Topmost Questions asked and there answers from Great General’s Desk

1) Was there a way post 9/11 for Pakistan to handle the Americans and the Taliban that would have avoided the current situation where we seem to be stuck with a deteriorating law and order situation?

I think we dealt with both in the best possible manner under most difficult circumstances. With regards to the US, the big question after 9/11 was whether to join the Coalition or not. The Americans had decided they were going to attack Afghanistan, and because of geographic compulsions, the attack was most likely going to come from the East. The positives of joining the coalition far outweighed the negatives of not joining.

Imagine what would have happened, had we not joined the coalition? The attack would have still taken place using bases provided by our neighbour, jeopardizing our territorial integrity. The flow of Al Qaeda and Taliban into Pakistan and the spreading of obscurantist Talibanisation into our country would have happened at a much greater scale. This was certainly not in our own interest. Therefore joining the Coalition was and is primarily in our own national interest. It happens to be in US interest also. The thought that we are playing the US game is simply not correct.

With the passage of time the situation has become more complex. There is strong Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan, developing nexus with Taliban in our tribal agencies, spreading Talibanisation into settled districts of NWFP. These in turn are developing links with extremists in our own society, further complicating the issue. The bottom line is that we have to defeat terrorism and extremism wherever it comes from. The Taliban have done tremendous damage to us and will not hesitate to do more unless we defeat them. The choice is stark. We as a nation have to decide what we want for ourselves. A progressive, enlightened, tolerant Islamic society or a retrogressive, obscurantist society?

2) Lal Masjid- Sifting Truth from Lies

The Lal Masjid operation is a case study of how an appropriately timed, meticulously planned and boldly executed operation launched in the supreme national interest can be distorted by vested interests who want to present it as a disaster. I would like to elaborate/clarify various issues which have been distorted.

“Hundreds of innocent people were killed which included scores of women and children.”
This is an absolute lie. Firstly none of those killed were innocent. They were terrorists (including five foreigners) who took the law in their own hands and killed a number of policemen, kidnapped and physically tortured Chinese citizens (causing embarrassment to the government) and burnt down Ministry of Environment offices, property and vehicles. They had stored arms and explosives in the mosque and were equipped/prepared for suicide bombings. Secondly the numbers killed were NINETY FOUR and not a single woman or child was killed. This can be ascertained by digging their graves and counting.

“The operation was launched overriding efforts to end the occupation peacefully.”
Nothing could be farther from the truth. The siege of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa was started about six months before the operation. There were about two thousand five hundred girls in Jamia Hafsa and an equal number of men who had taken over Lal Masjid. Despite all the pressure on the government in the media to act and evict the occupants who were challenging the writ of the government and causing immense embarrassment, the decision taken was to negotiate a peaceful settlement to avoid casualties. In the months that followed, representatives from Wafaqul Madaris and the Council of Islamic Ideology were sent to negotiate, Maulana Edhis’ wife was sent to pacify the girls and even Imam Kaaba was gracious enough to contribute towards an amicable end to the confrontation. Besides this, a number of politicians and notables also tried their best to resolve the issue. All this was to no avail. The primary concern before launching the operation was how to avoid casualties. The operation was launched only after all efforts towards a negotiated settlement failed and maximum occupants including all women and children were drawn out. The individuals left were all hardened terrorists including five foreigners who refused to surrender and decided to fight it out.

We as Pakistanis must realise that we cannot be known internationally as a “Soft State” or a “Banana Republic” where there is no writ of the government. The government has to be strong enough to meet any challenge to its authority. Then only can we emerge as a stable, strong, respectable country in the comity of nations. We also have to make sure that religion is not misused to challenge the state and spread extremism in the society.

Lal Masjid operation stands as a tribute to the gallantry of all the soldiers, especially of SSG, rangers and policemen who participated in the operation. May all the Shaheeds rest in peace.

3) What compelled you to promulgate the NRO?
I very much feel responsible for answering this question which is rightly agitating many minds. However because of certain political sensitivities, I will have to pend the answer for the time being with a promise that I will take the nation on board at the appropriate time. The one clarification that I will make is that I committed this mistake on the strong advice of the political leadership at that time who are now blatantly disowning connections with it. My interest was only national with absolutely no personal bias or agenda.

