President Obama's Road Map To Re Election

Original Article: Pak Tea House

President Obama laid out his plans for troop draw down from Afghanistan. At least he is cognizant of the fact that 2012 re election bid is fast approaching. He will be on the campaign trail soon, behind the podiums, talking to a whole lot of Americans.

It is no surprise, that his approval ratings took a plunge again, right after the OBL episode. The fact remains that generally people are a bit disappointed with the first term. The troop withdrawal was one of his 2008 campaign items and it is wise of him to follow through.

The Obama administration can definitely take credit for OBL elimination and some other stalwarts of the Jihadi side, in and around Pakistan. It is true that, Pakistan has taken a lot of heat right after May 02. The other fact that Afghanistan is one heck of a monster is perhaps well known to his policy gurus. When all the American troops depart, there is a strong possibility of the resurgence of not so America friendly, non state actors.

Please click on the link below to read the rest of the article at PTH:

http://nblo.gs/jCx7M
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So The Terrorists Were Foreigners

Original Article: ViewpointOnline.net

Our own NADRA's records came back negative on the PNS Mehran attackers. The conclusive verdict as expected, the terrorists were "foreigners." The term foreigners, opens up a Pandora box of confusion. And yes we have plenty of that going around in the land of pure.

If one was expecting that NADRA records were perfect, then I would like to sell the Eiffel Tower or perhaps Golden Gate Bridge to that individual. Secondly, who in their right mind would think, that these individuals would go to NADRA, apply for an Identification Card and then decide on going to a suicidal mission. Lastly, the snap taken by a scribe, of a dead person, sort of gives you the impression, that it is not your average Pakistani person. The looks and complexion do not fit the average Pakistani profile.

Please click on the link below to read the rest of the scribble:

http://bit.ly/jhwP3Z
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It's a people's government after all

Original Article: Daily Times

In any other part of the world, whoever led to the bin Laden hideout in Abbottabad, would be rewarded. I had foolishly thought that these people would get the sum of the bounty that Bush had announced on OBL's head. But in Pakistan things are mostly the other way around. When the New York Times broke the news that 'CIA informants' in Pakistan were under arrest, I shook my head, perhaps like many others, and muttered, "There we go again."

If these people were responsible for espionage of state secrets or did something that compromised the national security, Pakistan had all the right to react in this manner. Here we have people who facilitated the riddance of a notorious terrorist, who had nothing positive to his credit, who are now facing the music for it. There was a swift denial from the usual quarters rubbishing any such move. It was dubbed as yet another attempt to smear the spotless and the valiant.

Please read the rest of the article by clicking the link below:

http://bit.ly/jMMgYz
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It’s Time for a Television Content Rating System in Pakistan

Original Article: Newsline Magazine

A girl, perhaps in her mid teens, lustfully dreams about a man in his early 30s. A middle-aged man flaunts his polygamous relationships. Teenagers enjoy smokes and booze at a rave. If all of these seem like scenes from a British or American soap, then you are definitely mistaken.

All of this is displayed on Pakistani TV channels, as part of the dramas and soaps that are supposed to be "family entertainment." Of course, the truth is that some of these dramas are quite explicit and are not fit for many young viewers.

No one is suggesting censorship or forced Islamisation of the idiot box. But it seems that with the recent media revolution, all channels here are in dire need of some serious self-scrutiny. This scribe tries to stay away from television altogether, but very occasionally catches a glimpse or two of our creativity. Recently, I've been exposed to handful of shows across different channels. Make no mistake, something is out of place on our desi tube.

Please click on the link to read the remaining article at Newsline Magazine

http://www.newslinemagazine.com/2011/06/its-time-for-a-television-content-rating-system-in-pakistan/
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Punishable By Death Needs To Die

Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah's recent statement, inciting violence against fellow politician Babar Awan amazes and disgusts me. A law minister is supposed to uphold the law, not the other way around.

In most countries,  such a bizarre statement from a public official would instantly result in a prompt resignation.

Political discourse and difference of opinion do not mean anyone has the right to put someone's life in danger. Healthy societies thrive on differences and emerge stronger, based on dialogue and mutual respect. Ours unfortunately, is still struggling to understand the basic meaning of freedom of speech.

There is a saying that goes around in this country:

"Pakistanis only understand the language of the danda (stick)."

For more click on the link below and read the complete article at the Tribune Website.

http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/6460/punishable-by-death-needs-to-die/
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Our Deep Rooted Frustrations

Original Article: Viewpointonline.com

The advent of information revolution has truly shattered the myths of what used to be our religious or patriotic cocoon. In this day and age, where information is traveling perhaps at the rate of speed of light, we are unable to blind this world with our imaginary narratives


Not a single day goes by without people lambasting the situations and conditions around our nation. At one end you have social issues and to the other political. There seems to be such a confusion and chaos. A nation in all honesty trying to find itself, with some very tough and challenging questions.

On a social level we are struggling with the concept of what kind of Pakistan it ought to be and on political level, whether civil or military rule is better for our nation. These social and political issues are inter twined and create a passionate discourse in the forums. The entire history of Pakistan, since its inception comes under attack and the follies, shortcomings and failures are regurgitated endlessly.

Read the rest at http://www.viewpointonline.net/our-deep-rooted-frustrations.html
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The Curious Case Of Suo Moto Notice Of Ms. Odho's Wine Bottles

Any reasonable person will not disagree, that if Ms. Odho was violating any law by carrying two wine bottles in her luggage, from Islamabad to Karachi on a PIA flight, she is answerable. If there is a law that requires her to declare the spirits she is carrying, with her on a domestic flight, then it should be enforced.

There is no question that Ms. Odho is a frequent traveler and more than likely familiar with the laws of carrying the spirits on an aircraft. If media reports are true and she has resigned from the post of the Vice President of APML, then there is some truth to the matter.
Those who are being critical of her carrying bottles of wine in an "Islami country", ought to get a life. Agreed that her conduct does not sit well with her political persona. Especially when former President Musharraf's party's manifesto was based on Holy Quran. There is a clear injunction in Holy Quran about drinking and there is no doubt about it.
As a scribe in a very popular daily, her writings mostly have a patriotic fervor. This scribe remembers one of her write ups, where she emphasized on her reason to move back to Pakistan, was due to the family values of East. Certainly, even if the bottles were a gift for a friend, it just puts a lot of question marks towards her conduct as a public figure.
The most striking issue of this whole episode is the prompt suo moto notice of our Supreme Court. It just makes you wonder, that the apex court has all the time in the world to focus on what would ordinarily be considered as "non issue." Is it really that important is the key question.
One would at least assume that even if a law was broken or a statute of safety was violated, there may be lower courts to handle such incidences. Does it really beg the time of a three member bench to take an immediate notice?
There are many pressing issues ahead of the apex court. So much has transpired in Pakistan, ever since May 02, 2011 and the list is so long, that regurgitating the list would not do justice to so many items worthy of some prompt justice.
If anything it taints the credibility of the highest echelon of the justice system. Ms. Odho being Vice President (now former) of APML, was perhaps being viewed a bit closely. The reason for bad blood between the SC and Mr. Musharraf is common knowledge. This scribe's personal opinion about Mr. Musharraf and his party are fairly well known at this forum. However, as a common man, I feel that it is perhaps not the most effective use of the valuable time of the apex court. This is a very respectful plea and hope that your Lordship (stealing the title from a very senior, and one of my favorite scribe, Ayaz Amir), would consider it.
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