The Siliconstani

No place like home

2012-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

There is no place like home
At the break of dawn you hear the call to prayer
Cocks crowing
Birds chirping
Crows crowing
There is no place like home

Home sweet home
Your abahee land
Where every molecule within you is resonant with the soil, air, and water.
There is no place like home

Home sweet home
Sweet regardless of the chaos
Sweet regardless of the madness
Sweet regardless of the jahalat
There is no place like home

Home sweet home
It's home even when you're given a side while driving
It's home even if the road is riddled with pot holes
It's home even when the traffic police rudely gestures you to go straight instead of making a left turn
It's home despite utter unprofessionalism at conferences
It's home despite the manghaee
There is no place like home
It's home when an irritated motorist honks you to proceed at a red light
There is no place like home

Home sweet home
Home is where the heart is
Home is where the soul is at peace
There is no place like home
Your abahee watan
The watan that breathed life into you
The watan where you are part of the whole
There is no place like home

You can travel the world
Yet there is no place like home
There is no place like your hum watan

Home is where the heart is a peace
Home is where you feel whole again
Home is where lifes challenges are coated with with styrofoam

There is no place like home

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Hypenated For Life

2011-12-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

It can be tough, being hypenated for life, yet it's so common to have split nationalities, ethnicities, cultural splits not to mention split personalities so much so the very concept of a hyphenated citizen is taken for granted in today's world.

However when you're split on settling down, where you heart desires living in two seperate regions of the world then it's a tough call. You're never really able to live in one region fully. As always in the back of your mind you "think" you'll. "move back". Though for many that never happens, they spend their entire life in one region living as transient-refugees waiting for the right moment to "move back" to their home country.

Your life resides on the jetway, prepared to hop on to the next flight at a moments notice.

It's tough to let down roots in one place if you're constantly on the go, split between multiple regions of the world, you end becoming a mere wayfarer following in the footsteps of Ibn Batuta, except at supersonic speeds!

Being in a perpetual state of splitness you're unable to engage in local community affairs, truly participate in local government and take on issues as you are never able to develop a sense of belonging to one region. Let alone settle down with a family, as you never belong anywhere.

Your state of mind and being is in a perpetual state of flux, not able to settle on one place or idea for too long. You end up belonging no where, whilst being of everywhere with no real "thikana".

It's especially true for corporate citizens, i.e. the professional workers who follow the jobs, hoping from one city to the next, one country to the next, company to company. You might have achieved in the material world, yet in your heart of hearts you're never settled and are in a state of perpetual loss of belonging.

What is one to do? That's the 80 Billion dollar question many hypenated global citizens have yet to answer.

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The Daily Express

2011-12-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

In the waiting, on the railroad platform, hoping on to the daily express with my life packed in boxes and suit cases.

Day-in and day-out I do this with optimism that one day, soon I will reach my manzal-e-maqsood.

Yet that day never seems to arrive, instead the drive to go on day after day, catching the same express rail, loading it with the same baggage diminishes, there are times one just wants to give up and run away from the daily race. Run up some mountain, run out to sea to a space where time has no meaning, where you can just be free of lifes responsibilities and worries.

But then the personal self kicks in, turning on that inner voice driven by egos whisper, enticing you with words of "future" fame and fortune. Thus prompting you out of bed each morning, under a self manifested illusition that today "I" will strike "Silicon".

The self is so fickle, so easily swayed, oscilating between high and low states of existance becuase of some inner voice called ego.

Where as nothing much changes, you continue to ride the daily express with all your baggage day-in and day-out to what end, to what means, to what destination continues to remain ellusive.

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An eventfull week -- Questions abound -- Pak-US relations, MemoGate, IjazGate ....

2011-11-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

Over a week back the MemoGate scandal broke making headlines around the world. Ijaz Mansoor accussed Pakistans then Ambassador to the United States Dr. Husain Haqqani as the princple architect of the memo.The Ambassador denied Ijaz's claims, was summond by President Asif Zardari to present a briefing on the Memo to Islamabad, and after a series of high level meetings Haqqani requests Prime Minister Gilani to accept his resignation, or so how it was presented to the public.

After much deliberation by the PPP-P leadership former federal minister Sherry Rehman was appointed as Ambassador to succeed Husain Haqqani as Pakistans envoy to Washignton D.C. The new Ambassador having barely settled in, let alone hasm't yet departed for Washington and the countries faced with a situation on the Afganistan-Pakistan border. Last night (U.S. PST) NATO allegedly launches an unprovoked attack on a Pakistani border check post killing 28 Pakistan Army soldiers include civilians.

In the immediate aftermath of NATOs attack Islamabad shut down NATO supply routes through Pakistan and sent notice to the United States to vacate Shamsi Air Base , which is allegedly the launch pad for NATOs unmanned drones in the province of Balochistan within 15 days.

Based on sketchy media reports and tweets found under #Pakistan and #NATOAttack hashtags it would appear like the unprovoced attack was a result of mis-communication between NATO and Pakistani forces. Which is believable. Not related but there was a similar incident of friendly fire between U.S. forces a couples weeks back resulting in lose of life.

Additionally earlier today their was a tweet shared that reported senior White House officials have apologized to Pakistan, and vowes to conduct a detailed probe into the attack. Which was confirmed by an ABC News report on the Obama Administrations formal apology to Pakistan. On the face of things the situation appears like it's under control, however the sentiment on the ground hasn't changed, sabre rattling and anti-America stance is abound. To make matters worst Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chairman Imran Khan addressing a scheduled rally today adds further fuel to the popular sentiment.

With the Obama adminstrations appology the onus now rests on the Gilani (civilian) government to issue an equivalent and measured statement, as General Kiyani has already issued a statement ordering an "effective response" to the attack, whatever that's suppose to mean.

So now what? Appears like its a closed and shut case. Well not entirely. As there is still the issue of The Memo and Mansoor Ijaz. On the face of things it would appear to be seperate and isolated issue. However the timing of events is suspect, and a clear give away of a deeper plot in the works.

Having said that who is it thats behind the Memo? Why did Mansoor Ijaz decide to break his silence now? Is Ijaz acting independently, or does he have support? If he infact has support then who could it be, are they internal or external to Pakistan? It would seem whoever was behind the Memo and the suspected broader plan precieved Ambassador Haqqani as a threat, and his removal was / is critical to the future success of the Plan.

The events of the past several days have done nothing other than further weaken the civialian apparatus in Islamabad with the resignation of it's most imporant spokesperson In Washington at the behest of the military establishment. Though I don't doubt the incoming Ambassador-select Sherry Rehman's abilities, I do wonder if her boots are able to measure up to Husain Haqqani's footprints. Rehman is stepping into a hot seat, all eyes will be upon her to quell misunderstandings, as she chalks out a renewed US-Pak partnership.

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Change in the air ...finding sense amidst COAS - MemoGate

2011-11-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Once again Pakistan is a at cross-road, Imran Khan is apparently gaining steam which is evident from the recent PTI rally in Lahore, US-Pakistan relationship are jittery to say the least, Civilian-Military nexus is in flux and more so now as a result of the recent MemoGate scandal.

Rumors are abound of a potential military coup d'etat against the current PPP government. While President Asif Zardari appears to be in a self preservation mode to appease the army at any cost, even if it means scapegoating his trusted advisers such as the U.S. Ambassador Husain Haqqani who has been summoned to Islamabad to brief the President on the MemoGate scandal. Of ocourse this would not be Pakistan if you did not have rumors to support rumors where Ambassador Haqqani has been accused of being the principal architect of "The Memo" that was delivered to Admiral Mike Mullen via a well connected American businessman / lobbyist of Pakistani decent Mansoor Ijaz, apparently also a member of the Ahmadi* sect of Islam.

GHQ (Pakistan Armed Forces Head Quarters) under the leadership of General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani has been advising President Asif Zardari to replace Ambassador Husain Haqqani, who apparently has a mixed reputation amongst military and intelligence top brass. A short list of proposed replacements for Haqqani has been presented, with the first being the current Foreign Minister Salman Bashir and second (though I am unsure on how strong the source is) Dr Maleeha Lodhi who has already served twice as the Pakistani Ambassador to Washington DC.

There are several loose ends, referring back to the MemoGate scandal which bring up questions such as: If the civilian apparatus was in fact involved in drafting the memo to Admiral Mike Mullen, then why have a third party such as Mansoor Ijaz deliver it, especially given his"phishy" history? Also with close ties between Pakistan's civilian leadership and the Obama Administration why couldn't the such a memo be sent through regular diplomatic channels, unless there was a threat of it being intercepted by military intelligence gate keepers? Then on the accusation that Ambassador Husain Haqqani as the architect of the memo -- if that were the case then why, given his close relationships in Washington, not to mention well respected diplomat would he not deliver the memo through more secure channels -- perhaps orally vs written?

Personally I don't buy into the whole notion that Ambassador Haqqani had a role in drafting memo. After reading the memo, the language style is not that of the Ambassadors style, not to mention too sloppy for him. The responsible party for this memo mess rest in the able hands of the one and only, though some may argue "only" as an understatement as Mansoor Ijaz couldn't have acted alone. If that were they case then who or what else was behind the Memo?

*According to Ordinance XX of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Ahmadi community are barred from being referred to as Muslim

Time for decisive action ... #Egypt #Change

2011-02-02T09:09:00.001-08:00

Tahrir square is looking like next Tiananmen square - time to put pressure on the White House to take decisive action.

This is an opportunity for the Obama Administration to win hearts and minds in the Middle East. It is our moment of being true to our ideals of Democracy.

This is the Obama Administrations moment to fulfill its campaign promise and bring about lasting CHANGE in US foreign policy.

Twiitter users RT excerpts from here to @whitehouse and @BarackObama

Visit: http://twitter.com/whitehouse
http://twitter.com/barackobama

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Egypt Crisis an opportunity for the United States

2011-01-31T00:58:00.001-08:00

The current crisis in #Egypt poses an unprecedented opportunity for the Obama administration to renew the United States commitment to uphold the ideals it was founded upon by pledging unconditional support to the peoples movement and the democratic process in the Arab world, the greater Middle East and near East regions. Thus, facilitating in defeating extremism and paving the path for peaceful coexistence.
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A People's Untold History

2011-01-11T06:03:00.001-08:00

- Hosted by The Green Economics Initiative, a program enacted under the aegis of Shirkat Gah, and in partnership with Henrich Boll Stiftung.

- Introductory remarks by Najma Sadeque.

- Its largely unscripted film - a venture backed by the film makers.

- The film was a factual portrayal of ground realities of a nation's untold Economic development or lack thereof.

- The screening was hosted at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, on Tuesday, 11th January, 2011. This was the second screening. The launch apparently had happened in Lahore on December 2nd. Review from Lahore launch can be read here.

More details and a personal account to come soon.

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Karachi Coastline: Endangered Mangroves

2010-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Back in 2007 I had done a series of posts, many in partnership with Civil Society members on Karachi's threatened coastline. Since then the situation has worsened. Unchecked construction in the name of development is threatening the coastline. An increase in untreated sewage running into the Arabia Sea is having adverse affects on the marine plant and animal life, not to mention local indigenous fisher folk's livelihood;

Following is a brief video produced by Nameera Ahmad, in association with NuktaArt on the Mangroves of Karachi and an IUCN re-plantation project ...

Other related posts:
Karachi Coastline Under Threat
A Dying Breed: The Baloch Fisher Folk
Save the beaches: Karachi's coastline under threat
Sahil Bachao...Save Karachi Beaches (Petition)

Flood Relief Campaign for Southern Pakistan

2010-08-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

The earthquake’s that hit Pakistan in 2005 and 2008 were regarded as the worst tragedy for the nation. Few have realized that the recent floods have in fact caused more damage then those earthquake’s did. As per latest reports official figures stand at 1600 dead and 12 million left homeless.

The Monsoon rains began two weeks ago and have washed away roads, bridges and communications lines, hampering rescue efforts by aid organizations and the government. The downpours have grounded many aircraft trying to rescue people and ferry aid, including six helicopters manned by US troops on secondment from Afghanistan. Continue reading ...

Making Sense of Shalimar SF Restaurant story ... San Francisco Bay Area ... Pakistani & Indian Cuisine

2010-07-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Indian Chatkhara, Fremont, California

The Shalimar Restaurant group is a 15 to 20 year old chain of Restuarants from the San Francisco Bay Area. Recently they've under gone a major re-org where one store has apparently been sold and a new store under a new brand opened.

Recently, while trying to get a quick bite at Chatkhara Restaurant I was surprised to learn that this is essentially Shalimar.

I inquired with the person in charge at Chatkhara on what's the deal with the new name. His reply, in Urdu was: "is key peechey kahani hai" -- meaning to say "there is a story behind this."

That said, Shalimar now has 5 entities:

2 in San Francisco branded as "Shalimar"

1 in Sunnyvale branded as "Shalimar"

1 in Fremont called "Shalimar"

1 in Fremont branded as "Indian Chatkhara"

Interestingly when I first went to the Shalimar Restaurant in Fremont they informed me that they were closed and I should go next door to Chatkhara as that's also their store.

My initial assumption for the new branding has something to do with Taxation matters. Which doesn't surprise me as after all they've had a Cash Only policy. Implying that, more than likely they've been under reporting there actual income. Given there rapid growth over the past 15 years I wouldn't be surprised if they're on some sort IRS watch-list.

Based on this assumption one could easily explain the reason for the name change. However, that still doesn't explain their divestment from the Sunnyvale entity, that is if the Shalimar group has indeed sold it. As folks at the Fremont Shalimar and Chatkhara claim that they've sold the Sunnyvale entity, however Sunnyvale entity folks deny their claims. Although the "Shalimar Group" website does not list the Sunnyvale entity, which could mean they've sold that store -- however what about the brand? Have they sold the rights to the "Shalimar" brand as well, or have some sort of co-use branding arrangement?

One other interesting differentiation to note between Shalimar and Chatkhara is the latter except credit cards.

Which points back to my initial assumption where the Shalimar entity, due to it's growth has come under IRS scrutiny, and so the reason for them to divest and re-brand. Though, I don't buy the divestment story. I think it's safe to assume that the divestment is within the Shalimar Group as a short term strategy to clear any record that may exist with the IRS. With their long term strategy leaning towards an all out re-branding and name change from Shalimar to Chatkhara.

Reference links:

1. Shalimar SF: http://www.shalimarsf.com/

2. Shalimar SV: http://www.shalimarsv.com/

3. Indian Chatkhara: http://www.yelp.com/biz/indian-chatkhara-fremont

Shame on you Pakistan ... is this how "we" treat our hero's?

2010-07-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

How shameful ... and disrespectful "we" can be ...

Prem Chand’s coffin was marked as “Kafir”, which the parliamentarians “strongly condemned”. “He called himself a social worker. No person has the right to decide who goes to heaven or hell,” said one teary-eyed parliamentarian.

Youth Parliaments last session, not as they expected.

Using Social Media to Build Community ... and Resistance

2010-07-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Following is a roundtable discussion hosted by Amy Goodman from DemocracyNow on social media with Aimee Allison, founder of OaklandSeen; hip-hop journalist and activist, Davey D; and Cheryl Contee, aka Jill Tubman, co-founder of the political blog "Jack and Jill Politics."

Pakistan -- Crackdown on Social Networking Sites

2010-05-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Late Wednesday evening, May 19th the popular Social Networking site Facebook was declared banned by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) after a court order was issued by the Lahore High Court (LHC). The move was in response to a page on the site called "Everyone Draw Mohammad Day", exhorting Facebook users to draw the caricature of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him), in the hope of spurning debate to Muslim objections to images of their faiths founder.

The following day, May 20th reports started coming in that the Social Video sharing site, YouTube and the online FREE and popular encyclopedia Wikipedia had joined the list of PTA blacklisted sites. In the latest round of belligerent attacks, Twitter another popular Social Networking site was blocked at mid-night on Friday, May 21st, U.S. / Pacific Time.

In the immediate aftermath of the Facebook blockade, various members from Pakistan's Technology, Business and Civil Society launched a nation wide campaign in defense of Internet Freedom. On May 21st, under the leadership of Awab Alvi and Sabeen Mahmud a Press Conference was held at the Karachi Press Club. Additionally, after a brief exchange of tweets between Abdulrahman Rafiq, Ramla Aktar, Awab Alvi, and Sabahat Ashraf the Internet Censorship Wiki page was launched. The Wiki serves as a means to document, disseminate and evaluate damages that might arise or have arisen from the Internet blockade.