“Through the NRO you brought corrupt politicians to power and made Zardari the President.”
NRO may have allowed Asif Zardari or corrupt politicians to contest elections but it certainly was not the cause of their coming to power. NRO is not responsible for electing the PPP as the majority party or allowing Asif Zardari to win an election. NRO is not responsible for corrupt politicians sitting in Assemblies, or being appointed as Ministers. All this happened through the votes of the people of Pakistan. NRO is not responsible for all Parliamentarians of Provincial and National Assemblies and Senate having overwhelmingly voted for Asif Zardari as President. The nation has to learn to cast their votes for the right person and the right party.

Question: When are you returning to Pakistan? Will you consider forming your own Party or will you form an alliance with existing politicians?

Answer: One thing is for sure, that I will return to Pakistan. The timing however is of the essence. It is mainly dependent on the domestic environment. I have to see whether people vastly want me to return and also whether I can deliver. I have to work through the political and democratic process. Only grassroots support can enable me to carry out a programme and policy based on my vision for the future. So if this question is coming from someone who desires that this happen, it is really up to you to begin engaging. The youth who have been voicing this question and are the future custodians of Pakistan, have to get activated.

As far as forming a new Party or getting into an alliance is concerned, one has to be pragmatic. Existing politicians have their importance and a definite role to play. I have to generate direct public support to try something original. I do believe in a military maxim: “Never reinforce failure.”

Question: Why were such large amounts of bank loans written off? Does this not send the message to the citizenry that crime pays?

Answer: Absolutely correct, it should never be done. But who says I have written off a single loan of any rich or influential individual? Never have I done this.

I have, however, written off loans of the poor, especially those stricken by natural calamities. This was always done on a collective basis. Loans of the poor were written off in drought stricken areas of Baluchistan and Sindh in 2000, then of the earth quake affected in 2005, the flood affected of Baluchistan and Sindh in 2006 and as a part of agriculture reform package for the poor. It was always made sure that these special reliefs were not availed by well off individuals. I have never written off a single loan on an individual basis.

Any individuals who got loans written off have done so on their own, using their influence or other underhand means which must be investigated and action taken. This has never come to my knowledge, and I never took any decision to write off loans to benefit a single individual.

Question: Why did you handover Pakistanis to US for interrogation? In particular, why were Americans given access to an accomplished Pakistani citizen like Dr. Afia Siddiqui?

Answer: These are baseless allegations. Not a single Pakistani was handed over by me to the US or any foreign country. Those taken by US were captured in Afghanistan and not given to US. Our policy was clear:

Pakistanis will be tried in Pakistan.

Foreigners will be offered to their own countries first and in case of refusal (which was invariably the case), will be handed over to the US.

The facts about Dr Afia Siddiqui’s case are still unclear. I only heard her name through the media when the story of her arrest in Afghanistan became public.

Article 6 Applies on Nawaz Shareef too

Now a days Mr Nawaz Sharif and his party is quite vocal against Ex President of Pakistan for doing UNCONSTITUTIONAL acts and demanding a trial under article 6 for Ex President Musharraf for violating the constitution of Pakistan

Nawaz Sharif and his party is now holding the torch of Free Judiciary even though Nawaz and his party attacked the Supreme court of Pakistan.

I really feel pitty for Nawaz and his party as they are the one who should be hanged for taking UNCONSTITUTIONAL decisions.

In 1998 Nawaz Sharif then Prime Minister of Pakistan made Military Courts in Sindh Province in the name of controlling Law and Order situation but the real motives were to crush MQM the Second Largest Political Party of Sindh and Third Largest of Pakistan for not supporting the 15th Amendment that makes Mr Nawaz Sharif Ameer ul Momineen.

On 17th of Feburary 1999 a Bench of NON PCO JUDGES comprises of

Chief Justice Ajmal Mian,

Justice Saiduzzaman Siddiqui,

Justice Irshad Hasan Khan,

Justice Raja Afrasiab Khan,

Justice Mohammad Bashir Jehangiri,

Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid,

Justice Munawar Ahmed Mirza,

Justice Mamoon Kazi and

Justice Abdur Rehman Khan.

Unanimously declared the setting up of military courts

for the trial of civilians as unconstitutional and without lawful

authority.

The Honorable Bench give the following Decision.

