Sunday, January 9, 2011

Gilani Express Back On A Crooked Track

Conspiracy theorist aside, Governor Taseer's untimely murder assisted to some extent, in softening the stance of MQM. The ever fragile democracy of Pakistan was about to go into another downward spiral, but it seems like the train wreck was averted, at least for right now. The key words are for, "right now."

The concessions that PM Gilani made to bring back the estranged allies, are beyond common knowledge. Only his close associates, such as Mr. Interior Minister Rehman Malik aka Shaitan Malik, know the real story.

MQM should be credited for their usage of political leverage, which some call their, "bullying tactic", but in the end it brought the PM and his team to negotiate at MQM's turf. At least many believe, that there was more bargaining done, behind close doors, at least more than what meets the eye.

As usual the statements were vague. MQM decided to get back in the Gilani Express, as gasoline prices were rolled back to pre Jan 01 and the Government was going to make a concerted effort to end the monstrous corruption. Madam Secretary Clinton, gave the PPP led government an earful on how poor the gasoline price hike decision was. At least I would agree with some analysts, which was completely out of place, on Madam Secretary's part.

It appears that this train has been put back on a crooked track and the days ahead are going to be, to say the least very turbulent. MQM will maintain its hard line stance on any slipping of PPP. The clerics have decided to come out with another rally against blasphemy laws in a day or two. The killer of Mr. Taseer is being glorified by a certain segment of our lawyers and the media. Any sentence awarded to the accused will create a new fire storm in our bitterly divided nation.

PM Sahib may have taken a sigh of relief for the moment. Without sounding like a pessimist, I see some major malfunctions ahead for the Gilani Express. I sincerely hope that I am proven wrong.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Welcome To Pakilistan

Welcome to Pakillistan. Where we kill indiscriminately, any where, any place, any time, any way, when it comes to dissent. We kill people as it is a divine duty ours. We are the solely guided and only righteous Muslims that ALMIGHTY ever created on this planet.

We profess that we are the true Muslimeens. We don't care that ALMIGHTY calls HIMSELF, "AL-REHMAN" and "AL-RAHEEM." We do not have the words of compassion or mercy in our dictionary. Those virtues some how seem to evade us. We only see the GOD as GOD ALMIGHTY, full of wrath and fire. Knowing full well, that without GOD's compassion and mercy, we are not even able to exhale our next breath.

We are the judge, we are the jury and we are the executioners. On the entire planet, we are the only nation, on whom the ALMIGHTY has bestowed this burdensome, yet very righteous responsibility. We often tend to forget that there is a day of judgment ahead. Our patience is wearing thin, we can hardly wait for that day, so we give our judgment on any and everybody almost every day.

We believe that we our the only superior people GOD has created. Any body who does not subscribe to our belief system or the way we pray or address our GOD, has either no right to live or if he or she does, their life is not dear to the ALMIGHTY. We often ignore that it is ALMIGHTY who created the other beings as well and separated us by color, language, region and beliefs so we can be differentiated and identified.

We write our own rules and want the world to accept our way or it is highway. We glorify and sanctify the murderers as our true heroes. We believe that we have the right of taking the life of anybody at any given moment. We are the GOD's chosen people, who GOD wants to occupy his seven heavens. The rest of the people are all meant as fuel for GOD's ever burning Hell.

We bomb innocent people minding their business, kill women, children, helpless, poor or rich, unarmed or un alarmed. Heck we take pride in blowing up the graves of saints and the dead. Killing is what we excel in. Killing is what we are meant for. The day, we do not see some red human blood flowing on our streets, is the day, we mourn. We want the world to get it. The world is in denial. The world needs to know. As we know it all. Killing has become our business and if there was an index somewhere, we will be right on top of that index.

Welcome to Pakillistan, are you ready to be killed.!!!!! Let the killing continue.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Plight Of Air Blue's Victims And Their Families

A Pakistani Newspaper did a follow up story on Air Blue victims. As usual, with no surprises of course, a poor handling of the situation. Many families of the victims are uncompensated.

10 claim to have received compensation, when the Airline claims that it has compensated 95 of them$ Who knows what the truth is. But one thing is certain, that people are showing their dismay on the handling of this tragedy. Many gathered in Karachi and Rawalpindi to voice their justified frustrations.

What really got me was the following, which I am quoting,

"One woman, Sara Tariq, whose father’s body had been misplaced by the authorities, was told that she could now get someone else’s body if she wanted. "

It left me speechless. As much as I am against the hyper sensitivity of the legal process in the US. I hope and wish that it was active and alive in my country of birth. Only severe compensatory and punitive damages can send the necessary signals to such heartless people. Nothing else.

On Obams's Visit To India And Pakistan

Many people in Pakistan, continue to down play the recent visit of President Obama to the neighboring rival, India. Of course there are long standing disputes between the two neighbors, which often trump the facts.

