies
coordinate with each other and the provincial police and related departments
as also rangers, who off and on are hauled up for the police activities? How
promptly does the government act on the information and advice provided
by the agencies?
Do we have a national intelligence monitoring organization to see that
each of the agencies perform well and according to the policy and
procedures laid down? From their record of performance, it appears that
there is neither a well-devised policy, nor are the agencies personnel
properly trained and adequately equipped to counter terrorism
After almost five years of wasted opportunities, to expect from the
federal government, which is to disappear within a few weeks, that it would
transform itself into a serious, responsible entity able to take up the complex
and all-important task of framing a sound and workable policy and strategy
for counter-terrorism, is tantamount to asking for the moon. After more than
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four years of tinkering with the issue, the Cabinet did approve the setting up
of a counter-terrorism national organization late last year. It, however, has
remained a non-starter, as the legislative parameters have yet to be worked
out.
Who will do this most crucial job? Who will constitute the next
government? Will that be much different from the present one? Should the
caretaker administration, which essentially will be responsible for providing
maximum support to the Election Commission for holding free and fair
elections, take up the challenge of firmly and sagaciously formulating a
counter-terrorism policy and a well administered national agency to guide,
coordinate and monitor the many intelligence and counter-terrorism units?
Can it also initiate a reasoned dialogue with the authentic terrorist leaders?
Pakistan badly needs a good and clean leadership. The media, higher
judiciary, Imran Khan, Dr Tahirul Qadri and, to some extent, the PML-N
have made a considerable contribution towards awakening and sensitizing
the people of Pakistan to play a positive role to bring up, through the
elections, a government that possibly could usher in a change for the better.
Hoping against hope, let us look forward to a leadership with a difference.
Pakistans wholesome political future is anchored on two requisites.
One, the armed forces will continue to keep away from politics and remain
determined to resist the temptation of interfering in political matters. And
two, that the coming elections will not only be free and fair, but also bring in
a large number of honest, able and patriotic members of the National and
Provincial Assemblies. (Inayatullah, TheNation 23rd February)
Gwadar a port full of possibilities: As the US/NATO/ISAF
combine prepares to egress the AfPak Region (APR), we find Pakistan and
China manoeuvring decisively into strategically advantageous positions in
the region. Their strategic interests are converging on a grand scale at
Gwadar the centre of gravity and future strategic and economic hub of the
South-Central Asian Region (SCAR)-Greater Middle East Region (GMER)
complex.
Gwadar sits literally at the mouth of the strategically vital Straits of
Hormuz. The leverage it provides is priceless. Its strategic location makes it
ideal for any power intending to secure its energy sources in the region or to
dominate the SCAR-GMER complex, including all Sea Lines of
Communication (SLOCs) to and from the Persian Gulf.
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Furthermore, naval forces stationed at Gwadar or other Makran Coast

ports could potentially foray deep into the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean
too, even impacting east-west trade.
A sea-land trade route to and from western or southern Europe to
Russia via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, (North Africa and the Middle
East), Red and Arabian seas, Gwadar (Pakistan), Afghanistan and the CARs
could integrate regional economies and create mutually-beneficial
interdependencies. From Gwadar, another link could be created with the
Xinjiang province in western China, thus cutting by thousands the
kilometres Chinese ships would have to travel to and from China through the
Malacca Straits. India also could be accommodated at some appropriate
stage. Gwadar could provide trans-shipment facilities for the entire region.
An exhaustive network of roads and railways, therefore, needs to be
developed in the Gwadar hinterland connecting it with Xinjiang, Iran,
Turkey, Afghanistan, CARs and Russia.
It as a matter of fact could be a more cost effective, all-weather
alternative to the New Silk Route Project (NSRP). Thus, Chinas imperatives
to get to Gwadar are manifold.
The US is shifting pivot to the Asia Pacific as a part of its well known
policy to manage Chinas rise and to contain it. Sixty percent of its naval
assets are likely to be deployed to the Asia Pacific by 2020. This would
impact Chinas ability to foray out of its geographical confines to play a
proactive role in world politics and trade. It will contest being hemmed in or
circumscribed by the US and its allies.
Further, Chinas greatest vulnerability lies at the Malacca Straits,
which is the biggest chokepoint in the SLOCs to and from the Asia Pacific
region. Thus, any power (ostensibly, the US and its allies) controlling the
Malacca Straits could use this leverage to devastating strategic effect on any
country in Asia Pacific. By bringing the Straits of Hormuz within its
strategic reach, China would acquire a corresponding and competing
leverage.
India is expected to play a very important role in the manifestation of
this US grand strategic design.
Pakistan and China will do well to operationalize a north-south trade
corridor, emanating from the Xinjiang province and going down south to
Port Qasim, Karachi and Gwadar. This trade corridor must comprise an
expanded and improved KKH with a railway line running parallel to it By
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establishing the north-south trade corridor, the Chinese would literally

outflank the Indo-US design of containing it to a great extent.
Pakistan has done well to develop Gwadar into a meaningful port. Its
strategic implications are quite apparent. China is making a massive
investment in the Gwadar area, adding 20 more berths there and will also
develop the road infrastructure in its hinterland (Road Gwadar-Ratodero). It
also intends to create an Economic Zone in Gwadar, which should go a long
way in boosting the local, national and regional economy
Gwadar is truly a port of immense possibilities and will be the hub of
most political, strategic and economic developments in the region for a very
long time to come. (Imran Malik, TheNatiom 24th February)
Why trade accusations? Trading accusations while the country
bleeds sounds cynically apathetic. Both the federal and provincial
governments ought to have been seriously concerned over the terroristsectarian bloodbath besmirching the good name of Pakistan and posing it an
existentialist threat. The two governments should be putting their heads
together to find a way to stop the rot. There is no point in trying to put each
other in the dock. Both, the Centre and Punjab, have high stakes in a
peaceful Pakistan where people of different faiths mingle together and live
harmoniously.
As the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi is responsible for the Quetta carnage of the
Hazara (Shia) community, as the outfit has itself owned it, both the
governments should come down hard on it. There should be no second
thoughts about putting the accused behind bars; and evidence that is tenable
in a court of law must be prepared by the investigating agencies for the court
to accord them due punishment. However, this can only be done by
demonstrating team spirit and not by hurling allegations of either complicity
in the crime or inability to check it. The climate of dissension between the
federation and one of its units would not but be exploited by these elements,
made bold with religious zeal, to their advantage. Whether inspired by a
distorted sense of the teachings of the glorious religious of Islam, or
motivated by the extraneous sources hostile to Pakistan, their heinous crime
has the potential to destabilize the country. And that should be everyones
worry, of the entire citizenry as well as of the whole governmental
paraphernalia in the country.
It is unfortunate that with skeletons in the cupboard the years-long
target killings in Karachi, the separatist and sectarian forces on the rampage
in Balochistan and the rank failure in curbing the Taliban or al-Qaeda caused
1109
terrorism Interior Minister Rehman Malik should be zeroing in on Punjab

for the blame. Punjab has no choice but to react as both PML-N President
Mian Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif have. No
doubt, law and order is the responsibility of provinces. But then, there can be
no question about the statement of Mian Shahbaz that the law and order
situation as compared with the other provinces is the best in Punjab. The
wave of terrorism that had swept across the province has long since ebbed
away and that should go to the credit of the government of the day. Karachi,
where the three main political stakeholders have ruled for five years is a
standing indictment of their helplessness. There are even reports that their
own armed bands might be stirring the pot, and in such a messy atmosphere
all sorts of criminals find a fertile ground to make hay. There could be
foreign elements inciting violence, as Mr Rehman has said umpteen times,
leaving the beleaguered citizens wondering what is holding the government
back from rooting them out. The comments would apply, mutatis mutandis,
to Balochistan. The need of the hour is to shed the blame game and join
hands to make the country free from the terrorist-sectarian plague to pave
the way for Pakistan to become a progressive and prosperous land of peace.
(Editorial, TheNation 25th February)
Unholy descent into bloody chaos: Suggestions that all Hazara
Shias be immediately transferred from Balochistan to special enclaves,
perhaps in already volatile Karachi, in which they could be protected around
the clock are, to put it lightly, ridiculous in the extreme. Since, from any
humanitarian point of view, it is wrong to confine, in what sound like the
Jewish-style ghettoes of World War II, any segment of any population in a
supposedly free country in such a restrictive manner and where, in such
prison-camps they could so very easily be exterminated at will.
Add to this that the banned outfit Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, which has
claimed, proudly, responsibility for the Quetta carnage, is desirous of wiping
all Shias off the face of the earth, then one can only presume that those in
favour of Sunni/Shia segregation are not Shia themselves. Otherwise, the
thought of locking up one-fifth of the total population of the country, this
would be somewhere around 32-34 million people, would be seen as the
sheer lunacy it is.
The Hazara population of Quetta is being targeted simply because,
due to their distinctive racial characteristics and the fact that they do,
already, largely live in their own enclaves, they are so easily identifiable. But
many other Shias, irrespective of their origin, are not very difficult to
identify either by anyone who really puts their twisted mind to it. All that
1110
anti-Shia elements need do is monitor Shia places of worship or take note of

name usage, some names are predominantly Shia, and, as is happening,
slowly but surely, from one end of the country to the other, pick their targets
at will.
It must be pointed out that the number of virulent anti-Shia Sunnis is
so far at least very, very small, but their capacity for murder and mayhem
is obviously without a doubt. And this, in a country when the current
President is Shia himself, is or most surely should be a major cause for
governmental concern and yet, as with the majority of the population be they
Shia or Sunni or any other denomination, it appears that they are at a
complete loss as how to deal with the situation in a permanent and lasting
manner and that they have, for known or unknown reasons, already
conceded defeat, thus giving full permission for an unholy descent into
bloody chaos. (Zahra Nasir, TheNation 25th February)
REVIEW
Balochistan is in the eye of storm that has been building up since long.
The factors that have contributed towards building of this storm are many.
The often mentioned is the riches that lie under the barren landscape of the
largest province of Pakistan in the form of mineral deposits.
More than its unexplored mineral resources, it is the long coast line of
the province that has drawn the attention of outside forces. This coast has
numerous natural sites which could be developed into deep-sea ports like
Ormara, Pisni, Gwadar and Jivani. The entire coast line sits along Persian
Gulf (Strait of Hormuz) through which most of the worlds crude oil is
shipped.
Out of these sites, Gwadar is fast developing into deep-sea port
courtesy the Peoples Republic of China and very recently its operational
charge has been handed over to that country. China, in addition to operating
and developing it further would also construct a road up to Ratto Dero which
would link the port with rest of the country and the KKH. This would be a
formidable business rival of Arab Sheikhs enterprises along eastern coast of
Arabian Peninsula.
Another factor is the ongoing holy war of the United States which has
one of the stated aims of redrawing the boundaries of some Islamic
countries. The Crusaders would like to carve out new state of Greater
Balochistan and in the process cut both Iran and Pakistan to manageable
1111
size. Independent Balochistan would also serve as a vedge between Iran and
Pakistan.
The overall situation presents a golden opportunity to India to bleed
Pakistan and quench its chronic thirst of revenge. America has facilitated
India in this context by opening up Afghanistan for development of terror
infrastructure and launch cross-border terrorism from there into Pakistan.
This leads to the convergence of interests of the Crusaders, Indians
and Arab Sheikhs. Many Baloch Sardars are tempted to side with the
stronger nexus of the enemies of the motherland for fulfillment of their own
vested interests. This would not only further weaken the Citadel of Islam,
but also deny the emerging global super power, China a foot-hold in the
region.
The dangers are very serious and looming large threatening the
territorial integrity of Pakistan. The response of the democratic rulers
however has not been corresponding to the gravity of the situation. Perhaps
they have been more interested in hanging around and grabbing whatever
they can which is to be lost in any case.
The leaders of Shia community to which Hazaras belong have
demanded crackdown against Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). They are quite
justified in demanding that, especially after most of the acts of terrorism
perpetrated against them have been owned by the LeJ. What is intriguing is
the manner in which the Federal Government has reacted by resorting to
blame game.
The political point-scoring is the last thing to which any one should
have resorted to in such a situation. It appears these dubious characters are
inviting the worst thing to happen. Their statements and the random
crackdown against suspects could not only harm the provincial harmony but
can also precipitate sectarian violence. The firing by unknown gunmen at
sit-down of ASWJ in Quetta should serve as a warning.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Pakistan has once again rushed to
take notice of the situation, though seldom a suo moto notice has produced a
positive outcome since his reinstatement. The Executive under the influence
of Zaradri has never paid any heed to court orders and instead often made
fun of those. It appears the Chief Justice has the habit of self-inflicting
humiliation.
If the Supreme Court sincerely wants to end the bloodshed, it must
ask a straight forward question from Interior Minister and insist upon
1112
acquiring the correct and truthful answer; though it wont be an easy

undertaking. The question is that he should provide the list of thousands of
Amercans which were issued visas in one night in violation of laid down
procedure and their whereabouts in Pakistan as of today.
The court must not be misled by the owning of these attacks by LeJ.
No one knows for certain as to who has been claiming the responsibility on
telephone, while Malik Ishaq after arrest from Rahimyar Khan has out
rightly denied involvement of LeJ. To put it straight, these telephone calls
could be from CIA operatives pretending activists of LeJ.
If the apex court gets the plausible answer from Interior Minister, the
matter should be pursued further by asking intelligence agencies as to what
these CIA agents have been doing for the last few years in terms of hiring
the natives to act as agents and informers of the CIA. Each one of them must
have ten to fifteen natives on their pay-roll and that would mean
approximately hundred thousands, or even more, working for the CIA.
Intelligence agencies, provided these have been live to the call of
duty, would know most of them. The final action should be to haul them up
and put behind bars. The Chief Justice should rest assure that the problem
would be solved; provided he too is sincere in ending the bloodshed instead
of saving the system.
At the end, a word about love affair between a business tycoon and a
political scoundrel as reflected in gifting a fortress-like Bilawal House by
Malik Riaz. Zardari spent a few days in that house in Lahore, but lost nine
MPAs to PML-N soon after he departed from Lahore.
It must be however acknowledged that Malik Riaz is a genius in real
estate business. He gifted a Bilwal House worth billions leaving the
observers wondering about the show of such a costly way of showing love
for a Scoundrel. The Leader of Opposition has partly unveiled the TycoonScoundrel love affair. Malik Riaz was eyeing an island in the vicinity of
Karachi in the exchange of gifts.
25th February, 2013
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INQILAB: HOW
THE TUSSLE-I
The advent of journey from La to Illa triggers the tussle between Aql
and Dil. Dr. M.A.K. Khalil explains that Aql and Dil are used
metaphorically for Intellect and Intuition respectively. The controversy of
the relative efficacy of these two means of knowing the Truth about
the Wujood (Existence) and the Zat (Essence) of God and His relationship
with the Universe, both material and spiritual, has always existed in human
thinking.
Search for an acceptable compromise in the controversy of the
precedence of one system over the other was one of the aims and purposes
of Allamah Iqbal's life-long fervent struggle in intellectual pursuits. This
theme comes up frequently in all his books
Allamah Iqbal has used 'Aql, Khirad, Danish (Intellect), Ilm
(Knowledge), Takhmin O Zan (Reasoning and Logical Thinking)
synonymously for ways of acquiring the knowledge of the material
Universe. The ways depending upon the above faculties are the material
ways of experimentation and reasoning.
Similarly, he has used Dil, Jigar (Heart), Wajdan (Intuition, Love of
God), Iman (Faith, Belief in the realities of the Unseen or Transcendental
Universe, based on Revelation, i.e. Kashf, Ilham, with climax in wahy)
synonymously for the means of acquiring knowledge of the spiritual
Universe.
Some critics of Allamah Iqbal have expressed the opinion that there is
contradiction in his poetic and prose works regarding the relative role of
Intuition and Intellect with respect to Muslims. This apparent contradiction
can be resolved by a little contemplation.
Firstly, such apparent contradictions are frequent in his writings on
other subjects also. In each such case the appreciation for or condemnation
of the same object or concept is with reference to the good and bad
categories of the same. For example, he has shown very great appreciation
and reverence for Sufis like Mujaddid Alf Thani, Ali Bin Uthman al-Hujwiri
and Mawlana Rumi and the tassawwuf they represent. At the same time he
has expressed frustration at the people's intellectual slavery to the half
baked Sufis and Mullahs with empty flagons and devoid of the Longing
and Love of God as well as that of humanity
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Similarly, in the matter of the controversy of Intellect and Intuition he

has recognized two different situations in one of which Intellect gets
precedence over Intuition and in the other the precedence is reversed. He has
also talked about two kinds of Intellect. One of these is acceptable, though it
may or may not get precedence over Intuition, and the other is
unquestionably detestable.
In this context it must be understood that he has set two goals for the
Muslim Ummah. One is the immediate but interim goal. This is the
renaissance and rejuvenation of the Muslim world and Muslim society so
that it may regain its lost position in the world community. Though the dual
task of inner reconstruction and outer adjustment to the changed conditions
of the present day world, which are the prerequisites for this goal, require
Intuition as well as Intellect, the latter has precedence over the former. This
is the central theme of his prose book titled The Reconstruction of
Religious Thought in Islam.
The second and the more important task before the Ummah and, in
fact its very mission, is the establishment and administration of a supernational divinely guided State, which can be called the Islamic State. The
Ummah was created and divinely commissioned for this purpose, vide The
Holy Quran 3:110; 9:32, 33; 48:28; and 61:9, and the Holy Prophet's
S.A.W. Sermon at the last pilgrimage. This forms the theme, and in fact the
goal of all his poetic works.
The inner preparation and superb perseverance necessary for
achieving this goal is not possible with Intellect alone. It requires the real
and ardent Love of God, which is the basis for and is synonymous with Iman
or Intuition. Unswerving belief in and comprehension of the Wujood as well
as the dhat of God it is essential for developing this inner or spiritual
strength, which alone would enable Muslims to make the supreme sacrifices
necessary for the attainment of this goal.
Out of six qualities stated by Mawlana Rumi, which establish the
precedence of Intuition over Intellect the following two stand out as preeminent in this respect: i. It is not possible to know the dhat of the Ultimate
Being (God) through Theoretical Reasoning alone. This needs Intuition.
Reason is the Light and Guide, but not the goal, says Rumi.
Allamah Iqbal echoes the same sentiment: The Intellect from the
threshold is not far but it is not destined for the (Divine) Presence ii.
Intellect is utilitarian and weighs profit and loss before taking a step. Love is
not utilitarian. Allamah Iqbal also confirms this: Intellect is matured through
1115
Prudence; Love is rendered immature by Prudence. Love jumped into

Nimruds fire without fear; Intellect is still watching the spectacle on the roof
with fear.
The second category of Intellect is the one which has led mankind
away from God and into the arms of materialism, capitalism and nationalistimperialism. The havoc played by the Western nations against defenseless
humanity throughout the world over the last three centuries is well known
and does not need elaboration. This is the class of Intellect which Allamah
Iqbal considers worthy of condemnation to the gallows.
Dr Khalil has introduced the subject matter with concise elocution,
but a reader having little to do with tassawwuf may find it difficult to
comprehend. Therefore, to put it across in simpler words avoiding
terminology of Sufism it may be said that when a man sets upon a journey
from La to Illa to establish link with his Creator, it marks the beginning of a
tussle, a battle between Aql and Dil.
In this chapter the poetical works to this tussle are included. All
these are taken from Bang-e-Dara and reproduced in the same order in
which Allamah has placed them in his book. All the poems are translated by
Dr. M.A.K. Khalil with explanatory notes where needed.
THE INTELLECT AND THE HEART
Aql-o-Dil
Aql ney eik dinn yeh dil sey kaha; bhholey bhhatkey ki rahnoma hon mien.
One day Intellect said to the heart: A guide to the misguided ones I am.

Hon zamin per, gozar falak peh mera; deikhh tuo kis qadar rasa hon mien.
Being on the earth I reach up to the sky; look, how deep in comprehension I
am.
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Kaam dunya mein rehbari hai mera; misl-e-Khizer khajastah-pa hon mien.
[Khajastah-pa: Mobarak qadamon wala.]
Guidance on earth is my sole occupation; like the auspicious Khizer
(A.S.) in character I am.

Hon mofassir-e-kitab-e-husti ki; mazhar-e-shan-e-Kibriya hon mein.
Interpreter of the book of life I am. The Manifestation of God's Glory I am.

Boond ekk khoon ki hai tou laikan; ghairat-e-laal-e-bibaha hon mien.
You are only a drop of blood, but the invaluable ruby's envy I am.

Dil ney sonn kar kaha yeh sabb such hai; per mojhey bhi tuo deikhh, kaya
hon mien.
Hearing this, the heart said: All this is true. But look at me as well, what I
am.

Raaz-e-husti ko tou samajhti hai; aur ankhhon sey deikhhta hon mien.
You understand the secrets of life, but seeing them with my own eyes I am.

Hai tojhey wastah mazahar sey; aur batan sey ashna hon mien.
Concerned with the manifest order you are and acquainted with the inward I
am.
1117

Ilm tojh sey tuo maarfat mojh sey; tou Khoda joo, Khoda noma hon mien.
[Maarfat: Khoda ki pehchan. Khoda joo: Khoda ko talash karney wala.
Khoda noma: Khoda deikhhaney wala.]
Learning is from you, but Divine Knowledge is from me; you only seek
Divinity, but showing Divinity I am.

Ilm ki intiha hai bitaabi; iss marz ki magar dawa hon mien.
Restlessness is the end of Knowledge*, but the remedy for that malady I am.
(*Knowledge does not lead to the comprehension of the Essence of God. It
only confuses the seeker between the different explanations offered by
different scholars. On the other hand the heart guides one to the final goal.)

Shamaa tou mehfil-e-sadaqat ki; hosn ki bazm ka diya hon mien.
You are the candle of the assembly of Truth; the lamp of the Divine Beauty's
assemblage I am.

Tou zaman-o-makan sey rishtah bapa; taer-e-Sidrah ashna hon mien.
[Sidrah: Woh moqam jo Jibril (A.S.) ki pervaz ki aakhri hud hai.]
You are related to time and space; the bird recognizing the Sidrah I am.

Kis bolandi peh hai moqam mera; Arsh Rabb-e-Jalil ka hon mien.
Look at the grandeur of my station; the throne of the God of Majesty I am.
(Translated by Dr. M.A.K. Khalil)
1118
PATHOS OF LOVE
Dr Khalil observed that the influence of Islam on transforming the
pre-Islamic love in literary works, especially poetry from amorous love to
the Gods Love, the love of the Holy Prophet S.A.W and his descendants
and love of Man. This resulted in the appearance of the mystical poetry of
Islam. This class of poetry deals with the Love of God and Love of mankind.
This love, directly or indirectly, forms the subject of many of Allamah
Iqbal's poetic works. Such Love has several facets and attributes and
imposes several responsibilities and duties and confers different degrees of
felicity upon the Lover. These matters are contained in several poems and
they will come to light as we proceed with this commentary.
One facet of such Love is the pathos of separation from the Beloved,
i.e. God and the ardent Longing in the Lover's heart to establish and witness
the Unity of Man in the terrestrial world, as a part of the Islamic State's
ideology and the Audience with God in the spiritual world after death.
According to the Holy Quran 56:8-56 and particularly 10-11 attainment of
the latter goal in the Hereafter is the highest felicity for a true Mumin. The
attainment of these two super felicities requires real Love without even a
shadow of ostentation. The Lover is required to keep his Love concealed in
his breast and this poem emphasizes this duty and obligation of the Lover.
This poem has undertones of Wahdat-al-Wujood in which Allamah
Iqbal believed earlier in his life... This theory postulates that all creation
including Man is part and parcel of the same entity, i.e. the Eternal Being.
Man has been separated from that Being by being born and this separation
haunts him all his life.
Dard-e-Ishq
Ay dard-e-ishq! Hai gohar-e-aabdar tou; na-mehramon mein deikhh nah ho

ashkar tou.
(Gohar-e-aabdar: Chamakdar moti.)
O Pathos of Love! You are a glossy pearl. Beware; you should not appear
among strangers.
1119

Penhan teh-e-niqab teri jalwah gah hai; zahar parast mehfil-e-nau ki nigah
hai.
(Zahar parast: Cheezon kay zahar per murney wala.)
The theatre of your display is concealed under the veil; the modern audience'
eye accepts only the visible display.

!
Aeyi naeyi hawa chaman-e-hust-o-bood mein; ay dard-e-ishq! Abb naheen
lazza namood mein.
(Hust-o-bood: Husti aur wajood.)
New breeze has arrived in the Existence' garden O Pathos of Love! Now
there is no pleasure in display.

Haan khod nomaiyuon ki tojhey jostajoo nah ho; mannat pazir nalah-ebulbul ka tou nah ho.
(Mannat pazir: Ehsan-mand.)
Beware! You should not be striving for ostentation! You should not be
obligated to the nightingale's lament!

Khali sharab-e-ishq sey lalley ka jaam ho; pani ki boond giriyah-e-shabnam
ka naam ho.
The tulip's wine-cup should be devoid of wine. The dew's tear should be a
mere drop of water.

Penhan daroon-e-seinah kaheen raaz ho tera; ashk-e-jigar godaaz nah
ghummaz ho tera.
1120
(Ghummaz ho: Zahar ho.)

Your secret should be hidden in the bosom somewhere; your heart-melting
tear should not be your betrayer.

Goya zobaan-e-shaer-e-rungein biyan nah ho; awaz-e-naey mein shikwahe-forqat nehan nah ho.
(Awaz-e-naey: Bansari ki awaz.)
The flowery-styled poet's tongue should not be talking. Separation's
complaint should not be concealed in flute's music.

Yeh dour noktah chein hai, kaheen chhop kay baithh reh; jiss dil mein tou
makin hai, waheen chhop kay baithh reh.
This age is a critic, go and somewhere conceal yourself in the heart in which
you are residing conceal yourself.
!

Ghafil! Hai tojh sey hairat-e-ilm aafridah deikhh; joya naheen teri nigah
naraseedah deikhh.
(Joya: Mutlashi.)
The learning's surprise is neglecting* you, beware! Your immature eye is not
the seeker of Truth, beware.
(The present day scientific knowledge has revealed many things which
astonish mankind. In these circumstances love, especially Divine Love is a
nebulous concept to most people and does not seem to produce any tangible
results, on account of which it is neglected by them.)

Rehney dey jostajoo mein khayal-e-bolund ko; hairat mein chhorr deidah-ehekmat pasand ko.
1121
Let the elegant thought remain in search of Truth. Let your wisdom-loving
eye remain in astonishment.

Jiss ki bahaar tou ho yeh aisa chaman naheen; qabil teri namood kay yeh
anjaman naheen.
This is not the garden whose spring you may be. This is not the audience
worthy of your appearance.

Yeh anjaman hai koshtah-e-nazzarah-e-majaz; maqsud teri nigah ka
khalwat saraey raaz.
This audience is the lover of the material sights. The purpose of your sight is
the closet of secrecy.

Her dil maey khayal ki musti sey choor hai; kochh aur aaj kal kay Kalimon
ka Toor hai.
Every heart is intoxicated with the wine of thinking; something different is
the Toor of the Kalims of this age.
(Sub-conscious Longing to see God is lacking in the present day so called
seekers of the Truth.)
THE HEART
Man has only the potential for reaching the high position of the
Vicegerent of God on earth and needs very hard work for attaining it. This
effort includes an ardent Love of God and the Holy Prophet S.A.W. Such
Love would lead Man to the state of complete submission of his own will to
the Will of God, to lead a life of complete devotion to God; complete self
discipline and a state of the mind in which he would consider no sacrifice
too great in the struggle for His Cause, wrote Dr Khalil while mentioning
the underlying thought this poem.
1122
He adds that the present day Man has drifted away from submission
to God and towards submission to Taghoot. This has resulted in greed,
jealousy, arrogance and prejudice, which are Man's cardinal sins and the root
of all sins, individual as well as social, national and international.
As the re-establishment and propagation of Islamic values and the
struggle for the reconstruction of Islamic society, which would struggle for
and establish the super-national Islamic State, was the raison d'etre of
Allamah Iqbal's poetry this thought abounds in his works, including the
present poem. It is not sufficient to claim the Love of God verbally. This
Love has to be demonstrated and proven by sacrifices in His Cause.
Allamah Iqbal emphasizes the need for participating in the ibadah in
the broad sense of the term and not just personal piety and hair splitting of
the intricacies of the Shariah. He has forcefully emphasized throughout his
works the need for the Love of God to be the motivation of all human efforts
in order to make them effective as well as acceptable to God
The present poem gives some indication of what the true Love of God
means. It shows that the highest dangers and the greatest losses in His Cause
are imminent for those struggling therein and that, though they may lead to
material losses and even loss of life, the result is the reward of eternal bliss,
which only those can appreciate and enjoy whom God has endowed with
such light (The Holy Qur'an 2:153-57).
Dil
Qissah-e-daar-o-rusan baazi-e-tiflanah dil; iltijaaey arni sorkhi-e-afsanahe-dil.

(Baazi-e-tiflanah: Bachon ka khheil.)
Tales of gallows and crucifixion are mere child's play for the Heart. The
request of Arini* is only the title of the story of the Heart.
(*This alludes to the several verses of the Holy Quran in which the desire
of Musa (A.S) to see God has been mentioned, especially 7:143, in which
this word occurs.)
1123

Ya Rabb! Iss saghar-e-lubraiz ki maey kaya ho-gi; jaadah-e-molk-e-baqa
hai khat-e-paimanah-e-dil.
(Jaadah-e-molk-e-baqa: Hamaishah ki zindagi ki rastah.)
O Lord! How powerful the full cup of that wine would be? The Way to
eternity is each single line on the measuring cup of the Heart.

Abr-e-rehmat thha keh thhi ishq ki bijli ya Rabb! Jal gaeyi mazraa-e-husti
tou oga danah-e-dil.
(Mazraa: Khheiti.)
O Lord! Was it the cloud of mercy or the thunderbolt of Love, when the life's
crop got burned down, sprouted the seed of the Heart.

!
Hosn ka gunj-e-gran mayah tojhey mil jata; tou ney Farhad! Nah khhoda
kabhi veranah-e-dil.
(Gunj-e-gran: Bebaha khazanah.)
You would have got the Beauty's bountiful treasure, O Farhad*! You never
dug into the ruins of the Heart.
(*Lover of Shirin in the Persian epic of love titled Khusro Wa Shirin by
Hakim Abu Muhammad Ilyas Jamal al-Din).

!
Arsh ka hai kabhi Kaabey ka hai dhhoka iss per; kiss ki manzil hai Elahi!
Mera kashanah-e-dil.
Now it looks like the Arsh , now like the Ka'bah. O God! Whose lodging is
the abode of my Heart.
1124

Iss ko apna hai janon aur mojhey souda apna; dil kissi aur ka devanah,
mien devanah-e-dil.
It has its own junoon* and I have my own sawda;* the Heart loves someone
else and I love the Heart.
(*Junoon and Sawda: Both are Arabic words and mean insanity; used in
Urdu and Persian for the extreme love in which the lover loses his logic and
behaves like a lunatic.)
Tou samajhta naheen ay zahid-e-nadan iss ko; rashk-e-sadd sajdah hai ekk
laghzish-e-mustanah-e-dil.
You do not comprehend this, O simple hearted ascetic! Envy of a thousand
prostrations is one slip of the Heart.

Khak kay dhair ko akseer bana deyti hai; woh asar rakhhti hai khakistar-epervanah-e-dil.
(Khak ka dhair: Morad hai insan.)
It changes the heap of earth into elixir; such is the power of the ashes of the
Heart.

Ishq kay daam mein phhans kar yeh reha hota hai; barq girti hai tou yeh
nakhal hara hota hai.
(Nakhal: Powda, drakht.)
It gains freedom after being caught in the net of Love; on being thunderstruck greens up the tree of the Heart
1125
THE OCEAN WAVE

In this poem Allamah talks Mans dynamism. A dynamic person gets
restless when he is deprived of the opportunities for action. This is shown in
the climax of the poem in the last verse.
Mouj-e-Darya
Moztarib rakhhta hai meyra dil-e-bitaab mojhey; ain-e-husti hai tarrap

surat-e-seimaab mojhey.
(Seimaab: Paarah.)
My impatient heart keeps me relentlessly restless; like mercury agitation is
the essence of life to me.

Mouj hai naam mera, behar hai payab mojhey; ho nah zinjir kabhi halqahe-gardab mojhey.
(Payab: Thhorra pani jiss sey adami paidal gozar jaaey.)
Wave is my name, the sea is fordable to me; the whirlpool's circle would
never be a chain to me.

Aab mein misl-e-hawa jata hai tousan meyra; khar-e-mahi sey nah uttka
kabhi daman meyra.
(Tousan: Ghhorra. Khar-e-mahi: Machhli pakkarrney wala kanta.)
My steed speeds in the water like wind. The fishing tackle has never caught
my skirt.

Mien ochhalti hon kabhi jazb-e-meh-e-kamil sey; josh mein sar ko putakti
hon kabhi sahal sey.
(Jazb-e-meh-e-kamil: Poorey chand ki kashash.)
1126
Sometimes I jump up due to attraction of the full moon; sometimes in

excitement I strike my head on the shore.

Hon woh rahro keh mohabat hai mojhey manzil sey; kiyuon tarrapti hon,
yeh poochhey koeyi meyrey dil sey.
I am the traveler who loves destination; someone should ask me why I
always jump.

Zehmat-e-tungi-e-darya sey garaizan hon mien; wosaat-e-behar ki forqat
mein parishan hon mien.
Fleeing from the discomfort of the narrow river I am upset by separation
from the ocean's vastness I am.
FAREWELL O WORLD'S CONGREGATION!
(Adapted from Ralph Waldo Emerson)
In this poem Allamah opines that the present day social life with the
maddening crowd's ignoble strife is not conducive to creating noble feelings
or knowledge of God in Man. These virtues can be acquired only in the
bosom of nature.

()
!

Rokhsat ay bazm-e-jahan
Rokhsat ay bazm-e-jahan! Sooey watan jata hon mien; aah iss abad
veraney mein ghhabrata hon mien.
Farewell O worldly companions! I am going to my homeland. I am feeling
unhappy in this well-populated wilderness.
1127

Bus-keh mien afsordah dil hon, dar-khor-e-mehfil naheen; tou merey qabil
naheen hai, mien terey qabil naheen.
(Dar-khor-e-mehfil: Mehfil kay qabil.)
I am very much dejected, unsuitable for assemblies I am; neither you are
suitable for me nor suitable for you I am.

Qeid hai, darbar-e-sultan-o-shabastan-e-wazir; torr kar nikaley ga zinjir-etalaeyi ka aseer.
The king's audience and the minister's bed-chamber each is a prison; the
golden chain's prisoner will break himself free from this prison.

Go barri lazzat teri hungamah araeyi mein hai; ajnabiyat sei magar teyri
shansaeyi mein hai.
Though much pleasure is in embellishing your assembly, but some kind of
strangeness is in your acquaintance.

Moddaton teyrey khod-araon sey hum-sohbat raha; moddaton bitaab
mouj-e-behar ki surat raha.
(Khod-araon: Khod pasand loug.)
I remained long in company of your self-centered people; I remain restless
for long like the waves of the ocean.

Moddaton baithha terey hungamah-e-ishrat mein mien; roshni ki jostajoo
karta raha zolmat mein mien.
1128
I remained long in your luxury gatherings; I remained long searching for

light in the darkness.

Moddaton dhondha kiya nazarah-e-gul-khar mein; aah; woh Yusuf nah
haath aya terey bazaar mein.
I searched long for the rose' sight among thorns; Ah! I have not found that
Yusuf in your market place.
(Yusuf (A.S.) possessed both material and spiritual beauty, which has
become proverbial in Islamic literature. Looking for and not getting Yusuf
(A.S.) is metaphorically used for searching for and failing to find some
invaluable object such as knowledge.)

Chashm-e-hairan dhondhti abb aur nazarey ko hai; aarzoo sahal ki mojh
toofan kay maarey ko hai.
The perplexed eye for another scene is searching; as storm-stricken my eye
for coast is searching.

!
Chhorr kar manind-e-boo teyra chaman jata hon mien; rokhsat ay bazm-ejahan! sooey watan jata hon mien.
Leaving your garden like fragrance I am going. Farewell! O worldly
company I am going to the homeland.

Ghhar banaya hai sakoot-e-daman-e-kohsar mein; aah yeh lazzat kahan
mousiqi-e-goftar mein.
I have made my home in the quietness of the mountain side. Ah! I do not get
this pleasure in conversation's music!
1129

Hum-nashin nargis-e-shehla, rafiq-e-gul hon mien; hai chaman meyra
watan, humsaiyh-e-bulbul hon mien.
Associate of Nargis-i-Shahlah, and rose's companion I am; the garden is my
homeland, nightingale's associate I am.
(Nargis-i-Shahlah: The narcissus which is reddish-blue instead of white or
yellow. Nargis-i-Shahlah is invaluable on account of being very rare.)

Shaam ko awaz chashmon ki solati hai mojhey; sobh farsh-e-sabz sey koyl
jagati hai mojhey.
The sound of the spring's music lulls me to sleep. The morning cuckoo from
the green carpet wakes me up.

Bazm-e-husti mein hai sabb ko mehfil araeyi pasand; hai dil-e-shaer ko
laikan konj-e-tunhaeyi pasand.
(Konj: Konah, Goshah.)
Everyone in the world assemblage social life likes the poet's heart but the
solitude's corner likes.

Hai janon mojh ko keh ghhabrata hon abadi mein mien; dhondhta pherta
hon kis ko koh ki wadi mein mien.
I am verged on lunacy by being perturbed in habitations, for whom I am
searching, roaming in the mountain valleys?

Shouq kis ka sabzah-zaaron mein pherata hai mojhey; aur chashmon kay
kinarey per solata hai mojhey.
1130
Whose love makes me roam in the meadows? And makes me sleep on the
spring's banks?

!
Taanah-zun hai tou keh shaida konj-e-ozlat ka hon mien; deikhh ay ghafil!
Payami bazm-e-qudrat ka hon mien.
You taunt me that fond of the corner of retirement I am. Look O imprudent
one! Messenger of Nature's assembly I am.

Hum watan shamshad ka, qomri ka mien hum-raaz hon; iss chamman ki
khamshi mein gosh bar awaz hon.
(Gosh bar awaz: Awaz per kaan lagaey.)
Compatriot of the elms, turtle-dove's confidante I am! In this garden's
silence in the state of anxiety I am!

Kochh jo sonta hon tuo auron ko sonaney kay leay; deikhhta hon kochh
tuo auron ko deikhhaney kay leay.
If I do hear something it is only to tell others. If I do see something it is only
to show others.

Ashiq-e-ozlat hai dil, naazan hon apney ghhar peh mien; khandah-zun
hon masnad-e-Dara-o-Sikandar peh mien.
(Ashiq-e-ozlat: Tunhaeyi ka ashiq.)
My heart is a lover of retirement, proud of my home I am. Scoffing at the
thrones of Dara and Sikandar I am.
1131

Leitna zir-e-shajar rakhhta hai jadoo ka asar; shaam kay taarey peh jabb
parrti ho reh reh kar nazar.
How enchanting is the act of lying under the trees, as now and then my sight
falls at the evening star.

Ilm kay hairat kaddey mein hai kahan oss ki namood; gul ki patti mein
nazar ata hai raaz-e-hust-o-bood.
Where in the strange house of learning can this be seen! The secret of
universe can only in the rose-petal be seen.
THE STORY OF MAN
Dr Khalil writes that though the poem is short it is full of mysticism
and has a large number of allusions to the Holy Quran and important events
in human history. However, the essence and the raison detre for the poem
comes in the last two verses. The end purpose of all human research and
thinking is ascertaining the nature of the ultimate Truth. Though this effort
has built up a large and rich treasure of knowledge the nature of the ultimate
Truth is still a mystery. It cannot be ascertained without the Love of God.
Sargozasht-e-Adam
Sonney koeyi meri ghorbat ki dastan mojh sey; bholaya qissah-e-paiman-eawwalein mien ney.
(Paiman-e-awwalein: Pehla ehad, morad hair oz-e-azl.)
Someone should hear the tale of my emigration.* I ignored the story of the
primeval covenant**
(*Allusion to the Holy Quran 2:30-34, which describes the creation of
Adam (A.S.) and his spouse and their transfer to the earth. **Allusion to the
Holy Quran 3:81. This verse describes the pledge of the prophets to support
every prophet of God, not to disregard the prophets who were to appear in
1132
the future, not to consider themselves exclusive custodians of the true Faith,
and not to oppose the Truth. The pledge of a prophet is binding on
his Ummah. However, the human race has betrayed this trust throughout its
history except a few righteous people who believed in and testified to the
Truth and the message of God as brought by the successive prophets.)

Lagi nah meyri tabiyat Riaz-e-Jannat mein; piya shaoor ka jaam jabb
jaam-e-aatshein mien ney.
(Jaam-e-aatshein: Taiz sharab ka piyalah.)
I did not feel attachment to the garden of Paradise, when I drank the fiery
cup of Intellection.*
(*The process of comprehension of all things as taught by God and is the
criterion for Man's distinction from other of God's creation such as angels.
Endowed with such a faculty Man was sent to the earth to populate it and
maintain its order and beauty as created by God. According to the Holy
Qur'an the emigration of at Adam A.S. was not a punishment but a
responsibility bestowed by God on him for which he had been prepared and
pre-ordained.)

Rehi haqiqat-e-alam ki jostajoo mojh ko; deikhhaya ouj-e-khayal-e-falak
nashin mien ney.
(Khayal-e-falak nashin: Asman takk ponhchney wala khayal.)
I remained in pursuit of the Truth of the universe. I exhibited the excellence
of elegant thoughts.
(Search for knowledge has been an inseparable part of Man's nature since his
creation.)

Mila mizaaj-e-taghiyar pasand kochh aisa; kiya qarar nah zir-e-falak
kaheen mien ney.
(Taghiyar pasand: Badalney wala.)
1133
I got such a change-loving temperament that I did not settle anywhere under
the sky.*
(*Allusion to the constantly wandering nature of the human race throughout
history. It also refers to the constantly changing thought of Man.)

Nikala Kaabey sey pathhar ki mooratyuon ko kabhi; kabhi botton ko
banaya Haram nashin mien ney.
Sometimes I removed the stone idols from the Ka'bah. Sometimes I
established the idols in the Haram.

Kabhi mien zouq-e-takalum mein Toor takk ponhcha; chhopaya noor-e-azl
zir-e-aastein mien ney.
Sometimes I arrived at Toor in my desire to speak and I concealed the
Eternal Light up my sleeve.

Kabhi Saleeb peh apnon ney mojh ko lattkaya; kiya falak ko safar, chhorr
kar zamin mien ney.
Sometimes I was nailed to the cross by my own clan. I rose to the Celestial
world leaving the earth.

Kabhi mien Ghaar-e-Hira mein chhopa raha barson; diya jahan ko kabhi
jaam-e-akharin mien ney.
Sometimes I remained hidden in Cave of Hira for years. Sometimes I gave
the world the last cup of Divine wine.*
(*Allusion to the Last message of God to Man contained in the Holy
Qur'an.)
1134

Sonaya Hind mein aa-kar sarood-e-Rabbani; pasand ki kabhi Yonan ki sarzamin mien ney.
Coming to India I played the Divine Orchestra.* Sometimes I chose the land
of Greece.
(*Allusion to the large number of pious persons who preached Tawhid of
God and that of mankind in India.)

Dayar-e-Hind ney jiss dum meri sada nah soni; basaya khitah-e-Japan-omolk-e-Chin mien ney.
When the people of India paid no heed to my call, I populated the countries
of China and Japan.*
(*Allusion to the persecution of Buddhists by the idol worshipping, casteridden and Brahman-dominated Hindu society, on account of which
Buddhism which stood of Tawhid-i-Insaniyat and a caste-less society all but
disappeared from India. Buddhists migrated to and settled in far off places,
including China and Japan.)

Banaya zarron ki tarkib sey kabhi alam; khalaf-e-maani taalim ehl-eDeen mien ney.
Sometimes I created the universe by combining elements; I did this against
the meanings of priests' preaching.*
(*Allusion to the cosmology and astronomy as evolved in Europe during the
Renaissance period. The findings of astronomy were considered heretic by
the Roman Catholic Church under the influence of the Greek cosmology
which had entered Christian thought and had assumed the position of being a
part of the Christian religion.)
1135

Lahoo sey lal kiya sainkarron zaminon ko; jahan mein chhairr kay
paikar-e-Aql-o-Deen mien ney.
I stained hundreds of lands with blood when I started the war between
Intellect and religion.*
(*Allusion to the persecution and bloodshed in the Christendom, due to the
differences in belief with the Roman Catholic Church during and after the
Reformation.)

Samajh mein aeyi haqiqat nah jabb sitaron ki; issi khayal mein raatein
gozar dein mien ney.
When I could not understand the reality of stars, I passed sleepless nights in
this contemplation.

Dra sakein nah Kalisa ki mojh ko talwarein; seikhhaya masaalah-egardash-e-zamin mien ney.
The swords of the Church could not frighten me when I taught the theory of
earth's revolution.*
(*Allusion to Galileo, the famous Italian scientist who presented the theory
of the spherical nature of the earth and its revolution round the sun as
opposed to the Greek philosophy which taught the earth to be flat and the
center of the universe. The Christian Church was so much influenced by
Greek thought that they considered Greek philosophy to be part of the
Christian faith. Hence, they declared Galileo a heretic.)

Kashash ka raaz howaidah kiya zamaney per; laga kay aeinah-e-aql-edoorbein mien ney.
(Howaidah: Zahar.)
1136
I demonstrated the gravity's secret to the world using the far-sighted

Intellect's mirror.

Kiya aseer shoaon ko, barq-e-moztar ko; bana-di ghairat-e-jannat yeh
sarzamin mien ney.
I arrested radiations and the restless electricity. I made the earth the source
of envy to Paradise.
(Allusion to the achievements of modern science and technology.)
!

Magar khabar nah mili aah! Raaz-e-husti ki; kiya khird sey jahan ko teh
nagin mien ney.
(Teh nagin: Taskhir.)
Ah! But I could not reach the Existence' secrets, though I made the world
beautiful with my Intellect.

Hoeyi jo chashm-e-mazahar parast wa aakhar; tuo paya khanah-e-dil mein
ossey makin mien ney.
(Mazahar parast: Qodrat kay mazahar ko poojney waley.)
When my materialistic eye opened I found Him lodged in my own heart.
GHAZAL-Part I
***** (4) *****
Aql tends to be apprehensive while facing challenges in life; whereas
Dil does it with determination, resolution and hope.

Laaon woh tinkay kaheen sey ashianey kay leay; bijliyan bitaab hon jinn
ko jalaney kay leay.
1137
I should procure such straws for my nest from somewhere for burning which
the lightning may be restless.
(One should be prepared to sacrifice everything in the Love
of God.)

Waaey nakaami, falak ney taak kar torra ossey; mien ney jiss dali ko tarra
ashianey kay leay.
Alas! O despair! The sky broke it down intently; whichever branch I
selected for my nest.
(Under the influence of Greek cosmology the sky was
considered to control human destiny throughout the ancient
world. In particular it was believed to bring ill luck. Though
this belief no longer exists the expression still continues in
Urdu and Persian literature.)

Aankhh mil jaati hai haftaad-o-duo millat sey teri; eik paimanah tera saarey
zamaney kay leay.
You are contending with the seventy two nations; one goblet of yours suits
the whole world best.*
(*Allusion to the Hadith of the Holy Prophet S.A.W. that the
Muslim Ummah would be divided into seventy two sects. However, this
verse reminds Muslims that the Holy Quran has been sent down to guide
the entire world and unite the whole mankind into a super national society
and State. So the Muslims, who are its first recipients and custodians, should
keep their own brotherhood intact instead of being divided into seventy-two
mutually contending sects.)

Dil mein koeyi iss tarah ki awaz paida karon; lout jaaey
asman meyrey mitaney kay leay.
1138
I should create some such longing in my heart; so the sky

may turn around to annihilate me best.

Jamaa kar khirman tuo pehley danah danah chon kay tou; aa-he niklay gi
koeyi bijli jalaney kay leay.
Collect your harvest first by picking it grain by grain; some thunderbolt will
surely come out to annihilate it.
(Verses 4 and 5 mean that the highest felicity for a Lover of
God is to sacrifice all his hard-earned worldly possessions in
His cause.)

Pass thha nakaami-e-siyaad ka ay hum-saafir; vernah mien,
aur orr kay ata eik daney kay leay.
(Hum-saafir: Hum-awaz, hum-nawa.)
I had regard for the failure of the hunter, O friend; otherwise,
why could I come over flying for one grain?

Iss chaman mein morgh-e-dil gaaey nah azadi ka geet; aah yeh gulshan
naheen aisey taraney kay leay.
The heart should not sing freedom's song in this garden. Ah! This garden is
not suitable for such odes!
THE UNFAITHFUL LOVER
Tussle, infighting, conflict between intellect and intuition leaves one
wandering when one fails to make the right choice. Like those who make
wrong choice, those who fail to choose between here and hereafter are also
bound to be losers. The righteous people show no complacence in making
the right choice to establish the link with the Creator.
1139
Dr Khalil finds this long poem highly mystical and, for that reason,
difficult to understand. He adds: In the first part Allamah Iqbal mentions
the apparent contradictions in his character, in that he claims to love God but
is also involved in the love of many created objects, including human
beings. In the second part he explains that there is no contradiction in his
claim and that the appreciation and love of created objects exists only on
account of his Love for God and leads him towards his ultimate goal This
thought can be extended to any person who is a true Mu'min. Such a person's
love for God's creation is really a reflection of his Love for God.
Ashiq-e-Herjaeyi
(1)

Hai Ajab majmooa-e-azdad ay Iqbal tou; rounaq-e-hungamah-e-mehfil bhi
hai, tunha bhi hai.
(Majmooa-e-azdad: Aisey ausaf ka majmooa jo eik doosrey ki zidd hon.)
O Iqbal! You are a strange mixture of opposites; you are the elegance
of assemblys crowd as well as alone.

Teyrey hunganon sey ay diwanah-e-rungin nawa; zeenat-e-gul bhi hai,
araish-e-sehra bhi hai.
O lunatic with colorful song! Your struggles and efforts are the gardens
beauty as well as wilderness adornment.

Hum-nashin taaron ka hai tou riffaat-e-pervaz sey; ay zamin farsa,
qadam teyra falak paima bhi hai.
(Zamin farsa: Zamin per chalney pherney wala.)
You are the associate of stars due to your flights elegance: O land traveler
your steps also traverse the sky.
1140

Ain shaghul mein paishani hai teyri sajdah raiz; kochh terey maslak mein
rung-e-mashrub-e-meina bhi hai.
Your forehead is in prostration in the midst of preoccupation with wine; in
your system are some colours of the system of goblets also.

Misl-e-booey gul labas-e-rung sey oriyan hai tuo; hai tou hekmat aafrin,
laikan tojhey souda bhi hai.
Like flowers fragrance you are devoid of colours dress; though you are a
creator of wisdom you are also insane.

Jaanib-e-manzil rawan bi-naqsh-e-pa manind-e-mouj; aur pher aftadah
misl-e-sahal-e-darya bhi hai.
(Manind-e-mouj: Lehar ki tarah.)
Like waves you are running to the destination without foot-prints; and then
you are also left behind like the sea-shore.
(This means that though you claim to pursue the path of the Love of God,
which ultimately leads to Fana Fi-Allah you are also involved in the love of
material objects of the universe, including human beings. Is this not
anomalous?)

Hosn-e-naswani hai bijli teyri fitrat kay leay; pher ajab yeh hai keh teyra
ishq bi-perva bhi hai.
Female beauty has the effect of electricity for your nature; and strangely
enough your loves are unconventional also.
(As you have Ishq-i-Majazi, including Husn-i-Niswan or female beauty
you really do not follow the customs of fidelity.)
1141

Teyri husti ka hai ain-e-tafunan per madar; tou kabhi eik aastaney per jabin
farsa bhi hai?
(Tafunan: Goonagoeyi. Jabin farsa: Paishani ghhisney wali.)
Your existence depends on the amusements law: Are you prostrating only at
a single door step?

!
Hai hosinon mein wafa na-ashna teyra naam; ay talawan kaish! Tou
moshhoor bhi, roswa bhi hai.
(Talawan kaish: Woh shakhs jo apney andaz badaltey rehey.)
Among the beautiful you are famous for infidelity O fickle-minded! You are
famous as well as infamous.

Ley kay aya hai jahan mein adat-e-seimaab tou, teyri bitaabi kay sadqay,
hai ajab bitaab tou.
You have come into the world with mercurys nature; your restlessness is
lovable, you are very restless.
(2)

Ishq ki ashoftgi ney kar diya sehra jissey; mosht-e-khak aisi nehan zir-eqaba rakhhta hon mien.
(Ashoftgi: Perishani.)
What the disturbance of love has turned into wilderness; I keep that handful
of dust concealed under the cloak.

1142
Hein hazaron iss kay pehloo, rung her pehloo ka aur; seiney mein heira
koeyi tarsha hoa rakhhta hon mien.
It has thousands of facets, each of a different colour; I keep such a multifaceted diamond in my breast.

Dil naheen shaer ka, hai kaifiyaton ki rastkhaiz, kaya khabar tojh ko
daroon-e-seinah kaya rakhhta hon mien.
(Rastkhaiz: Qiyamat.)
The poets heart is but intoxications toil and hustle: What do you know,
what I keep inside my breast!

Aarzoo her kaifiyat mein ekk naey jalway ki hai; moztarib hon, dil sakoon
na-ashna rakhhta hon mien.
In every intoxication of Love there is a new effulgence of Longing; I am
restless, I have a heart unacquainted with rest.

Go hosein-e-tazah hai her lehzah maqsood-e-nazar; hosn sey muzboot
paiman-e-wafa rakhhta hon mien.
Though a new beauty every moment is the sights object, I have a firm
covenant of fidelity with the Beauty.
(Though I love the beauty of every new object of the material universe I
possess the everlasting Love of God in my heart.)

Biniazi sey hai paida meyri fitrat ka niaz; soz-o-saaz-e-jostajoo misl-e-saba
rakhhta hon mien.
Beniazi has created my natures Niaz; I keep the struggle for the Longing
like the zephyr.
1143
(Beniazi (freedom from need, which is an attribute of God) has created the
opposite nature of niaz (or being in need) in me. This needfulness has
created the longing for the Sight of God, which is my strongest need and for
which I am wandering around like zephyr. This thought extends to the next
two verses.)

Mojab-e-taskin tamashaey sharar-e-jastahey; ho naheen sakta keh dil
barq ashna rakhhta hon mien.
(Sharar-e-jastah: Tarrap kar ochhalney waali chingari.)
The spectacle of a single flying spark cannot be assuasive as I have a
thunderous heart.

Her taqaza ishq ki fitrat ka ho jiss sey khmosh; aah woh kamil tajali modaa
rakhhta hon mien.
What may fulfill every demand of the nature of Love Ah! Attainment of that
perfect effulgence is my aim.

Jostajoo kal ki leay pherti hai ajza mein mojhey; hosn bipayan hai, dard
ladawa rakhhta hon mien.
The search for the Whole misguides me into its parts. The Beauty is
boundless, I have the incurable pathos.
(According to the theory of Wahdat al-Shuhood God is the Whole or Real
Being and has a real Existence while the material objects of the universe are
merely the reflections of this Being. In my search for God I am temporarily
misguided to the objects of the material world. However, my objective is
always kept in view which guides me back to the right path.)

Zindagi olfat ki dard anjamiyuon sey hai meri; ishq ko azad dastoor-e-wafa
rakhhta hon mien.
1144
(Dard anjamiyuon: Woh kaifiyat jiss ki intiha dard hai.)

My life depends upon Love's extreme compassion, but I keep the Love free
of customs of fidelity.
(For the reasons mentioned in note above, though I appreciate and love the
material objects of the universe I keep that love free of the custom of
fidelity. This guides me away from them and towards the object of my real
Love, i.e. God.)

Such agar poochhey tuo aflas-e-takhiyal hai wafa; dil mein her dum ekk
niya mehshar bapa rakhhta hon mien.
(Aflas-e-takhiyal: Khiyal ki nadari.)
The truth is that lack of imagination produces fidelity;* I have a new
Resurrection Day ever fresh in my heart.
(People practice fidelity in their love for material objects, like human beings,
because of their lack of power of imagination on account of which they do
not realize that the material objects do not have a real existence and are
merely reflections of the Divine Beauty.)

Faiz saqi-e-shabnam aasa, zarf dil-e-darya talab; tishnah-e-daeym hon
aatash zir-e-pa rakhhta hon mien.
(Shabnam aasa: Shabnam ki manind.)
By creating me He created His own critic; as a picture, I have complaint
against my Painter.
(Allusion to the anomaly that though Man has been created by God he
always criticizes his Creator.)

Mojh ko paida kar kay apna noktah chin paida kiya; naqsh hon, apney
mosawwar sey gilah rakhhta hon mien.
1145
If the Beauty was so short-lived in existence' assembly; why then do I keep

such a boundless imagination?

Mehfil-e-husti mein jabb aisa tunak jalwah thha hosn; pher takhiyal kis leay
la-intiha rakhhta hon mien.
Cup-bearer's bounty is like dew, heart's capacity demands oceans; I am
always thirsty, I have a burning fire under my foot.

Dar biabaan-e-talab paiwastah mi koshaim ma; mouj-e-beharaim-oshakast-e-khwaish ber duoshaim ma.
[Mien tuo talash-o-jostajoo kay sehra mein mosalsal jadd-o-jehud mein
masroof hon aur samandar ki moujon ki tarah apni shakast ka saman khod
apney kandon per othhaey pherta hon.]
I am constantly struggling in the Longing's wilderness; I am the ocean's
wave, I carry my destruction on my shoulder.
(This is an extremely beautiful metaphor. The ocean waves harbour their
destruction in their existence, which occurs when they reach the shore.
Similarly, my creation and existence as a human being harbour the potential
for my destruction on reaching the life's end.)
GHAZALEIN - Part-II
***** (2) *****
Dr Khalil writes: Though apparently this ghazal, like all
ghazals expresses various thoughts in its different verses these thoughts are
borne on a single logical thread. Three mutually inter-connected messages
are conveyed, viz. (i) Intellect alone is not sufficient for human existence.
(ii) A Muslim is not confined to any place, he is universal and his nation is
not based on geographical countries. (iii) Allamah Iqbal did not believe in
art for art's sake and used poetry only to convey his message of Islam to the
people in succinct and impressive form.
1146

Elahi aql khajastah pey ko zara sei devangi deikhha dey; issey hai soudaey
bakhiyah kaari, mojhey sar-e-pirhan naheen hai.
(Khajastah pey: Mobarak qadam waali. Soudaey bakhiyah kaari: Salaeyi
karney ka khabt. Sar-e-pirhan: Labas ka khayal ya sera.)
O God! Teach a little Love to my happy Intellect. It loves fine stitching but
my shirt has no collar.

Mila mohabat ka soz mojh ko tuo boley sobh azl farishtey; misal-e-shamaae-mazar hai tou, teri koeyi anjaman naheen hai.
As I got Love's ardor the angels said on azal's morning: You are like the
grave's candle, you have no assembly.

Yahan kahan hum-nafas mayassar, yeh deis na-ashna hai ay dil; woh cheez
tou mangta hai mojh sey keh zir-e-charkh-e-kohan naheen hai
(Charkh-e-kohan: Bhorra asman.)
No friend is available here; this land is friendless, O Heart! You want
something from me which does not exist under the sky.

Nirala saarey jahan sey iss ko Arab kay maamar ney banaya; bana
hamarey hisar-e-millat ki ithaad-e-watan naheen hai.
The Arab architect made it distinct from the whole world; the foundation of
our nation's fort is not geographical unity.

1147
Kahan ka aana, kahan ka jana, faraib hai imtiaz-e-oqaba; namood her

shaey mein hai hamari, kaheen hamara watan naheen hai.
Why this coming and going, future's concern is a conceit; we are manifest in
everything, we do not have any homeland.

Madir-e-Makhzun sey koeyi Iqbal ja kay meyra payam keh dey; jo kaam
kochh kar rehi hein quomein, onnhein mazaq-e-sakhon naheen hai.
(Madir-e-Makhzun: Rasalah Makhzun ka editor.)
Somebody should take my message to the Makhzan's editor: Activist nations
do not have taste for poetic literature!
***** (5) *****
This ghazal is primarly on the subject of the controversy between
Intellect and Love.
!

Yuon tuo ay bazm-e-jahan! Dilkash thhey hungamey terey; ekk zara
afsurdgi teyrey tamashaiyuon mein thhi.
O worldly congregation! Though your gatherings were attractive; some
degree of melancholy there was in your spectacles.

