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

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.


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

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

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

Flood Relief Campaign for Southern Pakistan

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 ...

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

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

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.

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

Bilawal Zardari to be named PPP Chairperson

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!

Copyright C. AbdulRahman Rafiq

Situation Update - Karachi Tense - December, 29, 2007

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...

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?

Copyright C. AbdulRahman Rafiq

Shattered Hopes - A Nation Cries!

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

Copyright C. AbdulRahman Rafiq

Wake up San Francisco - Paki's in town!

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.

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

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

Karachi Carnage - Real Time Video Footage

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.

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

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!

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq 2007

To LIFT or NOT to LIFT

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

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

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]
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"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]
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"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]
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" 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]
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"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]
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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]

Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)