July 7, 2009

The Incessant War

They say it’s a never ending war , that war has never been the solution. I want to agree , I want this madness to stop. The Taliban madness that makes all our daily life miseries seem ‘dim’. Everyday the headlines fill up with stories of war.  Accentuating the brilliance of  the military offensive and celebrating the deaths of more and more militants. The truth sinks somewhere behind all the  military wish-wash , a truth that needs to be told and accepted. With every blow we hurl their way they come back with a stronger force.  These people’ we call as ‘Taliban’ or ‘militants’ are deeply rooted within our society.  We loathe them for their ‘extremism’ and vow to wipe them off , but can we uproot an ideology with weapons?.

No I am not against the military offensive in swat , and this isn’t about how we should ‘settle’ with the Talibs instead of the war. It isn’t. It cant be.

Image Courtesy: Dawn.com
Image Courtesy: Dawn.com

Its about the perplexed state of mind we all are in. Its about how we have all had enough , and how difficult its become to actually be optimistic about the future.  Just about today a piece in dawn indicated the resurfacing of  Sufi Muhammad in Peshawar. Makes me think if there really is a way to uproot the menace. Or will  we choose to quarantine the ‘good’ Talibs and triumph on the deaths of others. Honestly I don’t even know if the news is true, but isn’t this uncertainty a pain enough ?. To be unaware of the potentialities of the enemy. Its like being hurled in battle ground  heavily equipped but blindfolded.

With the war in the backdrop and a growing exodus, does the enemy not enjoy the leverage of  our  piling instability ?

Photo Courtesy: Dawn

Another  piece in dawn states  that There are some 35,000 pregnant women among the 3.5 million IDPs who will deliver in the next seven months.  The question is are we ready to bring these children into our world of uncertainties.  The children already present at the IDP camps have lost their sense to speak. They have been shut by the atrocities they were made to witnessed. The first hand victims of war now lay helplessly while the war becomes our cover story. These people have shown utmost patience.  While our political leaders stood at distance and worked on peace deals,  these children’s became witness to ritual beheading of their family members. We didn’t care then , we were aloof and marred by the bloodshed  around our cities. Quite thankfully many of us asked for ‘Nizam-e-aqal’ and denounced any peace talk with the talib’s of barbarism.

We chose a way that ensures that every single  drop of  blood shed  by the regime will be paid for. That the ideology will be crippled and peace will triumph.

Months in the army offensive most of us still lack faith.  Its difficult to make patience while we see refugees pooling in as we watch helpless ,struggling to help.  The fact is this war is a long term affair. Its not only about killing the militancy but wiping the ideology that seeps in our society at many levels. Without dismantling the mindset we will only gain a temporary victory. A not so permanent fix that will   be challenged with a larger blow as the miscreants resurface form within us.  We will not be victorious till we choose to fight against our own demons. This isn’t only a war about weapons , it is  a war of ideologies. Only we can choose whether we will ever learn to have faith and rise above our past or chose to dwell in decades of uncertainties.

June 30, 2009

Swat: Demystifing The Battle

Local Newspaper Announcing 500 billion bounty on Baitullah Mehsud

Local Newspaper Announcing 500 million bounty on Baitullah Mehsud

Last week a drone attack in South Waziristan killed over 80 people. The Government has not released any information regarding these individuals. There has been no disclosure of evidence to prove that all of the 80 dead were militants either. Appalled at the silence of constant drone attacks in Pakistan I scribbled down my condemnation which can be read here. I was shocked to receive comments and mails that either approved the action or condemned it along with condemning the army offensive. A reflection of staunch opinions representing

  1. A blind eye to the ‘loss’ of civilian life by drone attacks. In some cases justifying their deaths by accusing them of harboring the Taliban.
  2. Sympathizing with the ‘civilians’ to an extend which includes sympathizing with the ‘Taliban’ and against the army offensive.

Both of which can trigger a perplexed debate. The fact that some still doubt the credibility of army operation against the Taliban is worrisome. A recent headline in a local Urdu daily reads a message by the Taliban `announcing’ 100 million rupees bounty for Federal Minister of interior Rehman Malik. Reflecting that the Taliban still believe in having mass public sympathies.

The army has confessed earlier of ‘religious, ethnic and patriotic’ sentiments causing a very cautious approach during the operation. According to sources extra caution is being taken to minimize collateral damage. One of the most biggest challenge being not only to prevent civilian causalities but also minimize damage to buildings, farms and cattles. The extreme backdrops that come with fighting a battle within ones border. Keep reading →

June 25, 2009

The Invisible Refugees?