Pa-gaeyi asoodgi kooey mohabat mein woh khak; moddaton awarah jo
hekmat kay sehraon mein thhi.
(Asoodgi: Aaram. Hekmat: Falsafah.)
Finally that dust acquired comfort in Love, which had been wandering long
in Intellect's wilderness.
1148
Kis qadar ay maey! Tojhey rasm-e-hijab aeyi pasand; pardah-e-angoor sey

nikali tou meinaon mein thhi.
O Wine! How much enamored you were with the custom of concealment;
after emerging from grape's veil you were concealed in the decanter.

Hosn ki taseer per ghalib nah aa-sakta thha ilm; itni nadani jahan kay
saarey danaon mein thhi.
Knowledge could not comprehend the Beauty's effect; so much ignorance
prevailed in all the world's sages.

Mien ney ay Iqbal Europe mein issey dhondha abs; baat jo Hindustan kay
mah seimaon mein thhi.
(Mah seimaon: Chand jaisi paishani waley; morad hosein.)
O Iqbal! I have searched for it in Europe in vain; the characteristic which
was in the beauties of India.
***** (7) *****
This ghazal was written at about the end of Allamah Iqbal's stay in
Europe. It is the first expression of his thoughts based on his experiences
in Europe, writes Dr Khalil. He adds: The ghazal covers several of his
favourite themes. There was a time when, as a result of the knowledge
spreading from Islamic Spain, Europe was starting to be freed from the
theocracy of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire,
which had kept Europe enslaved in bondage of ignorance for centuries.
Europe was beginning to benefit from the Reformation and Industrial
Revolution.
New discoveries in material sciences as well as metaphysics were
beginning to show promise that Europe would benefit ethically from the
blessings of knowledge. Allamah Iqbal also was somewhat impressed by this
situation as is reflected by verses 1-3 and 10. He also got some hope of the
renaissance of the Muslim world as a result of the new general awakening,
as is expressed in verses 4 and 5.
1149
However, he was not completely dazed by the apparent material

progress of Europe, and tempered his earlier expressed optimism with the
material of verses 7-9 and 12. The rest of the ghazal briefly talks about some
of the Islamic values which have been repeatedly preached by him. These
are: (i) The supremacy of the Heart over Intellect. (ii) Love of humanity is of
prime importance for piety and religion. (iii) Avoiding ostentation, and
practicing perseverance and selflessness is very important in Love for God.
(iv) Expression of his own ambition for participation in the important task of
struggle for Islam's revival and renaissance (verse 15). The ghazal ends with
an expression of his own condition.
1907

Zamanah aya hai bey hijabi ka, aam deidar-e-yar ho-ga; sakoot thha
pardah-daar jiss ka, woh raaz abb aashkar ho-ga.
(Bi-hijabi: Chehrey sey pardah othhana.)
Time has come for openness, Beloved's Sight will be common; the secret
which silence had concealed, will be unveiled now.

Gozar gaya abb woh dour saqi keh chhop kay peitey thhey peiney waaley;
banney ga sara jahan maey khanah, her koeyi baadah khwar ho-ga.
O Cup-bearer! Time has gone when wine was taken secretly; the whole
world will be tavern, everyone will be drinking.

Kabhi jo awarah-e-janon thhey, woh bastiyuon mein pher aa-busein gey;
brahnah paeyi wohi rehey-gi magar niya khar-zaar ho-ga.
(Awarah-e-janon: Devangi kay josh mein awarah pherna. Brahnah paeyi:
Nangey paon.)
Those who once wandered insane will return to habitations; Lovers
wandering will be the same but deserts will be new.
1150

Sona diya gosh-e-montazir ko Hijaz ki khamshi ney akhar; jo ehad
sehraiyuon sey bandha gaya thha, pher istawar ho-ga.
(Gosh-e-montazir: Intizar mein laggay kaan.)
The Hijaz silence has proclaimed to the waiting ear at last; the covenants
established with deserts inhabitants will be re-affirmed.

Nikal kay sehra sey jiss ney Roma ki sultanat ko olatt diya thha; sona hai
yeh qodsiyuon sey mein ney, woh sher pher hoshiyar ho-ga.
(Sher: Morad Millat-e-Islamiah.)
Which coming out of deserts had overturned the Roman Empire; I have
heard from the Qudsis that the same lion will be re-awakened.

Kiya mera tazkarah jo saqi ney baadah khwaron ki anjaman mein; tuo pire-maey khanah sonn kay kehney laga keh monh phhut hai, khwar ho-ga.
(Monh phhut: Suchi baat bi-baaki sey karney waley.)
As the cup-bearer mentioned me in the wine-drinkers' assembly; the tavern's
sage said, He is insolent, he will be disgraced.
!

Diyar-e-Maghrib kay rehney walo! Khoda ki basti dokan naheen hai;
khhara jissey tum samajh rehey ho, woh abb zar kum ayyar ho-ga.
O Western world's inhabitants; God's world is not a shop! What you are
considering genuine will be regarded counterfeit.

Tommhari tehzeeb apney khanjar sey aap he khod-koshi karey gi; jo shaakhe-nazak peh aashianah banney go napaeydar ho-ga.
1151
Your civilization will commit suicide with its own dagger; the nest built on
the frail branch will not be durable.

Safinah-e-burg-e-gul bana ley ga qaflah-e-moor-e-natawan ka; hazar
moujon ki ho kashakash magar yeh darya sey paar ho-ga.
(Safinah-e-burg-e-gul: Phool ki patti ka safinah banaey. Moor-e-natawan:
Kumzor chewntiyan.)
The caravan of the feeble ants will make fleet of rose petals; however strong
the ocean waves' tumult be it will cross the ocean.

Chaman mein lalah dikhhata pherta hai dagh apna kali kali ko; yeh janta
hai keh iss deikhhawey sey dil jalon mein shomar ho-ga.
The poppy, roaming in the garden, shows its spots to every flower-bud;
knowing that by this exhibition it will be counted among the Lovers.

Jo eik thha ay nigah tou ney hazar kar kay humein deikhhaya; yehi agar
kifiyat hai teyri tuo pher kissey eitibar ho-ga.
O Sight! That was the One you showed us as a thousand; if this is your state
what will be your credibility?
(Allusion to the theories of Intellect about God, which present an enigma to
Man. This attains nothing but confusion. However, Iman, Love of God and
Faith present the Truth through the revelation of the Holy Quran. In this
condition Intellect cannot be trusted as a guide on this path.)

Kaha jo qomri sey mein ney ekk dinn, yahan kay azad pa beh gul hein; tuo
ghonchey kehney laggay, hamarey chaman ka yeh razdar ho-ga.
As I told the turtledove one day the free of here are treading on dust! The
buds started saying that I must be the knower of the garden's secrets!
1152

Khoda kay ashiq tuo hein hazaron, bunnon mein phertey hein maarey
maarey; mien oss ka bandah bannon go jiss ko Khoda kay bandon sey
piyar ho-ga.
There are thousands of God's Lovers, who are roaming in the wilderness; I
shall adore the one who will be the lover of God's people.
!

Yeh rasm-e-bazm-e-fana hai ay dil! gonah hai jonbash-e-nazar bhi; rehey gi
kaya aabroo hamari jo tou yahan bi-qarar ho-ga.
This is the world's custom, O Heart! Even winking is a sin: What will our
respect be if you will be restless here?

Mien zolmat-e-shabb mein ley kay niklon ga apney darmandah caravan
ko; sharar fashan ho-gi aah meyri, nafas mera shoalah bar ho-ga.
(Zolmat-e-shabb: Raat ka andhaira. Darmandah caravan: Bichhrra hoa
qaflah.)
In the darkness of the night I shall take out my tired caravan. My sigh will
be shedding sparks my breath will be throwing flames.

Naheen hai bi-qarar ghair az namood kochh bhi jo modaa teyri zindagi ka;
tuo ekk nafas mein jahan sey mittna tojhey misaal-e-sharar ho-ga.
(Ghair az namood: Namood-o-nomaish kay sawa.)
If there is nothing but show in the aim of your life; your destruction from the
world will be in a breath like spark.
1153

Nah pochh Iqbal ka thhikana abhi wohi kifiyat hai oss ki; kaheen sar-erehgozaar baithha sitam kash-e-intizar ho-ga.
(Sitam kash-e-intizar: Intizar kay zolm ki sakhtiyan.)
Do not ask about the condition of Iqbal, he is in the same state: Sitting
somewhere by the wayside he must be waiting for oppression!
A PILGRIM ON HIS WAY TO MADINAH
This poem allegorically deals with the controversy of Intellect and
Love, notes the translator. He adds: The identity of the young man from
Bukhara is immaterial for the lesson of the poem, which is that Intellect may
be sufficient to understand the Existence or the Being of God and for solving
the material problems of life but only the Love of God and the Holy Prophet
S.A.W. can guide one to understand the Dhat or Essence of God. The poems
climax is reached in the last verse.

Eik Haji Madiney kay raastey mein

Qaflah loota gaya sehra mein aur manzil hai door; iss biyaban yaani
behar-e-khoshk ka sahal hai door.
The caravan has been robbed in wilderness and the destination is far; the
coast of this desolation that is this dry ocean is far.

Humsafar meyrey shikar dushnah-e-rehzun hooey; buch gaey jo, ho kay bidil sooey Baitullah pherey.
(Dushnah: Khanjar.)
My fellow travelers became victims of the robbers dagger; the remaining
ones turned back to Makkah in frustration.
1154

Oss Bokhari noujawan ney kis khoshi sey jan di; mout kay zehraab mein
paeyi hai oss ney zindagi.
(Zehraab: Zehar bhara piyalah.)
How willingly this young man from Bukhara gave his life! In the poison of
death he has found the taste of life!

'
Khanjar-e-rehzun ossey goaya Hilal-e-Eid thha; haaey Yasrib! Dil mein,
labb peh naarah-e-Towhid thha.
The robbers dagger was the Eids crescent to him. Ah Yathrib was within
heart, Tawhids slogan was on the lips.

Khouf kehta hai keh Yasrib ki taraf tunha nah chal; shouq kehta hai keh tou
Moslim hai, bibaakanah chal.
Fear says, Do not travel alone towards Yathrib; Longing says, You are a
Muslim, travel fearlessly.

Beh ziarat sooey Baitullah pher jaaon ga kaya; ashiqon ko roz-e-mehshar
monh nah dikhhlaon ga kaya.
Would I return to Makkah without paying homage? Would I not appear
confidently before Lovers on the Judgment Day?

Khouf-e-jan rakhhta naheen kochh dasht paimaey Hijaz; hijrat madfoon-eYasrib mein yehi mukhfi hai raaz.
(Madfoon-e-Yasrib: Woh pak zaat jo Madinah mein dufan hai; morad
Muhammad Mostafa S.A.W.)
1155
The traveler through Hijaz wilderness has no fear for life; this secret is
hidden in the emigration of the Holy Prophet.

Go slamat mehmal-e-Shami ki humrahi mein hai; ishq ki lazzat magar
khatron kay jan kahi mein hai.
(Mehmal-e-Shami: Ghalaf-e-Kaaba laaney wala woh qaflah jo sham sey
ata thha. Jan kahi: Mehnat.)
Thought safety is in the companionship of the Syrian litter.* Pleasure of
Love is in the heart-breaking affliction of danger.
(Allusion to the custom of a State caravan proceeding from Damascus in
Syria to Makkah Muazzamah for Haj in which safety was ensured.)

Aah! Yeh aql-e-ziyan andaish kaya chalak hai; aur tasar Adami ka kis
qadar bi-baak hai.
Ah! How clever this timid Intellect is! And the brave mans feeling how
fearless is!
GHAZAL: Part-III
***** (3) *****

Nalah hai bulbul-e-shoridah tera khaam abhi; apney seiney mein ossey aur
zara thhaam abhi.
(Bulbul-e-shoridah: Devani bulbul.)
O dejected nightingale your lament is immature still; you should hold it in
your breast for a little while still.
1156

Pokhtah hoti hai agar muslihat andaish ho aql; ishq ho muslihat andaish
tuo hai khaam abhi.
(Muslihat andaish: Achha bora sochney wala.)
If Intellect is prudent it is considered mature. If Love is prudent it is
considered immature still.

Bi-khatar kood parra aatash-e-Nimrud mein ishq; aql hai mehw-etamashaey labb-e-baam abhi.
Love fearlessly jumped into the fire of Namrud; Intellect is absorbed in the
spectacle from roof-top still.

Ishq farmoodah-e-Qasid sey sobak gaam-e-amal; aql samajhi he naheen
maani-e-paigham abhi.
(Farmoodah-e-Qasid: Qasid ki hidayat. Sobak gaam-e-amal: Taizi sey amal.)
Love moves fast in action under the messengers precept; Intellect has not
even understood the Loves message still.

Shaiwah-e-ishq hai azadi-o-dehar aashobi; tou hai zannari-e-bottkhanah-eayam abhi.
(Dehar aashobi: Dunya bhar mein qiyamat ka hungamah.)
The way of Love is freedom and world revolution; you are imprisoned in
day and nights temple still.

Ozar-e-perhaiz peh kehta hai bigarr kar saqi; hai terey dil mein wohi
kawash-e-anjam abhi.
1157
On the plea of temperance the cup-bearer says rudely: In your heart is

the same anxiety for the end still.

Saai-e-pehum hai tarazooey kum-o-kaif-e-hayat; taizi-e-mizan hai
shomar-e-sehar-o-shaam abhi.
(Saai-e-pehum: Laga-tar koshash. Kum-o-kaif-e-hayat: Zindagi ki maqdar
aur kaifiyat.)
Constant struggle is the measure for lifes Kamm and Kaif; your measure is
the counting of days and nights still.
!

Abar-e-neisan! Yeh tunak bakhshi-e-shabnam kabb takk; merey kohsaar
kay laley hein tehi jaam abhi.
(Tunak bakhshi: Kunjoson ki tarah bohat thhorri cheez deyna.)
O spring rain! How long this miserliness? The tulips of my hillside are
thirsty still.

Badah gardan-e-Ajam woh, Arabi meyri sharab; merey saghar sey jhijaktey
hein maey asham abhi.
They are accustomed to Ajams wine I have the Arab wine; my cup makes
wine-drinkers startled still.

Iqbal ki laeyi hai gulistan sey nasim-e-khabar; nau-gariftar pharrakta hai
teh-e-daam abhi.
Zepheyr has brought news about Iqbal from the garden: The newly seized is
writhing under the net still.
28th February, 2013
1158
BENGALI BLOODBATH
Taking advantage of the anti-Islamists mindset of the civilized world
the government in Bangladesh led by Hasina Wajid embarked upon crushing
her Islamic political opponents, the Jamaat-e-Islami. The crimes
committed by the leaders of this party more than forty years ago were used
to sentence some of them and quite a few were waiting in detention to meet
similar fate.
The government of Hasina Wajid had expected reaction from the
religious party and was ready to take them on. The inevitable happened on
28th February when 35 lives were lost after angry protesters were fired upon
by Police and by 2nd March 56 people had been killed.
In the Middle East and North Africa the pattern of events remained
unchanged. In Syria, the bloodshed continued unabated and the US decided
to increase the help to the Syrian rebels. In Egypt, President Mursi
announced the schedule of parliamentary polls but the pro-West enlightened
opposition decided to boycott elections. In Mali, the government and French
forces started feeling the pinch associated with invasion and occupation
strategy.
NEWS
Far East
Malaysia: On 1st March, twelve Filipinos and two Malaysian police
officers died in a clash that immediately raised the pressure on dozens of
Philippine intruders who are pushing a claim to Malaysian territory. The
followers of the little-known Sultan of Sulu were holed up in a remote
corner of Malaysia on Borneo Island since February 12, insisting that the
area belongs to the self-proclaimed Islamic leader.
The impasse, in which Malaysian police and military units were
locked down the rural area, erupted in violence when security forces moved
to tighten a cordon around the intruders. The intruders fired at us, then we
returned fire, Hamza Taib, police chief of the Malaysian state of Sabah said.
The leader of the invaders, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, a brother of the
self-proclaimed sultan, avoided capture in the shootout and remains in Sabah
with his men to continue the fight. This is just the beginning, he warned.
Philippine foreign department said Manila had formally demanded a full
account of the shootout.
1159
The Islamic Sultanate of Sulu leased northern Borneo to Europeans in

the 1870s. While the sultanates authority gradually faded as Western
colonial powers exerted their influence over the region, it continued to
receive lease payments for Sabah. The former British colony became part of
the federation of Malaysia when it was formed in 1963. Kiram and the other
heirs of the sultan still receive nominal annual compensation from Malaysia
the equivalent of about $1,700.
Thailand: On 10th February, five soldiers were killed in a bomb attack
by suspected insurgents in Thailand's violence-wracked south. The bomb,
which also wounded a sixth soldier, was detonated as the troops passed by in
their patrol vehicle in a village in Yala, one of several Muslim-dominated
provinces near the border with Malaysia. A man and a woman working in a
rubber plantation were also wounded in the blast.
On 12th February, in a deadly attack in Thailand's long-running
insurgency, scores of heavily-armed gunmen stormed a southern army base,
leaving 16 militants dead. In the unusually brazen early-morning assault,
100 militants, dressed in army fatigues and armed with AK47 and M16
assault rifles, attacked the unit in Narathiwat Province. More than 5,500
people have been killed, both Buddhist and Muslim, in the bloody conflict.
Chalerm, who heads the government's special body in charge of the southern
unrest, recently proposed imposing a curfew in certain areas of the most
affected provinces. Religious leaders oppose the move, saying it will do
nothing to solve the underlying problems.
On 17th February, a series of blasts shook a town in the restive Thai
south leaving three dead and 17 wounded. Three bombs have exploded in
the provincial town of Pattani, while police said four more devices had been
defused, in the latest attacks, where thousands have died in a nine-year
insurgency.
On 2nd March, two security officials died and 12 people were wounded
in a blast in Thailands restive south, as unrest continued despite plans for
talks with a key rebel group. The bomb hidden in a motorcycle in Yala
provincial town was aimed at paramilitaries who had been manning a nearby
checkpoint.
Bangladesh: On 11th February, Bangladesh's cabinet approved
changes to war crime laws to ensure opposition leaders on trial for alleged
atrocities during the 1971 war can be swiftly executed if convicted. The
move came amid huge demonstrations by hundreds of thousands of people
in Dhaka for the past seven days calling for quick executions of the 10
1160
alleged war criminals currently being tried on such charges as genocide and
rape.
Next day, Much of Bangladesh fell silent for three minutes as part of a
growing mass public campaign to demand the execution of defendants who
are being tried for war crimes by a domestic tribunal. Tens of thousands of
people stood in silence at one key intersection in central Dhaka, where
protesters have been staging demonstrations for the last eight days
demanding that war criminals be hanged. However rival protests by
supporters of an Islamist party whose leaders are on trial over their role in
the 1971 war turned violent in the Bangladeshi capital. The editor of the
countrys biggest-selling daily among the dozens injured while at least two
people suffered bullet wounds.
On 13th February, clashes rocked the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka's
main commercial district as police battled with Islamist protesters
demanding a halt to the country's war crimes trials. At least a dozen people
were injured by rubber bullets during the clashes. The clashes at Motijheel
commercial area, home to top banks, the main stock market and insurers,
began after the supporters of Bangladesh's largest Islamic party Jamaat-eIslami tried to hold marches. They torched a bus and attacked vehicles with
police reacting by firing rubber bullets.
Next day, it was reported that two people died after suffering injuries
in violent clashes between police and Islamists earlier in the week during
protests over war crimes trials in Bangladesh. The demonstrators have been
demanding a halt to the trials of opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party leaders for
crimes including genocide and rape they are alleged to have committed
during the 1971 war.
On 15th February, Bangladeshi police shot dead three activists of
Jamaat-e-Islami who were protesting against two of their leaders
convictions for war crimes, while far larger demonstrations calling for the
men to be executed continued for an 11th day. The deaths on Friday took
place in the southeastern town of Coxs Bazaar town, a popular tourist
resort, during clashes between police and Jamaat activists.
On 17th February, Bangladesh's parliament amended a law to allow the
prosecution of the country's largest Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami for war
crimes, in a move that could pave the way to it being banned. News of the
move was greeted by loud cheers from thousands of protesters in central
Dhaka who have been demanding a ban on Jamaat, whose leaders are on
trial for war crimes allegedly committed in the 1971 war.
1161
On 18th February, at least three people were killed while scores injured
in incidents of violence during general strike enforced by the Bangladesh
Jamaat-e-Islami party which paralyzed life across the nation. The Jamaat-eIslami declared the latest strike to protest against the death of four of its
activists in police shooting in the southeastern city of Coxs Bazaar.
On 22nd February, Police fired live rounds in fierce clashes with
Islamists demanding the execution of bloggers they accuse of blasphemy,
killing at least four people and injuring about 200. Two people were shot
dead by police in the northwestern town of Palashbari, and two others died
elsewhere across Bangladesh. Parts of the capital Dhaka were turned into a
battlefield as thousands of protesters attacked police with bricks and sticks
in front of the national mosque. Officers there retaliated with rubber bullets
and tear gas.
The countrys 12 Islamic parties called the protests after Friday
prayers in nearly half a million mosques nationwide, demanding the
execution of bloggers whom they say blasphemed Islam and the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). Tensions have risen in the Muslim-majority nation
over allegedly anti-Islamic blog posts by Ahmed Rajib Haider, who was
hacked to death last week near his home in Dhaka.
In recent weeks Haider and fellow bloggers had launched huge
protests demanding a ban on the largest Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami, and
the execution of its leaders for alleged war crimes in the 1971 war. Since
Haiders death, Bangladeshi social media has been flooded with his alleged
blog posts and with those by other bloggers mocking Islam, triggering
protests by a number of Islamic groups and clerics.
Next day, Bangladesh police fired live rounds in fresh clashes with
supporters of the countrys largest Islamic party, killing two people. The
clashes came a day after the country was hit by deadly violence between
police and Islamists demanding the execution of bloggers they accuse of
blasphemy, which left four people dead and about 200 injured.
On 24th February, Islamists demanding the execution of bloggers they
accuse of blasphemy clashed with police in Bangladesh for a third straight
day, and at least four protesters were killed when police opened fire.
Protesters, including students from madrassas and supporters of the main
opposition party, barricaded a highway at Singair in the central district of
Manikganj.
They attacked us with machetes, sticks, bricks and firearms from
three sides when we tried to clear the barricade. We fired back in self1162
defence, deputy police chief told AFP, adding at least 40 people were
injured including policemen. Residential medical officer of Singair Hospital
said three young people died of bullet wounds. A fourth person who was
shot died after he was transferred to a Dhaka clinic.
On 28th February, at least 35 people were killed in Bangladesh in a
wave of violence as Islamists reacted furiously to a ruling that one of their
leaders must hang for war crimes during the 1971 war. At least 23 of them
were shot in clashes between police and protesters that erupted after Delwar
Hossain Sayedee, the Jamaat-e-Islami partys vice president, was found
guilty of war crimes, including murder, arson and rape. Sayedee is the third
person to be convicted by the controversial domestic tribunal whose
previous verdicts have also been met with outrage from Islamists who say
the process is more about score settling than delivering justice.
In 13 districts the protests had turned deadly. Among the dead were
four policemen, two of whom were beaten to death after thousands of
protesters hurled small homemade bombs at a police station in Gaibandha in
Bangladeshs north and attacked it with sticks. About 300 people, including
scores of policemen, were also injured. Police also reported attacks on
several Hindu homes and temples by the protesters in Noakhali district.
Security forces had been braced for trouble ahead of the verdict
against Sayedee, who reacted to the judgment by saying it had been
influenced by atheists and pro-government protesters who have been
demanding his execution. Sayedee, now best known in Bangladesh as a
firebrand preacher, was convicted for setting ablaze 25 houses in a Hindu
village and abetting the murders of two people including a Hindu man.
His lawyer Tajul Islam described the verdict as a gross miscarriage of
justice, adding that Sayedee did not live in the town at the time when the
alleged crimes took place. Its a case of mistaken identity. Were stunned.
Were going to appeal the verdict. Under a newly-amended war crimes law,
the appeal process must be completed within 90 days, meaning Sayedee
would be hanged later this year if the countrys highest court upholds the
verdict.
Protesters at a central Dhaka intersection erupted in jubilation as news
of Sayedees sentence filtered through. Weve been waiting for this day for
the last four decades, a protester told Somoy TV. There was no immediate
reaction from Jamaat to the verdict, but the party has enforced a nationwide
strike demanding a halt to the trials. The cases against eight more Jamaat
leaders are still being heard.
1163
Hundreds of Bangladeshis staged demonstration in front the UN

building to protest war crimes trials linked to the countrys 1971 war, and
denounced the death sentences handed down to Islamic leaders for siding
with Pakistan. Braving cold weather, men, women and children called the
tribunals, set up by Sheikh Hasinas government to try Jamaat-e-Islami and
other Islamic party leaders on charges of atrocities during the war, as totally
discredited and politically biased.
On 1st March, the number of people killed in clashes in Bangladesh
over the conviction of Islamist leaders for war crimes rose to 53, as fresh
outbursts of violence erupted. Two people were killed after hundreds of progovernment supporters and followers of the rival Jamaat-e-Islami party
fought with sticks in two northern districts of Gaibandha and
Chapainawabganj.
At least 35 people were killed yesterday; twenty-three of those killed
were shot dead after police opened fire on thousands of Jamaat supporters
who attacked law-enforcers with sticks and stones. Police have banned a
number of planned demonstrations at several trouble spots while the
countrys biggest mosque, Baitul Mokarram, locked some of its gates to
limit numbers.
Next day, Bangladesh police opened fire at the activists protesting the
conviction for war crimes of one of their leaders, killing three people outside
the port city of Chittagong. The deaths brought the total number killed since
a war crimes tribunal delivered its first verdict on January 21 to at least 56.
The United States and the United Nations expressed concern over the
ongoing violence in Bangladesh in which over 40 people have been killed,
and urged the countrys citizens to protest peacefully. Meanwhile, the
Human Rights Watch, a New York-Based watchdog, said that the
Bangladeshi government and the Jamaat-e-Islaami party need to act urgently
to ensure that security forces and party supporters do not engage in further
acts of violence.
Mainland Asia:
DPRK: On 12th February, North Korea carried out its most powerful
nuclear test yet, claiming a breakthrough with a miniaturized device in a
striking act of defiance that was condemned by global powers. The isolated
state said its third underground test, after previous detonations in 2006 and
2009 that triggered a raft of UN sanctions, was a direct riposte to US
hostility. The claim that it involved a miniaturized and lighter device will
1164
be of particular concern, suggesting it is a step closer to fitting a nuclear

warhead onto a ballistic missile following its successful launch of a longrange rocket in December.
Security analysts said it sent an unequivocal message of intent
following Decembers rocket launch. The launch and the test are empirical
evidence that Kim and his regime have no intention of negotiating away the
Norths nuclear programme any time soon, said Paul Carroll, programme
director at the US-based Ploughshares Fund.
The third test throws down a stark security and diplomatic challenge
to Obama as well as to new Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, North
Korea said its nuclear test was only a first step and warned of stronger
action if it was faced with tougher sanctions as a result. Any measure like
forced ship inspections or a sea blockade would be considered an act or
war and trigger merciless retaliations.
Next day, President Obama vowed firm action alongside US allies
against North Korea and South Korea accelerated a planned upgrade to its
offensive missiles after Pyongyang carried out its third nuclear test. China,
North Korea's trade and financial lifeline, signed up to a UN Security
Council statement accusing the communist state of standing in grave
violation of UN resolutions amid global condemnation of the blast.
On 15th February, more than 100,000 troops and civilians staged a
mass rally in Pyongyang to celebrate North Korea's nuclear test and praise
the matchless bravery of leader Kim Jong-Un. While, South Korean
President Lee Myung-Bak said that North Korea can never be made to
abandon its nuclear weapons programme, arguing that only regime collapse
could remove the threat from Pyongyang.
Next day, North Korea told its key ally, China that it is prepared to
stage one or even two more nuclear tests this year in an effort to force the
United States into diplomatic talks. Further tests could also be accompanied
this year by another rocket launch. Its all ready. A fourth and fifth nuclear
test and a rocket launch could be conducted soon, possibly this year, a
source said.
On 23rd February, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw a
military drill, his third such inspection in as many days as tensions run high
following Pyongyangs third nuclear test. Accompanied by top military
commanders, Kim watched a flight exercise and a paratrooping drill by the
Korean Peoples Army. He called on the KPA service personnel to put spurs
1165
to making preparations for going into action, keeping themselves at

maximum alert at all times.
Russia: On 14th February, a suicide car bomb attack in the Russian
Caucasus region of Dagestan killed three police officers and wounded six
other people. The attacker blew up his car at a checkpoint at Khassaviurt, in
northern Dagestan, which is currently the most unstable region in the
Northern Caucasus, with rebels staging attacks against the pro-Kremlin local
authorities almost every day.
Middle East
Iraq: On 12th February, a series of attacks mostly targeting security
forces, including a suicide car bomb at an army base, killed 11 people across
Iraq. In the deadliest of yesterdays incidents, a vehicle packed with
explosives was detonated by a suicide attacker in Mosul, killing six soldiers
and wounding seven others, according to officials.
On 14th February, attacks mostly targeting Iraqi security forces north
of Baghdad killed seven people. Near the city of Mosul, gunmen killed two
brothers a policeman and a soldier inside their home. A roadside bomb
targeting a police patrol killed two policemen and wounded one.
Next day, thousands of people in Sunni-majority areas of Iraq called
for the government's fall amid a spike in violence that has accompanied a
political stalemate two months before provincial polls. The demonstrations,
which have been ongoing for nearly two months, have steadfastly urged for
the ouster of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki while decrying the alleged
targeting of minority Sunnis by the Shia-led authorities.
On 16th February, a suicide bombing killed a senior Iraqi intelligence
officer, Brigadier General Aouni Ali and two guards near the main northern
city of Mosul, while other blasts left two more dead in the village of
Sulaiman Pak. Next day, eight car bombs exploded in Shia neighbourhoods
across Baghdad, killing at least 28 people in blasts that tore into shops,
restaurants and busy commercial streets. One blast tore off shop fronts in
Qaiyara district while another left the remains of a car and its twisted engine
littered across a high street in the busy, commercial Karrada district packed
with restaurants and shops. Three car bombs struck the sprawling Sadr City
slum in the north of the city, car bombs exploded in Ameen, Al-Husseiniyah
and Kamaliyah in the east. Another roadside device went off in Saidiyah in
the capital's south.
1166
On 23rd February, the governor of Iraqs restive Diyala province was

wounded in a suicide car bombing, while a provincial elections candidate
was killed in another attack. The suicide bomber detonated an explosivesladen vehicle at Governor Omar al-Humairis house in Baquba, wounding
him, killing two of his guards and injuring six more. No group has claimed
responsibility for the attack.
On 28th February, bombings in and around the Iraqi capital, including
two car bombs near a football field, killed at least 26 people and wounded
more than 60 others. With the latest violence, more than 210 people have
been killed and over 550 wounded in attacks in February. In the Shuala area
of Baghdad blasts killed at least 19 people and wounded at least another 30.
In Mahmudiyah, a militant detonated a hand grenade when people
attempted to arrest him, and five bombs exploded nearby, killing at least two
people and wounding at least seven. Two roadside bombs also exploded in
the Shurta al-Rabea area of south Baghdad, killing one person and wounding
seven, while a car bomb in Aziziyah, killed one person and wounded 17. No
group claimed responsibility for the string of attacks.
On 1st March, bombings in Iraq, including two car bombs at a sheep
market, killed at least eight people and wounded dozens more. The car
bombs went off in the market, south of Diwaniyahs capital. Two roadside
bombs exploded in a village near Dujail, north of Baghdad. One soldier was
killed by a magnetic sticky bomb on his car near the north Iraq city of
Mosul.
Palestine: On 13th February, Egyptian forces flooded smuggling
tunnels under the border with the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip in a campaign
to shut them down. The network of tunnels is a vital lifeline for Gaza,
bringing in an estimated 30 per cent of all goods that reach the enclave and
circumventing a blockade imposed by Israel for more than seven years.
Meanwhile, Egypt on expressed concern for the well-being of
Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli prisons and warned that endangering
their lives could inflame tensions in Palestinian territories. Egypt's Foreign
Minister expressed his concern over reports about the deteriorating health
of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, especially Samer Assawi and
Ayman Sharawneh, a ministry statement said.
On 15th February, Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli soldiers at
a rally outside an Israeli prison in the occupied West Bank. Two protesters
were wounded by live gunfire in the demonstration, which was mounted as a
show of solidarity with Palestinians being held in the nearby Ofer prison.
1167
On 23rd February, three Palestinians were wounded in clashes with

Jewish settlers from a wildcat settlement near a village in the northern West
Bank. Settlers from Esh Kodesh clashed with Palestinians from Qusra
village, south of Nablus, throwing rocks at them and destroying olive trees
that belonged to them. One Palestinian was hit by a live round fired by the
settlers, and the two others by rubber bullets shot by Israeli security forces.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian prisoner died in an Israeli jail, with a
Palestinian official charging he was killed during questioning and
demanding an international probe. The fate of Palestinian prisoners, and in
particular the four hunger strikers, has sparked protests across the Palestinian
territories since the start of February and raised international concern.
Next day, about 3,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails staged a oneday hunger strike in protest at the death of an inmate, as security forces
clashed with demonstrators in the West Bank. Protesters in his home village
and in different parts of Hebron city hurled stones at Israeli security forces
who responded with tear gas and stun grenade.
On 25th February, thousands of angry mourners attended the West
Bank funeral of a man tortured to death in an Israeli jail, as Fatah armed men
vowed to take revenge. Israel reacted to the threat by demanding that the
Palestinian Authority (PA) act responsibly to rein in unrest, with Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahus spokesman Mark Regev calling for peace
talks not violence.
Syria: On 10th February, Syrian rebels launched fierce assaults on
regime troops in several parts of the country, including near Deir Ezzor
where they used tanks to shell an army brigade, which they have surrounded
for weeks. Regime troops have already been forced from the vast territory
stretching from Deir Ezzor city to the Iraqi border, including the border town
of Albu Kamal and its small military airbase.
In the northeast province of Raqa, fighters from the jihadist Al-Nusra
Front and other rebel battalions took over an army company in Tabqa along
the Euphrates River, securing a major cache of artillery and ammunition and
taking control of a key checkpoint in the town. Rebels also continued their
assault on Wadi Deif military base, a major regime holdout in the largely
rebel-held northwest province of Idlib, while the army retaliated shelling the
nearby town of Maaret al-Numan.
In the northern province of Aleppo four soldiers were killed and more
than 20 wounded in a bombing by Al-Nusra Front targeting a military
building. Rebels also attacked an army convoy south of Aleppo city and
1168
attacked a cement plant in the central Hama province killing five guards. In
the capital Damascus an explosive charge blew up near a police station
injuring two civilians. At least 50 people were killed in violence across
Syria.
Next day, President Assad vowed not to bow to mounting pressure and
plots. Syria will remain the beating heart of the Arab world and will not
give up its principles despite the intensifying pressure and diversifying plots
not only targeting Syria, but all Arabs, Assad said. National Coalition
opposition chief, al-Khatib, meanwhile, said he had received no clear
response from Damascus over his offer of dialogue.
At least 13 people were killed when a car exploded just inside the
Turkish border. A Syrian-registered car is believed to have been at the centre
of the blast in a buffer zone at the frontier. The dead included four Turks and
six Syrians and there were up to 50 wounded people.
Rebels seized control of the largest dam in Syria, a vital barrier along
the Euphrates River in the northern province of Raqa that generates 880
megawatts of power. Rebels met little resistance in the area, as loyalist
security chiefs fled on board military helicopters, he said. Elsewhere,
warplanes bombarded two districts of southern Damascus, Assali and
Qadam, while fighters seized control of a bridge linking insurgent-held
suburb Irbin to Jobar district in the east of the capital. At least 66 people,
including 27 civilians, were killed in violence across Syria.
On 12th February, rebels captured a military airport at Al-Jarrah in
Aleppo province, and in the process seized for the first time a fleet of
deployable warplanes including MiG fighter jets. During their assault on the
airport, the rebels killed, injured or imprisoned dozens of troops; as the rest
of the troops pulled out, they left behind ammunition and warplanes. Soon
afterwards, the air force used fighter jets to bombard the airport to try to
dislodge rebels there, and warplanes also carried out raids near the
international airport which has come under a rebel assault. Rebels also
captured the main road linking Aleppo province with Raqa and parts of a
military base tasked with securing the areas airports.
Assad meanwhile called for collective action by the state and Syrian
people to limit the effects of the crisis. The Syrian president also accused
groups that target Syria of trying to destroy the countrys infrastructure.
Electricity Minister Imad Khamis said that widespread blackouts have
caused economic losses of around $2.2 billion for Syria nearly two years
into a spiraling conflict.
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Next day, Syrian rebels took control of most of a strategic army base
in northern Syria after a fierce firefight with security forces. Dozens of
fighters and troops have been killed in the fighting. Despite the advances,
regime warplanes carried out several air raids on rebel areas in Aleppo
province while army tanks shelled the east Damascus district of Jobar; eight
civilians were killed. On the eastern and western edges of the central city of
Homs, rebels clashed with troops on two main highways. At least 121 people
were killed in violence across Syria.
Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council to overcome its paralysis
and take meaningful action to stop the bloodshed. It is essential for the
Security Council to overcome the deadlock and find the unity that will make
meaningful action possible, he said at the Organization of American States.
Qatar, meanwhile, handed the Syrian embassy building in Doha to the
National Coalition, Syrias main opposition group. Qatar has acted faster
than the Friends of Syria coalition, the opposition statement said, in
reference to a string of Western and Arab states, along with Turkey, which
support the revolt against Syrian President.
On 14th February, gunmen killed an Iranian commander in Syria and
rebels shot down two fighter jets and overran a town. The ambush that killed
the Revolutionary Guards commander, the downing of the aircraft in the
northwest and the seizure of the town of Shadadeh near the Iraqi border
amounted to four straight days of battlefield successes for the rebellion.
Irans Revolutionary Guards said one of its commanders, Hassan
Shateri, was martyred...at the hands of Zionist regime mercenaries and
backers while traveling by road between Damascus and Beirut. The Guards
said he had also headed the Iranian Committee for the Reconstruction of
Lebanon, and the Iranian embassy in Beirut gave a similar account.
One of the most prominent radical groups, the Al-Nusra Front, took
the town of Shadadeh in the oil-rich northeastern province of Hasakeh.
After three days of fierce battles against the army, Al-Nusra Front fighters
have seized control of Shadadeh, said the Syrian Observatory for Human
Rights. Fighting and car bombings by the jihadists killed more than 100
troops in three days.
Next day, Syrian rebels captured a military airbase in the north and
geared up for a major battle against loyalists. The rebels, from the Al-Nusra
Front and the Muhajireen battalion, overran the base in Sfeira, east of
Aleppo international airport, and captured a large stockpile of ammunition.
Intermittent clashes were also reported around the Aleppo airport itself as
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well as around Nayrab airbase and another military complex, as the two
sides squared up for a major fight.
Regime tanks, meanwhile, shelled the town of Khan Sheikhun in the
province of Idlib, killing at least 11 civilians, as at least 70 people were
killed in violence nationwide. In Damascus, the army shelled the eastern
district of Jobar where rebels have set up enclaves. More than 100 civilians
were abducted in Idlib province in separate incidents.
On the political front, the opposition National Coalition said it refuses
to accept Assad in any talks, as part of an eight-point framework it has
drawn up for solutions to the conflict. Meanwhile, Syria has written to the
United Nations blasting Turkeys destructive role in the conflict. Turkey
has turned its territory into camps used to house, train, finance and infiltrate
armed terrorist groups, chief among them the al-Qaeda network and the AlNusra Front, the letter said.
On 16th February, rebels pressed an offensive in northern Syria,
attacking Aleppo airport and two airbases. Regime troops fended off fierce
rebel onslaughts around Aleppo international airport and the adjacent Nayrab
military airbase. East of Aleppo, rebel attacks around the Kwiyres military
airbase sparked counter-strikes from regime warplanes. On the diplomatic
front, French Foreign Minister at a security forum in Abu Dhabi called for
urgent action to bring about a power transfer that excludes Bashar al-Assad.
The Israeli military said it had taken five Syrians wounded in clashes
on the Golan to a hospital inside the Jewish state. The Golan has been tense
since Syrian uprising morphed into a bloody insurgency. Meanwhile, an aide
to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran will soon
exact revenge on Israel for the recent killing of a Revolutionary Guards
commander in Syria.
Next day, Syrian rebels captured army checkpoints near Nayrab
military airport in the northern city of Aleppo, in the eastern province of
Deir Ezzor and in central Hama province. Nayrab is adjacent to Aleppo
international airport, a key target for the rebels, who have also been battling
troops guarding Kweyris military airbase east of the city and Menegh
airbase to the north.
Fighter planes carried out raids on rebel groups encircling the military
defense factories in the town of Safireh east of Aleppo. In the eastern
province of Deir Ezzor, rebels lost five men before capturing the Kibar
checkpoint, seizing stores of weapons and ammunition and killing at least
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four soldiers. The districts of Sheikh Yassin and Hamidiyeh in the embattled
city of Deir Ezzor came under army bombardment.
In the central province of Hama, the rebels lost one of their
commanders when they took control of a military checkpoint near the town
of Qalaa al-Maziq, where heavy regime shelling killed three people,
including a child. Five soldiers were killed defending Tel Osman checkpoint
before it fell to the insurgents. East of Qalaa al-Maziq, regime forces
stormed the town of Mork, which has seen several rounds of fighting.
Mork is located on the highway connecting Hama to the strategic
northwestern city of Maaret al-Numan, whose capture by the insurgents last
October has hampered army supply lines to Aleppo further north. Regime
forces are pushing to take back the strategic stretch of road. Three Lebanese
Shias were also killed and 14 others wounded in clashes in Syria, a
Hezbollah official said, as the opposition accused the group of fighting
alongside its regime allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will
maintain close tabs on its border with Syria and only let people to cross in
exceptional circumstances, after seven injured Syrians were let in. We will
continue to watch over the border and prevent anyone from crossing it and
entering Israel, except in a few isolated and exceptional circumstances
each of which will be weighed on its own merit, Netanyahu told his
outgoing cabinet.
On 18th February, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry alleged
possible crimes of war by both rebels and government forces. In a 131-page
report, the commission accused both sides of becoming more violent and
reckless. It says the Syrian war has become more sectarian and is attracting
criminal elements and increased numbers of foreign fighters. The report
accuses the government of arbitrary arrests, murder, torture, and rape all
acts, which if proven, can constitute crimes against humanity.
Next day, insurgents fired mortar rounds at one of President Assad's
palaces in the Syrian capital. The shelling, which was claimed by the rebel
Free Syrian Army, came as dozens of Russians left the war-battered country
on a plane sent by Moscow as its navy reportedly sent four warships to the
Mediterranean for a larger evacuation. The shelling came a day after an
apparent surface-to-surface missile attack flattened a residential area of
Aleppo city, killing at least 31 people.
Meanwhile, hundreds of troops backed by military vehicles poured
into Aleppo province, as rebels clashed with loyalists around Kwayris
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military airport as they pushed on with an assault to take control of Aleppo

international airport. At least 40 people were killed across Syria, including
five in a car bomb attack in Damascus province. In Geneva, UN UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief
Coordinator described the situation as devastating as she announced that
four million people inside Syrian needed aid.
On 20th February, Syrian rebels downed a warplane over
Hammuriyeh, shortly after an air strike killed at least 14 people and
wounded dozens more in the Damascus province town. A Syrian footballer
was killed and four others wounded when two mortars smashed into a
stadium in central Damascus; four other footballers were injured. Elsewhere,
clashes raged between rebels and troops in the northern province of Aleppo.
The rebel Free Syrian Army threatened to shell positions of the
powerful Hezbollah group in neighbouring Lebanon after accusing it of
firing across the border into territory it controls. In the past week...
Hezbollah has been shelling into villages around Qusayr from Lebanese
territory, and that we cannot accept, General Selim Idriss, the FSAs chief of
staff said.
Russia urged the warring sides in Syria to halt their almost two-year
conflict and start talks, warning that seeking a military settlement risked
mutual destruction. Its time to end this two-year conflict, Foreign Minister
said after a meeting with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi and other top
Arab diplomats. Neither side can allow itself to bet on a military settlement
as this is a path to nowhere, a path to mutual destruction, he said. British
Foreign Secretary also discussed Syrias conflict with Qatars crown prince
during a visit to the country.
Next day, a huge car bomb exploded near ruling party offices in
Damascus, killing nearly 60 people, wounding more than 200 and causing
widespread destruction in the capitals deadliest attack since the civil war
erupted. The bombing blamed on terrorists by both the regime and its
opponents rocked the city centre shortly before a mortar attack on a nearby
military headquarters.
The attacks came as the opposition umbrella group met in Cairo to
discuss proposals to hold conditional talks with President Bashar al-Assads
regime. Coalition chief Khatib offered to talk to regime officials without
blood on their hands an initiative welcomed by the Arab League and the
United States as well as Assad allies Iran and Russia. But the Syrian
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National Council, a key part of the Coalition, has rejected any talks until
Assad quits.
On 22nd February, Syria's opposition National Coalition said it will
form a government to run liberated areas of the country, as least 12 people
were killed and dozens wounded in a missile strike on the northern city of
Aleppo. International peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, meanwhile, said a
devastating bomb blast in Damascus yesterday was a war crime which had
left 100 people dead.
Eight civilians were killed in air strikes on Harasta just northeast of
Damascus, and warplanes pounded the eastern Damascus district of Qaboon
in a bid to push back rebel forces. In the southern province of Daraa, 10
people were killed by shelling that targeted the Grand Mosque in the town of
Harak. In all, 78 people were killed nationwide. Yesterday was the bloodiest
day during which 287 people were killed.
Thousands of Syrian protesters took to the streets with chants, banners
and cartoons of President Assad to vent their anger at Lebanon's Hezbollah
and the international community. In the Turkish border town of Ain al-Arab,
demonstrators, including young girls and dancing teenagers, shouted for
freedom as they held aloft Kurdish flags alongside the Syrian revolution
banner.
Next day, Syrias main opposition group decided to pull out of
international talks and demanding world action to stop the slaughter of
Syrians, as missiles killed dozens in the city of Aleppo. The Syrian National
Coalitions decision to boycott talks with world power came after it said it
would form a government to run liberated areas of Syria. Britain urged the
opposition to reconsider its decision to pull out of the Rome, Washington
and Moscow meetings, insisting now is not the time to give up on talks.
Shelling on the Maadi district of Aleppo caused a building to collapse
killing an unknown number of people. In the province, rebels fought troops
on near Aleppo international airport and Nayrab air base, southeast of the
provincial capital. During the day, around 150 Kurdish women in the warwracked northern Syrian province of Aleppo set up a fighting battalion, a
monitoring group said. The Kurdish popular committees have set up the
first womens battalion, comprising some 150 women fighters. The battalion
is named the Martyr Rokan Battalion, said the Syrian Observatory for
Human Rights.
On 24th February, Turkey and the United States lashed out against the
Syrian regime after the death toll from a missile strike on Aleppo rose to 58,
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while a French photographer wounded in the conflict was confirmed dead.

Tayyip Erdogan on a visit to the United Arab Emirates said: We will not
remain silent on those committing crimes against their people... We will not
remain silent on the brutal dictator in Syria. Washington had also
condemned the Assad regime in the strongest possible terms for the strike.
Violence meanwhile raged in several Syrian flashpoints. In northern
Syria, rebels closed in on a police academy in the town of Khan al-Assal in
Aleppo, as warplanes bombarded their positions. The army also used tanks
to shell the Tariq al-Bab district in eastern Aleppo city. At least 63 people
were killed in violence across the country.
Next day, the Syrian regime is ready for talks with armed rebels and
anyone who favours dialogue, Assad's foreign minister said in Moscow the
first such offer by a top Syrian official. Russia renewed calls for rebels and
regime to engage in direct negotiations to end the two-year conflict, warning
that pressing for a military victory risked destroying Syria. Lavrov said
alongside Muallem that there was no alternative to a political solution
through talks. The United States meanwhile also urged the Khatib-led Syrian
opposition to withdraw its threat to pull out of an international meeting in
Rome that Kerry will attend.
At least 30 Syrian troops and 23 rebels were killed over the past 24
hours in fierce clashes for control of a police academy in the northern
Aleppo province. The rebels also claimed shooting down a regime helicopter
near a military base. Yesterday, at least 105 people were killed in violence
across the country.
On 26th February, fierce clashes raged inside the historic Umayyad
Mosque in the city of Aleppo. The rebels had pushed into the regime-held
mosque from their positions at the southern entrance, and were also fighting
troops in the Unesco-listed Old City. Elsewhere in Aleppo province, rebels
pushed into the grounds of a major police academy and seized one of its
buildings after a fierce two-day siege in which more than 70 combatants
were killed. The academy, located near the town of Khan Assal, is one of the
last regime bastions in the province. Regime forces retaliated with air strikes
on rebels around the school.
Air strikes were also reported in the southern province of Daraa, the
eastern outskirts of Damascus, the northwestern province of Idlib, the
northern province of Raqa and the eastern city of Deir Ezzor. The strikes
were accompanied by shelling from light and heavy artillery, as troops tried
to open a breach in rebel defences. In Damascus, three young children were
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killed by army shelling on the eastern district of Jobar, as initial toll of

people killed nationwide was given 97.
On the political front, Russian Foreign Minister held talks with US
Secretary of State John Kerry and said the Syrian opposition should enter
into talks with the regime of President Assad and put together a negotiating
team. Delegates from 56 nations working on sanctions against Syria agreed
in Sofia to ramp up political pressure against the regime in what officials
called their strongest declaration yet.
According to The New York Times, Saudi Arabia has been supplying
Syrian rebels battling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad with arms
bought from Croatia. Citing unnamed US and Western officials, the
newspaper reported that the Saudi-financed large purchase of infantry
weapons was part of an undeclared surplus of arms left over from the
Balkan wars in the 1990s and that they began reaching anti-regime fighters
via Jordan.
Next day, the parties to the Syrian war came under intense
international pressure to open direct talks to end their two-year conflict, on
the eve of a Rome meeting of the Friends of Syria group. The main
opposition National Coalition, meanwhile, was preparing for a weekend
gathering in Istanbul to elect a prime minister and government to run
liberated parts of the country. But the combatants in Syria seemed deaf to
the diplomatic activity, fighting and bombarding each other near Damascus
as the regime renewed its campaign to suppress the insurgency.
US Secretary of State John Kerry hinted at greater US support for
Syrias opposition, saying it needs more help in the struggle against Bashar
al-Assad and that Washington wants to speed up a political transition. We
are examining and developing ways to accelerate the political transition that
the Syrian people seek and deserve, and that is what we will be discussing in
Rome, Kerry said in a joint press conference with French counterpart
Laurent Fabius.
On the ground, tanks pounded the rebel-held town of Daraya,
southwest of Damascus, while new clashes broke out in Irbin to the
northeast. Six rebels were killed near the police academy in Khan al-Assal,
one of the regimes last strongholds in the northern province of Aleppo.
Yesterday at least 134 people were killed across Syria, including 52
civilians.
On 28th February, the United States said it would for the first time
provide direct aid to rebel fighters battling Syrias Bashar al-Assad and $60
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million in extra assistance to the countrys political opposition. The

assistance aims to bolster Assads opponents, but hopes the main opposition
National Coalition would soon elect a prime minister and government were
dashed when it announced that a meeting this weekend had been put off
indefinitely.
In Moscow, French leader Francois Hollande said foreign powers had
the same goal but acknowledged differences over how to reach it.
Meanwhile, violence continued to rage inside Syria, with rebels seizing
control of the historic Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo after days of fierce
clashes. A car bomb exploded in a regime-held suburb of Homs city, killing
a number of people and wounding others.
On 1st March, UN Secretary-General warned that the spiraling conflict
in Syria was breaking the country apart. The military solution in Syria is
leading to the dissolution of Syria, the UN chief said in Geneva, asking:
What atrocity must occur to finally stir the world to act? Ban called for a
renewed drive to halt the strife. Meanwhile, Syria and ally Russia denounced
a US pledge to provide direct aid, but no arms, to rebel fighters, saying it
will fuel more violence. The opposition, meanwhile, accused regime forces
of a new massacre in the northern province of Aleppo, with 72 people
executed and burned, while Islamist fighters reportedly seized a crossing on
the Iraqi border.
Next day, Syrias close ally Iran said that President Bashar al-Assad
will take part in next years presidential election and that it is up to the
Syrian people to choose their own leader. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid
Muallem was in Tehran for talks, at a news conference with Muallem,
Iranian Foreign Minister said the official position of Iran is that...Assad will
remain legitimate president until the next...election in 2014.
On the ground, at least 16 rebels and 10 soldiers were killed in a battle
on the outskirts of a strategic city near the Turkish border as the army said it
had recaptured an important highway leading to the city Aleppo. Fierce
clashes also raged in the northern city of Raqa between rebels and troops,
killing at least 26 fighters - 16 rebels and 10 soldiers. At least 49 people
were killed nationwide.
Turkey: On 19th February, Turkish police launched a nationwide
crackdown against a radical Marxist group which claimed a suicide bomb
attack against the US embassy this month. Police issued arrest warrants for
167 people in 28 cities as part of the operation against the Revolutionary
Peoples Liberation Front (DHKP-C), which is classified as a terrorist
1177
organization by the United States. Academics, civil servants, teachers,

doctors and university students are reported to have been targeted in the
raids, including 33 arrested in Ankara and nearly 50 in Istanbul.
On 1st March, US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks with
Turkeys leaders on the Syria crisis amid a row over comments by Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan branding Zionism a crime against
humanity. As is the case for Zionism, anti-Semitism and fascism, it is
inevitable that Islamophobia be considered a crime against humanity,
Erdogan had said.
His comments were branded as a dark and mendacious statement, by
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while Washington said
characterization of Zionism as a crime against humanity...is offensive and
wrong. A US official traveling with Kerry on his first trip abroad since
taking over as secretary of state from Hillary Clinton said he would raise the
issue with his hosts.
Bahrain: On 15th February, Bahrain's police fired tear gas at an
opposition rally marking the second anniversary of a Shia-led uprising
against the kingdom's Sunni rulers, a day after two people died when
protests turned violent. Police also used sound bombs to disperse thousands
of opposition supporters who staged a mid-afternoon demonstration on the
Boudaya highway that links a string of Shia-populated villages with the
capital Manama.
Next day, clashes broke out at the funeral in Bahrain of a teenager
killed in protests marking the second anniversary of a Shia-led uprising, with
police using teargas against mourners. Jaziri, 16, died after being shot in the
stomach by security forces. A police officer and three other policemen were
wounded and taken to hospital. On 17 th February, Bahrain dismantled a
terrorist cell linked to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, the interior minister said,
slamming what he called escalation in the kingdom as the Shiite opposition
intensifies its protests.
Africa
Mali: On 10th February, a gun battle broke out in northern Mali's
largest city following two straight days of suicide bombings, as militants
continued to defy a lock-down on territory reclaimed by French-led forces.
Malian soldiers and rebels from the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in
West Africa (MUJAO) exchanged gunfire in the streets of central Gao near
the main police station, which the extremists had converted into the
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headquarters of their police during their 10-month occupation of northern

Mali.
Next day, France bombed militants targets in northern Mali following
a string of guerrilla attacks by the extremists a month after Paris launched an
offensive to drive them from its former colony. In a pre-dawn attack, a
French army helicopter destroyed a central police station in the northern city
of Gao from where rebels had opened fire from the station on Malian troops
yesterday.
On 13th February, the head of Russias arms export agency said it had
delivered small amounts of light weapons for Malis poorly equipped and
deeply divided army, which is struggling to restore security after a Frenchled military intervention helped it push out al-Qaeda-linked rebels who had
seized the countrys north.
On 21st February, clashes erupted in the city of Gao and an apparent
car bomb struck near a camp housing French troops as Malian and foreign
forces struggled to secure Malis volatile north against rebels. The troops
were clashing with about 40 rebels near the courthouse and Gaos city hall,
who had infiltrated the city from nearby villages.
Malian forces have been accused of carrying out abuses during their
operations in the north, including summary killings, and Human Rights
Watch urged the government to punish those responsible. The Malian
government should urgently investigate and prosecute soldiers responsible
for torture, summary executions, and enforced disappearances of suspected
rebels and alleged collaborators, the New York-based group said in a
statement.
Next day, five people, including two suicide bombers, died in car
bombings in northern Mali, a day after fierce urban battles between Frenchled forces and Islamists left up to 20 extremists dead. Two vehicles targeting
civilians and members of the ethnic Tuareg rebel group, the MNLA,
exploded near the town of Tessalit, killing three and wounding several
others.
On 23rd February, fresh fighting erupted in northern Mali between
ethnic Tuaregs and an unidentified armed group. Tuaregs of the Azawad
National Liberation Movement (MNLA) were fighting what one source said
seemed to be Arab fighters near the northern town of Tessalit, where
suicide car bombers killed three people yesterday.
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About 100 US troops were deployed to the West African country of

Niger to set up a drone base to spy on militants battling French troops in
neighbouring Mali. Announcing the deployment, President Barack Obama
said in a letter to Congress released that about 40 US service members
arrived in Niger, bringing the total number of troops based there to
approximately 100.
On 25th February, French warplanes attacked a rebel base in north
Mali, wounding four members of the Arab Movement of the Azawad
(MAA), after the extremists clashed with Tuareg rebels. The MAA
denounced the .open support France was giving to the Tuareg rebel National
Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and accused its fighters of
looting and raping. Next day, France said that its forces were engaged in
heavy fighting in the Ifoghas Mountains of northern Mali and that many
rebels had been killed in recent clashes.
On 2nd March, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno said al-Qaedas top
commander in Mali was killed, signaling a significant blow to the rebels in
the seven-week French-led intervention against insurgents. Several
newspapers in Abou Zeids native Algeria had reported his death and
Washington had described the reports as very credible.
Nigeria: On 10th February, men armed with knives slit the throats of
three Chinese doctors in a pre-dawn attack in Nigerias volatile northeastern
town of Potiskum. The Chinese were employees of the state ministry of
health and had been living in the city for one year. Violence linked to Boko
Haram is believed to have left some 3,000 people dead since 2009, including
killings by security forces.
On 19th February, suspected militants in Cameroon kidnapped seven
French holidaymakers from one family, including four children. French
President Francois Hollande said during a visit to Athens that he was
informed of the kidnapping by a Nigerian terrorist group that we know
well, without naming it. What is most probable is they will be taken to
Nigeria, Hollande told reporters, adding that France was doing everything
possible to prevent that outcome.
Next day, armed pirates who stormed an oil service ship in southern
Nigeria kidnapped six foreigners and demanded a $1.3 million ransom for
their release. Three of those abducted are from Ukraine, two from India, one
from Russia. The kidnapping of foreign oil workers is common in Nigerias
oil-rich south.
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On 21st February, Nigerias secret service claimed cracking down on a

terrorist cell trained in Iran who planned to attack US and Israeli targets in
Africas most populous nation. The State Security Service (SSS) said they
arrested Abdullahi Mustapha Berende and two other Nigerians in December
after Berende made several suspicious trips to Iran where he interacted with
Iranians in a high profile terrorist network.
Tunisia: On 11th February, Tunisian President Moncef Marzoukis
secular party said that it would stay in the ruling coalition, but demanded the
resignation of key Islamist ministers amid deepening political uncertainty.
The CPR opposed the proposed formation of a non-partisan government of
technocrats, announced by Jebali last week in the wake of public outrage
over the murder of Chokri Belaid.
On 16th February, thousands of members of Tunisias ruling Islamist
party Ennahda protested to support their movements legitimacy and
denounce plans for a government of technocrats aimed at resolving a major
crisis. Protesters, many waving party flags and some holding black Salafist
banners, thronged Habib Bourguiba Avenue that was the cradle of the 2011
uprising that ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Libya: On 27th February, Tunisian lawyer of Al-Baghdadi alMahmudi, the last premier of deposed Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi, said
his client was in critical condition after having baan tortured in a Libyan
prison. Mahmudi is in critical condition as a result of the torture he has
suffered, said Mabrouk Kourchid, adding that he could die.
Egypt: On 11th February, Egyptian police fired water cannon at stonethrowing protesters outside the presidential palace as the opposition held
rallies to mark the second anniversary of Hosni Mubaraks overthrow. The
clashes broke out after several hundred protesters marched to the palace.
Opposition groups called for the protests to demand that Mursi fulfill the
goals of the revolution which brought him to power along with his longbanned Muslim Brotherhood movement.
On 15th February, hundreds of supporters of Islamist President
Mohamed Mursi took to the street to denounce violence after weeks of
bloody protests between police and anti-Mursi protesters. The Islamist
Construction and Development Party had called for the rally under the
slogan Together against violence, blaming the liberal-led opposition for
unrest in the country.
On 22nd February, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of
Port Said to demand justice for protesters killed by Egyptian police, as a
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strike in the Suez Canal city entered its sixth day. Protesters chanted against
President Mohamed Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood, while slamming the
interior ministry it accuses of having killed at least 40 people in clashes with
police last month.
On 26th February, Egypts main opposition coalition, the National
Salvation Front, said it will boycott upcoming parliamentary elections due to
a lack of guarantees of a transparent process. NSF member Sameh Ashour
told a news conference in Cairo that the decision had come after its
demands, including the formation of a new government to save the
country, had been ignored.
On 1st March, Egyptian police fired tear gas to disperse Muslim
protesters outside a church in southern Egypt after claims that a women who
converted to Christianity was hiding in the church. The police acted after the
protesters pelted them with stones in the town of Kom Umbo. The Coptic
Christians, who make up between six and 10 percent of the country's 83
million people, have complained of an increase in sectarian attacks since an
uprising overthrew President Hosni Mubarak in early 2011.
Next day, as Kerry arrived from Turkey, protesters torched a police
station in the canal city of Port Said, reflecting the size of the task facing the
secretary of state in Egypt, which has been rocked by months of unrest. One
person was killed and dozens injured in overnight clashes between police
and protesters in Egypts Nile Delta city of Mansura. A week of
demonstrations in Mansura turned violent when police fired tear gas at
protesters outside the governorate headquarters.
Sudan: On 10th February, heavily armed rebels have killed more than
100 people including women and children in a cattle raid in South Sudan's
troubled Jonglei state. The people of Walgak in Akobo County were
migrating north to the wetlands with cattle and were being escorted by an
army platoon when they came under attack by a huge force using automatic
weapons. The attackers left with some 3,000 people including children and
women and cattle who have not reported back to the village. The army is
trying to retrieve the cattle from the criminals,
Next day, the Sudanese government signed a ceasefire agreement with
a faction of Darfurs far-west region rebel group the Justice and Equality
Movement (JEM). The ceasefire took effect at midnight in Doha, QNA
quoted Qatars deputy prime minister Ahmed al-Mahmud as saying.
On 23rd February, an Arab militia firing heavy machine guns killed
more than 50 people in Sudans Darfur region; a continuing unrest has
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caused the largest displacement of people in years. They came on Land