“We are of the view that Ordinance No XII of 1998 as amended up-to-

date in so far as it allows the establishment of military courts

for trial of civilian charged with the offences mentioned in

Section 6 and the schedule to the above ordinance are declared

Unconstitutional, without lawful authority and of no legal effect,”

According to this judgment by the 9 member NON PCO Bench, it is crystal clear that the then Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) and President Rafiq Tarar did conduct an Unconstitutional Act, which is declared by the Supreme Court of Pakistan as Unconstitutional and Un Lawful.( It is worth noting that Nawaz Sharif is asking for Musharraf Trial as Supreme Court of Pakistan termed 3 Nov 2007 Actions Un Constitutional and Illegal, the same Supreme Court cited on 17 Feb 1999).

So if Mr Nawaz Sharif asked the Government to try Musharraf under article 6 for doing Unconstitutional and Un Lawful Act then Mr Nawaz Sharif Did the same in 1998 and the Supreme Court comprises of NON PCO Judges gave the same Verdict against Him as well, then He Should be Try under article 6 and should be hang for doing un constitutional Act as well.

Now it is the duty of Civil Society and Lawyers Community and People of Pakistan to ask for the trial of Mr Nawaz Sharif, then Prime Minister who advised the then President Rafiq Tarar to issue an ordinance for setting up Military Courts, which was termed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan as Un Constitutional and Unlawful, Under article 6 for doing an UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACT.

Lets see the so called Civil Society and Lawyers would comes out and ask for Mr Nawaz trial under Article 6 or not.

This post is a big Question Mark on the people who wants trial of Musharraf under Article 6 for doing Unconstitutional Act but not asking trial of Mr Nawaz Sharif for the same.

by Mr. Khalid Farooqi
his blog is

http://khaledfaroqi.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/nawaz-sharif-trial-article-6/

An Eye Opener

an eye opener for those who thinks that lawyer movement was for the good of Pakistan, it was really a conspiracy against Pakistan to derail the systen and shatter economy of Pakistan…
all the actors of this so called rule of law movement deserve severe punishment … time will prove that they were the biggest traitor of this land

http://www.wikimir.com/lawyers-movement

Musharraf Farmhouse allegation proved false

Sunday, June 21, 2009
According to recent stories in your paper regarding Chak Shahzad farmhouses, a list of 34 persons charged with some sort of default or wrong tariff has been released by IESCO. Former president Pervez Musharraf’s name is conspicuous by its absence from this list. What happened to the ‘unearthing’ of a scandal about the former president’s farmhouse that was given extensive coverage in your columns? There were stories about free transformers, wrong tariffs and the most laughable of all, the installation of FATA meter at the ex-president’s farmhouse. All these allegations of your reporter seemed nothing more than his fantastical opinions portrayed as facts as not a single allegation in this series of stories has held ground. When one allegation is refuted, your ‘investigative’ journalist, instead of defending the first one, as someone who has done his research should be able to do, cooks up another allegation which is proved wrong the next day. Is this the understanding of investigative journalism of The News?

It is expected of the largest media group in Pakistan to at least be able to differentiate between hearsay journalism and investigative journalism.

Hammad Husain

Architect of Pervez Musharraf’s farmhouse, Chak Shahzad,

Islamabad
source : http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=184179

چترال: پرویز مشرف کا حامی نظر آیا

بازار میں لوگوں سے بات کی تو ایسا لگا کہ چترال پاکستان کا واحد علاقہ ہے جہاں سابق صدر پرویز مشرف آج بھی دیگر سیاسی رہنماؤں سے زیادہ مقبول ہیں۔ ہوٹل کے بیرے اور مینیجر سے لے کر عام دوکاندار اور پڑھے لکھے لوگوں تک جس سے بھی بات ہوئی وہ پرویز مشرف کا حامی نظر آیا۔

ایڈووکیٹ عبدالولی نے اس کی ایک بڑی وجہ لواری سرنگ کا منصوبہ بتائی۔’چترال کے لوگ ہر سال موسم سرما میں چھ ماہ تک ملک سے کٹ جاتے ہیں ۔کیونکہ برفباری کی وجہ سے راستے بند ہوجاتے ہیں اور ہم مجبور ہوجاتے ہیں۔‘