In today's highly connected world, where individuals and business use Social Media and Social Networking to influence decisions, restricting access has far reaching economic consequences that can effect the countries Business health for years to come. It's appalling how the court, PTA, and Ministry of IT have shown little regard to this fact.

Since May 18th, the PTA has restricted access to over a 1,000 websites from Pakistan. Websites have never been blocked in such a large number before. The Government is jcracking down on any website that it finds promoting Draw Muhammad Day campaign. Even the Websites promoting Facebook Proxies have been blocked.

Regardless of the reason, no Government body has the right to restrict it's citizens access to the internet. It is, as stipulated in the Constitution of Pakistan,

Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press

Additionally, as Sabahat Ashraf pointed out on a Facebook comment,

Constitutions are written exactly so that a simple majority of citizens--or a vocal minority driving public opinion--does not do things that are immoral, unethical, inhumane, or adverse to the long-term interests of a community. Speech is not free until people are free to say things that the majority does NOT want to hear.

Article 19: Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

*Image by Sabeen Mahmud, sent via Twitter. Apparently Maxcom and a few other ISP's in Pakistan continue to allow limited access to Twitter.

Pakistan Story --- shedding light on the present from lessons of the past ...Part I

2010-04-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

PAKISTAN: STORY 1: In the first of three special reports from Pakistan, a look the problems Pakistan is facing as a result of the 7 year war in neighbouring Afghanistan. There are now said to be 3 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan; their presence seems to have exacerbated the tensions inside the country and there are also accusations that they are involved in drug-smuggling and gun-running. Intvws Unnamed refugee, Ayaz Amir (Columnist, Dawn Magazine), John Kirke (Planning Consultant), Said Azhar (Commissioner for Refugees), Alan Williams (Planning Consultant) & Unnamed Training Officer. McDONALD,TREVOR

PAKISTAN STORY 2: Intvw with President Zia Ul-Haq on challenge from Benazir Bhutto with her Pakistan Peoples Party which is becoming a strong opposition: He also comments on possible solution for Afghanistan as Pakistan is caught in the crossfire providing a home for Afghan refugeess, support Afghan guerrillas while maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia. MCDONALD,TREVOR

PAKISTAN STORY 3: In the final report from Pakistan a look at the future for for Benazir Bhutto as she meets some supporters who relatives were killed in a political demonstration: President Zia Ul- Haq has maintained that the Pakistan Peoples Party is a spent force: Intvws Benazir Bhutto, Ahmed Rashid (Observer Pakistan Correspondent), Mushahid Hussein (Editor 'Moslem'). McDONALD,TREVOR

Oldest Brewery in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan -- Muree Beer

2010-04-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

Can't export a drop, that's ridiculous. Seriously speaking how much longer will we bend over backwards to appease the Mullahs, who aren't the most perfect of human beings themselves, especially behind closed doors?

Following is a brief presentation about Pakistan's oldest Brewery, Muree Beer founded in 1861 and was recently listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE-100), continue reading at HuqMusings. Tobacco and Alcohol are one of the top revenue generators for the Government of Pakistan, yet Alcohol export is prohibited.

Imran Khan explains "War on Terror" and "Pakistan Taliban" .. Extreemism, Radicalization, Terrorism

2009-10-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

Imran khan perfectly weighs pros and cons to win the so-called war against terror. He presents a logical perspective as to why this Army offensive does not necessarily mean an end to this war on terror.

Feinding upon the weak and vulnerable ... Quickstar, Amway, Britt Worldwide Schemes ..

2009-10-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

A few years back when I was a Graduate Student in Physics at UC Riverside, I was approach by a a North-West Indian couple with a business proposition to work with a network marketing company called Britt World Wide (BWW), that works with Quixstar, a wholesale distribution company.

They said I can try it out and cancel anytime. When I signed up under the explicit understanding that this is a trail, I was surprise to get hit with a initiation bill of $500. Upon receiving this bill I requested to opt out. But it didn't go down well with this couple.

After being super nice to me, they're whole attitude change. The name calling began, and they said I cannot back out ... there and then I new I had to get out fast.

Their representatives, or as the official term goes, Independent Business Owner (IBO) fiend on the vulnerable and weak, students are an easy target. They all have a similar marketing pitch . Claim ing you can be as rich as so and so, or so and so, citing Ray Kroc as an example. Not realizing that it takes more than what these schemes claim to make it big like Ray Kroc. An Entrepreneur is driven by vision, a vision to change the world in some form or the other. The fame and wealth in many cases are the by product.

To be a successful entrepreneur one must have a vision, coupled with a keen and burning desire to do something at any cost. It takes immense dedication to break from the status quo and mundane rate race of the world.

I will say one thing that the founders of Quixstar (or Amway) were genius'. To come up with a marketing scheme that disseminate sthere products in a manner that to much regard has sustain for generations. Don't go for the product they created, study and try and emulate the founders, Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos. Emulate there methods to success and combine that with your passions, interests and profession and see if you can develop a product(s) and unique business model(s).

Face Veil, or Niqab 'has nothing to do with Islam' said Skiek Sayyed Tantawi of Al-Azhar University in Cairo

2009-10-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is about time the mainstream, that is the vastly silence majority of the Muslim word lash back at the Extreme Right 'Islamist' mindset. Recall my previous blog post dated May, 2nd, 2007 where I shared an article by Dr. Q. Isa Daudpota titled "No to ninja nuisance" ...

For Al-Azhar University, mind you this is one of the leading centers of learning in the Muslim world to take such extreme measures and call a ban upon the "Niqab" or "Burqa" is extraordinary. What's even more amazing is for Skeik Tantawi, one of the leading scholars from Al-Azhar to decree that the face veil "has nothing to do with Islam" ... it's only a matter of time that a similar decree will be passed by yet another leading scholar announcing that the "Hijab", or the head scarf worn, predominantly by Muslims women living in the west 'has nothing to do with Islam'.

Sheik of al-Azhar Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi came days after he said the face veil, or niqab, ‘has nothing to do with Islam.’

Continue reading report ... "Niqab ban at Al-Azhar University"

On a similar note, I came across yet another report where a Canadian Muslim group has called for a ban on wearing the face veil, or niqab / burqa in public places. Yet another sign of changing times where mainstream, liberal to moderate Muslims, whom up until now have been the silence majority are speaking out, and lashing out at the "Wahabist" narrow view to Islam.

‘The burqa has absolutely no place in Canada,’ said Farzana Hassan of the Muslim Canadian Congress.

Continue reading report ... "Canadian Muslim Group calls for burqa ban"

President Obama Awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T02:25:00.000-07:00

Interesting, yet surprising. Less than a year in office, amidst increased war efforts in Afghanistan, troop deployment in Pakistan and a dire economic health at home. I wonder whether the timing is appropriate ... what do you think? Sounds premature, if you ask me. Or perhaps this is just what the Obama Administration needed to help them push through the massive opposition they're confronted with atop Capitol Hill and deliver upon their campaign promises, starting with: (1) Revamping Health Care,

(2) Addressing the Energy crisis, and (3) Education issue to name a few pressing U.S. centric issues.

Though, what about Obama's foreign policy agenda? Have significant steps been taken thus far to reduce tensions across ethnic, religious, and economic boundaries?

Don't get me wrong, personally I supported President Obama, and continue to offer my support however it's disappointing to see a continuation of the DC status quo of "big talk" and "no action" on the Hill. The question is, how will the Administration leverage this to finally deliver?

Continue reading at Reuters ...

Taliban Rule in Swat must end!

2009-04-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Acts such as the the flogging of the young woman the world witness today in Swat Valley at the hands of Taliban must end. We. the people of Pakistan will appose and stop such acts of barbarism.

Lets send a message to the world, loud and clear that Pakistanis are alive and will not, at any cost let the country fall to the barbarism that we've witnessed today in Swat. We're a progressive, peace loving nation. Have had a few road blocks, but all is not lost.

This land, it's people have tremendous drive, great potential and talent to achieve the Sun and the moon. Be it in Technology, Art, Science, Music we have it all. All we ask for is a sustaining and just system of Governance that supports and honors it's Social contract with the people of Pakistan.

Also visit Teeth Maestro's blog.

Protest events planned in both Karachi and Lahore. See Karachi Protest, Lahore Protest and Twitter LongMarch.

Evening on Media and Activisim at Goethe Institute

2009-04-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Invitation to an evening on

Media & Activism

07 April 2009,

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Goethe Institute

2 Brunton Rd, Civil Lines, Karachi

(Brunton Rd is the lane next to CM House near the Sheraton)

For information contact maujmail@googlegroups.com
(or Subscribe to http://groups.google.com/group/maujmail?lnk=srg)

Students, journalists, activists, artists, technologists

& media workers are especially invited. Please forward.

+ + + +

An evening on Media and Activism

Do media and activism always go together. How does an activist media fill the gaps. How do the new technologies fit in this picture. What does this increased access to information mean for our complex culture and society.

In a timely note Rob van Kranenburg observes the present age of acceleration. Concerning the role of the artist in an ever more complex world full of radicalism, he dares to ask: what
does this mean for the disruptive qualities of art if disruption becomes the default?

Suzanne Hogendoorn presents her film on European activists at the G8 Summit 2007.

Awab Alvi gives us a behind-the-web look at citizens covering the Long March in March 2009 using internet & cellphones.

Faisal Qureshi will ponder the important question of what we out to to gain from the new technologies along with every other thing, in order to get somewhere.

We hope to involve journalists in the discussion. Open discussion will follow.

+ + + +

Programme

Welcome by Goethe Institute
Introduction by Mauj Collective

'On the Need of Bureaucracy: slowing things down in the age of
acceleration'
Rob van Kranenburg

'We will block you' (documentary film)
Suzanne Hogendoorn & Mark Kulsdom

Break

Tracking the Long March
Awab Avi

* to be announced
Faisal Qureshi

Open Discussion

Panelists:

Rob van Kranenburg graduated cum laude in Literary Theory at Tilburg University (Nl). He went to work with Prof Ronald Soetaert in Ghent, in the Educational Department, developing online learning modules, methods and concepts drawing on the idea of multiliteracies. In 2000 he went to Amsterdam to work as programmer on media education at the centre for culture and politics de Balie and as teacher-coordinator of the new media program in the Film and Television Studies Department at the University of Amsterdam. Feeling it was to young a field to predominantly historize it, he moved to Doors of Perception and co-programmed with John Thackara Doors 7, Flow, the design challenge of pervasive computing. In 2003 he mentored a postgraduate course in performance, theatre and the arts at APT, Arts Performance Theatrical. He has also been associated with The Virtual Platform (nl), the Waag Society (nl), Transmediale Festival (de) and Sarai (in).

Faisal Qureshi is an engineer, an entrepreneur and a well-known media personality. He is a founder chair person of Loose Ends Pakistan, a non-profit organization, host of several talk shows such as Ankahi (current) on Samaa TV, Loose Ends on Business Plus and Breakfast at Dawn on Dawn News, CEO of Kolachi Advanced Technologies, Director Blue Ice Technologies, founder chairperson of Mensa Pakistan, and a former Chairperson of P@SHA - the Pakistan Software’s Houses Association.

Suzanne Hogendoorn is an international documentary filmmaker from The Netherlands. Her documentaries are usually associated with activism and have aired on channels such as Holland Doc. She is a member of the Mauj Collective and is making a documentary on the same. She made the documentary with Mark Kulsdom

Awab Alvi is the most well-known blogger in Pakistan. He is also an activist and a practicing dentist. He has broken a number of stories to the media in the past and is an advocate of citizen journalism using the internet in particular. Awab's blog at http://teeth.com.pk/blog/ was selected the Best South Asian Blog for 2008
by the Brass Crescent Society Jury .

The Mauj Collective is engaged in art, technology and empowerment of people. It wants to introduce larger numbers of people in Pakistan to new media art. It wants to explore ways in which the interplay and interstices of art and technology are also socially engaging and empowering.

Posting as a public service courtesy. Siliconstani has no official affiliation to Geothe Institute or any of the above mentioned panelists.

Industry Analysis: NetBooks Market outlook

2009-01-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

AN JOSE, Calif. — The market for netbooks could explode from 35 million units this year to as many as 139 million in 2013, according to a report published today by ABI Research (Oyster Bay, NY).
The ultra small notebooks pioneered by Taiwan's AsusTek have been a strong area of growth for a PC sector otherwise slowing to a crawl in the current recession. However, a debate has raged over whether the growth will be mainly focused on x86/Windows or ARM/Linux systems and whether that growth will come at the expense of traditional and more profitable notebooks.
Netbooks are likely to serve pent-up needs for full featured mobile devices not served by today's smart phones or the PDAs of the past, said ABI researcher Kevin Burden in his report. "Today, with a better understanding for what a smart phone is, is not, and may never be, the market remains open for new device types," he said in a prepared statement.
The report, "Mobile Devices Annual Market Overview" provides shipment and revenue forecasts as well as analysis on a variety of system types including mobile handsets, ultra mobile devices, broadband-enabled consumer electronics and cellular modems. (EETime)

My Comments, posted earlier on Facebook:

NetBook Demand ~ semiconductors sales ~ virtualization & Cloud Computing applications ~ increased network traffic and demand for higher bandwidth .

Industries and companies poised to benefit in the immediate future:

- Semiconductors / PCB Fabrication houses
- PCB design and development houses
- networking equipment Manufacturers
- semiconductor manufacturers (Asia Vendors to the most part)
- ISP's offering high data bandwidth connectivity (wifi, 3G, Edge)
- server virtualization vendors
- Cloud application vendors & open source software

Cross posting from Facebook

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama -- User Feedback

2009-01-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Folks,

In less than 9 hours President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Many of you are already in Washington DC awaiting in anticipation for 'The Moment'.

Whether you plan on attending the Inauguration in person, or remotely from the comfort of your home or office, we'd like to hear from you. While you attend this Historic event please consider sharing your thoughts, insights, and feelings here.

Share your comments

View User Comments

You can watch the Inauguration Webcast live at http://inaugural. senate.gov/

(Proceedings start at 6:30 am Pacific Time.)

Additional info can be found at http://www.pic2009. org/content/ home/ .

Thanks and congratulations!

Russell Watson -- Where my heart will take me Lyrics: Album Encore

2008-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a long road, getting from there to here.
It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.�
And I can feel the change in the wind right now. Nothing's in my way.�
And they're not gonna hold me down no more, no they're not gonna hold me down.

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.�
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.�
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.�
I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.

It's been a long night. Trying to find my way.
Been through the darkness. Now I finally have my day.
And I will see my dream come alive at last. I will touch the sky.
And they're not gonna hold me down no more, no they're not gonna change my mind.

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.�
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.�
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.�
I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.

I've known the wind so cold, I've seen the darkest days.
But now the winds I feel, are only winds of change.�
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain.�
But I'll be fine ...�

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.�
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.�
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.�
I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.�

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.
I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.

Cross-posting to WadiBlog

South Asians for Peace; Become a fan of PEACE.

2008-12-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Join the cause in promoting Peace, Prosperity, Harmony, Progress in South Asia. Become a fan of PEACE at http://tinyurl.com/sapeace.

Join South Asians for Peace - A coalition of concerned Pakistanis and Indians.

Cross-posting to WadiBlog

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Karachi Coastline Under Threat!

2008-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, 8th of March, which by the way is also International Womens Day SHEHRI-CBE, and DHARTI - A Coalition of Civil Society, in collaboration with Friedrich Naumann Stiftung FÜR DIE FREIHEIT will be hosting a seminar about Karachi's coastline, and the threat it is under.

This seminar is a continuation of the Sahil Bacho movement. To RSVP email info@shehri.org and also a Facebook Event has been setup, courtesy Friends of Karachi, in the Silicon Valley.

Dharti Members:
Baanhn Beli, The Helpline Trust, HRCP, Indus Earth, Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP), Karachi Women’s Peace Committee, Maheegir Tehrik, PILER, Sahil Bachao, Shehri- CBE, Sindh Participatory Organization (SPO), Shirkatgah, WWF-Pakistan, Women Action Forum (WAF), War Against Rape (WAR), Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum

Tariq Ali in Silicon Valley

2008-09-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

Tariq Ali at the PADF hosted event on September 28, 2008 in Newark, California
To read more about the event visit WadiBlog

Time to act and Support "Grassroot" Entrepreneurs in the 3rd World

2008-09-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Father sells infant of Rs. 100 (US $1.30) in Badin, Sindh, Pakistan

BADIN: By being sick of poverty in Golarchi area of Badin district, a father sold out his infant of Rs. 100, who was born two hours ago on Friday.