Cruisers, used Dushkas and they burned 30 houses killing 53 people, said
one resident of El Sireaf town, to which most of the 100,000 people
displaced or severely affected by the earlier tribal fighting had fled.
Somalia: On 16th February, one person was killed by a car bomb in
Somalia's war-ravaged capital. No group immediately claimed responsibility
for the blast, but Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab insurgents have launched a series
of guerrilla-style attacks in Mogadishu in recent months. The insurgents
have vowed to topple newly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,
who took office in September after being chosen by the country's new
parliament.
On 21st February, gunmen stormed a Kenyan mosque near the border
with Somalia killing seven people including women. The attack occurred in
Malleley near the border town of Liboi when heavily armed men stormed a
mosque and shot at people indiscriminately. Gunmen have launched a
string of attacks along Kenyas restive border with Somalia in recent
months, although churches have been a more common target.
Europe: On 21st February, three British Muslim men were found

guilty of planning a string of bombings that prosecutors said could have
been deadlier than the July 7, 2005, attacks on Londons transport network.
Irfan Naseer, 31, Irfan Khalid, 27, and Ashik Ali, 27, were convicted of
being central figures in a terror plot to set off eight rucksack bombs and
possibly timed devices in crowded areas.
The three men, all from Birmingham, central England, had denied
charges of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts during their
trial at Woolwich Crown Court in London. Two of the men Naseer and
Khalid traveled to Pakistan for terror training while Naseer also helped
others to travel to the country for the same purpose. The group was heavily
influenced by the teachings of American-born al-Qaeda preacher Anwar alAwlaki, who was killed by a drone strike in Yemen in September 2011,
police said.
Naseer was found guilty of five charges, Khalid four, and Ali three, all
between December 25, 2010 and September 19, 2011. Six other Birmingham
men aged between 21 and 26 pleaded guilty to terror offences at an earlier
date. Judge Richard Henriques said Naseer, Khalid and Ali will face life in
prison when they are sentenced in April or May.
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America: On 22nd February, anti-Islam US lawmaker said that

Republicans must oppose gun control to protect America from Sharia Law
which, incidentally, does not exist in this country. Appearing on a
conservative radio show on 'The Voice of Freedom', Republican
Congressman Louie Gohmert said he hoped and prayed that Congress
rejects gun safety legislation, arguing that Americans may need to use the
rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment to avoid succumbing to
Muslims.
VIEWS
Bangladesh
Witch hunt in Dhaka: The secession of East Pakistan in 1971,
following a bitter civil war aided and abetted by an Indian aggression,
undeniably, remains the most traumatic watermark of our national history.
The birth of Bangladesh is by now an reality duly accepted in Pakistan
with a concomitant reservoir of goodwill and wishes and a desire to forge a
strong bond of brotherhood and amity. Despite this, there are strong
undercurrents of vested interests in Bangladesh that, with strong Indian
leanings and persuasions, are working relentlessly to gnaw at the prospects
of friendly relations with Pakistan by keeping alive a hateful agenda based
on unsubstantiated myths.
This was evident during the kangaroo court trial of Abdul Kader
Mullah, Assistant Secretary General of the Jamaat-i-Islami, who was
recently sentenced to life imprisonment by a war crimes tribunal in Dhaka
for being guilty of crimes against humanity during the 1971 civil war. The
special court that convicted Mullah was established in 2010 by Sheikh
Hasina Wajids government with the mandate to deal with those who stand
accused of collaborating with the Pakistani forces and undertaking efforts to
prevent East Pakistan from becoming an independent country. Hasina is
manifestly driven by a desire to rehabilitate the reputation of Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, her father, who met a sordid end at the hands of a clutch of young
army officers, who shot and killed him in August 1975.
She is also driven by a desire to paddle baseless propaganda against
Pakistan, which her father unabashedly initiated based on nothing more than
the hallucinations of his feverish mind. These myths owe their lasting
currency to the flavour of time in January 1972, when Mujib returned from
imprisonment in Pakistan. His stature then, as the founding father of
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Bangladesh, was tall and whatever he said was gulped down by the world
media at large without scrutiny for any substantiating proof. It remains an
abiding measure of his mystique that some major engines of the media have
picked up and believed the widely spread disinformation by Mujib and his
coterie without conducting any research. Prominent among these are the
charges of a non-existing genocide, in which a staggering rather
unbelievable figure of 3,000,000 Bangladeshis were allegedly killed by
Pakistani troops, and 200,000 women raped during the period of civil war
that barely lasted nine months, topped by a beleaguered one-month long war
with India.
In January 1972, Mujib, like his daughter 42 years later, was
extremely keen to paint Pakistan red with the charges of genocide and rape.
Despite his public utterances of the above quoted figures of killed and raped,
there was no evidence on record to support such a preposterous lie
On flipside of the coin, Pakistan has remained indifferent to the
vitriolic propaganda emerging from Bangladesh, hoping that the mischief
mongers will somehow exhaust themselves in their campaign for paddling
baseless lies. This has allowed quite a few in Bangladesh and India to
concoct their own version of history castigating Pakistan and the valiant
effort made by the Pakistani army to defeat the secessionists. This calls upon
Pakistani researchers, scholars and media to get focused on sifting out truth
from lies in the narrative promoted by the Bengali nationalists. This also
calls for undertaking efforts to expose elements in Bangladesh that deny,
minimize or justify the brutalities committed by their compatriots against
non-Bengalis and non-nationalists during the 1971 civil war.
The charade of war trials in Dhaka is a disruptive effort. To exorcise
the demons of the 1971, perpetuating lies and resorting to witch hunting is
no worthwhile remedy. With the passage of over four decades, the passions
have somewhat subsided and we can now have the liberty to dispassionately
look back at the tumultuous events and unearth the reality. Only facing the
objective truth shall enable the two countries to bury acrimony and purge
mutual relations of the seething underlying hatred based on trumped up
fallacies; paving the way for forging a positive and enduring relationship.
(Momin Iftikhar, TheNation 12th February)
DPRK
North Korea prefers bomb over aid: It appears that North Korea
has succeeded in building a bomb that is small enough that it could be
mounted on a mid- or long-range missile. This could also make the world,
1185
particularly Asia, more unstable because it has the potential to spark an arms
race. Analysts believe it is highly likely that the United States, Japan and
South Korea will respond by strengthening their missile defences in the near
future.
It remains unclear whether the bomb detonated on Tuesday was a
plutonium bomb or one created using enriched uranium. The Americans,
South Koreans and Japanese will first have to measure the radioactivity in
the surrounding area before knowing for sure what kind of bomb it was.
Force and Deterrence: But that information will be important. Nuclear
experts do not believe that Kim is in possession of large quantities of
plutonium. If it was a uranium bomb, then the North Koreans have
succeeded in secretly producing enriched uranium with the help of numerous
centrifuges. A detonation would be technically possible with either material.
US expert Hecker fears that one of the most damaging results of the test is
that North Korea could sell its knowledge of nuclear bomb technology to
Iran, for example, which wouldnt need to conduct any nuclear tests on its
own if it had access to Pyongyangs expertise. Sharing Pyongyangs nuclear
test experience with Tehran similarly to how it has shared missile
technologies will greatly increase the Iranian nuclear threat, Hecker noted.
It appears clear that Kim is continuing to focus his countrys policies
on force and deterrence and, as Hecker argues, like his father, has chosen
bombs over electricity. The development is likely to make negotiations
between North Korea and Obama and the new South Korean government
more difficult now and deliveries of food and energy to Pyongyang are
likely to get pushed back even further.
The consequence of all this is that N Korea has become a serious
nuclear power, but one whose people are condemned to remain poor.
(Andreas Lorenz for Spiegel, reprinted in TheNation 13th February)
Mali
Israel playing dirty game in troubled Africa: Israeli commentators
are making much of the diplomatic opportunity afforded by Frances
military intervention in Mali.
Israel has long been keen to establish a foothold in parts of Africa, for
strategic as well as economic reasons. The vast continent offers relatively
accessible (and increasingly fought-over) sources of energy and water, as
well as emerging markets.
1186
While Israel has been able to establish diplomatic relationships with

most non-Muslim African countries, nations such as Mali and Niger have so
far refused to formally recognize it.
Clearly, Israel would like to convert these nations of the Sahel into
friends and a potential rear guard against hostile Arab nations in the north.
Part of the way it hopes to do so is by creating, or exploiting, anti-Arab
feeling. Feelings Malis new leader, President Dioncounda Traor, has taken
to voicing in the past weeks
The Sahel region contains the worlds fifth largest uranium deposits,
most of it is in neighbouring Niger but Mali possesses over 17,000 tons of
mainly unexploited deposits; in 2012, new reserves were discovered in the
northwest part of the country, where the Islamists had established a
stronghold.
France depends on nuclear energy for 78 per cent of her electricity
supply and obtains one fifth of her uranium supplies from Niger.
Undoubtedly, this contributed to President Francois Hollandes decision to
intervene in Mali. Last week, French Special Forces were deployed over the
border to protect the massive Arlit uranium mine in Niger owned by French
multinational Areva.
By defending Dioncounda Traors interim regime against the
Islamists, France has achieved two important goals. It has secured Malis
gratitude and safeguarded its own essential energy sources.
Energy Diplomacy backed by military co-operation is the latest route
into Africa; some have described it as the new colonialism. In 2011, the UK
produced its first ever Energy Security Strategy which highlighted the
importance of Algeria and Libya as sources of oil and gas. Britain played an
active role in the military intervention which helped topple Muammar
Gaddafi and before the conflict was over, BP had agreed access to the
countrys oil with the Libyan rebels. In the wake of the Saharan hostage
crisis, Britains Prime Minister David Cameron paid an unprecedented state
visit to Algeria where he offered military partnership and UK training for
its security forces.
In the 2011 civil war in Cote dIvoire, France and Israel clashed in a
proxy war when the former backed the rebels led by Alassane Ouattara while
friend of Israel President Laurent Gbagbo asked Tel Aviv for help. In Mali,
however, Israel considers the two countries to be on the same side (against
the Islamists) and seeks to exploit this allegiance diplomatically with
Frances former colonies in Africa.
1187
Yet the 12 African nations that still refuse diplomatic ties with Tel
Aviv do so out of conscience. These decisions were made, or reviewed, in
the wake of the Second Intifada, the 2008/9 war on Gaza or the 2010
commando attack on the humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza which left
nine Turkish activists dead. (Abdel Bari Atwan for Gulf News, reprinted in
America/Europe
New York police targeting Muslims: Joseph Goldsteins New York
Times article of February 3 outlines a request from US civil rights lawyers to
federal judge Charles S Haight Jr for an independent evaluation of the New
York Police Departments counterterrorism techniques.
Writes Goldstein: The lawyers said the polices tactics have placed
Muslim communities under surveillance in violation of longstanding federal
court guidelines. Among these guidelines is a prohibition on the retention of
information collected during surveillance operations unless it pertains to
potential unlawful or terrorist activity.
As an American news agency revealed in 2011, Muslim populations in
the New York area had been targeted by a pervasive spying apparatus known
as the Demographic Unit, the fruit of collaboration between the NYPD and
the CIA
Its worth noting that neither Bush nor his successor two
homegrown characters who have blatantly pursued terrorist activities
overseas including continuous drone strikes on civilians has been
subjected to the special administrative measures applied to Hashmi, who
was placed in solitary confinement for over three years prior to being
convicted.
Efforts to provide the US Executive with a carte blanche to assassinate
US citizens abroad might be viewed as constituting another kind of
homegrown threat. The delivery of billions of dollars a year and items far
more militarily destructive than socks and rain ponchos to a state that
subsists on terror meanwhile further underscores US hypocrisy.
Incidentally, in its 2011 report on the NYPDs human mapping of
Muslim communities, the AP cited a former police official who described
the programme as being modeled partly on Israeli operations in the West
Bank. Moustafa Bayoumi, Brooklyn College professor and author of How
Does It Feel to Be a Problem?: Being Young and Arab in America,
commented in an email to me on common denominators between security
1188
regimes in New York and occupied Palestine: Both seek to become systems
of total surveillance [and] both are invested in the idea of essentially
dangerous Muslims.
Total surveillance would indeed appear to be a prominent NYPD
aspiration given the comprehensiveness of its list of common radicalization
incubators for germinating terrorists: cafes, student associations, nongovernmental organizations, butcher shops, book stores, and so on.
According to the official Homegrown Threat manual, giving up
cigarettes, drinking, gambling and urban hip-hop gangster clothes may
indicate a Muslims progression along the radicalization continuum toward
Jihadization. The report fails to advise persons who continue to sport hiphop gangster attire on how to go about avoiding disproportionate subjection
to other violations of civil rights in the form of the NYPDs stop-and-frisk
campaign.
Discriminatory mapping of Muslims clearly does nothing to resolve
such homegrown threats as were on display during the December 2012
massacre in Connecticut, though it presumably contributes to the surge in
anti-Muslim violence in the US a natural byproduct of the selective
elimination of human rights in favour of a narrative of fear. As the current
legal motion by US civil rights lawyers reminds us once again, the only unviolated Muslim right in this country is the right to oppressive surveillance.
(Belen Fernandez for Aljazeera, reprinted in TheNation 12th February)
Wars, masks and video games: Last January, a photograph
distributed by an international wire service made quite buzz in internet chat
rooms. It showed a French soldier standing guard in front of armoured army
vehicles. In the picture, apparently taken in Niono (central Mali), the French
Special Forces soldier was wearing combat goggles and a black balaclava
mask with a skeleton-face design.
There were those who protested the picture, as a display of
insensitivity and detachment from the local Malian population. Others saw
in it a rather benign manifestation of videogame culture, since the mask
worn by the soldier was reminiscent of ghost, one of the characters of the
blockbuster videogame series Call of Duty.
In defence of the masked soldier (and of the videogame), Luke
Plunkett, a video gaming critic, said: This isnt one guy acting alone; its an
established fashion amongst soldiers worldwide. He explained that this
was inspired by the masks use by soldiers in real life, as its been worn by
US troops who first took as a fashionable alternative from regular gear at
1189
the beginning of the Iraq war, well before the videogame was even
developed.
So there you have it. The controversial Mali war picture was not a
case of a soldier mimicking a fictional videogame character, but rather that
of a videogame mimicking the real-life behaviour of US soldiers in a war
Private developers also seek the advice of veteran military officers to
achieve a realistic level of war simulation. Some of the Call of Duty
scenarios were based on the expert advice of Oliver North of the IranContra fame and Navy Seal members.
Prince Harry of Britain gave a shockingly vivid testimony about the
risks involved. Describing his use of the weapon-systems aboard his
helicopter, against the Taliban, he said: Its a joy for me because Im one of
those people who loves playing PlayStation and Xbox, so with my thumbs I
like to think Im probably quite useful. This sense of joy is certainly out of
place. But that is the price to be paid when militainment blurs the line
between war and entertainment.
Another problem is that combat video games often draw from war
experiences in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. It is easy to see
how the first-person payer, who looks at the outside world down the barrel
of a gun, is unlikely to be Third World-friendly. Video games have been
involved more than once in cross-cultural controversies. After the release of
their Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 games, the producers of the
Call of Duty had to deal with strong Moslem protests because their game
included scenes of framed Coranic scripts in a bathroom setting. However,
they apologized and volunteered to edit out the scenes.
Recently, Call of Duty: Black Ops II was boycotted in Pakistan for
showing the countrys security agencies as collaborating with al-Qaeda. In
2012, the videogame series producers were criticized for releasing a new
Call of Duty, which contained an opening battle where the player shoots
down fleeing African rebels. Excessive violence (in this somewhat prescient
fictional rendition of the war in Mali) was described by video game critics as
serving no purpose but shock value.
The potential impact of video gaming on the real-life behaviour of
soldiers is taken seriously not only by the military, but also by humanitarian
groups such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Genevabased organization has even expressed its readiness to establish a dialogue
with the video gaming industry about the place of humanitarian rules in
war video games.
1190
Human folly (with the help of modern technologies) might lead us not
to see wars blood and gore. But it is important that the large global audience
of young videogame players never lose sight of the fact that the violence and
counter-violence of war, unlike video games, unavoidably kill and maim
people. (Oussama Romdhani, TheNation 19th February)
REVIEW
The secular regime of Hasina Wajid in Bangladesh has resorted to the
same political strategy which was adopted by Asfandyar Walis ANP soon
after coming into power in the then NWFP and now KPK. The grandson of
Sarhadi Gandhi planned to crush his political adversaries taking advantage
of the favourable global environment because of the mindset of the civilized
world about Islamic forces.
ANP engineered the military action against Islamists in Swat by
striking a peace deal with the militants which it never wanted to
implement; resultantly the militants were blamed for violating the so-called
peace agreement. This violation was used as a pretext to launch a military
operation of unprecedented scale to crush Islamic fundamentalists.
Shaikh Hasina Wajid could not resort to such strategy as her Islamist
opposition; Jamaat-e-Islami had been quite peaceful during her rule. She
however was encouraged by the apathy of the civilized world to the excesses
committed against Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar, which amounted to a
quiet consent.
In fact, Hasinas government had killed many of Rohingyas when they
tried to cross over to Bangladesh. No one took notice of this crime against
humanity. Encouraged by the events, she embarked upon sorting out the
Islamists inside her own country.
She launched a well deliberated judicial crackdown against Jamaat
Islami for the crimes its leaders had committed more than forty years ago.
She was quite confident that any excesses committed against Islamic forces
wont merit any reaction from the civilized world.
Abul Kalam Azad was the first to be sentenced in the second half of
January this year. About six weeks later Delwar Hossain Sayedee was
sentenced to death, which triggered violent protests. By the end of period
under review at least 56 people were killed and the agitation is likely to
aggravate. \
1191
The leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami is being punished for the sin

committed by Hasinas father Shaikh Mujibur Rehman. He was a traitor that
was charged for treason and then freed unpunished. When traitors are spared
the patriots find themselves at the receiving end.
In view of this, Hosina had expected the civilized world to remain
silent so that the patriots in the left-over Pakistan get the message. The UN
and the US came up to her expectations and condoned the war crime trials
and only asked Bengalis to protest peacefully. If this message gets across, it
would be most unfortunate.
The other possibility is that Hosina might have temporary gains, but at
some stage she may have to find herself in the shoes of men like Haji Adeel.
Adeel and other party leaders of ANP are seeking a ceasefire from the same
Islamists who have been their sworn enemies.
3rd March, 2013
1192
PEACE OR CEASEFIRE
During the last three weeks under review the politicians in Pakistan
showed great interest in dialogue with militant groups. They held two APCs
in quick succession under auspices of ANP and JUI-F and after the second
APC an impressive declaration was signed by the participants. It however
remained unclear whether they wanted lasting peace or a ceasefire till
holding of general elections.
The perpetration of terrorism continued unabated. In fact as the fiveyear term of Zardari-led coalition government neared the end some aspects
of terrorism became quite clear. One, its intensity increased in Balochistan
and Karachi; two, the terrorists targeted Shia community in Quetta and
Karachi; lastly, no terror attack at the US interests was reported.
In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai displayed exemplary
courage by telling NATO forces to vacate the province Wardak after reports
of civilian casualties. He also demanded the control of US-trained Afghan
militia which is used by occupation forces for raids that result in
indiscriminate civilian killings.
Zardari also exhibited unprecedented courage by visiting Iran with a
view to expediting the IP gas pipeline project. Earlier, he had also handed
over Gwadar Port to Chinese Company for operating it. Not only that, he
had the cheeks to say that no one can dictate Pakistan on these counts.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 11th February, militants killed an Afghan national over
alleged charges of spying for US; his bullet riddled body was recovered
from Rustam Bazaar, Wana, the headquarters of South Waziristan Agency. A
written letter was also found with the body stating that the said person was
killed over spying for US forces and a warning that those who were found
guilty of any such charges would have to face the same fate.
Richard Olson, Ambassador of USA called on Federal Minister for
Interior and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting they also discussed the measures needed to fight the
menace of terrorism and security cooperation. The US Ambassador
appreciated Pakistan's efforts in the war against terrorism.
Next day, at least eight militants were killed and several others injured
in clashes between TTP militants and armed men of Ansarul Islam in Drey
1193
Stani area of Tirrah Valley. The death toll was expected to increase as many
among the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
The Pakistani Taliban have included a Briton and an American in a
slideshow of fighters killed in battle that also eulogizes al-Qaeda
mastermind Osama bin Laden. The video was posted on jihadist websites on
February 6 identified the American by the name of Inaam and the Briton as
Abbas. No date or location was listed for their deaths.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz met his British counterpart David
Cameron at 10-Downing Street and discussed matters of bilateral interest
including the aftermath in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of NATO
troops. Raja Ashraf also asked his British counterpart to give military
hardware to Pakistan.
On 13th February, President Zardari telephoned new US Secretary of
State John Kerry and congratulated him for assuming the office. The
president expressed the hope that Pak-US ties which were based on mutual
respect and common interests would further cement during his tenure.
Thanking President Zardari, Kerry said he would continue to play his role
for further promoting cordial, bilateral relations.
Next day, three separate bomb attacks in KPK and FATA killed at least
19 people. Nine people were killed and 12 others injured when an explosiveladen vehicle was rammed into a security check post in Hangu. The
explosion in the village of Hassanzo in the Orakzai Agency killed eight
people and wounded 13.
At least six suicide attackers, said to be Uzbeks, were killed and a
policeman got injured when law enforcement agencies repulsed a pre-dawn
attack on a police station in Bunnu district. At that time only a few
policemen were present in the police station as their other colleagues along
with other security forces men have been sent to nearby Nawaz Abad
locality for raid on suspected militant hideouts.
A roadside bomb struck a bus carrying members of a pro-government
militia from Khyber, where fighting has recently intensified in a longrunning military operation against insurgents. In another attack in the same
place, a van carrying civilians was hit by a blast which killed two people and
wounded 10.
The Peshawar High Court directed the law enforcement agencies and
KPK IGP to either release the missing persons or bring them for an open
trial and convince the court as well their relatives. Home Secretary appeared
1194
before the court and said they have restored the internment centre of Kohat
and Lakki Marwat where more than 70 missing persons have been shifted
while 35 released.
He disclosed that 10 others persons were declared terrorists; however
he said that no single person of the new list was present in the internment
centre and they would soon contact Federal government in this regard. Chief
Justice asked the KPK inspector General of Police that to properly
investigate the matter as police has also detained some persons in woman
police stations. The case was adjourned till March 29.
The APC called by ANP identified attainment of peace through
dialogue as top priority. The moot was participated by 24 political and
religio-political parties, and representatives of the Supreme Court Bar
Association and the Pakistan Bar Council. The participants agreed that
dialogue with the Taliban and other militants was necessary but the joint
resolution adopted by the attendants stressed that the solution to the issue of
terrorism should necessarily be within the ambit of law, security and
sovereignty of the country. Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf
stayed away from the conference.
Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani chaired the 157th
Corps Commanders Conference at the GHQ. Extending support to the
government-led initiatives for political settlement with the Taliban, the
military leadership again rejected unconditional talks with the militants.
US Secretary of State John Kerry telephoned Foreign Minister Hina
Rabbani Khar. Congratulating Secretary Kerry on his appointment, the
Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the relations between Pakistan
and the United States will continue to move on the positive trajectory and
hoped that with his deep understanding of the region and extensive
knowledge of global dynamics, Secretary Kerry would make a significant
contribution to further strengthening these relations.
On 15th February, at least 10 militants were killed and several others
wounded when security forces conducted an operation in Mamozai area of
Upper Orakzai Agency. Jet fighters were also used in the operation, in which
two militant hideouts were destroyed. In Mardan. a suicide attacker
attempted to target the convoy of KPK Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti
near College Chowk.
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan rejected the Awami National Party
peace offer terming it an election agenda instead of a serious bid. Talking to
1195
media from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said

This ANP-sponsored offer of talks is just the partys election agenda.
Next day, a terrorist was killed and six others were arrested following
a clash with security forces in Bannu. The militants had attacked the troops.
On 17th February, at least 10 militants were killed and four others injured
when fighter jets pounded their hideouts at Mamonzai area of Orakzai
Agency. On 18th February, four Khasadars and a civilian were killed and 13
others including assistant political agent Landi Kotal were injured when two
suicide bombers blew themselves up inside the compound of political agent
Khyber Agency in Cantonment area of Peshawar. Those injured included
Assistant Political Agent Tehsil Landi Kotal.
Gunmen in Landi Kotal attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying
military equipment bound for NATO operations in Afghanistan, killing two
people. The convoy of some 25 vehicles came under attack after it got stuck
in a traffic jam in Landi Kotal town in the Khyber tribal region. There was
no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault.
Next day, a policeman was killed when unknown gunmen attacked a
check post in Charsadda. Unidentified car riders sprayed bullets at a police
check post located in Kala Dheri locality in Charsadda and fled from the
scene. Attackers were suspected to be drug traffickers or belonging to the
timber mafia.
On 20th February, 17 insurgents were killed and many others injured in
air strikes in Khyber and Orakzai tribal agencies. Eight militants were killed
and their three hideouts were destroyed in the near Hangu in upper Orakzai
Agency. In Khyber Agency, jet fighters bombed the positions of banned
terror outfits in Dwa Toai area of tehsil Jamrud; 9 militants were killed and
several others injured in the operation.
National Assembly passed a longstanding legislation Anti-Terrorism
(Amendment) Bill 2013, which envisages the strengthening of provisions
concerning the offences of terrorism financing and provision of more
effective enforcement measures against such offences. The bill says the
federal government or a provincial government may designate an officer to
freeze, seize or detain any money or other property for a period of fifteen
days, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is a terrorist property.
Next day, a man was killed and 16 others injured when a remotecontrolled device exploded at a mobile market in Peshawar. According to IG
Bomb Disposal Squad around two kilogram explosives were used in the
1196
explosion. Police declared high alert in Peshawar and arrested several

suspected persons after the incident.
On 22nd February, President Zardari called for unity and harmony to
address the challenge of extremism and terrorism in the country. He was
addressing the concluding session of the National Conference on Interfaith
Harmony titled Living together with diversity-Interfaith and inter-cultural
dialogue in Islamabad.
Next day, at least three terrorists and a policeman were killed and
three policemen sustained injuries when terrorists attacked a police
patrolling van at Rashakai-Swabi Motorway section in Nowshera district.
Three terrorists riding motorcycles first hurled a hand-grenade on the police
mobile and then opened fire. Police retaliated, killing two militants while
others managed to flee.
Banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan nominated its spokesman
Ehsanullah Ehsan for negotiating peace with PML-N President Nawaz
Sharif, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Syed
Munawar Hasan. Speaking to media outlets from an undisclosed location,
TTP spokesman said that the decision was made in the meeting of their
commanders in the outskirts of North Waziristan.
Militants in Pakistans tribal areas represent the principal operational
threat to American forces in Afghanistan as the US prepares to end major
combat operations later this year, General John Allen said after announcing
retirement from his service. The border areas continue to grow in
prominence for the challenges that both countries must face, Gen Allen was
quoted as telling friends and supporters who gathered in Washington to
honour his service.
On 24th February, at least thirteen militants were killed and a number
of them sustained injuries in clashes with security forces in different areas of
Jamrud and Bara sub-divisions of Khyber Agency. Military jets pounded
suspected hideouts of TTP in Sur Kas, Baragat and Wacha Wona areas of
tehsil Jamrud, killing five militants and injuring many others. Security forces
also shot dead two alleged activists Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) outfit in a skirmish
in Nala area of Bara. Six armed men of LI were killed in another combat
between forces and the militant organization in Shalober area.
The Frontier Corps personnel arrested 28 Afghan nationals who
illegally entered Pakistan and did not have any traveling documents. They
were handed over to the local administration. As per details, the Afghans
were seized during checking of a bus that was going from Quetta to Taftaan.
1197
Central leader of ANP, Senator Haji Adeel, called upon the Army and
militants to ink a ceasefire agreement for initiating purposeful dialogue
process. He said that his can forgive the killers of Haji Bashir Bilour if
Taliban shun militancy. The ANP leadership had also convened an APC in
Islamabad to discuss ways and means for starting dialogue with militants.
Next day, fighter planes attacked militant positions in Khyber Agency,
killing five terrorists and wounding three others and six more militants were
killed in a clash that also claimed lives of two security personnel. Another
security official died and five others were hurt in a blast inside a paramilitary
camp near Fort Slope in Bara tehsil when an explosive device in a vehicle,
seized the other day, went off.
The Pakistani Taliban mocked Interior Minister Rehman Malik by
describing him as a comedian, with a militant spokesman saying a serious
person should replace him for any dialogue between the two sides. Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan compared Malik to Pashto
Comedian Ismail Shahid and said the group did not take the ministers
statements seriously.
Four persons died and 12 others were injured when an explosive
device planted in the compound of the shrine of Pir Hajan Shah Huzoori at
Marri village near Shikarpur went off. Meanwhile, scores of activists of
Sunni Tahreek, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Wahdatul Muslimeen and other
their organizations staged a protest demonstration on Shikarpur-Sukkur
Road against the delaying tactics of police in arresting the culprits involved
in attack on Syed Hussain Shah.
On 26th February, a policeman was killed by unidentified gunmen in
Khavo Killy area on the outskirts of Mardan while protecting an anti-polio
vaccination team, bringing the death toll in such attacks to 20 since
December. No group claimed the responsibility for the attack that came on
the second day of a three-day anti-polio drive.
Next day, gunmen shot dead a senior tribal journalist and president of
Miranshah Press Club. Unidentified armed men opened fire at Malik
Mumtazs vehicle at Chashma Bridge near Miranshah when he was
returning home after offering condolence at a nearby village. He was killed
on the spot. A TTP spokesman condemned killing of Mumtaz and denied
any involvement.
A lieutenant commander of Pakistan Navy, Azeem Hussain was shot
and injured in a firing incident in Keamari area. Police officials said that the
incident took place near KPT Gate No 15 where two unidentified armed
1198
riders opened indiscriminate fire on the victims car and later managed to
flee from the scene. The victim was associated with the teaching faculty of
the Pakistan Navy as an Education Branch Officer.
On 28th February, the political leaders of almost all the parties except
PTI gathered in Islamabad at the Convention Centre to participate in an allparty conference (APC) convened by JUI-F. They extended full backing to
the efforts to initiate dialogue with the Taliban and drew out a five-point
joint declaration calling upon the Grand Jirga to start dialogue with Taliban
and asking the government to provide necessary support and enabling
environment to ensure peace ahead of the general elections.
Besides lending support to the Grand Jirga for its peace efforts, the
APC in its joint declaration proposed certain steps in this regard. It said the
number of members of the already formed Grand Jirga be increased and the
people from all schools of thought be included. Practical steps should be
taken to get rid of lawlessness across Pakistan and this APC supports any
dialogue which could restore the writ of constitution and law of the land,
the declaration said.
It added that all the participants of the APC, including tribal elders,
announce that the incumbent government, the caretaker setup and the next
government would be bound to follow the APC proposals. It further
proposes that a trust be established to fund and look after the families of
those martyred and injured in terrorism incidents. The Grand Jirga should
initiate talks with the parties concerned in guidance of all the political and
religious parties, it added.
A congressional resolution was introduced in the US House of
Representatives to recognize a Pakistani doctor, who helped CIA trace
Osama bin Laden, as an American hero. The resolution also seeks Dr Shakil
Afridis release from the jail. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Chairman of
the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging
Threats, introduced the resolution.
The federal government has decided to revise the list of proscribed
organizations, giving an indication to ban Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ),
a Sunni Deobandi religious group which previously operated by the name of
Sipaha-e-Sihaba Pakistan (SSP). It is unclear if the move is just an election
stunt of the PPP-led federal government or a genuine effort to crackdown
against sectarian and other militant organizations. According to a recently
published media report, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) is in
1199
consultations with ASWJ to make seat adjustments in Punjab for the

upcoming general elections.
On 1st March, KPK Governor Engineer Shaukatullah extended his full
support to the representative tribal jirga for holding peace dialogue with the
Taliban. We want peace in the country and whatever resources it need, we
will utilize those for this noble cause, he told the media. He directed the
political administration of all tribal agencies to cooperate with the council of
the tribal elders in the reconciliatory process.
Meeting the demand of an all-party conference, the governor also
announced setting up of a trust for the families of martyrs and the injured
victims of terrorism and for this purpose he announced donation of ten
million rupees. Addressing on the occasion, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman said
that this marks the beginning of the dialogue process and the KPK governor
has declared his office a contact centre for reconciliation. He said that the
international community was also backing national leadership for talks with
Taliban.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson held a meeting with JUI-F
chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and exchanged views on the All Parties
Conference (APC) convened by the JUI-F for initiating peace talks with the
Taliban. Fazl briefed the US Ambassador about the APC purpose and
decisions taken by the conference.
Next day, Raymond Davis, a former CIA contractor, who gained
international notoriety for shooting two Pakistanis to death in early 2011 and
was then charged with a felony in Colorado after a fight over a parking
space, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault. He pleaded to the reduced
charge of third-degree assault. Davis was sentenced to two years of
probation, ordered to write a letter of apology and must attend anger
management classes. He must also pay restitution but the amount has not
been calculated.
In Pakistan, where Davis worked as a contractor, he shot the two men
in self-defence as they tried to rob him. He claimed the two men attacked
him as he drove through a busy Lahore neighbourhood. He was charged with
two counts of murder but then released in March 2011 after the families of
the two Pakistanis he killed were lured to pardon him in exchange for $2.3
million in compensation or blood money.
On 3rd March, security forces conducted operations in the Khyber and
Orakzai tribal regions killing at least 15 militants and destroying three
hideouts. At least seven militants were killed during a security forces
1200
operation conducted in Sipah Lakhkar area of Khyber tribal region. Military

jets bombarded several targets in Orakzai tribal region's Mamozai area. The
security forces also used heavy artillery fire.
Interior Minister Malik said his ministry had provided a list of 734
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi activists to the Punjab Government for their immediate
arrest. The Punjab being the headquarters of the LeJ is a fact no one can
deny, the minister said while talking to the media on his arrival at Lahore
Airport from Dubai. He stressed the Punjab government should arrest these
LeJ activists to make amends for its previous mistake of supporting the
banned organization.
Afghanistan: On 12th February, President Barack Obama

announced an end to an era of draining land wars abroad, particularly in
Afghanistan and to halve the US troops there within a year. However, he
vowed the global pursuit of terror suspects would go on. Obama also
announced the return of 34,000 of the 66,000 US troops remaining in
Afghanistan by next February, ahead of a full withdrawal.
Next day, a NATO air strike killed 10 civilians, mostly women and
children. Afghan President strongly condemns the air strike in Shigal
district of Kunar Province. NATO forces said they were investigating the
claims of civilian deaths and took every allegation of civilian casualties
very seriously. Three Taliban commanders, including a notorious Qaedalinked militant leader called Shahpoor, were also killed in the raid, said
district governor.
Karzai government welcomed Obamas announcement that the United
States will withdraw 34,000 troops over the next year. Karzai has long
supported the scheduled withdrawal of US and NATO combat troops by the
end of 2014, saying Afghan forces are capable of taking responsibility for
the fight against Taliban insurgents. Meanwhile, a TV channel reported that
Taliban have refused to meet Fazlur Rehman in Qatar, saying he neither has
a plan or a mandate.
On 14th February, President Karzai summoned the new commander of
NATO forces in Afghanistan over an air strike that allegedly killed ten
civilians. General Joseph Dunford, who took over from General John Allen
on February 10, was called in for explanations to the Afghan presidential
palace following the air strike in Kunar Province.
On 19th February, Afghan security forces captured a top Taliban
commander during an operation in eastern Afghanistan. The arrest of Maulvi
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Faqir Mohammad, a regional commander for Pakistan's Taliban movement,

TTP was hailed as a big blow to the movement by an Afghan interior
ministry official. Pakistan authorities have long demanded that Kabul take
action against Pakistani insurgents who take refuge in areas of eastern
Afghanistan just over the border.
On 22nd February, a NATO soldier was killed by an improvised bomb
blast, the first coalition death in a month as international forces wind-down
their operations. International Security Assistance Force said in a statement
that the soldier died in an attack in southern Afghanistan. In line with policy,
soldiers nationality was not disclosed.
NATO may station up to 12,000 troops in Afghanistan to train and
assist Kabuls forces after the alliances combat mission there against the
Taliban ends in 2014. US Pentagon spokesman George Little said NATO
was considering deployment of between 8,000 and 12,000 troops, including
any US contribution, but no final decision has yet been made.
Afghanistan refused to hand over senior Pakistani Taliban commander
Maulvi Faqir Mohammad hours after Islamabad requested his extradition
following his capture by Afghan forces. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani
Khar had taken up the matter with Afghanistan asking her Afghan
counterpart Zalmai Rassoul, during a phone conversation, to hand over Faqir
Mohammad but Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Janan Musazai ruled
out his extradition.
On 22nd February, the PML-N raised serious objection in the National
Assembly over Pakistan's losing the case on Kishanganga hydropower
project to India in International Court of Arbitration (ICA) and sought a
detailed response from the government. The government silence testifies
that Pakistani side was not prepared enough to fight this case, said PML-N
lawmaker Naseer Bhutta while drawing the house attention to recent
upholding of India's right to divert water from the Kishanganga
hydroelectric project in Kashmir by ICA at The Hague.
Indias Border Security Force (BSF) arrested 30 Pakistani fishermen
for illegally entering Indian maritime boundary near Padala creek off Kutch
district. The operation to apprehend intruders was carried out on specific
information. The BSF intercepted them near Padala creek when they had
entered the Indian waters.
On 24th February, Afghan President Hamid Karzai demanded the
withdrawal of US special forces from Wardak within two weeks, accusing
them of fuelling insecurity and instability in the volatile province
1202
neighbouring the capital Kabul. In today's national security council

meeting...President Karzai ordered the ministry of defence to kick out the
US special forces from Wardak province within two weeks, said
presidential spokesman.
Next day, arrest of Maulvi Faqir Mohammad by Afghan forces on
February 21 has turned out to be a mystery. He is not among those
Pakistanis captured in Afghanistan, an Afghan diplomat said. Earlier, a
senior Afghan intelligence official with the name Abdullah had confirmed
the capture of five Pakistanis including Maulvi Faqir Mohammad.
On 27th February, Taliban killed at least 16 people at an Afghan police
checkpoint and bombed an army bus in Kabul. Officials said they were
investigating how the militants breached security at the post. Reportedly, 16
died in the attack and all were policemen; the Taliban poisoned the men
before shooting them and seizing their weapons. Taliban claimed
responsibility for the Ghazni killings and the suicide attack in Kabul. A
bomber struck the army bus on foot on a main road at around 7:10 am. Six
members of the defence ministry and four civilians were wounded.
Next day, President Hamid Karzai gave US-led foreign forces three
months to transfer control over armed Afghan militias to his government,
following allegations of abuses by the militiamen. The move appeared to be
a further sign of Kabuls determination to take control of the 11-year war
against the Taliban, and in particular of militias reportedly trained by the
Americans and operating without Kabuls control.
A roadside bomb killed at least ten people including eight policemen
in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunar. The blast in Dangam district
bordering Pakistan hit a vehicle carrying four police officers who earlier
escaped a separate roadside bomb and were being transported for treatment
for wounds sustained in that attack.
On 2nd March, Australian soldiers in southern Afghanistan shot dead
two children tending cattle in Uruzgan province; an incident likely to
escalate tensions over the conduct of international troops. Civilian casualties
caused by NATO-led forces have been one of the most contentious issues in
the campaign against Taliban insurgents.
Next day, President Hamid Karzai condemned a NATO helicopter
strike in which two brothers, both under seven years old, were shot dead
after being mistaken for Taliban insurgents. The two boys were tending
livestock and collecting firewood in the southern province of Uruzgan when
1203
they were killed in an incident that drew an abject apology from the NATOled coalition.
Iran: On 12th February, Iran called for the destruction of all atomic
weapons in the world after North Korea announced that it had staged its
most powerful nuclear test yet. Meanwhile, Tehran acknowledged that it was
converting some of its higher-grade enriched uranium into reactor fuel, a
move that could help to prevent a dispute with the West over its nuclear
programme hitting a crisis in mid-2013.
Separately, officials from the IAEA are due to hold talks in Tehran on
Wednesday in the hope of restarting their long-stalled inquiry into Irans
nuclear programme. Netanyahu said on Monday that Iran was now closer to
crossing the red line after which it would be able to build a nuclear
weapon, but had not yet reached that stage. He also asked for stronger
pressure and harsher sanctions on Iran to prevent it from crossing the line.
Next day, President Zardari called for stepping up efforts for early
completion of all the bilateral projects of Pakistan and Iran, especially PakIran gas pipeline. At a meeting with Iranian Majlis Shoora Speaker Ali
Ardeshir Larijani at Bilawal House in Lahore, President Zardari said
Pakistan attached great importance to early completion of Pak-Iran Gas
Pipeline Project in view of the energy crisis in the country. He has said this
several times, perhaps never meaning what he said.
On 14th February, the chief UN atomic inspector said that talks with
Iran had failed again to reach a deal on enhanced inspections of Tehran's
nuclear programme, two weeks before a major meeting with world powers.
He declined to comment on whether the two sides had made any progress
towards a deal.
Next day, the talks between Iranian firm Tadbir Energy and Pakistans
Inter-State Gas Systems were postponed till the next week to resolve the
minor differences ahead of finalizing a deal concerning the $1.5 billion IranPakistan gas pipeline project. Signing of the agreement for the 781-km-long
gas pipeline to be laid on Pakistani side will take place the next week the
moment the Iranian firm touches down in Pakistan.
On 18th February, Pakistan and Iran signed a security agreement aimed
at boosting anti-terror cooperation. With border security management a main
feature, both sides decided take stringent measures to overcome terrorism,
human trafficking and fake currency. The agreement was signed by Interior
1204
Minister Rehman Malik and his Iranian counterpart during a ceremony at

Tehran.
On 21st February, amidst reports of Iran building an oil refinery inside
Pakistan and a joint gas pipeline project, the United States cautioned
Islamabad against activities that are sanctionable under US laws. The US
asserted that there are better and more cost-effective ways to address
Pakistans energy needs. Disregarding risks of US sanctions, Pakistan said it
would pursue the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project that is enormously
important for the country.
On 24th February, Iran's Revolutionary Guards brought down a foreign
surveillance drone during a military exercise. We have managed to bring
down a drone of the enemy. This has happened before in our country, the
official agency quoted war games spokesman General Hamid Sarkheli as
saying in Kerman.
On 27th February, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told
the visiting Pakistani president that a much-delayed $7.5 billion gas pipeline
project must go ahead despite US opposition. Accessing safe energy source
is the first priority for any country including Pakistan. In this region, the
Islamic republic is the only nation that has safe energy resources and we are
ready to provide Pakistan its energy needs, Khamenei said.
President Zardari, in talks with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, said, I believe that building this project is very beneficial for
both sides and we support all the work carried out so far... The international
and regional players have tried in vain to prevent an expansion of IranPakistan ties but the people have learnt how to act against enemies of Islam.
Ahmadinejad told Zardari that, building the gas pipeline between Iran
and Pakistan is a great and important event, and it serves the two nations
interests, the presidents office reported. The Iranian president went on to
say that if Tehran and Islamabad consolidate their capacities, they can
overcome all obstacles and animosities and accelerate their progress.
Iran and world powers agreed to hold new talks in March and April
over the Islamic republics disputed nuclear drive after negotiations
concluded with Tehran hailing a more realistic approach to the decade-old
dispute. There was no sign of a major breakthrough over Iran's nuclear
ambitions in the Kazakh city of Almaty but the agreement on new meetings
suggested there was still potential for progress.
1205
Next day, the United States reaffirmed its opposition to Pakistan-Iran

gas pipeline project while President Zardari visited Tehran for talks with the
top Iranian leadership, saying it was in Islamabads interest to avoid any
activity that can hit it with sanctions. Responding to a question at the daily
press briefing, State Department Spokesman Patrick Ventrell said We
provide and are providing the Pakistani government and people a better way
to meet their energy needs in some of the assistance were providing.
On 2nd March, the United States warned Islamabad that Pak-Iran gas
pipeline project, if finalized, would raise serious concerns under the US Iran
Sanctions Act, saying that has been made absolutely clear to Pakistan.
State Department spokesman was pointedly asked what kind of sanctions the
US intended to impose on Pakistan if the project went ahead; he said Were
still talking about something thats hypothetical. Wed have to monitor and
see exactly what sort of infraction it would be. But I can look into see if
we can get you a technical readout of how that works.
President Zardari ruled out any compromise on the Iran-Pakistan gas
pipeline project saying that no power can disrupt it. Talking to the editors,
columnists and senior journalists at Bilawal House in Lahore, President said
that he would not betray the democratic system.
India: On 11th February, the Foreign Office said: We are seriously

concerned on the high handed measures taken by India in the wake of Afzal
Gurus execution to suppress the aspirations of Kashmiris by arrests and
detention of Hurriyat leaders, curfew, news blackout and other coercive
means We call for the lifting of repressive measures and immediate
release of Hurriyat leaders.
In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh acts of state
terrorism, martyred two civilians including a 9th class student and injured
dozens of protesters at different places in the valley. Yesterday, two other
men drowned in water after they were forced to jump in River Jhelum by the
Indian paramilitary police at Sumbal in Bandipore.
The restrictions on the movement of people in the Valley were further
tightened in view of apprehension of widespread protests to commemorate
the 29th death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat. Some of the few
people permitted to leave curfew-bound areas were tourists who headed to
the airport after being confined to their hotels over the weekend.
Pakistan embarked on a ballistic missile exercise for the ongoing year,
with a successful test fire of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
1206
Hatf-IX less than two years after the missile had become operational. The
test fire was conducted with successive launches of two missiles from a
multi-tube launcher.
Next day, Indian authorities freed three Pakistani prisoners and
handed them over to authorities at Wagha Border. The prisoners were kept in
different Indian jails for several months over various charges. The freed
prisoners said they were pleased over their release.
Indian Prime Minister said India wants peace with neighbours but
incidents like the brutal killing of two soldiers on the LoC were simply
unacceptable and the country would effectively deal with any threat.
Speaking at the governors conference in New Delhi, the Indian prime
minister dwelled on an array of issues and said that the past year had seen
improvement in internal security situation including that in (Held) Kashmir,
the northeast and in the Maoist-affected areas.
On 15th February, in the first deadly incident since a truce was agreed
a month ago, Indians captured and killed a Pakistani soldier who
'inadvertently' crossed the border, violating the understanding on release of
such stranded soldiers. An intelligence official said that soldiers crossing the
LoC and detained by the respective sides are interrogated to ascertain if they
had links with any intelligence agencies. Often, reports are sought from the
local villagers at LoC to confirm identity of soldiers because civilians know
their military men. In case of Sepoy Ikhlaq, the locals had confirmed his
identity to the Indians but they did not let him go.
Pakistan successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable short range surface
to surface ballistic missile Hatf-II (Abdali), second in a week, as part of a
process to validate land-based ballistic missile systems. Abdali, with a range
of 180 kilometres, can carry nuclear as well as conventional warheads with
high accuracy.
Next day, a curfew imposed in Indian-occupied Kashmir after the
execution of Afzal Guru paralyzed the valley, but as the curfew was lifted,
Kashmiri groups opposed to Indian rule in the Muslim-majority region
announced a two-day general strike that closed businesses, schools and
banks and kept public transport off roads.
On 18th February, British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in
India with what he called Britains biggest ever overseas business delegation
for a three-day visit. His trip, starting in Mumbai, comes amid a raging
controversy over Indias procurement in 2010 of 12 helicopters from AngloItalian firm Agusta Westland in a $748 million deal.
1207
The British leader has targeted a doubling of annual bilateral trade

from 11.5 billion pounds ($17.8 billion, 13.4 billion euros) in 2010 to 23
billion pounds by the time he faces re-election in 2015. Among his 100-plus
delegation are executives eyeing moves by the Indian government to open
up the retail, airline, banking and insurance sectors to foreign investors. It
also includes heads of six British universities aiming to attract students to
Britain and seek partnerships in Indias vast higher education market.
Britain would like to play a key role in developing towns along a
1,000-kilometre (600 mile) corridor between the key business cities of
Mumbai and Bangalore. We have architects, planners, designers here to
help discuss it with you and if this idea takes off wed like to be part of it,
Cameron told media. Cameron was also expected to remind the government
of the merits of the part-British Euro-fighter jet, which was competing for a
$12 billion contract until last year. India chose Frances Dassault Aviation
for exclusive negotiations but the deal has still not been signed.
Next day, the visiting President of Palestinian state, Mehmood Abbas
said the Kashmir dispute can be resolved through talks between Pakistan and
India. He was told that many people in Pakistan believed that the
Palestinians did not raise their voice in favour of the Kashmir dispute as
emphatically as they should. In response, President Mehmood Abbas said
the Palestinians were sympathetic both to Pakistan and India. That was why,
he said, they had repeatedly urged the two countries to sit together to find a
solution to the longstanding problem.
Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani announced a two-day complete
shutdown in Indian-Occupied Kashmir to demand the handover of the
martyr Guru's body from India. The veteran leader condemned the Indian
government and occupation authorities' attitude on the Afzal issue. Geelani
said Afzal Guru's sacrifice was a favour to the Kashmiris and needed to be
returned.
On 20th February, most shops and businesses were shut in Indian-held
Kashmir after Hurriyat leaders called for a three-day strike to demand the
return of the body of a Afzal Guru who was secretly hanged and buried in a
jail in Indian capital. The authorities imposed a ban on the assembly of more
than four people to prevent protests in the region. However, the protesters
defied the ban.
Next day, twin bomb attacks killed at least 20 people and wounded
more than 80 others in a crowded suburb of the Indian city of Hyderabad. It
came with the nation on alert after the recent hanging of a Kashmiri man
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unleashed protests in Indian-held Kashmir. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

said the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be punished.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said Pakistan should desist from
acts that contribute to trust deficit. Addressing a joint sitting of the
Parliament, he said, With Pakistan, we have made progress towards
normalization of relations, strengthening mechanism for bilateral trade and
facilitating greater people-to-people contact.
On 23rd February, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani
blamed Pakistan squarely for Hyderabad blasts, saying it was involved in a
proxy war against India. The neighbouring country has taken recourse to
terrorism to trouble India, he said, adding, No doubt there is hand of the
neighbouring country in Hyderabad blasts.
On 25th February, Pakistans Interior Minister Malik demanded a
formal apology from India for implicating a deceased member of the Sindh
Assembly from MQM Manzar Imam in the recent bomb blasts in Indian
Hyderabad. India TV had used an image of the late MPA for an alleged
suspect involved in the recent blasts in Hyderabad.
Next day, Obamas Defence Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel said
what Pakistani leaders have always maintained that India has for many
years sponsored terrorist activities against Pakistan in Afghanistan. A video
containing these remarks from an unreleased speech of Hagel at Oklahomas
Cameron University in 2011 was uploaded by Washington Free Beacon, a
conservative online newspaper.
A harsh criticism came from the opposition benches in the Senate for
the Pakistani experts inability to plead the case of Pakistan in International
Court of Arbitration over trans-boundary water dispute with India. State
Minister for Water and Power, Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi, apparently looking
ignorant on the issue, also found himself in hot water to answer the queries
of the opposition benches and proposed an in-camera briefing from the
technical experts dealing with the case.
While Senator Mohsin Leghari said the team of experts from Pakistani
side pleading the case of Kishenganga before ICA was not professional at all
as compared to the Indian side and sought from the sate minister about the
details expertise of the team members. He said Kamal Majidullah; a member
of the team and Special Assistant to PM on Water and Agriculture
Resources, was a journalist by profession and same was the position about
other members.
1209
Presidential spokesman, Farhatullah Babar came to rescue the

minister and dispelled the impression that the arbitration award was a legal
defeat for Pakistan. Explaining he said that Pakistan had put two questions
of legal nature before the ICA which were within its jurisdiction for
determination. The Court has given its conclusive determination on one
question while on the second the final award will be given later in
December.
On 27th February, The Indian (UPA) government drew flak from all
quarters - the Congress and its allies, as well as the Opposition - in the Lok
Sabha over the rampant arrests and incarceration of innocent Muslim youths
for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities. There has been
miscarriage of justice to scores of Muslim youths who were arrested and
charged in cases related to terror attacks. In some cases, these young men
have remained incarcerated for more than 10 to 15 years. Later, they were
acquitted by the courts, said Basudeb Acharia of the CPM.
Continuing the assault, he said these were not one or two or three
cases but there are a large number of such cases. Even today, youths are
being arrested not in one or two parts but in different parts of the country,
Acharia said. Acharia described some provisions of the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act as draconian. The home ministry, however, claimed that
there were provisions in law to seek redressal for such cases from the
appropriate courts.
Next day, India hiked its defence spending by five per cent for the
next financial year, far below previous increases with the military one of the
apparent losers in the 2013/2014 budget. Finance Minister P Chidambaram
raised defence spending to 2.03 trillion rupees ($37.45 billion) for the fiscal
year starting April 1, up 5.2 per cent from 2012-13 when the budget stood at
1.93 trillion rupees.
On 2nd March, Pakistani fishermen came under attack from the Indian
Navy within the sea limits of Pakistan, leaving a fisherman injured and
others escaped by jumping into water. The Indian Navy personnel took away
Pakistan fishermens boat and luggage with them.
Gunmen shot dead two policemen in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The
assailants fired at two paramilitary policemen from close range in the attack
carried out near a bus stop in Kupwara district, north of Srinagar. The
Kashmir valley has been tense since Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged in
February.
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VIEWS
Pakistan
Evil in its most horrid form: Even now, when our country has been
brought to its knees by terrorists; when its very existence is under threat and
the lives of citizens across the country have been reduced to ruin by the
militants, there are those who insist the path of compromise must be
sought. And the Taliban engaged in talks and persuaded to sign little bits of
paper.
These people, many of whom claim to be good, moral people, or
insist they are not extremists, do not appear to have any qualms about
dealing with murderers and criminals. This is after all what the Taliban are.
They ruthlessly kill their enemy. It seems that those urging talks with them
apparently do not feel the grief of their victims.
A case in point is the recent attack on the Hazara community in Quetta
in which more than 87 people were killed, the responsibility of which was
accepted by the Taliban-affiliated Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Those urging for talks
apparently dont feel the desperation and grief of the hapless Hazaras.
They cannot place themselves in the shoes of a family which has seen
the cracked, broken skull of a 15-year-old, who may have been rendered
deaf permanently in one ear. Nor can they imagine the trauma of the children
of Mingora who saw heads pinned onto stakes at the Central Square in the
city, under the Taliban or watched neighbours being dragged out of their
homes and have bullets pumped into them, with blood splattering against the
wallsWhat we are dealing with is pure evil, in its most naked, grotesque
form. And on principle, no matter how hard things are, evil should never be
allowed to triumph.
We can only imagine what would have happened in Europe had
compromises been made with the Nazi forces and for many nations this
was possible at various points or if the incredibly courageous resistance
was not put up by ordinary men and women against these forces in the
occupied countries It is simply untrue that the Taliban cannot be defeated.
This has already happened in Swat, where some normalcy has returned to
life after the 2009 military operation despite the flaws. The battle there
was won by the military in weeks.
The notion that the Taliban are an invincible force is just an illusion.
All we need is unity, cohesive thinking and an end to the confusion
promoted by too many parties As for the argument that the Taliban cannot
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be defeated, this is absurd. Naturally defeating them does not mean wiping
out each and every fighter. This has never happened in any war. It means
targeting those key leaders who have organized illegal militias against the
state, who seek to impose their own ideology and who have linked up with
all kinds of sectarian forces to do so.
It is worth considering how the pro-talk elements will deal with the
LeJ and other elements: hand them a few caged Hazaras, a few caged Shias,
to kill peacefully each day in a compromise written out in the blood of
others?
Of course military triumph cannot come alone The question of the
rising militant might, especially as the time for a US withdrawal from
Afghanistan draws near, also need to be considered. The Taliban has turned
into Frankensteins monster; a few crumbs will not satiate it.
Perhaps this is why those who are pro-talks have not said what their
formula for a compromise would be or how they plan to tame a monster
which is growing stronger as we hum and haw over what to do with it.
It is like watching a deadly cobra slither up our garden path and
considering if a saucer of milk may tempt it not to strike or enter our home.
Rather, we must act to capture or eliminate it. (Kamila Hyat, The News 21 st
February)
Afghanistan
End of the game? As the NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan start
transporting back the equipment they had hauled up there for the war on
terror, the question that dogs the minds of most political and strategic
thinkers is whether the process heralds the end of the game. For, the US that
had led the 40 odd countries to cleanse Afghanistan of the terrorist (alQaeda) menace would only be withdrawing its combat troops and has not
yet decided about how much non-combat force to leave behind, or whether
to completely pack up and go. Afghan President Hamid Karzais absence
from the ceremony held to observe the return of the first consignment of
heavy war machinery, even though he had been invited, could suggest his
continuing disagreement with Washington about the quantum of US troops
to station behind to help the Afghan security forces in case of an emergency
like the recurrence of insurgency in some part of the country. Some would
even point out the alliances failure to achieve the primary objective of
eliminating militancy. Others, however, would cite its success in the training
of Afghan security forces to enable them to control the situation, maintaining
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that the rump US troops would only be there to handle an unusual flare-up.
Yet, the most disturbing issue for the region is whether the US presence after
the end of 2014 is meant to counter Chinas growing power and influence
particularly in Central Asia, the fear of Russias re-emergence into a
competitive power or to browbeat Iran. That would spell prolongation of the
period of turmoil and tension in the region.
While General John Allen, the Commander of NATO forces in
Afghanistan, in a speech on the occasion of sending war material back
acknowledged that victory against the Taliban would never be marked by a
date, a point in time in the calendar, he insisted that the efforts towards that
end would ultimately prevail. Sadly, with the Afghan passion for revenge
and abhorrence of foreign presence, history is not likely to bear General
Allen out. Even the non-combatants would raise their hackles and they
would not rest till they are driven out of the country. The reliance on the
Afghan forces is hardly, according to many political observers, a safe bet.
First, neither their training nor their weapons adequately equip them with
taking on the militants successfully. Secondly and most importantly, troops
being Afghans they would entertain the same feelings of hatred of foreign
military presence as their compatriots Taliban and it should be no surprise if
they were to join hands with them in this pursuit. This does not bode well for
the US.
Against this gloomy scenario, it is imperative for Pakistan to
formulate, and right now, a strategy that would keep it out of the harms way.
Space and concentration for a political equilibrium to be established in
Afghanistan is absolutely necessary. (Editorial, TheNation 12th February)
A big gap: The absence of the US and the Taliban from the meeting
at Chequers exposed a big gap in dealing with a far more complex conflict
than what the world has seen for long.
The Taliban, with its ability to face up to the worlds best-equipped
and technologically most sophisticated military coalition, has clearly
demonstrated the ability to sustain themselves. Though a rag-tag force; the
Taliban has hugely benefited from a ground situation where their ability to
blend into the local population remains largely intact.
Consequently, the periodic attacks on high-profile and key targets in
Afghanistan by the Taliban and their allies says much about the direction
that the Afghan war has taken.
While Cameron cannot be faulted for hosting the Chequers meeting in
support of a good cause, Britain itself is clearly on a reverse mode from
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Afghanistan. Without the confirmed determination of any country to stay the

course, making a difference to the way the Afghan conflict eventually gets
settled will remain largely uncertain.
Faced with difficult odds, it is important for US President Obama to
agree to negotiate directly with the Taliban. In doing so, Washington will
need to deepen a partnership with Pakistans military-led security
establishment. Given the mounting controversies surrounding Zardari, any
move to enlist him as a player will likely backfire at a time when his ability
to deal with the many challenges surrounding his own country remains in
serious doubt. (Farhan Bokhari, TheNation 13th February)
Afghanistan's future: 5 burning questions: In his State of the Union
address, President Obama reaffirmed that the country's war in Afghanistan
would be over by the end of 2014. He also laid out more specifics. Of the
approximately 66,000 US troops in Afghanistan now, more than half 34,000 - will come home in the next year, Obama said What does this
news mean for Afghanistan and America's longest war? Here are some key
questions that will be asked in the coming months:
1. Are the Afghan troops up to the task?
There are certainly doubts. A Pentagon review in December claimed
that only one of 23 Afghan army brigades was capable of functioning on its
own. Meanwhile, literacy rates are low, desertion rates are high, and many
deserters have joined the insurgency. There also have been a troubling
number of green-on-blue attacks: Afghan troops attacking their American
comrades
What the army needs now, Karzai says, is more equipment and
firepower. He came to the Pentagon last month with a wish list asking for
more helicopters, drones and other hardware, according to a senior defense
official. We need an air force. We need air mobility, Karzai told Amanpour.
We need proper mechanized forces. We need, you know, armored vehicles
and tanks and all that.
2. What presence will the US have after 2014?
The plan is to withdraw all combat troops but keep a residual force in
the country to help train Afghans and carry out counterterrorism operations
when needed. The size of that force is still being discussed.
Gen. John Allen, the former commander of US troops in Afghanistan,
recommended between 6,000 and 15,000 troops. But that figure was lowered
to a range between 2,500 and 9,000, according to a defense official
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The current public discussion of zero US troop presence in

