The first drone attacks under the Obama administration have taken place. Fourteen people were killed in the Waziristan area in the latest bombings. Just days earlier there had been another unusual operation carried out jointly by Pakistan and US forces deep within Pakistani territory, apparently targeting a hideout for militant leaders. For the present then it seems there is no change in policy. The rather optimistic assurance issued a short while ago by the prime minister, that drone attacks would come to an end once Obama took charge of leadership, seems to have come to naught.
We all know how much damage, emotional, psychological and physical, the drone attacks have inflicted. Many civilians have died, among them women and children. There has also been a wave of anger over the US incursions, which adds to the hatred already in existence.
The Obama administration has pledged to initiate better relations with the Muslim world. It is also in the midst of undertaking a policy review with regard to Pakistan; therefore, we had better come up with a robust strategy to counter the drone attacks.
What strategy Pakistan should chalk out in coordination with the new US administration to stop these drone attacks? How the US decision-makers should be persuaded of the drone attacks which have so far caused much damage and contributed to the growth of militancy?
Your comments are welcome on this festering issue!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Extremism far and wide
Like a weed that spreads rapidly and kills all that existed before, extremism in its most ugly form has reached out from Swat into other places. Its tentacles now seem to be in the process of wrapping themselves around Quetta – a city that during the colonial age and the decades that immediately followed was known as 'Little London' due to its reputation for lively activity.
Today, cafes and restaurants across the city are refusing to serve women. This extraordinary measure was adopted after militants visited the eateries, advising them to exclude women, as eating out with family was not permissible as per Islam. 'Family areas' in some restaurants have since been converted into 'gents only' dining spots. There are also accounts coming in of the harassment of women who do not wear the veil and of threats to the owners of Internet cafes and video shops.
It is not Quetta alone that is affected. Over the last year, Peshawar has seen repeated attacks by militants. The writ of the state seems to have receded even from localities in the very heart of the city. Incidents involving extremist violence have taken place in Karachi, Lahore and other cities as well. It seems obvious that the militant 'victory' in Swat has encouraged similar action in other areas.
Things there indeed seem to be going from bad to worse. The Taliban have now issued a list of 43 people from Swat, mostly ANP politicians and local notables, who they have deemed 'enemies' and ordered to appear before 'Sharia courts' or else 'face action'.
The question is what the authorities are doing to combat this and save a society that stands on the very brink of anarchy. What are the grey areas in government’s policy that need to be addressed so that peace is restored in the country?
Today, cafes and restaurants across the city are refusing to serve women. This extraordinary measure was adopted after militants visited the eateries, advising them to exclude women, as eating out with family was not permissible as per Islam. 'Family areas' in some restaurants have since been converted into 'gents only' dining spots. There are also accounts coming in of the harassment of women who do not wear the veil and of threats to the owners of Internet cafes and video shops.
It is not Quetta alone that is affected. Over the last year, Peshawar has seen repeated attacks by militants. The writ of the state seems to have receded even from localities in the very heart of the city. Incidents involving extremist violence have taken place in Karachi, Lahore and other cities as well. It seems obvious that the militant 'victory' in Swat has encouraged similar action in other areas.
Things there indeed seem to be going from bad to worse. The Taliban have now issued a list of 43 people from Swat, mostly ANP politicians and local notables, who they have deemed 'enemies' and ordered to appear before 'Sharia courts' or else 'face action'.
The question is what the authorities are doing to combat this and save a society that stands on the very brink of anarchy. What are the grey areas in government’s policy that need to be addressed so that peace is restored in the country?
Making Pakistan safe
United States President Barack Obama, in an interview, has said he seeks a stable Pakistan and wants to ensure that insurgency in neighbouring Afghanistan does not affect Pakistan. Mr Obama seems especially concerned about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. In recent months, scenarios under which Al Qaeda-backed militants seize the weapons have been put forward by various US-based think tanks, and the issue is said also to have been brought up during briefings to top US officials. Now there has been conjecture that freed Guantanamo Bay prisoners could become involved in terrorist action against the US and could intensify efforts to grab nukes.