انہوں نے بتایا کہ اربوں روپوں کی لاگت سے پرویز مشرف کے دورِ حکومت میں چترال کو دیر سے زمینی راستے سے ملانے کے لیے تقریباً آٹھ کلومیٹر سے بھی زیادہ پہاڑ کھود کر سرنگ بنائی۔ ان کے مطابق لواری ٹنل پر کوریا کی کمپنی کام کر رہی ہے اور کھدائی مکمل ہونے کے بعد اب صرف اُسے ہوادار بنانے اور چھوٹے موٹے کام باقی ہیں۔

’لواری ٹنل چترال کے لوگوں کا صدیوں پرانا خواب تھا جو پرویز مشرف نے پورا کردیا اور یہ منصوبہ ہماری زندگی میں انقلاب لائے گا۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ پرویز مشرف اگر چترال سے انتخاب لڑیں تو آسانی سے جیت سکتے ہیں۔‘

چترال میں معلوم ہوا کہ ایک مقامی لکڑ ہارے سے پرویز مشرف کی دوستی ہے۔ احمد خان نامی اس شخص سے ملاقات ہوئی تو انہوں نے پرویز مشرف سے اپنے عشق کی داستان سناتے ہوئے بتایا کہ ان کی تاحال پرویز مشرف سے چار ملاقاتیں ہوچکی ہیں۔ انہوں نے اپنی ملاقاتوں کی تصویریں بھی دکھائیں۔

احمد خان نے بتایا کہ انہیں پرویز مشرف ایک سچے، کھرے اور بہادر انسان لگتے ہیں۔ جب پرویز مشرف پر حملہ ہوا تو وہ بہت روئے اور جب معلوم ہوا کہ وہ بچ گئے ہیں تو انہوں نے چترال شہر کے بازار میں ہر آنے جانے والے شخص کو مٹھائی کھلائی۔ ’میں غریب آدمی ہوں لکڑیاں بیچ کر پیٹ پالتا ہوں لیکن اُس دن میں نے ہزاروں روپے خرچ کردیے۔‘

چوالیس سالہ احمد خان بتاتے ہیں کہ پرویز مشرف نے لواری سرنگ بنا کر چترالی عوام کو خرید لیا ہے اور چترالی اپنے محسن کو کبھی نہیں بھولتے۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ ’پرویز مشرف نے جب ریفرنڈم کرایا تو میں نے اپنے گھر میں پولنگ سٹیشن بنایا۔ میرے دو قریبی عزیزوں نے پرویز مشرف کے خلاف ووٹ دیے اور میں آج تک ان سے بات نہیں کرتا۔‘

احمد خان نے بتایا کہ مرحوم ذوالفقار علی بھٹو نے بھی لواری سرنگ بنانے کا اعلان کیا تھا لیکن انہیں پھر موقع نہیں مل پایا۔ ان کے بقول بعد میں دو بار پیپلز پارٹی اقتدار میں رہی لیکن اس منصوبے پر کام شروع نہیں کیا۔

چترال شہر میں احمد خان ’پرویز مشرف کے متوالے‘ کے طور پر مشہور ہیں۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ پرویز مشرف کی جانب سے سیاست میں آنے کے فیصلے پر وہ بہت خوش ہیں اور اگر وہ چترال سے قومی اسمبلی کا انتخاب لڑیں تو وہ اتنے ووٹ لیں گے کہ ان کے مخالفین کی ضمانتیں ضبط ہوجائیں گی۔

’مجھے پورا یقین ہے کہ آئندہ ملاقات میں، ان سے اسرار کروں گا کہ وہ چترال سے آئندہ انتخاب لڑیں۔انہیں خرچہ بھی نہیں کرنا پڑے گا اور چترال کے لوگ خود ان کی انتخابی مہم چلائیں گے۔‘

احمد خان کا شکریہ ادا کیا اور ان سے اجازت لے کر واپس اسلام آباد کے لیے چترال کے ہوائی اڈے پہنچے۔ چترال کا ہوائی اڈہ دریائے چترال کے کنارے پر تنگ وادی میں واقع ہے۔ چترال کی خوبصورتی میں اس وقت مزید اضافہ ہوجاتا ہے جب فضا سے اس کا منظر دیکھیں۔

http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2009/05/090525_chitral_final_piece_zee.shtml

Rejoinder to Ansar Abbasi’s malicious and unsubstantiated report on Gen Musharraf’s farmhouse

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Electronic and Press Media in Pakistan is enjoying full freedom since former President General Pervez Musharraf adopted the unprecedented policy of liberation of media, which no one ever dared to take on in the history of Pakistan. From state controlled couple of channels in 1999 to more than 60 channels in 2008, it was no other than a ruler in military uniform that always supported and encouraged the freedom of Expression. It seems ironical that the same media later started calling him Dictator and crossed all the limits of ethics in toppling him from office of President.