Afghanistan...will encourage those hardliner elements of the Taliban who
have no interest in a negotiated settlement and believe they can simply wait
the Americans out, Bergen wrote in an op-ed for CNN.com. It also
discourages the many millions of Afghans who see a longtime US presence
as the best guarantor that the Taliban won't come back in any meaningful
way.
3. What's at stake?
The main fear among the Afghan people is that the country could
revert to another civil war once the United States withdraws its combat
troops. The Taliban are still resilient and determined, according to a recent
Pentagon report, and insurgents continue to carry out attacks and pose a
major security threat.
Some people we've spoken to sort of take it for granted that there's
going to be a civil war when the United States leaves, said CNN's Erin
Burnett on a recent trip to Afghanistan. "It happened before when the Soviet
Union left (in 1989) Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee,
Rep Buck McKeon, R-California, expressed concern last week that a hasty
withdrawal could be needlessly fraught with risk.
Since the president took the commendable step of deploying a surge
to Afghanistan in 2009, we have known that our hard-fought gains are
fragile and reversible, McKeon said. That isn't my assessment, but the
consistent opinion of experts both military and civilian.
4. Who will lead after Karzai?
Afghanistan's only president of this century won't be in charge for
much longer. Elections are scheduled for April 2014 So while Afghanistan
oversees a major military transition, it also will have to make a political
transition. Who will lead the country during this critical moment in its
history? Will the vote go smoothly, without violence and without
controversy? There were reports of ballot tampering and other violations in
the last one.
The answers might be just as important to Afghanistan's security as
the readiness of its troops. The single biggest challenge for us is the
political transition, the elections of 2014, said Saad Mohseni, the media
mogul behind Afghanistan's Tolo Television. (If) we have credible
elections, I think we'll be OK for the next five, six years. (If) we don't, there
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is a real danger that we'll see instability, especially in 2014 as the US troops
withdraw.
5. What part will the Taliban play?
Despite the ongoing insurgency, Karzai seems eager to resume stalled
peace talks with the Taliban and include them in the political process.
The Taliban pulled out of talks last year, but Karzai said last month
they are very much conveying to us that they want to have peace talks.
They're also people. They're also families. They also suffer, like the rest of
Afghans are suffering.
Javid Ahmad, a Kabul native now with the Asia Program of the
German Marshall Fund of the United States, believes revitalized peace talks
are essential to Afghanistan's future and to the legacy of America's war.
If withdrawing responsibly in 2014 is indeed high on President
Obama's agenda, then he has little choice but to prioritize and accelerate the
peace talks, negotiate a cease-fire between all sides, and reach a settlement
that ensures that the Taliban lay down their weapons, Ahmad wrote in a
recent column. But will the Taliban be willing to cooperate? And if they
enter negotiations, how much of an influence would they have on an Afghan
society that has seen so many changes in the past decade?
There have to be some red lines, said Jawed Ludin, Afghanistan's
deputy foreign minister for political affairs. Some of the achievements that
we've had in the last 10 years can't be negotiated.
Karzai sounded confident that most of the Taliban would acknowledge
this. I think there is now a critical mass in Afghanistan of the educated, of
the Afghan people who want a future of progress and stability, he said.
And I think also that the Taliban recognize that this corner has been turned,
the majority of them. Some may be there among them who would not who
would remain, you know, in the darkest of the mindset possible. But those
are a few. (Kyle Almond for CNN, reprinted in TheNation 19th February)
Is US maintaining death squads in Afghanistan? In 2010, as
WikiLeaks published hundreds of thousands of classified documents relating
to the conduct of the US government, government defenders dismissively
claimed that they revealed nothing new. Among the many documents
disproving that claim were ones relating to a US policy in Iraq set forth in
Frago 242, which ordered coalition troops not to stop or even investigate
torture and other war crimes by the Iraqi forces they were training, but
simply to note them.
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And note them they did: the logs record thousands of cases of Iraqi
forces severely beating, brutalizing and torturing Iraqi civilians while US
forces, with rare exception, did nothing to stop it (when the documents were
released, the Guardian detailed just some of the illustrative cases). As the
Atlantics Marc Ambinder wrote at the time, the documents contain
incredibly awful reports of systematized detainee abuse by Iraqi soldiers
and security forces right under the noses of the American-led coalition,
which appears to have had virtually no incentive to put a stop to them (as
usual, these documents were classified not to safeguard US national security
but rather to conceal bad and embarrassing acts on the part of the US
government: that is why it is not hard to understand why the US government
is so aggressive about punishing Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks, and other
whistleblowers and journalists who expose these secrets).
In Afghanistan on Sunday, President Hamid Karzai alleged that the
US is doing something much worse: not merely standing by and watching
their trained forces torture and kill, but actively and systematically
participating. As the Guardians Golnar Motevalli reported: The Afghan
government has ordered US special forces to leave one of Afghanistans
most restive provinces, Maidan Wardak, after receiving reports from local
officials claiming that the elite units had been involved in the torture and
disappearance of Afghan civilians
The provincial governor and other officials from Maidan Wardak
presented evidence against US forces at the national security council
meeting. The presidential palace later issued a statement saying: After a
thorough discussion, it became clear that armed individuals named as US
special forces stationed in Wardak province engage in harassing, annoying,
torturing and even murdering innocent people.
A recent example in the province is an incident in which nine people
were disappeared in an operation by this suspicious force and in a separate
incident a student was taken away at night from his home, whose tortured
body with throat cut was found two days later under a bridge, the statement
added Aimal Faizi, spokesman for Karzai, said the decision came after of
months of reports of abuse. People have been complaining about US special
forces units torturing people, killing people in that province, and nine
individuals were taken from their homes recently and they have just
disappeared and no one knows where they have gone, Faizi said.
Since Sunday, the New York Times Matthew Rosenberg has written
two detailed articles on these events. On Monday, he noted that the Karzai
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spokesman specifically cited a raid on a village on 13 February, when

American troops and Afghans working with them detained a veterinary
student. His dead body was found three days later in the area under a
bridge, the spokesman said. This morning, Rosenberg noted that the student
was actually beheaded.
Motevalli noted that US military officials have rejected the
allegations. Rosenberg also notes that military officials express
bewilderment over the allegation that these abuses are being committed by
Afghan irregulars who worked with elite American forces and that some
Afghan officials believe the suspects are part of a force whose existence has
been kept secret by the Americans. And a NATO spokesman said that it was
unable to confirm past claims of torture on the part of their Afghan forces.
But theres no question, as Rosenberg notes, that throughout the war,
the United States military and the CIA have organized and trained
clandestine militias. A number still operate, and remain beyond the
knowledge or control of the Afghan government. Recall that the CIA got
caught making payments for years to Karzais suspected drug-running
brother, Ahmed, for a variety of services, including helping to recruit an
Afghan paramilitary force that operates at the CIAs direction in and around
the southern city of Kandahar. These are the US-controlled militias, beyond
the authority of the Afghan government, on which the US intends to rely if
and when it withdraws from that country. It may very well be that US
military officials are telling the truth when they claim they are not involved
with these specific units, but that the Afghan grievances are completely
accurate. That is because, as Rosenberg explains: One possibility that would
match the descriptions of attackers offered by local Afghan officials and, at
the same time, exclude American military forces would be that the suspects
were working with the Central Intelligence Agency, whose operatives run
militias in a number of provinces. A spokesman for the CIA refused to
comment on the issue. 'One senior Afghan official said it was possible:
Afghans, he said, make no distinction between military-type outfits.
Americans with weapons, high-end gear and facial hair were all special
forces. Its a phrase that catches all. What is absolutely certain is that what
Rosenberg calls the aggressive tactics of US special forces have previously
resulted in abuses, and attempted cover-ups of exactly the type being
alleged now.
As but one illustrative example: in 2010, as I wrote at the time, US
forces in the Paktia Province, after surrounding a home where a celebration
of a new birth was taking place, shot dead two male civilians (government
1218
officials) who exited the house in order to inquire why they had been
surrounded, and then shot and killed three female relatives (a pregnant
mother of ten, a pregnant mother of six, and a teenager). When local
villagers loudly complained, the Pentagon lied about what happened,
claiming that the dead males were insurgents or terrorists; the bodies of the
three women had been found by US forces bound and gagged inside the
home, and suggested that the women had already been killed by the time the
US had arrived, likely the victim of honor killings by the Taliban militants
killed in the attack. US media outlets, needless to say, mindlessly recited the
US governments claims (CNN: Bodies found gagged, bound after Afghan
honor killing), but the Pentagon was finally forced to admit that its Special
Forces had killed the women and then covered-up and lied about what
happened.
Whatever is true about these latest human rights abuses, the
perception is widespread in Afghanistan that the US is responsible and that
the militias it is training are no better than the Taliban. From Rosenberg: The
action also reflected a deep distrust of international forces that is now
widespread in Afghanistan, and the view held by many Afghans, President
Hamid Karzai among them, that the coalition shares responsibility with the
Taliban for the violence that continues to afflict the country
But Afghan officials cited as even more troubling American Special
Operations units use of Afghan proxy forces that are not under the
governments control. Afghan civilians and local officials have complained
that some irregular forces have looked little different from Taliban fighters
or bandits and behaved little differently.
So thats where the US is after almost 12 years of waging war in that
country, the longest war in its history. The US is blamed on equal terms with
the Taliban, at least. It maintains and supports (if not directs) nongovernment militias which are perceived, with ample evidence, as being
death squads and torture units. Thus do we find, yet again, that the fruits of
US humanitarian interventions liberating the oppressed and bringing
freedom and democracy to the world are little more than replicating the
abuses of the tyrannical regime it targeted, just under a different owner. Most
amazing of all, the next time a new Good War is proposed, none of this
will stop large numbers of Americans from believing that both the goals and
the likely outcome will be beneficent. (Glenn Greenwald for Guardian,
reprinted in TheNation 27th February)
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Toll of occupation: Afghanistan - as the post-9/11 era demonstrates

has been a graveyard for generals. Four top US generals have, in effect, met
their Waterloo in Afghanistan: General David McKiernan, General Stanley
McChrystal, General David Petraeus, and General John Allen. The US has
not won in Afghanistan, nor have any of these generals claimed victory as
such.
According to McChrystal, the Soviets killed 1.2 million Afghans out
of a population at the time of 24 million, and they still lost. He stressed that
one should not get into war unless you know what winning is, and also
said that the biggest threat to the West is not terrorism but lack of education.
During an interaction at a Washington forum with General
McChrystal former head of US forces in Afghanistan I raised the issue
whether it would be more prudent for the US to strive to attack the problems
of Palestine and Kashmir, rather than being mired in futile conflicts that are
offshoots of these unresolved disputes.
The political trend, however, remains to go after symptoms on the
periphery, instead of tackling head-on the causal roots of the ailment. This
exponentially increases denial and deception in seeking cosmetic patch-ups.
Personal and policy biases colour and distort analysis, leading to fragile
optimism. Succumbing to a collective mentality occurs when one talks only
to the people one agrees with. Sometimes, prejudice is so pervasive that it is
not even noticed (Mowahid Hussain Shah, TheNation 28th February)
India
Crux of the Kashmir issue: No wonder, since 2006, India has been
seeking to implicate Pakistan in every act of terrorism on its soil, and most
of the time it also kept the dialogue process hostage to its policy of keeping
Pakistan under constant pressure. During his last couple of years, General
Musharraf went beyond all limits, making unprecedented gestures of
flexibility to India. His proposal cosmetically involved dividing Kashmir in
ethnic regions, demilitarizing them and making them autonomous entities
with a joint-body mechanism. It was only a faade behind deceitful
legitimization of the Line of Control with no reference to the right of selfdetermination of the Kashmiri people.
In the process, our principled position on Kashmir, for the first time
since independence, stood compromised. In the post-Musharraf era, taking
full advantage of our domestic chaos, India sought to redefine the Kashmir
dispute purely as an issue of terrorism. Ironically, our civilian leadership
1220
made no effort to repair the damage done to our traditional Kashmir position
and mostly remained complacent to Indian arrogance. On its part,
encouraged by its strategic partnership with the US, India also managed to
gain unprecedented influence in Afghanistan with serious nuisance potential
against Pakistan, which it tried to use as an instrument of its policy to
redefine the Kashmir issue.
What India should understand is that Afghanistan is not Kashmir and
Kashmir is not Afghanistan. The only parallel between the two is that the
people in both Afghanistan and Kashmir have special unflinching historic,
cultural and religious bonds with Pakistan that India can never match. India
will serve itself well by not seeking to redefine the unalterable realities of
this region, and instead pursue the peace process with Pakistan in a
purposeful manner.
The unresolved Kashmir dispute as the core issue is today a sombre
reminder to the world that the Kashmiri people remain deprived of their
fundamental values and freedoms. They feel betrayed over the indifference
of world powers and their failure to implement UN Security Council
resolutions. Despite curfews and military crackdowns, they have often been
out on the streets demanding to be freed from Indian military rule. With
Afzal Gurus judicial murder earlier this week, the valley is once again
simmering with tensions.
Kashmiris is the voice of a wronged and neglected people
challenging Indias and the worlds conscience. The Kashmir settlement has
to be in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people, impartially
ascertained, in conditions of freedom from oppression and intimidation.
There is no fair, just, legal, and moral solution to other than provided by the
United Nations, which both India and Pakistan had accepted. The setting
aside of the UN resolutions is one thing, the discarding of the principle they
embodied is quite another. The underlying cardinal principle of selfdetermination cannot be thrown overboard.
India will do itself good by seeing the writing on the wall. Popular
movements cannot be suppressed. Brutal military force brings no relief to
anyone. Stark lessons are there to read in the unclosed chapters of
Afghanistan and Iraq. It is never too late to revert to the path of justice and
fair play, and to heed to sanity and rationality. This is the crux of the
Kashmir issue. (Shamshad Ahmad, TheNation 12th February)
Gwadar and Guru: Pakistan has expressed a firm sentiment about
both the handing over of the deep-sea Gwadar port to a Chinese firm, and
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the recent execution of Afzal Guru for the 2001 attack on Indian Parliament.
The Foreign Office spokesman said that while the modalities of the handing
over of the port were still being worked out, the government felt that this is
not something that any other country should have any reason to be
concerned about. It must be remembered that the hand-over is only
occurring because the port could not be handled by the original company,
which belonged to Singapore. If indeed India is concerned, as it purports to
be, about the coming of another power into the Indian Ocean, it should not
forget the event which was not mentioned by the spokesman: the Indian
agreements, signed during French President Franois Hollandes recent visit,
to buy 126 Rafale fighters from Dassault for $12 billion, as well as a $9.3
billion 9900MW nuclear power plant in Maharashtra. Indias buying both
arms and nuclear technology, the latter because of the nuclear deal with the
USA, means bringing a foreign power, and that too a Western power, into
the region, while carping at Pakistan for relying on a true and tested friend
which has always shown an all-weather friendship.
The spokesman also said that Afzal Guru was a martyr. There are a
number of aspects to this. Foremost is the question of what sort of trial did
Afzal Guru get. It is clear that it was not at all fair. The reason for this, that
he was a Kashmiri Muslim. This led to what the spokesman said about the
Kashmir issue, that the government had made no changes to its stand, and
still desired a solution in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and
the relevant UN resolutions.
This is a welcome reassurance, though the government must give
more substance to this sentiment than mere words in Islamabad, in the midst
of trying to develop ties with India on its terms. A symbol of this is the grant
of MFN status to India, which is not only to Indias advantage, and not only
destructive of Pakistani commerce and industry, but also took place without
even a mention of Kashmir by Pakistan. As India wants the dispute
suppressed, it is incumbent upon Pakistan not only to raise the question at
bilateral negotiations, but also at multilateral forums. With elections just
around the corner, the government must show its commitment, or prepare for
punishment. (Editorial, TheNation 16th February)
Vital issues sidelined: For the last many years, we have been going
out of the way to woo India. We have conceded most of what India in the
previous decades was working for, namely, enhanced trade relations and
more of cultural and people to people activities. All along our stand had
been: let us solve the disputes first, especially the Kashmir issue, and then
we will take up trade and other matters.
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With the passage of time, we fell headlong into Indias agenda. After
having secured a considerable part of its demands (drastically reducing the
list of negative trade items and easing of visa facilities), India has changed
its approach to Indo-Pak relations and hardened its stand vis--vis Pakistan.
We recently have seen the Line of Control (LoC) heating up. Pakistan
has been accused of violating the 2003 ceasefire and of mutilating the body
of an Indian soldier. Islamabads proposal of an investigation by the UN
(which keeps a monitoring military unit on LoC) was turned down. Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh warned that henceforth there would be no
business as usual. Pakistani artists and other eminent visitors were asked to
return. And earlier this month, Afzal Guru was hanged and unceremoniously
buried in the Tihar Jail without even informing his relatives. His hanging has
been rightly described as a miscarriage of future by Arundhati Roy in a
remarkable piece. She has analyzed the case in detail and has concluded it in
the following words: Like most surrendered militants, Afzal was easy meat
in Kashmir a victim of torture, blackmail, extortion....Now that Afzal Guru
has been hanged, I hope our collective conscience has been satisfied. Or is
our cup of blood still only half full?
Even Sheikh Abdullahs grandson, the present Chief Minister of
Indian Helf Kashmir (IHK), has remarked: Whether you like it or not, the
execution of Afzal Guru has reinforced the point that there is no justice for
them and that to my mind is far more disturbing and worrying than the shortterm implications for security front. How we would be able to correct or
address that sense of injustice and alienation is a question I do not have
answers. The brutal suppression of protestors in Srinagar and other places
by the Indian troops is another story of Indias uncivilized behaviour.
Pakistanis official reaction has been weak and somewhat
disappointing. The OICs recent resolution to send a fact-finding mission to
Kashmir has met with a contemptuous No from New Delhi.
It needs to be pointed out that Pakistan is an internationally
acknowledged party to the Kashmir dispute. It has every right to raise the
issue internationally whenever the other party, i.e. India, does something
manifestly wrong or objectionable. It is unfortunate that we have failed all
along to do our duty and are found wanting in pursuing the required
minimum for the hapless and brutally suppressed Kashmiris. We must keep
the issue alive through print and electronic media and effectively highlight
the preposterous violation of human rights at the international forums.
(Inayatullah, TheNation 16th February)
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India an aspiring hegemon: The latest firing incidents across the

Line of Control (LoC), particularly the killing of a Pakistani soldier, who
had strayed across the LOC, and the threatening statements made by the
Indian commanders during the past few weeks were designed to convey to
Pakistan that it would have to accept Indias hegemony and learn to live in a
subordinate position in the region.
Pakistans domestic political instability, the debilitating war on terror
in which it is engaged, its deplorable economic performance over the past
decade and a half, and the constant American pressure on it because of the
crisis in Afghanistan have worked to weaken Pakistans position vis--vis
India.
On the other hand, India has been emboldened in the pursuit of its
hegemonic ambitions by its much faster economic growth, its rapidly
growing military strength, its status as a stable democracy, and the US
strategic shift in its favour to contain a rising China.
The issues of peace and security are ultimately decided in this
anarchic international system through the logic of power. Unfortunately,
Pakistans power relative to that of India has weakened over the past decade
and a half. If the trend of the relative decline of Pakistans power vis--vis
India continues, the latters ability to dictate to Pakistan would grow in
strength. Under the present circumstances, the chances of the resolution of
major Pakistan-India disputes on satisfactory terms from our point of view
appear to be quite remote. Indias decision to resile from the Pakistan-India
agreement on Siachen is a case in point.
To safeguard our vital national interests, Pakistan has no choice but to
resist Indias hegemonic designs in the region. This would be possible,
however, only if we are able to achieve internal political stability and
increase our economic strength relative to that of India, while maintaining a
credible deterrent at the lowest level of armaments and armed forces.
Our diplomacy should focus on defusing tensions with India to reduce
the risk of an armed conflict and to enable us to divert our scarce resources
from the military to the urgent task of economic development. We should
maintain a firm position on major Pakistan-India disputes without being
provocative.
Trade with India should be conducted on a level playing field and a
mutually beneficial basis.
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Finally, we must strengthen our strategic partnership with China and

friendly relations with Iran and Afghanistan to balance Indias power
advantage over us. (Muhammad Jamil, TheNation 19th February)
The MFN ruse: The latest minister failing to realize that grant of
MFN status to India, given the continued state of friction is a contradiction
in terms, is Minister of State for Finance Saleem Mandviwala who stated
that the decision to that effect has been taken. Interestingly, he went on to
add that there were certain reservations of certain quarters which remain
unresolved but would be sorted out. Why were these problems not attended
to before? Well because under the circumstances, they are quite complex.
This contradictory stand simply reiterates the point that this so-called
confidence building measure at this juncture would constitute a big loss to
Pakistan whose repercussions would be felt on a number of fronts. The
argument that we would gain economically does not have much substance
either. Owing to the prevailing conditions, there is not much that can be
gained particularly against the backdrop of disparities between the Pakistani
and Indian market situation. Here, while the vested interests might attempt
to profit from that, the average trader would not find a worthwhile
atmosphere for business.
Most importantly, owing to the unresolved nature of the Kashmir
conflict and its fallout resulting in ongoing border clashes and overt threats
of war, the people regard the MFN ruse as a sell-out. The Kashmiri leaders
themselves seem worried while rightly urging the PPP setup that concessions
of the sort will lead to nothing useful. (Editorial, TheNation 19th February)
So, should we build walls? Lets face it; Pakistan and India have
incompatible mutual obsessions. Ours is Kashmir and security. What rankles
with India is that we are still on the map of the world. Pakistan was not just a
mistake in Indian eyes but an insult to the idea of India. Every so often well
meaning Pakistanis forget this and try to square the circle. Like I did when,
as a junior officer manning the India Desk in the Foreign Office, I felt that
given a modicum of goodwill India-Pakistan relations were fixable and not
permanently jinxed.
After all, I reasoned, had Jinnah not said he wanted the best possible
relations with India? Then why were these old fogies of the Foreign Office
going on and on about India being the eternal enemy. And so, in my own
puny way, I supported moves for better relations with India and spoke out
whenever those who mattered were within earshot.
1225
An opportunity arose in 1973 when I discovered myself in the

presence of the then foreign secretary, a former foreign secretary who was
then a powerful minister in the cabinet of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto The second
opportunity arose when I was at the OIC summit in Casablanca with Benazir
Bhutto in 1995 Great, Benazir remarked, now put it down in black and
white, take it to them (the fauj) and if they let you out of the room in one
piece come and tell me their response. Meanwhile, Im off shopping. And
that was that.
I persisted, although I dropped the somewhat in your face approach
in favour of a more indirect one. I also tried drumming up support. I knew
the arch-hawk and head of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee,
Nawabzada Nasrullah had a soft spot for me. His other failing was that he
could not be separated for long from his hookah. So, after he had settled
down in his hotel room in New York, where we had all assembled for the
UNGA session and lit the hookah, I barged in to say my piece.
Midway through my soliloquy I noticed the Nawabzada was puffing
away with unusual gusto and a little later smoke was billowing out not only
from his mouth but I swear, from his ears too, when suddenly the door burst
open. It was the hotel (Plaza) supervisor. Apparently the Nawabzadas
hookah had set off the hotel smoke alarm and, needless to say, we all had to
rush out. I thanked my stars and decided not to tempt fate again.
Instead of rushing in where angels fear to tread I should have asked
myself why Jinnah, who was about as a religious and secular a man as you
would find in the Subcontinent suddenly had a change of heart and why this
Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity (Gokhale) preferred, in his own
words, a truncated moth-eaten Pakistan to remaining within India.
Or, better still, why my father thought nothing of leaving a score of
family homes in a street named after his father in Bangalore (still there) in
exchange for a rickety abode in Karachi, especially when in Bangalore and
southern India in general there was little Hindu-Muslim animosity.
It was only when I was thrown onto the scrap heap that most retirees
are and began reading intensively that the penny dropped and it occurred to
me that the old fogies of the FO may have been right after all. They had
roomed and schooled with their Indian counterparts; they had gone to
college with them; they had eyed the same gals and knew and understood
each other. And yet, this lot was convinced that for Muslims, Hindu majority
rule was unacceptable. Were they all, to a man, mistaken? Surely not, I
thought, and started looking for clues.
1226
Consider what Jaswant Singh, a former Indian foreign minister and

among the most intelligent of the lot India has had, confided to US Deputy
Secretary of State Strobe Talbot privately during their extended
conversations in the mid 1990s: As far as India was concerned, Pakistan was
not just Indias sibling but its twin born of the same womb. However, from
the moment of its birth Pakistan had gone terribly and permanently wrong.
According to Jaswant, Pakistan was a relatively small incurably troubled and
incorrigibly troublesome state that dreamed of parity with India it would
never attain or deserve.
Kashmir was closed history and a case study in the fraught history of
Pakistan. It was not fitting as a topic for international diplomacy. Pakistans
fixation with Kashmir should be understood as an objectification of
Pakistans predicament as a lost soul among nations, an ersatz country
whose founders only real legacy was a permanent reminder of what a tragic
mistake partition had been.
No one had had as much experience with Islam as India. India knew
how to deal with Pakistan (and presumably Islam) and America must work
with India in waging our common struggle against these forces.
Talbott remarked that although he agreed with much of what Jaswant
said, namely that Partition was a huge and tragic mistake, I am at a loss to
understand how an indictment of Pakistans origins and a presumption of
guilt about Pakistans every move could possibly help India dealing with
Pakistan.
Precisely, but the truth is that India isnt really bothered whether it
gets on with Pakistan. In Jaswants view it suffices that Pakistan is an
illegitimate state and an illegitimate heir of British India and therefore can
have no legal claim to the patrimony, certainly not in preference to that of
the sole legitimate heir Bharat.
Viewed thus it is unrealistic to believe that we can achieve anything
more than a modus vivendi with India in the foreseeable future. And perhaps
not even then, if our internal decay shows no signs of abating and the
prospect of us fracturing increases. India will want to wait and see what kind
of an entity or entities will replace Pakistan.
Perhaps thats why very little has emerged from the composite
dialogue. Agreements reached have not been concluded; every little molehill
has been made into a mountain and used as a pretext to prolong talks. Even
where agreements were signed their implementation has been delayed or
suspended.
1227
So lets drop the notion that somehow if we keep talking things will
mend. Keep talking by all means but lets not have a delusional view of
these talks and lets also concede that there are few happy endings in the
India-Pakistan saga. Frankly, the stronger and higher the walls between us
neighbours, the better neighbours we will make. (Zafar Hilaly, The News
21st February)
Partial award on Kishanganga: The Permanent Court of Arbitration
at The Hagues partial award on the merits of Pakistans complaint and
Indias defence of the Kishanganga case is apparently in Indias favour, but
Pakistan is also claiming victory of sorts.
The dispute pertained to firstly, the legality of the construction and
operation of an Indian hydro-electric project located in the Indiaadministered Jammu and Kashmir; and secondly, the permissibility under
the Indus of the depletion of the reservoirs of certain Indian hydro-electric
plants below Dead Storage Level.
The partial award by the Court of Arbitration, which is final with
respect to the matters decided therein without appeal and binding on the
parties, unanimously decided: In the first dispute, the Kishanganga HydroElectric Project (KHEP) constitutes a Run-of-River Plant under the Treaty,
and India may accordingly divert water from the Kishanganga/Neelum River
for power generation by the KHEP in the manner envisaged. However, when
operating the KHEP, India is under an obligation to maintain a minimum
flow of water in the Kishanganga/Neelum River, at a rate to be determined
by the court in a final award by the end of 2013.
It is thus obvious that Indias stance has been upheld, however, the
court decided that its right to divert the Kishanganga/Neelum is not absolute
- it is subject to the constraints specified in the Treaty and, in addition, by
the relevant principles of customary international law
Against this context, the court recalled the commitment made by
Indias agent in the course of the hearing that India would ensure a minimum
environmental flow downstream of the KHEP at all times. This aspect is
contrary to its demand that the entire flow of the Neelum River during six to
eight months of the winter season would be diverted into Wullar Lake.
Pakistan had hired a contractor for environmental damage assessment,
but, apparently, he failed to quantify the actual damage by diverting the flow
of Kishanganga River, which will cause enormous material damage in the
Neelum Valley due to the adverse effects of non-availability or reduction of
water.
1228
The only redeeming factor for Pakistan remains that since the Treaty
requires the preservation of a minimum flow of water downstream of the
KHEP, the court determined that the data provided by the parties are
insufficient to allow it to decide the precise amount of flow to be preserved.
Thus, Pakistan should ensure that it provides accurate additional data
concerning the impacts of a range of minimum flows at the KHEP Dam by
June 2013 so that the court decides the Final Award on merit.
As far as the second dispute is concerned, India had raised two
objections to its admissibility; firstly, whether Pakistan had followed the
Treaty procedure for the submission of disputes to the court; and secondly,
whether the second dispute, given its subject-matter, could properly be heard
by the court. Its rulings favoured Pakistan, rejecting both objections,
observing that the Treaty provides for disagreements between the parties to
be resolved either by a seven-member court of arbitration or by a single,
highly-qualified engineer, acting as a neutral expert.
With respect to the second question, the court found that although the
Treaty specifies the technical matters that may be referred to a neutral
expert, it does not give the neutral expert exclusive competence over these
listed matters. Once constituted, a court of arbitration is empowered to
consider any question arising out of the Treaty, including technical
questions.
Thus, in the second dispute, it ruled that the Treaty prohibits depletion
below the dead storage level of the reservoirs of Run-of River Plants (and
correspondingly, drawdown flushing), except in the case of an unforeseen
emergency. This ruling does not apply to plants already in operation or under
construction (whose designs have been communicated by India and not
objected to by Pakistan). Thank God for small mercies, but there is little for
Pakistan to celebrate. (S M Hali, TheNation 27th February)
Why is India so jittery: The Government of Pakistan, despite a
pathetic performance in governance and economy, has somehow managed to
stay in control of its Afghan policy and steer it in a direction that keeps
Pakistan indispensable to a post-withdrawal scenario. Despite the violence in
Balochistan created by diverse groups controlled both by non-state actors
and foreign powers, the government of Pakistan has remained steadfast in its
Gwadar and Iran policy.
As a result, it gives Pakistan enough leverage to ward off such threats
to its integrity and raise its stakes in the solutions to the Afghan crises. John
Kerrys appointment as Secretary of State and Chuck Hagels as Secretary of
1229
Defence by President Barack Obama sends a message to India that Pakistan

is indispensable. Hagels statements in the past alleging Indian interference
in Balochistan through Afghanistan and his flexible stance on Iran create
enough ripples to make India jittery and the Line of Control an ugly reality
that can bring the kettle to boil at will.
Like so many crises of the past, Pakistan has somehow managed to
outlive this one but only temporarily. There are many more challenges ahead
and Pakistan needs drastic measures to address them to hedge stakes, as a
viable international ally and regional actor.
First, the Foreign and Defence Ministries have to work overtime and
imaginatively to neutralize the destructive effects of a volcanic Line of
Control. This means viable and maintainable CBMs across both sides of the
divide that ultimately make flare ups inconsequential. Traffic across the line
needs to be eased up further for the local populations with a common
lineage, culture and religion
Secondly, India on its part could follow the same suggestions pending
a final solution to the Kashmir issue. The Indian policy planners must
beware that exploitation of Pakistans weak economic conditions cannot be
exploited to advance its interests contrary to security perspectives of
Pakistan. India must take full advantage of its growing trade relations with
Pakistan to create durable alternate links. Its biggest trust building initiative
would be to stop material and financial assistance to non-state actors in
Pakistan. The fact that nuclear weapons preclude large-scale military actions
is a reminder enough that it is time for peace without proxies.
Thirdly, Pakistan mired in its precarious financial and governance
issues needs to take a new guard on the stumps where all short to long term
policies converge towards the ultimate objective of a self-reliant, proud and
credible Pakistan. Unfortunately, the election period will also be the worst
economic period in its history. Yet, the regional and economic imperatives
indicate that Pakistan would ultimately get some breathing space in these
self-created crises. The interim government will have to shoulder the twin
responsibilities of conducting credible elections and applying brakes to the
economic downturn.
Fourthly, Pakistan will have to re-adjust its policy towards
Afghanistan in a manner that removes jitters for the Afghan people and
international community. It is Pakistans responsibility to exercise its
influence over the friendly Afghan militant factions towards moderation and,
hence, a bigger role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. At the same time,
1230
Pakistan has to reinforce its trust building measures in Afghanistan with

affirmative action in diplomacy and the binding social commonality.
Lastly, the people of Pakistan will have to seize the moment and make
a conscientious use of their vote with heavy turnouts to produce dedicated,
honest and professional political leadership. It is also the responsibility of
every voter to break away from the traditional voting culture and opt for a
change. Khushal Banay Gha Pakistan should be every citizens slogan.
Ultimately, it is this national cohesion that would secure Pakistans security.
Most, it will make it difficult for India to cry wolf over Pakistan. (Samson
Simon Sharaf, TheNation 2nd March)
REVIEW
In Pakistan, the urge of politicians for peace in the country increased
significantly as the general elections neared. First to realize the importance
of peace was the ANP that had vowed not to talk to Islamic militant and
wage war against them till last man last bullet. But the killing of Bashir
Bilour resulted in sprouting of fear of God in the hearts of its leaders.
The party first organized an APC to find ways and means to initiate
dialogue with Taliban; the same hated Islamists against whom its leaders had
been coaxing security forces to launch a crackdown after a crackdown. This
APC failed to produce any concrete outcome but later a central leader of
ANP, Senator Haji Adeel, called upon the Army and militants to ink a
ceasefire agreement for initiating purposeful dialogue process.
On the heels of Asfandyars APC came the one called by Fazalur
Rehman, which definitely got better response from political parties in the
country. Imran Khans PTI was the lone absentee in the Convention Centre
where the conference was held. PTI doubted the utility of the APC in the
context of lasting peace, while remaining the part of Americas holy war.
The words ensure peace ahead of the general elections in the fivepoint declaration of the APC said everything. These politicians could live
with perpetration of terrorism for five years, as long as common citizens
were at the receiving end, but come the election season, they felt the dire
need for peace.
They dont want to be harmed while holding public meetings.
Therefore, they want to initiate the peace dialogue so that they can fool
1231
around the masses to come back to assemblies for another five years, what
happens to the peace process thereafter, is none of their concern.
The present regime will never pull out of the war because the benefits
they have got from siding with America against their own people.
Congressman Dana Rohrabachers resolution seeking Dr Shakil Afridis
release and recognizing him as an American hero could serve as yet another
incentive for them. Sooner or later many more like Kayani, Pasha, Zardari,
Rehman Malik and Hussain Haqqani could benefit from Afridi precedence.
Killing anyone in Pakistan, native or alien, while serving the
American cause is no crime but instead a noble deed that could merit earning
the title of a hero. The one only has to be careful in his conduct when
dealing with an American citizen. Just as Raymond Davis went Scott free
after killing two Pakis, but landed in jail for two years for picking up brawl
with a fellow American.
Zardari regime, after dragging its feet for years, surprised many
observers by handing over the charge of operating Gwadar Port to Chinese
Company and signing an agreement with Iran for gas pipeline project.
Some say he has been pushed by the Army on both counts, but the Scoundrel
is more cunning than all the Generals put together.
He has done it to get some political mileage in the election year.
Apparently, he has annoyed his American masters by striking a deal with
Iran, but he would never cross the red-line drawn by the United States. He is
master in delaying things and like Napoleon he too does not have a word in
his dictionary which relates to breaking promises.
India almost won the case of Kishanganga hydro-power project
which Pakistan has taken to the International Court of Arbitration. Zardari
regime has been accused of not fighting the case diligently. If that be so, it
could be a deliberate act to promote Hind-Sind fraternity.
4th February, 2013
AVAILING TRAGEDIES
With the onset of election year, the tragedies of horrendous magnitude
struck Pakistan one after the other. Some terror attacks were owned by
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and that presented golden opportunities to the ruling
coalition to take political mileage against main opposition party, the PML-N.
1232
After targeting Hazara community twice in Quetta the terrorists struck

in Abbas Town, Karachi. Although people of all sects and communities were
killed and wounded in the attack, yet this was also dubbed as yet another
attack on Shia community, launched by militants provided safe heavens in
Punjab by PML-N.
The Chief Justice impulsively jumped into arena by taking suo moto
notice, this time of the bomb blast in Abbas Town. He was not deterred by
this own record in which he could not bring a single suo moto notice to a
logical end and instead provided legal blanket to the culprits, inadvertently.
He could do nothing about those on protocol duty of Bilawal House,
who arranged escape of Shahrukh Jatoi, the main accused in Shahzeb
murder case. His apex court could not compel NAB and CBR to recover
more than 0.004 percent customs duty related to ISAF containers which
went missing.
His judges could not get Tauqir Sadiq back in Pakistan who is
involved in Rs82 billion corruption case. Similarly they kept begging for
arranging the return of Hussain Haqqani. The IO of NAB, Kamran Faisal
seemed to have been forgotten all together. The list goes right up to
Chairman NAB and Raja Rental.
Rather surprisingly, Raja Rental (Prime Minister) cut a cruel joke on
the Supreme Court by writing a letter to the Chief Justice seeking fair
probe into RPPs corruption case. Having done that he proceeded to Ajmer
Sharif and his prayers were heard as the CJP turned his letter into a petition.
NEWS
Power politics: On 25th February, the PML-N and JUI-F reached an
understanding to jointly contest the next elections at a meeting of the leaders
of the two opposition parties at Raiwind. Both parties decided to cooperate
in the elections and forming of committees to chalk out the modalities of the
alliance. The JUI-F also invited Nawaz to the APC they are going to hold in
Islamabad on February 28. Nawaz accepted the invitation.
The Supreme Court admitted a review petition filed by the ECP
regarding the electoral delimitation of Karachis constituencies whereas the
court dismissed another petition filed by the MQM against the delimitation
process. However, Barrister Farogh A Nasim, representing the MQM, said
he withdrew the petitions.
1233
The Election Commission of Pakistan clarified that any person

holding dual nationality cannot become party chief. The ECP reviewed a
petition filed against the agreement signed between the government and
Tahirul Qadri. Pakistan Awami Tehreek took the stance that Dr Qadri did not
hold any position in the party.
Next day, three opposition parties PML-N, PML-F and NPP
announced to contest next general elections jointly against the ruling PPP in
the Sindh province, while the JI also agreed with the PML-N to cooperate in
Karachi during the upcoming elections. After a three-hour meeting with
PML-F chief Pir Pagara and NPP chief Ghulam Murtaza at Kingri House in
Karachi, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif announced that they have decided to
jointly contest on each seat against the ruling PPP in the next elections.
PTI held intra-party polls at district, tehsils and towns level in Punjab,
during which the party members showed unprecedented enthusiasm. Some
incidents of hooliganism and violence were reported from Gujranwala,
Sialkot, Multan and Bahawalpur. Taking notice of the violence against the
newsmen in Gunjranwala, Imran Khan ordered immediate probe into the
incident and asked for a report over the issue in next 24 hours.
Tehreek Tahafaz-e-Pakistan of Dr Qadir and Jammat-e-Islami
Pakistan have decided to jointly fight the coming elections and provide the
nation an alternate honest leadership. Dr Qadir on the occasion said that
nation that named him Mohsin-e-Pakistan should stand by him and he will
not disappoint them as he didnt in the past.
On 27th February, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a
resolution urging the PML-N to dissociate it from and discontinue
support to banned terrorist organizations, in a move seen by observers as a
thoughtless reaction to PML-Ns electoral alliance with PML-F and NPP.
The resolution moved by the ruling PPPs MPA Imran Zafar Leghari was
supported by MQM lawmakers but no lawmaker from PML-F and NPP, was
present in the house to oppose this move.
Reacting to Sindh Assemblys terse resolution, the PML-N described
the move as the means to fan hatred and create fissures in the interprovincial relations which, it said, could disserve the federation. There is no
substance whatsoever in the accusations which the Sindh Assembly made,
asserted Ahsan Iqbal, partys deputy secretary general.
The Supreme Court rejected a review petition filed by the ECP
regarding the electoral delimitation of Karachis constituencies. Justice
Jamali remarked that delimitation of constituencies had nothing to do with
1234
census. He observed that census was required to increase or decrease

number of seats of national assembly or provincial assemblies. The court
remarked that ECP Sindh secretary had already assured of implementation of
the courts directives. Justice Jamali told the ECP lawyer that it was
incumbent upon the electoral body to comply with the SC orders. However,
the court said it was another issue whether the task was possible or not.
Prime Minister through a letter to Leader of Opposition in the
National Assembly invited him to initiate the process to achieve consensus
on the appointment of a caretaker prime minister for the upcoming general
elections. Raja, in the letter, said the people of Pakistan rightly expected the
government to rise to the occasion and agree upon the most suitable person
as the caretaker prime minister and pave the way for holding general
elections in an impartial, fair and transparent manner.
The PML-Q re-elected Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as party president and
Chaudhry Zaheeruddin as general secretary unopposed in the intra-party
polls for Punjab. No PML-Q member submitted nomination papers to be
pitted against Pervaiz Elahi and Zaheeruddin in the partys Punjab chapter
elections that were held at the Muslim League House.
Altaf Hussain advised Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan to
immediately withdraw his resignation and resume his responsibilities as the
Sindh governor. According to a statement issued, Altaf said this while
talking to Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan by telephone. The MQM chief has advised
this for peace and stability in the country especially in Sindh.
Chief Election Commissioner PTI suspended the basic membership of
PTI leader Khalid Aziz Lone for disturbing the peaceful conduct of intraparty elections at Gujranwala and being accused of violence against media in
the process. Mr Lone was asked to explain within three days as to why
disciplinary proceedings including expulsion from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
should not be initiated against him for violation of the Party discipline.
Next day, under a historic agreement, Punjab Chief Minister presented
himself and members of his team for accountability. A memorandum of
understanding was inked in Lahore in this respect between the Punjab
government and the Transparency International Pakistan. As per the
agreement, the international institution would review the rules and
regulations and transparency of three mega projects the laptop scheme,
Ujala programme and metro bus project and would present its report
before the end of the constitutional tenure of the incumbent provincial
government.
1235
On 1st March, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced

regularization of the services of all provincial governments contract
employees from grade 1 to 16. Presiding over the concluding session of 5th
annual three-day Nazaria-i-Pakistan Conference, the chief minister said
poverty is not the destiny of this nation and if another opportunity is given to
PML-N to serve the country, it would again put the nation on the path of
prosperity.
Next day, the Supreme Court issued an interim order in Karachi unrest
case, taking a serious notice of Election Commissions inaction regarding
delimitation of constituencies in the metropolis. In its 27-page order, which
includes a six-page additional note by Justice Khilji Arif, a bench declared
that it had clearly ordered delimitation of constituencies in Karachi and it
was wrong to interpret it as an observation.
The court said the Election Commission of Pakistan did not
implement its order and kept the apex court in the dark. It further said the
MQM did not pursue its petition related to the case, for which the same has
been dismissed. According to interim order, Article 51s sub section 2 of the
Constitution is not related to delimitations. Karachi: Delimitation Act 1973
doesnt put any check on new delimitations. Moreover, the aforesaid Act
also doesnt limit the authority of the election commission.
On 3rd March, President Zardari asked party men to work hard for the
upcoming elections because he wanted to see a jiyala as next Punjab chief
minister. He asked the prospective candidates to enhance their liaison with
their electorate and spend more time with them especially on moments of
their joy and grief. The president rejected a proposal by Samina Khalid
Ghurki that party should concentrate only on three to four constituencies in
Lahore where it was in a position to win the seats.
For holding transparent elections and against target killings, Train
March of Jamaat-e-Islami and other opposition parties led by JI Sindh Chief
Mairajul Huda Siddiqui departed for Rawalpindi. Before departure, leaders
of JI, PML-N, PML-F, JUI, JUP, AML, STPP and others addressed the
gathering at Karachi Cantt Station.
JI Sindh Chief Mairajul Huda Siddiqui said that Election Commission
had become the gadget of evil powers in Karachi and such powers do not
allow survival of anyone in the metropolis. During the voters verification
process, nearly 2.2 million voters have been increased in the electoral rolls,
he added. PML-Ns Saleem Zia claimed the mandate of MQM was fake and
said all opposition parties need elections instead of selection.
1236
On 5th March, President Zardari said the masses wanted to get their
problems solved, but some undemocratic forces were trying to draw peoples
attention away from the real issues. Addressing delegations of PPP workers,
leaders and parliamentarians at Gillani House, Multan the president added
that no one could trap the masses as they knew the government was sincere
to them. He said the government not only fulfilled its promise by tabling
Bahawalpur South Punjab Province resolution in the parliament but also
exposed the anti-province parties.
Nawaz Sharif welcomed political heavyweights from Balochistan to
the PML-N fold and said elections must be held on time and no ambiguity
be created by any side in this regard. Senator Lashkari Raisani, the former
PPP Balochistan president and brother of ex-chief minister Aslam Raisani,
called on Nawaz at Jati Umra o and announced joining the PML-N along
with more than 20 associates.
Reportedly, close aides of Pervez Musharraf have managed a green
signal from establishment quarter regarding his safe return on March
17. Pervez Musharraf who founded All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) to
launch his political career sometime ago had made an announcement for his
return.
Next day, Leader of the Opposition revealed the three names have
been short-listed for the caretaker prime minister. He announced the names
of Justice (r) Nasir Aslam Zahid, Justice (r) Shakirullah Jan and Rasool
Bakhsh Palejo. Nisar said though he was not bound as the opposition leader
to consult any other party, but PML-N had also taken into confidence even
those parties which were not part of the Parliament.
The National Assembly adopted a resolution against TV
anchorpersons criticizing parliamentarians without ascertaining facts and
demanded the owners of media houses expel them. The resolution moved by
PML-Qs Sheikh Waqas Akram said, all those anchor persons who are doing
programs against parliamentarians and others without verification of the
facts under some personal agenda or for some ulterior motives, or for some
unlawful gains, have been exposed for their non-professional conduct.
On 7th March, Nawaz Sharif Thursday asked the people for the 1997like heavy mandate, promising in return to make the country one of the top
10 world economies. Introducing their programme, the PML-N president
pledged almost everything to everyone. But he claimed the new manifesto
was not an assortment of unrealizable and misleading dreams, rather it
1237
carries pragmatic programmes based on ground realties to bring about

revolutionary development in every sector of the national life.
Revolutionary reforms will also be brought in education, health, trade,
agriculture, information technology, science, industry, infrastructure and
other sectors and practical measure will be taken to improve the lot of youth,
women, labourers and minorities. He said their target on coming to power is
to take the countrys exports to $100billion with the help of the private
sector, raise the tax ratio to 15 per cent of the GDP, take the growth rate up
to six percent, decrease inflation to eight per cent, gradually set the
minimum wages at Rs15,000, lay down an industrial net and revamp PIA,
Railways and other national institutions.
Replying to a question on drone attacks and absence of their mention
in the document, he said his party strongly believed the attacks are against
sovereignty and independence of the country and is not ready to tolerate
them at any cost. To a question on the presentation of defence budget in the
parliament, he said like other countries in the world, his party will also
present that budget in the parliament. But he said his party is committed to
making defence stronger and meet every real need of the forces in this
respect.
Next day, in an internal meeting chaired by Chief Election
Commissioner and members of the commission decided to reject the
objections raised by the Ministry of Law and Justice on the grounds that the
electoral body was mandated to make amendments in the electoral
procedures with the approval of president in the light of Section 107, The
Representation of the People Act (RoPA) 1976. The commission's
management also contended that it was outside the purview of the law
ministry to raise objections.
Any attempt to interfere in the ECP business shall not be acceptable.
It would be detrimental for the conduct of free and fair elections, Ebrahim
stated. To a query, the CEC said that the deadline on the president's approval
for amended nomination papers was set considering the time factor. The
present assemblies are packing up next week (March 16) and after that the
elections schedule has to be announced. We don't have much time left, we
can wait till Monday.
Imran Khan accused the PPP and PML-N of joining hands once more
for their vested interest and preventing the Election Commission from
properly scrutinizing the candidates for the upcoming elections by deny it
the legislative empowerment needed to do the task. He said that the leaders
1238
of the two big political players restricted the ECP from applying the articles
62 and 63 of the constitution by not passing the election reforms bill.
On 10th March, Imran Khan said that his party has brought a real
tsunami in the country by successfully completing the intra-party elections
while those parties which are making tall claims of democracy are only
restricted to their families. I am proud that for the first time in the history of
this country, PTI workers have chosen their leader from gross roots level and
I hope that these leaders would bring a change in the near future, he
remarked while addressing a mammoth gathering of his party on Ring Road
Peshawar.
He further said that his party is going to prepare Change Volunteer
Force comprising one million youth to participate in the upcoming general
elections campaign saying that these volunteers of PTI would visit each part
of the country to appraise the masses regarding PTI programs and change
manifesto. He said that now PTI is not his party but it is the party of the
people of Pakistan adding that if he was found involved in any corruption,
the party has the right to cancel his membership.
He maintained that if PTI came into power; it would hold dialogue
with militants and would dissociate themselves from the so-called ware
against terrorism. He said that the people fighting with security forces are
Pakistani people but they have been forced on fighting by becoming victims
of terrorism. He said that PTI would convince these militants through Jirga
to quit violence.
Rule of law: On 25th February, Hussain Asghar investigating Hajj

Scam presented a report in the court which stated that evidence of 44
witnesses had been recorded and six more witnesses were left now.
Evidence is not available against Hamid Saeed Kazmi. The Interior
Ministry did not allow Hussain Asghar to file an application seeking
rejection of his bail and his bail plea was accepted on August, 27, the report
added.
Hussain Asghar told the court that Saeed Kazmi influenced the
witnesses by expressing his views on television; therefore, application was
filed to seek cancellation of his bail. Justice Chaudhry remarked, You did
not file an application for cancellation of his bail directly. The FIA had not
filed any application under the law it should have done so. Azam Khan said
his application was still pending for hearing. Investigation Officer said
application had become time-barred and he was not empowered to file any
application directly. The Interior Ministry had not mandated him. Justice
1239
Ejaz Afzal remarked if some accused misused bail, then the prosecutor
general could resort to the court against him.
Justice Chaudhry observed, You need not approach the Interior
Ministry in connection with cancellation of bail. We are saying you could
submit application for cancellation of bail by citing some other reason.
Abusing the Apex Court on television programmes had become a daily
routine. The court admonished the counsel for the federation for supporting
Hamid Saeed Kazmi, with the chief justice remarking, You are counsel for
the federation not of the accused. You should review your attitude. You
should oppose the accused, but you are defending him. Time remains not the
same always. Whosoever has done something will have to face it. You can
file application on new grounds.
Hussain Asghar said, We have announced a prize on arrest of the
accused in Saudi Arabia. The FIA team will soon be dispatched. We have
also talked to the Saudi government. The Interior Ministry be directed to
cooperate with us on this matter. Justice Chaudhry inquired how many new
letters had been written and applications had been sent by you to the Interior
Ministry. Asghar replied over half a dozen letters had been written. The
accused Faiz Ahmad has not been arrested so far. Efforts are underway and
this all can be done through the Interior Ministry, he went on to say.
The chief justice observed You can get cancel his passport. We have
come to know his passport has been cancelled and he is living in Saudi
Arabia illegally. Please talk to the NCB. He is head of Interpol and that he
can cooperate on the matter of Ahmad Faiz. Prima facie, it seems the
Interior Ministry is not cooperating, the court observed. Upon this, Asghar
said if the Interior Ministry cooperated, then the Saudi government would
cooperate. The Saudi government (it) cannot expel him unless he held visa.
The investigation officer said Hajj Affairs Director General Rao
Shakil was removed from the exit control list (ECL) after his appointment.
National Accountability Bureau trial was also going on. We had summoned
Yousuf Raza Gilani, but he refused to come saying he enjoyed immunity as
per the Constitution. The matter was referred to the Law Ministry, but no
reply had so for been received from them, he added.
The Supreme Court directed the Law Ministry to communicate the
legal opinion to the FIA soon about the inclusion of former premier Yousuf
Raza Gilani in investigations into the Hajj corruption case in perspective of
the constitutional immunity available to him. The hearing of the case was
adjourned till March 15.
1240
On 2nd March, an Accountability Court dropped corruption reference

against former Chief Executive (CE) of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz Hussain,
and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz in a 1401 kanals of land fraud case. Judge
Chaudhry Abdul Haq discharged the property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain
and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz in land fraud case and set March 14, 2013 the
date for indicting the other 13 accused in the land fraud case.
The NAB Prosecutor approached AC on 9 February 2013 pleading for
dropping fraud and forgery charges against Behria Town former CE Malik
Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz. NAB Prosecutor, in the
application, requested AC No 4 Judge that the investigators had no evidence
against his clients accused of purchasing 1401 kanal land near Rawat in
2008 using forged documents and fake identities with the help of front men
and revenue officials.
On 4th March, a bench heard the case of missing containers of ISAF.
Since the FBR did not seem interested in recovery of the embezzled amount,
the court said it would send the case to Federal Tax Ombudsman and he
would make the recovery. Chief Justice told the FBR counsel that the court
gave them one year and four months time and provided them evidence and
complete record but no progress was shown.
Rana Shamim, counsel for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR),
informed the court that out of Rs54.73 billion the Revenue Board had
recovered only Rs5.6 million. The chief justice commented that it was not
even 0.0005 per cent recovery of the total amount. The counsel said that the
main hurdle they faced was that all the importers were Afghan nationals. He
said 11,589 show cause notices were issued and orders were issued in 96 of
these cases. He said the bonded carrier - NLC - had taken stay order from
the courts.
The chief justice asked the counsel if they had moved the High Courts
for the cancellation of stay orders. Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that Customs
officials were also involved in the scam and questioned if the FBR moved
against them. He said that without the connivance of Customs officials the
goods coming for Afghanistan could not reach the local markets. They all
are in hand in glove with each other, he added.
Next day, the Supreme Court directed the DG FIA to appear before
the court and explain why an officer facing contempt charges had been
allowed to probe the NICL Scam. The bench noted that Waqar Haider
Director FIA Lahore was still associated with the investigations; accused of
1241
giving benefit to Moonis Elahi by de-freezing his two accounts and

receiving Rs20 million on fake letters.
Everything in the case has been reduced to farce. The prosecution is
working on chance and waiting for the accused to return to the country,
observed Justice Azmat Saeed. Everyone investigating the case was making
mockery of the court as influential persons were being spared and only the
strings were held, remarked the chief Justice. Justice Gulzar Ahmed said the
money trails led to the house of Makhdoom Amin Faheem and the FIA had
taken no action as far as the criminal liability was concerned.
On 6th March, the Supreme Court called a report from the FBR
chairman on implementation of the federal tax ombudsman
recommendations about recovery of embezzled amount of Rs55billion in the
ISAF containers scam case, within two weeks. Announcing its reserved
order about the FTO recommendations implementation matter, the court also
summoned the FBR chief on the next hearing, due after two weeks.
In its seven-page order, the court recalled the FTO findings and
recommendations in the instant matter, and stated, No worth mentioning
progress has been made for the recovery of the loss identified, which is
regrettable. Federal Tax Ombudsman had made 12 recommendations in the
instant matter, saying the Customs clearance, cross-border certification and
reconciliation procedures needed massive improvement, consolidation and
rationalization. He recommended the cross checks be upgraded, diversified
and externalized where the transport system used for Afghan Transit Trade
needed to be organized on competitive basis, and that transporters be given
the level playing field.
On 8th March, Prime Minister Raja wrote a letter to the Supreme Court
of Pakistan, stating that an independent investigation commission headed by
Shoaib Suddle be formed to probe into allegations against him in the Rental
Power Projects (RPP) case. The prime minister consulted his legal aides,
particularly Law Minister Naek, prior to sending the letter to the Supreme
Court. He said corruption allegations against him were a point of disgrace
for the country and he had never tried to influence the NAB or any other
institution.
Next day, lawyers marked the sixth anniversary of the sacking of
Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry by former president
Pervez Musharraf on March 9, 2007. Lawyers boycotted courts and
observed March 9 as a black day across the country. Black flags were
1242
hoisted in bar rooms while several resolutions, expressing solidarity with the
CJP were passed.
Defiance of judiciary: On 28th February, Interior Minister Malik

tendered unconditional apology and placed himself at the mercy of the court
for interfering in the investigation of Pakistan Steel Mills corruption case. In
a Civil Miscellaneous Application, the minister said he never intended to
interfere in the judicial proceedings but had wanted to enlarge the scope of
the inquiry already being conducted by the FIA. A bench on 16 th May last
year in its judgment had noted that the minister by transferring former FIA
DG Tariq Khosa in December 2009 had interfered in the case.
On 4th March, expressing extreme dissatisfaction over the report, the
Supreme Court issued notice to NAB Chairman to explain why criminal
negligence is shown in implementing the court order for the arrest of Tauqir
Sadiq. The court noted that Chairman NAB was responsible for the
performance of the Bureau. The bench said its orders have not been
implemented and instead efforts are being made to influence its proceedings
regarding the case.
The court expressed surprise that a report sent 10 days ago had not
been submitted in the court yet. The honourable judge observed that lot of
money had been spent but still the result is zero. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain,
a member of the bench, said ex-chief Ogra was allowed to withdraw Rs3
billion from the banks. The hearing of the case was adjourned till March 7.
On 7th March, the Supreme Court issued directives to Ministry of
Foreign Affairs to take steps to bring back former Chairman Ogra, Tauqir
Sadiq from UAE and submit report by March 11. During the course of
proceedings, Khawaja Haris, amicus curie, informed the court that Foreign
Office has to be involved in the matter because UAE government is of the
view that Tauqir Sadiq would be handed over to Pakistani government
through diplomatic channel.
On 9th March, the Supreme Court converted the letter of Prime
Minister Raja Pervaiz for appointment of a commission, to be headed by Dr
Shoaib Suddle to probe the Rental Power Projects case, into a civil
miscellaneous application (CMA) and will start hearing from tomorrow. A
notice was also issued to Raja to appear in person on the date of hearing or
depute a Supreme Court advocate.
Taming the military: On 26th February, the Supreme Court

questioned under what law the prisoners, allegedly picked up outside the
1243
Adiala Jail, have been kept in internment centre in Parachinar. Secretary

