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...?