Police raided the alleged buyer’s home on complaint of infant’s mother and recovered the baby.

Police recovered the baby having raided the home of alleged buyer on complaint of infant’s poor mother after five hours of the incident and arrested the seller (father) and buyer, police sources said.

Alleged buyer told the police that the infant’s father was unable to bring up his child that made him sell the infant. He then paid hundred rupees to the alleged father in return to buy sweets and guaranteed to bear the infant’s living expenditures in future. [GEO NEWS]

Your first reaction may be what, how could he sell his infant? But this is coming from folks living high in their ivory towers looking down at the impoverished masses. If you are reading this blog post then you most likely are one of those new age elitist, and I include myself who come up with grandiose ideas on how to eradicate poverty - from creative financial schemes to job creating projects. All is well and good, however where has it gotten us? Yeah, perhaps it has helped a few people - however there are still countless people, like this father with next to little avenues to turn to for help.

I am beginning to wonder, how can one talk about projects such overhauling the National IT policy or establishing centers of higher learning when the basic necessities of the common people are still to be met? Lets first find ways to alleviate poverty, then talk about other nation building ventures - which if you ask me are luxuries we can do without for the time being. This is where the Government can help. Yet, they are too busy building their own ivory fortress to give a hoot about the common man.

It's easy to say: "Oh why don't they go get jobs?", for crying out loud how are they to find jobs when their are none to go around?

We need sustained income generation programs that recognize peoples innate skills, and land them in jobs, or help them establish business that pay decent wages.

In addition macro-Economic reform is needed. Inflation needs to be curbed. Government subsidies on essential goods and services will help. And finally, a Universal health care program is needed.

Who will do this? From the looks of it, the Government does not appear to be in a position to act.

However, all hope isn't lost. I'd like to take the opportunity to propose a Poverty Alleviation Program to support "grassroots" entrepreneurs in impoverished parts of the world. For starters we'll focus on Pakistan.

The program will launch under the aegises of PakSEF (or the Pakistan Science & Engineering Foundation). PakSEF is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) California based organization.

PakSEF is dedicated to the proposition that making discoveries, and applying scientific knowledge to solve human problems is the birthright of all free people.

To find out how you can participate in this program email ideas@paksef.org. Or you may also make a monetary donation of an amount of your choosing to PakSEF's "grassroots" Entrepreneurship Program.

Let's help people help themselves by realizing the power of their own ingenuity!

For pennies to the dollar we can help establish 1 person in a vocation of his choosing, and ensuring one family with a chance at a decent, and steady livelihood.

The funds collected will be distributed to pre selected individuals on a case by case basis. To learn more about the program or to participate email ideas@paksef.org.

All donations are tax deductible under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code
Taz ID# 20-2950808

*Cross-posting to Scitech Wire, WadiBlog

While the country burns...

2008-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

While the country burns, our core leadership team is found globe trotting - Islamabad to London, London to New York.

Authorities have termed the 9/20 disaster the worst Terrorist attack in Pakistani soil. In fact Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of the late Benazir Bhutto and recently "elected" President of Pakistan referred to this as "Pakistan's 9/11".

Zardari in London on way to UN

Here is a recap of the Terrorist attack on 9/20:

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Zaradari elected President of Pakistan - What's your reaction?

2008-09-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

PPP stalwart and cabinet member Sherry Rehman congratulated Mr. Zardari on his election win calling it a "victory for democracy."

"This man suffered jail for more than 11 years for the sake of democracy and today he is elected as the president of the country and it is a sign of the strengthening of democracy," stated Sherry Rehman.

What do you think? [Comment here]

One view point, and a fairly interesting one might I add is from a friend many of you may know as iFaqeer (or Sabahat Ashraf) is (http://blog.ifaqeer.com/2008/09/on-president-zardari.html) that Zardari rightfully earned the Presidency. You may be thinking 'what, he earned it!'. That was my initial reaction before my chat last night with Sabahat.

His view is: he earned it based on the fact that he played the political game, no matter how dirty and crooked his tactics he has proven to be "politically savvy". He got the 2/3 majority vote from the Federal and provincial Assemblies.

Though I am not entirely convinced, I do see where iFaqeer is coming from - he does have a point, but I can't discount Zaradari's infamous history, let alone he still has to release pre PCO judges. What do you Think?

Sabahat/iFaqeer's post titled "On Zardari" can be read here.

Sasta (Cheap) Tandoor Scheme - An Imran Khan project.

2008-08-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Official press release from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Following is an excerpt of the Press Release:

The program envisages teaming with established tandoor in the lower class areas of the city and selling roti and naan for less than half the cost. Roti (Bread) are being sold for 2 rupees and Naan (Bread) for 3 rupees.

The first tandoor was launched today, August 27, 2008 in the congested run-down locality of Dubanpura, Lahore.

“Inflation has broken the back of the common person and those sitting in parliament cannot seem to find the time to help the poor,” said Imran Khan.

“Tandoor like these will be opened across Pakistan to show that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is committed to help fight the dreadful effects of inflation.”

According to Mian Mehmud ur Rashid, the idea was plucked out of the books of the AKP (former Welfare) party in Turkey which had begun to sell bread at subsidized rates in the localities of Ankara and Istanbul after the country was hit with hyper inflation in the mid-1980’s. Places selling cheap bread became so popular in Turkey, that private bakeries ended up going out of business. It was schemes like these which helped propel the AKP to become the largest and most popular party in Turkish politics. PTI Lahore leadership and the party’s central executives feel the model can be replicated in Pakistan as affordable roti is the need of the hour.

Between now and the end of Ramzan, four tandoor will become operational. Once they are successful, the ‘Sasta Tandoor’ scheme will spread across the localities of Lahore and Pakistan.

Because of the repute of Chairman Khan, many concerned citizens have come forward to provide free flour for this scheme. As 60% of the cost of running the ‘Sasta Tandoor’ is the cost of the flour, the scheme has potential to be an enormous success.

PTI encourages all its members to help out in this effort – be it in the form of organizing donating flour or manpower to oversee the individual projects. This will show to the people that even though Tehreek-e-Insaf is not in parliament, it is making efforts to help alleviate hardships of the downtrodden – more so than those in the corridors of power.

Click to make a donation

Note: Contributions to Sasta Tandoor may or may not be Tax Deductible. For information to that regards contact your regional Tax department, and/or local PTI chapter representative.

U.S. Ambassador Meets MQM Bosses in Karachi

2008-05-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Very interesting? What can we infer from this? Comments? Thoughts?

Karachi, May 9, 2008: U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson meeting with MQM’s parliamentary leader Dr. Farooq Sattar at the Khurshid Memorial Hall in Azizabad. Also seen in the picture are U.S. Consul General Kay L. Anske, U.S. Embassy’s Press Attaché Elizabeth Colton and other MQM leaders.

Karachi, May 9, 2008: MQM leaders Dr. Farooq Sattar, Senator Babar Ghauri and others seeing off U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and U.S. Consul General Kay L. Anske after the conclusion of their meeting at the Khurshid Memorial Hall in Azizabad.

Karachi, May 9, 2008: U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and MQM’s parliamentary leader Dr. Farooq Sattar during their meeting held at the Khurshid Memorial Hall in Azizabad.

A Disenchanted Love Affair....Pakistan and the U.S.

2008-03-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

The following video was uploaded to YouTube by Asadullah Khan (YouTube ID:Afridi). It's a depiction of Pakistan and U.S. foreign relations over time, from Faiz Ahmad Faiz's view point.

From the 1947 to now, the U.S. Pakistan relations have stood the test of time, though at times not so favorable. But then we are way past the honeymoon period, true love goes far beyond the honeymoon glitter - the mark of unconditional love is when lovers are able to see past one anothers faults. Can one look upon the Pak-US affair as a mature one, an unconditional love affair, with it's frequent mood swings? I would say yes, though some may disagree and argue it is a relationship of convenience.

Comments are requested.

Noble Words - Uttered by a Nation Builder, A Visionary!

2008-02-24T02:03:00.000-08:00

"We will build a society in which the old values of greed and advancement will be replaced by common concerns for the welfare of the whole community." - Quid-e-Awam, Shaheed Zulifkar Ali Bhutto.

These are noble words, uttered not to long ago by a man who had a vision - Shaheed Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto was one such man who had a vision for Pakistan. Sadly, our nation hasn't produced many such visionaries. Men, and Women who had the wherewithal to go the whole 9-yards, risking life and reputation, all for the greater good of the Nation- the welfare of the People of Pakistan.

Pakistan is a state at a cross-road. With a Military turned Civilian dictator at the helm, recent, relatively free and successful elections, all the while, the gap between the haves and have not's has widened. Such circumstances calls for strong leaders, who have the ability to look far beyond themselves, setting the long term vision for the nation, charting out the nations future.

Who will that man, or woman be? It is apparent, from the results of the last elections, the Pakistan People Party (PPP) will get their candidate in the Prime Minister's office - without a doubt in mind that position falls to Makhdum Amin Fahim, Vice Chairperson PPP. Mr. Fahim is a capable, uncontroversial individual - he may be capable to lead the nation, a politically and socially fragmented nation I might add. However, the question remains, does he have the vision to chart out the nations future growth and development? Can the nation rely on his leadership to bring about sustainable economic prosperity, social justice, progress, and peace to this multi-ethnic land?

YouTube Ban in Pakistan!

2008-02-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

In the last few hours there has been a flurry of emails flying around about the ban on YouTube in Pakistan. Tried to visit the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority site at http://pta.gov.pk, however the site appears down. Though I did manage to obtain the following circular by way of my colleague, and partner-in-crime, iFaqeer.

Here it clearly stipulates the block of a specific YouTube URL, as it contains "offensive" material, .Without a doubt in mind the content is offensive, it is a tasteless video posted by some no good for nothing twerp, who goes by the name conterminatiediehard. However, it doesn't justify a cart-Blanche ban on the entire YouTube site. Let me remind you this isn't the first time PTA has acted hastily.

Users subscribing to the Internet through PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunications Corporation Limited), a semi-Government Corporation, have been getting the following message today if they tried to access YouTube:

> ------------------------------------------------------
> Dear Internet Users
>
> Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
> (www.pta.gov.pk)has directed all ISPs of the country
> to block access
> to www.youtube.com web site for containing
> blasphemous
> web content/movies.
>
> The site would remain blocked till further orders
> from
> PTA. Meanwhile, Internet users can write to
> youtube.com to remove the objectionable web
> content/movies because this removal would enable
> the authorities to order un-blocking of this web
> site.
>
> Best Regards
>
> Manager
> Technical Assistance Center
> Micronet Broadband Pvt. Ltd.
> Islamabad
> --------------------------------------------------

Other Blogs that are reporting:
iFaqeer
TeethMaestro
Zahir Kidvai's blog
PkPolitics
TechPedia
NaiTazi
Pakistan Latest
Pakistaniat
Rohan Pinto Blog
Muziq.NET
Adnan's Crazy Blog World
Just Like That
Quita's Weblog

Situation Update - Saturday, Feb 23rd, 1:32 am (US Pacific)

Just in, YouTube is accessible in Karachi, however in the Islamabad, and Peshawar area's it is blocked. It may very well be blocked specifically on the networks that operate through PTCL! Stay tuned for more updates, right here on The Siliconstani! - AR

Traditional Media Reports - Saturday, Feb 23rd, 2:25 am (US Pacific)

Daily Times
Rediff
Sify News
TamilStar

From the Doorstep kutchari:

Feb 23, 2:28 am: The general opinion in the air is that the YouTube ban was prompted in light of the large number videos pertaining to the recent elections showing up on the site. Presumably an attempt to cover up any election rigging that may become evident.

Feb 23, 10:15 am: [Courtesy Beena Sarwar] The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) "directed all the Internet service providers of the country to block access to the video-sharing website `Youtube' for containing blasphemous content. The order, issued by the director enforcement agency, says that the ratio of `non-Islamic objectionable video' has increased on the website. Following the order, all local ISPs have blocked the website from their servers," according to a news report. Details at
http://www.teeth. com.pk/blog/

However, the real reason may have been the postings of vote rigging. Someone sent links that circumvented YouTube:

http://208.65. 153.251
http://208.65. 153.253
http://208.65. 153.238

Another post sent out the following links:

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=j444heT4o14
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=6TPUHHFky38

(Listen to the part where the undercover woman says about ID card numbers, "ID card number koyi bhi daal dein, kis nay check kerna hai?", and the voting officer says, "Jo kerta hai ker lay check! Hehe!")

[End Beena's report]

Whatever the reason, there is no excuse, whatsoever, to ban an entire site, it proves nothing other than an utter disrespect for the the will of the nation and the peoples freedom of expression. This Government has made a sham of things - destroying institution after institution. Bugger the lofty rhetoric about how the present regime has brought about "grassroots democracy", "freed the media", "transformed the economy" - the next person who attempts to support "them" with such reason, seriously, s(he) will get a tight slap from me. It's nothing but bogus rhetoric, sugar quoted in a facade of "intellectualism", as the saying goes 'even the devil can quote scripture, doesn't mean (s)he is a saint', does it?. Who gives a dam whether the recent elections fair, free, and peaceful - it is a well known fact tat the Q's and General's loyalists attempted to skew the polls in there favor - though, to their dismay, despite rigging, the polls express the publics disdain for them. Now it's time for the General to accept defeat and step aside...

Sunday, February 24th:

YouTube suffered a two-hour long, system-wide outage on Sunday that the company said was triggered by a network based in Pakistan.

"For about two hours, traffic to YouTube was routed according to erroneous Internet Protocols," said YouTube spokesperson Ricardo Reyes in a statement "Many users around the world could not access our site. We have determined that the source of these events was a network in Pakistan. We are investigating and working with others in the Internet community to prevent this from happening again."
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9877614-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2

Google, the owner of YouTube, blamed the outage on "erroneous internet protocols", sourced in Pakistan. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7262071.stm

Monday, February 25:

"The telecom company that carries most of Pakistan's traffic, PCCW, has found it necessary to shut Pakistan off from the Internet while they filter out the malicious routes that a Pakistani ISP, PieNet, announced earlier today. Evidently PieNet took this step to enforce a decree from the Pakistani government that ISP's must block access to YouTube because it was a source of blasphemous content. YouTube has announced more granular routes so that at least in the US they supercede the routes announced by PieNet. The rest of the world is still struggling."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/02/25/1322252

Tuesday, February 26th:

Government lift's ban on YouTube. Google, the owner of YouTube confirms service has been resorted in the country, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7262071.stm

Better late, than never, though I am afraid to wonder what damage has this incident done to to investor confidence. Not good I would say. Who in their right mind would host their web business through Pakistani IP addresses, not me, and I, or at least I would hope to am a staunchly patriotic Pakistani. However, don't get me wrong, I will continue use Pakistan resources to develop my business, but will not allow my web resources to go through Pakistani controlled IP space.

Tuesday, February 26th, 5:21 pm (US Pacific):

The Ex-pat community in the Silicon Valley is enraged. Strongly condemning the Government of Pakistan, not to mention many have called for a law suite against the GoP. See the following thread from the SV-PAK discussion group (names and emails suppressed):

SV-PAK wrote:
I am with u dude, I am all for suing the GOP and Pak Telecom and the fanatic Mullahs and while we are at it why not the Achmed dinijad or whatever the barbarian from Iran is called.

Go for it. - Imran Q.

SV-PAK wrote:
This is way too much. I'd urge Google to sue GoP and Pakistan Telecom
big time.

It is a double outrage: (a) The image of the self-destructing 'mawzlem'
street full of howling fanatics was used to (b) prevent people from
seeing videos depicting some dark deeds of Musharraf's government.

I'd say the EU should throw all its weight (and Euros) behind Holland
and Denmark in the name of free speech. After all, Iran has retaliated
with its own cartoons and Holocaust conference, so what more is there
to do in terms of tit for tat?

"IslamiyoN" ke moonh ko xoon lag chuka hai. Since they are able to
successfully intimidate dissenters and minorities in countries
including Pakistan, they now think their reach is global. - Usman Q.