Law FATA said that in view of their involvement in heinous crime their
release is determined. The chief justice remarked that they have been in the
internment center for over one year. The CJP asked him; Show us the
material on the basis of which their internment is warranted. The court said
that the authorities have to be accountable for the persons killed in their
custody.
Tariq Asad gave detailed briefing about the arrest and later release of
the Adiala Jail prisoners. He said: We have proof that the agencies had
picked them up outside the Adiala Jail after their release. However, the
chief justice said Raja Irshad, counsel for the intelligence agencies, version
was that after the release the prisoners made their escape and were arrested
from operational areas (FATA) and they had tried them under Army Act
1952. The chief justice asked the leaned counsel to satisfy the court on
jurisdiction issue and adjourned the hearing till February 28.
On 4th March, a parliamentary panel recommended the appointment of
the administrators at Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs) by the Ministry
of Defence, instead of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Senator Mushahid
Hussain Sayed chaired the session of the Senate Standing Committee on
Defence and Defence Production that saw tough grilling of the defence
officials at the hands of the lawmakers due to apparent non-compliance with
the committees recommendations on part of the authorities concerned in
defence sector.
Reviewing the administrative working of the DHA Karachi, Lahore
and Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the committee voiced concern over the fact that
the MoD did not have any administrative role in the appointment of the
DHA administrators despite the secretary defence being chairman of
Governing Bodies (GBs) at the DHAs. Senator Farhatullah Babar
categorically noted that the practice of picking a DHA administrator as per
the choice of the army chief must come to an end.
On 9th March, the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, in its
latest report, recommended the government to take action against the former
officials of intelligence agencies. The judicial commission, headed by justice
(retired) Javed Iqbal, stated that a total of 621 persons went missing while
359 persons have been recovered so far. The commission highlighted
abduction for ransom and domestic violence as some of the major reasons of
such cases.
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Recessing economy: On 24th February, low power generation and

a technical fault at peak load time plunged the country into darkness. The
blackout struck the federal capital, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and other major
cities, towns and villages before midnight. The power generation has been as
low as just 8,400 megawatts against the towering demand of 13,300 MW,
which already put the whole power network at critical thresholds, and a
technical fault in Uch Power Plant, located near Dera Murad Jamali,
Balochistan, proved disastrous for the whole power network.
On 26th February, President Zardari ordered the prime minister to hold
a comprehensive inquiry and find the officials responsible for the nationwide
power breakdown that inflicted billions of rupees loss to the national kitty.
The president has called a report within a week. He issued these orders
during a meeting to review the power situation in the country.
Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Saleem H
Mandviwalla categorically stated Pakistan would not default on repayments
to the international institutions. The International Monetary Fund had never
projected Pakistan would default on repayments to the international
institution(s), Mandviwalla told a press conference, adding that being a
country of 200 million people, Pakistan could never default.
On 28th February, the PPP government made a whopping raise in the
prices of petroleum products under the monthly oil price review mechanism.
Moreover, the additional burden of Parcos dues has now also been passed
on to the consumers. Under the notified prices of petroleum products, the
government has increased the prices of petroleum products (POL) up to
Rs4.35/litre hike, which would be effective for a month period starting from
March 1 across the country.
On 2nd March, Finance Minister Saleem H Mandviwala briefed the
Prime Minister Raja during a meeting at the PM House about the overall
economic situation and the compulsions and rationale for recent increase in
petroleum prices. Prime Minister ordered withdrawal of the recent increase
in prices of petroleum products to save the ruling PPP from suffering further
political damage when election are around.
Provincial disharmony: On 1st March, PPP Minister for Water

and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar informed the national assembly about
the pros and cons of the Kalabagh Dam, bringing to light the huge benefits
this national project could bring to the water and energy starved nation. In
response to a question from PML-Ns Sheikh Rohail Asghar, the PPP
minister told in his written reply that the Kalabagh Dam (KBD) would yield
1245
direct annual benefit of about Rs60 billion from irrigation supplies, power
generation and flood alleviation. Average benefits of additional irrigation
supplies of the project are estimated at Rs12.50billion per annum, he added.
Additionally, indirect benefits like more industrial and food
production, employment and agricultural boosts will accrue, he said. The
minister maintained that the dam would augment about 6.1MAF of irrigation
water supply annually. The additional water will be made available mostly
during Rabi season from October to March and for sowing of Kharif crops
like cotton, sugarcane and rice during April and May.
The dam will generate an average of 11,400million KWh annually.
Through conjunction, Ahmed Mukhtar said the KBD will enable Tarbela
Dam to generate an additional 336 million Kwh of electricity and its average
benefits are estimated as Rs46 billion per annum. He said that KBD will add
3,600MW electricity to the system. This will improve the hydel to thermal
ratio. About 11.4billion units of low cost hydel electricity will be produced
annually and transmitted on the national grid for supply to all provinces.
This addition of cheaper power will help stabilize the tariff, benefiting the
entire nation.
Baloch militancy: On 25th February, a complete shutter-down

strike was observed in Zhob to condemn the murder of six labourers hailing
from the district, who were shot dead by armed men in Shadi Kor area of
Pasni the other day. The strike call had been given by Bashar Dost Carven to
protest the murder of labourers. A commander of peace force was wounded
in an armed attack in Dera Bugti district. The incident took place in Pir Koh
area of Dera Bugti when armed men attacked Commander Shah Nawaz
injuring him seriously. The assailants fled from the scene after the peace
force personnel opened retaliatory firing.
Advocate General Punjab (AGP) said that Rehman Malik is
misguiding the nation by telling lies as Punjab Government has not
withdrawn even a single case against Malik Ishaq. He added that the Interior
Minister was a compulsive liar and his statement that Punjab Government
withdrew 27 cases against Malik Ishaq was nothing but a lie.
Next day, Balochistan police issued list of proclaimed offenders who,
according to them, are involved in terrorism and target killing cases in the
province. The government has placed tens of millions as bounty on their
heads. Among these proclaimed offenders, Usman Saifullah is at the top of
the list and according to police he is the mastermind of January 10 and
1246
February 16 suicide blast and bomb explosion in which Hazara people were
killed. Usman is affiliated with banned outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
Police, at first, had put Rs2.5 million as Usmans head money, which
now has been increased to Rs5 million. Usman broke Quetta Jail in 2008 and
ran away. Police have also announced Rs10 million reward for any one
giving information about the murderers of Hazara people. Besides Usman,
other names in the list are Muhammad Arif, Hassan, Jehangir, Khalil
Ahmad, Zahid alias Ammu, Takari Muhammad Asla, Abid Ali, Naseer, Hafiz
Wazir Ahmad, Dilshad, Ziaul Haq, Liaquat Bugti, Haji Saeed Ahmad, Wali
Muhammad and Dad Muhammad alias Dada. Police say each one in the list
has a bounty of Rs2 million on his head.
Three people were killed including a policeman of Balochistan
Constabulary (BC) in various firing incidents in tehsil Mashkay of Awaran
district, Machh area of Bolan district and Satellite town area of Quetta.
Meanwhile, two bullet-riddled bodies were found in Quetta and Panjgour
towns.
On 28th February, President Zardari during his brief visit to Quetta
said nobody will be allowed to play with the law and order and stressed the
need for taking earnest steps to protect life and property of the masses. The
president touched down at the Quetta Airport on return from Iran and he was
briefed about security measures being taken for the maintenance of peace
and order.
The parliamentary leaders conveyed their reservations to the president
on the situation in Balochistan and sacked provincial government. They also
informed the president that they had evolved consensus on a new leader of
the house and asked for early withdrawal of the Governors Rule. President
also performed at the Governors House the ground-breaking of Noulang
Dam project in Jhal Magsi district. The project of would be completed at
cost of Rs18.02 billion.
On 1st March, unidentified armed assailants gunned down a senior
journalist in Kalat town. Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) strongly
condemned the murder of Mehmood Afridi and announced three-day
mourning. Police said that Afridi was sitting inside a PCO shop at main bus
station in Kalat town when assailants appeared there and sprayed bullets on
him and fled away.
Minister for Interior demanded the ECP and the Supreme Court to
take action against the PML-N leadership over its 'contacts' with defunct
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). Talking to media persons, he said that all
1247
information regarding LeJ has been provided to the Punjab government,

adding that he hopes that the provincial government will take action against
the group.
More than 100 activists including several diehard followers of the
banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) were
detained across the Punjab province. They are being investigated in
connection with the cases pending against them, Acting Inspector General of
the Punjab police said.
Next day, four men were gunned down in Tump tehsil of
Balochistans Kech district. On 5th March, gunmen abducted Balochistan
MPA and leader of ANP Malik Sultan Tareen in Kuchlak area. Deputy
Commissioner Pishin Hasim Gilzai, confirming the incident, said Sultan
Tareen, former provincial minister for prisons, was on way from Quetta to
his native town Harnai in his official vehicle when armed men intercepted
his vehicle at Ziarat Cross of Kuchlak.
Next day, two men were killed and another wounded in separate firing
incidents in Quetta and Hub towns, while a bomb went off in Chaman.
According to police, armed men opened fire, killing a person identified as
Haji Luqman and injuring Humayun on Adalat Road, Quetta.
On 8th March, a man was killed in Bolan district while Frontier Corps
seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition from Mastung. Security
sources said that on a tip-off of presence of explosives and arms, FC
personnel raided a house in tehsil Dasht and recovered rocket launchers,
missiles, machine guns, Kalashnikovs, landmines and bombs. However, no
arrest was made during the raid. On 10 th March, three people, including a
woman, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Balochistan.
Turf war in Karachi: On 25th February, at least seven persons

including a woman and a child were killed in separate incidents of violence
and arson in various areas of Karachi. Next day, the National Assembly was
informed by Interior Minister of State Imtiaz Safdar Warraich that some
foreign elements were deteriorating the law and order situation in the biggest
city of the country. TTP after losing its hold in Swat has now scattered in
different parts of the country, he said. Meanwhile, an activist of the Ahle
Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) was among nine people murdered in the city.
On 28th February, the Supreme Court issued notices to Owais
Muzaffar Tappi and senior revenue member Shazar Shamon and summoned
them in next hearing of implementation of apex court verdict in Karachi
1248
unrest case. Tappi is considered as one of President Zardaris closest aides

and has been widely known a key power player in the Lyari gang wars.
Justice Sarmad Usmani was visibly frustrated as he remarked, who is this
Tappi and why no one has filed an FIR against him yet?
The petitioner Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi told the court that Owais
Muzaffar Tappi is ruling the Sindh through senior member board of revenue.
Tappi is behind the scene chief minister of Sindh, he added. The petitioner
said these people were involved in selling lands and inflicting loss on
national exchequer. Justice Sarmad inquired from Shazar Shamon if he
knows Tappi. Shamon said he does not know him. He, however,
acknowledged that he had heard the name of Tappi in media.
Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi told the court that over 150 cases have been
registered against Tappi, Shazar Shamon and others and in these cases they
had caused loss of billion of rupees to the national kitty. These people got
regularized the land at the rate of Rs10,000 per acre on national highway
which cost Rs30 million per acre. Yawar Farooqui, counsel for revenue
board, told the court that revenue record of 874 out of 6,000 villages of
Sindh was burnt following the killing of Benazir Bhutto and the record was
being reconstructed.
On 1st March, four persons, including two alleged bandits, were
gunned down in separate incidents. Next day, at least 12 people were killed
in the wave of target killing in the city. On 3 rd March, a high intensity blast
in Karachi claimed at least 45 lives and wounded more than 150 others in a
Shia area. Terrorists detonated a remote-controlled bomb in the highly
populated area of Abbas Town, at Abul Hassan Ispahani Road. The
explosives laden vehicle was parked at the main entrance of the town where
there were multi-storey buildings on both sides which collapsed.
Heavy contingents of police, Rangers and FC were deployed in
nearby area of Mohatta Palace, in Clifton, due to the engagement ceremony
of Sindh CM Advisor Sharmila Farooqui. Many high ups of the federal and
provincial government, including Prime Minister were present in the
ceremony but no one visited the blast site till late night. The PM, however,
announced that the federal government will pay all expenditure for the
treatment of the injured.
Sindh Chief Minister announced Rs1.5 million for the family of each
dead and Rs1 million for each injured. Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen
(MWM), Jafferia Alliance and other Shia organizations announced a strike
tomorrow while MQM, ANP and other political and non-political
1249
organizations announced day of mourning. Punjab government announced to

observe a day of mourning.
Three cops were killed in a targeted attack on a police post at Super
Highway within the remits of the Sohrab Goth police station. Police official
said that the incident took place at Super Highway, where the victims were
performing their duties when some unidentified armed riders came and
opened fire on them.
Next day, commercial and civic activities remained halted across
Karachi where a strike call had been given by different religious and
political organizations. Mostly protesters were on streets and firing incidents
were reported in many parts of the Sindh capital. Firing between Shia
mourners and a rival sectarian group lasted for several hours in Sohrab Goth.
At least four people were killed while 22 others were injured during firing
incidents across the city. At least nine people lost their lives in other
incidents of violence.
The worsening situation forced the government to finally announce a
crackdown against banned sectarian and terrorist outfits, besides imposing
ban on pillion riding from midnight. The provincial government also
announced Rs5 million award money on information about the culprits of
Abbas Town carnage.
More than 50 people were killed and more than 150 injured in
yesterdays bombing in Abbas Town. The bomb exploded as worshippers
came out of mosques. The police said 150 kilograms of explosive material
was used in the blast. There has been no claim of responsibility, but the
major suspects banned Sunni extremist Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which killed over
200 Hazara Shias in Quetta, and the Taliban.
Strike against Sundays blast was also observed in other cities and
towns of Sindh. Several protest demonstrations were held in Hyderabad,
Sukkur, Nawabshah, Larkana, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Thatta, Sanghar,
Jaccobabad and other parts of Sindh. Addressing the demonstrations, the
MWM leaders warned that their partys policy of peace should not be
considered weakness. If the killers of Shias were not arrested, the public
might take some extreme steps to force the government for that.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sindh Chief Minister
Qaim Ali Shah jointly chaired a high level meeting at CM Secretariat where
they decided to launch an indiscriminate and comprehensive crackdown
against terrorists and anti-state elements in Karachi. Another important
decision was eliminating of illegal occupations by land grabbers across the
1250
city. The meeting decided to start operation against banned sectarian outfits
operating in fake names and strictly monitor their hideouts.
The Sindh government had constituted a six-member committee
charged with investigating yesterdays blasts. The committee, comprising
police and Rangers officers, will file its report in three days to the chief
minister. The meeting appreciated the efforts of investigating team working
under CID Police AIG Ghulam Shabbir Shaikh and security measures
adopted by DG Rangers and IGP.
Chief Justice took suo moto notice over the bomb blast on Shia
community in Karachi. The case was fixed for hearing on March 6 in
Karachi. The court issued notices to Sindh Advocate General and Inspector
General of Police to submit a detailed report over the deadly bombing. The
chief justice noted that the government had failed to protect lives and
property of citizens, so an appropriate order, after hearing all concerned, was
required to be passed.
Interior Minister Malik said the Punjabi Taliban are behind deadly
bombing in Karachis Abbas Town. The assault on the town in the countrys
financial hub was carried out by the same terrorist group that had targeted
members of the Hazara community in Quetta; Malik told a group of
reporters, after visiting the injured of the blast at Aga Khan Hospital.
On 5th March, Interior Minister Malik claimed that four terrorists had
been arrested form Karachi in connection with Abbas Town incident and he
would reveal more facts about Quetta blasts in National Assembly
tomorrow. A joint session of the assembly should be called and all
provincial chief ministers be invited here. I would share fact-sheet with the
House, Malik said, adding apart from TTP some other elements were also
conspiring to destabilize the country.
Next day, lawyer for Sindh government, told Supreme Court that
police chief Fayyaz Leghari was being removed from his post, along with
one of his deputies. Chief Justice slammed the government and security
agencies for negligence, demanding to know why heads had not rolled after
Sundays attack. Well not allow anyone to enjoy public office at the cost of
public taxes and do nothing to safeguard their lives and properties,
Chaudhry said.
Anwer Khan said a number of junior police officials had also been
removed from their posts and an inquiry would decide whether any were
guilty of negligence. The CJP ordered the Rangers chief to use his 11,000
troops to safeguard the citys entry points and not allow a single bullet to
1251
enter. Rangers chief Rizwan Akhtar said his troops conducted overnight
operations and arrested 59 suspects in the blast.
The court ordered the countrys three main intelligence agencies Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence and the Intelligence Bureau
- to submit reports on February 8 on the blast. The court also ordered the
suspension of Senior Superintendent of Police Malir Rao Anwar and
maintained that all officers, including Inspector General of Sindh Police
Fayyaz Leghari, would have resigned from their posts if they had any
shame.
Chief of Army Staff said that the army is ready to provide any kind of
assistance to the civil administration for maintaining law and order situation.
During a briefing at the Corps Headquarters in Karachi about the citys law
and order situation he expressed concerns over the deteriorating security
situation in the metropolis, stating that countrys economic hub and the
Quaids city was being targeted by the enemies in order to damage the
country. The army chief maintained it was the foremost duty of the army to
safeguard the solidarity of the country; the army would fulfill this
responsibility.
The MQM withdrew its call for an indefinite shutter-down strike in
Sindh against Abbas Town bombing, only three hours after announcing it,
but it said the party will continue a peaceful protest movement. Addressing
a press conference at Nine Zero, Raza Haroon said that the decision to
withdraw the strike call has been taken on the appeal of traders, transporters
and people from all walks of life. Meanwhile, seven persons, including two
MQM activists, were gunned down in separate acts of violence.
PPP leaders alleged that people belonging to a particular political
party have brought the area of Abbas Town blast under siege and not
allowing the government ministers to visit the spot. Ruling PPPs Karachi
chief MNA Abdul Qadir Patel and Sindh Assemblys Deputy Speaker Shehla
Raza while addressing a press conference alleged that forced shutdown of
Karachi by unknown armed men is preplanned to destabilize the City.
On 7th March, despite presence of heavy contingent of lawenforcement agencies, violence continued unabated in the City claiming
eight more lives. Law-enforcement agencies launched an operation in the
Citys notorious town Lyari as they found the bodies of two Rangers
personnel. Lyari gangsters contribute more than 75 per cent of total gunny
bag bodies found from the surrounding of Lyari.
1252
Operation started when four Rangers men went missing. The bodies of
two of them were found from the Mewashah graveyard. Reported statistics
revealed that at least 14 shot dead bodies were found from the dominated
areas of Lyari gangsters within a week. Following the operation, residents of
Lyari came to the streets and roads and staged protest against the operation.
Rangers claimed to have recovered four victims who were in the custody of
gangsters. It also recovered weapons and arrested eight gangsters.
Qaim Ali Shah, showing strong reaction over the order passed by the
Supreme Court in Abbas Town suo moto case, said that the apex court gave
verdict against the provincial government even without hearing it. In his
brief address to the Sindh Assembly, he said that government was taking
seriously to the blast as investigation into the incident is under process.
Responding to the growing criticism by the Supreme Court and opposition
MQM, the CM without naming anyone urged the critics to be patient as only
eight to ten days are left in dissolution of the assemblies and government.
Referring the apex courts order, the chief minister said that the IGP
Sindh wanted to present a report in the court but he was not heard by the
court and it gave verdict without hearing the government and IGP. He
announced to go for appeal against the order. Terming the baseless and a
bunch of lie of a report of an anchorperson on a private news channel who
claimed that no one from Sindh government and police were present at the
site.
The FIA told the apex court that the persons, who had helped
Shahrukh Jatoi the main accused in the Shahzeb murder case to flee the
country, have been performing duties at Bilawal House in Karachi. Through
investigations, we have learnt that Mehmood Sultan and Wasi Akhtar are
associated with Bilawal House. They had aided Jatoi to reach the plane
without having an exit stamp in his passport, the FIA Director said, adding
that the chief protocol officer had, in a letter, asked the PIA to assign the two
men the duty of arranging the protocol for guests at Bilawal House. He also
said that besides them, eights more PIA workers were performing duties at
Bilawal House.
The FIA official also informed the court that Bilawal House had been
acting as the Presidency, but he could not satisfy the three justices, nor could
he provide any sort of proof to prove his assertion. The letter by the chief
protocol officer was not authored on any official letterhead of the
Presidency; the director said when Justice Chaudhry asked whether there
was any proof that the two officers were associated with the Presidency.
1253
The court was also informed that Sultan was absconding while Wasi
had already obtained a pre-arrest bail on February 28. The FIA however
could not satisfy the Supreme Court bench that directed the agencys director
general to furnish a fresh report regarding the matter by the next date of the
hearing. The case was adjourned till March 18.
Prime Minister reiterated governments commitment to eradicate
terrorism and militancy, and said orders have been issued for carrying out a
stern action against all the banned outfits without any discrimination. The
prime minister also expressed condolence over the loss of lives in the Abbas
Town blast in Karachi.
The military leadership reviewed the security measures taken in
different parts of the country in general and Karachi in particular, in the
wake of spiraling law and order situation in the metropolis. The security
measures ahead of the general elections were also taken up for a detailed
discussion in the 158th Corps Commanders Conference held at the GHQ.
Next day, Chief Justice criticized the authorities for failing to control
violent killings in Karachi. The authorities should control the militant
outfits, there is a turf war here, Chaudhry said, warning that people were
being killed with impunity. The police force is still highly politicized. There
are criminals in the police and if police recruitment is continued to be made
on political grounds, it will never improve the law and order.
During proceedings, Rangers, IB and special branch submitted their
reports pertaining to the Abbas Town bombing. The Supreme Court inquired
the Director IB why action was not taken if a report was present, adding that
there was a power struggle in the city which had been given the colour of
sectarianism.
The acting Inspector General Police informed the court that if there
was complete deployment at police stations, the situation in the city would
improve. The Chief Justice replied to the acting IGP that he had the courts
support and should take whatever steps possible to protect citizens. The CJ
told the DG Rangers maintaining law and order was his responsibility as he
had already witnessed the performance of the police.
On 9th March, the Supreme Court issued the interim order in the
Karachi law and order case. The court observed that the Rangers and police
had prior information of the Abbas Town conspiracy, but they still did not do
anything. The order stated that the intelligence bureau had already informed
the Rangers and police that the conspiracy of bombing Abbas Town had
been hatched, but both the security agencies did nothing.
1254
The reply from the Rangers director general and former IG Police
about the IB report was not satisfactory, the court order noted. Prima facie,
theres no cooperation between the institutions; only after integrating the
exchange of intelligence and cooperation could terrorism be trampled. The
court, while expressing dissatisfaction over a Sindh government report on
the Abbas Town tragedy, called the report afresh. Also, the ISI, MI as well as
the interior secretary were directed to submit their report with the court
within three days. Next day, at least five people were killed in different
incident of violence and firing, while the Rangers arrested over two dozens
suspects during targeted operation in different areas of the city.
Miscellaneous Militancy: On 9th March, scores of houses in a

mostly Christian neighbourhood were torched and several shops ransacked
over an alleged blasphemy charge as thousands stormed Joseph Colony in
the Badami Bagh area, Lahore. Police estimated more than 10,000 protesters
attacked the neighborhood, where less than 200 cops were deputed.
The police took into custody, on Friday, a 28-year-old sanitary worker,
Sawan Masih, after an altercation with his Muslim barber friend led to the
latter hurling a charge of alleged blasphemous remarks uttered. Despite
Sawan being retained in custody by the police for investigation, the area was
recommended to be cleared of residents after police continued to sense
trouble makers stirring unrest. These fears were realized when angry
protesters began to converge in the colony morning and later set ablaze the
homes, shops and even motorcycles and bicycles standing in the alleys
around the area.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a judicial inquiry and
ordered immediate rehabilitation of the affected Christian families. He made
SSP Operations Suhail Sukhera and SP Multan Khan OSDs and suspended
DSP and SHO Badami Bagh. Deploring the incident in strongest terms,
Shahbaz appealed to the civil society and ulema to promote tolerance.
Next day, thousands of Christians and Muslims took to the streets
across the country, demanding better protection to the minorities following
torching of Joseph Colony in Lahore where more than four thousand
hooligans took to ransacking and setting ablaze over 150 houses, 18 shops
and two Churches at the predominantly Christian colony. All this came after
a Muslim barber accused his Christian friend Sawan Masih of uttering
derogatory words against Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reportedly
while they were consuming liquor March 7.
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Police fired into the air to disperse furious protesters venting their
rage against the arson attack by engaging in same kind of vandalism against
which they were protesting. Elsewhere in Punjab, Christians held small,
peaceful protests, demanding immediate arrest of the attackers and their trail
in terrorism courts.
PPP (minority wing) held a demo outside the Punjab Assembly. The
participants chanted slogans against the provincial government and
demanded provision of safety to the minorities. PTI women wing gathered in
front of Lahore Press Club and chanted slogans, expressing solidarity with
the victims of the Joseph Colony.
The agitators ransacked Metro Bus stations at Nishtar Colony and
Youhanaabad besides damaging the property and torturing the staff,
triggering clashes with police in which many agitators and cops were
injured. Some passersby also received injuries during the conflicts. These
areas presented the picture of battlefield for about five hours.
Taking notice of vandalism and arson at a Christian colony in Lahore,
the Chief Justice fixed the matter for March 11, directing Advocate General
Punjab and IGP to appear and present comprehensive reports about the
Joseph Colony incident. The action was taken on an office note of the
Supreme Court Registrar based on press clippings of different newspapers
reporting.
PPP, MQM and various political parties staged protest rallies in
Karachi to condemn the Joseph Colony incident and to express solidarity
with the Christian community. Addressing the participants, MQM Deputy
Convener Dr Farooq Sattar said Christians had equal rights in Pakistan and
termed the incident a conspiracy against the country. Criticizing the Punjab
government, he said Shahbaz Sharif had neglected the mob attack on
Christians. Dr Lal Chand said PPP always struggled for the countrys
minorities, adding a conspiracy had been launched to malign Pakistan in the
world.
MQM also staged a protest demonstration on the appeal of Altaf
Hussain. Hundreds of overseas Pakistanis living in London including
Christians took part in the protest demonstration in front of 10-Downing
Street. Altaf said affected people of Abbas Town and Badami Bagh incidents
were leading a miserable life following the tragedies which claimed lives of
several people and caused injuries to many others.
Punjab Governor called on President Zardari at Bilawal House.
Farhatullah Babar said that the governor was especially called by the
1256
President to inquire about the unfortunate incident where a mob vandalized

the houses of Christian community. The President advised the Prime
Minister to provide compensation of Rs0.5 million each to the affected
families from the federal government.
The prime minister further directed the advisor and the minister of
state to assure the victims of the Badami Bagh incident of all possible
assistance from the federal government. The PM said non-Muslim Pakistanis
had equal rights and that neither Islam nor moral values allowed violence
against believers of other faiths in any form or manifestation.
VIEWS
Power politics
Petty politics: Ironically, in an election year, Zardari and those
around him should be concerned about taking steps to improve their
prospects. However, they have chosen to instead practically abdicate their
responsibilities in favour of short-sighted and in some ways futile and petty
politics.
Winning elections may be the ambition of every politician. However,
in the process, ignoring the plight of the people and instead opting for
measures like controversial economic policies to gain popularity just do not
pay off.
Over the past five years, while Pakistanis suffered on multiple fronts,
the government preferred to simply sit on the sidelines and preserve the
status quo. With this mindset, it is hardly surprising that the priorities of the
ruling elite have taken them more towards areas like resisting calls for
Zardari to face fresh investigations in Switzerland on allegations of
corruption, than overseeing a concerted push to deal with vital matters of
national interest.
Going forward, it will just not be surprising if Pakistans election
campaign this year turns out to be among the bloodiest in its history.
Already, there are warnings from intelligence officials of violent attacks that
are likely to take place once the campaign gets underway.
If so, by now, Zardari and the rest of the ruling elite should have
undertaken to initiate a concerted, broad discussion among key politicians
for organizing as relatively risk-free a campaign.
1257
In line with the style of the ruling hierarchy, however, the effort seems
to be focused more on agreeing upon a new Prime Minister who will be least
threatening to the main political players. Indeed, Pakistanis have every right
to say that the country is stuck and unable to progress, especially after
another large-scale carnage in the city of Quetta. (Farhan Bokhari,
The saga of the shameless: It is ironic, to say the least, that our
Minister for Education, the same Sheikh Waqas Akram, who does not tire of
telling us what is wrong with all of us who dare to criticize any act of the
government, is said to possess a tampered college degree. One can forgive
some of the others perhaps, but the Education Minister?
A lot of good satire is being aired on TV about all such things, but,
unfortunately, it is being accepted in the name of freedom of expression with
zero effect on the butt of the jokes. The shamelessness in the face of so many
accusations is hard to understand. The meaning of a thick skin has acquired
an altogether new dimension in the last five years.
The ministers and the parliamentarians treat the skits and the songs
much as they were sitnis (traditional pulling of leg of the grooms family
through songs and innuendos done at weddings by the brides family, for icebreaking and harmless fun). The wedding sitnis are supposed to be
accepted with good humour and equally saucy rejoinders and thats exactly
how they are treated by our power-wielding politicians. No regret or reform
has ever been witnessed to date.
But this is not a family wedding and nor are these accusations made in
jest. This is, probably, the most critical crossroads that we, as a country, have
ever been at. All the statistics, all the facts point that way. One prays and
hopes that there is some plan afoot, some conspiracy by the Gods, to bring
us back on track and throw up leadership, who has the will and the resolve to
bring this country to its potential. The upcoming elections have to be seen in
this context.
With so much that needs to be put right, the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP), in spite of having full support of the people at large, does
not appear to be measuring up to the task at hand. It seems to be buckling
under the pressure to stop effective scrutiny of the candidates. The demand
by citizens is that the ECP should perform its constitutional role, without
fear or favour, and filter out those who presented fake degrees, hold dual
nationalities, have evaded tax, defaulted on loans or indulged in criminal
activities. They must be disqualified.
1258
Fukhru Bhai, this is the sort of spring-cleaning we are looking at this

March not half-hearted attempts that leave most of the germs inside the
dish being prepared. The critically ill system needs the best hygiene
standards you can apply to be able to recover fully (Tallat Azim,
TheNation 3rd March)
SC pulls up ECP: The Supreme Court has severely pulled up the
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for failing to implement its orders
to re-do the delimitation of constituencies in Karachi. There have been
allegations, backed by evidence on the ground, of gerrymandering, of
constituencies having been artificially carved out to suit the ends of a
particular party in the governing coalition in the Sindh province. The
electoral rolls also revealed unfair practices like the listing of, in one case,
over 650 voters at the address of a small house, and this was not the solitary
case of an attempt at manipulating the election outcome. No doubt, these are
manifest examples of pre-poll rigging. Against this background, it appears
imperative that the racket must be exposed and foiled, if the much-touted
goal of fair elections is to be reached; otherwise, the electoral process would
turn out to be a huge farce, as far as the key metropolitan city of Sindh, with
an estimated population of twenty million, is concerned.
Taking a serious view of the ECPs inaction, the court, while issuing
an interim judgment in the Karachi unrest case, made it clear that
delimitation was not contingent upon a prior census as it had been argued;
the ECP was fully empowered to do delimitation wherever and whenever it
considered desirable but, unfortunately, despite holding several meetings, no
progress had been made. The Supreme Court had given the ruling as far
back as October 2011, but somehow the Commission wrongly interpreted it
as an observation and not an order to be obeyed.
Against the grim backdrop of the five-year-long rule of the corrupt,
the dishonest and the cheats, who entered the august halls of legislatures on
the basis of fake degrees, the nation now stands united in its consciousness
that this self-serving lot has to go, to be replaced by those who genuinely
represent the public and will watch their interest. Whatever one might say of
those who drummed up the need to implement the constitution, in letter and
in spirit, and ensure the strict application of Articles 62, 63 and 218 before
the polls could he held, they have done one lasting good to the country:
made the people aware that there is a way out of the labyrinth of
disillusionment and depression. At the same time, the ECP has lost some of
its lustre and the argument that its present composition reflects the
viewpoints of the parties in power in the provinces has gained strength. For
1259
all that, everyone wants the general elections to be held in time and the time
left for holding the elections is too short to reconstruct the ECP.
Nevertheless, the commission can, given the will, establish its credentials of
impartiality by studiously following the rules necessary for holding free, fair
and transparent general elections. (Editorial, TheNation 4th March)
The March 23 outswinger: Ironically, at this critical juncture of
Pakistans political history, the traditional political forces and their
leadership are still committed to the reactionary farsooda, non-progressive,
non-democratic ways of yesteryear. Take, for example, the PML-Ns present
strategic approach to the forthcoming elections: traditional electables are
being inducted into the party with enormous efforts all over Pakistan. Party
alliances with all major status quo forces are being organized. Hence, it is
vividly apparent that the PML-N leadership still believes that increased
public consciousness is of no real political significance; they believe that the
masses heightened political awareness cannot adversely affect the
traditional political system and its highly empowered political organization
devoted to vested interests, political leadership and their associates. The
PML-N and PPP leadership seem to be certain that no real change has
occurred or can occur in political outlook in the foreseeable future of this
country. Political business will continue as usual they are confident of
their victory and electoral success to political power.
Khans PTI has prepared their political pitch to play the game with
meticulous understanding of the undercurrents affecting the countrys
political landscape. PTIs leadership fully appreciates public sentiment for
change. In fact, Khans anti-status quo doctrine has helped people in
perceptual awareness of political backwardness that has plagued the country
for the last 65 years and most specifically the damage the present-day
democracy has wreaked on the nation.
Khans political direction, organization and ideological doctrine is
accurately in sync with public sentiment and democratic norms, and is in
step with the political undercurrents going through the entire society and its
demands for a fundamental change in the present-day political system and
culture of this country. The PTIs political strategy for the forthcoming
elections is sound and methodically planned. Khan has done his homework
- he understands his opponents weaknesses, drawbacks and fears. He
knows it is time to deliver a lethal outswinger. It is time to win a welldeserved victory.
1260
March 23 is going to be the day when Imran Khan will strike his
opponents on the political field at Minar-i-Pakistan with a deadly outswinger
shattering all three wickets with one ball.
It is quite simple: outdated, out-of-form, out-of-sync and strategically
weak and fearful players are no match to the hellfire of a deadly outswinger.
One way or the other, the March 23 public gathering at is going to be the end
of the game for the PPP, PML-N, and all of the status quo forces in
Pakistan. (Dr Haider Mehdi, TheNation 6th March)
Rule of law
The container case: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved a
decision in the case of thousands of containers supposedly carrying NATO
supplies, which have gone missing without the Federal Board of Revenue
knowing. The bench hearing the case noted that the case files were sent back
to the FBR on November 22, 2011. The FBRs own figures, according to its
lawyer, showed that the national treasury had been caused a loss of Rs54.73
billion in lost revenue, and 32,436 containers were missing. Asked by the
court what steps the FBR had taken, it transpired that it had taken steps for
the recovery of Rs5.6 billion, but was facing obstacles in this. Remarks from
the court indicated that the FBR had apparently closed ranks to protect the
officials involved in the scam, and that foreign governments were involved.
It was not mentioned, but the involvement of the Pakistan government
should not be ruled out. In fact, there is a new light thrown on the Salala
incident and the suspension of NATOs rights of passage after it, in 2011.
The kind of permission that NATO has of passage is bound to generate
corruption, especially since the amount involved is so large. Such a
suspension as followed NATOs attack at Salala would stop the proceeds of
corruption flowing. The decision to restore NATO supplies must be assumed
to have re-opened the door to this method of corruption.
It is unfortunate to learn that through the National Logistics Cell, the
countrys defence forces have been involved. Instead of merely one
department being involved, all the resources of the government must be
employed to uncover the culprits. Since vast sums are involved, it is
surprising that the government itself is not showing more enthusiasm about
the matter. The bench remark that there was a foreign government involved
was probably accurate, for only the subservience of this government to
foreign governments would explain why it was controlling its normal
instinct to extract what it can without respect of persons.
1261
The Supreme Court is clearly going after corruption where it can. It

should also be clear to all that such corruption is part of the cost of the US
war in Afghanistan, for which no account is taken. Not only is this lost
revenue not considered in Coalition Support Fund payments, but is not
considered by the IMF and World Bank when delivering lectures about how
Pakistan must increase its revenue. (Editorial, TheNation 6th March)
Defiance of judiciary
Probing RPPs: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has written to
the Supreme Court asking that the Rental Power Projects (RPPs) scam be
investigated by an independent commission It cannot have escaped notice
that this letter has been written at a time when elections are about to be held,
with Mr Ashraf poised to go into the election. It must not be forgotten that,
irrespective of which party wins, his own seat is not safe. It should also be
remembered that, with his government due to be dissolved in a matter of
days, there is only time for a commission to be set up, not to carry out an
investigation. It would allow him to brush off any accusations on this count,
asking opponents to wait for the completion of the investigation. It should
not be forgotten that the RPPs, forming as they do part of the load shedding
issue, are expected to form an important part of the coming election
campaign.
The PM also denied influencing NAB, the revelations about NAB
made after Mr Faisals death rendered the NAB to conduct the investigation.
The PMs suggestion of Dr Suddle, has the merit of his being an experienced
police officer, who has received neither favour nor disfavor from the present
regime. However, his name is merely a suggestion, and it is up to the
Supreme Court to choose an appropriate person. However, whoever carries it
out; Raja Pervaiz Ashraf would find few to disagree that there must be an
impartial investigation. (Editorial, TheNation 10th March)
Recessing economy
Fraudulent intentions, deceptive motives: It takes a certain foolish
and specifically cavalier talent to live in happy denial, to slide towards the
edge of a disastrous political-economic-social abyss and be perfectly
nonchalant about it. Of all the un-purposeful talents for which the Pakistani
ruling elite are known, such unconcern, such indifference is their greatest.
Pakistans economy is in the state of near collapse; unemployment
among youth is massive and increasing; factories and the industrial sector as
a whole are closing down; power, gas and petrol shortages are
1262
unprecedented; health and education is in a deplorable state; law and order is

non-existent; public security and safety is fearfully lacking; citizens lives
and property are at permanent risk; death squads all over the country are
operating with impunity; drones are killing innocent citizens on a daily
basis; foreign policy is in absolute shambles; common citizens have never
been so poor, deprived, fearful and helpless while poverty all over the
country is multiplying, and so on and so forth.
Yet, the entire ruling mafia continues as if nothing were happening,
or as if the rhetoric of saving democracy were a magic wand and waving it
one fine morning will fix everything. This political behaviour and attitude
amount to reality denial, fraudulent intentions and deceptive motives the
continuation of the political status quo culture and the ruling elites
sloganistic exploitation of the masses democratic sentiments.
The apologists of the present-day muk-muka democracy in Pakistan,
mainly the PPP, the PML-N, and their allies, put the entire blame for the
existing conditions in the country on Musharrafs era of dictatorship. But
they fail to explain what their five years of democracy has done for the
masses except massive financial and political mismanagement of state
affairs, expansion of the corruption culture, nearly an all-out destruction of
state institutions and an endemic disrespect of democratic norms. However,
the advocates of the contemporary system continuously remind the nation
that we are witnessing the inevitable birth pangs of democracy wait
patiently, they say, and everything is going to be peachy the triumph of
democracy will be completed with their re-election to political power this
year.
On the other hand, the pessimists say that they see the nation
degenerating into yet deeper political, economic, social, sectarian and
provincial strife with possibilities of a major threat to national existence. But
this school of thought fails to prescribe a remedial political discourse to
eliminate the muk-muka politics in the country.
The realists and the pragmatic school of thought have always been
non-existent in this country and their marginal participation in the political
process has always been with divided loyalties and vested interests. That
brings the muk-muka democracy practitioners of political status quo
orientation face-to-face with revolutionary forces, which are demanding a
fundamental change in the political system and in the traditional political
culture of Pakistan
1263
In political psychology, leadership behaviour and actions are the

explicit indications of their hidden intentions and implicit motives. These
actions are the mirror images of what is going on in the leaderships mind.
When a political leadership takes a specific action, it becomes a public
statement of their real motives and concealed intentions. Think about it it
is a moment for intense reflection on the following:
Are not Bilawal House and Raiwind Estate public statements by the
PPP and the PML-N leadership that democracy, in their minds, is a political
system of haves and have-nots, in which the haves have the right to
govern over the have-nots for an indefinite and endless time.
In essence, this has been the genesis of muk-muka democracy in
Pakistan.
Indeed, the political pessimists and the revolutionary movement
activists for change are worried about Pakistans survival and national
existence - not without adequate reasons.
They know they have a formidable and rigid political and attitudinal
mindset to confront. They are aware that the ensuing political battle between
two different mindsets is going to be hard and it must be won and won
now!
The muk-muka democracy will certainly not sustain a future Pakistan
- our survival is at stake in the next general election. (Dr Haider Mehdi,
TheNation 1st March)
Benefits of Kalabagh Dam: While the PPP remains averse to even
talking about the Kalabagh Dam, let alone trying to achieve a consensus of
the federating units over its construction, for fear of alienating the voters in
smaller provinces, the Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmed
Mukhtar belonging to the party itself has recounted the projects multiple
benefits. Answering a question posed by MNA Sheikh Rohail Asghar (PMLN) on the floor of the National Assembly on Friday, the Ministers written
reply contained facts and figures that spoke volumes about the all-round
gains that would accrue once the reservoir was ready and the massive loss
the economy had suffered over the years, and was suffering, as a
consequence of the shelving of the project. His Ministrys assessment put the
saving which the country would have made since 2010, at as huge an
amount as $43 billion had Kalabagh been in operation. Indisputably then,
the dam would have spared the fate that has befallen our economy. There
1264
would, doubtless, have been all-encompassing attendant benefits: regular

power supply, normal industrial, agricultural and domestic activity,
employment opportunities, greater food production, a measurable increase in
the availability of water and a marked degree of flood control; and, the most
important of all, reduced shortages would have had a beneficial impact on
inflation.
In support of these views, Chaudhry Mukhtar stated that apart from
the Kalabaghs power generating units adding 3,600MW to the national grid,
they would, through conjunction enable the Tarbela dam to produce an
additional 336 million kwh of electricity. In this way alone, the economy
would get a boost of, on an average, Rs46 billion annually. Besides, as the
production of hydel power is far cheaper than the thermal, Kalabagh would
go a long way towards bringing down the tariff, giving relief to the public
and making our goods more competitive in the international market. The
dam would store 6.1 million acre feet of water whose supply could be
regulated for various uses downstream according to requirement. The
Ministers reply said, Some floods will be absorbed by the reservoir and
average flood control benefits are estimated at Rs1.50 billion.
It was a comprehensive statement that also spelled out the exact area
to be submerged and the population to be displaced by the construction of
the dam and, as it is already well known, Punjab would be the worst hit. But,
then, the entire nation stands to benefit, including, of course, Punjab. It is,
therefore, incomprehensible that while Punjab is eager for the dam to be
built and would be ready to absorb the loss of land and relocate the
population to be displaced, smaller provinces, mainly KPK and Sindh,
which would also make substantial direct as well as indirect gains, keep
opposing the project. Can one hope that with the technical data before them,
the opponents would drop their resistance in sheer national interest?
(Editorial, TheNation 3rd March)
Unfair electricity diversion: As the energy shortfall of 6,000MW,
the worst point it has fallen for a long while, resulted in dreadful blackouts,
reports are that Punjab is once again being denied its share of electricity.
This time around, its share is being diverted to Sindh, which is as much as
450MW. The reason for this discrimination is obvious. Punjab is the largest
province in terms of population and is having a large portion of the countrys
industry. But while the electricity load management is not easy given the
extraordinary shortfall, there have been instances where the province has
been treated unfairly by the centre. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been
crying out against this practice, what he calls as electricity theft. There is
1265
substance in his argument that this was being done deliberately in order to
tarnish the image of PML-N in the eyes of the public. Well talk about
political point scoring and there are plenty of examples.
Definitely, the province has been a victim of such games as now the
load shedding spells have extended to 20 hours. But things could even get
worse, like a week ago when a technical failure in a major power plant had a
domino effect on other plants. The entire country was hurled into a blackout.
Punjabs industry is at stake. If it could not be given due electricity, at least it
should receive what is its rightful share. The provincial government is also
expected to pursue the matter firmly. (Editorial, TheNation 11th March)
Turf war in Karachi

The massacre shifts: The blast in Abbas Town, Karachi, was not
unparalleled, though it was a first for Karachi, already a strife-torn city, a
dangerous place to live in.
If, on the one hand, they provided a reminder of the Quetta blasts and
the targeting of the Shia community, they also provided a reminder that
ghettoisation was no protection against the very danger it was supposed to
protect against.
If it was shown most dramatically that the government did not pay
enough attention to the plight of ordinary citizens, it also showed that the
forces which wanted a postponement of the elections may well be still at
work.
Also, by proving Interior Minister Rehman Malik right about Karachi
being the next militant target, it seems that the evil hour is upon us. Not just
the citizens of Karachi, but of the whole of Pakistan; for Karachi the
countrys sole port - and its industrial and financial capital, is not just home
to almost a tenth of the nation, but is connected to almost every citizen.
The MQM, through Dr Farooq Sattar, the first MQM Mayor of this
megalopolis, said that the citizenry should not look to any state institution,
but should engage in self-help, for protection. In other words, the MQM
could be of no help.
That was a normal thing for any political party to say, but since the
MQM claimed Karachi as one of its strongholds, that amounted to telling the
populace that it was not to depend on the MQM for protection.
The state institutions responsible for the protection of all citizens, the
police, had other fish to fry on Sunday night.
1266
The daughter of the Presidents Secretary General was getting

engaged to the son of a former FIA Director. As the daughter, was herself an
Adviser to the President and the son was Bilawal Bhutto Zardaris Political
Secretary, it was clearly a high-powered engagement.
It was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja
Pervaiz Ashraf, not to forget Interior Minister Rehman Malik, himself a
former FIA head. These VIPs all needed security and protocol, which was
duly provided, allegedly at the cost of the security provided to the Abbas
Town blasts.
One of the claims of ghettoisation, that this provides security, was
disproved. Ghettos achieved the most prominence in Nazi-occupied Europe,
when the state enforced them for Jews. This was not intended for the Jews
protection, but to assist the authorities in applying the Final Solution.
Perhaps because of this, a strand of opinion opposed the creation of
Israel, it was argued that collecting so many Jews into one place made for an
easier target. This was shown in the Quetta blasts
It is noteworthy that an attempt has been made in Karachi on sectarian
lines. This leads to the conclusion that those attempting to foment sectarian
strife cannot be friends of Pakistan. Interior Minister Rehman Malik,
speaking before the attacks, had accused India of fomenting trouble in
Balochistan.
It would also make sense for it to target Karachi, which is
economically very central to Pakistan (it was disclosed after the Abbas Town
blast that the cost to the economy ran into billions). Even if sectarian strife is
not set off, the disruption would be immense.
Economic opportunities have ensured that Karachi is home to all
ethnicities, but the MQM dominates. The Mohajir people migrated to Sindh
from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and the rest of India, at partition, but did not
obtain an appropriate provincial identity.
As the constitutional scheme made provincial identity important, the
MQM was forced to pursue local politics. However, Karachi was never out
of the national mainstream, for it had never been merely a provincial capital.
Still, as the countrys largest city, it not only provides the most natural
cover for intruders, but also the best opportunities, to the Raymond Davistype networks that have been implanted. As the USA is intent upon making
India dominant in the region, its participation in such operations cannot be
ruled out.
1267
Elections would provide a solution. However, the belief has been

expressed that if they did, the last election should have produced a
government which would have handled the problem.
Of the two major parties, the PPP has the most reason to have the
polls postponed, particularly if a postponement was to allow the President to
remain in office after his tenure ends in September.
If the PPP was to lose the election, the President would also lose the
presidency, and with it the immunity of the office, which he has been using
to avoid the corruption cases against him.
The Shia community in the two southern provinces have been
attacked, with the result that the trauma is being felt all over the country. But
this is not the first time it was under attack in Karachi. Previously, there was
a more targeted approach, with the method of attack being the target killing,
rather than the blast.
At that time, the targets were professionals, particularly doctors.
Blasts are much more indiscriminate. In the previous episode, there was
some involvement of real estate speculation, for deaths often meant that
property came on the market.
Unscrupulous property dealers bought that property from grieving
heirs, often enough fearful of their own fate, at rock-bottom prices.
However, with the real estate market having bottomed out, this motive can,
probably, be ruled out.
As the USA winds down its occupation of Afghanistan, with its
withdrawal of military equipment already started, prior to a complete
withdrawal in 2014, it is dangerous that there should be fresh outbreaks of
violence in Karachi. This is no time to play politics, as the Interior Minister
seems to be doing when he blames the Punjab government for protecting
extremists.
Instead of making accusations, at the moment what is needed is to
catch the culprits, try them and give them deterrent punishments. That may
not stop them, for their motivation is divine reward, so the long-term
approach should involve convincing them that these attacks are only going
to bring down Divine punishment on the perpetrators.
There must also be trials of the perpetrators, who must be captured,
which has not been done so far. So far, there have not been any such trials,
and thus the real perpetrators remain undetected. Only trials would reveal
1268
not just the culprits, but also those behind them. (M A Niazi, TheNation 8 th
March)
Miscellaneous Militancy
Badami Bagh incident: There is genuine outrage within and on
behalf of the Christian community in the aftermath of the Badami Bagh
incident, in which a largely Christian neighbourhood was torched by a
violent horde. Two days before, a resident was accused of blasphemy by a
person with whom he had recently been involved in an altercation. After two
days of rumour mongering, the person accused was taken into custody for
further investigation. Despite this, a mob of 10,000 odd descended on the
area and laid it to ruin, as the 200 riot policemen failed to control the
situation. The arson was not only unjustified, but was also totally
unnecessary after the person on whom the accusation had been apprehended
for investigation. The ulema condemned the attempt to take the law into
private hands, and did what they could to calm the situation, Police officials
who should have stopped the burning, but who did not were removed.
The case must be dealt with great clarity: by a scrupulous attention to
the principle of the rule of law. Not just the writ of the state been violated,
but so has the law of the land. The only way to prevent further attempts to
take the law into ones own hands is to punish the perpetrators of this arson.
This will only be achieved by ensuring that the law takes its due course.
At a deeper level, the government should remember that minorities
have a vote in general constituencies, and that the Badami Bagh incident
will be reflected in Christian, indeed, all minority voting patterns
countrywide. As the votes most affected will be cast in Lahore, hitherto a
PML-N stronghold, the handling of the case will have to be carried out with
the utmost sensitivity by the PML-N government, which will have to pay
attention not only to a Christian community, some of whose members find
their life savings burnt to the ground, but also the country as a whole,
despairing of any sense prevailing among any of the 10,000 and others like
them, without legal intervention to punish them and make them realize the
error of their ways. (Editorial, TheNation 11th March)
REVIEW
With only five days left when the present assemblies will die their
natural death, nothing seemed to have been finalized for formation of
interim governments at the centre or provinces. As had been apprehended by
1269
many observers, the leaders of one of the coalition party, the MQM have
become quite vocal about postponement of polls.
The regime, with the quiet consent of all the forces of status quo have
done nothing to implement any of the orders of the Supreme Court or
recommendations of the Election Commission for ensuring holding of fair
and free polls. The Commission led by Fakhruddin G Ibrahim is likely to
remain powerless, unless the interim government decides to empower it.
Nevertheless, as general elections neared, it was time to take some
political mileage in whatever way one could get it. The Minister for Water
and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar availed an opportunity in Question
Hour to enumerate benefits of the Kalabagh Dam, while answering a
question about the dam.
It was matter of great shame that this parliamentarian hailing from the
heart of Punjab dared not speaking in favour of the dam and instead he
quietly submitted it in writing. It was as if he wrote a will before dying, but
no member of the National Assembly had any time to read that.
There were other mean incidents of political point scoring. Led by the
Interior Minister Maliks outburst against Punjab government over the
Quetta carnage claimed by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sindh Assembly adopted a
resolution asking PML-N to severe its links with terror groups. This was a
shameless retaliation to PML-Ns electoral alliance with PML-F and NPP,
which had pinched PPP and MQM.
Then there was Abbas Town bombing after which the unknown
protesters did not allow the PPP leaders to visit the site and sympathize with
the victims of tragedy. MQM decided to take an extra mile by giving strike
call and unknown gunmen came out immediately to enforce the call that
originated from London. The decision backfired as the strike call was widely
criticized and it had to be canceled.
Another opportunity was presented by yet another tragedy wherein the
mobs agitated over a blasphemous act by a Christian youth burnt about two
hundred homes of a Christian neighbourhood in Badami Bagh, Lahore. Both
the Scoundrels, resident as well as the one in exile, took serious not of the
incident and blamed the provincial government for complacence.
Meanwhile, Raja Rental, made a clever move on the advice of his legal
advisers. He wrote a letter to the Supreme Court for forming an impartial
commission to probe into RPPs Scam. He intended to pre-empt the interim
1270
government from taking any action on that count till hearing by the apex
court and finalization of the probe, if so ordered by the court.
11th March, 2013
INQILAB: HOW
THE TUSSLE-II
The tussle between Aql and Dil (Mind and Heart) is a never-ending
battle. The Mind unleashes multiple forces of intellect, reason, knowledge,
etcetra; whereas Heart generates intuition, love, faith, and so on. With so
many forces pitched against each other the battlefield of life remains
perpetually full of action.
1271
The outcome of each encounter is important but difficult to assess,

because whereas the forces of Mind can be defined and quantified, the forces
of Heart remain mystified as science has made no inroads into Heart
wherein, according to believers the soul rests. Heart is Arsh-e-Azam,
according to Allamah like all believers.
The intellect follows the principle of seeing and believing, whereas
the intuition believes in what is difficult to be visualized, but has been
revealed upon Man. In other words the reason hesitates in approving the
Reality that cannot be felt by biological senses, whereas the Love shows
total commitment to the Invisible Reality.
The ease with which the things can be perceived in case of the former
and difficulty in the case of latter pose the real problem for the Man. More
often than not, he is likely to follow the intellect and drift towards pursuits
of materialistic gains rather than striving for spiritual advancement. That
makes the journey from La to Illa cumbersome as chances of straying away
keep propping up quite frequently.
Allamahs overwhelming emphasis on Love or Ishq could create an
impression that he rejects Aql; it is not so. It is pertinent to recall that
Allamah believes in seeking guidance from both Aql and Dil, but he grants
Dil the veto power. However, striking balance between the two is preferable.
This chapter begins with some poetical works taken from Bal-e-Jibril and
followed by poems from other books.
GHAZALIEN: Part-II
***** (28) *****

Europe mein likhhey gaey
Written in Europe

Khird ney mojh ko atta ki nazar-e-hakimanah; seikhhaeyi ishq ney mojh ko
hadis-e-rindanah (Aql aur ishq duonon sey faiz hasil kiya.)
1272
My mind on me bestowed a thinkers gaze, from Love I learnt a topers wont

and ways.

Nah baadah hai, nah sorahi, nah dour-e-paimanah; faqat nigah sey rungin
hai bazm-e-jananah.
(Bazm-e-jananah: Mehboob ki mehfil.)
No wine, no flask, no goblet goes around, sweet looks to banquet lend its
hue and sound.

Meri nawaey perishan ko shaeri nah samajh; keh mien hon mehram-eraaz-e-daroon-e-maey khanah.
(Mehram-e-raaz-e-daroon-e-maey khanah: Kainat kay raazon ko janeney
wala.)
Take not my rhymes for poets art; I know the secrets of wine-sellers mart.

Kali ko deikhh keh hai tishnah nasim-e-sahar; issi mein hai merey dil ka
tamam afsanah.
Behold the bud athirst for breath of Morn, it tells the story of my heart
forlorn.

Koeyi bataey mojhey yeh ghiyab hai keh hazoor; sabb ashna hein yahan,
eik mien hon baiganah.
Know not, absence or presence if it be, I am the alien here, all others free.

1273
Frang mein koeyi dinn aur bhi thhehar jaon; merey janon ko sanbhaley
agar yeh veranah.
My stay in West I may prolong a bit, my frenzy if this desert will admit.

Moqam-e-aql sey aasan gozar gaya Iqbal; moqam-e-shouq mein khhoaya
gaya woh farzanah.
(Farzanah: Samajhdar, hoshiyar.)
The stage of mind by Iqbal soon was crost, but in the Vale of Love this sage
was lost.
***** (52) *****

Ney mohrah baqi, ney mohrah baazi; jeeta hai Rumi. hara hai Raazi.
Over the tussle of heart and head Rumi has won and Rizi fled.

Roshan hai Jaam-e-Jamshid abb takk; shahi naheen hai bi-shishah baazi.
Still bowl of Jamshid is alive, without guile kingship cannot thrive.

Dil hai Mosilman meyra nah teyra; tou bhi namazi, mien bhi namazi.
Both you and I arent Muslims true, though we say the prayers due.

Mien janta hon anjaam oss ka; jiss maarkey mein Mulla ho ghazi.
I know the end of wrangle well where mullahs at each other yell.
1274

Turki bhi shirin, Taazi bhi shirin; harf-e-mohabat Turki nah Taazi.
(Taazi: Arabi.)
Turkish and Arabic both are sweet, for talk of Love all tongues are meet.

Azar ka paishah khara tarashi; kaar-e-Khalilan khara godazi
(Khar: Pathar.)
The breed of Azar idols make, but Friends of God these idols break.

Tou zindagi hai, paindagi hai, baqi hai jo kochh, sabb khak baazi.
You are alive and live for aye the rest is all a play with clay.
QUATRAINS
*****(9)*****

Her ekk zarey mein hai shaid makin dil; issi jalwat mein hai khalwat
nashin dil.
Aseer-e-dosh-o-farda hai w-laikan; ghulam-e-gardash-e-douran naheen
dil.
A restless heart throbs in every atom; it has its abode, alone, in a multitude.
Impaled upon the wheel of days and nights, it remains unchained by the
tyranny of time.
1275
*****(13)*****

Nigah oljhi hoeyi hai rung-o-boo mein; khird khhoeyi gaeyi hai char-soo
mein.
Nah chhorr ay dil foghan-e-sobh-gahi; aman shaid milley Allah Ho mein.
(Foghan-e-sobh-gahi: Sobh sawerey Allah ko yaad karna.)
Distracted are thy eyes in myriad ways; distracted is thy reason in many
pursuits.
Forsake not, O heart, thy morning sighs! Chanting His name, thou mayest
save thy soul.
*****(17)*****

Terey seiney mein dum hai, dil naheen hai; tera dum garmi-e-mehfil naheen
hai.
Gozar ja aql sey aagey keh yeh noor; chiragh-e-rah hai manzil naheen hai.
Thy bosom has breath; it does not have a heart; thy breath has not the
warmth and fire of life.
Renounce the path of reason; it is a light that brightens thy way; it is not thy
Final goal.
*****(22)*****
1276

Khird sey rahro roshan basar hai; khird kaya hai, chiragh-e-rah gozar hai.
Daroon-e-khanah hungamey hein kaya kaya; chiragh-e-rah gozar ko kaya
khabar hai.
(Roshan basar: Roshan aankhhon wala.)
Reason makes the traveller sharp-sighted. What is reason? It is a lamp that
lights up our path.
The commotion raging inside the house: What does the travellers lamp
know of it!
*****(31)*****

Khird waaqaf naheen hai nek-o-badd sey; bharri jati hai zalim apni hadd
sey.
Khoda jaaney mojhey kaya ho gaya hai; khird bizaar dil sey, dil khird sey.
This reason of mine knows not good from evil; and tries to exceed the
bounds that nature fixed.
I know not what has happened to me of late, my reason and my heart are
ever at war.
GABRIEL AND SATAN
Iblis symbolizes the unbridled intellect (Aql) that has the tendency to
justify a mistake and insisit upon justifying that.
1277
!
Humdam-e-derinah! Kaisa hai jahan-e-rung-o-boo?
Gabriel: My old friend, how is the world of sight and sound?

Soz-o-saaz-o-dard-o-dagh-o-jostajooey-o-arzoo
Satan: Pain and passion; quest and yearning.

Her ghharri aflaak per rehti hai teyri goftgoo; kaya naheen momkin keh
teyra chaak daman ho rafoo?
Gabriel: Thou never talkest of anything but the heavens. Is there no cure for
thy constant pain?
!

Aah ay Jibril! Tou waqif naheen is raaz sey; kar gaya sar-must mojh ko toot
kar meyra saboo.
Satan: Thou knowest not, alas, the secret of my pain! The loss I have
suffered has increased my passion more.

Abb yahan meyri gozar momkin naheen, momkin naheen; kis qadar
khamosh hai yeh alam bey kakh-o-koo.
How silent is this world; desolate and wild! I cannot ever live here; I cannot!

'' ''
1278
Jiss ki naumeidi sey ho soz-e-daroon-e-kainat; oss kay haq mein taqnatoo

achha hai ya la-taqnatoo?
(Taqnatoo: Tum naommeid ho. La-taqnatoo: Tum na-ummeid nah ho.)
For one whose despair throbs in the heart of the universe, what is betterdespair, or hope?

Khho diay inkaar sey tou ney maqamaat-e-boland; chashm-e-Yazdan mein
Farishton ki rehi kaya aabroo.
Gabriel: By thy refusal thou hast lost thy place in heaven and disgraced the
angels in the eyes of the Lord.

Hai meri juraat sey mosht-e-khak mein zouq-e-namoo; meyrey fitney
jamah-e-aql-o-khird ka taar-o-poo.
(Taar-o-poo: Tana bana.)
Satan: My courage gave a speck of dust the impulse to grow; my cunning is
the fabric of mans intellect.

Deikhhta hai tou faqat sahal sey razm-e-khair-o-shar; kon toofan kay
tamanchey khha raha hai, mien keh tou?
(Razm-e-khair-o-shar: Neki aur badi ki jung.)
Thou watchest the war of good and evil, safely ashore, and who is battered
by the storm-thou or I?