There is no doubt that in the last 10 years or so, India has made significant progress on a lot of fronts. Regretfully, Pakistan is lagging and it would not be harsh to admit, that surviving on life support. Pakistan's general population's "Hate America" tirades cannot erase the fact that, US does not want Pakistan to fail. US has stood by Pakistan in some real tough situations and wants Pakistan to be a stable country. This is all in US national interest, as a stable Pakistan, keeps the balance of power in check and around South Asia.

What is ironic, that US farmed out many of its service sector jobs to India, in the name of "efficiency and out sourcing." The net effect of that ill planned strategy, can be felt in the heartland of America. With double digit unemployment on a national level, Americans are struggling with this so called " global recession."

Even in this global recession, there are two countries, which are definitely moving in the right direction, India and China. No matter how much the facts are twisted, India is on target by embracing one factor to its fullest. It is clearly education laced with modern day skills.

President Obama's announcement of $10 Billion in trading partnership with India, should not come as a surprise. By the way, his announcement of this move is supposed to create more jobs in the US, as unbelievable it may sound. This is a lost opportunity for Pakistan. Being one of its staunchest ally in all these years, this should have been in Pakistan's sector. But very painfully we are recipients of aids and promises of more aid, provided, we get "our act together."

As much as we Pakistanis criticize India for being a fundamentalist "Hindu state", and this too in response to their swipe on us being, the "fanatic Islamists", the fact remains quite obvious. We are no competition to India, when it comes to its size, population, resources, skills, heritage, arts and diversity.

Only if we realize where we are utterly missing the boat, so to speak, we can move forward in this world. The world is a huge marketplace of ideas and skills. The only thing in demand will be the dynamic abilities to acquire and implement those skills. Those who would sit on the sidelines and mock others will soon become a sorry chapter in the books of global history.

Although a visit by President Obama to Pakistan, is on the horizon in March 2011, but the end result may not be the same. It will be more of, "Pakistan to do more", "We appreciate your help", and "US is not at war against Islam and Pakistan", so on and so forth. I wish and hope that it would be not about aid and terrorism, but about jobs and tangible development. Otherwise it will be just vain rhetoric and people at Foreign Office will be able to prove that Pakistan can attract President Obama as well.

Friday, November 12, 2010

How Hilarious Can You Be Mush Sahib

Mush Sahib was on NPR today here in the US and according to Dawn, he said that ,

"""WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf said Friday that all elected governments have failed the country, as he tries to mount a political comeback.

On a speaking tour of the United States, Musharraf said he wanted to return to power through popular will but did not agree that “we want a democratically elected government and that is all, period.”

"

Will some one perhaps from his advisors tell him to open his mouth with caution as every time he opens it, he shoots himself in the foot. So simplifying his statement, what he is saying is:

a) All elected governments failed, which would make one under his leadership fit the category as well, the one which was PML Q dominated so vociferously defended by his elected cronies.

b) He wants to make a come back via an election, so that means that he is destined to fail as well, because according to the history narrated by him, all democratic governments have failed.

News to Mush Sahib, Facebook following never is an indication, because people on Face book very rarely leave the comfort of their house to vote. Its always the poor and down trodden who have no access to Facebook are the ones who stand in lines in hopes of their vote changing their ever deteriorating future


http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/13/elected-governments-failed-pakistan-musharraf.html

Thursday, November 11, 2010

My Karachi To You They Say Tabahi Mubarik

Those of you who are unfamiliar with Karachi, should know that Club Road is a very popular spot in my beloved city. The prestigious Pearl Continental and Sheraton Hotels in close proximity, Karachi Gymkhana and Baradari Gardens close by and the infamous PIDC House.

Around the corner, you have the PIDC Paan House, GOD knows whatever their real names are, but commonly called PIDC Paan Houses. Cars throng that area late at night and people stroll, demonstrating that they are alive and well. People stop for a chilled bottle of soft drink a unique and famous Paan. Living, enjoying and being in the moment to its fullest.

The bombs that ripped that area leaving major holes, several dead bodies and scores of wounded people, shook the city again. The city which was barely recovering from the blasts of Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine, hardly a few weeks ago. The city once known as "City Of Lights" slowly and gradually denigrating to a "City of Darkness."

Dark it is as the enemy is vengeful, callous and coward. He hates laughter and happiness. Many have offered their ultimate sacrifice prior to this Eid. What ever those barbarians were looking for, after leaving the bloody trail and tears in many eyes, would perhaps celebrate their Eid in advance. Embracing each other, perhaps they will offer the salutations and greetings of "Tabahi Mubarak."

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Meltdown Of Logic

It is rather disheartening to see the lack of objective analysis when it comes to the general population of Pakistan. Mostly people tend to think along the lines of religion or language and tend to hold their strong position irrespective of what facts are presented to them. Any person engaging in a meaningful dialogue is shunned by the usual and often debated conspiracy rhetoric.