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq
Abdulrahman Rafiq has Copyright s to Siliconstani, Doorstep Kutchari
A special thanks iFaqeer and Moazzam Chaudry "MacGuj" for providing feedback.
All Rights Reserved 2008

Afganistan Enters the Internet Age...

2007-12-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

A little while back I was browsing through RabitaZone's sitemeter account. You can see site visits from all over the globe - from Australia to Europe, including the Middle East. All looks normal, however there was one country you don't see a whole lot to often - Afghanistan.

Until today, I was unaware that there are Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in this desolate land, let alone Web users.

Upon further investigation I found to my amazement, at the Afghanistan Ministry of Communication and Information Technology the following "somewhat surprising" statistics,

Statistics

The following statistic updates every after 3 months.
Last updated on 02, Oct 2007

Landline Phones: 39,608

GSM Subscribers: 32,85,332

CDMA Subscribers: 43,646

ISP Companies: 17

GSM Companies: 04

Who would have imagined, a nation such as Afghanistan would have 17 ISPs! This may seem like a small number, it however shows great promise for this nation - paving the way for innumerable entrepreneurial opportunities.

Bilawal Zardari to be named PPP Chairperson

2007-12-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

It is rumored that Bilawal Zardari, the 19 year old eldest son of Benazir Bhutto, will be named the new PPP chairperson, as per Ms. Bhutto's will.

Personally, I think this is ludicrous. Democracy starts at home. First democratize your own house, then the country. Nominating Bilawal, Benazir Bhutto's son, goes against everything she, and her late father Z.A.Bhutto have worked and died for. This would be a reckless move, not to mention a severe set back for the party as a whole. How can you talk about democracy for a nation, when your own party is run in an authoritarian fashion?

I would urge the PPP Central Executive Committee to reconsider, hold internal party elections, as is done in other such organizations around the world. It's time the Party open it's doors, and truely become the Peoples' Party - no more dynasty rule!

Situation Update - Karachi Tense - December, 29, 2007

2007-12-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

Word from the journalist community: About 75% of the rioting that has occurred in the aftermath of Ms. Bhutto's assassination, was out a sense of genuine rage by supporters. The remaining 25% is suspected to be the work miscreants.

Saturday, December, 29, 2007, 4:30 pm PST

I just got back from urgent grocery shopping, the general feeling outside is tense, a few general stores have opened, prices on major commodities items are jacked up, as expected. People are out and about but there is a sense of nervousness in the air.

There are signs of the rioting all around - on Shamshir, Defence Phase V you have quite a lot of damage. Traffic lights smashed and burned to the ground, the UBL bank in the Khada Market has all its windows smashed. The road to Gizri Village is closed - there are reports of sporadic rioting. There is a strong Makrani presence in Gizri, many of whom are PPP supporters.

Saturday, December, 29, 2007, 1:30 pm PST

Following is a situation update from one Syed Asif Alam, President and Founder of the Association of Pakistani Professionals (AOPP).

Saturday, 1:30pm PST..

...and two days after I am still in a shock; I was stuck in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, had to stay there overnight. We put our two kids in the car the next morning at 7 am and headed towards my parents house in Defense Phase V. We found pockets that could easily depict a war zone. Long lines of burn cars, at times more then 80-100 cars. I asked my wife to keep both the kids in the kneel down position in the back seat.

I ventured out few minutes ago (Saturday) and all the shops are still closed! Defense is usually unharmed by the Karachi violence but this time all the shops in this area is also closed. You can see few burned cars, broken banks and some shops that were attacked..

More Karachi updates can be read at Karachi MetroBlog.

To submit addition updates, email arafiq786@yahoo.com, or submit a comment to this post.

Bhutto Laid to Rest....The Country Mourns it's Slow Death...

2007-12-28T04:10:00.001-08:00

At 4:45pm Pakistan Time, the body of the two term Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest at Ghari Kudha Baksh, the Bhutto families ancestral graveyard.

A sad day for the nation, the death of a leader, mind you the only charismatic leader who was loved by many. Such leaders are hard to come by in the world, in Pakistan they are virtually non-existent. That is, leaders who can rally the crowds, give the people a feeling of purpose and belonging. With the demise of Ms. Bhutto, there is no one who can match her dynamism as a leader of the people.

Democracy is dead, whether the elections continue as scheduled, or are postponed what does it matter? The results have been predetermined? No Benazir, no Nawaz, who else is there other than the Religious right, and Musharraf's King's group. Pakistan's future is a bleak one, with little hope, illadvised policies by usurping ruler and authoritarian men at the helm have left the nation destitute. We are our own worst enemy, slowly digging ourselves to a slow death - from constitutional tampering to the destruction of the judiciary - what good is a nation without it's core democratic institutions?

Shattered Hopes - A Nation Cries!

2007-12-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

The nation weeps at shattered dreams and aspirations. Lost hope for a better tomorrow, a democratic Pakistan. None can deny the fact that Benazir Bhutto represented a symbol of Hope for the nation - for peoples rule. Now who will step up to the plate and fill the power vacuum?

With the demise of Ms. Bhutto, the leader of the most popular political party in Pakistan democracy seems like a fallacy. "Illadvised policies of the past, and severe polarization under Military rule have led to the circumstances behind today's tragedy. We have become accustomed to violence, to suicide blasts, and the usurping of rules and rights by strong men at the helm. Today, the nation paid a price" commented by SupportPakistan.org. As Nawaz Sharif correctly stated, something unthinkable has happened in Rawalpindi this evening. The country appear to be on the brink of disaster. Hospitals and Government buildings are up in flames, roads are littered with burning cars, buses and tires. Enraged, and emotionally charged political workers are swarming the streets of Pakistan. from Karachi to Peshawar, the nation is semblance of a war zone.

Today the people made an outcry. It is time for the nation to wake up from it's slumber, rise up as a united front against injustices perpetuated against them.

While many may disagree with Benazir's ideological beliefs, or argue her tenure was short lived with little to show for. Undeniably, she was the most capable leaders who spend 25 out of 30 years of her political career in the opposition, championing the cause of democracy with extraordinary fervor against Military dictatorships. This is the legacy Benazir will be remembered for.

Todays tragedy have left many in a state of shock and utter disbelief. Nerves have been touched hard, people, whether they be friends or foe acknowledge the symbolism Benazir represented.

For news updates and commentaries from the ground visit...

Karachi MetroBlog
Islamabad MetroBlog
Lahore MetroBlog
Teeth Maestro's (Awab Alvi) Blog
All-Things-Pakistan (Pakistaniat.com)
Benazir Pays with life for Democracy - Beena Sarwar
DAWN News updates

U.S. Congress Passes Ramadan Bill

2007-10-04T04:20:00.001-07:00

The United States congress passes H.RES.635 in recognition of the commencement of Ramadan the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and expressing respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion, and for other purposes.

This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing.

One question I have, before the passing of this bill, was Ramadan not considered in existence ? I saw bush throw an Iftaar party few years back, what was that all about? Not forgetting that under the Clinton administration the White House threw an Iftar dinner for eight consecutive years.

[President Bush's Official Ramadan Message sent Sept. 13, 2007]

[House of Representative transcripts from 101st congressional session]

Ramadan Bill: Urdu Translation

There are 2 versions of Bill Number H.RES.635 for the 110th Congress, here’s the text:

1) Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith. (Introduced in House)[H.RES.635.IH]

110th CONGRESS 1st Session

H. RES. 635

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That–

(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.

2) Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide; (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)[H.RES.635.EH]

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

October 2, 2007.

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, some threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States;

Whereas some extremists have attempted to use selective interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hatred, persecution, oppression, violence and terrorism against the United States, the West, Israel, other Muslims, and non-Muslims;

Whereas some Muslims in the United States and abroad have courageously spoken out in rejection of interpretations of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror, and in support of interpretations of and movements within Islam that justify and encourage democracy, tolerance and full civil and political rights for Muslims and those of all faiths;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses friendship and support for Muslims in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and conveys its respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion;

(4) rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against Muslims, both in the United States and worldwide; and

(5) commends Muslims in the United States and across the globe who have privately and publicly rejected interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.

This bill was sponsored by Democrat Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice along with 30 co sponsors.

Wake up San Francisco - Paki's in town!

2007-08-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

On Aug 19th, Pakistani-Americans from the Bay Area and greater Northern California region flocked to the Civic Center in San Francisco to commemorate 60 years of Pakistan's independence.

The event was hosted and organized by the Pakistan Association of San Francisco, with support from various other individuals and organizations. Some of the name brand organizations that were represented here were APPNA (Association of Pakistani Physicians), Pakistan Link, OPEN SV (Organization of Pakistan Entrepreneurs and professionals of the Silicon Valley), and several other kindred groups such as Hidaya Foundation who have been tirelessly providing much needed relief to the 2005 Earthquake and 2007 Cyclone victims in Pakistan.

The event was well attended, with lots of fan fare, music, dance, and ethnic Pakistani food catered for a nominal charge by local Bay Area restaurants. A successful event it was, though I must point out a few areas of improvement.

Firstly, the event agenda appeared disjointed. Second, the Music was way too loud, louder than what San Franciscan's would have anticipated. Not mention the program appeared fairly ad-hoc.

This is an annual event put up by the Pakistani Association of San Francisco. Year after year they ably draw in crowds numbering in the thousands. It is about time PASF concentrate it's efforts on quality, rather than quantity. The people will come regardless of what type of event it is. Other than OPEN SV, PASF is the only Bay Area organization that has successfully, year-over-year drawn in people, in the droves might I add.

Following is a video clip taken with the Flip Video device.

IN THE NAME OF GOD !

2007-08-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Khuda Kay liye, or translated as In the Name of God made its debut in Cinema's across Pakistan on July 20th. It made headlines around the world, amid opposition from Islamist clerics who have madly been issuing fatwa's, or religious edicts in opposition (see MSNBC's article, Defying the Fatwa) the file has become one of Pakistan's film industry, Lollywood's, biggest blockbuster hits.

The film is about the difficult situation in which the Pakistanis in particular and the Muslims in general are caught up since 9/11. There is a war going on between the Fundamentalists and the Liberal Muslims. This situation is creating a rift not only between the Western and the Muslim worlds, but also within Muslims.

The film depicts the educated and progressive Muslims are in a difficult situation because of their approach towards life and their western attire. They are criticized and harassed by the fundamentalists and on the other hand the Western world sees them as potential suspects of terrorism just because of their Muslim names. The movie revolves around a Pakistani young man (Shaan) who goes to the United States of America for higher education.

The interesting thing about the film is how it connects the happenings in the three continents. Unlike the usual Indian and Pakistani films based on romantic saga, dances and songs, this film is based on some very serious issues, raising a lot of controversial questions boggling the world around.

The Cast of the movie includes Shaan,Fawad khan,Iman Ali,Naseeruddin Shah,Hameed Sheikh, Austin Marie Sayre,Larry Neumann, Rasheed Naz, Naeem Tahir, Seemin Raheel, Humayun kazmi, Najeeb Ullah Anjum, Ayub Khosa, Rufus Graham, Angela Williams & Alex Edwards.

BackGround Music: Rohail Hayat

Vocals : Ahmad Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider, Farah Zala, Ammar Hassan Khawar Jawwad, Faiza Mujahid, Saeen Zahoor, Zara Madani

Lyrics : Shoib Mansoor; Bhule Shah; Faiza Mujahid

Songs Composed By : Ahmad Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider, Lagan Band, Khawar Jawad, Jawwad Bashir.

Trailer of the Movie:

Search for other clips and sound tracks on the movie here.

50-Minute Discussion on Movie on GEO TV:
Guests- Hina Jilani, Robina Sehgal, Molana Ahmed Ali Qasoor, Dr Farooq Khan

Part 1/4

Part 2/4

Part 3/4

Part 4/4

AAJ TV Discussion on Controversial parts of the Movie:
Host - Dr. Aamir Liaquat, Guests- Shabir Ahmed Azhari and Dr. Shakeel Ouj

A mockery of a discussion this is. How can you have a discussion when the entire panel come from the same view point?

Part 1/5

Part 2/5

Part 3/5

Part 4/5

Part 5/5

5/12 - A Black Day for Karachi - A video post-mortem SCRAP BOOK

2007-05-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

Justin Timberlake Song - 5/12 Karachi Violence

May 12 - a black day for Karachi, a day when Karachi came under attack ...a deadly attack it was - a senseless and tragic one. Karachi the pulse of the PakLAND, a City of 14 Million on 5/12 found itself in the midst horrendous blood bath....

Following is a collection of media footage post 5/12 - An attempt by this Karachi denizen to help answer the unanswered question as to WHY, WHY Karachi? What did Karachi, the City of life do to deserve such an atrocity?

Karachi Became Gaza (GEO TV) -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HUcKNRo2A5g
http://youtube.com/watch?v=68izAKzBX0c
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vf2jw44kSXw

By BBC Urdu -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z4Y5cajturs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cNxbLkR7As8

By KTN News -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nWqd_KewBvw

GEO TV -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SEO55_8dZ-0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JT39quPNJMU

AAJ TV (President Musharraf on Karachi Attach) -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=amGh2ymyHD0

Attack onBusines Recorder, AAJ TV -
Part 1: http://youtube.com/watch?v=METr2vAtObs
Part 2: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NzSXOkiYUPQ
Part 3: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BFeFu8tq7w0

Musharraf Address on dismissal of CJ -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mtZdK4CnIA8

Karachi Oh Karachi, the City of Cities - The City of life...who dare inflict harm on this City ...the City of life KARACHI OH KARACHI the magnificent - The Jewel of the Indus Valley!

5/12 the BLACKEST of BLACK days for Karachiites - A further blackening of the Cities Global brand image.

A vibrant city, of 14 Million has survived against all odds....

The true picture of Karachi - The City of Life!

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Keeping Company of Giants - Richard Feynman

2007-05-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

"I am just doing for the fun of it." Richard Feynman did what he did for the fun of it, for the pleasure of find things out - a Scientists extraordinaire.

"The hounors are unreal to me...I don't believe in honours...I don't do things for honours I do for the pleasure of finding things out".

Karachi Carnage - Real Time Video Footage

2007-05-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

You may not want to miss this KTN video clip. Please do not forget to observe the political affiliation of people carrying redflags and running away from the automatic gunfire. Last 15 secs are specially interesting.

Starts out as a peaceful demonstration down Shara-e-Faisal...

Ends up in a senseless and tragic masacre - torching of Cars...

KARACHI - Glimmer of Hope ! Life goes on.

2007-05-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Amidst the chaos, confusion of the recent TERROR attach in Karachi we have a glimmer of hope, a glimmer that life goes on in the City of Lights - seconds after after a deluge of Postings on the Karachi-Metroblog about the carnage we see an announcement for The 2nd Floor Cafe opening on May 15th. This is Karachi indeed - where no matter what the political climate is, socially it continues to remain the vibrant metropolis that it is.

The 2nd Floor Cafe is founded by Zaeeir Kidwai and Sabeen Mahmud of B.I.T.S.

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

TERROR strikes at Pakistans heart - KARACHI CRIES

2007-05-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

May 12: Karachi cries after the horrendous attack on its denizens. No words can adequately describe the senseless and tragic attack on the the City of lights. The pulse of the nation. This city has seen many tragedies - from Bomb blasts to sectarian riots, but never something this outrageous, not to mention a planned attack on the city by a select few pro/anti government elements. Who were theses f**kers, what was there bloody objective?

Unaiza Naseem a blogger titled her post at Karachi Metroblogging as "Bandar Ka Tamasha" (Translated as Monkey's Show). Take a look at the following photos by a Jamal Shamsi - Bandar Ka Tamasha indeed it is...insanity at its hight if not vandalism of public property. The crowds appear to be cheering at a group of ruffians attempting to tare apart a KESC truck - this is pathetic, and sickening.

Moving on All-Things-Pakistan has as usual done a phenomenal compilation of the days event, though perhaps not a complete one. But then does anyone know the entire reasoning behind these horrendous terror attacks?

Further we have some extremely enraged Karachiites speaking out in disgust, take one Furshid a web developer by profession has posted on his blog: "Karachi situation and opinions about it" . An extremely expressive blog this is - he has attempted to portray the rage of the average Karachi denizen. How dare these hooligans violate our beloved Karachi.

Most of the blogs on Pakistan's blogosphere depict the anger and rage of the average Karachiite. A deliberate attempt, perhaps by a select few power mongers attempting to silence a highly vocal opposition force.