The army offensive continues in Swat and has now extended to Waziristan. This will cause a much greater influx of internally displaced people. As the panic stricken victims of war flee the war zone, there is indeed much more suffering at hand. The IDP camps in various areas of the country depict a picture of extreme helplessness. With loads of International aid pooling in ,there are still fears of an extreme lack of long term strategy.

An NYT media library holding pictures of various IDP camps across Pakistan is named ‘Pakistan’s Invisble Refugees‘ :

Pakistan is experiencing its worst refugee crisis since partition from India in 1947, and while the world may be familiar with the tent camps the have rolled out like carpets since its operation against the Taliban started in April, more than 80 percent of the nearly three million people who have fled live unseen in houses and schools.

A year ago a Taliban rocket struck the home of Shahida Bibi, catching it on fire and severely burning her as well as killing three of her relatives. She is now a refugee from the more recent fighting in the Swat Valley, living in a house in Rawalpindi.

Will we turn a blind eye to Shahida Bibi? and millions of other victims who need our immediate help. Are these people really the ‘invisible’?. They have witnessed the atrocities of the Taliban, who slaughtered their brothers,raped their girls and burned their houses. Will we show them a different side of the nation? or shrug our shoulders in ignorance?.

The Islamic Relief USA brings forth the story of 8-year old Aziz:

Eight-year-old Aziz fled from his village of Pir Baba in Buner with his parents and siblings almost two months ago. Since then, they have been living in a school in Surkh Dheri, where they are having trouble meeting their daily needs.
Aziz attends Islamic Relief’s Mercy Center in Surkh Dheri where he is provided with food, a safe place to play, education and most importantly, psychosocial counseling.

He told Islamic Relief aid workers that he is very homesick and wishes he could return to his village. Excerpts from what Aziz told them are below:


“I miss my home so much; I miss my village and my friends and the fruit trees by my house. We had peach, pear and orange trees. I miss my home all the time; that is why I feel sad. read more here

Now that the military offensive is extending to Waziristan many more will be effected.We have an exodus at our hands that needs to be tackled.  These are people who have nothing to do or want with politics or war. They need peace and shelter and most importantly to be rehabilitated back to their homes. We must act now to stop this crisis from worsening.

According to UNHCR :

An estimated 235,000 people are staying in 21 organized camps in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), according to local authorities. This includes more than 148,000 people who fled their homes over the past five weeks. In addition, some 100,000 people are staying in camp-like situations in schools and other government buildings. With the lifting of the curfew on Tuesday in Chakdara, in Malakand, more people are expected to arrive in safe areas.

These aren’t invisible refugees, they are our people. However actions speak louder than words and its time now that we ACT. Extend a helping hand for your fellow country men and make a difference in their lives NOW!

ORGINALLY POSTED AT : The Swat Plea Blog

June 24, 2009

Down With Drones!

“But ultimately these are decisions to be made by the Pakistani government and the Pakistani people. What the United States believes is, is that we are a partner in the process of peace-loving nations seeking to root out extremism, increase development, and that is the kind of role that we want to play with Pakistan”     said President Obama on his first one on one with Pakistan earlier this week.

Just days after President’s address a US drone attack killed 60 at a funeral progression in south Waziristan. The funeral was being held for those killed in a drone attack earlier in the day. Keep reading →

June 23, 2009

Shehar Kay Dukandaro- O Merchants Of The Town

Image Courtesy: Fotothing.com

Image Courtesy: Fotothing.com

Shehar Ke Dukandaro Karobaar-E-Ulfat Mein Sood Kia Zian Kia Hai, Tum Na Jaan Pao Gay
Dil Ke Daam Kitne Hein Khuwab Kitne Mehnge Hein Aur Naqd-E-Jaan Kia Hai Tum Na Jaan Pao Gay
Sheher Ke Dukandaron, Sheher Ke Dukandaron
O merchants of the town, in these
dealings in love,
what is profit, what is loss you will
never know!