Obama has already announced additional troops for Afghanistan. It is obvious that he sees the Pak-Afghan region as a flashpoint that needs to be more effectively managed. For this, as the president has said, a strong, united and stable Pakistan is important.
The question is how such stability can be built. A bill which the US Vice President Joe Biden had helped draft had proposed large-scale development aid for Pakistan rather than only military assistance. That bill has been left on the roadside as dramatic change swept last year across the US.
The stability Barack Obama believes Pakistan needs can come only when the abject poverty and social injustice in which extremist thought is rooted is addressed. Pakistan today needs massive investment in education, health and welfare. As part of his bid to usher in a better world and to build peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this is a priority Mr Obama needs to keep at the top of his list. Greater security for people in the country would after all work in everyone's interest, aiding in combating the terrorism that threatens people everywhere in the world.
Obama has already announced additional troops for Afghanistan. It is obvious that he sees the Pak-Afghan region as a flashpoint that needs to be more effectively managed. For this, as the president has said, a strong, united and stable Pakistan is important.
The question is how such stability can be built. A bill which the US Vice President Joe Biden had helped draft had proposed large-scale development aid for Pakistan rather than only military assistance. That bill has been left on the roadside as dramatic change swept last year across the US.
The stability Barack Obama believes Pakistan needs can come only when the abject poverty and social injustice in which extremist thought is rooted is addressed. Pakistan today needs massive investment in education, health and welfare. As part of his bid to usher in a better world and to build peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this is a priority Mr Obama needs to keep at the top of his list. Greater security for people in the country would after all work in everyone's interest, aiding in combating the terrorism that threatens people everywhere in the world.
Geo news transmission blocked in parts of country
The transmission of Pakistan’s premier news channel Geo news has been blocked in some parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, Deepalpur and Sargodha.
The concerned officials have directed the cable operators to place Geo news channel at the tail end, making it difficult for the viewers to watch the channel.
Viewers of Geo News started making phone calls to Geo’s offices, trying to find out reasons for not receiving the transmission. People from every walk of life have strongly condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission. They expressed complete solidarity with Geo news.
Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission in various cities of country.
Speaking to Geo news, Nawaz said: “These steps have reminded us the negative tactics adopted by former dictator.” Pakistan Muslim League-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed said Geo news is being punished for airing the truth.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran khan and MQM Senator Babar Khan Ghauri also condemned the blocking of Geo news.
“Reporters Without Borders” condemned the action which, it said, has brought back memories of military rule in the country. Awani National Party (ANP) Secretary Information Zahid Khan has said that ANP strongly condemns the blockage of Geo news in different cities of the country.
National People’s Party Chief Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Munawar Hasan, Karachi Press Club (KPC) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) condemned blocking of Geo news transmission in the country.
The secretary general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Mazhar Abbas said the act of blocking the transmission of any news channel or media cannot be justified.
Is the blocking of Geo news transmission tantamount to suppressing freedom of expression and media? How do you view the blocking of Geo news in the backdrop of lawyers’ long march and present political situation in the country?
The concerned officials have directed the cable operators to place Geo news channel at the tail end, making it difficult for the viewers to watch the channel.
Viewers of Geo News started making phone calls to Geo’s offices, trying to find out reasons for not receiving the transmission. People from every walk of life have strongly condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission. They expressed complete solidarity with Geo news.
Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission in various cities of country.
Speaking to Geo news, Nawaz said: “These steps have reminded us the negative tactics adopted by former dictator.” Pakistan Muslim League-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed said Geo news is being punished for airing the truth.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran khan and MQM Senator Babar Khan Ghauri also condemned the blocking of Geo news.
“Reporters Without Borders” condemned the action which, it said, has brought back memories of military rule in the country. Awani National Party (ANP) Secretary Information Zahid Khan has said that ANP strongly condemns the blockage of Geo news in different cities of the country.
National People’s Party Chief Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Munawar Hasan, Karachi Press Club (KPC) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) condemned blocking of Geo news transmission in the country.
The secretary general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Mazhar Abbas said the act of blocking the transmission of any news channel or media cannot be justified.
Is the blocking of Geo news transmission tantamount to suppressing freedom of expression and media? How do you view the blocking of Geo news in the backdrop of lawyers’ long march and present political situation in the country?
Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry restored as Chief Justice of Pakistan
The crisis that had the potentiality of turning into catastrophe has been averted. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has been re-instated.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani announced reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice and other judges.
“I restore the deposed chief justice and others according to the promise made by me and the President,” Gilani said in a televised address to the nation. The announcement, in light of the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari, met the main demand of the political parties and the lawyers’ community.
He said, “A notification to this effect is being issued now.” He said Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry would replace Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, who retires on March 21.
Gilani pledged to “continue the politics of reconciliation.” The deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was removed from service by former President Pervez Musharraf on March 9, 2007, sparking a wave of protest that led to his resignation from his office on August 18, 2008.
The crisis that had the potentiality of turning into catastrophe has been averted. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has been re-instated.
However, to put things in its correct perspective, it must be said that the combined efforts of the lawyers, the elite citizens, the media, the political parties of various denominations and most importantly, the solidarity exhibited by the nation, has achieved the improbable.
A new beginning has been made. It is time to review and revise our national policies to insure that we no longer continue stumbling down a path of decline. The system is fundamentally flawed and it requires the combined efforts of all branches of govt. and the people of all walks to focus their attention to fix the problem at the earliest. The convergence of nation into a missionary zeal must be kept alive. Having accomplished the first priority they should now focus their attention towards national reconstruction, consolidation and growth.
All parochial and provincial notions must be jettisoned and it is time for national unity and ironing out of shallow and superficial differences.
Your comments on this historic development are welcome!
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani announced reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice and other judges.
“I restore the deposed chief justice and others according to the promise made by me and the President,” Gilani said in a televised address to the nation. The announcement, in light of the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari, met the main demand of the political parties and the lawyers’ community.
He said, “A notification to this effect is being issued now.” He said Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry would replace Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, who retires on March 21.
Gilani pledged to “continue the politics of reconciliation.” The deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was removed from service by former President Pervez Musharraf on March 9, 2007, sparking a wave of protest that led to his resignation from his office on August 18, 2008.
The crisis that had the potentiality of turning into catastrophe has been averted. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has been re-instated.
However, to put things in its correct perspective, it must be said that the combined efforts of the lawyers, the elite citizens, the media, the political parties of various denominations and most importantly, the solidarity exhibited by the nation, has achieved the improbable.
A new beginning has been made. It is time to review and revise our national policies to insure that we no longer continue stumbling down a path of decline. The system is fundamentally flawed and it requires the combined efforts of all branches of govt. and the people of all walks to focus their attention to fix the problem at the earliest. The convergence of nation into a missionary zeal must be kept alive. Having accomplished the first priority they should now focus their attention towards national reconstruction, consolidation and growth.
All parochial and provincial notions must be jettisoned and it is time for national unity and ironing out of shallow and superficial differences.
Your comments on this historic development are welcome!
Obama unveils new US policy for Pakistan, Afghanistan
U.S. President Barack Obama Friday said Al-Qaeda is ‘actively planning' attacks on US from safe havens in Pakistan.
Unfolding a new US strategy to defeat Taliban and Al-Qaeda, Obama said Pakistan must be 'stronger partner' in destroying Al-Qaeda safe havens. In this connection, he said Pakistan would be provided financial assistance of 1.5 billion dollars each year for the next five years.
However, he said US would not provide a blank cheque to Pakistan “as they also needed to prove their commitment in war against terror.”
President Obama said the goal is to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The situation in Afghanistan is increasingly perilous, President Barack Obama warned.
"Attacks against our troops, our NATO allies, and the Afghan government have risen steadily. Most painfully, 2008 was the deadliest year of the war for American forces."
"I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan and to prevent their return to either country in the future," Obama said.
"That is the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just. And to the terrorists who oppose us, my message is the same: we will defeat you. "
He said US will not turn blind eye to Afghan government corruption.
The US President proposed setting up a new contact group on Afghanistan including Iran to tackle the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgency.
Dear readers – we would welcome your comments on new US policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. What do you think of this policy and its far-reaching implications? And what would be the reaction in Pakistan?
