Where have I been??

I came back to my blogging spirit after quite some time and I apologize for this. A lot of things happened since the last time I posted anything here: new government and parliament took control of Pakistan, Militants activity increased, President Musharraf resigned and Pakistan went into deeper troubles than before. Above all my sister got married and that was basically what kept me from coming back to this blog.

Although I had so much to write and comment on, with respect to what is going in Pakistan, but I just couldn't decide where to start from. I was so overwhelmed with all that happened in the past that it was almost impossible to sit down and write on any one topic.

I will try to do my best to update my blog. I know I do not have much of an audience or readers but I think my 2 cents will be worth someday or for someone.

Our new Crime Minister??

Oh did I say "Crime Minister"...?.. I was trying to say Crime Mini..... I meant Prime Minister!...

Exactly a month after the General Elections, our political situation is still where it was before, if not deteriorated further. So far there is no candidate that have the right credentials for becoming Pakistan's next Prime Minister.

Makhdoom Amine Fahim was the only candidate that could have been a tad better than others. But after the outright rejection of his nomination by Asif Zardari (or should I say Asif Bhutto), we are back to square one. He is not only trying to downplay the role of Amine Fahim but also keeping him away from important party decisions. It appears that Asif Zardari will try to nominate himself for the Prime Minster post as he is taking his sweet time in deciding on one. 

 

Just think, who would have imagined that after spending seven (7) years in jail, he will become the chairman of Pakistan biggest political party, PPP. The scenario of him becoming our next PM is not very far from reality. These are power hungry people who can and will play every dirty trick to hang on to it.

 

The point I was trying to make here is, if (God forbid) Zardari becomes our next Prime Minister, it would be the darkest and the most unfortunate era in the history of Pakistan. A person known to the world as "Mr. 10 percent" and whose corrupt activities are out in the open, will  represent us in the Global Arena as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Not only that, he would then have a free hand to once again to spread corruption and rob the wealth of Pakistan... just imagine!!!

Elections 2008

Pakistan is having the most important Elections in recent history. The Polls are closed and the results have now started pouring in.
Following table shows how major political parties stack up in realtime in National Assebmly (NA) as well as all the provincial assemblies.

Poll Results: Courtesy of GEO (Pakistan)

Pakistan Not #1

Forbes.com has compiled a list of the most dangerous destinations in the world. Unfortunately but as expected, Pakistan is among the countries that made it to the list.

As we have not achieved any number one spot since 1992, when we won four world cups in different sports and ofcourse number one in corruption (thanks to Mr. 10%), sadly this time we still failed to top the list.
(Dammit!! we tried so hard...)

Joke aside, according to the list, Pakistan is number 5th most dangerous country, following Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

The country, which borders Afghanistan, suffers from ongoing geopolitical turmoil. Bomb attacks and rioting between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities are a threat

(Source: AP)

To read more and to see the entire list: Associated Press Website

Be Right Back!!

I am very sorry, as I have not been able to keep up with my blog since my semester has started which is taking most of my time after work. With many other things (apart from work and University) driving me crazy I am trying to get everything under control.

I will get back to my blog as soon as I get a grip on all the craziness going around me. Till then, I am afraid you guys have to rely on my old posts.

Enjoy!

Militants capture paramilitary fort in Pakistan

Jan 16 2008: According to BBC News, eight soldiers have died, 15 escaped and 25 are still missing after the fort was raided by pro-taleban fighters.

Local officials and other sources suggest the number of militants were near 1000.
On Tuesday night the fort came under rocket and automatic weapons attack from militants. According to Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas,

"About 200 militants charged the fort from four sides"

"They broke through the fort's wall with rockets."

Sararogha fort is among many forts in South Waziristan and dates back to the colonial times. This is the first time in history of Pakistan that a paramilitary fort has been overrun by militants.

More information at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7191200.stm

What is wrong with these people?

Today another suicide attack, now in Lahore has proved that no place in Pakistan is safe. The latest news puts the death toll at 25 with 73 wounded (Source: One world news). Most of the dead and injured were police officers, gathered outside Lahore High Court building prior to an anti government protest.

So who are these people? What do they want? What is the point they are trying to prove by taking lives of innocent people? What is wrong with these people...? Unfortunately, We may never be able to find answers to these questions. But What I can say (and I am no religious person) is that IF these people are Muslims, as they claim to be, they are very misguided.

