Lost cause

In all the political juggling and manouverings we have lost two very important things crucial to our country's two provinces......i.e Balouchistan & Frontier.

Alaskan model proposed for Balouchistan was commendable, Any local produce will be owned by the province 80% and Federal Govt. 20%. This would have restored the confidence of Balouch people in Federal Govt. and things might have been moved forward, positively.

The identity issue of NWFP population was addressed by the name change to 'Pakhtoonkha', and deprivation issue with the better distribution of Water & Energy royalty from Tarbela Dam among NWFP(as its still the official name) & Punjab.

But the political manouvers led to two pre-conditions, resignation of the then President & restoration of Judges.

Even when one is done and the other not being done, we dont hear any voice regarding these matters.

We cannot solve the foreign policy issues untill we dont have the confidence of the local people, and to regain that, we will have to address their issues. situation in Balouchistan & Frontier would have been way better if the earlier would have been done.

As an example consider the Mangal Bagh issue, it wouldnt have been where it is today, if Khyber Agency locals wouldnt have cooperated, isnt it?

A LUMS Alumni who lives in Charsadda, on the day of yet another suicide attack in his hometown.

It was a sad day for me, like many of my country men. The mayhem has now become order of the day. Unfortunately, such incidents have become just another news item for many people. I am not blaming anyone, but down country, people have not realized the full gravity of the situation prevalent in here. The undercurrents of fear, tension, perplexity that have inflicted the general population over here can only be realized when one lives here. Many sane and educated people are presently more concerened with only one person, whereas, the fact of the matter is that, the situation will not change whether he is there or not. The situation has come to a point that it does not matter who is at the helm of affairs at Islamabad. The War has just begun!

There were two suicide attacks against Awami National Party (1 in charsadda and another in Miranshah). ANP is one of the most liberal, anti-army rule and anti-taliban party in Pakistan. It was specifically targeted after a series of statements by ANP leadership against Talibans. In such a scenario, which party will dare challenge Talibanization. I am afraid that next target of Talibans will be Punjab, which the Taliban see as the hegemon against Pushtoon rights.

Sorry for the lengthy gibberish, but forgive me for that. Anyhow, I hope you are doing good and have a good time.

Pakistan: Always A Martial Show

Pakistan came into being out of a nationalist cause; The ethnic Muslim minority felt that it’s rights will be preserved and well served under a separate democratic setup, rather than living along an overwhelming majority of Hindus. Also there is a theory that Great Britain also wanted a buffer state between Muslim belt and India, to save a quarter of world’s population living in Sub-Continent from effects of "Islamization", as well as break it into multiple segments, so it never emerges as a challenging power to it’s ambitions in East.(Middle East, Hong Kong, Burma and Japan to name a few). Nevertheless, we had PAKISTAN.

Sub-Continent was divided according to electoral results of 1946 elections, the area where Muslim League won majority seats, constituted Pakistan. One can assume that since the basis of a country coming into being is democratic, It will inherit a democratic culture and it will continue to be a democracy. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, owing specifically to one institution, Military.

In 1947 Gen. Gracy was Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The first challenge for the young army was to brace itself against the Indian advance in Kashmir. Mr. Jinnah, the democratically elected head of state ordered Gen. Gracy to counter Indian army’s mobilization. It was flatly refused by him, saying that he still took orders from British imposed Viceroy of India, not the Governor General of Pakistan.

Time taken to sort that out, proved consequential as young indigenous officers, under the is command, had seen how they can challenge authority of democratic institutes to serve their own interests.

This was the seed of poisonous ivy which will engulf Pakistan in times to come. After General Gracy, there were twelve Military Chiefs up till Gen. Musharraf. One died mysteriously during his tenure, Two were prematurely retired by suspecting Prime Minsiters, out of the remaining nine, five have been the De-Facto Presidents of Pakistan ( three for a little over than ten years each and two for a few months) primarily as a result of string of coups against the democratic Governments.

There have been various common patterns with regards to these military takeovers. Firstly, it is always done in a roughly ten year cyclic period. Pakistan came into being in 1947. General Ayub ruled from 1958-1969. General Zia ruled from 1978-1988. General Musarraf ruled from 1999-2007. Ironically they almost coincide with either the beginning or the end of an American (usually Republican) Presidential term.

All military dictators have given concessions to US and its allies in return for strong military assistance. Gen Ayub during height of cold war gave bases to American U-2 spy planes in return for 100 plus F-86 fighters & generous aid to Army. General Zia turned Pakistan as a base of operations for CIA and Afghani fighters during Russian Invasion in return for F-16’s, Combat helicopters and missile defense systems. General Musharraf once again acceded to American Intelligence and Military and gave air and ground bases for American Invasion of Afghanistan in return for U.S. $70 million a month military assistance.