Khizer bhi bidast-o-pa, Ilyas bhi hai bidast-o-pa; meyrey toofan yum beh
yum, darya beh darya, joo beh joo.
1279
(Dast-o-pa: Haath paon. Yum: Samandar. Joo: Nadi.)

Both Khizr and Ilyas feel helpless: The storms I have stirred up rage in
oceans, rivers, and streams.

Gar kabhi khalwat mayassar ho tuo poochh Allah sey; qissah-e-Adam ko
rungin kar gaya kis ka lahoo.
Ask God, if thou hast the time to ask: Whose blood gave colour to Adams
inglorious tale?

Mien khhatakta hon dil-e-Yazdan mein kantay ki tarah; tou faqat Allah ho,
Allah ho, Allah ho.
I am a thorn in the Almightys mighty heart, and thou but mumblest His
praise day and night.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
This comparison was carried out after getting inspired from one of
Mirza Ghalibs verse which is quoted at the end.
Faksafah-o-Mazhab
Yeh aftab kaya, yeh sipehar-e-barein hai kaya; samjha naheen tasalsal-eshaam-o-sahar ko mien.
(Sipehar-e-barein: Boland asman.)
Wherefore this succession of day and night? And what are the sun and the
starry heavens?

1280
Apney watan mein hon keh gharib-ud-diyyar hon; darta hon deikhh
deikhh kay iss dasht-o-dar ko mien.
(Gharib-ud-diyyar: Perdaisi, mosafir.)
Am I in my land or in banishment? The vastness of this desert fills me with
fright.

Khholta naheen merey safar-e-zindagi ka raaz; laon kahan sey bandah-esahib-e-nazar ko mien.
I know not the enigma of this life of mine; I know not where to find one who
knows.

Hairan hai Bu Ali keh mien aya kahan sey hon; Rumi yeh sochta hai keh
jaon kidhhar ko mien.
Avicenna wonders where he came from; and Rumi wonders where he should
go.

Jata hon thhorri door her rahro kay saath; pehchanta naheen hon abhi
rahbar ko mien.
With every wayfarer I pace a little; I know not yet who my leader is.
THE PHILOSOPHER

1281
Boland baal thha, laikan nah thha jasoor-o-ghayoor; hakim serr-e-mohabat

sey bi-nasib raha.
Phera fazaon mein kirgas agarchih shaheen-war; shikar-e-zindah ki lazzat
sey bi-nasib raha.
(Boland baal: Oncha ornery wala. Jasoor: Jisarat wala; Juraat wala.
Kirgas: Giddh.)
He could fly high but he wasnt daring and passionate, the sage remained a
stranger to the secret of Love.
The vulture roamed around the air like an eagle, but could not get acquainted
with the taste of a fresh prey.
PRAISE OF GOD AND MEDITATION
Yhis and the next two poetical works are taken from Zarb-i-Kalim.
Zikr-o-fikr
Yeh hein sabb eik he saalik ki jostajoo kay moqam; woh jiss ki shan mein
aya hai Ilm al-Asma.
(Saalik: Rastah chalney wala. Ilm al-Asma: Quran ki oss ayat ki taraf
asharah jiss mein kaha gaya keh Adam ko saarey ismaa seikhha diay;
morad cheezon ya ashkhas kay naam naheen bulkeh ashia kay haqaiq ka
ilm dey diya.)
These stops are for the pilgrim same, whose quest to respect has many
claims to show his rank was brought to light, the verse He taught him all the
names.

Moqam-e-zikr, kamalat-e-Rumi-o-Attar; moqam-e-fikr, moqalat-e-Bu Ali
Seina.
1282
(Zikr: Tasawwuf ki istelah mein Allah Taalla ka zikr jiss kay kaeyi sufianah
tariqey hein. Fikr: Iss sey morad Allah Taalla ki Zaat-o-Safat aur Oss ki
ayaat mein Sufianah noaa ki fikr hai.)
The mystics like Rumi and Attar, for homage to God have won such fame;
Avicenna, because of books he wrote has won a great renown and name.

Moqam-e-fikr hai paimaish-e-zaman-o-makan; moqam-e-zikr hai Sobhan
Rabbi alAala.
(Sobhan Rabbi alAala: Namaz kay sajdah mein yeh alfaaz parrhey jaatey
hein jiss kay maani hein pak hai Woh sabb sey ala aur bala hai; morad hai
Allah ka zikr karna.)
Mind can provide the ways and means that help in measuring Time and
Space: Who bow to God and seek His Grace, enjoy the highest rank and
place.
KNOWLEDGE AND RELIGION
In this poem Iqbal talks of Aql-i-Saleem that enables acquirimng the
knowledge of Truth.

Woh ilm apney botton ka hai aap Ibrahim (A.S.); kiya hai jiss ko Khoda ney
dil-o-nazar ka nadim.
(Ilm: Woh ilm jo Adami ko apni aur apney Khoda ki maarfat atta karta hai.
Nadim: Saathi, dost.)
Learning whom God has made the mate of heart and sight, like Friend of
God can break with ease all idols bright.
1283
Zamanah eik, hayat eik, kainat bhi eik; dalil-e-kum nazari, qissah-e-jadid-oqadim.
(Kum nazari: Nazar ka kum hona.)
Cosmos and life are ore, the world is one and same; the tale of old and new
is merely false and lame.

Chaman mein tarbiyat-e-ghonchah ho naheen sakti; naheen hai qatrah-eshabnam agar sharik-e-nasim. (Nasim: Sobh ki narm hawa.)
A blossom can not thrive in meadow full of trees, unless some drops of dew
ally with pleasant breeze.

Woh ilm, kum basri jiss mein humkinar naheen; tajaliyat-e-Kalim-omoshahidat-e-hakim.
(Kum basri: Nigah ka kum hona. Humkinar: Baghalgir. Hakim: Falsafi.)
That ken is vision dim in which the wise man's lore and sight that Moses
viewed keep apart and merge no more.
HEART AND INTELLECT

Her khaki-o-noori peh hakoomat hai khird ki; bahar naheen kochh aql-eKhoda daad ki zud sey.
Alam hai ghulam iss kay Jalal-e-Azli ka; ekk dil hai keh her lehzah olajhta
hai khird sey.
(Jalal-e-Azli: Hamaishah ki haibat.)
1284
Clay-made man and angelic hosts all are swayed by wit and mind naught
lies beyond the reach of wit, bestowed by God benign and kind.
Its lasting grandeur holds the world in perpetual chains that do not break; the
heart alone some courage shows and full of rage at wit can shake.
In his Persian poetical works, Allamah has talked comparatively less
on the issue, as if by then he had mastered the art of striking balance
between intellect and intuition. In other words, he had become absolutely
clear when to seek guidance from Aql and when from Dil. However, some
poetical works from Payam-e-Mashriq are relevant in the context and are
reproduced herein.
THE TULIP OF SINAI QUATRAINS
*****(18)*****

Tehi az haaey-o-hoo maeykhanah booday; gill-e-ma az sharar baiganah
booday.
Nabooday ishq-o-ein hungamah-e-ishq; agar dil choon khird farzanah
booday.
[Yeh maeykhanah (dunya) (hungamah-e-) haa-o-hoo sey khali hota; humari
khak (bhi) sharar sey khali rehti.
Nah yahan ishq hota, nah iss kay hungamey; agar dil bhi aql ki manind
maslehat andaish hota.
The tavern were exempt of turbulence, no spark illumed our clays
indifference.
Love had not been, nor all the alarm of Love, if heart possessed the minds
intelligence.
1285
*****(49)*****

Khird ber chehrah-e-tou pardah-ha baaft; nigahey tishnah-e-deidar
daaram.
Dar aftud her zaman andaishah ba shouq; chih aashoob afgani dar jan
zaaram.
[Khird ney Teyrey chehrey per parday bonn rakhhey hein; (aur) meyri nigah
tishnah-e-deidar rehti hai.
Her lumah aql aur shouq mein jung rehti hai; meyri jan-e-zaar mein kaya
shor-e-(qiyamat) daal diya (Mehboob-e-Haqiqi sey keh rehey hein).]
Mind wove the veils that cover up Thy face, and ah! Mine eyes thirst upon
Thee to gaze.
Thought with desire is all the while at war: What tumult in the poor heart
Thou dost raise!
*****(59)*****

Mun ay danishwaran dar paich-o-taabam; khird ra feham ein maani
mohaal ast.
Chisaan dar mosht-e-khakey tun zanad dil; keh dil dasht ghazalaan-ekhayal ast.
[Ay danishwaro! Mien eik oljhan mein hon, khird kay leay iss noktah ko
samajhna mohaal hai.
1286
Mosht-e-khak (badan) kay andar dil kis tarah rakhh diya gaya; kiyuonkeh
dil tuo ghazalaan-e-afkaar ka marghzar hai (afkaar latif hein, badan
kaseef).]
Ye men of learning, I am in a maze, the mind this meaning cannot
understand:
How in a hand of Dust there beats a heart wherein gazelles of Fancy rove the
land.
*****(70)*****

Nomayad aanchih hust ein wadi-e-gul; daroon-e-lalah-e-aatash bajan
chiest.
Bachashm-e-ma chaman yakk mouj-e-rung ast; keh mi-danad beh
chashm-e-bulbulaan chiest?
[Kaya yeh wadi-e-gul wohi nazar aati hai, jo woh hai; kaya yeh hum
jaantey hein keh lalah-e-aatishein kay andar kaya hai?
Humein tuo chaman eik mouj-e-rung nazar ata hai; kon janta hai keh bulbul
ki ankhh ossey kaya deikhhti hai?]
This vale of roses, is it as it seems? What makes the tulips fiery heart to
glow?
A sea of colours is the mead we view: How nightingales behold it, who can
know?
*****(73)*****

1287
Damagham kafir-e-zannar-dar ast; bottan ra bandah-o-pervardigar ast.

Dilam ra bein keh nalad az ghum-e-ishq; tera ba deen-o-aeinam chih
kaar ast.
[Meyra damagh zannar-dar (bott parast) kafir hai; bott banata bhi hai aur
onn ki prastash bhi karta hai.
Tou meyrey dil ko deikhh jo ghum-e-ishq sey nalah-o-faryad kar raha hai;
tojhey meyrey deen-o-maslik sey kaya kaam.]
A girdled infidel, this brain of mine, it worships idols of its own design:
Regard my heart, weeping for Passions grief what is to thee my way, my
Faith divine?
*****(74)*****

Sanobar bandah-e-azadah-e-oo; farogh-e-rooey gul az baadah-e-oo.
Harimash aftab-o-mah-o-anjam; dil-e-Adam dar nakoshadah-e-oo.
[Sanobar oss (Zaat) ka bandah-e-azad hai; phhool kay chihray ki chamak
oss ki sharab (ki musti) ki wajah sey hai.
Soraj, chand, sitarey sabb oss kay mazahar hein; magar insan ka dil oss ka
sarbastah raaz hai.]
The free-paced fir His bondslave was before, fire in the roses cheek His
wine did pour.
Sun, moon and stars His sanctuary are, the heart of Adam, His unopened
door.
*****(75)*****
1288

Z-anjam ta beh anjam sadd jahan bood; khird her ja keh per zud asman
bood.
Wlaikan choon bakhod nigareistam mun; karaan bikaraan dar mun
nehadan bood.
[Eik sitarey sey dosrey sitarey takk kaeyi jahan hein; jahan bhi khird
pohnchi wahan eik asman moujood thha.
Laikan jabb mien ney apney andar deikhha tuo meyrey andar eik lamahdood jahan thha.]
A hundred worlds stretched star to farthest star. Whereer the mind soared,
there the heavens are.
But when I looked within upon my self, I saw a margin infinitely far.
*****(163)*****

Graiz akhar z-aql-e-zofanoon kard; dil-e-khod kaam ra az ishq khoon
kard.
Z-Iqbal falak paima chih porsi; hakim-e-noktah daan ma janoon kard.
[Bil-akhar Iqbal ney aql-e-chalak ko chhorr diya; aur apney khod-sar dil ko
ishq sey raam kiya.
Iqbal falak paima kay baarey mein kaya poochhta hai; hamarey iss noktah
daan falsafi ney (aql ki naheen, bulkeh) janoon ki baatein ki hein.]
At last from subtle reason he has fled; his self-illed heart knew passion, and
it bled;
1289
What askest thou of Iqbal in the clouds? Our wise philosopher has lost his
head. (Translated by A.J. Arberry)
A DIALOGUE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE
Mohawrah Ilm-o-Ishq
Nigahum raaz-dar haft-o-char ast; gariftar-e-kamandum rozgar ast.

[Meyri nigah haft asman aur char-soo ki moheet hai, zamanah meyri
kamand mein aseer hai.]
Knowledge: My eyes have witnessed the secrets of the seven and the four,
and with my lasso I have captured the world.

Jahan beinam beh ein soo baz kardand; mera ba aan-sooey gadroon chih
kaar ast.
[Meyrey sopord iss dunya ko deikhhna kiya gaya hai; asman sey oss taraf
mojhey kaya wastah.]
I am an eye, and when I was opened I turned this way: Why should I bother
about the other side of the heavens?

Chakad sadd naghmah az saazey keh daarum; beh bazaar afganam
raazey keh daarum.
[Meyrey saaz mein sainkarron naghmey phoottey hein; jo raaz mojhey
maaloom hota hai woh mien aam kar deyta hon.]
A hundred songs flow from my instrument; I bring to market every secret I
know.
1290

Z-afasoon-e-tou darya shoala zaar ast; hawa aatash godaz-o-zehar-dar
ast.
[Teyrey afson sey darya kay pani mein shoalah paida ho jata hai; hawa
aatishein aur masmoom ho jati hai.]
Love: Because of the spell you have cast the sea is in flames, the air spews
fire and is filled with poison.

Cho ba mun yar boodey, noor boodi; boreidey az mun-o-noor-e-tou naar
ast.
[Tou meyrey saath dosti rakhhta thha tou noor thha, mojh sey alug hoa tuo
teyra noor naar bun gaya.]
When you and I were friends, you were a light; but you broke with me, and
your light became a fire.

Bakhalwat khanah-e-lahoot zaadi; wlaikan dar nakh-e-Shaitan fataadi.
[Teyri pidaish alam-e-lahoot mein hoeyi; laikan tou Shaitan kay phhandey
mein gariftar ho gaya.]
You were born in the innermost sanctum of the Divinity, but then fell into
Satans trap.

Biya ein khakdan ra gulistan saaz; jahan-e-pir ra digar jawan saaz.
[Aa, iss dunya ko gulistan bana; iss bhorrey jahan ko pher sey jawan bana
dey.]
Come; turn this earthly world into a garden, and make the old world young
again.
1291

Biya yakk zarrah az dard-e-dilum gir; teh-e-gardoon bahisht-e-jawidan
saaz.
[Aa, meyrey dard-e-dil sey eik zarah ley; aur asman kay neichey khold-ebarein bana dey.]
Come! Take just a little of my hearts solicitude, and build, under the
heavens, an everlasting paradise.

Z-roz aafrinash humdum astaim; haman yakk naghmah ra zir-o-bum
aataim.
[Hum roz-e-awwal sey saathi hein; aur eik he naghmey kay zir-o-bum hein.]
We have been on intimate terms since the day of creation, and are the high
and low notes of the same song. (Translated by Mustansir Mir)
THE BOOKWORM
Kirm-e-kitabi
Shoneidam shabbey dar kotab khanah-e-mun; beh pervanah mi goft kirme-kitabi.

[Mien ney sona eik raat meyrey kotab khanah mein; kitabi keirra pervaney
sey keh raha thha.]
I hear that in my library one night a bookworm spoke thus to a moth:

Beh auraq-e-Seina nashiman gariftam; bassey deidam az noskhah-eFaryabi.
1292
[Mien Bu Ali Seina kay (likhhey hoay) auraaq mein bhi raha hon; Farabi
kay kaeyi noskhey bhi deikhhey.]
I have long lodged in Sinas tomes and have consumed much of Farabis
manuscript.

Nafehmidah-um hekmat-e-zindagi ra; haman teerah rozam z-bi-aftabi.
[(Magar) mien zindagi ki hekmat naheen samajh saka; aur abhi takk meyrey
dinn aftab kay baghair tareek hein.]
But I have not learned anything about lifes mystery, and am just as much in
the dark about it as before.

Niko goft pervanah-e-neim sozey; keh ein noktah ra dar kitabey nayabey.
[Pervanah-e-neim soz ney ossey kaya khoob jawab diya, yeh noktah tojhey
kitabon mein naheen milley ga.]
The half-burnt moth gave it a fine reply: You will not find lifes mystery
explained in books.

Tapash mi konad zindah-ter zindagi ra; tapash mi dehud baal-o-per-ezindagi ra.
[Tapash, zindagi ko aur zindah-ter karti hai, (aur) tapash he zindagi ko
baal-o-per atta karti hai.]
However, here it is: What gives to life intensity is ardency. It lends life
wings with which to fly.
PHILOSOPHY AND POETRY
Hikmat-o-Shear

1293
Bu Ali andar ghobar-e-naqah gom; dast-e-Rumi pardah-e-mehmal garift.

[Bu Ali Seina naqah kay ghobar he mein gom ho kay reh gaya hai, Rumi
(R.A.) ka haath pardah-e-mehmal (maani) takk ja pohncha.]
Bu Ali got lost in the dust kicked up by Laylas dromedary. Rumis hand
seized the curtain of her litter.

Ein frou-ter raft-o-gohar raseed; aan bagardabey cho khas manzil garift.
[Rumi (behar-e-hayat mein) gehra gaya aur gohar takk pohncha, Bu Ali
ney tinkay ki manind girdab he ko manzil bana liya.]
This one dived deeper, deeper still, till he came upon the pearl he was after.
But the other got caught in a whirlpool like a piece of straw.

Haq agar sozey nadarad hekmat ast; shear migardad cho soz az dil garift.
[Haqiqat mein agar soz nah ho tuo falsafah hai, agar dil sey soz hasil kar
ley tuo shear bun jaati hai.]
If the truth has no fervour, it is plain philosophy. If it has the proper fervour,
it is poetry.
REALITY
Haqiqat
Oqab-e-door bein joeynah ra goft; nigaham aanchih mi beinad sorab ast.

[Oqab-e-taiz nazar ney joeynah sey kaha, meyri nazar jo kochh deikhhti hai
woh sorab hai.]
The eagle, who sees far, said to the swan, My eyes see nothing but a bright
mirage.
1294

Jawabash daad aan morgh-e-haq andaish; tou mi-beini-o-mun danam
keh aab ast.
[Oss raast fikr parindey ney jawab diya, tou sirf deikhhta hai aur mein janta
hon keh yeh pani hai.]
That truthful bird replied, You see, and I know that you see, a watery
expanse.

Sadaey maahi aamad az teh-e-behar; keh cheezey hust-o-hum dar paicho-taab ast.
[Darya kay neichey machhli ki awaz aeyi, han, koeyi cheez hai jo paich-otaab khha rehi hai (haqiqat kissi per pori tarah wazeh naheen).]
From the seas depth arose a fishs cry, There is something in an unceasing
dance.
GODS COUNTRY
When it comes to battle against the evil the intellect concocts excuses
to avoid that, but Dil shuns those.
Al-Molk lillah
Tariq cho ber kinarah-e-Andlus safinah sokht; goftand kaar-e-tou beh

nigah-e-khird khata ast.
[Tariq ney jabb Andlus kay sahal per apni kishtiyan jalain, tou iss kay
saathiyuon ney kaha: Teyra yeh kaam aql ki roo sey ghalat hai.]
When Tariq burned his boats on Andalusias coast, his men observed: It was
an unwise thing to do.
1295

Dooraim az sawad-e-watan baz choon rasaim; terk sabab z-rooey shariat
koja rawa ast.
[Hum sarzamin-e-watan sey door hein, wapus kaisey pohnchein-gey?
Shariat mein kahan terk-e-sabab ki ajazat hai.]
We are so far from home; how shall we now return? Foregoing means is
wrong in the Divine Laws view.

Khandeid-o-dast-e-khwaish bashamshir bord-o-goft; her molk milk-emast keh molk-e-Khodaey mast.
[Tariq moskraya, oss ney apna haath talwar kay qabzey per rakhha aur
kaha; her molk hamara molk hai kiyuonkeh hamarey Khoda ka molk hai.]
He laughed and, putting his hand on his sword, declared: All lands are
Gods and they are all our homeland too. (Translated by M. Hadi Husain)
LOVE
Ishq
Aqley keh jahan sozud yakk jalwah-e-bibakash; az ishq biaamozud aeine-jahantaabi.

[Aql jiss ka jalwah-e-bibaak dunya ko jala deyta hai; oss ney jahan ko
roshan karney ka tariqah ishq sey seikhha hai.]
To Intellect, which, if it chose, could set the universe aflame, learns from
Love to illuminate, instead of burning up, its frame.

Ishq ast keh dar janat her kaifiyat angaizud; az tabb-o-taab-e-Rumi ta
hayrat-e-Farabi
1296
[Rumi ki tarrap aur chamak sey ley kar Farabi ki hayrat takk jitni kaifiyaat
hein woh sabb ishq he teyrey dil kay andar paida karta hai.]
To Love it is that your soul owes its heightened states engenderment from
Rumis ardent passion to Farabis solemn wonderment.

Ein harf-e-nishat aawar mi goeym-o-mi-raqsum; az ishq dil asayad ba ein
hamah bitaabi.
[Mien yeh porsaroor harf (shear) gata hon aur raqs karta hon, keh ishq ki
saari bitabiyuon kay bawajood dil ossi sey sakoon pata hai.]
I sing these joy-inspiring words I sing them and dance with delight Love
is a balsam for the heart despite its soul-tormenting might.

Her maani-e-paichidah dar harf na-mi gunjad; yakk lehzah badil dar
shau shaid keh tou daryabi.
[Saarey moshkil maani alfaaz mein naheen samatey; eik lamah kay leay
apney dil kay andar nazar daal shaid tou onnhein pa-ley.]
Not every subtle point can be expressed in words. Consult a while your own
heart: maybe you will see my point made in the hearts own style.
TRIFLES
*****(4)*****

Munam keh touf-e-Haram kardah-um bottey beh kinar; munam keh
paish-e-bottan naarah-haey Ho zadah-um.
1297
Dilum hanoz taqazaey jostajoo darad; qadam bijadah-e-bareek-ter z-moo

zaddah-um.
[Mien woh hon jiss ney baghal mein bott leay Haram ka tawaf kiya; mien
woh hon jiss ney botton kay samney naarah-e-Ho boland kiya.
Meyra dil abhi takk jostajoo ka taqaza kar raha hai; (yehi wajah hai keh)
mien ney baal sey bareek-ter rastey per qadam rakhha hai.]
I am one who has walked around the Harem with an idol under my arms. I
am one who has shouted Allahs name when idols were in front of me.
My heart still wants that I should go on seeking, though I have set foot on a
path thinner than a hair.
GHAZALIEN PART ONE
Six poetical works from Zabur-e-Ajam, relevant in the context, are
reproduced.
*****(11)*****

Garchih shaheen-e-khird barsar-e-pervazey hust; andarein baadiyah
penhan qadar andazey hust.
[Agarchih aql ka shaheen faza mein khoob orrta pherta hai; magar iss sehra
mein eik aisa teer-anadaz moujood hai jo iss ki taak mein baithha hai (ishq
ki taraf asharah hai).]
Though the falcon of the brain yearneth on the wing to be, archers in this
desert plain wait upon him secretly!

Aanchih az kaar fro-bastah girah bakoshaid; hust-o-dar hoslah-ezamzamah pervazey hust.
1298
[Aisi cheez tuo hai, jo oljhey hoay moaamlah ki girah khhol dey aur yeh
zamzamah perdaazon (ishq kay geet gaaney walon) kay bus mein hai.]
Yet the tied and twisted cord lacketh not for remedy: Singing can the cure
afford of this hard perplexity.

Taab-e-goftar agar hust shanasaey niest; waaey aan bandah keh dar
seinah-e-oo raazey hust.
[Baat kehney ki istidad hai, tuo baat samajhney wala koeyi naheen, woh
bandah kahan jaaey jiss kay seinah mein raaz ho.]
If the power of speech be there, yet is knowledge not possessed; hapless
servant, who doth bear such a secret in his breast!

Garchih sadd goonah basadd soz mera sokhtah-und; ay khosha lazzat-eaan soz keh hum saazey hust.
[Agarchih mojhey suo tarah sey suo tarah kay soz mein jalaya gaya; magar
iss soz ki lazzat kaisey biyan ho, jo saaz bhi hai.]
Though a hundred varied ways they should burn and ravage me, there is
comfort in my blaze and a glad felicity.

Mordah khakaim-o-sazawar dil zindah shodaim; ein dil-e-zindah-o-ma,
kaar-e-Khoda saazey hust.
[Hum khak-e-mordah sey paida hoay, aur dil-e-zindah kay sazawar bun
gaey; kahan dil-e-zindah aur kahan hum! Bus Allah Taala ka karam hai.]
Dust, and dead as dust, are we, yet a heart we merited: Lo! The living deity
heart-engendered in the dead.

Shoalah-e-seinah-e-mun khanah faroz ast walley; shoalaheyi hust keh
hum khanah ber andazey hust.
1299
[Meyrey seiney ka shoalah tuo ghhar roshan karney wala hai; magar aisa
shoalah bhi hota hai, jo ghhar phonk dey.]
In my breast there is a flame setteth all the house aglow, yet it is the very
same that the house doth overthrow.

Takiyah ber aql-e-jahan bein Falatoon nakonam; dar kinaram dilkay
shokh-o-nazar baazey hust.
[Mojhey Aflatoon ki aql-e-jahan bein per bharosa naheen; kiyuonkeh
meyrey pehlo mein aisa dil hai jo shokh aur nazar-baz hai (meyri soch mein
ishq ki joraat aur gehraeyi hai).]
Platos mind the world described, yet I will not trust in it, for a heart is in my
side bold to view the infinite.
*****(12)*****

Ein jahan chiest? Sanam khanah-e-pindar mun ast; jalwah-e-oo garoodeidah-e-bidar munast.
[Yeh jahan kaya hai? Faqat meyrey pindar ka sanam khanah hai; oss ka
jalwah sirf meyri deid ka rahein-e-mannat hai.]
What is the world? The temple of my thought, the seen projection of my
wakeful eye;

Hamah aafaq keh giram beh nigahey oo-ra; halqah-eyi hust keh az
gardash-e-porkaar-e-mun ast.
[Yeh sara afaaq, jiss ka ahatah mien eik nigah sey kar leyta hon, yeh goya
meyri nigah ki gardash-e-porkaar ka dairah hai.]
Its far horizons, instant to espy, a circle by my spinning compass wrought.
1300

Husti-o-neisti az deidan-o-nadeidan-e-mun; chih zaman-o-chih makan
shokhi-e-afkaar-e-mun ast.
[Ashiaey kainat ka hona ya nah hona meyrey deikhhney ya nah deikhhney
per mouqoof hai; zaman ho ya makan? Sabb meyri shoki-e-afkar kay
marhoon-e-mannat hein.]
As I behold, or not, is aught, or naught; time, space, within my mind;

Az fasoon kaari-e-dil sair-o-sakoon ghaib-o-hazoor; einkeh ghummaz-okashaeindah asrar-e-mun ast.
[Ashiya ka chalna ya thherna, nazar ana ya nah ana, sabb meyrey fikr ki
fason kaari hai; yeh jahan faqat meyrey asrar ka ghummaz aur onnhein
afsha karney wala hai.]
Audacious lie, movement, repose, are my hearts wizardry whereby are
secrets known, and mysteries taught.

Aan jahaney keh daro kashtah ra maey daroonad; noor-o-naarash
hamah az subbah-o-zannar-e-mun ast.
[Woh jahan(-e-akhrat) jiss mein yahan boay gaey aamal ki fasal katein
gey; oss (ki jannat) ka noor, ya (dozakh ki) naar meyri he tasbih-o-zannar
(aiman-o-kofar) ka asar hai.]
That other world, where reaped is all our sown, its light and fire are of my
rosary made;

Saaz-e-taqdirum-o-sadd naghmah-e-penhan daram; her koja zakhmah-eandaishah rasud taar-e-mun ast.
1301
[Mien (insan) saaz-e-taqdir hon, aur meyrey andar sainkarron naghmey

penhan hein; meyra taar wahan takk pohnchta hai, jahan takk meyrey
mizraab-e-fikr ki rasaeyi hai.]
I am fates instrument, whose antiphon responds to every string thought ever
played;

Ay mun az faiz-e-tou paindah nishan-e-Tou kojast? Ein duo geeti asar-emast jahan-e-Tou kojast?
[Ay woh Zaat, jiss kay faiz sey mien paindah hon! Aap ka nishan kahan
hai? Yeh duonon jahan (dunya-o-akhrat) tuo meyrey asar sey hein, Aap ka
jahan kahan hai?]
Where is Thy sign? In Thee my life is stayed; where is Thy world? These
twain are mine alone.
*****(15)*****

Khaiz-o-bakhak-e-tishnaheyi baadaheyi zindagi fashaan; atash-e-khod
boland kon atash-e-ma frou-nishan.
[Aaiay aur meyri khak-e-tishnah per baadah-e-hayat (ishq) chhirrkiay.
Apney ishq ki aag boland kijiay aur hamari (nafsani khwahishaat ki) aag
bojhaiey.]
Rise! And upon the thirsty land sprinkle lifes wine with lavish hand; kindle
anew the spirits fire, and bid the flame in us expire.

Maeykadah-e-tehi saboo halqah-e-khod framishaan; madrassah-e-boland
bang bazam fasordah atishaan.
1302
[Khali saboo Sufiyuon ka maeykadah halqah-e-khod framoshan bun choka

hai; aur boland bagh madrasson ki aatash-e-hayat bojh choki hai.]
The tavern wine is drained and gone, the drinkers find oblivion; the school
re-echoes to the shout, and every lamp has flickered out.

Fikr-e-girah kosha ghulam deen barawayartey tamam; z-ankeh daroone-seinah-ha dil hadafey ast binishan.
[Fikr, jo zindagi kay masaeyl hul karta hai, taqlid ki ghulami mein griftar
hai, aur deen sirf rawayaat ka majmoah bun kay reh gaya hai, iss leay keh
seinon kay andar jo dil hein onn ka koeyi hadaf naheen raha.]
Reasons a knot-resolving slave, faith mid conventions laid to grave, for in
the breast there beats a heart, the unseen target of loves dart;

Her duo bamanziley rawaan her duo amir-e-carvan; aql baheilah mi bord,
ishq bord kashaan kashaan.
[Duonon apni manzil ki janab rawan hein aur duonon apney apney
qaflon kay salar hein magar aql heilah baazi sey kaam leyti hai aur ishq
qowwat sey aagey ley jata hai.]
Both are in quest of one abode and both would lead upon the road: Reason
tries every stratagem, but love pulls gently by the hem.

Ishq z-pa dar aawurd khaimah-e-shash jahat ra; dast-e-draaz mi konad
ta beh tanab-e-kehkashan.
[Ishq iss khaimah-e-shush jehaat (kainat) ki tanabein kaat deyta hai aur
kehkashan takk pohnch jata hai.]
Love to the dust ruin hurled the tabernacle of the world, and stretches high
his fingers, even unto the canopy of heaven.
1303
*****(18)*****

Ber aql-e-falak paima turkanah shabbey-khoon beh; yakk zarrah dard-edil az ilm-e-Falatoon beh.
[Aql-falak paima per Turkon ki manind daliranah shabbkhoon maarna
chahiay; dard-e-dil (ishq) ka eik zarrah Aflatoon kay saarey ilm sey behtar
hai.]
Better is the robbers train than the heaven-pacing brain, better one distress
of heart than all Platos learned art.

Di moghbachah-eyi ba mun asrar-e-mohabat goft; ashkey keh frou khordi
az baadah-e-gulgoon beh.
[Kal moghbachah ney mojhey asrar-e-mohabat sey agah kartey hoay kaha:
jo ansoo tou pi-jaaey, woh sharab-e-gulgon sey behtar hein.]
Yesterday the Magian boy told me of loves secret joy: Better that salt tear
of thine than the sweet and ruby wine.

Aan faqr keh bi-taighey sadd kishwar dil geirad; az shoukat-e-Dara beh az
fur-e-Faridoon beh.
[Aisa faqr jo talwar kay baghair dilon ki sadd-ha momlikatein fatah kar
leyta hai, shoukat-e-Dara aur fur-e-Faridon sey behtar hai.]
Better poverty that gains bloodlessly the hearts domains, than the realm
Darius won, Feriduns dominion.

Dar deir-e-moghan aeyi mazmoon-e-boland aawar; dar khanqah-e-Sufi
afsanah-o-afsoon beh.
[Pir-e-moghan kay deir mein aaey tuo boland mazmoon baat keh; qissey
kahaniyuon ki baatein Sufi ki khanqah mein achhi lagti hein.]
1304
In the Magian temple cry; let Thy voice be heard on high! But within the
Sufi cell better is the whispered spell.

Dar jooey rawaan-e-ma bi-mannat-e-toofaney; yakk mouj agar khaizad
aan mouj z-Jaihoon beh.
[Agar hamari jooey-e-rawan mein (az khod), baghair kissi toofan ka ehsan
othhaey eik mouj bhi paida ho jaaey, tuo woh daryaey Jaihon sey behtar
hai.]
With our river of hearts blood need is none of Noahs flood; better there one
swelling wave than where Oxus waters lave.

Sailey keh tou aawurdi dar shehar nami gunjad; ein khanah ber andaazey
dar khalwat-e-Hamoon beh.
[(Iqbal!) Tou jo sailab (-e-janoon) laya hai, yeh shehar mein naheen
samata, iss khanah ber andaz toofan kay leay veraaney ki khalwat behtar
hai.]
Lo, Thy torrent sweeping down threatens to engulf the town! Better let Thy
havoc be in the deserts privacy.

Iqbal ghazal khwaan ra kafir natwaan goftan; souda badamaghash zud az
madrassah bairoon beh.
[Iqbal-e-ghazal khwan ko kafir tuo naheen kaha ja sakta, albatah oss kay
damagh mein souda zaroor hai, iss leay ossey madrassey sey bahar he
rakhhna chahiay (ta-keh woh jawanon ka damagh kharab nah kar dey).]
Singer Iqbal, sooth to tell, call him not an infidel: Better he were out of
school till his fevered brain shall cool! (Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(20)*****

1305
Aql hum ishq ast-o-az zouq-e-nigah biganah niest; laikan ein bicharah ra
aan juraat-e-rindanah niest.
[Aql bhi ishq hai aur zouq-e-nigah sey biganah naheen, albatah oss bichari
mein juraat-e-rindanah naheen (yeh phonk phonk kar qadam rakhhti hai).]
Intellect is passion too, and it knows the joy to view, but the poor
unfortunate dares not as the inebriate.

Garchih mi danam khayal-e-manzil eijad-e-mun ast; dar safar az pa
nishistun himmat-e-mardanah niest.
[Agarchih mien janta hon keh manzil ka khayal meyri apni eijad hai, laikan
safar chhorr kay baithh jana himmat-e-mardanah kay monafi hai.]
Though I know the fantasy of the stage was shaped by me, yet it were a
cowards way on the journey to delay.

Her zaman yakk tazah jolangah mi-khwahum azo; ta janoon farmaey
mun goeyd diggar veranah niest.
[Mien iss sey her lamah eik tazah jolan gah ka khwahan rehta hon,
yahan takk keh meyra janon farma (mojhey janon atta karney wala) keh
dey keh abb aur koeyi veranah baqi naheen raha.]
Every moment is my prayer that I may yet further fare, till my follys
governor says there is no desert more.

Ba chonin zor-e-janoon pass-e-gariban dashtum; dar janoon az khod
naraftun kaar-e-her devanah niest.
[Iss qadar zor-e-janon mein gariban ka pass rakhhna her devanah ka
kaam naheen keh woh janon mien az khod raftah ho.]
In such frenzy of the soul still I do not yield control: every madman cannot
boast that to self he is not lost!
1306
*****(26)*****

Dil-e-biqeid mun ba noor-e-aiman kafirey kardah; Haram ra sajdah
aawurdah bottan ra chakarey kardah.
[Meyra dil biqeid noor-e-aiman rakhhtey hoay bhi kafri kay andaz apnaey
hai, eik taraf Haram mein sajdah karta hai aur dosri taraf botton ki chakri
karta hai.]
Against the light, an infidel, my heart, unfettered, doth rebel; it bows before
Gods sanctuary and idols serves, indifferently.

Mataa-e-taaqat-e-khod ra tarazooey ber afrozad; babaazar qiyamat ba
khoda soudagarey kardah.
[Apni farmanbardari ki poonji kay leay trazoo othhaey pherta hai, Khoda
kay saath bhi souda baazi karta hai.]
It sets a balance, to access the value of its righteousness, ready to strike a
bargain smart with God, in resurrections mart.

Zamin-o-asman ra ber morad-e-khwaish mi khwahad; ghobar-e-rah-o-ba
taqdir Yazdan dawarey kardah.
[Yeh chahta hai keh zamin-o-asman oss ki marzi kay motabiq chalein, hai
tuo ghobar-e-rah magar taqdir-e-Elahi ka moqablah karta hai.]
It would have earth and heaven fulfill all the requirements of its will, and
claims, though dust, a judge to be with a divine authority.

Gehey ba Haq dar amaizad gehey ba Haq dar awaizad; zamaney Haidri
kardah zamaney Khyberey kardah.
1307
[Kabhi yeh Haq kay saath mowafqat karta hai aur kabhi haq ki mokhalfat
karta hai, kabhi Haidri andaz ikhtiar karta hai aur kabhi Khyberi.]
Anon it will with God accord; anon it fights against the Lord, stands for a
time as truths ally. And then it doth the truth deny.

Baein bey rungi johar z-oo nairung mi raizad; Kalimey bein keh hum
paighamberi hum saherey kardah.
[Agarchih iss ka johar yakk rung hai, magar yeh kaeyi rung ikhtiar karta
hai; iss Kalim ko deikhhein keh paighamberi bhi karta hai aur jadoogari
bhi.]
While in its essence void of hue, it paints a lying image, too: a Moses, who
the part doth bear of prophet, and of sorcerer!

Nigahash aql-e-door andaish ra zouq-e-janoon dadah; wlaikan ba
janoon fitnah samaan-e-nishtery kardah.
[Oss ki nigah ney aql-e-door andaish ko zouq-e-janon diya hai, magar
dosri taraf yeh janoon fitnah saman ki fasud khhol kar iss ka zor kum bhi
kar deyta hai.]
Its glance a touch of the insane imparteth to the prudent brain, and yet a
lancet it can use the madmans swelling to reduce.

Bakhod kay mi rasud ein rah paimaey tun aasaney; hazaraan saal manzil
dar moqam-e-Aazri kardah.
[Yeh tun aasan mosafir jo hazar saal takk moqam-e-Azari mein baithha raha
hai, apney aap takk kaisey pohnch sakta hai (yaani apney aap ko kaisey pa
sakta hai).]
When shall this lazy traveller reach his goal, the inner chamber of the soul
that doth these thousand years abide at falsehoods shrine, in slothful pride?
1308
QUATRAINS
These two quatrains and the last poem are are taken from the book
Armaghan-i-Hijaz (Urdu).
*****(5)*****

Khird ki tung damaani sey fariyad; tajali ki frawaani sey fariyad.
Gawara hai ossey nazarah-e-ghair; nigah ki na-Mosilmani sey fariyad.
(Tung damani: Jhholi ka tung hona.)
Beware! The wisdoms shallow show! Beware! The visions heavy flow*!
He would tolerate yet the alien glance, Beware! Thus from his un-Muslim
sense!
(*Because you wont to be able to hold your self due to extreme pleasure of
that vision (of God)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(12)*****

' '

Khird deikhhey agar dil ki nigah sey; jahan roshan hai noor-e-La ilah sey.
faqat ekk gardash-e-shaam-o-sehar hai; agar deikhhein farogh-e-mehar-omah sey.
If the wisdom ever sees from hearts inner sight, this world is lit up with La
Ilahs light.
This dawn and eves wheel just a spin and roll, if you see this game from
Sun and Moons role.
1309
THE SATANS ADVISORY COUNCIL
It must be recalled that in the introduction lines of the last chapter two
categories of Intellect were mentioned. It is the second category with which
the Western nations played havoc against defenseless humanity throughout
the world over the last three centuries is well known and does not need
elaboration. This is the class of Intellect which Allamah Iqbal condemned
vehemently.
In this poem Allamah describes glimpses of the evil Intellect and how its
forces operate. This Intellect is the art of portraying evil as noble and
concocting reasons to justify the unreasonable. The inclusion of this
poem here marks a prelude to the next Volume.
Iblis ki Majlis-e-Shora
1936
Yeh anasar ka porana khheil, yeh dunyaey don; sakinaan-e-Arsh-e-Azam

ki tamanaon ka khoon.
(Anasar ka porana khheil: Morad hai kainat jo maadi anasar aag, pani,
matti, hawa waghairah ki tarkib-e-khas sey maarz-e-wajood mein aeyi hai
aur issey wajood mein aaey taweel arsah ho gaya hai; iss leay yeh porani
hai. Don: Kaminah, razil.]
The Satan: An old game of needs this mean worlds tact, to heavenly host
hopes a cold blood act.

Iss ki barbadi peh aaj amadah hai woh karsaz; jiss ney iss ka naam rakhha
thha jahan-e-Kaf-o-Noon.
1310
(Kaf-o-Noon: Harf-e-kaf aur harf-e-noon, duonon ko mila kar eik lafz kon
banta hai jiss kay maani hein ho ja. Allah Taalla ney kon (ho ja) kaha aur
fayakoon (ho gaya); aur kainat adum sey wajood mein aa-gaeyi.]
That Great Maker bent to wreck earth soon, who gave it a name of KAF
and NOON.

Mien ney deikhhlaya Frangi ko malokiyat ka khwab, mien ney torra Masjido-Deir-o-Kalisa ka fason.
(Malokiyat: Badshahat. Fason: Jadoo.)
To Europe I gave the kingships dream, I broke the spell of church and
mosques team.

Mien ney nadaron ko sikhhlaya sabaq taqdir ka; mien ney monam ko diya
sarmayah dari ka janon.
(Monam: Jiss per Allah Taalla ney doulat ka inaam kiya hai.)
I taught to the poor a lesson of fate, to the wealthy I gave the wealths craze
great.

Kon kar sakta hai iss ki atash-e-sozan ko sard; jiss kay hungamon mein ho
Iblis ka soz-e-daron.
(Atash-e-sozan: Jala deyney wali aag. Soz-e-daron: Andar ki jalan.)
Who can put out that fires big blaze, of riots whom Satan had set ablaze.

Jiss ki shakhein hon hamari abiyari sey boland; kon kar sakta hai oss
nakhal-e-kohan ko sarnagon.
1311
(Nakhal-e-kohan: Porana drakht. Sarnagon: Neicha.)

To plants we watered, caused to be trees, who can bring that old tree to
knees.

Iss mein kaya shakk hai keh mohkam hai yeh Iblisi nizam; pokhtah-ter iss
sey hoay khooey ghulami mein awam.
(Mohkam: Paidar. Khoay ghulami: Ghulami ki aadat.)
First Advisor: The Satans order is firm every where, the masses too like the
servitude snare.

Hai azal sey onn gharibon kay moqadar mein sajood; onn ki fitrat ka
taqaza hai namaz bi-qayam.
(Azal sey: Hamaishah sey. Bi-qayam: Woh namaz jiss mein khharrey honey
ki noubat he nah aaey.)
The bows were writ for the poor in fate, a pray without stay their natures
trait.

Arzoo kaheen awwal tuo paida ho naheen sakti kaheen; ho kaheen paida tuo
mur jaati hai ya rehti hai khaam.
Either in his heart a wish does not lie, if wakes up ever, would be raw and
die.

Yeh hamari saai-e-paihum ki karamat hai keh aaj; Sufi-o-Mulla malokiyat
kay banday hein tamam.
(Saai-e-paihum: Lagatar mehnat, mosalsal koshash.)
1312
Isnt this a marvel of constant push hence, that Mullah is tied with kingship
fence.

' '
Tabaa-e-Mashriq kay leay mouzon yehi afyuon thhi; vernah qawwali sey
kochh kum-ter naheen Ilm al-Kalam.
(Tabaa-e-Mashriq: Mashriq ka mazaj. Qawwali: Woh raag jo Sufiyuon ki
mehfil mein gaya jata hai. Ilm al-Kalam: Woh ilm jiss mein deen ki baton
ko dalil sey sabat kiya jata hai.)
Best booze it was to Eastern nature then, no lesser vice singing to
eloquence ken.

Hai Tawaf-o-Hajj ka hungamah agar baqi tuo kaya; kond ho kar reh gaeyi
Momin ki taigh-e-bey niyam.
(Kond: Jiss mein katney ki salahiyat khatum ho choki ho. Taigh-e-biniyam:
Niyam kay baghair talwar.)
The Haj and Kaaba Rounds yet a rite though, the nude sword of Momin is
blunt I know.

Kis ki noumeidi peh hujjat hai yeh farman-e-jadid? Hai jihad iss dour mein
mard-e-Mosilman per haram.
(Noumeidi: Na-ommeidi. Hujjat: Dalil.)
On whose despair he formed a queer view, On Muslim war is banned in this
age new.

Khair hai sultani-e-jamhoor ka ghogha keh shar; tuo jahan kay tazah
fitnon sey naheen hai ba-khabar.
1313
(Sultani-e-jamhoor: Morad hai Jamhooriyat. Ghogha: Shor.)

Second Advisor: Is this roar in goodness that masses are kings? You know
not new mischiefs of underlings.

Hon, magar meyri jahan beini batati hai mojhey; jo malokiyat ka ekk
pardah ho, kaya oss sey khatar.
(Jahan beini: Jahan kay moamlat per nazar rakhhna; morad tajarbah.
Malokiyat: Badshahat.)
First Advisor: A good point well, my seeing eye hails, no danger too there
from a kingships veil.

Hum ney khod shahi ko pehnaya hai jamhoori labas; jabb zara Adam hoa
hai khod shanas-o-khod nigar.
(Khod shanas: Apney aap ko pehchaniney wala. Khod nigar: Apney aap ko
deikhhney wala.)
We gave to kingship the masses rules dress, self conscious now is man with
selfs ingress.

Karobar-e-sheharyari ki haqiqat aur hai; yeh wajood Mir-o-Sultan per
naheen hai monhisr.
(Karobar-e-sheharyari: Badshahi nazam chalaney ka tariqah.)
The kingship science has a different sense; it needs not a garb of a monarch
hence.

Majlis-e-millat ho ya Pervaiz ka karobar; hai woh sultan, ghair ki khheiti
peh ho jiss ki nazar.
1314
(Majlis-e-millat: Milli majlis, quomi assembley.)

May be Nations Council or Kaisers court, a kings eye craves a foreign
land or port.

Tou ney kaya deikhha naheen Maghrab ka jamhoori nazam; chehrah
roshan, androon Chingaiz sey tareek-ter.
Didnt you see western democratic track, whose face is shining but inner is
black.

Rooh-e-sultani rehey baqi tuo pher kaya iztirab; hai magar kaya iss Yahoodi
ki shrarat ka jawab.
(Yahoodi: Karl Marx ki taraf asharah hai.)
Third Advisor: What is the harm if lives the royal soul, what is the answer to
that Jews wicked role.

Woh Kalim-e-bitajali, woh Masseih-e-bisalib; niest paighamber w-laikan
der baghal darad kitab.
[Yeh woh Kalim jo roshani kay baghair hai, woh Masseih hai jo Salib kay
baghair hai; woh paighamber naheen laikan oss ki baghal mein kitab hai
(ishtrakiyat per likhhi gaeyi kitab ki taraf asharah hai).]
That Moses sans vision! That Christ sans cross! Hes not prophet, but, keeps
Book for a gloss.*
(*A deceptive appearance over a life of secret wrong doings, a false or
misleading inter-relation)
1315
Kaya bataon kaya hai kafir ki nigah-e-pardah soz; Mashriq-o-Maghrab ki

quomon kay leay roz-e-hisab.
(Nigah-e-pardah soz: Pardah jala deyney wali nazar; yaani pardey kay oss
taraf deikhhn leyney wali.)
How to show that heathens shameless eyes, to East, West nations a
doomsday lies.

Iss sey barrh kar aur kaya ho-ga tabiyat ka fasaad; torr di bandon ney
aaqaon kay khaimon ki tanab.
(Bandon: Ghulamon. Tanab. Rassi.)
No worst cancer looks than his natures bent, that the slaves have toppled the
masters tent.

Torr oss ka Romah-tal-Kobra kay aiwanon mein deikhh; aal-e-Caesar ko
dikhhaya hum ney pher Caesar ka khwab.
(Romah al-Kobra: Azim Sultanat-e-Rome.)
Fourth Advisor: Its counter action see in Romes big halls, we have shown
his sons, dream of Caesars call.

Kon Behar-e-Rome ki moujon sey hai lipta hoa; gah balad chon sanobar,
gah nalad chon rabab.
(Gah: Kabhi. Balad: Obharta hoa. Nalad: Rota hoa. Rabab: Eik qisam ka
saaz.)
Who is now wrapped with waves of Roman Sea, like lute they weep oft, oft
they grow like pines tree.
1316

Mien tuo oss ki aaqbat beini ka kochh qaail naheen; jiss ney Afrangi
siyasat ko kiya yuon bi-hijab.
(Bi-hijab: Bi-pardah.)
Third Advisor: I cant admire his prudence and care, who laid bare the
Europes statecraft snare.

()

(Iblis ko mokhatab kar hay)
Ay terey soz-e-nafas sey kaar-e-alam istiwar; tou ney jabb chaha, kiya her
pardagi ko ashkar.
(Soz-e-nafas: Sans ki tapash. Istiwar: Paidar. Ashkar: Zahar.)
Fifth Advisor, while addressing Iblis: Due to thy burning this world gets
balance, when you wished laid bare each hidden face hence.

Aab-o-gill teyri hararat sey jahan-e-soz-o-saaz; ablah-e-jannat teri taalim
sey danaey kaar.
(Aab-o-gill: Pani aur mitti. Ablah-e-jannat: Jannat ka biwaqoof ya bhoola.
Danaey kaar: Kaam ko janiney wala.)
Thy heat in his clay the worlds pomp and show, you taught the heavens
fool, a wisdom so.

Tojh sey barrh kar fitrat-e-Adam ka woh mehram naheen; saadah dil
bandon mein jo mashhoor hai prewardigar.
1317
Than thee He knows not the nature of men, who is famous as God, in the
fools ken.

Kaam thha jinn ka faqat taqdis-o-tasbih-o-tawaf; teyri ghairat sey abud takk
sarnagoon-o-sharamsar.
(Taqdis: Bazorgi biyan karna. Tasbih: Paki biyan karna. Tawaf: Pherey
leyna.)
Whose duty was praise, rosary and round, due to thy envy, in shame ever
bound.

Garchih hein teyrey morid Afrang kay saher tamam; abb mojhey onn ki
frasat per naheen hai eitibar.
(Frasat: Door andaishi.)
All wise men of West are thy pupil though; I have no faith yet in their
wisdom so.

Woh Yahoodi fitnah-gar, woh rooh-e-Muzdak ka baroz; her qaba honay ko
hai oss kay janon sey tar tar.
(Yahoodi fitnah-gar: Fitnah paida karney wala Yahoodi, morad hai Karl
Marx. Muzdak: Iran ka woh bashindah jiss ney Karl Marx sey bohat pehley
ishtraki nazam wazaa kiya thha.)
That mischief monger Jew, the Muzdaks soul. Each tunic gets torn from his
crazy goal.

Zagh-e-dashti ho raha hai humsar-e-shaheen-o-chargh; kitni suraat sey
badalta hai mazaj-e-rozgaar.
(Zagh-e-dashti: Biyaban ka kawwa. Chargh: Woh parindah jo dosarey
parindon ka shikar kar kay onn ko khhaa hai. Rozgar: Zamanah.)
1318
A crow looks prone to seize the hawks force, how quick the time changes
natures course.

Chha gaeyi aashoftah ho kar wosaat-e-aflaak per; jiss ko nadani sey hum
samjhey thhey ekk mosht-e-ghobar.
(Aashoftah: Parishan. Mosht-e-ghobar: Gard ki mothhi.)
Being restive she scanned the skies vast space, like fools we counted dust
of human race.

Fitnah-e-farda ki haibat ka yeh alam hai keh aaj; kanptay hein kohsaar-omarghzaar-o-jooeybaar.
Fitnah-e-farda: Aaney waley kal ka fasad. Marghzar: Bagh. Jooeybar: Nadi
naley.)
The horrors of future, looking so great, with hills and vales shiver the brooks
in spate.
!

Meyrey Aaqa! Woh jahan zir-o-zabar honey ko hai; jiss jahan ka hai faqat
teyrey siyadat per madaar.
(Zir-o-zabar: Tehus nehus. Siyadat: Qiyadat. Madar: Inhisar.)
My Master! That world is going to doom, the world which looks to thy
Leaderships boom.
( )

(Apney mashiron sey)
Hai merey dast-e-tasarraf mein jahan-e-rung-o-boo; kaya zamin, kaya
mehar-o-meh, kaya asman-e-tou batou.
1319
(Dast-e-tasarraf: Aisa haath jo dakhal dey sakkey. Tou batou: Teh bateh.)
Satan (To His Advisors): Thus lies in my hold the worlds pomp an show,
this earth, the Sun and Moon, the skys glow.

Deikhh lein-gay apni aankhhon sey tamasha Gharb-o-Sharq; mien ney jabb
garma diya aqwam-e-Europe ka lahoo.
Shall see the East and West my game and roar.As soon I warm up Western
nations gore*.
(*Blood from cut and wound, chiefly in descriptions of fighting)

Kaya imaman-e-siyasat, kaya Kalisa kay shaiokh; sabb ko devanah bana
sakti hai meyri eik Ho.
(Imaman-e-siyasat: Siyasi rehnoma.)
The pontiffs of church, the leaders of State, my one dins echo for them a
dread great.

Kaargah-e-shishah jo nadan samajhta hai issey; torr kar deikhhey tuo iss
tehzeeb kay jaam-o-saboo.
(Kaargah: Kaarkhanah. Jaam-o-saboo: Piyalah aur sorahi.)
To her a modern world if a fool espies; this cultures wine cups will someone
break and sea?

Dast-e-fitrat ney kiya hai jinn garibanon ko chaak; Muzdaki muntaq ki
sozun sey naheen hotay rafoo.
(Dast-e-fitrat: Qudrat ka haath. Chaak: Phharra. Muzdaki muntaq: Ishtiraki
falsafah. Sozun: Sooeyi. Rafoo: Salaeyi.)
1320
The collars to whom the Nature has torn, the logic of Muzdak to them cant
darn.
(Muzdak; who introduced a new religion, he was beheaded on the orders of
King Nausherwan. He was a great orator and eloquent writer.)
Kabb dra sakktey hein mojh ko ishtiraki kochah gard; yeh perishan-erozgar, ashoftah maghaz, ashoftah hoo.
(Kochah gard; Awarah gard. Ashoftah maghaz: Zehani tor per perishan.
Ashoftah hoo: Perishan khiyalat aur baatein.)
How can frighten me the Socialist lads, since long jobless, confused and
loafing lads?

Hai agar mojh ko khatar koeyi tuo oss ummat sey hai; jiss ki khakistar mein
hai abb takk sharar-e-arzoo.
(Khakistar: Rakhh. Sharar-e-arzoo: Arzoo ki chingari.)
From that nation but I feel a threat grave, whose heart yet holds hidden
embers of crave.

Khal khal iss quom mein abb takk nazar aatey hein woh; kartey hein ashk-esahar gahi sey jo zalam wazoo.
(Khal khal: Koeyi koeyi, kaheen kaheen. Ashk-e-sahar gahi: Sobh ka rona.)
A few of them I espy in this nation yet, at dawn who take Wuzu* with tear
drops jet. (*ablution)

Janta hai, jiss peh roshan baatan-e-ayam hai; Muzdakiyat fitnah-e-farda
naheen, Islam hai.
(Batan-e-ayam: Zamaney ka andaroon. Fitnah-e-farda: Kul paida honey
wala fasaad.)
1321
He knows on whom hidden Times are bright, the Islam, not Muzdak is the
futures fright.
(2)

Janta hon mien yeh ummat hamil-e-Quran naheen; hai wohi sarmayahdari bandah-e-Momin ka deen.
(Hamil-e-Quran: Quran othhaney wali; morad hai Quran per amal
karney wali.)
I know this nation to Quran holds not, the old craze for wealth is the
Momins thought.

Janta hon mien keh Mashriq ki andhairi raat mein; bi-yadd-e-baiza hai
piraan-e-Haram ki aastein.
(Yadd-e-baiza: Safaid roshan haath; asharah hai Mosa (A.S.) kay moajzah
ki taraf. Piraan-e-Haram: Mosilmanon kay mazhabi rehnoma.)
In dark nights of East this point I behold, the sleeves of Harem Sheikhs no
white hand hold.

Asr-e-hazar kay taqazaaon sey hai laikan yeh khouf; ho nah jaaey
aashkara sharaa-e-Paighamber (S.A.W.) kaheen.
(Aashkara: Zahar. Sharaa-e-Paighamber: Morad hai Deen-e-Islam.)
I am but afraid that modern age needs, may not force this age to know
Prophets creed.
!

Al-hazar! Aein-e-Paighamber sey suo baar al-hazar; hafiz-e-namoos-e-zun,
mard aazma, mard aafrein.
1322
(Al-hazar: Daro. Hafiz-e-namoos-e-zun: Ourat ki izzat ki hifazat karney

wala. Mard aazma: Mard ko bator-e-mard azmaney wala. Mard aafrein:
Mard paida karney wala.)
Beware! Hundred times from the Prophets Act, it guards women honour,
makes man perfect.

Mout ka paigham her noaa-e-ghulami kay leay; ney koeyi Faghfoor-oKhaqan, ney faqir-e-reh nashin.
(Faghfoor-o-Khaqan: Turkistan aur Chin kay badshahon kay laqab, morad
hai badshah. Faqir-e-reh nashin: Rastah mein baithhney wala faqir.)
A death knell to those who made the mar, slave, it ruled out kingship, no
beggary it gave.

Karta hai doulat ko her aloodgi sey pak saaf; monamon ko maal-o-doulat
ka banata hai amin.
(Aloodgi: Gundagi, mial kochial. Monam: Maaldar.)
It cleaned the mans wealth from every stain; it made the rich trustees of
wealths wrong drain.

Iss sey barrh kar aur kaya fikr-o-amal ka inqilab; padshahon ki naheen,
Allah ki hai yeh zamin.
No bigger change could be of deeds and thoughts, this earth owns to Allah,
to a king not.

Chashm-e-alam sey rehey poshidah yeh aein tuo khoob; yeh ghanimat hai
keh khod Momin hai mehroom-e-yaqin.
His Law be kept hidden from whole worlds eye, to my solace Moumin
lacks a faith high.
1323

Hai yehi behtar Elahiyat mein oljha rehey; yeh Kitab-e-Allah ki tawilaat
mein oljha rehey.
(Elahiyat: Falsafah ka wooh ilm jiss mein Allah kay baarey mein behus ki
jaati hai. Tawilaat: Mun maney maani paida karna.)
Let him be fastened in metaphysics lone, in his own meanings of the Korans
tone.
(3)

Torr daalein jiss ki takbirein talism-e-shash jehaat; ho nah roshan iss Khoda
andaish ki tareek raat.
(Talism-e-shash jehaat: Chhay atraf ka jadoo, morad hai yeh jahan.)
Whose call God is Great broke the world spell, that conscious mans night
why not a bright deli.

Ibn-e-Mariyam mur gaya ya zindah-e-javid hai; hein safaat Zaat-e-Haq,
Haq sey joda ya ain-e-Zaat?
(Ain-e-Zaat: Zaat ka zahoor.)
Did the Christ died or alive from start? Are Gods attributes His Part or
apart?

Aaney waaley sey Masseih-e-Nasiri maqsood hai; ya mojaddad, jiss mein
hon Farzand-e-Mariyam kay safaat?
(Masseih-e-Nasiri: Hazrat Issa (A.S.). Mojaddad: Deen ko dobarah zindah
karney wala.)
1324
Is the coming Christ Hindi Nasirs dad? Is he a mujaddid like the Marys
lad? (Mujaddid: Reformist.)

Hein Kalam-Allah kay alfaaz haadus ya qadim; ummat-e-marhoom ki hai
kis aqidday mein nijat.
(Haadus: Allah kay paida kiey, makhlooq. Qadim: Allah ki tarah ghairmakhlooq.)
Are Gods words mortal or old like Him hence? Which sect of the Ummah
will have riddance?