Like politicians of Pakistan, media quite often also behaves with so much incivility and irresponsibility, which not only serves the purpose of disinformation to the nation but also brings irrecoverable damage to national interests. For few years, centre of gravity of media and political parties is to bring down former President General Musharraf by a well orchestrated and well sponsored campaign against him. No news story attracts the attention of the reader, if it lacks some scandalous ‘information’ about former President. It is quite evident that ‘someone’ is still paying media to make false perceptions.

On 23rd May, Daily ‘The News’ published a story by Mr. Ansar Abbasi with the title, “Documents reveal power scandal in Chak Shahzad palaces”, which was simply based on malicious reporting and twisted facts. On TV channels and internet blogs, it appeared as big story and spread much quickly. This one sided report was followed by the ‘Breaking News’ that former President has vacated the army house. To add sensationalism in the news, it was said that Army has forced him to leave the army house. It was further added that General Musharraf has brought an apartment in London and is not likely to return back to the country.

It was too much humiliating for all those who support General Musharraf and honour him as an honest leader and the man who always work for the ideology of ‘Pakistan First’. It was also so much sad and shattering for former President himself that he appeared on different channels and dismissed all such speculations. He said LOUD and CLEAR that he would live permanently in Chak Chehzad and is not going to leave Pakistan at all. He added that since the construction of his house was completed in Chak Shehzad, he moved out of official residence. On one question, he confirmed the news about his apartment in London and told that his future schedule for lectures in different countries and commitments for interviews is already well set. He has bought a flat in London to serve as a staying station during his visits. On one question he denied any role in killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, saying he is ready to deal with the allegations levelled against him. He out rightly rejected any allegation regarding the rigging in the General Elections of 18th February 2008. He rejected the claim by PML-Q’s leadership that elections were engineered, calling this accusation totally baseless. When he was enquired about the allegation of acquiring electricity on cheaper rates, he rejected this false allegation, saying he abides law and never remains involved in such illegal act.

The next day spokesman for the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) clearified that new connection to the farmhouse is given as per the IESCO-Wapda rules without showing favour to any VIP. He said the contents of the news item were investigated and scrutinised, but no irregularity was found in provision of new connections to these farmhouses. There was no special concession in demand notices. (The News-24th May 2009)

This whole episode clearly depicts how irresponsibly the news reporters sometimes behave while making any story. Professional reporters always take versions of all the parties involved. Mr. Ansar Abbasi, unfortunately is too biased to practice this fundamental rule. We doubt he is probably paid to write such malicious reports, with half quoted and twisted facts. There is no freedom of media, without having feel of responsibility and sense of ownership.

———————————————————————–

The given is the rejoinder to the malicious report of ‘The News’ by Mr. Ansar Abbasi.

———————————————————————–

Written by Hammad Husain (Architect of Chak Shahzad farmhouse)

Mr Ansar Abbasi’s write-up in The News on 23rd May titled “Cheap electricity for Musharraf, ex-ISI chief and others” is a classic case of ‘hearsay’ journalism. Had the writer checked his facts, or at least taken the version of those he has callously accused, as a professional journalist is expected to do, his write-up would have been accurate. Mr Abbasi has claimed that “Gen Musharraf’s farmhouse was provided a free of cost transformer and other equipment in 2006”. This information is totally wrong. The correct fact is that a 25 kVA transformer was installed in 2003 right after Gen Musharraf bought the plot. On 25th Feb 09, as the house was nearing completion, an application was written to IESCO for upgradation of the transformer. A demand note was issued by IESCO on 11th March 09 titled “Extension of load and change of tariff”. A pay order of Rs 376,108 was deposited in the name of XEN(E), Islamabad-1 on 24th March and another pay order amounting to Rs. 102,000 was submitted as security deposit. Consequently, the old transformer was removed and a new 100 kVA transformer was installed. It is evident that instead of investigating the matter and verifying his facts, Mr Abbasi has depended solely on hearsay.