As long as these dictators have served White House well, there has been minimal pressure on them from international community, each one of them has carried out their personal agenda of quenching democratic movements and strengthening their rule, via active role of military intelligence agencies in virtually every Governmental institute and society.

Each one of them had a dismal human rights record. They arrested, killed, abducted or exiled anyone and everyone from civil society raising voice of concern. These include prominent writers, poets, actors, democratic workers, labor unionists, student leaders, journalists and lawyers.

They have played havoc with country’s constitution to suit to one man rule. They have shaped Military and society alike to suit their own mental ideals.

Gen Ayub abolished provinces and states and turned Pakistan into one unit under his direct rule. He made a trusted general, Governor of the East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). His atrocities were so grand that it resulted in thousands of deaths, political instability and eventually it’s breakup from Pakistan.

General Zia "religiosized" the military to an extent that it’s motto during his time was converted to Emaan(Faith), Jihad (Holy War) and Taqva (Piousness) Fi Sabilillah(For the sake of Allah). Services Book Club printed thousands of volumes of Jihadi text, the whole fight in Afghanistan was fought in the name of religion. This resulted in elements of military sympathizing with religious and Jihadi groups, turned Pakistan into a safe haven for them, who later emerged as Al-Qaeda & Taliban. He amended constitution so that he can dismiss elected assemblies at his will, which he exercised in 1987.

General Musharraf played havoc with the constitution in place, suspending it twice, abolishing all fundamental, constitutional and human rights of a nation of 160 million. He marginalized the Balouch and Pasthun ethnicities via military operations in minor provinces. Divided the society with his newfound ‘moderate’ and ‘hardliner’ muslim themes. Intelligence agencies leashed illegal abduction operations which resulted in the ill-famous “Missing Persons” case of hundreds of people abducted by agencies and made them “disappear”.

Moreover, the democratically elected leaders, specially sitting Prime Ministers have been removed from the national political scene by military covertly or overtly, during the coups or during the tenure of dictatorships. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali was shot (1953), Opposition Leader Miss Fatima Jinnah was strangled to death, (1966) Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto hanged (1979), Prime Minister Junejo removed (1987), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif exiled (1999), opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto shot(2007). All these cases remain unsolved till date; there has been no pressure from outside or inside to hold a fair or international investigation. The Grand Masters in Washington never bothered about it as well.

This leads to a simple equation for any Military Commander. As long as he can exploit interests of White House and serve them well, he can not only conduct coup, rule the country and can share the spoils of the power with corrupt top brass.

The Question is why is it happening so very often? We might have to consider countless parameters of this equation, but a few according to my understanding are listed here.

The intelligence machinery in democratic states is usually under civilian watch, as is the case in with D.S.T. in France, R.A.W. in India or with the CIA & US Senate. In Pakistan, the ill-famed ISI(Inter Services Intelligence) is a subset of Military. Governed and operated specifically by Pakistan Army. Since in Pakistani politics Military is a stake holder, therefore it serves military’s interest of remaining in power. Unless ISI and tens of other intelligence agencies like it i.e. the M.I.(Military Intelligence), I.B.(Intelligence Bureau) and Paramilitary FIUs(Field Investigation Units) etc. are properly “Civilized”, recurrence of coups won’t stopped easily.

Superior rights of military personal should be abolished. In the amended constitution of Pakistan, amended off course by the military, any Military officer is not answerable in a civilian court; any military authority, which in the name of defense personal welfare accumulates nearly 20% of country’s 796096 sq. km territory, or military cantonments, is not answerable to Metropolitan or Civilian governments. Hence the commissioned officers, specifically top brass specifically enjoy benefits of vast array of real estate schemes, minting millions.

Corporate Ventures of the Military which range from Banks, Financial Services, Heavy industries, Commercial hospitals, Dairy products, Arms & Ammunition Exports need to be put under civilian check and balance or abolished altogether.

Constitutional amendments made during the tenure of dictatorships, which among other things, resulted in exceptional powers for one man rule must be rolled back.

International stance especially from EU and US as well as from China (another "friend" of military dictatorship) should be of no-tolerance for dictators.

People of Pakistan should have access to free media & independent judiciary which can keep a check on excesses of military. Keep people informed and provide them relief.