You can read the mainstream press they will tell you that this was all to prevent the ousted Chief Justice Iftiqhar Chuadry from delivering his speech at the Sindh High Court in Karachi.
Which prompts one to ask:prevented by whom? Naturally the only place the finger can be pointed to is the Musharraf lot. But then what about the MQM how do they fit in? Didn't the MQM officially claim to support the ousted Chief Justice? But then it they appear to be the ones on the offensive - so whats going on? What is the real picture - is what the average Karachiite, blogger and web user has been trying to figure out. From ranting and venting pieces of the larger puzzle are slowly trickling in.

What about the police - according to the mainstream media, particularly a report on AAJ TV the police were on the sidelines observing, yet taking no God dam preventive measures.

The general talk from the street is that these attacks were planned and orchestrated well in advance. Though to what ends? Was there any clear objective? Who are the benefactors? Are all questions people are asking - from the mainstream press to the individual blogger and Karachiite.

Amidst all this we find a report by Daily Times quoting Musharraf "The People are with me", a subscribed from the AOPP Pakeditor mailing list commented, and I quote:

"What a shame? President of a country, in uniform, supposed to be above politics as an Army Chief as well as President, boasting about a drama and not feeling remorseful of what happened because of their stupid rallies for show of strength .I strongly feel cases of murder should be registered against President Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz, Goverment of Sindh and all others responsible for allowing such a massacre.If it was some responsible nation, such an incidence would not go uninvestigated and unpunished."--M.A.

Yet within the chaos, confusion and anger there is a glimmer of hope a Karachi trait indeed where Ejaz Asi, a fellow blogger has designed a banner "I Love Karachi" which has fast become popular throughout the World Wide Web.

Ejaz Asi's reason for creating this banner is easily found on his blog, reprinted below:

Why I created these Banners?
In my understanding, Love is ever too great and powerful and forgiving as to let go of your false ego, your fears and insecurities. When you say I love Karachi, you are determined to seek every possible way to keep your city healthy, peaceful, good place to live and grow together etc… That’s the idea of Love towards your city, people and country, of course.

Loving Karachi, in my sincerest hopes, will instill a pride among its users to bring about a positive and healthy change and most importantly “tolerance” towards others. The stronger your tolerance level will be, the weaker your enemies’ ambitions and their cruel natures will succumb to the democracy of people and their deepest desire of living happily and freely without any fear.

When I say, I Love Karachi, I make an oath to myself, I make a commitment to myself that I will not let any negative force come between my integrity, my right of freedom and respect and my inalienable right of happiness and the prosperity of my city. That was the general idea, which, thanks to you, have come into words now.

P.S. An idea of possible car-stickers and t-shirts is also there. It’s only a matter of time and continuous motivation that you shall soon see them live.

Indeed Love is the most contagious of all human attributes. Love can overpower hate, and anger. I would personally call on all Karachiites and Friends of Karachi to take Ejaz Asi on his proposal to spread the Love around, show your fellow Citizens how much you care about your beloved City. Lets use to the POWER of LOVE to diffuse an already volatile situation. Build Karachi don't Destroy it needs to be our motto. Make it heard loud and clear.

This day, the 12th day of May 2007 will be remembered as a sad day for Pakistan. A pitiful day as one subscriber to the SV-PAK list described in the following poem:

Pity the Nation

"My friends and my road-fellows, ( even if you don't live near Share-ra-Faisal )
pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.

"Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave,
eats a bread it does not harvest, and drinks a wine
that flows not from its own winepress.

"Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and
that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.

"Pity the nation that raises not its voice save when it walks in a funeral,
boasts not except among its ruins, and
will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.

"Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox,
whose philosopher is a juggler,
and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.

"Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with
trumpetings, and farewells him with hootings, only
to welcome another with trumpetings again.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment
deeming itself a nation.

"Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.

Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and
whose strong men are yet in the cradle. Khalil GibranThe garden of the
Prophet (1934 )http://www.quotewor ld.org/category/ men/author/ kahlil-gibran

--By Kidwai @ SV-PAK

Long Live Karachi - the City of Lights, the City of Life!

A Bush blooper - Address @ Queen Elizabeth II Ceremony

2007-05-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

At the white house welcome ceremony for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the audience laughed aloud at a verbal slip by Bush when he said the queen had dined with 10 U.S. presidents and had helped the United States "celebrate its bicentennial in 17.." though I am 100% sure I heard him say 'seventy-seventy-six' 1776 . Bush caught himself and corrected the date to 1976."

Bush joked that the queen just "gave me a look that only a mother could give a child."

To LIFT or NOT to LIFT

2007-05-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Lift is the British/Indo-European colonial term for what the Americans call an Elevator. This sign is a real sign posted in a Karachi office block.

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

"No to ninja nuisance" Provactive or what?...BURQA,,,NIQAB...NINJA

2007-05-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

"No to ninja nuisance" a provocative letter by Dr Isa Daudpota it is - not to mention a boldly written one, particularly in the aftermath of the Pakistani journalist, Jawad Faizi's attack by the hardliner Islamists. It would be interesting to know where it ultimately gets published, and in what final form?

My eighty year old Lahori aunt and the country's police force have one thing in common. My gynecologist aunt refuses to employ any staff in her clinic who wears a hijab, let alone the face-hiding Ninja headgear, which is becoming increasingly common in our cities. Patients need to communicate unambiguously with their care-givers – would you like a Ninja peering down your mouth or another orifice, or asking you questions muffled by a face-clinging fabric?

Lone Ranger had his day. Today the police refuse talking to masked men. They sometimes even haul up those who drive in cars with privacy preserving dark glasses. In our fear-laced times you need to know exactly whom you are talking to.

The same concern applies to educational institutions where it becomes impossible to communicate with Ninja female students with blinking eyes. This is made worse when the lecturer too adopts this garb. While a hijab maybe recommended according to some religious interpretations as a means of maintaining personal modesty, the Ninja version of it isn't! Thus the paragons of modernism in the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Commission should issue orders banning the masked headgear in all education institutions.

As for the militant women in places such as Jamia Hafsa the solution is clear. If they stopped being supported by government agencies, they could be flushed out by means commonly known. A more humane way is to show them a better alternative: have the Aabpara Community Center located near their madrassa offer good discounted food, show interesting enlightening films, free internet access and classes in modern thought. Also teach skills, which get them employed in a worldly job.

Pakistan's dilemma is clear-cut though: it cannot rest in peace until religion remains mixed up with the workings of the state. It is time that those who gain international publicity using the slogans of modernism show their concern by stamping out the menace of the Ninjas. Such hypocrites refuse to even voice their concern in unambiguous terms. [by Q. Isa Daudpota, Islamabad]

HardBall..To BE or NOT to BE...

2007-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Are Mush and Pinky actually being led by the uncertainty principle? Therein resides the fate of 160M+ people? Who will lead them? The Wadira Shahi's, Generals or is it Heisenberg, in whom rests the fate of a 160M+ people?

"Top emissaries of President General Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto have finalized a draft of a deal between their bosses, Daily Times has learnt." [Click to Read further]
------
"Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Monday claimed that contacts between the government and the Pakistan People’s Party had entered the ‘final round’, but State Information Minister Tariq Azeem ruled out the possibility of any deal," [Click to Read further]
------
"The PPP on Monday denied that party chairwoman Benazir Bhutto had told Sunday Times that she would back President Musharraf’s attempt to get re-elected through the present assemblies. PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.." [Click to Read Further]
------
" In an interview to The Sunday Times, she also confirmed that the PPP was in "negotiations'' with President Parvez Musharraf on working together in case her party won the elections, proposed to be held later this year." [Click to Read Further]
------
"She showered praise on Musharraf for his policies to protect minorities and women. Benazir was convinced that Musharraf would secure a second term as president by seeking re-election from the current parliament. However, she said it would be difficult to work with the general in case she becomes prime minister." [Click to Read Further]
-------
Back-channel talks between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto have reached the "final stage" and the "good news" would be announced soon, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Monday. [Click to Read Further]

Insanity at its Hight....Unchecked construction....

2007-04-13T01:37:00.000-07:00

This is utter madness, to construct a Flyover at the Shameer and Hafiz intersection is ridiculous. First the Defence Housing Authority allows flats and high rise constructions in Defence, as a result we have traffic congestions on Shamsheer - Shamsheer a road which is a narrow dual carriage, two lane road. See recent post at Karachi Metroblogging.

BHUTTO-MUSHARRAF Alliance ...warding off TALIBAN sympathizers

2007-04-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Is this possible? A Bhutto-Musharraf alliance, joining forces to defeat the Taliban'ites from the political arena. Sounds like a a great idea, perhaps the next best thing. Not only for Musharraf and Benazir but for Pakistan in general. According to the TimesOnline article Marriage of necessity men the least-wort option,

It does not look as though Bhutto is about to be prime minister again; under the Constitution, no one can serve a third term. But if Musharraf could strike a deal with her party, that would tackle some of the worst threats. It would mark an end to his dangerous courtship of the religious parties, which has boosted their influence above their natural level of support. It would also require him to step down as head of the Army.

It is hardly a done deal. But in a very difficult year for Pakistan, the possibility of the President bringing a large, secular political party into the centre of power is one of the few encouraging signs.

Though, then it may be wishful thinking on the part of the TimesOnline. As in a report in the HindustanTimes Musharraf says he introduced real democracy in Pak it appears like there may not be any such alliance taking place in the very near future.

As to the rumour about Musharraf stepping down from the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), it may end up taking permanent place in Rumors Galore, "Though I am in uniform, I have introduced real democracy in the country. Those who were in civil dress did nothing for democracy. My government worked for women rights and gave them authority," said Musharraf.

Further the following statement by the General is indicative to the fact there is no intention on his part to relinquish his Uniform Musharraf said he was concerned that his uniform was the chief subject and target of criticism of his adversaries, but vowed to serve the country whether he was in uniform or not.

With such a stance such an alliance may not be possible, Bhutto quoted by the Ireland On-Line Bhutto acknowledged having talks with Pakistan's government, but said the resignation was essential before her party entered any political pact.....she said: "PPP will not accept anyone in uniform."

The ultimate decision may very well rest on the issue of Musharraf letting go of the uniform or not? As Bhutto appears adamant on this point....thus we find that one again Pakistan's fate hangs in the balance.

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)

Pakistani Women Entrepreuers...ensuing hope for a nation!

2007-04-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

For those who despair about Pakistan: look at our heroine here and be proud of Pakistanis like her. To those who wonder what, if anything, can be done to make things better: think about what an entrepreneur like her would be able to do if she had real opportunities… An investment in social capital more than in venture capital. What if she could get a real store-front rather than be forced to encroach on government land. Maybe investing in a few entrepreneurs like her would have greater payoffs than building tall towers and seven star hotels!

Click to read the full article

A dying breed - Baluch FisherFolk

2007-04-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

The fisher folk living along the Karachi and Makran coatline are a dying breed. The are the the ingenious people of the region, their roots stem back to well before the 1947 partition of India and and Pakistan, further to the days of the sea faring meds that claimed to hijack an Arab ship in the 700 C.E. era. As a result the Abbasaid Khilafat at Baghdad, under the leadership Hajjaj Bin Yusuf and his son-in-law and nephew the 15 year old Mohammad Bin Qasim on the Sindh expedition.

These Baluch fishermen live of the Arabian Sea in their sturdy handmade wooden boats, which is an art in itself - that the design and construction of their boats is based on ancient oral transmittals a another dying breed of artisans.

Benazir's new book has some startling revelations

2007-04-07T00:16:00.001-07:00

I wont dispute the content of the latest chapter to her book, perhaps there is some truth in it. As it does tend to go along with what I personally have heard and read. However, the very timing with which this revised autobiography has been published is yet another sign that confirms the rumors galore that Musharraf is definitely on his way out. Starting with the changing of guard at GHQ to changes of guards upon Constitution Avenue.

The cats out of the bag, it is not a case of how but when the the the Islamabad over haul will take place. The strategically placed pawns have been set in motion, the game has begun. Get ready for a bumpy, yet fascinating ride through the the melodrama of Pakistani politics.

[The following has been cross-posted from the sv-pak list]

SV-PAK member wrote

Benazir's new book has some startling revelations

By Mariana Baabar

IN a revised edition of her autobiography, Benazir Bhutto's "Daughter of the East", which has been released in bookshops in London this week, some startling revelations have been made.

According to 'Outlook', which is carrying the entire new chapter, the revised autobiography had not been published before, and the preface and this chapter was specially written for the revised edition of the book, now available on bookshelves.

"Revision of the old book was necessary because many momentous developments had taken place in the life of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during the last two decades", Farhatullah Babar, spokesman for the PPP told The News.

'Daughter of the East' was first published by Hamish Hamilton in 1988. The revised edition has been issued by Simon & Schuster, who also published Musharraf's autobiography last year. The new edition has a preface and a new chapter, 'Prime Minister and Beyond', which contains sensational revelations, providing an insight into the mindset of the Pakistani military and the ISI.

Benazir records in detail her conversation with Pervez Musharraf in 1996 when she was prime minister in her second term, and Musharraf, director of military operations as major-general: "I once again heard how Pakistan would take Srinagar if only I gave the orders to do so. Musharraf concluded the briefing with the words that a ceasefire would be in place and Pakistan would be in control of Srinagar, the capital of Indian-held Kashmir. I asked him, 'And what next?í He was surprised by my question, and said, 'Next we will put the flag of Pakistan on the Srinagar Parliament'.

"'And what next?' I asked the general.

"'Next you will go to the United Nations and tell them that Srinagar is in Pakistan's control'.

"'And what next?' I pushed on. I could see General Musharraf had not been prepared for this grilling and was getting flustered. He said, 'And you will tell them to change the map of the world taking into consideration the new geographical realities'.

"'And do you know what the United Nations will tell me?' I looked General Musharraf straight in the eye, as the army chief sat silently by and the room grew still, and pointedly said, 'They will pass a Security Council Resolution condemning us and demanding that we unilaterally withdraw from Srinagar, and we will have got nothing for our efforts but humiliation and isolation.' I then abruptly ended the meeting."

That was the second time an offer to conquer Kashmir was made.

Benazir writes she had earlier received "offers" for Pakistan to take over Srinagar during her first term as prime minister from December 2, 1988 to August 6, 1990. Then Indian prime minister VP Singh had told her that Pakistan was arming and training terrorists in Kashmir, an accusation she denied. "What I did not mention was the offer I received from the Afghan Arabs and the Pakistan militant groups in 1990. Using the good offices of the ISI, they informed me that 'one hundred thousand battle-hardened mujahideen were willing to go into Kashmir to assist the Kashmiri freedom movement and somehow were confident about defeating the much larger Indian Army. Knowing that any such transnational support would hurt rather than help the Kashmiri people, I vetoed the idea."

Then army chief General Aslam Beg had, she said, asked her to approve a new policy. "He said that if Islamabad went on 'offensive defence', it could capture Srinagar...General Beg told me, 'Prime Minister, you just give the order and your men will take Srinagar and you will wear the crown of victory and of glory.' I thought he had lost all sense of reality."

Benazir makes clear she never liked or respected Musharraf. When she was prime minister, she writes, "I declined to make him (Musharraf) my military secretary. We initially refused his promotion because of his suspected though unproven links to the ethnic, often violent party known as the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM)."

Equally revealing in her account is what the ISI and the military believed it can do, and presumably still does: they do not just want Kashmir, they want Afghanistan as well. Benazir okayed an ISI proposal during the days of the Najibullah regime in Afghanistan for the Pakistani military to take Kabul alongside the mujahideen.

"When I insisted that we explore a peaceful, orderly transfer of power in Kabul with Shevardnadze (then Soviet foreign minister), my intelligence chief said, 'Prime Minister, will you deny your men and the Afghan mujahideen the right to march victoriously into Kabul and pray in the Masjid together after all the sacrifices they have made?' This emotional plea worked...surely the Afghan parties and our military boys deserved to validate their victory with a triumphal entry into Kabul, which I was assured would take place within days."

It never happened, and soon the intelligence boys came back to her, suggesting a joining of Pakistan and Afghanistan so that 'there will be no borders between us'. Benazir writes: "I rejected the idea of a confederation with Afghanistan.íThis will give the Indians an excuse to intervene in Afghanistan. And without American, Saudi and Iranian support it will land us in bigger trouble,' I replied."

But support and money was coming to madrassas and the ISI all through the days of Ziaul Haq's dictatorship, Benazir writes.

