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

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.

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!

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

Town Hall Event with Gov Howard Dean in SF Bay Area

Folks,

On October 23rd the South Asian American community has a unique opportunity to hear from Gov. Howard Dean, Chairman DNC just 10 days before the general election.

Not only we have an opportunity to make an important contribution to the Obama Campaign, high profile events such as these serve to institutionalize our engagement in the political process
l
The event theme will focus around foreign policy, with emphasis on South / South-west Asia.

There are a couple ways you can attend:

1 - Individual contributor: $500 min.
2 - Co-Host: Help raise/contribute $5,000
3 - Contributions will go towards "Obama Victory Fund"

Let me know if you're interested in attending the even.

Regards,

Abdulrahman Rafiq
arafiq4obama@siliconstani.com


Why should you participate in the Oct 23rd event?


ENGAGE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS

Our sustained participation and success in the political process hinges on our ability to mobilize our communities and resources at critical times like these. Despite the campaign's success in raising funds, there's still a need as the race gets tight in months to come

CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY'S SUCCESS

This event will most likely be the last DNC events specifically for South Asian Americans. Today, South Asians -- Indo- and Pakistani-Americans -- are playing a significant role in both the party and the presidential campaign. It is heartening to see Pakistani and Indo-American communities coming together in support of Sen. Obama. Our August 17th event could not have come on a better date - days after our communities commemorate 61st Independence Days of India and Pakistan. It is befitting that nations who were inspired by America's ideals of liberty join hands decades later in support of agruably the most compelling presidential candidate in America's history.

INFLUENCE POLICY

By engaging in the political process, we have a shot at impacting policy over the long haul, and contribute to developing solutions for myriad issues common to all Americans. We are already beginning to institutionalize our involvement with the formation of groups such as the South Asian American Leadership Council (SAALC) and the South Asian Policy group in the DNC. You will have the opportunity to engage and influence direction this country takes with 'a seat on the table' alongside with other members of Senator Obama's broad coalition of all Americans.

Tariq Ali in Silicon Valley

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

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

Tariq Ali in Silicon Vall

On Saturday, September, 29, 2008: The Pakistan American Democratic Forum (PADF) hosted the renowned author, Tariq Ali in Newark, California.The event was well attended by Bay Area Pakistanis of all walks of life. From the Silicon Valley Pakistani-American yuppi to Pakistanis of the wider Bay-Area, not necessarily associated to Silicon Valley.

Mr Ali discussed the current geo-political situation in Pakistan. A detailed video account of the event will be posted shortly by Cemendtaur a freelance WadiBlogger, however I'd like to highlight a few points I jotted down on my Facebook Blog:

• He said "it is unfair to blame the war exclusively on Pakistan."
• Ali says it's sad the Presidential candidates are promoting bombing of Pakistan. He says Pakistani-American need to organize and take lesson from their AIPAC counterpart.
• Ali says frankly Muslims are under attack because of the oil that exists under Muslim lands. And Pakistans geographic location is key. He further remarks that Islam is not the enemy of the west, it's been made out to be due to the oil wealth Muslim nations are sitting on. If it were, say Buddhist nations sitting on the worlds oil reserves then we'd be hearing about Buddhists terrorists.
• Ali has a colleague doing research for him and says what they've found is the language being drafted on how to deal with Muslims is similar to the language used in the 20s and 30s against Jews
• Ali says Barak Obama is disappointing - he started out fine but doesn't like how he has been pushed into a corner by the system.
• Ali doesn't accept Robert Fisk statement that Pakistan nuclear power is the issue. He is surprised at Fisk for making such a remark, as he is a very capable journalist, and 'no Pakistan is not the powder keg of the world.'
• Tariq Ali further goes on to quotes a UNDP study: 60 percent of Pakistanis born today are stunted. He said that instead of pouring billions into combating extremism the world powers need to find ways to pump those same dollars in to social reform issues - such as overhauling the Education System in Pakistan to job creation and sustainable income generation schemes for the masses.

*Cross-posting to WadiBlog

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

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

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

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

While the country burns...

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?

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.

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.

Divide Pakistan ADs on CNN - Where is the Foreign Office?

i

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C03%5C12%5Cstory_12-3-2007_pg7_9

Pakistani diplomats in the US, who toil ceaselessly to counter critical newspaper editorials by writing plaintive letters to editors, seem to be stumped by the ad, which usually airs in the morning. A 30-second prime time spot on CNN can cost as much as $ 20,000.