First of all take a look at this Hadith of Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 297:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

We were in the company of Allah's Apostle in a Ghazwa, and he remarked about a man who claimed to be a Muslim, saying, "This (man) is from the people of the (Hell) Fire." When the battle started, the man fought violently till he got wounded. Somebody said, "O Allah's Apostle! The man whom you described as being from the people of the (Hell) Fire fought violently today and died." The Prophet said, "He will go to the (Hell) Fire." Some people were on the point of doubting (the truth of what the Prophet had said) while they were in this state, suddenly someone said that he was still alive but severely wounded. When night fell, he lost patience and committed suicide. The Prophet was informed of that, and he said, "Allah is Greater! I testify that I am Allah's Slave and His Apostle." Then he ordered Bilal to announce amongst the people: 'None will enter Paradise but a Muslim, and Allah may support this religion (i.e. Islam) even with a disobedient man.'

What this Hadith tells us is, that a man who fought very bravely against kuffars along side Prophet Muhammad (SW) was wounded seriously. Had he been killed in battle, he would have been a Martyr. However that person as Prophet (SW) described, "will go to (Hell) Fire", simply because he lost patience and committed suicide.

Now in the light to this Hadith, and there are several more Hadiths on this subject, how can anyone justify suicide attacks? Let alone killing your own innocent Muslim brothers? Do you think you are a better Muslim than the one who fought along side our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SW)?

Let look at another Hadith of Sahih Muslim Volume 8, Book 78, Number 647:

Narrated Thabit bin Ad-Dahhak:

The Prophet said, "Whoever swears by a religion other than Islam, is, as he says; and whoever commits suicide with something, will be punished with the same thing in the (Hell) Fire; and cursing a believer is like murdering him; and whoever accuses a believer of disbelief, then it is as if he had killed him."

This Hadith also reiterates the same message and clearly states that whoever commits suicide will be punished in Hell fire. So how can these people commit such acts which clearly defies Islam and the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SW)?

Why can't all the religious leaders join in and issue a Fatwa against these suicide attacks so there won't be any confusion or any second guesses.

Am I looking at it wrong or am I missing something...?

Happy New Year

Rooyat-e-Hilal Committee of North America has announced that:

"There has been confirmed moon sighting through out USA in several cities for the month of Muharram 1429 Hijri. Moon Sighting was confirmed in New York, Virginia, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and many other cities. Therefore Jan 10th 2008 is 1st Muharramul Haram 1429 Hijri in USA."

Happy new year to all the people. May this year bring peace and tranquility in our lives.

For more information visit RHCNA's web site at http://www.moonhotline.com/html/anounce.htm

Bhutto - A Legend or a Curse?

Since the assassination of Benazir Bhutto every politician has been trying to play the "sympathy" card to get more free air time for them. The Media and other politicians, who were her bitter rivals once, portrayed her as an "Angel" and a great leader. No doubt she was a very intelligent person and knew how and when to play her political cards. But she was neither "a great" leader nor a sincere one.

According to Ralph Peters, a New York Post columnist, writes:

"Bhutto was corrupt, divisive, dishonest and utterly devoid of genuine concern for her country."

These are very bold allegations by Peters, but sadly, they are very close to the truth. if we simply use common sense and and look back at our history, we probably be able get answers to most of our questions.

Benazir Bhutto came to power for the very first time in December 1988 on the false promises of eradicating poverty and lawlessness in the country. Unfortunately, within two years of her coming to power, "in August 1990 the President of Pakistan, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, dismissed her government on charges of corruption and other malfeasance and called for new elections."

Similarly, Benazir again came to power with a sweeping victory in October 1993. That government too suffered the same fate as before. This era of her administration is very well summarized by New York Post like this:

"During her years as prime minister, Pakistan went backward, not forward. Her husband looted shamelessly and ended up fleeing the country, pursued by the courts."

Apart from widespread corruption and lawlessness, Benazir was also believed to be involved in a carefully planned police assassination of her younger brother, Murtaza Bhutto, in 1996 while she was the Prime Minister.
Fatima Bhutto, the niece of Benazir and daughter of Murtaza bhutto wrote in an article for Los Angeles Times:

"My father [Murtaza] was a member of Parliament and a vocal critic of his sister's politics."

"To this day, her role in his assassination has never been adequately answered,although the tribunal convened after his death under the leadership of three respected judges concluded that it could not have taken place without approval from a 'much higher' political authority."

During this time Mr. Zardari, Benazir's husband had established his reputation as "Mr. 10 Percent" for taking kickbacks on every single government contract and corruption.

In November 1996, her government was again dismissed by then President, Farooq Leghari on charges of allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement and a decline of law and order.