"Fund-raising activities across the Muslim world were established where the faithful would make contributions for education, health and food for the poor and needy. The money went into the political madrassas that claimed they were teaching and feeding the orphans from the refugee camps, but in fact were proselytising hatred and terrorism.

International funds poured in but were diverted to the ISI headquarters." Not unlike what the Indian government has been saying for years.

One exchange gives some idea of the power of the ISI in relation to the Pakistan government. The ISI head, she says, proposed an intelligence corps to ensure continuity, make sure that all senior appointments are screened through the ISI so as to maintain security control to defend the ideological frontiers of the country.

Benazir writes: "I was being asked to authorise and legitimise the creation of 'a state within a state' that would manipulate every aspect of life in Pakistan, including subsequent elections. I refused. However, after my overthrow, the interim prime minister brought by the ISI, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, put their scheme in place."

Fighting off the ISI also meant taking on Osama bin Laden.

"Although Osama bin Laden had not yet formed al-Qaeda in 1989, I first heard his name when he funded a no-confidence bill to overthrow my first government. Though he had returned to Saudi Arabia following the withdrawal of the Soviets in February 1989, he was called back to Pakistan when I asserted authority over the ISI in May. Bin Laden was asked by the ISI, with whom he had long and close relations, to help overthrow the democratic government and install a theocratic rule in Pakistan." Osama, she said, paid $10 million to buy off her political supporters.

"Around this time I received a report that a Saudi plane had landed in Pakistan loaded with mango boxes. Since Saudi Arabia grows dates and not mangoes, we were quite suspicious. The civilian intelligence found that the boxes did not contain mangoes but rather money." One of the Saudi King's advisers, she said, "identified the source of the money as Osama bin Laden".

And then: "I went to the US Embassy and personally called President George Bush (Sr). I told the president that the military hardliners who had supported the mujahideen were attempting to bring down my government with the help of extremists and that foreign money was pouring into Pakistan." She writes elsewhere that she was often hesitant to use her own phone because it was tapped by the ISI.

Benazir lost the elections in August 1990. "I believe that the age of the terrorist war actually coincided with the conclusion of the Pakistani elections in 1990 and the formation of the Nawaz regime." The ISI, she writes, chose Ramzi Yusef, who planned the first attack on the World Trade Centre in 1993, to assassinate her during her election campaign that year. He failed, and "was extradited, on my order, to the United States". That was after Benazir was elected prime minister for the second time that year, and found herself, she says, taking on the extremists again.

"I really do think that there is at least some degree of causality that most major terrorist attacks took place when the extremists did not have to deal with a democratic Pakistani government...this includes both the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Bombay blasts, the Indian Parliament attack, the attack on the US embassies in Africa and the USS

Cole in Yemen." Her government was dismissed for the second time on November 4, 1996.

That, she said, brought in Nawaz Sharif. "Under Nawaz, the Taliban changed colour and character. They killed Iranian diplomats and allowed Bin Laden, in 1998, to declare war on the West from their (Afghanistan) soil." But Nawaz's "marriage of convenience" with the military and ISI did not last long. "They ostensibly fell out over fighting in the area known as Kargil, both blaming the other for the misadventure."

Pakistan suffered heavy casualties, she said. "An army-connected friend informed me that the dead bodies of soldiers were kept in frozen lockers and released in small tranches to prevent the news spreading of the high casualties inflicted during the conflict."

She sees Musharraf continuing the support to terrorism, though he's been trying to convince the international community that "he was the only obstacle in the way of a fundamentalist take-over of nuclear armed Pakistan", Benazir writes. "Tragically, there are still some that once again have bought into this charade." She adds, "The militant cells, meantime, are intact."

Finally, Benazir writes: "So as I prepare to return to an uncertain future in Pakistan in 2007, I fully understand the stakes not only for myself, and my country, but the entire world. I realise I can be arrested...I can be gunned down on the airport tarmac when I land." But return she will, she says. "I do what I have to do, and am determined to fulfil my pledge to the people of Pakistan to stand by them in their democratic aspirations...Democracy in Pakistan is not just important for Pakistanis, it is important for the entire world."

__._,_.___

Saahil Bachao...SAVE Karachi's Beaches...Sign the petition

2007-04-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

French Beach (Bulehjo), Karachi, Pakistan (Taken by AR Rafiq 2005)

Citizen's group will meet: 4 pm, Saturday, April 7 2007 @ PMA House, Karachi

“The entire beach and its back waters from Hawksbay to Manora is to be developed as real estate. The Hawksbay Sandspit area as Sugar Land City and the Manora ridge as a 20 storey five star hotel. Manora is to be linked to Keamari with a bridge and the development is to continue along the coast upto the golf club. There is nothing wrong with development but this will deprive millions of Karachiites and people from outside of Karachi, who visit the beach for recreational and entertainment purposes, access to the beach. I feel the Karachi "elite" must do something about this. " -- Arif Hasan

Click for background information

Sahil Bachao Website

WE, THE CITZEN's GROUP DEMAND AN END TO DHA’s BEACH DEVELOPMENT PLAN: [Scroll down for link to the petition, and to contact the organizers]

1. We, the undersigned citizens of Karachi oppose DHA’s Beach Development Plan and demand an immediate end to its implementation as it prevents the common person’s free access to the beach, contravenes the law, and will cause immense environmental damage.

2. Land grabbers have planned to deprive once again the citizens of Pakistan, of their only sea front asset shared by millions of citizens. Their Development Plan consists of developing the area between the coastal road and the sea which at present is mostly undeveloped making access to the Beach possible. This development plan consists of seven zones in the 14 km strip between MacDonald’s and Creek Club.

3. All 14 kilometres of beach will eventually consist of commercial complexes, office blocks, multi-storey car parks, posh restaurants, amusement and theme parks (for which an entrance fee will be charged), a tramway track along the beach (whose fare has been estimates at Rs. 90 per trip, an expo centre complex, vocational dwellings, elite clubs, expensive hotels, high-rise condominiums, a water sports stadium, and a marina.

4. This development will destroy the natural environment of the coast and will make almost the entire beach inaccessible to the citizens of Pakistan, especially to the low and lower middle income communities who will not be able to afford the cost of the expensive entertainment being proposed and will be excluded simply by the nature of developments that are to be implemented

5. No one can take away the right of the citizens of Pakistan to access their beach. Under international and domestic law, the beach area is for public use and everyone, regardless of income, has the right to free access to the beach without obstacles or interference. This is a principle enshrined in the public trust doctrine.

6. We strongly oppose a development plan that will finish off the only natural multi-class recreational space available to Karachites and as a result will further socially fragment an already fragmented city. The beach is a public spot we share with the many hundreds of thousands of our countrymen who visit Clifton Beach every week and belong to all classes and ethnic groups. A plan that shuts out a majority of Pakistan’s population is unacceptable.

7. We have already seen the “gentrification” of the beach by the imposition of a fee of Rs 10 per person as entry to Beachfront Park. This Park controls access to the beach and therefore prevents low and lower middle income citizens from enjoying the beach. We can not allow any further such developments.

8. We are not against theme parks, marinas, expo centres and expensive hotels and condominiums, but it is our considered opinion that for environmental and social reasons the area between the coastal road and the high water mark should be unencroached, construction free and accessible to the public free of cost as is the case in other South and South-East Asian countries and in the developed world.

9. The Karachi Coastal Management Plan, prepared in 1989 by the KDA Master Plan Department with UN assistance, as part of the Karachi Development Plan 2000, had recommended a 50 metre construction free accessible zone beyond the high water mark. We feel that this Coastal Management Plan should be followed.

10. As children we have had free and unrestricted access to Clifton Beach as did our parents. Our children (in some cases our grand children) should also enjoy the same benefit.

11. We derive strength from the fact that 4,665 persons belonging to 73 CBOs and NGOs from all over Pakistan and individuals belonging to 89 low and lower middle income areas of Karachi have supported concerns of the Sahil Bachao Movement whose concerns are similar to ours.

Click to sign petition

[All Karachiites and friends of Karachi are welcome and encouraged to sign]

Click to view petition at petitiononline.com

For more information or to find out how to volunteer in this campaign

contact Arif Hasan (Arifhasan@cyber.net.pk) or Tehera Hasan (tahera.hasan@cyber.net.pk)

Printed here with permission from Sahil Bachao Movement. Organized by Arif Hasan.
The petition is being hosted at RabitaZone (RZone) as a public service.

Rockin' the Sufis Doc!

2007-04-06T00:24:00.001-07:00

Sufi_Rock_Poster-1, originally uploaded by arafiq786.

Dr. Salman Ahmad (Urdu: سلمان احمد) is a Pakistani doctor, music artist and former actor, who used to be a member of Vital Signs but left after their debut album due to creative differences.

He went on to form Junoon, South Asia's biggest and the most senior rock band. While still enjoying the success of Junoon, Salman Ahmed has been involved in two documentaries with the BBC and is also the Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS. Ahmad is working towards spreading awareness about HIV in South Asia, and helping to bring peace between Pakistan and India as an artist. [Click to Learn more about Salman Ahmad]

Click to listen to Salman's latest Album: Infiniti

Click to learn more about the Stanford Event

What is Sufi?

Sufism is a mystic tradition that found a home in Islam and encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and practices dedicated to Allah, divine love and the cultivation of the heart.

The word Sufi is derived from the Arabic word Suf, or cotton. It refers to cotton garments worn by many sufi's, however to all. Sufism is to Islam like the trinity is to Christianity.

Though, some "scholars" of Islam may have you believe otherwise. You can say say who is right or wrong, as there is no right or wrong answer - both the Sufi's and Scholars have wisdom which needs to be looked in their own light. As one great Sufi mystic from present-day Pakistan said: 'The Mullah's have the bones of Islam, whereas it is the Sufi's who have the meat." The meat is where all the nourishment lies, where the bones are part of the skeletal structure that support the meat.

"Sufism" has been defined as a type of knowledge by the great Muslim Sufi masters. Shaykh Ahmad Zarruq, a 14th century Sufi who wrote "The Principles of Sufism" defined Sufism as, "a science whose objective is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all else but God.” Ibn 'Ajiba, one of the best known Sufi masters defined Sufism as "a science through which one can know how to travel into the presence of the Divine,purify one’s inward from filth,and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits."

Sufism essentially is about how a man/woman finds his/her love, that is God (Allah) in this case. Though, many people have misconstrued mystical love for the worldly lustful love, which from a certain point of view is one and the same. It is about creating a clear cut path, with the tools provided by Islam to reach a state of bliss - a high state where barriers start to unfold and the Truth of Reality is realized.

Once a great Sufi Master, Rābiʻa al-ʻAdawiyya al-Quaysiyya, or respectfully refered to as Bibi Rabi'a was seen running through the streets of Basra carrying a torch in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. When asked what she was doing, she said:

I want to put out the fires of Hell, and burn down the rewards of Paradise. They block the way to God. I do not want to worship from fear of punishment or for the promise of reward, but simply for the love of God.

'Tis is the key to worshiping God (Allah), out of Love and not fear.

Copyrigt (c) Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)

SAVE the BEACHES...Karachi's coastline under threat...

2007-04-04T09:09:00.001-07:00

[Just In - More details to follow -ARR]

The entire Clifton Bay beach is to be developed and then linked to Manora Island by a bridge. Manora Island has been sold for real estate development. This real estate development will continue along Sandspit and Hawksbay where the sugar city is to be constructed.

People owning huts in Sandspit and Hawksbay have already received notices that their leases will be canceled.

This is just to let you know that the issue is much bigger than just the DHA Project. Hawksbay Sandspit area will be developed as Sugar Land City and the Manora ridge as a 20 storey five star hotel. Manora is to be linked to Keamari with a bridge and the development is to continue along the coast upto the golf club. There is nothing wrong with development but this will deprive millions of Karachiites and people from outside of Karachi, who visit the beach for recreational and entertainment purposes.

Further, the beaches are public property, essentially a national asset which needs to be preserved. This latest sale of Manora Island is utterly uncalled for, developments along Clifton Beach and Sandspit is disastrous.

This is not an isolated incident, there are several such cases in other cities of Pakistan where public property is gradually being sold to private developers with no regard for the people and the environment.

The Sandspit Beach is also a nesting ground for Green and Olive Ridley Turtles, implemented by the Sindh Wildlife Department over the past two decades. In recent years the WWE-Pakistan has also become actively involved in turtle conservation activities by establishing a Wetland Center at the Sandspit beach.

Manora or Manoro (in Sindhi) is a small island (2.5 km²) located just south of the Port of Karachi in Pakistan. The island is connected to the mainland by a 12 kilometer long causeway called the Sandspit. Manora and neighboring islands form a protective barrier between Karachi harbour to the north and the Arabian Sea to the south.

Manora is a popular picnic spot because of the long sandy beaches along the southern edge of the island, which merge into the beaches of the Sandspit and then extend several kilometers to the beaches at Hawkesbay. At the southeastern end of Manora island is the tallest lighthouse (28 m or 91 feet high) in Pakistan. The island lies approximately 15-20 minutes by boat ride from mainland Karachi but there are no good hotels available for an overnight stay. [Pictures of Manora]

A group of distinguished Karachiites are organizing a campaign to SAVE the BEACHES. A petition will be created in the next day or to, along with an AD in DAWN.

[Sign Petition to SAVE Karachi's Beaches]

Women on the frontlines...1982 WAF...Pakistan

2007-04-03T01:12:00.001-07:00

WAF 1st National Convention, Lahore 1982, originally uploaded by arafiq786.

The founding members of the Womens Action Forum (WAF) at the first convention in Lahore, October 1982. These are the women, who against all odds fought tooth and nail for the freedoms Women of all ages enjoy today in Pakistan. From jalsas to peaceful protests at Regal Chowk in Karachi to be being chased by police convoys in broad daylight. These women are indeed pioneers of Pakistan's Women's movement - the Mothers of Pakistan, Umahat-ul-Pakistan.

Standing L-R: Farida Sher, Najma Saedque
Second Row: Samina Rehman, Rukhsana Rashid, Fareeda Shaheed, Ghazala Rahman Rafiq, Fareeda Zafar, Nighat Saad Khan, Aban Marker-Kabraji
First Row: Humaira Rahman, Khawar Mumtaz, Sultanate Bokhari, Hilda Saeed, Nigar Ahmad
On the Ground: Lala Rukh

Click to learn more about WAF

Musharraf's Dillema...[Part 1]

2007-04-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

The Recent protests challenging President Musharraf's authority have conjured up rumor after rumor with very little fact, or are there facts to back up all the rumors out there? This post is an attempt try and separate the fact from fiction.

Following are a number of news articles and blog posts gathered from the internet.

The RabitaZone (The RZone) will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan and post any new data we learn. If any of our readership come across any thing new you may submit this via email or feel free to comment to this post.

===NEWS FLASH:

Chief of Lal Masjid gives one month deadline to govt for closure ...
PakTribune.com - Pakistan
We have not forced the owners of video shops to close down their business nor our students have taken such step, he underlined." ...

Protesters urge Pakistan's president to step down
Vancouver Sun (subscription) - Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada
ISLAMABAD -- Thousands of flag-waving protesters rallied at Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday to urge President Pervez Musharraf to step down for ...

Musharraf under siege: Endgame for Pakistanâ€™s Military Regime
Asian Tribune - Bangkok,Thailand
In the unlikely eventuality that Musharraf heeds the call to step down as COAS, he will follow in Ziaâ€™s footsteps and continue as Pakistanâ€™s de facto ruler. ...

US Congress team meets Nawaz
LONDON, March 31: A four-member delegation of the US Congress met former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here on Saturday to what PML-N sources said get Mr Sharif's assessment of the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan....

Baloch asks Musharraf to step down http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=110429

Also see PublicGyna blog
http://www.publicgyan.com/blog/?p=45

U.S. Impatient with Musharraf http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_22219-US-Impatient-With-Musharraf.html

Blog: Battle brews over Military Rule
http://johnib.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/battle-brews-over-rule-by-military-in-pakistan/

Blog: BB coming back to Pakistan
http://www.themuslimwoman.org/entry/bhutto-coming-back-to-pakistan-is-the-province-ready-to-welcome-her/

CBS News: Musharraf a Problamatic Ally
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/29/terror/main2623620.shtml
CSM: Pakistan: US Ally, US dilemma
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20070329/ts_csm/apaki_1

Copyright (c) 2007 Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)
The RabitaZone, The RZone are copyright trademarks of Abdulrahman Rafiq (2007)

Misplaced Paranoia...