I might have been a little demanding, but until these and many other things that provide military with a huge leverage over civil society aren’t roll-backed, there will be one military dictator after the other, until this country falls apart and breaks up into minno radical ethnic states, turning South Asia into another war torn Africa, which I fear is just around the corner.

The writer, Mohammad Ali, 26, is a Lahore University of Management Sciences alumni, He contributes to RiseOfPakistan.blogspot.com, He lives and works nowadays in Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at RiseOfPakistani@gmail.com.

Undemocratic, democratic political parties of Pakistan.

Traditionally political affiliation of people of sub continent has been towards personalities rather than political parties. People tend to follow a person, whose personality and public face symbolizes his political ideology. This has, however led to undemocratic values among the democratic parties.

The party leadership more often than not enjoys an assured life-time leadership. The party is at the mercy of one man’s ideals, political abilities, vision and intentions.

When it comes to choosing the next leader for the party, which usually happens after the (usually a tragic and unnatural) death of former leader, rather than an election for party leadership, it is usually “announced” by the elders of the party. In order to keep affiliations of the party workers and general public intact, party usually “decides” to hand it over to some one next of kin of the previous leader.

In India Congress Party Chairman Nehru was succeeded by his daughter Indira Gandhi, who was succeeded by her son Rajiv Gandhi, who in turn was succeeded by his wife Sonia Gandhi.

In Bangladesh President Mujeeb-ur-Rehman was succeeded by his daughter. President Zia-ur-Rehman by his wife Khalida Zia.

In Srilanka President Premadasa was succeeded by Mrs. Premadasa.

In Pakistan, Muslim League’s presidency fell into lap of Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister of party president Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was succeeded by his daughter Benazir Bhutto.

It was more than evident that after the tragic murder of Benazir Bhutto, some other member of Bhutto family will be the new chairman of the biggest party of Pakistan. It turned out to be the young Oxford law student Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

This decision has been accepted and welcomed throughout the country by party workers, who have swore their allegiance to Mr. Bilawal Bhutto, and hence the tradition continues.

I am in no position to criticize the decision of the PPP leadership, it was their decision to make, and according to traditional, not democratic, norms was more than expected. but I was just thinking that, If there’s no democracy within the democratic parties, how come they can work to instill democracy in this democracy deprived country?

Sharif Brothers enjoy dictatorial control over their PML-N, most probable candidate to succeed them will either by Mr. Nawaz’s son or Hamza Shahbaz , who by the way is contesting from a PML-N stronghold, Gwalmandi seat, forcing the loyal and party strongman former MPA Khawaja Sa’ad Rafique to contest from a weaker constituency.

PML-Q’s Chaudhry brothers share the spoils of military backing together and are preparing Moonis Elahi as the next ‘BiG’ boss of PML-Q, with all the Local Government Nazim’s campaigning exhaustively for him alongside Punjab Police for his current election campaign.

Jamaat-e-Islami, had a record of democratically electing its leaders, though then again for lifetime, as was the case of replacing Maulan Modoodi with Qazi Hussein after the earlier’s death. But now Rehana Qazi, daughter of Qazi Hussein happens to be the contender for the hot seat.

Mufti Sahab was replaced by his son Maula Fazlur Rehman as the leader of JUI.

ANP saw replacement of Wali Khan with his wife & later by their kin Asfand Yaar Wali.

Two relatively newer parties MQM & Tehreek-e-Insaaf are being led by their founders with totalitarian attitude. The de-facto party presidents, enjoy lifetime leadership of their parties.

There are many mal-affects of this tradition. In absence of democratic setup within the party, any suggestion or appeal from any party worker or group is easily vetoed by the leader. Sharp political minds always remain on the sidelines, as is the case with Aitzaz Ahsan, Javed Hashmi or Farooq Sattar. There can be no pressure group with in the party to persuade it or at least make it consider a different approach.

A political party represents an ideology, voters vote for it to give it a chance to implement that political ideology, to take the country into direction for which it promised during campaign, but does that really happen?.

I believe that the absence of democratic culture with in the political parties leads to dictatorial attitude of their leaders, who when came to power do things their own way, rather than their party’s way.

Isn’t it ironic that when they’re in opposition they tend to speak “our” language, when they come to power; they speak “their” own language?

A better start towards democracy might be introduction of democratic values with in the party, but, that seems a far cry. When will public representation and support be treated on democratic grounds rather than on “hereditary” grounds?

The unfortunate UNFORTUNATE state, What are we left with?

We live in an unfortunate UNFORTUNATE state, PAKISTAN, illfamed world over for its political history.

Assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, adds to it even more. Undoubtedly a popular leader, leading the only political party representing federation, boasting an ideology of National Unity with its country wide wings, is gone. Only time will tell in what shape her party comes out, but, for now, it's bogged down once again.

Whats left in our political scene is not promising. PML-Q yet another establishment backed version of Muslim League by yet another Military Dictator. It probably won't be able to outlive the military dictator like previous military backed versions of Gen. Ayub's & Gen. Zia's Muslim League, untill then it is the civil face of military establishment.

PML-N, weakened by the military, kept out of action for a horrendous decade, is the second biggest popular party. But is primarily viewed in other parts of country as the one representing PUNJAB. Recent response from its leadership has given people of other provinces especially SINDH a message that they are with them. But in general it is a Punjabi led Punjab based party.

PTI, under an ambitious leader doesn't has it's roots especially in rural areas. Largely viewed as one man show, It might be promising in the long run, but for now can't fill in any vacuum.

MQM largely contained to two cities, Karachi & Hyderabad, yet another traditionally military backed (except for short period of second term of Benazir) doesn't has a positive face in rest of the country.

Jamaat, JUI & other religious parties then again as always don't have a long term vision, they are as ever too much concerned about picking there shares of spoils, playing with illeterate public and black mailing them in the name of religion.

Then there is a list of ineffective parties whose name is hardly known across the country, they include nationalist, socialist or out casted factions of other parties. Most of them rarely had representation in the National Assembly. They can't play an effective role in national unity.

The only thing we are left with, as ever, is Military! After Tashkent, Simla, Dhaka, Kaargil & 3rd November, We know that they can only do one thing...............pave the way for Pakistan';s break-up, yet again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tighe Barry's reply..................

Code Pink's Tighe Barry's reply in response to Email to Tighe Barry.

Thank you for your kind words. I am so proud to be considered so well in the community of such brave and powerful people of your country. We were so happy to see that the spirit and love of democracy, human rights and liberty is so strong in the Pakistani people. My wish is that the people in my country wake up and join you in your struggle before we have lost our rights completely. Musharraf and Bush are the same anti-democatic authoritarian regimes. thanks again and stay in touch, this fight has only just begun.

Tighe Barry

His actions have already been encouraging for us, and hope his words do the same. Please leave a message to this brave humanitarian, he's reaching out to help us and millions like us world wide. Drop in a line or two to let him know how much we appreciate him.
Tighe's Email: tighebarry@juno.com

Email to Tighe Barry

Code Pink's Tighe Barry protesting against Iraq war funding in Washington D.C. on 23rd March, 2007
Dear Tighe,

Just wanted to thanku for what you stood up for, what you did for the sake of people of Pakistan.

I noticed activists of "Code Pink" 0n 30th Nov protest, and every protest from then on, Initially it seemed strange, why would a foriegner be interested in our fate? most don't seemed to be concerned at all. Every govt in East or West is supporting Musharraf. Turkey's PM visit was a recent example.

But having talked to one of your fellow activist in Press Club Lahore, I sensed a feeling of genuine concern for the people's right to freedom of thought,expression,gathering,self determination and access to information and independent judiciary, be it anywhere in the world...............What a principle stance Code Pink is taking.

I praise your courage and boldness, knowing that it wasn't done for getting so, but feels nice to know, that atlast someone stood up there and spoke for us.

We consider you standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this struggle, even when you are not in Pakistan.

Picture Source: codepinkalert.blogspot.com
More Pictures: Code Pink's Pakistan page

LIGHT THE WAY TO FREEDOM

When powers of tyranny approach to grapple us by throat, when they reach out to make us blind, when they want us mute and deaf, they defy the nation of its most trusted and honest source of information.............that is the independent media.

Today around a 100 LUMS faculty members and students gathered in the evening to register their protest against the actions of the Governemnt to enforce a closure on GEO & ARY TV in a unique candle light procession naming it "Light the way to freedom". Symbolising the new "Social Movement" and the fact that it was not possible without the intiatives of the independent media especially GEO TV & ARY ONE WORLD, the two top news channels in the country.

The Students & Faculty members remarked that a new social moement is under way, and the independednt media had a significant role to play, the government fearing that the mdeia will fuel this social reawakening, is taking steps to tame them. But, in the time to come, it will be proven that these very steps to curb acces the access to information to the pakistani public were the catalyst of a new social awareness and change.

LUMS VC summoned by Governor Punjab?

Irritated over the student protests especially by LUMS students it's the buzz that Governor Punjab has summoned V.C. of LUMS over the matter. It is still unconfirmed news, can anyone confirm it?