Kaya Mosilman kay leay kafi naheen iss dour mein; yeh Elahiyat kay
tarshay hoay Laat-o-Manat (Allah kay baarey mein aqli behus kay douran
trashay gaey bott)?
Arent now enough for Muslims of this age? His dogmas gods he found in
his rummage (careful search).

Tomm ossey baiganah rakhho alam-e-kirdar sey; ta basat-e-zindagi mein
oss kay sabb mohray hon maat.
(Basat-e-zindagi: Zindagi ka khhail.]
From a practical life keep him away; get all his pawns beaten in this nice
way.

Khair issi mein hai, qiyamat takk rehey Momin ghulam; chhorr kar auron
ki khatar yeh jahan-e-bisabat.
Hes better a slave up to the dooms day, leave the mortal world for others
hey-day.
1325

Hai wohi shear-o-tasawwuf oss kay haq mein khoob-ter; jo chhopa dey oss
ki ankhhon sey tamashaey hayat.
The verse and mysticism suits for his deen; which hides from his eyes
lifes vital scene.

Her nafas darta hon iss ummat ki bidari sey mein; hai haqiqat jiss kay deen
ki ehtisab-e-kainat.
(Ehtisab-e-kainat: Dunya aur dunya walon ka mohasbah karna.)
I fear from this Ummah lest they awake, being his faiths base, world
account he would take.

Must rakhho zikr-o-fikr-e-sobh gahi mein issey; pokhtah-ter kar duo mizaje-khanqahi mein issey.
(Mizaj-e-khanqahi: Rahbaniyat ka rawiyah.)
In prays at dawn keep him rapt and grave. Make him zealot fan of tombs
and graves.
(Rapt: Raised to raptures. Grave: serious. Zealot: fanatic.)
13th March, 2013
A DECADE LATER
This month of March marked the tenth anniversary of invasion of Iraq
during which death and destruction was perpetrated at massive scale. A
decade later some of the observers from the civilized world dared criticizing
the Iraq War, but US administration and its European allies preferred to
remain silent on the occasion.
1326
The history is repeating itself mercilessly in the neighbouring Syria.

It has been two years that this country is being destroyed in terms of men
and material. The strategy is no different except avoiding direct military
intervention. The West is fully aided by Arabs and Turks.
Elsewhere, in the Islamic world the things are also quite under control
of Crusaders. Islamic countries of North Africa have been through the hustle
of Arab Spring, left to taste sweet-and-sour wild berries of the spring season.
President Mursi of Egypt is especially feeling the bitterness this fruit.
NEWS
Far East
Malaysia: On 3rd March, five Malaysian policemen and two gunmen
have died in a fresh clash on Borneo Island, as fears mounted that violence
linked to a deadly standoff with Filipino intruders was spreading. The
shootout last evening in the town of Semporna followed a firefight a day
earlier between Filipino followers of a self-proclaimed sultan and Malaysian
security forces that left 12 intruders dead along with two police officers. The
latest clash in Malaysia's biggest security crisis of recent years occurred
when police were ambushed by gunmen.
On 5th March, Malaysias military launched a fierce assault including
jet fighters on up to 300 Filipino intruders after a deadly three-week
standoff, but the militants supporters said they had escaped and were alive
and well. Malaysias national police chief had also raised doubts about the
success of the air and ground attack, saying mopping up operations had yet
to find any bodies and suggesting at least some of the militants might have
slipped away.
On 7th March, clashes between intruding Filipino militants and
Malaysian security forces left 60 people dead, as Malaysia rejected a
ceasefire offer from the fighters leader. Police chief said 32 followers of a
self-proclaimed Philippine sultan had been killed in two confrontations since
yesterday near the scene of a three-week standoff in Sabah state. Troops and
police continued hunting the militants in Borneo Island.
On 10th March, Malaysian police shot dead a teenager and injured a
man as they tried to end a month-long incursion by Filipino gunmen in
remote Sabah state that has seen 62 people killed. The death of the teen,
whose identity and nationality has not yet been confirmed, came on the same
1327
day that police said two officers were hurt in clashes with armed Filipino
Islamists.
Myanmar: On 11th March, a UN expert said: While the process of
reform is continuing in the right direction, there are significant human rights
shortcomings that remain unaddressed, such as discrimination against the
Rohingya in Rakhine state and the ongoing human rights violations in
relation to the conflict in Kachin state.
On 15th March, the UN human rights office voiced concern at reports
that the Thai Navy shot dead at least two Rohingya asylum-seekers who fled
Myanmar by boat. According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights, the shooting took place on February 22 while the Navy
was transferring around 130 people from the boat they had arrived in into
smaller boats.
Bangladesh: On 3rd March, Bangladesh deployed troops in part of the
country after fresh clashes erupted, taking the death toll to 76 in weeks of
violence over the conviction of Islamist leaders for war crimes. Twenty
people were killed in the latest violence as the largest Islamic party Jamaate-Islami declared a nationwide strike to denounce the trials.
In the northern district of Bogra Jamaat supporters armed with sticks
and home-made bombs attacked 12 police stations, torching four of them
and two government offices. Six people were shot dead in the northwestern
town of Panchbibi after security officials opened fire at protesters and at
least 70 people were injured, many by bullets.
The government has banned rallies and gatherings in at least four
towns in the north to quell violence, police said. An inter-city train was
torched, allegedly by protesters. The war crimes trials of a dozen leaders
from Jamaat and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have
opened old wounds and divided the nation, with the opposition accusing the
government of staging a witch-hunt.
Next day, a petrol bomb exploded outside the hotel where Indias
president was staying in Bangladesh as four more protesters died in a wave
of violence sparked by the prosecution of local Islamist leaders. Police in the
capital Dhaka and hotel employees said nobody was injured by the
explosion just outside the luxury Sonargaon Pan Pacific Hotel where
President Pranab was staying.
The violence continued to rage over the conviction of the leaders of
Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami by a local war crimes court. A total of 81
1328
people have been killed since the first conviction on January 21. The worst
violence in Bangladesh since independence comes ahead of elections due in
the next 12 months and it has already hit the countrys economy, which the
central bank says was already slowing down.
On 7th March, a young ruling party activist beaten to death during
clashes in northwestern Bangladesh as a nationwide strike called by the
opposition shut schools and businesses across the country. The opposition
Bangladesh Nationalist Party enforced the strike to protest at police firing on
a rally yesterday, when at least two senior party officials were hit by rubber
bullets in front of the BNP headquarters.
On 10th March, a policeman was killed in a gunfight with protesters in
a remote southern village, as violence over war crime convictions of Islamic
leaders continued to mount in Bangladesh. Police said a constable was hit by
a bullet after around 1,000 supporters of the countrys largest Islamic party,
Jamaat-e-Islami, attacked police entering a village in Khulna district and
tried to detain a Jamaat activist on charges of violence.
Next day, Police said they had detained the deputy head of
Bangladeshs main opposition party and a string of top party officials in a
major crackdown after clashes rocked the capital Dhaka. The arrests came
after police in armoured vehicles fired rubber bullets to disperse opposition
demonstrators, turning the streets of central Dhaka into a battleground for
nearly an hour. Police stormed the headquarters of the Bangladesh
Nationalist Party (BNP) and took into custody acting secretary general and
dozens of senior BNP officials and activist.
Mainland Asia
DPRK: On 7th March, the UN Security Council unanimously
approved more sanctions against North Korea, imposing penalties on the
countrys banking, travel and trade. The vote on the resolution drafted by the
United States and China came hours after North Korea warned for the first
time it would launch pre-emptive nuclear attacks on the United States and
South Korea.
On 9th March, North Korea formally rejected a UN Security Council
resolution that demands an end to its nuclear arms programme, as China
called for calm, saying sanctions were not the fundamental way to resolve
tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang said it would pursue its goal
of becoming a full-fledged nuclear weapons state, despite the sanctions
which were unanimously imposed by the Security Council.
1329
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that North Koreas third

nuclear test and threats of military action are completely unacceptable.
North Korea threatened the United States on March 7 with a pre-emptive
nuclear strike and has scrapped the armistice with Washington that ended
hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War.
On 11th March, South Korea and the United States launched joint
drills involving thousands of troops, defying North Koreas apocalyptic
threat to repudiate the 60-year-old Korean War armistice in retaliation.
Pyongyang has condemned the annual joint manoeuvres as a provocative
invasion rehearsal and announced that effective Monday it was scrapping
the 1953 armistice and voiding non-aggression treaties signed with the
South.
Experts point out that North Korea has declared the ceasefire dead or
obsolete nearly a dozen times in the past 20 years. On the last occasion in
2009, the North specifically said it would no longer guarantee the safety of
US or South Korean naval vessels operating near the disputed maritime
border. Sabre-rattling and displays of brinkmanship are nothing new in the
region.
Russia: On 7th March, Russian forces killed the leader and two other
militants of one of the rebel groups fighting to carve an Islamist state out of
the North Caucasus. The dead leader, Adam Khushalayev, who had adopted
the name Abu-Malik, had been a wanted man for over a decade. One law
enforcement officer was killed and another wounded in a gunfight with the
militants in the Vedeno district, one of the regions hardest hit by two
separatist wars in Chechnya after the Soviet collapse.
Middle East
Iraq: On 3rd March, a suicide bomber struck in an area between major
shrines in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, wounding 10 people, while other
attacks left five people dead. The shrines for the two grandsons of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) are among the holiest sites in Islam, and they are visited by
hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Iraq and abroad each year.
On 5th March, a string of bombings and shootings in Iraq killed 13
people and wounded at least 35 others. Two car bombs targeted police in the
northern city of Kirkuk, killing five and wounding at least 18, while gunmen
killed a town council member and a North Oil Company employee south of
the city,. A car bomb exploded near a football field southeast of Baquba
killing three people and wounding another 17.
1330
On 10th March, gunmen killed an anti-government protest organizer in

north Iraq, while a city council member and a farmer were shot dead in other
attacks. Unknown gunmen shot dead protest organizer Bnayan Sabar alObeidi in front of his house in the northern city of Kirkuk. Obeidi's death
comes two days after activists said security forces fired on a demonstration
in Mosul, killing at least one protester and wounding others.
Next day, a suicide bomber killed three people and wounded 165 in
northern Iraq, while four people were killed in shootings elsewhere in the
country. The bomber struck at a police station in the town of Dibis,
northwest of Kirkuk. Many of the wounded were pupils at an adjacent
Kurdish girls secondary school.
On 14th March, a coordinated string of bombings and an assault on a
ministry near Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone killed 18 people, in
the Iraqi capital. The attacks come just days before the 10th anniversary of
the US-led invasion of Iraq, and with barely a month to go before the
country holds its first elections in three years. No group immediately
claimed responsibility.
Next day, gunmen shot dead eight Iraqi soldiers as they were on their
way to report to their unit in a town north of Baghdad. At least one soldier
survived the gun attack in which a minibus the troops were traveling in
overturned, but he was badly wounded. Meanwhile, gunmen in military
uniforms attacked the house of an Iraqi anti-Qaeda militia leader north of
Baghdad, killing him and three of his sons. With the latest attack, 17
members of the Sahwa anti-Qaeda militia forces have been killed in violence
this month. The Sahwa are made up of Sunni Arab tribesmen who joined
forces with the US military against al-Qaeda from late 2006, helping turn the
tide against the insurgency.
Palestine: On 7th March, a Palestinian who was seriously injured by a
rubber bullet to the head during a protest, which erupted after a prisoner died
in Israeli custody, died of his wounds. Asfour, a 22-year-old student studying
sports, was seriously wounded by a rubber-coated steel bullet to the head
fired by Israeli troops during a demonstration in the West Bank village of
Abud on February 23.
Next day, clashes broke out between Israeli security forces and
Palestinian protesters in the occupied West Bank and at a holy site in
Jerusalem. Trouble broke out after the funeral in the West Bank of a
Palestinian who died of wounds yesterday after being shot by Israeli soldiers
during a confrontation two weeks ago.
1331
In Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli police fired stun grenades at

Palestinian worshippers who threw rocks and firebombs at them after Friday
prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Dozens of officers in riot gear
entered the politically sensitive area, one of Islam's holiest sites, to break up
a crowd of several hundred protesters. Palestinian doctors said about 35
protesters were injured at the plaza.
On 12th March, Israeli troops killed a Palestinian during a
confrontation with a stone-throwing crowd in a flashpoint district of the
occupied West Bank. The incident in Fuwar, near the city of Hebron, stoked
tensions ahead of a visit by US President Barack Obama next week that has
been billed as a bid to encourage new peacemaking.
On 15th March, the Israeli army arrested 10 Palestinians on suspicion
of stone throwing blamed for a road accident in which an Israeli woman and
her three daughters were injured. The accident took place in the West Bank
settlement of Ariel. Israeli Special Forces acting on precise intelligence
arrested eight Palestinians from the village of Haris, south of Qalqilya, and
two more from the village of Kifl Haris.
Syria: On 3rd March, President Bashar al-Assad insisted he will not
step down and blasted Britains support for his foes, as opposition chief
Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib visited north Syria. We are ready to negotiate with
anyone, including militants who surrender their arms, Assad told Britains
Sunday Times newspaper in an interview conducted last week in Damascus.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague reacted to the interview by
calling the Syrian leader delusional for failing to see that he was to blame
for the carnage. Hague also said that he would this week announce more
assistance to the Syrian opposition in the form of non-lethal equipment, and
refused to rule out the possibility of arming them in the future. This is a
man presiding over this slaughter, he told BBC television.
On the ground, meanwhile, some 200 troops and rebels were killed in
eight days of fighting over a police academy in Khan al-Assal in Aleppo
province, with insurgents seizing control of most of the complex. The
Britain-based group said at least 120 government troops were among those
killed in the battle for one of the regimes last remaining bastions in the west
of the province.
Elsewhere, two mortar rounds hit an area near Umayyad square in the
heart of Damascus. The area houses the state television complex, the Assad
Library and the army general command. In the southern province of Daraa
seized an artillery unit in Jamla village near the armistice line with Israel. At
1332
least 108 people were killed in violence across the country, according to a
preliminary toll.
Next day, rebels overran the northern city of Raqa, scoring their
biggest victory since the outbreak of a revolt against President Assad. In
central Syria, insurgents battled a major army offensive to capture rebel-held
areas of the city of Homs. The rebels killed a police chief and captured two
senior security officials. Rebels took the state security chief to Turkey.
Reflecting the regional spillover from the conflict, 42 of Syrian
soldiers and seven Iraqis were killed in western Iraq as gunmen ambushed a
convoy that had crossed the border to escape fighting, a group of Iraqi army
officers said. A least 105 people were killed across Syria.
The violence came as US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Riyadh
that Washington will work with its friends to empower the Syrian
opposition; though he stressed there was no question of arming the rebels.
Asked about reports of arms being sent to Syria's rebels from countries such
as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Kerry replied: The moderate opposition has the
ability to make sure that the weapons are getting to them and not to the
wrong hands.
On 5th March, President Bashar al-Assad said his regime has defeated
the conspiracy against Syria, even as rebels overran a provincial capital
and captured its governor in the biggest coup of their revolt. Assad, in
comments published in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, also said his
opponents, backed by foreign powers, were playing a game of survival and
that his forces had the upper hand on the battlefield.
In Damascus, Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad handed over to
the Russian ambassador a German journalist, Billy Six, who was later
transferred to his countrys embassy in Beirut. As (Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei) Lavrov asked us to mediate...we told him we were ready to
help, though we once again expressed our reservations about those entering
illegally into Syria, Muqdad told reporters. A spokesman for his employers,
Junge Freiheit weekly, said six had been reporting from Syria since August
2012 and that shortly after Christmas it was informed he had been taken
captive by Syrian troops.
In the latest fighting, while warplanes bombarded rebel enclaves in
Homs, fresh clashes pitted rebels against troops in insurgent enclaves in the
city in central Syria. An activist in the rebel-held Old City district of Homs,
which has been under army siege for eight months, likened this round of
1333
fighting to a war of attrition. At least 126 people were killed across the
country during the day.
Next day, the head of the UN refugee agency said one million Syrians
have fled their homeland, warning that in the absence of a political solution,
humanitarian workers need additional funds to help the refugees and support
the countries hosting them. Antonio Guterres said in a press statement: We
are doing everything we can to help, but the international humanitarian
response capacity is dangerously stretched. This tragedy has to be stopped.
Syrian warplanes struck rebel enclaves in flashpoints across the
country, while the northern city of Raqa came under total rebel control, two
days into battles with troops loyal to President Assads regime. Dozens of
people were killed or wounded in air strikes in Raqa city that targeted the
areas around security and government buildings that the rebels seized during
their advance. Fighter jets also bombarded Homs in the centre, on the fourth
day of a major offensive aimed at crushing the insurgency in the countrys
third-largest city. Near Damascus, the air force bombarded several rebel
enclaves in the Eastern Ghouta area, including the battered town of Douma.
Britains Foreign Secretary, meanwhile, said London will provide
body armour and armoured vehicles to the rebels, as part of a non-lethal
package of aid worth $20 million. The fact remains that diplomacy is taking
far too long and the prospect of an immediate breakthrough is slim, he told
parliament in London. The British announcement comes after the European
Union authorized the supply of non-lethal military equipment and training to
Assads foes.
Russia was upset with a US decision to step up its non-military
support for the armed rebels, and it opposes calls for Assad to step down
before a launch of dialogue between the regime and opposition. US
Secretary of State John Kerry said that a lot of countries are training Syrian
rebels as part of stepped up efforts to topple Assad.
On 7th March, the UN pressed on with negotiations to secure the
release of 21 peacekeepers abducted in Syria. Six members of the group of
Filipino peacekeepers, who were patrolling the sensitive armistice line with
Israel, when they were seized by rebels. One of them said they were safe and
being cared for, and the UN confirmed they had not been harmed.
Manila condemned the seizure of its troops and demanded they be
released immediately. Concern has been mounting that their seizure might
prompt more governments to withdraw their contingents from the already
depleted UN mission. Israeli officials warned that any further reduction in
1334
the strength of UNDOF risked creating a security vacuum in the no-mans

land between the two sides on the strategic Golan Heights, which it seized in
the 1967 Six-Day War.
Syrian State television broadcast pictures of Israeli spy gear
unearthed in Syria, in what it said was proof of Israels involvement in the
armed revolt against President Assad. The broadcaster showed footage of
rocks used to camouflage surveillance cameras found on the Syrian coast,
as well as recording and video devices to transmit pictures and audio in real
time from sensitive locations.
Meanwhile, violence across Syria killed 123 people, as fighter jets
pounded the northeastern city of Raqa in a bid to recapture it. Opposition
National Coalition chief sent letters to the UN, Arab League and Islamic
Conference chiefs warning that the blood of the Syrian people will be a
curse for the whole world unless it acts to stop the bloodshed. Germany
warned that delivering weapons to Syrias rebels could result in an arms race
in the region and stressed the EU would send only defensive equipment.
President Bashar al-Assad hailed Turkish opposition to Prime
Ministers backing for the revolt in Syria. The statement comes after Assad
met a Turkish opposition delegation, which prompted Erdogan to issue a
stinging criticism of the politicians, asking why they were meeting with
such a dictator. Assad told the Republican Peoples Party delegation there
was a need to distinguish between the stance of the Turkish people, who
support stability in Syria, and the positions of Erdogans government, which
supports terrorism, extremism and destabilization in the region, it said.
Next day, a UN convoy attempting to pick up 21 Filipino
peacekeepers that their Syrian rebel captors had agreed to free was forced
back by a barrage of army shelling. In New York, UN peacekeeping chief
Herve Ladsous said the village where the soldiers are being held was coming
under intense shelling. That was denied by Syrian UN Ambassador, who said
everything was being done to get them out safely.
The rebels were demanding that Syrian troops move 20 kilometres
back from Jamla, an area at the southern end of the armistice zone in the
Golan, Hernandez said. The Philippine government had previously received
information that raised hopes the 21 would be released today and the
government now did not know if or when they would be freed, Hernandez
said.
The rebel activity so close to the armistice line, coming after violent
incidents on the Iraqi, Lebanese and Turkish borders, has stoked fears of a
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spillover of the conflict as it degenerates into a protracted civil war. A total

of 74 people were killed in the Syrian conflict during the day.
On 9th March, twenty-one Filipino UN peacekeepers seized by Syrian
rebels on the Golan Heights arrived in Jordan, hours after their captors
released them from an ordeal of more than three days. The United Nations
and the Philippines government also confirmed that the members of the UN
Force had crossed safely into Jordan from Syria. Meanwhile, Syrian troops
bombarded several rebel-held areas near Damascus, where 10 people,
including three children, were killed in clashes between troops and rebels.
Next day, Syrian warplanes bombed the Baba Amr district of Homs
hours after insurgents attacked the former rebel stronghold that was
devastated by an army siege last year. The central city was surrounded by
the army and no one was allowed to enter or leave. Baba Amr gained
notoriety during last year's bloody siege, with dozens of bodies also found in
neighbouring districts of Homs, including those of people fleeing the
fighting, which also claimed the lives of two foreign journalists.
In the oil-producing east, where rebels hold large swathes of territory,
insurgents including the Al-Nusra Front have set up a religious council to
administer police, judicial and emergency services in the area, the groups
said in a statement. Unknown before the uprising, Al-Nusra Front has been a
standard-bearer since mid-2012 when it became the spearhead of the
insurgency ahead of the mainstream rebel Free Syrian Army. Damascus
accuses both Saudi Arabia and Qatar of financing groups and labels all
armed opposition terrorists financed from abroad. At least 160 people were
killed across Syria during the day.
On 11th March, Syrian jets bombed rebel forces attempting to
recapture a keenly contested district of third city Homs, as mortar shells
slammed into a Damascus neighbourhood killing at least three people. AlQaeda meanwhile claimed the killing of 48 government troops on Iraqi
territory last week. At least 43 people were killed during the day across the
country.
On the diplomatic front, a top official of Syrias opposition met
Russian Foreign Minister to appeal Moscow to relent in its refusal to back
calls on President Bashar al-Assad to step down. And in Brussels, European
Union foreign ministers held talks with UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar
Brahimi on ways of stopping an appalling conflict about to enter its third
year.
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Next day, Syria warned it is ready to fight for years against rebels, as
world powers worked on a new initiative to find regime officials suitable for
peace talks with the opposition. The UN childrens agency, UNICEF, said
meanwhile that an entire generation of children risked being lost in the
spiraling conflict between forces loyal to President and rebels.
On the battlefield, rebels and troops fought fierce battles over the
contested district of Baba Amr in third city Homs, and clashed on the road
linking Damascus to the international airport. The fighting focused on
Khaldiyeh, with regime forces backed by tanks pounding the northern
district.
On 13th March, Russian Foreign Minister warned that arming Syrian
rebels would breach international law, after Western powers dropped
growing hints about giving military aid. Speaking in London after talks with
his British counterpart he also reiterated that it should be left to Syrians to
decide the future of President Bashar al-Assad. Lavrov's comments came a
day after David Cameron said Britain would consider ignoring a European
Union arms ban and supplying weapons to Syrian rebels if necessary.
On ground, an air strike targeted the Baba Amr area of Homs city and
at least five people, including two children were killed by mortar fire in
Damascus. Other clashes raged near the border with Lebanon, while the
regime's intelligence forces used heavy machine-gun fire to target rebel
enclaves around the ancient city of Palmyra. In the northern city of Aleppo,
warplanes carried out several strikes near Minnigh air base. At least 110
people were killed during the day.
Next day, French President Hollande urged Europes leaders to lift an
arms embargo on Syria to help rebels battling for overthrow President
Bashar al-Assads regime. He spoke as London and Paris sought jointly to
lift the embargo to enable them to arm the rebels, angering Damascus but
drawing a cautious welcome from the opposition. Opposition activists have
called on London and Paris to provide heavy weaponry to tilt the balance in
their favour.
Meanwhile, the UNs World Food Programme said the challenge of
feeding millions of people in war-ravaged Syria has escalated as funds dry
up. It issued an urgent appeal for $156 million (120 million euros) in
funding to meet plans to reach 2.5 million people inside Syria and more than
one million refugees in neighbouring countries until June.
The UN decided to restrict the movement of UNDOF, said a UN
diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity. They are no longer doing
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patrols. They have closed down some of the observation posts. Shots were
fired at one observation post after the Filipinos were freed last Saturday.
On 15th March, the European Union stood divided on whether to lift
an embargo on supplying arms to Syrias opposition despite a strong push
from Britain and France. As the conflict entered its third year, London and
Paris said there was no sign of Assad relenting on the political front as he
continued to receive arms from Russia and elsewhere. But there was little
appetite from some Europeans for arming the rebels, fearful that a flood of
weapons into Syria would only escalate the conflict.
Next day, Syria's President called on the BRICS nations to intervene
to end the conflict in his country, in a letter delivered by his adviser
Bouthaina Shaaban during a trip to South Africa. Shaaban said she had
delivered the letter to South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the
BRICS summit in South Africa on March 26. The BRICS acronym refers to
the nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, all developing
powers which opposed the use of force in Libya.
Security forces pounded the rebel-held town of Binesh near the
Turkish border killing a woman and five children, and also rained shells on
parts of Damascus. A brigadier general and about 20 soldiers defected from
the Syrian army in two separate incidents. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch
warned that Syria's regime is expanding its use of cluster munitions in the
conflict.
Turkey: On 13th March, Kurdish rebels freed eight Turkish prisoners
in response to a new peace push by Ankara to end a 29-year-old insurgency
in southeast Turkey. The release of the eight who had been held for two
years in northern Iraq came after jailed Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah
Ocalan said last month that he hoped to see prisoners reach their families.
UAE: On 4th March, the trial of 94 Islamists accused of plotting to
seize power in the United Arab Emirates began in the absence of rights
activists and foreign reporters, who were barred from the court. The state
security court, part of the Federal Supreme Court, convened in Abu Dhabi to
try the activists arrested between March and December last year.
Ten of the defendants are being tried in absentia, while 13 are women.
The first hearing was procedural, and was attended by representatives of
local press and Emirati civil society groups. The accused are said by
prosecutors to be linked to the Al-Islah group, which has ties with the
outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
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The case has sparked a sharp deterioration of relations between Abu

Dhabi and Cairo, already under strain since Brotherhood candidate
Mohamed Mursis election as Egyptian president last June. UAE, where
membership of political parties is banned, has rejected a request from Egypt
for the release of its nationals.
Africa
Mali: On 3rd March, clashes in northern Mali left at least 50 rebel
fighters and a French soldier dead, following reports that two top militants
were killed in recent days. Both French and Malian officials said clashes had
intensified in the region in recent days, with French Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian saying a French soldier had died in some of the heaviest
fighting that we have carried out on Malian territory.
Next day, an al-Qaeda source confirmed the death of one of the
leaders of the organizations North African wing, in the most significant
success yet for the French-led operation against Islamist fighters in Mali. AlQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) chief Abdelhamid Abou Zeid was
killed as a result of a French bombing raid in the Ifoghas Mountains.
On 5th March, France said that dozens of rebels have been killed in the
bloodiest phase of the Mali conflict to date, but it remained unclear if key
commander Mokhtar Belmokhtar was among them. Chadian President Idriss
Deby Itno reiterated his belief that Belmokhtar had been killed during fierce
fighting in recent days in the mountains near border with Algeria.
Next day, clashes between French troops and rebel fighters near Gao
in eastern Mali left one French soldier and around ten rebels dead. Sergeant
Wilfried Pingaud is the fourth French soldier to die in action since the
intervention in Mali began nearly two months ago. Pingaud died in
exchanges with a group of fighters that erupted as French and Malian troops
carried out an operation to secure an area about 100 kilometres east of Gao.
Four Malian soldiers were wounded in the clash.
On 8th March, Frances defence minister claimed that a major alQaeda base was dismantled by French forces in the remote mountains of
northern Mali. He also said a French national fighting with the militants had
been captured. French President Francois Hollande said earlier this week
French troops would begin withdrawing from Mali next month.
Nigeria: On 3rd March, Nigeria's military said that it killed 20 Boko
Haram Islamists while repelling an attack by the extremist group in the
embattled northeastern state of Borno. The attack occurred in the village of
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Monguno, about 200 kilometres from Borno's capital of Maiduguri,

considered Boko Haram's home base where the radical group has been
blamed for scores of deadly attacks.
On 9th March, Nigerian group Ansaru claimed to have killed seven
foreign hostages abducted from a construction site last month in the
countrys restive north. There was however no confirmation from Nigerian
authorities or the countries where the hostages were said to be from. An
official from the construction company, Setraco, told AFP he was aware of
the report but could not confirm it.
On 11th March, a video posted online claimed to show the bodies of at
least some of the seven foreign hostages believed killed by extremist group
Ansaru following their abduction in Nigeria. The video showed at least four
victims. The images match screenshots released at the weekend along with
the claim that the hostages had been executed.
Tunisia: On 14th March, Ali Larayedh became Tunisias new Islamist
premier, taking over from his predecessor Hamadi Jebali and faced with the
task of ending a political and economic crisis gripping the country. Speaking
at the swearing in ceremony at the prime ministers office, Larayedh said his
cabinet would listen to the concerns of the nation and the people.
Larayedhs new cabinet, formed after weeks of fraught political
negotiations and uncertainty triggered by the killing of Belaid, is an
awkward alliance grouping Ennahda, two secular parties and independent
technocrats. Tunisian media had highlighted the daunting political, social
and economic challenges the government faces, with one newspaper
warning that it was not entitled to make mistakes.
Egypt: On 3rd March, John Kerry urged Egypt to work harder and
make compromises for ending its political divisions, as he pledged $250
million in US aid to revive the country's dilapidated economy. He wrapped
up his two-day visit to Egypt with a candid and constructive meeting with
President Mursi in which he called on the bitterly divided Egyptian political
factions to unite.
A US State Department official traveling with him told reporters that
the primary goal here is to encourage his to encourage his work that he
did with Israelis in getting the Gaza ceasefire. He was referring to Egyptianmediated truce that ended eight days of fighting in November between Israel
and Islamist Hamas.
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Next day, the main security building in Port Said was set ablaze as
fighting which cost six lives erupted anew between police and protesters in
the restive Suez Canal city. Rescue services could not reach the area, as
anger mounted in the city where a campaign of civil disobedience entered its
third week. The unrest, fuelled by January death sentences handed down to
football fans over deadly riots, boiled over again.
On 6th March, Egypts administrative court ordered the cancellation of
controversial parliamentary elections scheduled for April 22, throwing the
country deeper into political crisis. Judge Abdel Meguid al-Moqanen said
President Mursi had ratified a new electoral law last month without sending
it to the Supreme Constitutional Court for its approval, as required by the
constitution. Consequently, the administrative court referred the law to the
constitutional court and canceled Mursis decree calling for elections.
On 9th March, a court verdict over football violence sparked fresh
unrest with deadly clashes and buildings torched in the capital. A Port Said
court, sitting in Cairo for security reasons, confirmed death sentences for 21
defendants and handed down life sentences to five people, with 19 receiving
lesser jail terms and another 28 exonerated. Fans of Al-Ahly football club,
whose members were killed in a February 2012 stadium riot in Port Said in
which 74 people died, had warned police they would retaliate if the
defendants were exonerated.
In Cairo, a protester was shot dead in fresh clashes with the police.
Separately, emergency services chief said a protester suffocated after
inhaling tear gas, and died in the ambulance on his way to hospital.
Sporadic clashes have been going on for weeks close to Tahrir Square. The
numbers swelled when the regular protesters were joined by activists and
football fans following the verdict.
On 10th March, discontent in Egypt's police ranks boiled over into an
unprecedented strike, with officers saying they will refuse orders until they
are no longer used as political pawns, adding to the problems of President
Mohamed Mursi. Accused of excessive use of force by the opponents of
Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood, police officers say they feel despised by
the people when they are simply following orders and they will not take
any more.
On 13th March, a legal body representing President Mohamed Mursi
filed an appeal against a court ruling canceling Egypt's controversial
parliamentary polls. The Supreme Administrative Court will examine the
1341
case on February 17. On March 6, a lower court had ordered the cancellation
of the April 22 elections.
Somalia: On 12th March, Somali pirates released a Greek-owned oil
tanker and its 26 sailors, including 14 Filipinos, who were seized in the
Arabian Sea 10 months ago. The Liberian-flagged MT Smyrni as well as its
crew was en route to Oman, the foreign affairs department said in a
statement. The Smyrni was carrying 135,000 tonnes of crude oil when it was
hijacked.
Europe: On 14th March, Britains Labour Party suspended Pakistanborn Muslim peer Nazir Ahmed over reports that he blamed a Jewish
conspiracy for his imprisonment over a fatal car crash. The Times newspaper
said Ahmed, who was jailed for dangerous driving after sending text
messages shortly before the accident, had attributed his prison sentence on
pressure placed on British courts by Jews who own newspapers and TV
channels.
He allegedly told a Pakistani television station that the judge who
jailed him for 12 weeks was appointed after helping a Jewish colleague of
former Prime Minister Tony Blair during a case, according to translations of
his Urdu language comments obtained by the newspaper. The Labour Party
deplores and does not tolerate any sort of anti-Semitism. Following reports
in The Times today we are suspending Lord Ahmed pending an
investigation, a party spokesman said.
Next day, three British Muslims including a convert to Islam pleaded
guilty in court to traveling to Pakistan for terror training. Richard Dart, 29,
Imran Mahmood, 21, and Jahangir Alam, 26, appeared by video-link before
a judge at the Old Bailey, Englands central criminal court. The three men
were arrested in July last year.
America: On 4th March, a south Florida imam was convicted on

charges of funneling more than $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban. A federal
court jury convicted Hafiz Khan, 77, on four counts of providing money and
support to the group, which the United States considers a terrorist
organization. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Jurors
returned their verdict on the fifth day of deliberations following a two-month
trial.
On 7th March, a son-in-law of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda
spokesman was arrested in Jordan and brought to New York, after a secret
operation conducted by Jordanian authorities and the FBI. Suleiman Abu
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Ghaith, initially had been picked up in Turkey. The Turkish government

deported him to Jordan, where local authorities and the FBI took custody of
him. Abu Ghaith is now being held in a detention facility in the New York
City area and is expected to be charged and eventually brought to trial in
federal court.
Next day, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, son-in-law of Osama bin Laden who
once served as al Qaeda's spokesman, pleaded not guilty to the charge of
conspiring to kill Americans when he appeared in a New York federal court
house. Ghaith, 47, stood before a federal judge in a blue prison uniform with
his hands cuffed behind his back. Prosecutors said much of their case is
made up of a 22-page statement that Ghaith provided upon his arrest in
Jordan, along with previously recorded video and audio statements.
On 16th March, an Algerian Muslim immigrant was sentenced to 10
years in prison for plotting an attack on New York City synagogues, even as
his lawyers continued to insist that he was manipulated by a police mole and
never had any intention of carrying it out. Ahmed Ferhani, 28, pleaded guilty
to rare state-level terror charges in order to avoid the possibility of decades
in prison. His lawyers acknowledged that he purchased guns, ammunitions
and an inert grenade at the conclusion of an elaborate police sting.
VIEWS
Iraq
Epidemic of birth defects in Iraq: War zones are heavily polluted
with a variety of contaminants, and toxic metal mixtures are routinely found
in these areas. Metal contaminants in war zones originate from bombs and
bullets as well as from other explosive devices. Metals, most importantly
lead (Pb), uranium (U), and mercury (Hg), are used in the manufacture of
munitions. Their purpose and utility have been repeatedly described in US
military manuals and bulletins (Departments of the Army, the Navy, the Air
Force, Joint Technical Bulletin 1998; US Department of the Army Technical
Manual 1990).
In addition, the US armed forces have used depleted uranium (DU)
weapons in recent wars. DU weaponry was first extensively used in the US
invasion of Iraq and Kuwait in 1991. At that time, an estimated DU
expenditure of 320 to 800 tonnes was mainly shot at the Iraqi troops who
were withdrawing from Kuwait to Basrah.
1343
Later, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the armed forces of the United
States and the United Kingdom shot ammunition made from DU at a wide
variety of targets, including populated cities, power and sanitation
infrastructure (electrical power plants and water and sewage treatment
plants), and civil and agricultural infrastructure. Although the amount of DU
used and the specific locations of DU releases are not well known,
approximately 2,000 tonnes of DU may have been used in Iraq.
Large quantities of DU bullets were also expended in the Iraqi
environment. Between 2002 and 2005, the US armed forces expended six
billion bullets according to the figures of the US General Accounting Office.
That is 250,000 bullets per insurgent killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. An
accurate tally of the numbers of bombs and the locations of bombings in Iraq
is being compiled by the US Air Force. This information can be utilized in
future studies to assess Iraqi public metal exposures and possible differential
exposures in that population.
The highest levels of public exposure to toxic metals occur during and
immediately after each bombardment. Upon explosion, the target
populations health is endangered by overpressure (shock), fragmentation,
and heat. The explosion of bombs creates fine metal-containing dust
particles that linger in the air and can be inhaled by the public. Metals are
persistent in the environment and metal-containing fine dust may be reinjected into the air periodically as a result of wind and air turbulence. Iraq is
well known for its strong and frequent sandstorms, which can easily render
contaminated dust airborne. Since war debris and the wreckage from
ammunition and bombs remain unabated in the environment, the weathering
process facilitates continuous metal release into the environment.
Weathering war-wreckage continues to be a source of public exposure to
toxic metals long after bombing raids have ceased.
After bombardment, the targeted population will often remain in the
ruins of their contaminated homes, or in buildings where metal exposure will
continue. Our research in Fallujah indicated that the majority of families
returned to their bombarded homes and lived there, or otherwise rebuilt on
top of the contaminated rubble of their old homes. When possible, they also
used building materials that were salvaged from the bombarded sites. Such
common practices will contribute to the publics continuous exposure to
toxic metals years after the bombardment of their area has ended
War-related public health catastrophes, like the one unfolding in Iraq,
cannot be prevented elsewhere if public health professionals remain silent.
1344
We must recognize that studying, documenting, and publishing our findings

is virtually useless if we do not make ourselves heard. As public health
professionals, we are aware of the gravity of the situation and are fully
equipped to challenge the usual advocates for sanctions and war against the
most vulnerable populations in the Middle East. Therefore, we have a
special moral and social responsibility to oppose the deadly sanctions and
embargoes which have systematically undermined the public health of Iraqis
(1991-2003), of Iranians, and of the Palestinian people in Gaza, to name
only a few.
To help restore public and environmental health to pre-invasion
conditions in Iraq, medical interventions and large-scale environmental
cleanup are urgently needed. To prevent Iraq-style devastation from
recurring elsewhere, we must organize anti-sanctions campaigns, publically
denounce threats of war on Iran, and stop the current debilitating sanctions
on Iran.
Some campaigns to protect Iranians from the devastating effects of
sanctions have been initiated by humanitarian organizations, like the Havaar
Iranian Initiative Against War, Sanctions and State Repression. Similar
efforts need to be spearheaded by public health professionals to pressure the
US government and stop sanctions on Iran before many more die. Mozhgan
Savabieasfahani for Aljazeera, reprinted in TheNation 16th March)
Did the US win or lose the war? This month marks the 10th
anniversary of the Iraq War. In October 2002, I wrote a cover-story about
Iraq for the first issue of American Conservative magazine entitled The
March to Folly. My article predicted the impending invasion of Iraq would
be a disaster for all concerned.
The only victor of war with Iraq, I wrote, would be Israel, whose
nuclear monopoly and regional domination would be assured. So it has come
to be.
Iraq was split into Shia, Sunni and Kurdish regions. Anger against the
US reached new intensity. The titanic bill for the Iraq War was $1 trillion, all
of it hidden in the ballooning US national debt. Nearly 5,000 US soldiers
were killed; some 50,000 wounded many with grave brain injuries. Iraqi
casualties are uncertain, though the total is likely over one million.
Parts of Iraq are contaminated by US and British depleted uranium
munitions. Diseases, wiped out under the late Saddam Hussein, have
returned. His sadistic secret police have been replaced by almost equally
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cruel security forces of the US-backed Baghdad regime. Once among the
most advanced Arab nations, much of Iraq today is ruined.
Amazingly, Americas right wing and media still hails this disaster as
a victory. Many Americans still believe the Bush Administrations lies that
Saddam was behind the 9/11 attacks. Some also still believe Iraq had
weapons of mass destruction that threatened North America.
The politicians who concocted this war, namely George W. Bush,
Dick Cheney and Britains Tony Blair, have escaped any criminal censure
for misleading their people into a conflict whose goal was to grab Iraqs vast
oil reserves and crush an enemy of Israel.
Similarly, the many print and TV journalists and commentators, who
acted as cheerleaders for the war and its bodyguard of lies, remain
prominently in public view today. So too the so-called military experts, who
championed the war. Instead of slinking away after the war, they simply
switched their aim to Iran.
Most shockingly, the insidious role of the pro-war neoconservatives in
promoting the war was never fully revealed to the Americans. Yet for a time,
a pro-Israel neocon cabal linked up with aggressive big oil men like Cheney
and Rumsfeld to drive the US into a totally unnecessary war against former
US ally, Saddam Hussein. Israels leader, Ariel Sharon, thundered: The road
to Tehran lies through Baghdad.
The small number of American journalists, Mideast analysts, CIA and
State Department experts, who dared challenge Bushs absurd claims about
Iraqs supposed nukes and drones of death, lost their jobs and have been
sidelined to this day.
This writer, for example, was one of the first to assert in public that
Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and no means of delivery, even if it
did. For my pains, I was blacklisted by a major US national TV network for
whom I had regularly broadcast. Other blacklistings followed.
Bushs modern-day crusade against Iraq discredited the mainstream
media in the eyes of many younger Americans and led to their growing
reliance on the internet. Polls showed that only 24 percent of Americans
trusted the media to tell them the facts. The US media, with key exceptions,
had followed the old Soviet media in acting as a mouthpiece for the
government, instead of a tribune for the public.
The Iraq War accelerated the militarization of US society and conduct
of foreign affairs, and further curtailed individual freedoms endangered by
1346
the attacks of 9/11. It left the US saddled with a crushing debt. While bridges
and roads across America were crumbling, the US was spending $80 billion
on rebuilding Iraq. Nearly all this money was stolen and never seen again.
The crushing of Iraq, a small nation of 24 million rent by rebellion
and wrecked by sanctions, was shamelessly trumpeted by the US media and
politicians as a titanic victory for American arms akin to World War II. The
aged US Republican leader, John McCain, made giddy by the jolly little war
in Iraq, sang, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.
As King Pyrrhus exclaimed in 279 BC after a brutal, bloody battle,
one more such victory and we are lost. (Eric S Margolis, TheNation 17 th
March)
US failure in Iraq war: Lessons learned? At the risk of simplifying
a rich and tangled history of failure, three big things went wrong in the Bush
administration's decision to go to war with Iraq. The first was hubris: the
belief that a US invasion could not only topple Hussein quickly (as it did),
but also produce a swift, low-cost transition to democracy (which it didn't).
The second failing was flawed intelligence: the assumption, abetted by bad
information, that because Hussein had been working on weapons of mass
destruction before, he must have been doing it still. The third was misuse of
intelligence: the relentless hyping of the case against Hussein by the
advocates of war, who took ambiguous information and warned, in the
words of then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that We don't want the
smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud.
Let's take the three in turn. When it comes to hubris, we've been cured
- at least for a while. There's nothing like a decade of grinding war to teach
that invasions aren't easy and counterinsurgency isn't short. If anything, the
Obama Administration has over-learned the lesson, hesitating long and hard
before backing even indirect military aid to insurgents in Syria.
But no lesson lasts forever. It took only 15 years after the traumatic
end of the Vietnam War for the United States to launch another large-scale
military expedition, the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq.
When it comes to intelligence, the CIA and other agencies have made
earnest efforts to ensure that they don't make the same mistakes again. For
many analysts, the Iraq episode was a crushing professional failure. You
cannot make excuses for the intelligence, John E McLaughlin, the CIA's
second-in-command at the time, told me last week. It's constantly in the
forefront of your mind... It's been a decade of real introspection.
1347
Since Iraq, the CIA and other agencies require that top officials
personally guarantee the quality of the intelligence they deliver. They're
more explicit about the reliability (or unreliability) of their sources. And they
subject major judgments to red teams, adversarial exercises to see if other
findings are reasonable.
So can an intelligence failure happen again? Of course it can,
McLaughlin said. You're dealing with incomplete information, arriving
incrementally, under pressure to come to definitive conclusionsand much
of the information is laced with deception. You can't ever guarantee that
there won't be a mistake.
The third problem is the most difficult: the politicization of
intelligence information. In the run-up to the invasion, top Bush
administration officials repeatedly exaggerated the case against Hussein in a
determined campaign to convince Congress and the public that war was
necessary.
Chief among the exaggerators was Vice President Dick Cheney, who
told the public that the United States was certain that Hussein had
reconstituted his chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs, and
that one of the Sept 11 hijackers had met with an Iraqi intelligence official, a
claim that was later debunked.
Intelligence officers knew that at least some of that information was
wrong, but they hesitated to dissent from their superiors and those who did
had no easy way to correct the public record.
Even when intelligence officials went public with misgivings, it didn't
always matter. At one point, McLaughlin told the Senate Intelligence
Committee that the CIA didn't think Hussein was likely to use chemical
weapons against the United States. It made no discernible impact on the
debate, he said.
Some intelligence veterans don't think this problem has been solved at
all. Most of the lessons have not been learned, said Paul R Pillar, who was
one of the CIA's chief Middle East analysts in the lead-up to the war. He
contends that even if the intelligence community had reported accurately
that Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction, the Bush administration
would still have won congressional approval for a war (Doyle McManus
for LA Times, reprinted in TheNation 17th March)
Israel
1348
Is Barack Obama willing to talk sense into Israel? In case you

havent heard, President Barack Obama leaves for Israel next week. It is
possible, though; that you havent heard because it is hard for me to recall a
less-anticipated trip to Israel by a US president. But there is a message in
that empty bottle: Little is expected from this trip - not only because little is
possible, but because, from a narrow US point of view, little is necessary.
Quietly, with nobody announcing it, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has
shifted from a necessity to a hobby for US diplomats.
Like any hobby building model airplanes or knitting sweaters
some days you work on it, some days you dont. It depends on your mood,
but it doesnt usually matter when that sweater gets finished. Obama worked
on this hobby early in his first term. He got stuck as both parties rebuffed
him, and therefore he adopted, quite rationally in my view, an attitude of
benign neglect. It was barely noticed.
The shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from necessity to hobby for
the US is driven by a number of structural changes, beginning with the end
of the Cold War. There was a time when it was truly feared that an ArabIsraeli war could trigger a wider superpower conflict For all these reasons,
Obama could be the first sitting US president to visit Israel as a tourist.
Good news for Israel, right? Wrong. While there may be fewer
reasons for the US to take risks to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,
there is still a powerful reason for Israel to do so. The status quo today may
be tolerable for Israel, but it is not healthy. And more status quo means
continued Israeli settlements in, and tacit annexation of, the West Bank.
Thats why I think the most important thing Obama could do on his trip is to
publicly and privately ask every Israeli official he meets these questions:
Please tell me how your relentless settlement drive in the West Bank
does not end up with Israel embedded there - forever ruling over 2.5 million
Palestinians with a colonial-like administration that can only undermine
Israel as a Jewish democracy and de-legitimize Israel in the world
community?
I understand why Palestinian dysfunction and the Arab awakening
make you wary, but still. Shouldnt you be constantly testing and testing
whether there is a Palestinian partner for a secure peace? After all, you have
a huge interest in trying to midwife a decent West Bank Palestinian state that
is modern, multi-religious and pro-Western a totally different model from
the Muslim Brotherhood variants around you. Everyone is focused on me
and what will I do. But, as a friend, I just want to know one thing: What is
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your long-term strategy? Do you even have one? (Thomas L Friedman for
Gulf News, reprinted in TheNation 14th March)
Youre not a tourist, Obama. Go to Israel with a message: Its too
late to change Obamas itinerary, but perhaps not too late to influence the inflight entertainment on Air Force One. Its a long journey, so the president
should have time to see two films, both Oscar nominees. The first is not Les
Miz or Argo, but 5 Broken Cameras. Shot by an amateur Palestinian filmmaker in the West Bank village of Bilin, it is a powerful eyewitness account
of the everyday reality of the occupation; from unarmed villagers clashing
with Israeli soldiers to Bilins cherished olive trees set aflame by nearby
settlers.
That will show the president what this stuck situation is doing to the
occupied. But then he should watch The Gatekeepers, released in the UK
next month, to see what it is doing to the occupier. This remarkable film
consists chiefly of interviews with six former heads of Israels security
agency, the Shin Bet. The men speak with astonishing candour of past
operations, explaining in brutal detail how they took on the terrorist
enemy, whether in an interrogation cell or by a bomb dropped from the sky.
They are hard men, one smiling with pride as he recalls the ingenious
elimination of Hamass top bomb-maker via a cellphone packed with
explosives. It was clean, he says, elegant. These are not men to hold
hands and sing Kumbaya.
Yet asked to assess the bigger picture, each one is crystal clear. You
cannot make peace using military means, says Avi Dichter. For Israel, its
too much of a luxury not to speak with our enemies, says Carmi Gillon.
There is no alternative to talking, says Avraham Shalom. Each one of these
warriors concedes that their work is ultimately futile, that Israeli security
will only be achieved by a negotiated accommodation with the Palestinians.
These men, who guarded the very gates of Israel, have come to
understand that force only buys you time and that time is running out.
Weary, they declare that 46 years of occupation has corroded the soul of the
nation they have devoted their lives to protect. Weve become cruel, says
Shalom, perhaps the hardest of these hard men. To ourselves, but mainly to
the occupied population.
As his plane heads towards Ben-Gurion airport, Obama should reflect
on that. If he actually means the words hell spend several days repeating
about the great friendship between the US and Israel if he truly cares
about Israel, he cannot come as a mere tourist. He must come with a
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message. He should listen to those who understand this occupation best;

because they understand that it has to end. (Jonathan Freedland for
Guardian, reprinted in TheNation 17th March)
Egypt
Egypts descent into lawlessness a bitter own goal: Protest has
become a way of life for many Egyptians all over the country. Everyone
seems to have a gripe; everyone is aware that something is rotten in the state
of Egypt but theres little consensus on how to put things right. Scenes of
angry demonstrators firing buildings and choking under clouds of teargas
has become routine television watching, so much so that most caf patrons
simply glance at the screen and sigh before resuming their conversations or a
game of dominoes
Instability has Egypts regional friends with fat pockets backing-off;
investment has dried up along with tourism. The Egyptian pound is bleeding
against the dollar resulting in a 15 per cent price hike on foodstuffs,
medicines and other goods and as the foreign currency reserve dwindles, the
situation is likely to worsen. The governments attempt to raise income,
property and sales taxes in accordance with IMF conditions associated with
a $4.8 billion loan is severely impacting the poor in a country where an
estimated 50 million subsist below the poverty line. A revolution of the
hungry seems inevitable unless the status quo undergoes dramatic change.
Democracy isnt doing too well either. A court has suspended
parliamentary elections scheduled to begin on April 22 on the grounds that
electoral law, which the opposition alleged favoured Islamists, must first be
reviewed by the Constitutional Court. In any event, most opposition parties,
including those under the umbrella of the National Salvation Front headed
by Mohammad Al Baradei, Amr Moussa and Hamdeen Sabahi, vowed to
boycott that ballot.
Its beyond time that Mursi stopped fiddling while his country burns
and learned that denial isnt just a river in Egypt. With all the good
intentions in the world, he cant save his country from chaos and bankruptcy
without the help of the opposition. Because of his Muslim Brotherhood
affiliations he cannot be the unifier the nation needs more than anything else
at this juncture in its history. His insistence that he was brought to office on
the ballot box will no longer wash when so many Egyptians no longer have
faith in that box in the knowledge that the Brotherhood has been selling
meat at vastly reduced prices or giving it away in the poorest areas in the
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run-up to Aprils (now defunct) parliamentary elections. Is this social

welfare or vote-buying?
A national unity government representing all sides of the political and
religious spectrum and made up of veteran politicians and technocrats is the
only sensible way forward. Mursi must admit that he cant do it alone and
reach out to the opposition. As Henry Ford is quoted as saying, Failure is
simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. (Linda S
Heard for Gulf News, reprinted in TheNation 13th March)
America
Surveillance and its impact on American Muslims: In 2011,
students in the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Hunter College put
up a sign in their club room, reading: Please Refrain from Political Convos
in the MSA. The sole justification provided? An arrow pointing to a recent
news article detailing the NYPDs vast, secret surveillance programme that
spied on American Muslims. A year and a half later, the NYPD maintains its
disturbing defence: that police surveillance of American Muslims, though
baseless, is harmless, and that those who have nothing to hide should have
nothing to fear. However, comprehensive interviews we conducted with
American Muslims in New York relayed chilling firsthand accounts of how
fear of surveillance suppressed religious practice, speech, political
expression, and threatened to dissolve the very fabric of entire community.
For over a decade, the NYPD has dispatched undercover officers and
informants into mosques, neighbourhoods, businesses and college campuses
across the New York City area and beyond, recording the minutia of
American Muslim life. Officers reportedly collected information on how
many times Muslim students prayed during their college whitewater rafting
trip, which restaurants aired Al Jazeera television programming, what people
chatted about after praying together even the type of pizza a Muslimowned pizzeria sold. All that digging up gave them literally nothing.
In August 2012, Thomas P Galati, chief of the Intelligence Division,
admitted under oath that during his six-year tenure, the surveillance
programme had not yielded a single criminal lead. But the lack of leads did
not mean the surveillance had no impact. Across New York City, American
Muslims describe devastating consequences to their day-to-day lives. And
the stories abound. After one young man found out he unknowingly
befriended an NYPD undercover officer at his mosque, he broke off all ties
with anyone from that mosque and its larger community. Another young
woman from Queens mused: You look at your closest friends and ask: are
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they informants? A student at a City of University of New York campus was

offered money and the promise of immigration benefits by two NYPD
officers in exchange for working as an informant and perusing his friends
Facebook pages. While he declined, he realized that his classmates might
also have likely faced similar offers and might have not turned them down.
And so now he assumes that informants are everywhere: We have a huge
student body. Its impossible to know anyone. The result? Silence.
An imam in Brooklyn told us that his congregants urged him not to
venture into discussions of social justice or promote call-outs for Trayvon
Martin protests. Lets just talk about pilgrimage. One hookah bar owner
banned screening Al Jazeera news network. A young community organizer,
who comes from a family of activists, described how his parents discouraged
him from speaking out about surveillance. This was the first time in my
own family where safety trumped... the right thing to do. Ironically, or
perhaps, effectively, surveillance has muted dissent. Muslim youth and
students were among the most hard-hit. Rather than exploring their opinions
and engaging with their peers, the way other college students do, they kept
their head down and lay low. Several reported switching out of political
science majors, in favour of conventional careers.
One professor from Brooklyn College felt that Muslim students are
getting an inferior education because of this [surveillance], and thats not
fair. And kids are no longer kids. I think twice before every time I put
something on Facebook. I have to make sure it doesnt give the wrong idea
to law enforcement, said a young woman from Queens. One student from
Brooklyn College confessed, rather timidly, that he has stopped using the
Arabic term for bombshell to talk about an attractive girl with his friends.
He thought that would trigger all sorts of surveillance. Many others were
extremely cautious and told us their stories softly, and anonymously, behind
closed doors. They were scared to simply tell their story, or to even mention
the word surveillance.
One young woman surmised, Even if we know we have rights, we
know they dont apply equally to everyone. Unsurprisingly, many
interviewees felt alienated from law enforcement. This worsened as New
Yorkers learned that the NYPD was monitoring even its closest American
Muslim partners, including imams who frequently appeared at the Mayors
side. As hate crimes against Muslims have made several headlines recently,
the NYPD should implement policies to protect and support this large and
diverse population of New York. Instead, by engaging in profiling practices,
like surveillance and stop and frisk, the NYPD continues to stigmatize and
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alienate entire segments of New Yorks population. New York City is

known for the diversity of its expressive, political, religious and communal
life. American Muslims, who account for close to 10 per cent of New
Yorkers, are an inalienable part of the citys makeup. The NYPDs secret
spying programme and the city officials who defend seem blind to that
reality. (Nermeen Arastu for Al-Jazeera, reprinted in TheNation 15th March)
REVIEW
Analysts with their conscience live observed the tenth anniversary of
immoral and brute invasion of Iraq by criticizing the Bush Administration.
The most widely condemned aspect of the invasion, as usual, has been that
the war on Iraq was based on faulty pretext of concocted intelligence about
the weapons of mass destruction which never existed.
These analysts from the West still believe, or pretend to believe, that
depriving Saddam Hussein of WMDs was the main aim of the Iraq War, but
it wasnt so. The real aim of the Bush Administration was two-fold; one,
demilitarize Iraq to ensure security of Israel and two, grab the oil wealth of
Iraq. Both the intended goals were achieved before thinning out the
occupation forces from the country; most analysts acknowledge that these
tasks had been fully accomplished.
The beauty of the beastly strategy is that the Iraqis liberated from the
oppressive rule of dictator Saddam are left fighting each other. Shias and
Sunnis are on each others throats, while more than two-thirds of their oil
wealth has been frisked away by oil companies of the West. The hostilities
between the two major communities are not likely to end in the foreseeable
future and thus Iraq is not likely to come close to posing a threat to Israel or
US interests.
The same deceptive strategy is now being pursued in Syria and is

working well. The Crusaders are helping the rebels on humanitarian
grounds to topple the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Like the regime change in
case of Saddam Hussein, here too the unstated aim of regime change in
Syria is two-fold; one, consolidate the security of Israel and two, isolate
Iran.
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17th March, 2013
TARGET PAKISTAN
The terrorists have diverted their attention from the Crusaders to
Shia community. They seemed to be interested more in sabotaging the
sectarian harmony in Pakistan than evicting the Crusaders from the region.
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Virtually, the war is now being waged against Pakistan by most of the
belligerent forces no matter to which side of the divide they belong.
The United Nations at last woke up to the ground realities of
Americas holy war being waged on the soil of Pakistan. It took about a
decade and hundreds of drone strikes which killed thousands of innocent
men, women and children that these attacks were illegal and immoral. The
Interior Minister of the outgoing government, however, claimed that he
would be handing over a safer Pakistan to his successor.
In the context of Afghanistan and Iran, the US-led civilized world
failed to secure any visible success in the dialogue with Taliban and
Ahmedinejads regime simply because it has been interested in bullying
rather than establishing peace. In the regional context, the same has been the
attitude of India; it is more interested in trade than establishing peace
through resolution of disputes.
NEWS
Pakistan: On 4th March, Malala Yousafzai is in the running for this
year's Nobel Peace Prize, as the Nobel Institute announced a record 259
nominations. This year's list of candidates is made up of 209 individuals and
50 organizations, the Nobel Institute said, without disclosing any of the
names in line with its rules. The list of nominees is kept secret for 50 years.
Next day, at least 10 militants were killed in an operation launched by
security forces in two different areas of Upper Orakzai Agency. Gunship
helicopters, during the ongoing operation, bombed militant hideouts in Mir
Kalam Khail and Adam Khail areas. Three hideouts of the militants were
also destroyed in the operation.
Pakistan Army denied having carried out drone strikes in the
militancy-infected north-western tribal region last month. The denial came
in response to a news report suggesting Pakistans direct involvement in a
couple of drone attacks that had taken place in North and South Waziristan
on February 6 and February 8, as reported by The New York Times.
On 6th March, at least 12 militants were killed in clashes with security
forces at Mamonzai area in Upper Orakzai Agency. Militants equipped with
sophisticated weapons attacked a checkpoint in Mamonzai and security
forces retaliated, killing 12 militants and a vehicle packed with explosives
was also destroyed in the action.
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An anti-polio team said to be escort-less came under a militant attack

on the last day of a campaign against the viral disease in Landi Kotal tehsil
of Khyber Agency. Four unidentified militants, with their faces veiled,
snatched vaccination kits, bet the members of the team, and tore the data
lists.
The Supreme Court allowed the civil review petition of two persons
convicted by a military court for their involvement in suicide attack on
Pervez Musharraf and declared the enhancement of sentence by Military
Court of Appeal beyond jurisdiction and not in accordance with
requirements of justice. Naveed and Ameer were awarded life term and 20
years jail respectively, for their involvement in the twin suicide attacks on
Musharraf, but later army Court of Appeal converted the life term into death
sentence.
In a speech at a conference on the situation in Afghanistan post-2014
at the National University of Modern Languages, US Ambassador Richard
Olson stated that 2014 is not an exit. It is a continuation of a long-term
commitment and engagement with the Afghan people. The year 2014 is not
1989. The United States will not disengage from the region.
An American of Pakistani origin has been charged with conspiring to
pay for the training of a suicide bomber whose 2009 attack on Pakistan's
intelligence service killed 30 people and wounded hundreds. Reaz Qadir
Khan, 48, was arrested at his home in Portland, Oregon, on charges of
conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, according to US
Attorney. Later, he appeared briefly in court.
Next day, thirteen militants and a security official were killed and
three others wounded in a bombing and clashes between militants and
security forces in upper Orakzai Agency. A security forces convoy was on its
way when it got hit by a bomb planted in Nadirmela area, killing one and
wounding three other law enforcers. Two vehicles of the security forces were
also wrecked in the explosion. Security forces targeted militant positions
with artillery killing eight militants.
On 9th March, at least six people, including a prayer leader, were
killed and 29 others wounded when a bomb was detonated remotely inside a
mosque in Mina Bazaar area of Peshawar. The explosion took place when
people were about to offer Zohr prayers in Chishtia Hanafia Ganj Ali Khan
Mosque located in densely populated area.
Next day, at least two suspected militants were killed in a US drone
strike at Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan. In Khyber Agency, a 10-year1357
old boy was killed and another sustained injuries when an explosive device
planted by militants on a roadside went off in Ashraf Khel area of tehsil
Landi Kotal.
On 11th March, a landmine blast killed at least three soldiers including
a captain and injured two others in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency. A local
Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack saying heavy losses were
inflicted on security forces and six army vehicles were destroyed in attack.
Soon after the incident, security forces launched a search operation and
recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition including mortar shells.
Next day, a remote-controlled bomb targeting police killed two people
in District Bannu; hours after a cylinder blast near the home of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwas information minister in Peshawar hurt seven people. At least
21 people including four policemen suffered injuries and several vehicles
and shops were also damaged in Bannu blast.
On 13th March, a soldier was stoned to death in Parachinar over
allegations of an affair with a teenage girl. A tribal council ordered the
sentence on Anwar-ud Din, who was about 25 years old, for having illicit
relations with a local girl. There were some 40 to 50 people who hit the man
with stones till death.
Next day, the Peshawar High Courts Abbottabad bench ordered to
restore the services of 17 health workers terminated for their involvement in
a fake polio vaccination campaign that helped the United States track down
Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. The KPK Secretary Health had terminated
the services of the health workers for working under Dr Shakil Afridi on a
fake polio vaccination campaign.
On 15th March, a United Nations official warned that the US drone
attacks on Pakistan's tribal agencies are carried out without consent of the
government in Islamabad and are a violation of its sovereignty. Returning
from a three-day visit to the country's capital, Ben Emmerson QC, the UN's
special rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, said he had been
given assurances that there was no tacit consent by Pakistan to the use of
drones on its territory. His comments on Friday are a direct response to
widespread suspicions that some parts of Pakistan's military or intelligence
organizations have been providing clandestine authorization to Washington
for attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Taliban or Al-Qaeda
suspects in provinces on the Afghan border.
Emmerson's high-profile investigations have forced the Obama
Administration to respond to mounting international concerns about its
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drone attacks in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. US officials have defended

their strikes as permissible as part of the administration's global war on
terrorism. The rapporteur, Ben Emmerson, told CNN the actions are of
dubious international legality, despite the United States' assertions.
The New America Foundation estimates that in Pakistan, drones have
killed between 1,953 and 3,279 people since 2004 and that between 18 and
23 per cent of them were not militants. The nonmilitant casualty rate was
down to about 10 per cent in 2012, the group says. A study by the Bureau of
Investigative Journalism estimates that since 2004, Pakistan has had 365
drone strikes that have killed between 2,536 and 3,577 people including
411 to 884 civilians.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminded the United States that the
use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for targeted attacks was
bound by international law. Deputy Spokesman said that while responding to
a statement made by a UN expert investigating casualties from the US drone
strikes in Pakistan declaring the attacks violate the countrys sovereignty.
Next day, clashes between banned outfits Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) and Ansar-ul-Islam (AI) continued as more than one dozen houses
were reportedly set ablaze by the TTP fighters while AI claimed killing three
TTP militants in different areas of Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. In
addition, a doctor and his brother were also killed in the fighting.
Obama Administration said it was in contact with the UN expert who
has declared US drone on the Pakistani territory illegal and in violation of
the countrys sovereignty, while withholding its comments on his findings.
At this point, were going to withhold judgment on the actual report. But
were in touch with Mr Emmerson, and if there are requests for information
that are made of the administration, then well carefully consider those
requests, a White House spokesman said.
Afghanistan: On 4th March, Afghan President Hamid Karzai lashed

out once again at his supposed ally, Pakistan, saying that a statement by a
Pakistani cleric endorsing suicide bombings in Afghanistan shows the
neighbouring country is not sincere in efforts to fight terrorism. Karzai made
the comment in response to a question about a statement last week by the
head of All Pakistan Ulema Council who had been scheduled to travel to
Afghanistan for a meeting of the two countries religious leaders. Tahir
Mehmood Ashrafi of the All Pakistan Ulema Council had said in a television
interview that suicide attacks in Afghanistan are lawful because NATO
troops are invaders that have occupied the country.
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Afghanistan wants a real struggle against terrorism and wants the