Both Ms. Bhutto and her husband were convicted of corruption by a Lahore court, but was later overturned by the Supreme Court in 2001 only because of evidence of government interference.

In 1998, Swiss investigators recovered documents that, " reveal that a company set up by Miss Bhutto's lawyer siphoned off commissions from a deal between a Polish company and the Pakistani government." (Source: BBC)
The following week Asif Zardari was formerly indicted by Swedish court for money laundering charges.

The above mentioned are some of the highlights of Benazir Bhuttos' political life. I have presented you hard facts without injecting any of my opinion above. The fact that her two terms as the Prime Minister of Pakistan ended abruptly and left Pakistan in shambles, tells you something about her.

Well now she is no longer with us. May Allah forgive her.

Sources:

1. "The Bhutto Assassination: Not what she seemed to be", by Ralph Peters, New York Post, Dec 2007
   <http://www.nypost.com/seven/12282007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_bhutto_assassination__not_what_she_s_912265.htm?page=0>
2. "What's the Deal with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari?", NPR, Dec 2007
   <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17717208>
3. "Bhutto, Benazir", Encyclopedia Britannica, Jan 2008
   <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9079076>
4. "FOX Facts: Benazir Bhutto", Fox News, Dec 2007
   <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318525,00.html>
5. "Aunt Benazir's false promises", by Fatima Bhutto, Los Angeles Times, Nov 2007
   <http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-bhutto14nov14,0,2482408.story>
6. "Details released of corruption charges against Benazir Bhutto", BBC News, July 1998
   <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/138117.stm>

Altaf Bhai

To begin with, I apologize to all Altaf's fans out there who might come across this page. If you are one of the lucky ones... please do not read anything below this paragraph.

Phew! since we got that out of the way lets start!

I came across this photo of Altaf Hussain, the leader of the 3rd largest Political Party in Pakistan, some time ago and a lot of different questions sprung in my mind.

First of all, since the last elections, MQM has a majority in Sindh and they have done very well across the country and have enjoyed full support of the government. So why is Altaf Hussain still hiding in London? Why don't he go back to Pakistan in this uncertain political times? Whom is he hiding from? Is he hiding because of the 234 cases against him?

Another food for thought; It has been more than a decade since Altaf Hussain fled to London and as far as I know, he doesn't have a job there. So how can he live so lavishly in one of the most expensive cities of the world? Hmm.. so now I know where all the extortion money and revenue from cell phones are going to.

In May 2005, on a conference in India he said,

"Perhaps the idea of Pakistan was dead at its inception, when the majority of Muslims chose to stay back after partition, a truism reiterated in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971"

So a leader of Pakistan saying that idea of the Pakistan was a mistake? In my opinion this is an act of Treason.

Lastly, looking at the photo above, I just wanted to say one thing. If you are so ashamed of being a Pakistani and so proud of being a foreign national, why don't you just leave us alone. You obviously have no love or respect for your motherland.

These are some very basic questions that nobody seemed to have an answer for. I did not write this article to bash or bad mouth Altaf Hussain but to highlight these issues that needs to be addressed.

PPP a terrorist organization? You decide!

Supporters of Pakistani Peoples Party are seen after setting a vehicle on fire (Source: AP)

All of you have seen what went on in the entire country following BB's assassination. People took to streets and wreak a havoc everywhere in the country specially in the heart of Pakistan, Karachi. In the name of Protest, these people systematically and very effectively terrorised the entire country and nobody did or said anything.

In Sindh alone, the protests "resulted in the burning of more than 900 small and big vehicles and claimed the lives of 40 persons and injuries to 57." (Source: APP Link) And in Karachi, 7 petrol pumps, 13 banks and 672 vehicles were burnt while 19 people including two policemen lost their lives and 37 including 6 policemen were injured. (Source: APP Link)

The most barbaric incident took place in Korangi where armed men burnt a garment factory, burning eight people alive. (Source: The News)

Pakistan railways lost dozens of train bogies and train engines to arson suffering a toll of an astronomical Rs. 8 billion.

Now can somebody remind me if "Protest" means burning cars (that are not yours. If you burn your own car in protest, believe me, I wouldn't have any problem), looting banks and not to mention burning people alive. These people have no respect for other peoples' life, property and no love for Pakistan. What are these people trying to prove by destroying their own city and country?

The acts of violence and arson committed by these people should not be considered "Protest" as some of the senior PPP officials are categorizing these events. I strongly believe that PPP is not yet fit for governing any part of Pakistan when they cannot even control their own party workers. The last two tenures of PPP were disaster and it is high time for us to start learning from History.