Personally, I would say hats off to LUMS administration and faculty for resisting government's pressure and allowing students their right to gather and record their protest. I hope it continues the same way.

We the students of LUMS really enjoy the freedom of speech, freedom to choose, freedom to gather and organise in LUMS. Freedom to do so is one of the values that LUMS was built upon. A state-of-Emergency or Martial Law denies all this. Naturally the students have risen to the occassion to protest against it, as they know what a blessing it really is!

A brief history of military interventions in Pakistani Politics.

Just after two years of introduction of first formal constitution of 1956, Gen. Ayub Khan( ironically the first Pakistan borned commander of the Army), took over government in a military coup in 1958, citing reasons of destability erupting from student protests in Dhaka for "Bengali as National Language" and religious riots against "Ahmadi's".

He ramianed in power from 1958 till 1969. A constitution in 1962 was implemented which introduced a basic democracy(BD) framework where elected representatives vote for president. This was supposed to help military control a few hundred of elected represetatives to vote for President. Ayub Nealy Lost to Fatima Jinnah, but managed to stay in power, both as President & Army Chief.

In 1969 massive civil society activism and especially student protests forced Gen. Ayub to step down, handing over power to Gen. Yahya Khan. Gen. Yahya remained in power till 17 Dec. 1971.

Gifts of this erra were "Operation Searchlight", a crack down by West Pakistan Army on East Pakistan's Police, Paramilitary forces, Civil Society workers, politicians and students, which was one of the dominant reasons for dividing the country.

General Zia took over in late 1977 & suspended the constituion and basic rights, on the pretext of a destabilised central government. Also with a promise of an Islamic Constitution. He remained both as Chief of Army Staff and President through out till 1988. Sufferrings of this erra include:

• Suspension of Constitution and basic rights for almost 7 years.
  
• Pre-censorship on press.
• An un-elected legislative body, Majlis-e-Shura
• Public executions
• Public punishments in the name of Islam, primarily exercised on the journalists and civil society workers raising voice against Martial Law.
  
• A non-party form of elections, enhancing the "briadrism"(tribalism?,clanism?)
• A proxy war against USSR in Afghanistan, which resulted in influx of terrorist attacks, Gun Culture and Drugs
• Millions of Afghan refugees with no plan and resources for their re-habilitation.
• Amendments in Constitution making possible for a President to dismiss elected assemblies.

In 1999, Gen. Musharraf took over in yet another military coup, reasons cited were efforts to sideline Army to make way for one man rule via constitutional amendments by the then democratic government.

Gen. Musharraf got the extension of terms earlier 3 years by Supreme Court verdict, then for 5 years via referendum, then for complete presidential term as a result of 17th amendment, now via another presidential election, which was under litigation in Supreme Court.

• Military operations in Tribal Areas(FATA), NWFP & Balochistan and even in Islamabad in the name of war against extremism, resulted in killing of hundreds of people.
  
• NAB ordinance to pave way for a dictated set of politicians to form a govt.
• Exile of major political figures.
• Efforts to subdue a defiant Judiciary
• Declaration of State of Emergency and Suspension of all basic rights
• Curbs on electronic and print Media, Suspension of Constituion, Curbs on civil society , Human Rights, Legal and Political workers

Out of 60 years of independence, 31 years have been spent under direct Military rule. Whatever the reasons Generals take over the government, their efforts are centric to extension of their terms, and greed for power.

It has already resulted in break-up of country, 17 permanent amendments in constitution (primarily in military rule), rubber stamp legislative bodies, arrests of 1000's of workers, executions of those against military governments, suspension of basic rights, killings of 1000's of people to make cold war and terrorism erra American Govt's happy.

New ammendments to Pakistan Army Act (1952)!

Source: http://www.teeth.com.pk/blog/2007/11/09/update-0020-new-ammendment-to-pakistani-army-act/, By ange on Nov 9, 2007:

"According to sources within the Pakistani security forces, amendments have been made to the Army act of 1952 and any civilian can be arrested under the act and tried in military courts while hoarders and profiteers are to be tried in special courts. The revised act also states that attacks on armed forces is now an offense under the new act. "

Sounds like ground work for legitimacy of "Summary Military Courts" (SMC). SMC's were introduced for the first time in Gen. Ayub's martial law and then again in times of Gen Zia's military take over.

In SMC's a military officer presides over the court. State can also be represented by a military officer and the defendent can either hire a lawyer or ask a military officer for assistance. The courts are known for their swift disposal of cases..................any comments???