As far as the electricity meter is concerned, the published bill clearly shows the date it was installed (Dec 2003). The plot is in the P & V scheme of CDA where an agriculture meter D-2(1) is installed in routine (by default) till a house is built on the plot for permanent occupancy. The farmhouse was occupied a few days ago and the new meter with A-1(b) tariff (for residential use) is in the process of being installed this week in place of the old meter as per the above-mentioned demand note. The writer ought to know that exact electrical load is calculated and the purpose of the meter is clearly mentioned in all applications. IESCO installs meters after verifying the usage and loads and the customer does not have the option of choosing meters. (A-1(b) tariff is for heavy load and is more expensive than A-1(a) tariff that the writer mentioned in his story). Unfortunately, an unnecessary issue has been created out of a non-issue. After providing clarifications in today’s follow-up story, the writer still ‘stands’ by his story. It is easy to stand by a hearsay story, but it is difficult to stand by unverified and incorrect facts.

Hammad Husain

(Architect of Chak Shahzad farmhouse)

Steel mills facts

http://express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1100577457&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20090226

New Revelation: Bugti’s Shell Backfired

New Revelation: Bugti’s Shell Backfired

By BRASSTACKS & AhmedQuraishi.com

Monday, 4 May 2009.

WWW.AHMEDQURAISHI.COM

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—Akbar Bugti, a politician-turned-terrorist and a smalltime village thug who was taking India’s and Karzai’s help to raise a separatist insurgency inside Pakistan, was not killed by the Pakistani military. Instead he died when a rocket he fired went wrong, in what could also be suicide to evade capture, according to a close aide of Bugti who made this information public for the first time.

This revelation is a major breakthrough because the terror insurgency recruited young Pakistani Baloch men using a fake version of the story alleging that the Pakistani military killed the 80-year-old Bugti in cold blood.

Several news outlets, including BRASSTACKS, a Pakistani security analysis think tank, did explain the circumstances of Bugti’s death. But this is the first time that one of Bugti’s close aides has confirmed the real version.

Akbar Bugti, known as ‘little Saddam’ in his area of Dera Bugti, surprised all Pakistanis when, one fine morning in January 2005, he declared war against Pakistan after receiving guarantees from foreign powers based in Afghanistan that he will be given support to declare resource-rich Balochistan an independent country where he will be appointed an absolute ruler along the lines of the rich Gulf emirates. The federal Pakistani government discovered the plan and demanded Bugti’s surrender. His foreign backers and supporters failed to come to his rescue when security forces surrounded him in a mountain cave on Aug. 26, 2006, where Bugti apparently fired a shell at senior security officers who came to arrest him. As a result, the cave collapsed.

Wadera Muhammad Murad Bugti told a Pakistani TV news channel earlier this week, “When security forces entered the cave where (Bugti) was hiding, he attempted to fend them off by firing a shell. This caused a massive explosion, which resulted in the cave-in that led to the death of Bugti, one colonel, two majors and three commandoes.”

Another terrorist and associate of Akbar Bugti, Mir Balaach Marri, was killed on Nov. 20, 2007, inside Afghanistan as he tried to re-enter Pakistan after meeting his foreign supporters and backers.

Wadera Muhammad Bugti’s statement is a second major blow to the terrorists and their sponsors inside Afghanistan. In April this year, another plank of their propaganda fell apart when U.N. officials negotiating the release of a kidnapped U.N. official discovered that Bugti’s terror network based in Afghanistan was not only involved in the kidnapping but that its demand – the release of Pakistani Baloch women allegedly jailed for their political beliefs – was a hoax.

After the death of Bugti and Marri, Brahamdagh Bugti is now heading the terrorist insurgency and its only major group, the Balochsitan Liberation Army [BLA]. Brahamdagh is based in Kabul where he is sheltered in safe houses. BLA was the name that the former KGB and the Indian intelligence gave to Pakistani communist recruits who were paid to destabilize Pakistan during the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, when the Soviet Union controlled Afghanistan. The BLA died with the end of the Cold War and the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Its revival under a U.S.-controlled Afghanistan is a surprise to Pakistanis.

The militant campaign for ‘Independent Balochistan’ appears to have at least tacit support from U.S. occupation forces in Afghanistan and is part of a wave of multiple insurgencies originating from Afghanistan and targeting the entire western Pakistani belt adjoining Afghanistan. All of these insurgencies did not exist before the year 2005, and certainly not before the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan in late 2001 and early 2002.