2007-04-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

karachi port, originally uploaded by altamash.

This is a lovely post of the Karachi port in the wee hours of sunset. I can't believe someone asked the photographer, Altamash why he was taking pictures of 'sensitive' facilities !!! (See Atlamash's comments)

What in heavens name is sensitive about this picture? This is nothing compared to a photo I have taken of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) as a backdrop to the Karachi coastline at the French Beach (Bulehjo).

Take a look at this photo, a misty haze in the foreground, the sea is calm as is common at this time of the year. The beach you see is a season one, that exists during the later months of the year. From November to March to be exact. For the rest of the year the sand and rocks you see are relatively under water. A picturesque view from Bulehjo (French Beach), conjures up memories of softer time - the younger more innocent days of this photo blogger.

Copyright (c) 2007 Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)

All-Things-Pakistan....Tipping The Point !

2007-03-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Pakistaniat, or All-Things-Pakistan (ATP) blog founded by Professor Adil Najam has in a short course of time made phenomenal in roads in cyberspace. From the first post by Adil Najam on June 11th, 2006 which received 1620 hits in one day Pakistaniat crossed the chasm far beyond the tipping point of no return. Just take a look at the ClusterMaps Pakistaniat.com log - an astounding number of hits in such a short span of time, it is a truely remarkable feat!

ATP is unlike any other Pakistani website or media portal that has broken away from the traditional pre-Internet journalism days. With the latest Web2.0 technologies and the savviness of journalism from the pre-Internet days in their tool chest Adil Najam and team have rocked the boat of Pakistani journalism - Taking Journalism to an all new height...

Re: [pakeditor] EU bans fish imports from Pakistan ....

2007-03-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

I am of mixed feelings on this issue. As the loss of the EU seafood market is a major blow to Pakistan's economy. However, from an environmental and social prospective this can be seen as an opportunity. An opportunity to reexamine the fisheries and seafood export policies and slow down the industry - thus allowing the local marine wildlife an opportunity to play catchup.

As a result of indiscriminate fishing and trawling and a lack of government regulations the fish population along the coastline has been severely depleted. Thus, harming the marine wildlife and natural ecosystem. That is an ecosystems which local fishermen have been part of for centuries.

It wasn't too long ago, that is some 20 years back when there was an abundance of fish along the Karachi coastline. I have on numerous occasions been witness to boats arriving at the French Beach (Bulehjo) laden with unimaginable amounts of fish, in all shapes and sizes. You had "surmai" that that was longer than your arms length. All this was caught along the Makran Coastline (From Karachi to Gadiyani).

Other than large Surmai fish, you had unimaginable schools of parrot fish and groupers. Grouper is a rock fish once found in abundance right on the shore - now you talk to fishermen and local scuba divers they say the coastline is like a barren waste land. The the marine life is virtually non existent.

This devastation is primarily due to foreign trawlers that come into Pakistani waters and literally scrape the sea floor, lifting up everything that comes in the way of their gigantic industry grade nets.

As a result an ancient way of life, where man and nature once lived in harmony is fast disappearing. No thanks to the local, provincial and federal authorities.

-ARR

[Also see All-Things-Pakistan, Pakistaniat.com]

Mohammad Aslam <aslammohammad@hotmail.com> wrote:

EU bans fish imports from Pakistan

Official verdict reaches MINFAL; govt fails to improve standards despite warnings issued in 2005

By Imran Ayub

KARACHI: The government has finally received a verdict from the European Union, which informed Pakistani fishery authorities about de-listing of all the processing factories on quality grounds, effectively putting a ban on more than $80 million worth of exports.

The fisheries sources confirmed the initial letter of the EU, which asked Pakistani authorities to stop consignments from the country to the 27-nation bloc, as they would not be accepted after April 12.

"We have informed Ambassador Saeed Khalid, during the meeting on February 23, 2007 that the Commission and the member states have agreed in the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health on February 21, 2007 to proceed with a notification of the list of Pakistani fishery establishments in order to de-list all the 11 establishments actually in the Pakistani fishery," said a letter from the EU's Food and Veterinary Office to the federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL).

"Therefore, no consignments of fishery products will be accepted to enter into the EU after April 12, 2007."

An official at the MINFAL said the ministry had approached the EU for clear words on Pakistani fishery quality after a number of exporters received the EU's comments, which suggested that no decision had been taken so far.

"So in a prompt response, the EU faxed a letter to the MINFAL office in Islamabad, which suggests no Pakistani seafood consignments after April 12," said the official.

He said with the fresh feedback, all the 11 seafood-processing units had been de-listed, which were earlier certified by the EU.

A three-member team of the EU's FVO visited Karachi fish harbour in January 2007 to check fisheries' facilities and quality of seafood being exported to its member countries. This trip was the second in two years after 2005.

In February 2005, the EU team wrapped up its visit on warnings that Pakistani authorities should maintain seafood quality as per the set standards otherwise they would lose their largest seafood export market.

But it appears nothing has changed in the time between, as irresponsible attitude and least interest of the institutions concerned made the country to pay the price second time in two years.

"The EU is the largest single market of the Pakistani," said Sardar Hanif Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Seafood Industry Association (PSIA). "It would definitely hit almost half of the exports from the country and ultimately affect target negatively by the end of current financial year." The EU decision sent ripples right from export bodies to the government institutions but poor fishermen appear to be main loser of the situation.

"It is really very critical situation I believe," said Ahmed Zameer Advocate, Director Vigilance at Fishermen Co-operative Society - a Sindh-represented body, which looks after fisheries operations.

He said the federal government was responsible to maintain quality standards required by the EU. The federal institution failure would cause serious set back to the exchequer and endanger employment of hundreds of fishermen.

The State Bank of Pakistan in its report had informed that seafood exports were at $160 million by June 2006 up from $138.94 million exported during 2004-05, as the EU countries remained the largest buyers of the Pakistani products with more than 50 per cent share in total shipments.

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Ask what you can do...JFK - Kennedy's innuugral speech...

2007-03-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

"...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." These were words uttered by President John F. Kennedy (JKF). A highly respected and loved President America has ever had. These are not mere words to be taken at face value but are to be imbibed and contemplated. As there is a powerful messages here.

The country is not some obscure entity out there, in fact it is a real living, breathing entity. An entity which comprises of individuals like you and me. The country exists becuase of you. You are the heart and soul of the country. This is what President Kennedy was getting at.

He further when on to address the world "...ask not what American can do for you, ask what we can do for the world." Indeed another power statement, ask what as a community of nations can do for the world. What we can as a collective do to promote world peace and mutual respect and coexistence amongst one another.

These days such great men with such lofty ideals are hard to come by.

Following is the complete video of JFK's inaugural address. Listen to it, imbibe it and live it...the world is at a critical cross-road, where will we the inhabitants of this planet steer it's future. As the power to govern is within us, governments and countries exist becuase of us. You have the POWER within you to make a difference...

JKF Inaugural Address Part 1:

JKF Inaugural Address Part 2:

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)

Re: [sv-pak] From Pakistan to SF

2007-03-29T02:17:00.001-07:00

Indeed a sordid comparison it is. Life in the Silicon Valley vs. life in Pakistan, or for that matter anywhere else. Even here in the United States the Silicon Valley isn't the norm. Technology is the life line of this region, iPod's to iPhones - laptops, PDA's you name it are prevalent here.

Not that they aren't in Pakistan, yes they are but the difference is they are seen as luxury items. Like say high-speed internet connection such as DSL or Cable. It is seen as a luxury item, even though the DSL service from some of the name brand carries such as CyberNet really "suck", they are slower than Dial in services - or so has been my experience.

The Silicon Valley, a singularity in the space-time continuum it is. Take a trip to Southern California and you will find it is a whole other world out there technology though as prevalent as here int he SF Bay, it doesn't dominate the pop culture of SoCal as it does here in the Bay.

Recently, a fellow Wadiite, a well known blogger who goes by the by line of iFaqeer did a Video segment on Technology in Society.

-AR

Zunaira Durrani <zunaira.durrani@gmail.com> wrote:

From Pakistan to SF (External article hyperlink follows my own comments)

In other news, Zamir Haider has written a sordid comparison of life in
Islamabad and San Francisco. According to Haider, he doesn't see iPods
in Islamabad and the sight of a Pentium 4 in Pakistan would shock
many. For the record, Illusion in Jinnah Super sells all models of
iPods the moment they hit the market in the US--people carry them to
work and play. Of course, I don't need to remind anybody people are
fairly mad about keeping their computers updated.

The point is, why does Haider paint such a backwater-caveman picture
of a major Pakistani city to CNet editors? It is already easy to sell
the idea that we live in the dark ages back in Pakistan to the media
here--thanks to Fox. I'm so gutted! :( Read on....

From Pakistan to S.F., it's a whole new tech world
In Northern California, iPods are everywhere and everyone talks about
the latest in gadgets. In Islamabad, not so much.
By Zamir Haider

http://news.com.com/From+Pakistan+to+S.F.%2C+its+a+whole+new+tech+world/2100-1041_3-6171019.html

__._,_.___

TCF - Nurturing Pakistan's Future....one child at a time....

2007-03-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Cupertino, March 23, 2007: The Silicon Valley Pakistani-American community organized a stupendous event commemorating Pakistan's republic day. It was on this day 57 years ago that the All India Muslim league met in Lahore to draft the Lahore resolution, which later came be known as the Pakistan Resolution. This document stipulates the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the the Indian Sub-Continent, for a historical prospective see my March 20th post.

The event was well attended by individuals from all walks of the SiliconWadi life. You had people from the SiliconWadi legal fraternity, to the typical Techie Pakistani, to representatives from Congressman Mike Honda's office., to members of the RagingGranies group. The sponsors of the event were Izaan Corporation, Mirchi Cafe, The Citizen's Foundation and several other individuals and Pakistani well wishers from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Net proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to The Citizen's Foundation. The event agenda consisted of community based entertainment, talks and presentations by the The Citizen's Foundation CEO General (rtd) S.P. Shahid, not to mention the final entertainers were like visits from the past. One such visit was by Nahid Naizi, this is someone who was well known and loved back in the 1960's in Pakistan - well before my times. The other was Alamgir, whose fame reached its pinnacle around the mid to early 1980's.

Listening to Alamgir sing sent me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane, where I was transported back to my school days, particularly when he sang "Mehney tumharee gaagar sey kabhi pani piya tha...." Oh gee-wizz 'tis was a trip down nostalgia lane. A mere school boy I was then, performing in the annual C.A.S. School play with this particular song as the background music!

However, we mustn't loose sight of the actual purpose of the event, which was centered around the The Citizen's Foundation (TCF).

TCF is a not for profit charity organization, founded in August of 1995 in my hometown Karachi, Pakistan with the explicit purpose to promote education and make a difference for the vast majority of Pakistan's children living under extreme dire circumstances.

TCF since its inception has grown into a multi million dollar charity, benefiting countless children across the length and breadth of Pakistan. They have amassed a following both within and without the country with chapter groups being established all across the world. Here in the U.S. we have TCF-USA which was the sponsoring chapter for this event in the Silicon Valley.

Upon speaking with the TCF USA leadership team, Mr Amjad Noorani and Daniel Noorani, and the CEO General S.P. Shahid I found myself converted from being a skeptic to a follower. Indeed this is an organization that has and is doing a great deal of good work in Pakistan.

TCF USA has also been active in forming alliances with Corporate groups, such as the Microsoft Pakistani Employees and Cisco Pakistani employees who have managed to get TCF USA on to the list of approved charities for Cisco dollar-for-dollar matching program.

Following is a film that was directed and produced by some friends from Newsline Video in Karachi.

Against The Tide - The TCF Story Part I

Against The Tide - The TCF Story Part II

Following is an introduction to TCF, this Video was also presented by General (rtd) S.P. Shahid at the Pakistan Day event in the Silicon Valley

Click to make a donation to TCF
TCFUSA is a non-profit organization registered under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code

Corporate employees please check with your respective Human Resource departments if TCF USA is a charity approved for matching funds before making any donation.

Fwd: [pakeditor] Pakistan's Silent Majority Is Not to Be Feared - NYTIMES - THE GREAT GAME CONTINUES....

2007-03-27T16:52:00.001-07:00

An Excellent piece by Mohsin Hamid. Indeed he is one the many Pakistanis who believed in Musharraf, but are now utterly disappointed. Many of us in the past went so far as to defend his policies claiming that finally Pakistan has gotten a leader who has put the best interest of the country before his/her own. Indeed this is what he portrayed when he first annexed the reigns of government from the "democratically" elected representative.

How naive could we have been, the writing was on the wall all around us. The pawns were being put in place, Musharraf but one of the many pawns in the Great Game played in recent years by imperialistic powers in South Asia and the greater Central Asian region.

So now whats next? Madam Pinky is it to be you, or who? Who will it be that convinces the powers that they are the next best thing for Pakistan, that they have the solution to regional stability? And so the Game continues - a Game it is indeed, a struggle for controlling a region that are considered "Emerging Markets" by some, or seen by others as a source of immense wealth, fueling economies around the world.

-ARR

[The article was initialed posted to pakeditor@yahoogroups.com]

Copyright (c) 2007 Abdulrahman Rafiq

Syed Asif Alam <asifalam@aopp.org> wrote:

To: editor@aopp.org
From: Syed Asif Alam <asifalam@aopp.org>
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:07:29 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [pakeditor] Pakistan¢s Silent Majority Is Not to Be Fe
ared - NYTIMES

March 27, 2007

Op-Ed Contributor

Pakistan's Silent Majority Is Not to Be Feared

By MOHSIN HAMID

London

I WAS one of the few Pakistanis who actually voted for Gen. Pervez Musharraf in the rigged referendum of 2002. I recall walking into a polling station in Islamabad and not seeing any other voter. When I took the time required to read the convoluted ballot, I was accosted by a man who had the overbearing attitude of a soldier although he was in civilian clothes. He insisted that I hurry, which I refused to do. He then hovered close by, watching my every action, in complete defiance of electoral rules.

Despite this intimidation, I still voted in favor of the proposition that General Musharraf, who had seized power in a coup in 1999, should continue as Pakistan's president for five more years. I believed his rule had brought us much-needed stability, respite from the venal and self-serving elected politicians who had misgoverned Pakistan in the 1990s, and a more free and vibrant press than at any time in the country's history.

The outcome of the referendum 98 percent support for General Musharraf from an astonishing 50 percent turnout was so obviously false that even he felt compelled to disown the exercise.

Rigged elections rankle, of course. But since then, secular, liberal Pakistanis like myself have seen many benefits from General Musharraf's rule. My wife was an actress in "Jutt and Bond," a popular Pakistani sitcom about a Punjabi folk hero and a debonair British agent. Her show was on one of the many private television channels that have been permitted to operate in the country, featuring everything from local rock music to a talk show whose host is a transvestite.

My sister, a journalism lecturer in Lahore, loves to tell me about the enormous growth in recent years in university financing, academic salaries and undergraduate enrollment. And my father, now retired but for much of his career a professor of economics, says he has never seen such a dynamic and exciting time in Pakistani higher education.

But there have been significant problems under General Musharraf, too. Pakistan has grown increasingly divided between the relatively urban and prosperous regions that border India and the relatively rural, conservative and violent regions that border Afghanistan. The two mainstream political parties have historically bridged that divide and vastly outperformed religious extremists in free elections, but under General Musharraf they have been marginalized in a system that looks to one man for leadership.

What many of us hoped was that General Musharraf would build up the country's neglected institutions before eventually handing over power to a democratically elected successor. Those hopes were dealt a serious blow two weeks ago, when he suspended the chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.

For General Musharraf, Justice Chaudhry had become a major irritant. He had opened investigations into government "disappearances" of suspects in the war on terrorism. He had blocked the showcase privatization of the national steel mill. He had, in other words, demonstrated that he would not do General Musharraf's bidding. With elections due later this year, and challenges to irregularities like the rigging that took place in 2002 likely to end up in the Supreme Court, an independent chief justice could jeopardize General Musharraf's continued rule.

Like many Pakistanis, I knew little about Justice Chaudhry except that he had a reputation for being honest, and that under his leadership, the Supreme Court had reduced its case backlog by 60 percent. His suspension seemed a throwback to the worst excesses of the government that General Musharraf's coup had replaced, and it galvanized protests by the nation's lawyers and opposition parties, including rallies of thousands in several of Pakistan's major cities yesterday.