Unfolding a new US strategy to defeat Taliban and Al-Qaeda, Obama said Pakistan must be 'stronger partner' in destroying Al-Qaeda safe havens. In this connection, he said Pakistan would be provided financial assistance of 1.5 billion dollars each year for the next five years.
However, he said US would not provide a blank cheque to Pakistan “as they also needed to prove their commitment in war against terror.”
President Obama said the goal is to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The situation in Afghanistan is increasingly perilous, President Barack Obama warned.
"Attacks against our troops, our NATO allies, and the Afghan government have risen steadily. Most painfully, 2008 was the deadliest year of the war for American forces."
"I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan and to prevent their return to either country in the future," Obama said.
"That is the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just. And to the terrorists who oppose us, my message is the same: we will defeat you. "
He said US will not turn blind eye to Afghan government corruption.
The US President proposed setting up a new contact group on Afghanistan including Iran to tackle the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgency.
Dear readers – we would welcome your comments on new US policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. What do you think of this policy and its far-reaching implications? And what would be the reaction in Pakistan?
All-out war declared against militants
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has ordered the armed forces to launch an operation against the militants and terrorists so as to flush them out completely from Swat and Malakand in order to ensure security, restore honour and dignity of the homeland and for the protection of the people.
The prime minister also appealed to the nation, political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and all the institutions of the country to lend their complete support to the government and the armed forces for the cause of Pakistan.
Gilani said the time had come to show unity in our ranks and stand up against those who wanted to make Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal hostage on gunpoint. “The nation should get united and support the armed forces and the government to foil their designs,” he appealed to the nation. The prime minister also said that one billion rupees had been provided for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The premier also talked about his government’s seriousness to implement the Nizam-e-Adl agreement, saying that since the day one the government took seriously the situation in Swat and made efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue. The prime minister said for the peace in swat, the government had sustained internal and external pressure but stuck to the agreement.
The prime minister said the accord envisaged that after the enforcement of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, militants would lay down arms for the sake of complete peace in the Malakand division. However, he said the militants continued violating the accord, attacked security forces and targeted government installations and buildings.
He said the militants misconstrued the government’s desire for peace as its weakness. He said the government had decided not to bow down before the terrorists and extremists and would force them to lay down their arms.
The prime minister said the country was facing security and economic challenges and both were interlinked. He asked the people to come forward to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan. He urged the Ulema and Mashaikh to help project Islam’s true spirit. “We have to highlight before the world that there is no place in Islam for suicide attacks and that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood,” he maintained. He said it was a baseless propaganda that Islam was spread through the force of sword.
Your comments are welcome on Prime Minister’s speech – what should be done by the government to get the country rid of the scourge of terrorism and extremism? And what is our responsibility as a nation at this critical movement in our history?
The prime minister also appealed to the nation, political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and all the institutions of the country to lend their complete support to the government and the armed forces for the cause of Pakistan.
Gilani said the time had come to show unity in our ranks and stand up against those who wanted to make Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal hostage on gunpoint. “The nation should get united and support the armed forces and the government to foil their designs,” he appealed to the nation. The prime minister also said that one billion rupees had been provided for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The premier also talked about his government’s seriousness to implement the Nizam-e-Adl agreement, saying that since the day one the government took seriously the situation in Swat and made efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue. The prime minister said for the peace in swat, the government had sustained internal and external pressure but stuck to the agreement.
The prime minister said the accord envisaged that after the enforcement of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, militants would lay down arms for the sake of complete peace in the Malakand division. However, he said the militants continued violating the accord, attacked security forces and targeted government installations and buildings.
He said the militants misconstrued the government’s desire for peace as its weakness. He said the government had decided not to bow down before the terrorists and extremists and would force them to lay down their arms.
The prime minister said the country was facing security and economic challenges and both were interlinked. He asked the people to come forward to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan. He urged the Ulema and Mashaikh to help project Islam’s true spirit. “We have to highlight before the world that there is no place in Islam for suicide attacks and that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood,” he maintained. He said it was a baseless propaganda that Islam was spread through the force of sword.
Your comments are welcome on Prime Minister’s speech – what should be done by the government to get the country rid of the scourge of terrorism and extremism? And what is our responsibility as a nation at this critical movement in our history?
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