Keep reading →

June 6, 2009

Sania Saeed’s ‘ Main Adakara Banun Gi’

Main Adakara Banun Gi is a play being staged at The Arts Council from June 6 – 9, 2009 from 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Grab your tickets from Agha's or Rain Tree Spa at the Forum

For me theatre is the form of art that personifies basic and commonplace emotions–, love of woman , love of country, love of right, anger, jealousy, revenge, ambition, lust, and treachery. Its either the portrayal of the  society at present or the cultural myths of the past. In any form theatre if done honestly has the tendency to educate audiences in the most effective way. My recent meeting with Sania Saeed at the CIO web studio made this philosophical  rambling more realistic  I was thrilled upon hearing the opportunity to meet her in person and of course  grabbed it with no second thoughts.

Keep reading →

June 4, 2009

Should We Trust Obama?

President Obama delivered his long promised address to the Muslim world today in Cairo. While many are still skeptic over Egypt as the venue for the address , the speech had much more that needs to be talked about.  Throughout the Islamic world despite cultural, political and sectarian diversity there is a unanimous consensus on ending the clash of east-west. It is actually much more about the western ‘policies’ with respect to Muslims . According to an NYT article the initial reactions before the speech didn’t reflect much hope .Obama’s speech started off carrying the same gesture he had promised ‘reconciliation’ :

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum. *Crowd cheers*.
* Now for the real deal*
Keep reading →

June 3, 2009

Beyond the war with the Talibans

Every new day ignites the inferno of fear and uncertainty ,such is the state of my country. While we are at war in our northern areas ,it wont be an implausible confession that the rest of the Country is no less than a battlefield. Or possibly worse as the target seems to be varied and the enemy has but one aim, maximum destruction. The military claims collateral damage as the operation intensifies . The military action has already cost over 81 lives of military men while over 250 have been injured .Most importantly it has also triggered the second largest Humanitarian crisis in the world over 3.2 million homeless.

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Despite the chaotic scenario one is overwhelmed by the spirit of those who have suffered most in the situation. Many working on ground convey the spirits of those who irrespective of their conditions show great support for military. These people have lost their homes, and life for them has come to a halt ever since the tussle with Taliban. Keep reading →

May 29, 2009

Amnesty International: Irene Khan answers Questions

Amnesty International is a Global movement of Humanitarians not bound to borders of territories. Previously I have appreciated and blogged about Amnesty’s Vision and Universal Declaration. Being an International member I have been quite active in taking up appeals and acting on human right violation alerts by Amnesty. Among the most commendable ones is Amnesty’s voice against Human right violation in Guantanamo BayGaza Conflict and of course their constant efforts towards freedom of speech by speaking against imprisonment of journalist like Rozanne Sabri.

This being part of the reason why I hoped to the opportunity in asking a direct question to Irene Khan Secretary General of Amnesty International . She was live at the BBC World Have Your Say show talking about Amnesty International’s annual report and taking up questions.

My Question To Irene:

Irene Khan on Pakistan Crisis.mp3

With that I am hoping that Amnesty continues to highlight humanitarian crisis in Pakistan which will allow  attention and aid. Here’s urging everyone to join in as International Members and get Your passport to human rights , As I have mine :D

Questions continued to pour in through Blog,twitter and phone calls and Irene elaborated on Amnesty’s stance various issues. Amnesty’s International report 2009 is out and highlights whereas issues

The annual report can be bought or downloaded here:

Amnesty International Annual Report 2009

The report emphasizes that:

  • “The world needs a different kind of leadership, a different kind of politics as well as economics – something that works for all and not just for a favoured few.”
  • “…the G-20 must subscribe to global values and confront their own tarnished records and double standards on human rights.”
  • “Governments should invest in human rights as purposefully as they are investing in economic growth.”
  • “We also “demand dignity” for prisoners of poverty so that they can change their own lives.”

Amnesty’s Annual report pays strong emphasis on Empowering the world’s poor demanding dignity for them. Amnesty’s updates regarding the situation in Pakistan with respect to trapped civilians in Malakand division states:

“The thousands of people in Malakand, who have not been able to flee, now face a major humanitarian crisis,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director. “The Taleban have shown no regard for their safety and well-being, but now the army seems to be pursuing a scorched earth policy.”

“The Pakistani military should act immediately to help civilians reach safety, and to ensure that food, fuel, and medical supplies reach those still trapped in Malakand,” said Sam Zarifi.

Meanwhile, residents told Amnesty International that Taleban insurgents have used health facilities, schools, and residential areas to hide and launch attacks from, thus knowingly drawing a military response from the Pakistani military.

“The Pakistani government seems to relax the curfew at times to get civilians away from fighting,” said Sam Zarifi. “But even after the civilians have left, the warring sides have to avoid targeting civilian objects like hospitals and schools.”