More troubling still was the phone call I received recently from a friend who works for Geo, one of Pakistan's leading independent television channels. The government had placed enormous pressure on Geo to stop showing the demonstrations in support of Justice Chaudhry, and the channel had refused to comply. When my friend told me that policemen had broken into Geo's offices, smashed its equipment and beaten up the staff, I felt utterly betrayed by the man I had voted for.

Despite his subsequent apology for the Geo incident, General Musharraf now appears to be more concerned with perpetuating his rule than with furthering the cause of "enlightened moderation" that he had claimed to champion. He has never been particularly popular, but he is now estranging the liberals who previously supported his progressive ends if not his autocratic means. People like me are realizing that the short-term gains from even a well-intentioned dictator's policies can be easily reversed.

General Musharraf must recognize that his popularity is dwindling fast and that the need to move toward greater democracy is overwhelming. The idea that a president in an army uniform will be acceptable to Pakistanis after this year's elections is becoming more and more implausible.

The United States has provided enormous financial and political support to General Musharraf's government, but it has focused on his short-term performance in the war on terror. America must now take a long-term view and press General Musharraf to reverse his suspension of the chief justice and of Pakistan's press freedoms. He should be encouraged to see that he cannot cling to power forever.

Pakistan is both more complicated and less dangerous than America has been led to believe. General Musharraf has portrayed himself as America's last line of defense in an angry and dangerous land. In reality, the vast majority of Pakistanis want nothing to do with violence. When thousands of cricket fans from our archenemy, India, wandered about Pakistan unprotected for days in 2004, not one was abducted or killed. At my own wedding two years ago, a dozen Americans came, disregarding State Department warnings. They, too, spent their time in Pakistan without incident.

Yes, there are militants in Pakistan. But they are a small minority in a country with a population of 165 million. Religious extremists have never done well in elections when the mainstream parties have been allowed to compete fairly. Nor does the Pakistan Army appear to be in any great danger of falling into radical hands: by all accounts the commanders below General Musharraf broadly agree with his policies.

An exaggerated fear of Pakistan's people must not prevent America from realizing that Pakistanis are turning away from General Musharraf. By prolonging his rule, the general risks taking Pakistan backward and undermining much of the considerable good that he has been able to achieve. The time has come for him to begin thinking of a transition, and for Americans to realize that, scare stories notwithstanding, a more democratic Pakistan might be better not just for Pakistanis but for Americans as well.

Mohsin Hamid is the author of "Moth Smoke" and the forthcoming novel "The Reluctant Fundamentalist."

__._,_.___

Significance of 23rd March...Pakistan Day

2007-03-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

In three days Pakistanis worldwide will be commemorating 23rd March, or Pakistan's Republic Day, this is the day that Pakistan became the first Islamic Republic in the world (1956). It is also the date of the Lahore Resolution (Qarardad-e-Pakistan or the then Qarardad-e-Lahore), was passed at the Annual General Convention of the All India Muslim League (1940).

It is celebrated with parades in Islamabad that involve both military contingents, such as the Pakistan Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, as well as civilian ones. A special investiture ceremony is also held in the Presidents house to bestow titles and awards to military and civilian recipients. The events are televised via Pakistan's National Television (PTV). As a young boy I recall looking forward to waking up early on the Morning of 23rd March to watch the 23rd March parade on Television.

Right: Working Committee - All India Muslim league, Lahore Session, 23rd March 1940

I did also once attend the parade live in Islamabad (the Capitol city of Pakistan). Sitting along Constitution Avenue in pouring rain was a day to remember.

Right: Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore stands at a place where Muslim delegations from all over India gathered to pass the Lahore Resolution, which later came to be known as the Pakistan Resolution

To learn more about the the Lahore Resolution read article by Pakistan Times

National Anthem of Pakistan:

The Original Words - In Roman Urdu

Pak sar zamin shad bad
Kisware haseen shad bad
Tu nishane azmealishan
arze Pakistan
Markaz e yaqin shadbad.
Pak sarzamin ka nizam,
quwat e akhuwat e awam
Qaum, mulk, sultanat
Painda tabinda bad,
shad bad manzal e murad.
Parcham e sitara o hilal
Rahbar e tarraqi o kamal
Tarjuman e mazi shan e hal
jane istaqbal
Sayyai, Khudae zul jalal.

English Translation

Blessed be sacred land,
Happy be bounteous relam,
Symbol of high resolve,
Land of Pakistan.
Blessed be thou citadel of faith.
The Order of this Scared Land
Is the might of the brotherhood of the people.
May the nation, the country, and the State
Shine in glory everlasting.
Blessed be the goal of our ambition.
This flag of the Cresent and the Star
Leads the way to progress and perfection,
Interpreter of our past,
glory of our present,
Inspiration of our future,
Symbol of Almighty's protection

A forgotten people....Pakistan's dilemma

2007-03-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Forgotten and stranded, perhaps once 36 years ago you could call them stranded Pakistan's in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Granted it was then the Pakistani government should have acted and arranged to airlift these folks out of the region. But it never happened, and 36 years have past. Why now, frankly however sad this may be Pakistan just simply cannot accommodate 250,000 to 500,000 new immigrants. We are barely able to cope with the present 160M+ population, how are we to accommodate 500,000+ new immigrants?

These are some of the harsh realities of war, a war which shouldn't have happened but it did. A war which could have been prevented,I say this as a student of history. An age old issue which dates back to the 1950's.

It is a dilemma indeed, however incorporating half a million immigrants into the Federation of Pakistan is out of the question. We simply can't handle it, our cities aren't equipped for a sudden influx a large mass of people.

Some may argue it is immoral not to admit these "stranded Pakistanis" into the Federation, but it is even more immoral to admit them - as it simply will not be fair. They would be worse off than they are now. To restart life in a new land is not easy - especially in a country with a growing population of 160M+.

The next best option is for these people to accept Bangladeshi citizenship and integrate themselves into that society.

Following are some video documentaries on the sad fate of the "Stranded Pakistanis" - so is the harsh reality of war.

Video: stranded Pakistani's in Bangladesh...

Video: Stateless in Bangladesh

Video: Camps of Bangladesh

"Stateless Bihari's in Bangladesh, an humanitarian nightmare" Paper by Global Policy Forum

Is there a solution other than admitting these people into the Pakistan Federation?

Most Recent News Clips:

Begum Khalida Zia meets with Shuakat Aziz in Islamabad....one of the issues of discussion is the fate of the stranded Pakistanis (January 2006). Also see http://www.bdhcpk.org/index.php?link=pics#.
And also see report by Jang.

7 Member Delegation from Stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh meet with Babar Khan Ghouri, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Fwd: [pakeditor] Musharraf gropes for way out of Pakistan's crisis - Reuters

2007-03-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Once again Pakistan faces political turmoil. Such instability moments is what prospective foreign investors worry about. This is one of the main reason's Pakistan tends to loose out on it's fair share of investments.

Where as India, Pakistan's neighbor which received independents from the British at the same time as Pakistan is living the high life with massive foreign investment and attention. This is primarily due to the fact that India has had a relatively stable democracy since it's inception in 1947.

If it weren't for constant political upheavals, Pakistan would most certainly be one of the recipients of similar foreign investments as in India. In fact the cost of doing business in Pakistan is far less than it is in India. Not to mention the the large talent pool Pakistan has to offer the world.

When Musharraf came to power in 1999 many us were relieved, we thought finally someone with sense. Finally we have someone who is for the nation and of the nation. Someone who is here to serious bring about a lasting and sustainable change. However, that apparently wasn't to be.

So what is next in store for Pakistan? A country that has gone through so much, from the US-Soviet Afghan war fall out to the US-Taliban Afghan war. Pakistan has suffered on both occasions been recipient to the front line blows of these two wars. However, life within the country goes on, generations pass and life goes on.

-AR

"S. Asif Alam" <asifalam@yahoo.com> wrote:

To: pakeditor@yahoogroups.com
From: "S. Asif Alam" <asifalam@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:07:45 -0000
Subject: [pakeditor] Musharraf gropes for way out of Pakistan's crisis - Reuters

March 19, 2007 - 5:41 AM

Musharraf gropes for way out of Pakistan's crisis

By Simon Cameron-Moore

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - President Pervez Musharraf, scotching rumours of
a coup six months ago, told Pakistanis their country was not a "banana
republic, where such things happen suddenly".

Filled with trepidation over a deepening political crisis, people
could do with a similar reassurance now, but this time Musharraf's
crisis is real and appears self-induced.

A ham-fisted attempt to sack Pakistan's top judge, and the use of
excessive force to cow the media and counter protests has created the
greatest challenge to Musharraf's authority over the Muslim country
since he seized power in a coup 7 ½ years ago.

Things got so bad over the weekend that Musharraf said there was a
conspiracy to turn people against him, and the United States, worried
by instability in an allied country next door to Afghanistan and Iran,
called for cool heads to prevail.

By Sunday, Islamabad's rumour mill went into overdrive with talk that
the constitution had been suspended, the National and provincial
assemblies dissolved and martial law declared.

It was just rumour, but analysts say it could yet happen.

"Musharraf is capable of declaring martial law, and he's capable of
making a political retreat and calling it a victory," said Najam
Sethi, editor of the Daily Times newspaper.

Having been run by generals for more than half the 60 years since
their country was carved out of India as a homeland for South Asia's
Muslims, Pakistanis are used to seeing leaders resort to desperate
measures.

VAGUE ALLEGATIONS

The latest crisis began on March 9 with the suspension of Chief
Justice Iftikhar Chaudhary on vague allegations of misconduct, setting
off protests by lawyers and opposition politicians.

Analysts suspect the motive for axing Chaudhary was fear that he would
block any attempt by Musharraf to hold onto his role as army chief,
which he is obliged to relinquish this year.

Television images of police thrashing lawyers in Lahore, and
ransacking the offices of a news channel during a demonstration in
Islamabad on Friday, stoked public outrage with Musharraf.

"Who is hatching this conspiracy, so that everything is put on me?"
the beleaguered president complained the next day.

Musharraf would lose what public trust he still commands if he put the
army on the streets, analysts said.

A better option would be to buy time and patch up with self-exiled
former premier Benazir Bhutto, they say.

Whatever General Musharraf does his position is critically weakened in
a year when he is due to seek re-election.

"It is a complete no-win situation for him," said Sethi.

"The options for him are very clear -- more democracy or greater
repression."

BHUTTO ALLIANCE?

More democracy means relinquishing his role as army chief, and
possibly forging alliances with progressive politicians, such as the
self-exiled, two-time prime minister Bhutto.

Greater repression means ducking a commitment to hold free and fair
national and provincial assembly elections due this year or early
next. A senior official told journalists in an off-the-record briefing
on Sunday the elections would take place.

Like Musharraf, Bhutto sees religious extremism as the greatest threat
to Pakistan, but she will be in no hurry to ally herself with a
president accused of flouting the constitution and belittling the
office of chief justice.

"Musharraf is becoming a lame duck as far as the political process is
concerned," said Ahmed Rashid, an internationally respected Pakistani
journalist.

"The system is paralysed with him there."

A sense of foreboding stems from a belief that Musharraf is being
ill-advised by non-elected hard-liners, including army officers, with
scant regard for the country's institutions.

Even if the Supreme Judicial Council hearing accusations against
Chaudhary were to recommend his reinstatement, it is hard to see how
Musharraf could work with a chief justice who has been lionised for
defying him.

Civilian politicians in the ruling coalition have distanced themselves
from the controversy, and any judge who supports Chaudhary's removal
now risks being regarded as a stooge.

Strain within Pakistan's hybrid military-civilian establishment is
showing, as anger turns inwards over the handling of the crisis.

"Some heads may roll," the senior official said.

(Additional reporting by Robert Birsel)

Reuters (IDS)

__._,

__,_._,___

[pakeditor] Attack on GEO -- Attack on GEO as it was happening and more.. President Musharraf appologizing to Hamid Mir and more

2007-03-16T17:00:00.001-07:00

Yeah right - like he means it. How many more lies shall we hear while the country, the writ of the Constitution, 1973 constitution mind you is undermined time and time again. Enforcing the writ of the Government of Pakistan - a famous line of Musharraf, well what shall we call this act? If not an unconstitutional act, undermining the writ of the people, the Constitution (and not the General's infamous LFO).

I am sorry apology not accepted. You need to try harder to appease your country men and women for the latest acts committed out of shear desperation of protecting your kursi. Because that is what it is, nothing but a selfish act on your part - disposing of the Chief Justice, as a result undermining the judicial system, thus throwing the country into constitutional turmoil.

We joke about Nawaz's incompetence and how he was distracted by his patti when being briefed about Kargil. However, you General Sahib are no better . As some of us wanted to believe in you, we were looking and seeking for the solution to Pakistan and thought you had it within your power to deliver.

What happed to practicing what you preach -- what is that famous line "Enlightened Moderation". A grand phrase, but these are mere words - what about observing enlightened moderation in the Chief Justice's dismissal, or before sanctioning the raid on the GEO News office?

All these acts cast a further negative brand upon the country, a country which already is suffering from negative media coverage has to now deal with this? Not to mention undermining all the good works done by many many people - who have selflessly tried, and continue to work towards dispelling the negative brand image of the country abroad. How is one to show face to our friends of Pakistan, many of whom we have defended Pakistan and many of your policies to. Justified why this time it is different and not a repeat of General Zia's regime.

So how much shall I, this Pakistani-American say or not say - frankly after this latest round of attacks on one of our icon media houses, GEO News how can we trust what you say? How do we know you mean it when you say the press is free, you are open to criticism? How do we know the IB, ISI, FIA or MI, or the police is not going to coming knocking down any one of our doors? Are we, the people of Pakistan truly safe and secure under you?

It is your job as the self-appointed President and head of our armed forces to protect the people of Pakistan, not harass them? If not as the President then at least as a soldier this is what you were trained to do - protect the country from external forces that try to undermine the writ of the Constitution, not undermine it yourself.

Pakistan Pindabad! Long Live, and God protect Pakistan!

Abdulrahman Rafiq
(A Concerned Citizen)

NB: This post as been posted to http://rabitazone.bligspot.com (or http://www.pkblogs.com/rabitazone)

Syed Asif Alam <asifalam@aopp.org> wrote:

http://www.geo.tv/important_events/attack_on_geo/pages/video.asp

S. Asif Alam
President, AOPP
http://aopp.org

Musharraf apologizes for attack on Geo office

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf has regretted attack on Geo News office in Islamabad Friday and apologized for the incident.

In an exclusive chat with Hamid Mir in Geo News programme "Capital Talk" the president condemned the attack.

"We support freedom of journalism and want its supremacy," Musharraf said.

The incident should not been happened, he said and termed the incident a conspiracy to sabotage the whole process.

President Musharraf also apologized with Hamid Mir what happened with him. He said the people involved in the incident would be taken to task today.

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CJ of Pakistan Sacked by Musharraf

2007-03-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

March 9th: BREAKING NEWS: The News reports that the President Pervez Musharraf has just filed a reference against the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmed under section 209 and has replaced him with Justice Javed iqbal who has already taken oat as an acting Chief Justice of Pakistan, the oath was administered by Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar.[Read on at Teeth Maestro...]

Also read "An Executive Assault on the Judiciary"

What Is Behind Public Humiliation of Supreme Court Chief Justice?

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

CJ of Pakistan's sudden removal.....Whats next?

2007-03-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

Following are CNN, BCC and GEO TV reports on the recent removal of the CJ of Pakistan Supreme Court. What are the immediate political ramifications of this recent incident? Further, how do we explain the timing of Benazir's recent op-ed in the Washington Post? Are Musharraf's days numbered? Is Benazir planning a grand come back to power? Further, we must ask is the recent incident withe sudden dismal of the CJ a solely domestic issue, or has ramifications beyond the borders of Pakistan?

These are but a few questions which come to mind while I, a Silicon WadiWallah tries come to grips with the gravity of the situation back in his motherland. Following are snippets from various local and international news agencies.....

CNN Report of CJ's Dismissal from the SC:

BBC Urdu Report:

GEO TV Reports:

GEO TV: Capital Talk - Removal of CJ

Part 1:

Part 2:

Also see

coverage on All-Things-Pakistan, an "alternative" blog by Adil Najam, and Voice of America (VoA) report

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

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