Pakistani government to realize that both our nations are burning in the same
fire, he said, speaking at a press conference with visiting NATO SecretaryGeneral Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The Pakistani government has an
essential and important role in putting out this fire, Karzai added.
On 6th March, Taliban militants killed 17 Afghan soldiers in one of the
deadliest single attacks on government security forces in recent years. The
men were taken hostage in Badakhshan on 2 nd February while guarding a
convoy. Their bodies were discovered by local people in the mountainous
province, which borders China, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
On 8th March, New US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel landed in
Afghanistan on an unannounced visit nine days after he was sworn into
office, vowing to ensure a successful withdrawal of international troops. We
have a lot of big issues and challenges ahead as we prepare for a responsible
transition, he told reporters on his plane.
Next day, two suicide blasts killed at least 18 people including eight
children in Afghanistan as new US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited
Kabul. A suicide bomber on a bicycle killed nine people and injuring 13
others, including two military personnel, outside the defence ministry in
central Kabul and Taliban immediately claimed the attack. Hagel was at a
US facility less than a mile from the attack when the loud explosion
followed by gunfire was heard.
In another suicide attack, eight children and a policeman were killed
in the eastern city of Khost in a strike that targeted a joint Afghan and
international troop patrol. Police said that the officer had died when he
grabbed the attacker. The attacker detonated himself killing the policeman
and eight children. Two children were also wounded.
A ceremony to mark the complete transfer of a controversial jail from
the US to Afghan control was canceled. The event at Bagram prison had
been announced by Afghan President Hamid Karzai who said it would mark
the successful culmination of years of work to decide the fate of suspected
militants held by the US forces. But the transfer was abruptly canceled on
the day a suicide bomber killed nine people outside the defence ministry.
On 10th March, President Hamid Karzai ratcheted up his criticism of
Washington during a visit of the US defence secretary, underscoring tension
between allies struggling to stabilize the country ahead of a NATO troop
withdrawal. Karzai accused the United States and the Taliban of colluding to
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convince Afghans that foreign forces were needed to maintain peace in the
country beyond next year, when most foreign combat forces are due to leave.
Then, his government alleged US-led forces and Afghans working
with them were abusing and arresting university students and urged them to
stop. Referring to two bomb attacks yesterday, Karzai said the blasts were
aimed at convincing people that the Taliban would return if US forces
withdrew. The Taliban have for years demanded the withdrawal of foreign
forces and have never suggested that they wanted them to stay.
Next day, two US soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in a suspected
insider attack by an individual in an Afghan army uniform in eastern
province of Wardak. The attack in the flashpoint also killed several Afghan
soldiers and wounded a number of others. The insider attack in Wardak came
after the end of a deadline Karzai set for the departure of US elite Special
Forces from the strategically important province, accusing them of fuelling
instability. More than 60 foreign soldiers were killed in 2012 in insider
attacks.
On 12th March, it was reported that five US troops fighting insurgents
in southern Afghanistan were killed in a helicopter crash in bad weather.
Police in the province of Kandahar said the Black Hawk helicopter came
down late yesterday evening during a heavy rainstorm in Daman district. A
spokesman said that all on board the helicopter had died in the crash.
Next day, a suicide bomb exploded in crowds at a traditional horseback game of buzkashi in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 10 people.
The suicide attacker detonated himself at the end of the match in Imam
Sahib District of Kunduz Province. Among the dead were the district police
chief and the father of the Speaker in the national parliament. At least seven
other people were wounded in the attack.
On 14th March, the US commander in Afghanistan warned troops that
they face an increased threat of attack after a series of inflammatory anti-US
comments by President Hamid Karzai. Karzai had accused the United States
of colluding with militants to justify its presence in Afghanistan and banned
international troops from university campuses due to unproven claims of
harassment of students.
On 16th March, Afghanistans leading religious body warned the
presence of US troops in the country would soon be treated as an
occupation unless the United States hands over detainees. The fate of
prisoners held in Bagram jail has been one cause of a sharp deterioration in
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US-Afghan ties, with President Hamid Karzai repeatedly pushing to be

given full control of the facility north of Kabul.
Next day, a second helicopter crash in a week claimed the life of
another member of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. According to
officials in Kandahar province, the two-person OH-58 Kiowa helicopter
crashed in the Daman district yesterday evening. There was no indication
that the helicopter was brought down by enemy activity.
Afghan and US officials were reported working on a compromise deal
to allow American Special Forces to stay in a strategically key province near
the capital in return for full Afghan control of a controversial jail. President
Hamid Karzai's decision to expel Special Forces from Wardak province has
angered US defence officials who worry their exit could allow insurgents to
strengthen their presence the area and use it as a base to attack Kabul.
Iran: On 4th March, President Zardari said Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline

should be viewed purely in the context of the countrys energy needs. While
asserting that Pakistan is an active player in contributing to world peace and
stability, the president hoped that critics of the project would appreciate
Pakistans energy requirements and the need for importing gas. President
Zardari said Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project was one such endeavour of
the government, which would be formally launched on March 11.
Next day, Iran spurned a request by the IAEA for access to a military
base where Tehran allegedly conducted nuclear weapons research, saying the
issue should be addressed in a wider agreement with the UN atomic agency.
Our cooperation with the (IAEA) will continue in its already established
framework of cooperation, foreign ministry spokesman told a press
conference when asked about Parchin military base near Tehran. IAEA chief
Yukiya Amano had asked Iran to provide access to Parchin without further
delay, whether or not agreement has been reached on the structured
approach.
US Ambassador Richard Olson said that his country was in favour of
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. He
said America had a clear policy over Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project. We
have a clear policy over Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, Olson said, addressing a
gathering during his visit to Tarbela Dam. With the financial assistance of
USAID, the Wapda has completed first phase of the rehabilitation of Tarbela
Hydel Power Station, restoring 128 megawatt (MW) electricity to the
system.
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On 7th March, the Foreign Office spokesman in reply to a question

about the groundbreaking ceremony of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project
said that President Zardari would be visiting Iran on March 11 for the
groundbreaking of the $7.5 project. He said a consortium would start work
on the pipeline on Pakistani territory despite American warnings of possible
sanctions. He said Pakistan would go ahead with this project despite
opposition from any quarter.
On 11th March, the presidents of Pakistan and Iran inaugurated the
construction of a much-delayed section of a $7.5 billion gas pipeline linking
the two neighbours, defying the threat of US sanctions. The project involves
the laying of a 780 kilometre section of the pipeline on the Pakistani side,
expected to cost some $1.5 billion. The completion of the pipeline is in the
interests of peace, security and progress of the two countries... It will also
consolidate the economic, political and security ties of the two nations, they
said in a joint statement.
Ahmadinejad said: There are some nations who are against the
progress of people, and so they are using the nuclear issue as a pretext to
hinder the progress of the nations. This pipeline has nothing to do with the
nuclear issue; you cannot build a nuclear bomb with natural gas This
pipeline is peacemaker, so if those countries are not cooperating, then they
should not get in the way.
The United States greeted the official launch of the Iran-Pakistan
natural gas pipeline project with fresh warnings that it could trigger US
sanctions against Pakistan. We have serious concerns if this project actually
goes forward that the Iran Sanctions Act would be triggered, State
Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.
Next day, Dr Asim Hussain said that those who oppose the IP gas
pipeline cannot be friends of Pakistan. Addressing a press conference, Asim
wondered why certain quarters were raising much cry over the gas line while
Iran already exports petroleum products to several countries, including India,
Turkey, Qatar and China.
India: On 5th March, one man was killed in Indian Held Kashmir
when soldiers fired at demonstrators demanding an inquiry into the death of
a Kashmiri research scholar who was found hanged in southern India. The
soldiers opened fire on a small group of stone-throwing protesters and a
passer-by was killed. The dead man was identified by police as Tahir Ahmed
Sofi, a university student in his twenties; four people were injured in the
firing.
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Syed Ali Geelani said that India can never be a friend of Kashmiri
people rather will continue to commit atrocities on them. He said every
Kashmiri is insecure in India and India has made them slaves. The murder of
Mudasir is one of the visible signs of our being slaves of India. Geelani
while calling Mudasir's killing a blot on the face of Indian democracy said
New Delhi was committing genocide and had no moral or legal right to
remain in Kashmir.
Next day, protesters hurled stones at security forces in Indian Held
Kashmir after authorities imposed curfew in a bid to quell unrest over the
killing of a student by soldiers. The university student was killed on Tuesday
when soldiers opened fire at demonstrators demanding an inquiry into the
death of a Kashmiri research scholar in southern India late last week.
On 7th March, Pakistan rejected reports that India wants Pakistan to
seek NOC for construction of water reservoirs in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan
including Diamer-Basha Dam. Pakistan doesnt need any NOC from India
regarding construction of dams; spokesman told the weekly press briefing.
Under the Indus Water Treaty, India was however under an obligation to
inform Pakistan if it wanted to carry out any water-related project on rivers
allocated for Pakistan.
On 9th March, Indian foreign minister welcomed Prime Minister Raja
Pervaiz in Jaipur before the premier along with his family prayed for peace
in his country and the whole world at the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja
Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. But the inner sourness of this sugarcoated
welcome was revealed by the Indian Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh, who
reportedly said they will aggressively react to any violation of ceasefire by
Pakistan at the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Next day, JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik said he was placed under
house arrest by Indian authorities immediately after his arrival in Srinagar.
Indian police detained Malik at the Srinagar International Airport and
escorted him to his Maisuma residence in the city. This was the first time
Malik came to Srinagar after the hanging of Afzal Guru February 9. In
Pakistan, he had been caught up in controversy following the presence of
JuD chief Hafiz Saeed at a JKLF function, which Malik had attended.
On 13th March, attackers disguised as cricketers killed five Indian
paramilitary troops in an ambush in Srinagar, in the deadliest attack for
nearly five years. Two gunmen from local group Hizbul Mujahideen, which
claimed the attack, were shot dead after the assault on a police compound
housing a barracks, school and playing field. Attackers pretended to be
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joining children for a game of cricket before taking out automatic weapons
from a bag and throwing a grenade.
Pakistan rejected the remarks made by Indian Home Secretary RK
Singh alleging prime facie evidence suggests that the militants who
attacked the members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were
from across the border, they were probably from Pakistan. The Foreign
Office also rejected the statement made by Defence Minister AK Antony in
the Rajya Sabha accusing the Special Services Group of Pakistan Army of
beheading two Indian soldiers on the Line of Control on January 8.
Ban Ki-moon called for restraint following reports of a deadly clash
near Srinagar. The Secretary General is aware of the situation, UN Deputy
Spokesman said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing. The
Secretary General calls on all concerned to exercise restraint and to resolve
their issues peacefully, the spokesman said. According to media reports,
five Indian soldiers were killed and five other wounded during a militant
attack on a paramilitary camp just outside Srinagar. Two militants were also
killed in the clash that followed.
Pakistan Rangers Punjab handed over a dead body of Indian national
Chamial Singh to Border Security Force (BSF) through Joint Check Post
(JCP) Wagha. Chamial was arrested few years back by Pakistani intelligence
from Sialkot border area on spying charges. After trial he was kept in Adyala
Jail of Rawalpindi where he fell ill and shifted to hospital where he died.
On 15th March, despite a spike in tensions between South Asias
nuclear rivals, Indias envoy to Washington said her country wants closer
trade ties with Pakistan. Nirupama Rao also said that overland trade from
war-battered Afghanistan to India via Pakistan would be a boon to regional
stability. Her comments at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
think tank come despite a fraying in recently improved relations between the
two neighbours.\
VIEWS
Pakistan
A way out of terror mayhem: A critical overview of terrorist acts in
Pakistan indicates that their intensity grew gradually. From sporadic suicide
attacks on individuals, they have grown into well planned, coordinated
large-scale bomb blasts at religious places, defence bases, government
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offices and security installations. This indicates that the extremists have
attained professional maturity and have expert advice, training and financial
support to get weapons.
It also indicates that there are powerful forces behind them and unless
their support base is destroyed, they will not be eliminated. This calls for a
joint and collective effort by all security agencies and a dedicated anti-terror
organization.
Past experience shows that our security agencies are reactive in
combating terrorism. They, perhaps, are not attuned designed to be
proactive or pre-emptive. They have been unable to detect terrorists
movements and only react to them when an attack has been mounted;
whereas, it seems that terrorists can move with complete safety all over the
country and are able to transport large quantities of weapons and explosives
undetected. Those who are responsible for the states defence should ponder
over their failure and make themselves effective in combating the terror
threat.
Historically speaking, our civil, military and inter-services intelligence
agencies were established in the days when the focus of national security
was elsewhere The Frontier Corps (FC) and rangers are being tasked to
establish law and order despite the fact that they are border security forces to
check smuggling and illegal border crossing. They are not suited to do
policing.
Undoubtedly, our successive military and political rulers have
politicized these agencies to the extent that they have become inwardlooking. Their efforts are mostly directed towards political opponents,
government officials, higher judiciary and journalists. The Chief Justice
earlier declared that the agencies tap judges telephones. The fact is that they
are tasked this way by insecure and diffident leaders, who rise to power and
try to hold on to it forever. They want their opponents in check and use the
agencies for this purpose. This activity politicizes the intelligence
community to the extent that their focus shifts, affecting their efficiency and
mandate.
Against this background there is a need to have a permanent and
independent organization with the aim of combating inland terrorism of all
kinds. It is not an impracticable idea. We should have done that with the first
terror act that was committed on Pakistani soil.
Immediately after the 9/11 incident, for instance, the US established
Homeland Security by an Act of Congress, despite the availability of CIA,
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FBI, NSA and many other security agencies. Obviously, they lacked the
ability to combat an unconventional enemy; Pakistani intelligence
community has similar weaknesses.
We in Pakistan need a similar organization that should be created by
an Act of Parliament. It should be independent in operations and be
answerable to Parliament directly. It should not be part of any political setup
or ministry; otherwise, it too will be politicized and used for political witchhunting.
The Act of Parliament should lay down its objectives, mandate,
resources and its operational parameters. It should be provided lien on all
intelligence agencies for data gathering and on security forces for troops to
conduct operations. It is not an easy task; however, we should learn and seek
assistance from the USA, if possible.
Terrorism is going to be a constant phenomenon for a long while and
needs a permanent organization. We are too late already. The way we are
handling it is not going to be effective at all. If we fail, we will keep
mourning our dead and the terrorists will keep striking us; today one
community is targeted, in future it will be free-for-all putting the state at
risk. We should act now and act fast.
The ides of Pakistan: In a most dangerous situation, Pakistan along
with Afghanistan could be mired in the worst form of violence from Karachi
to Quetta, Fata, Kabul and Kandhar akin to a civil war. Much of the blame
for such a scenario must fall squarely on the shoulders of the military
establishment and the government. Both could never reach a consensus on
formulating and implementing a national counterterrorism policy, despite
involvement in a war for over 10 years with no objectives and high
casualties.
But the blame for such a situation must also be shared by the US and
its ISAF allies. In the rush to capitalize an opportunity, they played into the
domain of Pakistans sensitivities. Their alliance with the non-Pashtun north,
insensitivity to Pashtun traditions, most unethical use of munitions of mass
destruction like daisy cutters, C-130 gunship, cruise missiles and drones led
to the alienation of populations on both sides of the divide springing a
reaction and hate that coalesced around the TTP.
For Pakistan, it will be a mammoth task to change these perceptions
clouded by feelings of revenge and hate. Hence, in the interim, though the
USA and its coalitions could withdraw tactically, Pakistan will be left to deal
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with the genie it helped create at a very high cost; a situation worse than the
Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in the 80s.
Had all parties involved in the conflict picked up the threads of the
1996 Benazir Initiative with Taliban, under General Naseerullah Babar, her
Interior Minister or under her auspices, the Taliban offer to hand over Osama
bin Laden to a neutral Muslim country post-9/11, events could have been
different. It appears that some segments of this plan will form part of the
Afghan reconciliation process, 18 years too late. Perhaps, the contours of
such a plan were worked out during a trilateral summit in the UK giving
Pakistan the space to handle the situation, at its own and the regions
interests.
One could pose certain pertinent questions: in a hopeless scenario
such as this, a country gone bankrupt, economy not performing and citizens
resigned to their plight, why must Pakistan conclude a deal with Iran on the
gas pipeline that can invoke American and international sanctions adding to
the misery? Given the rise of foreign sponsored violence in Balochistan,
how would the government ensure the protection of the project? How will
Pakistan under international and US sanctions fight an internal strife fuelled
by bases inside Afghanistan? Perhaps, the answers can be found in the
explanation that some level of US withdrawal is crucial to President
Obamas credibility, and as a quid pro quo, the USA will look the other way
as long as Pakistan facilitates it.
It appears that USA is also prepared to give a similar concession to
Pakistan on Gwadar. Knowing that it will take decades for the new economic
corridor to be effective and before that, years to restore normalcy in the
region, the US in the short term is prepared to accede to Pakistans position
with hanging Swords of Damocles.
On the positive side, the huge economic benefits for both Pakistan and
China could eclipse Pakistans traditional paradigm of a security state and
ultimately, like China, an economics dominated security policy. Suffice to
say that these two concessions could never be possible without a nod from
two major regional actors, China and Iran.
We must stub out sectarian violence; for otherwise, Pakistan will have
to pay a very heavy price. Come the ides and all will be clear. (Samson
Simon Sharaf, TheNation 9th March)
No lessons learnt: It is unfortunate that Pakistani politicians have
learnt no lesson from history, neither from the fall of Dhaka nor from the
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military operations in Swat and FATA. Today, Pakistan is continuously

facing militancy.
This has internal and external dimensions that are being exploited by
anti-state forces. Pakistan is, therefore, not under a threat of war, but is
facing a state of war that has no definable borders or enemies. That is why
the armed forces responsible for defending the country against external
aggression and internal subversion had to modify their military doctrine
mainly to deal with this threats to Pakistans sovereignty and survival.
At this moment when Parliament is about to complete its five-year
term and elections due to be held soon, the challenge of covert war in FATA,
Sindh and Balochistan appear to be beyond the capacity of the police and
rangers. The Supreme Court has already ruled that the governments in Sindh
and Balochistan have failed to provide security to the life and property of the
citizens.
Against this backdrop, there are many analysts and political parties,
including PTI, that are emphasizing the need for talks with militants so that
bomb blasts, suicide attacks and target killings can be put to an end. Indeed,
the lesson of history is that peace can only be achieved through negotiations.
However first, we must maintain unity, faith and discipline in our own
ranks to deal with the challenges facing Pakistan, as emphasized by Quaid-iAzam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. (Ikram Ullah, TheNation 11th March)
Western media bruits: In the recent international media propaganda
Pakistans tribal areas has figured again as a global jihad hub, consisting of
thousands of foreign fighters from diverse countries. The AFP reported:
Pakistan is still a major destination for radicalized Muslims bent on a life of
jihad, despite hundreds of US drone strikes, the death of Osama bin Laden
and the fracturing of al-Qaeda. There could be around 2,000 to 3,500 foreign
fighters in the border areas from around 30 different countries.
It is strange that how a professional news agency floated such a
report, which is violative of its own standards of journalistic ethics. A birds
eye view of this news report denoted that it projected a misleading opinion,
rather than presenting the factual position on the ground.
The propaganda was then, wittingly or unwittingly, picked up by some
Pakistani media outlets and journalists without obtaining the narrative of
Pakistans security institutions over the issue. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) also, hurriedly seized the opportunity to identify itself as a global
jihadist organization by launching a video comprising its slain Western
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affiliates and gave an impression that TTP was actually organizing white
jihadists in Pakistans tribal areas.
Such misinformation spread by the Western media is nothing new,
rather just an old wine in a new bottle, as it is aimed at maligning Pakistan
for nurturing terrorist training camps against the coalition forces in
Afghanistan and undermining its role after the US-NATO withdrawal in
2014
The Arab Spring and conflict in North Africa diverted the focus of
foreign fighters from Pakistan to the Middle Eastern and African countries.
Al-Qaedas foreign affiliates who once traveled to Pakistan are now joining
its affiliated groups, such as al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), AlShabab and al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), for which it provides
them practical expertise, weapons and communication skills.
The Western intelligence officials also believe that the number of alQaeda operatives and its foreign affiliates in Pakistan tribal areas has fallen
to the low hundreds, as most of them are either on the run or finding
sanctuaries in the Middle Eastern and African countries.
Moreover, the Long War Journal cited that hundreds of foreign
jihadists poured into northern Mali in recent months to help the armed
Islamist groups. Residents of the cities of Timbuktu and Gao, Malian
security officials and Islamist commanders all confirmed that there had been
a huge influx of foreign fighters over the past few months.
In a scenario where the focus of global militants has been diverted
away from the AfPak region and the international community is more
concerned about conflicts in Syria, Libya and Somalia, baseless reporting
about the flow of foreign operatives into Pakistan merits no serious concern.
It is a mere propaganda tactic and a sequel to the international medias
sinister designs to discredit its role in the war on terror.
Pakistans security forces are extending remarkable services to reduce
the infiltration of foreign militants into its territory. Therefore, Pakistani
media and intelligentsia must be taken on board by the concerned authorities
to play their role in dispelling such misperceptions. (Momin Iftikhar,
TheNation 13th March)
Afghanistan
Strategic dynamics of Gwadar and IP: The geopolitical landscape
of the AfPak Region (APR) and South Central Asian Region (SCAR) is
about to undergo a massive transformation. As the US/NATO/ISAF combine
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prepares to egress, new regional alignments are emerging with serious

geopolitical, economic and strategic connotations. This change is manifested
by two dynamic events with global implications.
Firstly, Pakistan and China have closed a deal on Gwadar. Secondly,
unconvinced of the energy alternatives offered by the US, Pakistan has
formalized an agreement and understanding with Iran on the Iran-Pakistan
(IP) gas pipeline project, a $4 billion oil refinery at Gwadar and 1,000 MW
of electricity - much to the consternation of the US and its allies.
Is Pakistan pre-empting another US desertion - a la 1989?
The US policy failure in the APR and the SCAR is apparent. Its writ
has clearly weakened, its Afghan campaign has gone awry and its driven
urgency to egress is symptomatic of its defeatist mindset.
Terrorism still thrives and rudderless attempts at negotiations with the
Taliban appear stillborn. The overall Afghan internal situation stays
unresolved. India its potential plenipotentiary is not even remotely
relevant to the APR much less in control of it. It just wretchedly wallows on
the periphery waiting pitiably for glory and greatness to be thrust upon it.
The US is thus set to lose its most dominating and central position in
the SCAR Afghanistan.
The remnants of the US/NATO/ISAF (13,000 to 14,000 troops) and
mercenaries like Blackwater, Xe will not be enough to secure Western
interests in the region. However, in cahoots with the CIA-MI6-RAWMOSSAD-NDS combine their capacity and reach to create mischief would
still be significant and multidimensional. Their collective main aim could,
thenceforth, be to deny this strategic space (Afghanistan, APR) to any
regional power or bloc China, Russia or the SCO.
Furthermore, they will move to keep the region destabilized, create
fissures within it, generate upheavals, stoke uprisings, encourage terrorist
activities, cause wanton destruction and widespread mayhem and challenge
the emergence of a unified regional alignment or bloc. They will try to
sabotage the various efforts that the regional countries make to integrate
their respective economies through mutually beneficial joint projects. They
will raise the tempos to destabilize Pakistan and Iran even further.
As an unintended consequence of these developments (Gwadar and
IP), the US-Israeli decision on Iran could be ominously hastened.
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Pakistan, however, will be their main quarry. And the battlefields will
be Pakistan at large, Karachi and Balochistan in particular.
The US and its allies must be viewing this convergence of Chinese,
Pakistani and Iranian strategic and economic interests in Gwadar and
Balochistan with extreme trepidation. In one fell swoop, the Straits of
Hormuz and the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) to and from the
Persian Gulf have come under Chinese oversight.
Furthermore, regional economies are getting integrated independent
of Western influence and domination. The prospects of a network of oil and
gas pipelines (IP, even TAPI) flowing from the Middle East (ME) and CARs
to Pakistan and China are that much brighter now. However India, due to its
shortsighted policies, might end up losing access to all fossil fuel pipelines
and trade routes to Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, CARs, Russia and Europe
even Xinjiang, western China.
The US administration will react according to its laws on the issue and
the reality of Israeli lobbies and political dynamics within its body politic. It
will exert pressures through at least five tiers the United Nations, the
European Union, allies like the Arab states, Japan, Australia, India, etc,
bilaterally itself and through international financial institutions like the
World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund et al. It
is likely to pend its own bilateral sanctions till the Afghan imbroglio is
conclusively brought to a closure and the US/NATO/ISAF combine has
safely egressed from the region. Thereafter, it is likely to start turning the
screw itself, too.
Pakistan is thus likely to face multidimensional pressures for the sins
of Gwadar and the IP gas pipeline. However, it would be wary of the efforts
of these foreign intelligence agencies to further destabilize it.
Karachi, its economic hub, is already under relentless terrorist attacks
foreign inspired, aided, and funded. Gwadar and the IP will receive
particular attention, too.
RAW has its consulates along the Pak-Afghan border and will react
with customary bitterness.
MOSSAD, which infiltrated the Jundullah posing as CIA, will be
super active particularly along the Iran-Pakistan border.
CIA-MI6-NDS will have their own axes to grind.
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All activities for further development of Gwadar and the IP project

will come under severe terrorist attacks. Diplomatic and economic pressures,
too, will be generated. The Western think-tanks and known hawks on the
Balochistan issue will be encouraged to hold conferences and mould
international opinion favourably.
Pakistan, therefore, must brace itself to foil these inimical interior and
exterior manoeuvres.
Pakistan needs to set its own house in order first. Elections and
transfer of power must be expeditious and peaceful. The new government
should engage the terrorists directly and with a clear end in mind. The Law
Enforcement Agencies (police, rangers, FC etc) must be further trained,
reorganized and special counterterrorist units be raised within them.
A series of battalion/wing strength cantonments be built along the
length of the IP from which the LEAs could sally forth to patrol and secure
the areas.
A special aviation task force, comprising an RPV unit as well as a
heliborne quick-reaction force, should be created to deter and crush all
subversive activities against Gwadar or IP. The capacities of our intelligence
agencies must be enhanced appropriately.
Concurrently, Pakistan must launch a pre-emptive diplomatic
offensive to assuage the concerns of the Arabs, the European Union and the
US. It should seek to act as a bridge between the Arabs and Iran.
The port of Gwadar and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline are clearly in
Pakistans supreme national interests and must be pursued. Pakistan, China
and Iran should continue efforts to integrate other regional countries into a
mutually beneficial multidimensional bloc as well.
All said and done, Pakistan must stay the course come what may!
(Imran Malik, TheNation 10th March)
Afghan endgame options: The transition from there are no good or
bad Taliban; only good Taliban are dead Taliban to there are only
irreconcilable or reconcilable Taliban, and Joe Bidens nadir declaring the
Taliban are not our enemy, depicts the desperate policy adjustment.
Analysts recommend the US to tread carefully and patiently. Military
operations must become subordinate to the political process. Besides
negotiating with the Taliban, an intra-Afghan dialogue is essential to secure
peace. Weaning away the Taliban leadership too rapidly towards
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reconciliation may isolate the Taliban rank and file, who may seek
alternative leadership, thus the process has to be top-down. Donor fatigue
will affect Afghanistans development projects and, more importantly, the
training and equipping of the Afghan National Army.
Pakistan continues to have relevance in the peace process, but the US
should avoid pushing it towards a direction the US itself will not take. (S M
Hali, TheNation 13th March)
Iran
Better late than never: Pakistans decision to go ahead with the
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline may well prove to be a test case in the presently
fluctuating relations between USA and Pakistan.
President Asif Zardaris visit to Iran after the PPP-led government sat
over the proposed project for more than four years may well have been
motivated by the urge to bolster the partys prospects in the coming
elections. The fact that Pakistan has taken a firm stand, however, is a
significant step to further the countys national interests.
As expected, the Obama Administration has been alerting Pakistan to
the probability of clamping sanctions under the US Sanctions Act. The State
Department spokesman, Patrick Ventrell, told reporters in Washington last
Sunday that the finalization of the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project was bound
to raise serious concerns in USA. This, he said, had been made absolutely
clear to Islamabad. Ventrell added: As a member of the international
community, a current member of the IAEA board of governors and the UN
Security Council, Pakistan has an obligation to join multilateral efforts to
convince Iran to adhere to international nuclear obligations. He also referred
to US contribution towards Pakistan with a view to alleviating the energy
crisis.
On March 7, another US Departments spokesperson, Victoria Nuland,
spoke on the subject and said: The proposed deal will violate UN sanctions
laws. She acknowledged that Pakistan has a lot of unmet energy
requirements. The US, she added, was aware of these requirements and has
been working in close partnership to find better ways to meet these needs.
While the US threat has to be addressed carefully, according to the
expert opinion in Pakistan, apprehensions about sanctions are not justified
considering that the purchase of gas from Iran will not attract them in view
of the nature of the deal. There will be no Pakistani investment in Irans
energy sector, as the payment for gas supplies is to be made through the
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export of foodstuffs and other commodities. These commodities do not come

into the category of sanctionable items. Also, no sanctions have been
imposed on Turkey and Turkmenistan because of the Iranian pipelines laid
there. India, too, has been importing oil from Iran without any fear of
sanctions.
Another good reason for the US to avoid imposing sanctions on
Pakistan is the Afghanistan endgame compulsions. These will include
smooth and economical transportation of goods and military personnel from
Afghanistan. For this, the US will need Pakistans approval for the use of its
territory
Hopefully, the interim government and the elected rulers later would
not let the grass grow under their feet and will accord the highest priority to
this project. They are also expected to take up a number of large and small
hydel projects both for generating power and storage of water for irrigation.
The pipeline project with Iran will open up avenues of extensive
relations with one of our close neighbours. Besides boosting economic ties,
we need to enhance our cultural relations with a country that has contributed
so much, overtime, to our history, languages, literature, art and architecture.
With time, tourism will also grow bringing the people close to each other.
It does ones heart good to see the government entrusting the
management of Gwadar seaport to the Chinese. How short-sighted of the
concerned authorities that it had let things drift and allow a crucial project,
pregnant with immense possibilities of benefit to Pakistan and with
enormous positive international implications, to remain undeveloped for
years.
It is further important that we take serious steps to promote people-topeople contacts with China. There is also need for doubling and, in fact,
tripling the volume of our trade with the fastest growing and the second
largest economy of the world located so closed to our borders. In most of our
leading universities, arrangements should be made to teach Chinese. More of
Chinese and Pakistani students should study in each others universities and
a sizeable programme of exchange of groups of young men and women
chalked out.
Let us hope the next elected national government would have men and
women endowed with vision, will and competence to make up for the last
decades and move fast to lift the society and the state to higher levels and
scrupulously work for the development of the country and welfare of the
people. (Inayatullah, TheNation 9th March)
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A giant leap in history: The groundbreaking ceremony of the IranPakistan gas pipeline project performed jointly by President Asif Ali Zardari
and President Mehmoud Ahmadinejad at Gabd, located in Iran close to
Pakistan border, on Monday was, by all logic, a giant leap in history. For the
Pakistan government that has not, at least during the past five years or so,
been known much for disregarding the US command or counsel to suddenly
ignore the threat of sanctions is an act of no small courage
The project, when on line, would initially supply 750 million cubic
feet of natural gas to Pakistan, to go up to one billion cubic feet later, and
help generate as much as 4,000MW of power, a great boon for a country
where life, in all its manifestations, has been ruinously affected for want of
enough of power supply. It would be complete within 15 months of the start
of the work and is expected to be ready by December 2014. The financing
part of the 781km long pipeline would, no doubt, pose serious problems for
cash-strapped Pakistan though out of the revised cost of $1.3 billion, Tehran
would give a loan of $500 million for the work to take off. Islamabad would
foot the bill afterwards. Reportedly, in an attempt to ward off sanctions,
payment to Iran would be against the charges for the gas Pakistan would
receive.
For Pakistan, the gas flowing from Iran would be a dream come true.
The alternative project TAPI suggested by the US is virtually a non-starter,
at least for the unstable conditions in the area through which its pipeline is
designed to pass and its long gestation period during which Pakistan cannot
afford to live in the doldrums. One should expect the US to be more
indulgent towards its key partner in the war on terror and a host of other
arrangements of common interest in the past and would desist from applying
the sanctions. (Editorial, TheNation 12th March)
Pipeline moves towards reality: For the energy-starved Pakistan,
the IP gas pipeline project is of paramount importance to boost industrial
production. Apart from the economic considerations of mutually beneficial
cooperation between the two countries, IP is a significant step in the
direction of building regional linkages. The move is also in conformity with
the new thinking in the conduct of foreign relations that lays greater
emphasis on strengthening regional security through economic and political
cooperation with neighbours and countries of the region.
Pakistan is located in the South Asian region and its economic and
security interests are inextricably linked to geographical realities. The
initiative represents a logical and realistic departure from the past
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philosophy of the architects of our foreign policy to look beyond the region
for the countrys economic and security needs, which has pushed it towards
the precipice. The new approach by the present government is going to serve
our long-term strategic, economic and political interests in this region,
though the strategy might suffer some minor hiccups due to its conflict with
the strategic interests of US in our part of the world.
The USA, apart from threatening to impose sanctions on Pakistan, has
even tried to lure it away by offering to help in tiding over the energy crisis
through other means Nevertheless, it is heartening to note that the
government of Pakistan has spurned the pressure and refused to be dictated
on the issue and has remained steadfast in its decision to ensure
implementation of the project.
Further, Iran and Pakistan are working on a number of other joint
projects. President Zardari, while talking to the speaker of the Iranian
Parliament, Ali Ardashir Larijani, when he visited Pakistan to attend the
meeting of the parliamentary assembly of ECO, emphasized the need for
early completion of all bilateral projects, including IP, 1,000MW TaftanQuetta transmission line, 400MW Gwadar Power Supply Project, NoshkiDalbandin Highway and up-gradation of the Quetta-Taftan track. He said:
We have to take control of our own affairs and find our own solutions to the
problems. It is good that the two countries are also signing an agreement for
setting up of an oil refinery at Gwadar with a capacity to refine 400,000
barrels of oil daily.
Speaking on the subject in the National Assembly, Foreign Minister
Hina Rabbani Khar said: The government will not compromise on the
project and will ensure its implementation within the stipulated time span.
She also informed the house that this project did not come under the
sanctions regime imposed on Iran by the UN, which related to only the oil
sector and did not cover the gas transmission ventures. In the same vein, she
maintained: Pakistan will respect the UN sanction. However, it was not
bound to abide by the sanction imposed by the US and European Union.
The resolve to take our own decisions and resist undue pressures to
compromise on national interests marks a discernible paradigm shift in the
conduct of our foreign relations; and if the same thinking had permeated
since the early days of independence, we would not have been where we
stand today. (Malik Mohammad Ashraf, TheNation 12th March)
Defying US pressure: With just days before the tenure of his elected
government ends, President Asif Zardari has chosen to portray himself as the
1377
ultimate nationalist by choosing to defy US pressure on the pipeline deal

with Iran. The tail end of the regime led by Zardaris PPP makes it difficult
to know if the new political leaders, to be elected in polls this summer, will
choose to continue with the project or go into retreat mode.
Setting aside years of US pressure on Pakistan to avoid signing up on
the pipeline, given Washingtons concern over the project injecting foreign
exchange into Irans sanctioned economy, Zardaris gesture has been
justified by his regime as broadly in sync with the countrys national
interest.
There is much that could be used to question Washingtons position
given that any engagement between Irans economic stakeholders and the
outside world could conceivably help in ultimately bridging the gap between
Tehran and its opponents. But aside from that logic and looking at the issue
from Pakistans perspective, Zardaris own position remains suspect.
If, indeed, he was genuinely committed to pushing the Iran-Pakistan
gas pipeline as a matter of key national interest, Zardari should have pursued
the project in good time during the PPPs five-year tenure. Such timely
action would have at least ensured adequate progress on the project.
But the government appears to be in a rush on a range of fronts. For
instance, the decision to move ahead with other projects involving
investments running into billions of rupees just before the end of the
governments term, must only add to the widely prevalent scepticism
surrounding the leadership (Farhan Bokhari, TheNation 12th March)
IP gas pipeline: The reason why Pakistan went ahead with the
project is contained within Dr Asims press conference, when he said that it
would generate 4000MW of power. Pakistan is undergoing severe energy
shortages and the Iranian gas is all it has to put this power on line. Pakistan
simply cannot afford to ignore this reality, and will regard the pipeline as, in
Dr Asims words, a lifeline for the country, and will find the demand of
reviewing the decision incomprehensible. Whether sanctions or the related
consequence of denying passage to returning NATO containers from
Afghanistan, there is no doubt that on either side serious consequences are
expected.
As Dr Asim pointed out, Iran was already exporting petroleum
products to various countries, such as India, Turkey, Qatar and Canada. The
principle should be the same, especially for all countries allied with the
USA. It is incomprehensible why Pakistan will be rewarded for its unstinted
support of the USA by sanctions for fulfilling an essential need. The matter
1378
should not be made into one of egos. Both countries recognize each others
compulsions and room must be found for Pakistan to pursue its goal of
energy independence. The future in everyone's favour is a profitably
employed Pakistan, pursuing economic stability and growth. That goal can
only be helped in the immediate short term most effectively by gas imports
from Iran to stabilize industrial production levels. Can the USA really find
fault with that? (Editorial, TheNation 14th March)
India
The truth about Pakistan: Dekho mujhe jo deeda-e-ibrat nigah ho,
Meri suno jo gosh-e-naseehat niyosh hai. Mirza Ghalib
According to reports, Pakistani cities Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, etc
are rapidly becoming killing fields, with bomb blasts and gun firing a
regular occurrence, and ethnic violence between Sunnis and Shias, and
persecution of minorities escalating. Nobody knows that when he steps out
into the streets of these cities whether or not he will return alive. A beautiful
metropolitan city like Karachi is becoming, if it has not already become, a
Jurassic
Park.
Mr Shamshad Ahmed, in his article, entitled May You Live Long, Katju!,
published in TheNation on February 26, 2013, has said that the present
situation in Pakistan is due to a failure of governance, not of the
nationhood. I respectfully beg to differ.
In my opinion, the present violent strifes and disturbances in Pakistan
are the logical and inevitable result of creating a theocratic state in this
subcontinent and, hence, the only solution is the reunification of India,
Pakistan and Bangladesh under a strong, secular, modern minded
government, which does not tolerate religious extremism and bigotry,
whether Hindu or Muslim, and crushes it with an iron hand.
To explain my point, I have to delve into history. As explained in my
article, What is India, in my blog: justicekatju.blogspot.in (as well as in the
video on the website: kgfindia.com), India (in which I include Pakistan) is
broadly a country of immigrants like North America. The ancestors of 92 to
93 percent people living today in our subcontinent were not the original
inhabitants here, but came from outside, mainly from the northwest (the
original inhabitants being the pre-Dravidian tribals). People migrate from
uncomfortable areas to comfortable areas, and India was a paradise for
agriculture, with level land, fertile soil, plenty of water for irrigation, etc. It
is for this reason that India has so much diversity so many religions,
1379
castes, languages, ethnic groups, etc because each group of immigrants

brought their own language, religion and customs.
Hence, the only policy that can work in our subcontinent is secularism
and equal respect to all communities and sects. This was the policy of the
great Emperor Akbar, whom I regard (along with Ashoka) as the greatest
ruler the world has ever seen. At a time when the Europeans were
massacring each other in the name of religion (Catholics massacring
Protestants and vice versa), Akbar, who was far ahead of his times, declared
his policy of Suleh-e-Kul, i.e. universal toleration of all religions, and it is
because of this policy that the Mughal Empire lasted so long. It was
Emperor Akbar who laid the foundation on which the Indian nation is still
standing, his policy being continued by Jawaharlal Nehru and his colleagues
who gave India a secular constitution.
Up to 1857, there were no communal problems in India; all communal
riots and animosity began after 1857. No doubt even before 1857, there were
differences between Hindus and Muslims, the Hindus going to temples and
the Muslims going to mosques, but there was no animosity. In fact, the
Hindus and Muslims used to help each other; Hindus used to participate in
Eid celebrations, and Muslims in Holi and Diwali. The Muslim rulers like
the Mughals, Nawab of Awadh and Murshidabad, Tipu Sultan, etc were
totally secular; they organized Ramlilas, participated in Holi, Diwali, etc.
Ghalibs affectionate letters to his Hindu friends like Munshi Shiv Naraln
Aram, Har Gopal Tofta, etc attest to the affection between Hindus and
Muslims at that time.
In 1857, the Great Mutiny broke out in which the Hindus and
Muslims jointly fought against the British. This shocked the British
government so much that after suppressing the Mutiny, they decided to start
the policy of divide and rule (see online History in the Service of
Imperialism by B.N. Pande). All communal riots began after 1857,
artificially engineered by the British authorities. The British collector would
secretly call the Hindu Pandit, pay him money, and tell him to speak against
Muslims, and similarly he would secretly call the Maulvi, pay him money,
and tell him to speak against Hindus. This communal poison was injected
into our body politic year after year and decade after decade.
In 1909, the Minto-Morley Reforms introduced separate electorates
for Hindus and Muslims. The idea was propagated that Hindi is the language
of Hindus, while Urdu of Muslims (although Urdu was the common
language of all educated people, whether Hindu, Muslim or Sikh up to
1380
1947). All this vicious propaganda resulted in the partition of 1947, which
created a fake, artificial theocratic nation called Pakistan.
Nation states arose in Europe around the 15th century because of the
rise of modern industry. Modern industry, unlike feudal handicraft industry,
requires a big market for its goods and a large area from where it can get raw
materials.
The creation of a state based on religion destroys the very basis of a
nation, because it cuts off industries from markets and raw materials. British
imperialism created India as a big administrative unit. The British policy
was to prohibit the growth of heavy industry in India; otherwise, the Indian
industry, with its cheap labour, would have become a powerful rival to
British industry.
When the British left India, they divided us so that we may remain
backward and weak, and not emerge as a modern powerful industrial state
(for which we have all the potential). This was the real reason for creating
Pakistan.
I submit that Pakistan was doomed from its very inception; firstly,
because there is such tremendous diversity in our subcontinent that only
secularism can work here and secondly, because a modern nation cannot be
based on religion (because this will cut it off from its markets and raw
materials).
Mr Shamshad Ahmed has written in an email to me that I should try to
bring the two countries closer, instead of challenging the very raison detre
of Pakistan. I replied that I do not believe that there are two nations, there is
only one nation, that is India, and Pakistan is part of India. Pakistan was
created in pursuance of the wicked British policy of divide and rule and the
bogus Two Nation Theory, whose whole aim was to make Hindus and
Muslims fight with each other. I am confident that with time people, both in
India and Pakistan, will realize the truth in what I am saying, and India and
Pakistan will reunite under a strong, secular government that deals with
religious extremism, whether Hindu or Muslim, with an iron hand.
Secularism does not mean that one cannot practice his religion. It
means that religion is a private affair, unconnected with the state that will
have no religion.
When I meet my Pakistani friends (and I have lots of them), we speak
in Hindustani, we look like each other, and feel no difference between
ourselves. We were befooled by the Britishers into thinking that we are
1381
enemies, but how much longer must we remain befooled? How much longer
must blood flow in religious violence in Quetta, Karachi, Gujarat, etc.
Mr Shamshad Ahmed wrote in his email to me that he doubted
whether any Pakistani newspaper would publish my article challenging the
very existence of Pakistan. I replied that I did not care whether it would be
published or not, but I will not deviate from what I believe is the truth. In
Sanskrit, there is a saying, Satyamev Jayate, which means truth ultimately
triumphs. And as Nietzsche said in Thus Spake Zarathustra: What matter
about thyself, Zarathustra! Say thy word and break into pieces! Justice
(Retd) Markandey Katju, Chairman of the Press Council of India, printed in
TheNation 2nd March.
Katjus Truth about Pakistan: Had he been a Pakistani citizen,
Justice Markandey Katju would have faced Article 6 of the constitution for
sedition because what he has written about Pakistan and its Founding Father
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah amounts to treason. His being a
foreigner and outside the jurisdiction of local laws, has proved his saving
grace. However, after his retirement from his position as an honourable
judge in the highly respected Indian judiciary, Justice Katju should not have
assumed the role of a citizen free to abuse the freedom of speech like Bal
Thakarey who abuses Pakistan and indulges in character assassination of
Pakistani leadership as an article of faith.
Justice Katju, according to his statement, is Chairman of the Press
Council of India and former judge of the Supreme Court. The institutions to
which he belongs cannot escape responsibility for his utterances and keep
their eyes closed to the mischief he is creating between the two independent
sovereign states which are also members of SAARC and the UN. The
sovereignty of Pakistan, which at present happens to be a non-permanent
member of the UN Security Council, is being questioned. Mr Katju has
involved not only the Press Council of India as its chairman but also the UN
Security Council with regard to the independent and sovereign status of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In an article under the title of The truth about Pakistan published in
The Nation on March 2, 2013, Mr Katju states I do not believe that there are
two nations, there is only one nation, that is India, and Pakistan is part of
India. Pakistan was created in pursuance of the wicked British policy of
divide and rule and the bogus Two Nation Theory. The British government
has thus been blamed for creating Pakistan through its wicked policy. The
Press Council of India should explain whether it owns the statement of its
1382
Chairman about Pakistan and its Founder Quaid-i- Azam. The government
of India cannot keep its eyes closed to the wild statement of the Chairman of
the Press Council of India on vital issues of foreign policy challenging the
very basis of the creation of Pakistan i.e. the Two Nation Theory. Similarly,
the UN Security Council should take notice of the statement of a judge of
the Supreme Court of India. I for one do not take Mr Justice Markandey
Katjus statements as just an unguarded outburst. I regard his article as a
bomb blast designed to destabilize Pakistan at this critical juncture when it
is beset with various internal and external challenges. To quote Mr Katju
again about his deep concern over the internal situation in Pakistan,
According to reports, Pakistani cities Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, etc. are
rapidly becoming killing fields, with bomb blasts and gun firing a regular
occurrence, and ethnic violence between Sunnis and Shias, and persecution
of minorities escalating. Nobody knows that when he steps out into the
streets of these cities whether or not he will return alive. A beautiful
metropolitan city like Karachi is becoming, if it has not already become, a
Jurassic Park. Do I have to tell a retired Judge of Supreme Court of India
that his statement is a brazen interference in the internal affairs of a
sovereign State?
Many blame India for the above sad state of affairs in Pakistan. The
Pakistan foreign office and press representatives bodies, CPNE and APNS,
should give a suitable rejoinder to the Indian Press Council and its
Chairman.
The space does not allow the narration of the sad saga of dissensions
and revolts in a number of states of India that should make a self-respecting
Indian hang his head in shame rather than lecture others on democracy and
peace. The Indian occupied part of Kashmir is a classic example where
brutal suppression is being exercised against the legitimate freedom fighters
and independent observers are not allowed to visit. My comment: Physian,
heal thyself. (Ikramullah Khan, TheNation 3rd March)
No, not Katju again: Justice Katjus article finding op-ed space in a
major Pakistani newspaper known for its ultra-conservative outlook and
ideological guardianship shocked the Indians, who expressed surprised at
this. The Indian Express (Pakistan all-praise for Markandey Katju; March
7) viewed this (as) an event worthy of special attention disclosing how the
Pakistani newspaper that had traditionally taken an anti-India stance,
surprisingly agreed to publish Katjus article. But the Katju story did not
end there. My own read on the feedback was disappointing. Pakistani
readers paid no serious attention to Katjus article. They just ignored it as yet
1383
another volley of a dogmatic if not rabid school of thought from across the
border that never accepted Pakistans creation.
From the Indian side, many knowledgeable comments were posted,
mostly dismissive of Katjus reunification theory. One was, however,
shocked at the unworthy and graceless language that some of the comments
from across the border used for Pakistan and its founder, Mohammad Ali
Jinnah. They crossed all limits of civility. It was by no means a spirited
feedback. It was just filth and vulgarity. I am sure even Justice Katju must
have been ashamed of the profanity heaped on our Quaid. I feel sorry for
him.
Katju presented his aberrant reunification theory without being
disrespectful to anyone. That is, perhaps, the spirit of his satyam bruyat.
Jinnah is one of those rare leaders who received some of the greatest tributes
paid to any one in modern times, some of them even from those who held a
diametrically opposed viewpoint. Katjus own illustrious grandfather, Dr
Kailash Nath Katju, one of Indias leading lawyers who participated in the
countrys freedom movement, then serving as Governor of West Bengal, also
paid glowing tribute to our Quaid describing him as an outstanding figure
of this century not only in India, but in the whole world.
No matter what Katju says because of his short-sighted view of
history, but one must give the devil his due credit. His satyam bruyat
reveals in him a man of secular, moderate and progressive outlook. Indeed,
Katju disapproves of religion-based oppression and discrimination in his
country. In his truth about Pakistan, his description of Pakistani cities
Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, etc as killing fields with almost daily bomb
blasts, sectarian violence and persecution of minorities was no exaggeration.
According to him, nobody knows when he steps out into the streets of these
cities whether or not he will return alive.
By describing Karachi as a Jurassic Park, he is not depicting any
imaginary scenario. He is presenting our sordid reality. The problem,
however, is that we are not even ashamed of what we are doing to ourselves.
We have become a suicidal nation. We are killing ourselves. Our problem is
not of nationhood. Our problem is governance. Corrupt rulership, religious
bigotry and interfaith intolerance are our bte noire. What if Katju has
shown us a dreary mirror? Dont we see in it a mutilated and disjointed
nation? We see a mass of hollow people with wooden faces leaning together
as a paralyzed body making gestures without motion, and reflecting an
1384
image of what T.S. Eliot once described as shape without form and shade
without colour.
We see in the mirror a country looted and plundered by its own rulers,
and left with no dignity and sovereign independence. We also see a hapless
nation, debilitating itself physically as well as spiritually. No wonder, the
world now calls us the most dangerous nation on earth. Isnt it time for us
to change and behave like a nation?
No matter what Katjus reunification dreams are, he should be
mature enough to rise above illusions and accept the historic reality. Pakistan
is going to stay no matter what havoc is wreaked upon it by its corrupt and
self-serving rulers. If anything, he should devote his energies and current
media authority to ameliorating the environment between the two nuclearcapable neighbours. India and Pakistan, even as two separate nations, at
peace with themselves would be a formidable power as a strong factor of
balance and stability in our region and the world at large.
Finally, here is a word of advice to Justice Katju. Speak truth by all
means, but speak in such a way that it does not hurt others. Never speak
truth, which is unpleasant to others. Never speak untruth only to please
yourself. This is the path of eternal morality, the sanatana dharma that,
indeed, transcends all divides and barriers. (Shamshad Ahmad, TheNation
17th March)
REVIEW
As said in the beginning of this and in one of the recent reviews, the
nature of terrorism in Pakistan has markedly changed. The terrorists, the
Islamic militants who waged jihad against the Crusaders that came to the
region as invaders and occupied Afghanistan, no more seemed interested in
harming the US interests.
They are now perpetrating terror against the Shia community with a
very clear aim of triggering Shia-Sunni conflict in Pakistan. This is part of
the same strategy that is being pursued by the Crusaders in Iraq Syria and
Yemen. The coincident of the strategy of the Crusaders and the terrorists is
quite intriguing, but not difficult to understand.
Despite, repeated terror attacks of horrendous nature and rulers
irresponsible inflammatory prejudiced statements both communities,
especially Shias, have successfully foiled the designs of attackers by
showing extraordinary patience and tolerance. If the two communities
1385
remain steadfast, this could mark the beginning of the defeat of the strategy
of divide and rule.
Meanwhile, Shamshad Ahmad in one of his articles criticized Justice
(Retd) Markandey Katju, Chairman of the Press Council of India for
rejecting the Two Nation theory and predicting reunification of Bharat Mata.
Justice Katju reacted by showing desire to write a rejoinder to an article by
Shamshad Ahmad, who responded favourably and helped Katjus in getting
is views published in TheNation.
There is no doubt that Shamshad Ahmad was not perturbed by the
remarks of Katju about Pakistan and Mohammah Ali Jinnah. He only wanted
to show to the Pakistanis a glimpse of anti-Pakistan elements that exist on
either side of the border. There are many Katjus in Pakistan, holding
similar views cloaked in the garb of secularism.
18th March, 2013
1386

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THE

AVAILING TRAGEDIES .1234

The politicians of Pakistan, in power or otherwise, seem quite

' ' '

THE DECLINE OF MUSLIMS

Ghaddar-e-watan oss ko batatey hein Brahman; Angraiz samajhta hai

[Kalisa nawaz: Girja nawaz; Issaiyuon ko khosh karney wala.]

[Alast: Roz-e-azal Adami ney alast-a bah-Rabbekom (kaya mein tomhara

Sufi ki tariqat mein masti-e-ahwal; Mulla ki shariat mein faqat masti-egoftar.

[Kham-o-paich: Dao, heirpheir. Aflas-e-takhiyyal: Khiyalat ki kam-maigi.]

INVOCATION TO THE SOUL OF MUHAMMAD (S.A.W.)

Hai kiss ki yeh joraat keh Mosilman ko toukey; huriyat-e-afkar ki niamat

Karey yeh kafir-e-Hindi bhi joraat-e-goftar; agar nah ho omra-e-Arab ki

REFORMERS OF THE EAST

Milley ga manzal-e-maqsood ka issi ko soragh; andhairi shabb mein hai

Ishq-o-masti ka janazah hai takhiyal onn ka; onn kay andaishah-e-tarik

Woh naghmah-e-sardi khoon-e-ghazal sara ki dalil; keh jiss ko sonn kay

Meri nawa sey giriban-e-lalah chaak hoa; nasim-e-sobh, chaman ki talash

Dour-e-hazar hai haqiqat mein wohi ehad-e-qadim; ehl-e-sujjadah hein ya

Hikmat-e-Mashraq-o-Maghrab ney sikhhaya hai mojhey; eik noktah keh

It may be philosophy or creed, Derveshhood or else kingly breed; through

[Khosha: Khosh nasib. Mataa: Doulat. Takhiyal-e-malkooti: Farishton ki

THE PRAYER OF SLAVES

Yahan marz ka sabab hai ghulami-o-taqlid, wahan marz ka sabab hai

[Zolmat kadah-e-khaak: Mitti kay andar tarik ghar.]

Sahar-e-Englees! Ma ra khwaja digar tarash (Ay Angraiz jadoogar!

[Johar-e-adraak: Woh qowwat jiss ki nooraniyat sey insane kainat ki zaroori

television some days later. This prompted a hurried security conference

On 28th October, a bomb exploded outside a shrine of Ziarat Kaka

Khyber Agency. Four hideouts of the suspected militants were also

On 11th November, Pakistan government strongly condemned the

Afghanistan: On 23rd October, ten Afghan security personnel were

On 30th October, two soldiers in the NATO-led coalition fighting

believed to be based in the unruly border area between Pakistan and

Iran: On 2nd November, thousands of Iranians chanting Death to

On 6th November, Irans UN ambassador said that discriminatory

India: On 23rd October, the Indian Environment Ministry has cleared

railways will deliver 50 refurbished American Locomotive Company

with Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore for promoting business

state-appointed lawyer, Dawn Cardi argued was that in view of Aafias

Though President Obama, during his 2008 campaign, spoke of the

The governments treatment of TTP and nationalists rebelling

without any legitimate reason or an established political-military cause for

Consider what the US-Western pursuit of democracy has given to the

Omars statement hinted towards important policy shifts. A copy of the

The 39-year-old allegedly left his base in the Panjwayi district of

is constructing downstream on the same river, as well as the expected

recognized by the international community through resolutions of the UN

The trial of Sergeant Robert Bales, who had killed 22 Afghan

On 11th November, Punjab Chief Minister stressed upon the people to

Rule of law: On 5th November, following the Supreme Court

Defiance of judiciary: On 5th November, Attorney General Irfan

Next day, Malik Riaz Hussain decided to move a petition in the

Taming the military: On 5th November, Chief Justice said the

General Kayanis statement is being widely deciphered in the

It has become quite easy to disgrace the Parliament and elected

The notification had also been shown to Justice Siddiqui. However, he

Provincial disharmony: On 6th November, reiterating his stance

Baloch militancy: On 5th November, two people were killed and

Next day, three members of Hazara community were gunned down

Turf war in Karachi: On 5th November, two activists of MQM

nation to the brink of ultimate disaster. The pursuit of truth necessitates

* (46) *