It is thought that elements in the U.S. intelligence community are cooperating with the Indians and Karzai’s intelligence to punish Pakistan for its refusal to give up interest in Afghanistan and Indian occupied Kashmir.

Washington is also trying to keep China, which has heavy investments in Balochistan, outside the region. Additionally, routes from Balochistan and Karachi all the way to Afghanistan need to be secured if U.S. is to maintain a long term military presence in Central Asia.

Brahamdagh Bugti and his supporters in Kabul and New Delhi have built an infrastructure of support for the anti-Pakistan terrorist movement that hides in the garb of a separatist movement seeking an independent Balochistan, carved out of Pakistani territories.

Indian experts in classic Urdu, Pakistan’s official language, help Brahamdagh’s people by writing high-standard Urdu-language press releases and emailing them en masse to Pakistani news outlets. One thrust of this propaganda was that Pakistani security agencies have arrested a large number of Pakistani women from Balochistan who are being abused in secret prisons for the crime of supporting Brahamdagh’s insurgency.

This lie was exposed when Brahamdagh and his so-called Balochistan Liberation Army kidnapped in February a U.N. official who happened to be a U.S. citizen. Brahamdagh demanded the release of the allegedly imprisoned women in exchange for the American’s release. Pakistani officials, U.S. officials, and FBI agents from the U.S. all scoured Pakistan’s prisons and checked with all Pakistani security officials and it was ascertained beyond doubt that not a single Pakistani woman from Balochistan was incarcerated anywhere in the country not were there any registered cases of such ‘missing’ women by their relatives

Musharraf farmhouse: the architect responds

The Architect of Mushrraf’s Farm house responds to the false allegations of our “sansational “and so called “patriotic ” Media

By HAMMAD HUSSAIN

Islamabad – A lot has been written in the foreign and local press lately about Gen Pervez Musharraf’s farmhouse in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad. Journalists have (mis)reported and commented on the plot, the house design, cost, size and any aspect of the house that would make news. There has been a debate whether he will be able to live in his farmhouse or not.

As the architect of this farmhouse, I would like to clarify some facts:

The farmhouse has a very modest and functional design with minimalist and simple finishes. It is anything but ostentatious or palatial. It is made in accordance with the bye-laws of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Last year there was a controversy about the Chak Shahzad farms, including Gen Musharraf’s plot. After Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was reinstated on 20th July, he took suo moto notice of the ‘violations’ of law, claiming that the farms were ‘allotted’ to the present owners for growing vegetables and were not meant for residential use. He sought to cancel all the 499 plots in Chak Shahzad.

None of these charges was correct and this move by Justice Chaudhry seemed nothing more than an attempt to settle personal scores with Gen Musharraf. The reality is that these plots had originally been allotted as compensation to those locals who were evicted from their properties in the 1970s and 80s when CDA was in the process of developing sectors in Islamabad. Most of these allottees eventually sold these farms at prevailing market rates. Later, CDA legalized construction of residences in Chak Shahzad.

Gen Musharraf bought his plot at market price and it was officially transferred in his name by CDA, which also stamped and approved the drawings for construction of the house according to their bye-laws. Reports by some journalists that he was allotted the plot “at a throwaway price” and that the construction is illegal are false and malicious.

There is nothing controversial about Gen Musharraf’s plot or the house. It has just been blown out of proportion by sensational reporters

Pakistan: Media & Anti State Propaganda

By Zaheerul Hassan

Media is an instrument of war and peace, which is being exercised by every nations to mould the situations for the purpose of acquiring desired results, assist in revisions and making Foreign Policy, breaking status quo, making/changing the opinion of masses, protecting national and international interests, helping in economic growth by displaying positive picture of the policies, last but not the least indicating flaws in government policies/actions with a view to remove the bugs and suggest measures to improve. The lethal exploitation of media has also being made by terrorists organizations, notorious foreign agencies and their masters to expand ill motives through propagating various sectarian issues and promoting extremism in Pakistani society. Major powers especially America and her allies are using this tool to hit and exploit the sensitivity of the government policies and neutralizing those important institutions and their heads, which are directly related to the national integrity and security of the poor states. In the case of our country, its quite clear and alarming that anti state ulterior and interior forces are all out to push Pakistan into political turmoil, anarchy, instability with a view to fulfill their set objectives against lonely Islamic nuclear power. Our adversary is using the media in spreading rumors, creating chaos and confusion amongst the general masses of Pakistan. She is being directly supported by Tel Aviv, Washington, and some of western countries for leveling allegations against, Pakistani political and military leadership. In this regard, they are launching fabricated stories and maligning intelligence agencies and Armed forces in various undesired activities.