Let's take the event of 09/11 for an example. On the eve of 09/11, when I spoke with my Mother in Karachi, she was convinced by the Pakistani media that there was not a single Jew, who was murdered. All the Jews were informed a day in advance, not to show up to work, that ill fated Tuesday. When I informed her about the facts, it was hard for her to accept. I had a few discussions with my relatives, who were adamant about that. They were utterly convinced that it was an "inside job", and the whole incident was a pathetic attempt by "Evil America" to malign the Muslims and to "conquer their lands."

I have expressed my views regarding Bush era's follies of ill planned and prepared invasions of both Afghanistan and Iraq. Those were two very costly strategic mistakes. On the other hand, if measured, timely and effective strikes were done to dismantle the over zealous terror network, things perhaps would have been different.

The argument of 09/11 being an "inside job", defies any logical intelligence. The Bush Administration in their cocky attitude needed no precursor to launch their ill conceived invasions. Yes the event of 09/11, provided the Bush Administration to sell a fairly weak argument to the nation to invade Iraq. The poor results of that poor plan based on a poor argument are in front of the entire world.

But our Muslim media had a field day, painting the picture of the hijackers as zionist agents. When Barbara Walters of either ABC or CBS did a special report and traveled to Saudi Arabia and Egypt to meet the families of those hijackers, which of course were not "paid actors", no credible rebuttal came from the Muslim world. Lately, Ahmedinijad of Iran, eluded to the same thing at UN General Assembly that the entire event was concocted. No one ever asked Ahmedinijad, would he allow an American to present a dissenting opinion to the people of Iran on the National TV of Iran.

There were 3 Americans held by Iran recently and charge of spying was leveled against them. A female out of the 3 was released on humanitarian grounds, after the $500,000 bail. Iran's hypocritical stance is quite evident to the rest of the world. How the Iranian regime kills dissent in Iran by violence is common knowledge. Yet the general Muslim world is fine with that, because after all Iranians are "Muslims."

We have another example of the infamous Dr Aafia Siddiqui. Her conviction has sparked a lot of protest in Pakistan. The religious zealots who are out burning flags and effigees and causing destruction to vent their anger never ask the following questions:

A) According to her sister (please see story www.thenews.com.pk dated Sept 24, 2010), Dr. Siddiuqui was sold to Americans by then President Musharraf. Why there was no case filed by the family, the civil society and the politicians against the President? Why was no suo moto notice not taken against her absence by the apex court?

B) Why did the defendant take the stand in a supposedly "hostile court" in her personal defense and no proper legal representation was sought?

C) The Interior Minister Malik kept on harping after her conviction that, she will be brought back to Pakistan at any cost. What prevented him to do what he said? The religious fanatics should have garnered a movement to hire a legal team to challenge the so called "circumstantial evidence" in the court of law, prior to the sentencing phase. Next the defendant's rhetoric about the verdict coming directly from Israel was not a logical statement to begin with. What benefit did state of Israel get from her conviction?

D) The media in Pakistan paints a picture of "heavy handedness" and atrocity by the US Justice system. Yet in all these years, why the TV channels have not gained access to her to broadcast her side of the story. All the unknowns about the case should be brought to the fore to prove her "innocence."

The concept of illogical notion that US and Israel are out to destabilize Pakistan is quite farcical. If US had the agenda to get rid of Pakistan, it should have not opened the war theaters around Pakistan. It would have taken the fierce measures from the skies to cause destruction. For those who cry on drones, yes I am not in support of their blind usage. But measured drone usage has proven to be very effective.

Similarly, if US had the intention of destroying Pakistan, the US would have turned a blind eye towards aid after the devastating earthquake and floods. After all the nature took its course in favor of the US evil agenda, yet US has always been a great ally of Pakistan in tough situations. When the aid is needed we have no qualms, but when it comes to implicating US in any domestic issue, we never waist any time.

As a Pakistani American, I do not agree with a lot of policies of the US around the globe and voice my dissent, but by the same token cannot subscribe to the widely held argument that US wants to eliminate Pakistan. When it comes to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the Pakistani media in specific and the Muslim media in general paints an illogical picture of religion being the main issue. It is more of a territorial dispute as there are Palestinians who are Christians as well. Amazingly in all these years, the Muslim nations have failed to gather on any unified plan to resolve the long standing dispute. It is mostly for lip service and political mileage, whenever Palestinian issue is revisited. On the other hand, as biased as US is towards Israel, it is the US diplomacy that always brings the two nations of Israel and Palestinians towards some negotiations and resolutions.

It is high time that Muslim world in general and Pakistan in specific develop objective and logical thinking. We should step out of the mentality of victomhood. We should put our interest and national perception to the fore front and become informed citizens of this world and the universe. The world needs to see the bright and positive side of our characters, intellect and the faith.