What "stumped by the ad". They bloody well do something about it than just being stumped - but then why doesn't it surprise me?

I think Pakistani/Pakistani-American private citizens have done, and are doing a far better job than our so called diplomats who have the official authority, and are recognized as the official authority to represent the country, but in essence haven't lived up to the bargain - though you may ask what bargain? Well that is another issue for another RZone blitz.

Seriously if they are stumped then let us, the private-citizens through our various vehicles such as AOPP, PAKPAC, PANA, PADF, OPEN, PakSEF, IOPWE etc lend them a hand. Many of the named organizations may not have the political clout or resources to foot the bill for $20k ads on CNN everyday - but we certainly have the passion and commitment to promoting Pakistan as a progressive nation that it is - a country with unbounded opportunities - a country ripe for foreign investment - a nation with growing and vibrant economy. A nation where the CEOs of some of the leading fortune companies in the U.S. make it a point to praise the countries leadership in their company meetings.

Fact of the matter Pakistani's and Pakistani-Americans need to act now with a major nationwide campaign to correctly brand Pakistan. For the last 12 months I have been harping this on various discussion groups, reciving nothing but lip service acknowledgment. From AOPP to PAKPAC to PADF - the organizations where formed with this particular mandate seemed to have failed to mobilize the vast majority of Pakistani and Pakistani-Americans.

Though, you have to give credit to AOPP and OPEN two organizations which have stepped up the challenge, and have in fact mobilize the Pakistani/Pakistani-American community in a nationwide effort to re-brand Pakistan. AOPP has in fact has been organizing Branding Pakistan events all across the Eastern Seaboard of the United States - from New York to Washington DC. On the other hand OPEN Silicon Valley has for the last three years successfully organized Business and Technology moots where promoting Pakistan as an investment friendly country has been on top of its agenda.

The bottom-line is Pakistan has enemies, both internal and external, however the passion and enthusiasm to keep the idea Pakistan alive is a trait ingrained in every Pakistanis DNA.

What is needed is a serious unified re-branding effort on the part of the entire Pakistani diaspora. The Foreign Office is not equipped to handle negative propaganda such as this led by Syed Jamaluddin ; or by others such as World Sindhi Institute or the World Sindhi Congress. These are three organizations with a small following, but have bloating expense accounts. Surely we, the mainstream Pakistani and Pakistani organizations can as a united front nuetralize these few anomalies. A sustained nationwide media campaign is in order - daily ADs in all the major U.S. newspapers, daily Prime Time ADs on national TV, weekly Branding Pakistan information sessions and cultural events in every nook and cranny of America. The idea is to promote the honest by God truth about what Pakistan is and who Pakistani and Pakistani-Americans are?



Copyright (c) Abdulrahman Rafiq

Pakistan need more people like this man...Abdus Sattar EDHI

Abdus Sattar Edhi is one of the most active philanthropists in Pakistan. He is head of the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan. Edhi foundation branches are spread all over world. His wife Begum Bilquis Edhi, heads the Bilquis Edhi Foundation. They both received 1986 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. He is also the recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize. Maulana Edhi, as he is often referred to, is of the Memon community. According to the Guinness World Records, Edhi Foundation has the largest private ambulance service network in the world.

Read more about Edhi visit,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Sattar_Edhi

Click to visit Edhi Foundation online,
http://www.edhifoundation.com/

U.S. Ambassador Meets MQM Bosses in Karachi

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.

Silicon Valley Pakistani firm Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

May 2nd, 2008 marked the one year anniversary since the Silicon Valley Pakistani Semiconductor firm, Cavium Networks went public on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange [Read: Silicon Valley Pakistanis - NED to NASDAQ].

In commemoration, the Cavium Management Team has been honored with the opportunity of ringing the opening bell at the start of trading day on Monday, May 5th at 6:30 am (U.S. Eastern Standard Time).

The event will be telecasted live on major U.S. and International financial networks. To watch the live broadcast visit: http://nasdaq.com or http://cnbc.com.

Cross-posted to ScitechWire, Siliconstani, WadiBlog, OPEN SV

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

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

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.

The Beauty of Physics ...

Physics is an absolute science. All of nature can be summed up into a few simple, yet infinitely complex laws, so much so it can take decades to decipher. It was this very reason, I opted for a degree in Physics. Which mind you is no stroll in the park - the study of Physics isn't for everyone. Though, personally I would recommend it be a mandatory course for all students, whether in the sciences or not. For it teaches one how to think outside of the box.







Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

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

"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?

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq

YouTube Ban in Pakistan!

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