An agony to this aspect is that some of our top liner’s electronic and print media’s instruments are showing reckless attitude while dealing with the important and sensitive issues of Pakistan. Though the management of our front line newspaper committed that the letter has been published unintentionally in the paper but the damaged caused to our national asset is irrecoverable. Its not first news ever published in Pakistani newspaper but many times objectionable news do publish or telecasted too in various private electronic channels. On April 14, 2009 open letter to General Kayani of Col (R) Harish Puri’s published in “The News International” , the author ( Hharish Puri ) has equated Swat peace accord with the surrender at Dhaka. He has further tried to project the threat of so called Talibanisation to India through Pakistan. And most painful point was his desire to have Pakistani soldiers under command Indian officers, making an ideal war machine. The Colonel has done a favour to remind us of 1971 humiliating defeat; thereby telling the younger generation of soldiers; who is our real enemy. The colonel should know that Indian and US has orchestrated personal agenda; bring Pakistan to the brink of political collapse. The real motive of this letter, which is to discourage the Army to support Swat Peace Accord that has been expressed as collective, will of the people of Pakistan through the resolution passed by National Assembly. The Colonel must know that we have started learning from the history example of East Pakistan finally plunging into Indian design due to obsession of Generals of that time, with the notion of writ of govt. The earlier we have realized, the better it is. Otherwise the Indian desire to look for a greater role in Afghanistan should be seen as replay of 1971 from across the Western border. The Colonel being a nonbeliever may not understand the power of Islamic ideology. If, for a while we assume that suicide bombers were motivated through Islamic ideology to die for a cause then we should stretch our imaginations as to what wonders can we perform if we motivate ourselves to live in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. And that happens to be the collective desire of the people of Pakistan as enunciated in our constitution. Probably the time has come for operationalization of Article 2A of 1973 Constitution. Therefore, the Colonel correctly perceives the threat to Hind. The history of distant past may repeat itself as threat actually emanates from the land of Babur, Ghaznavi and Ghauri. Notwithstanding the circumstances that led to the passage of resolution by National Assembly, it should not be seen as collapse of the present system or failure of the state, but the will to move forward towards accomplishment of Pakistan – as desired by our forefathers, who decided to lead their lives as per own ideology that differentiated them from Harish Puri’s pitta and maata. So Mr Harishpuri, and his masters should remember that their dream to command a Pakistani soldier is a misplaced desire. He must know that Pakistan Army Chief and complete armed forces are die hearted soldiers and has full conviction and belief in Islam. I know that the letter has been written in RAW’S headquarters and accordingly sent for publishing. The sole purpose of this letter was an effort of defaming Pakistan Armed Forces and Intelligence Agencies. it is based on his perception of the motivational power of Islamic ideology then he must write to his own Army Chief to enroll Muslims of India, who are more in number than us and need to be uplifted beyond cobblers, barbers and washer men.

Coming back towards the topic I would like to say that during the past few years electronic media has progressed well, almost 60 Channels are covering various aspects of the life. The issue of prevailing security environment is rightly on the top of their agenda. Unfortunately, the national and international issues are being debated just to have an edge over other channels. In Pakistan media and judiciary are known as third and fourth pillar, principally, the first and second pillars, the Executive and the Legislature of the Pakistan. The country is under going a very critical situation due to the war on terror and other factors. Let’s evaluate that under the current environment our media is displaying its responsibilities or still need improvement? The answer will be yes but still require lot of improvement in this regard. It is quite evident that one way or other the intellectual lot of media remained anxious in restoring of democracy; at the same time some of them indirectly found projecting the illegal activities of terrorists and anti state elements. Here, I would like to suggest to media pundit and information ministry to devise to guarding our national interests and policies. Training should be given to reporters about looking while covering the sensitive matters and commenting upon the national issues. Information minister should also arrange regular press briefing of the media. The complete facts should be highlighted to the media; similarly media should also show responsibility while making any issue in air. Anyhow, media should counter anti state propaganda instead proving space for anti Pakistan writers in their publication to win the goodwill and making money at the cost of national integrity and security