Here’s hoping that Amnesty International will continue to highlight the Humanitarian Crisis in Pakistan and gather the attention of teh Global community. We need to rehabilitate these people and have them sent to their homes at the earliest. the global community is requested to participate in aiding those effected by the ongoing military operation in Pakistan’s Norther areas.

The rest of the Broadcast can be heard here:

whys_20090528-1900b.mp3

Act Now : Global Themes For Action

Special thanks  to the BBC World Have Your Say  team for being extremely co-operative and giving me and others the chance to get our Queries across.Read their Blog for upcoming discussions and get your opinion heard!

May 29, 2009

A talk with Asia Calling

Yes I happen to give an interview to Saif Khan of Asia calling. I along with Jamal Ashiqain of KMB met up with Saif to talk about Pakistani Blogosphere.
The show was recently aired. With opinions of Dr.Awab Alvi and Raza Haroon the federal minister of IT Sindh.
The session went pretty healthy with us talking about the Pakistani Blogosphere and how we wish to expand it. Saif  asked our opinions about talibanzation  and we went all hail for the military operation. Our yap session was pretty humongous and me being the yapping expert dreaded nt getting a kick from under the table to make me stop.It’s a pity for other speakers and a blessing for me that only a fraction of our convo was aired. Indeed that is the beauty of editing *this comes without any relevance of me being a part of the editorial world :P *.

So I shall stop yapping and leave you with Asia Calling :

http://asiacalling.kbr68h.com/files/podcast/Pakistan_Bloggers_FINAL_bhs_inggris_090516.mp3

Pakistan’s Growing Liberalized Blogging Community

With the eyes of the world’s media on the battle taking place between the military and local Taliban forces, local bloggers are adding their voice to the debate.

Internet was introduced to Pakistan in early 90’s.

While today only ten percent of the population has access to the number of online journalists or bloggers is dramatically increasing.

The government is looking to embrace the trend and recently held a national bloggers conference.

From Karachi Saif Khan takes a look at the trend.

Students chatter in the lobby of IT University. It’s one of a handful of private institutions that have sprung up in Pakistan.

Since 1995 – when Pakistan ‘got connected’ – Information Technology education has boomed.

Lucky graduates get job goods in the IT sector while others try their luck running internet cafes.

Internet cafés like this in South Karachi are popular hang-out spots.

Paying as low as 30 US cents an hour visitors explore the world of audio-video fantasies.

But increasingly they are also looking to read what home-grown bloggers have to say about current political and social issues.

Sana Saleem is the author of the blog “Pro-Pakistan”.

“From the beginning the main stream media was U turning, they were not sure should they sympathize with Taliban or go against them. But we bloggers are a liberalized persons we want to express our views that is the beauty you can write anything you want. Blogging community has been strongly against Taliban or any political party that is suppressing freedom of speech.”

Dr. Wahab Alvi who goes by the name “Teeth maestro” is one of the most famous bloggers in the county.

He says online media gained credibility in former President General Musharafs era when main stream media was restricted.

“Main stream media should develop partnerships with blogging because that’s the future. Look at in Europe and America, newspaper sales are going down and web base papers and blogs are getting famous.”

Many members of the blogging community are either foreign educated or belong to higher income group of the society.

US return youngster Jamal Aashqain writes about social issues on the Karachi Metro Blog.

He says no one talks about taboo social issues in the main stream media.

“When I wrote that alcohol for non-Muslims should not be banned during Holly Muslim month of Ramadan because by imposing ban we are imposing our religion on them people got furious they called me all they could but certain area of society admits that there is a need to discuss these things but over all tolerance level is very low.”

The current popularly elected government is looking to harness the power of the blogs.

Last week they organized the ‘National Bloggers Conference’ in Karachi. IT Minster Raza Haroon explains why.

“Our message is just use your freedom and rights with responsibility. Responsibility suggests that after all you represent a country, religion and community be positive about that on the web. Be part of that communication so that rest of the world would not see only one side of the picture you being there makes a difference.”

IT teacher Anwar Rasheed Lodhi from the Federal University of Science and Technology hopes bloggers can provide a window to the real Pakistan. That’s ignored by mainstream media.

“Considering the present situation of the country, we need to show rest of the world the actual image of our religion, country, thoughts and feelings, which is not been showed to them properly. The Internet is the best medium to do this.”

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