PM sets NACTA in motion, forms 16

committees for NAP

PM seeks input of all political parties on the first draft of constitutional, legal
amendments for trying enemy combatants, hardcore terrorists involved in
execution, abetting, financing of mass murders
Premier issues directions to make NACTA functional, calls authoritys
executive meeting for Wednesday

While chairing a follow-up meeting on the implementation of the National Action Plan
(NAP) for countering terrorism and extremism, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday
called for revamping the dormant National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) within
days besides directing 16 newly-formed committees to submit their respective reports on
countering terrorism within a stipulated timeframe.

Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, special
assistants to PM Irfan Siddique, Khawaja Zaheer Ahmed, Barrister Zafarullah Khan and
Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Salman Aslam Butt and other senior officers
attended the meeting held at the Prime Ministers House.

The PM expressed the governments iron resolve to deal with miscreants with a heavy
hand.

The government is committed to take all necessary steps to ensure that the blood
spilled in the Peshawar school carnage does not go waste, he said.

The PM emphasised on seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies as

well as among the provincial governments and the federal government to achieve
optimum results within a short period of time.

NACTA STARTS TO FUNCTION:

During the meeting, the premier issued directions to make NACTA functional. Moreover,
the authoritys executive meeting has been called on Wednesday under the
chairmanship of the interior minister to review the anti-terrorism measures adopted by
the government.

Although NACTAs new chief Hamid Ali Khan took charge in November 2014, the anti-
terror body was hitherto largely dormant resulting in an absence of coordination among
various intelligence and law-enforcement agencies which is crucial for monitoring
activities of extremist groups operating across the country.

DRAFT FOR AMENDMENTS FOR TRIAL OF SUSPECTED TERRORISTS:

During the meeting, the first draft of constitutional and legal amendments for the trial of
enemy combatants and hardcore terrorists involved in execution, abetting and financing
of mass murders was presented to the PM.

The draft was presented by a legal team, along with the planning minister, finance
minister and PMs Special Assistant Zaheer and the law secretary.

The PM directed the legal team to share the draft with other political parties for their
input.

We will legally protect our soldiers in their fight against terrorists, PM Sharif told the
meeting. He also directed that instances of terrorism or sectarian violence against
minorities should also be included in the schedule of offences against terrorists.

We want to make the country a safer place for every Pakistani regardless of the
individuals faith or ethnicity, said the PM.

PM FINALISES 16 COMMITTEES ON NAP IMPLEMENTATION:

The premier also finalised the constitution of an umbrella committee and 15 sub-
committees related to the implementation of the NAP.

The PMs office issued a notification containing the composition of the committees and a
time-frame for submission of their recommendations.

The main committee tasked with the implementation of NAP on counter-terrorism will be
headed by the PM and comprise the interior minister, finance minister, planning minister,
Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif,
SAFRON Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Sardar
Mehtab, Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz and PMs
Special Assistant Zafarullah.

The 15 sub-committees, focusing on various anti-terror strategies, are as follows:

COUNTER-TERRORISM FORCE:

The premier has formed a sub-committee, to be headed by the interior minister and
comprising ministers of finance and defence, Military Operations (MO) DG Major
General Aamer Riaz, secretaries of finance and interior and NACTA coordinator, to
recommend steps for establishing and deploying a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Force.

The premier has directed that the deployment of the force be completed by May 31,
2015, and has also directed the finance minister to work out the cash flow requirement
for raising the force by December 31.

ELIMINATING ARMED MILITIAS:

The premier formed a sub-committee headed by the interior minister which is assigned
to propose an action plan within three days on the elimination of armed militias.
The committee comprises of ISI DG, Intelligence Bureau (IB) DG Aftab Sultan, MO DG,
all provincial home secretaries, including those of the Federally Administered Tribal
Areas (FATA), Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, NACTA national
coordinator and the interior secretary.

UNPLUGGING TERRORIST COMMUNICATION NETWORKS:

The interior minister will also head a sub-committee assigned to recommend steps within
three days on how to dismantle the communication networks of terrorist organisations
and tangible measures against the use of internet and social media for terrorism.

NO MORE MONEY TO TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS:

Further, the premier has also formed a sub-committee under the finance minister, tasked
to submit recommendations on choking finances for terrorists and terrorist organisations.
State Bank Governor Ashraf Mehmood Wathra, ISI DG, interior secretary, Federal Board
of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) DG Akbar
Hoti and the finance secretary will be part of the committee.

TERRORIST GLORIFICATION BY MEDIA:

Another sub-committee, to be headed by the information minister, will put forth

recommendations on the banning of any glorification of terrorism and terrorist
organisations by print and electronic media. The panel will comprise the interior minister,
planning minister, PMs Special Assistants Siddiqui, Zafarullah and the information
secretary.

RE-EMERGENCE OF BANNED ORGANISATIONS:

The interior minister will also head another sub-body to recommend measures against
the re-emergence of proscribed organisations. The committee also comprises of ISI DG,
IB DG, all home secretaries and the interior secretary.

REVAMPING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM:

Furthermore, the interior minister will also head a sub-committee on the revamping and
reforming the criminal justice system to strengthen counter-terrorism departments,
including granting of powers to the provincial CIDs to intercept terrorist communications.
Besides others, the sub-body also comprises of interior secretary, all provincial
secretaries, representatives of the ISI, IB and law secretary. The recommendations will
be finalised within a week.

HATE SPEECH, EXTREMIST MATERIAL:

Another sub-committee, also headed by the interior minister, has been tasked with
furnishing recommendations within three days on the subject of countering hate speech
and extremist material.
The panel consists of the ministers of religious affairs, planning and information, ISI DG,
IB DG, Pakistan Television MD, all provincial home secretaries and Auqaf departments,
NACTAs national coordinator and the interior secretary.

RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION:

Another sub-committee was tasked to furnish a report within three days on taking
effective steps against religious persecution. Headed by interior minister, the body will
consist of the minister and secretary of religious affairs, the interior secretary, all
provincial police officers, IGPs of GB, AJK and ICT, all home secretaries and Auqaf
departments and NACTA coordinator.

REGUALTING MADRASSAS:

The interior minister will also head a sub-committee on the registration and regulation of
madrassas. The body will hold meetings with various organisations of the Wifaqul
Madaris and furnish the report within two weeks. The committee comprises of the
minister and secretary of religious affairs, State Minister for Education Balighur Rehman,
all home secretaries and Auqaf departments.

SECTARIAN STRIFE:

The sub-committee tasked with presenting recommendations on subject of dealing firmly

with sectarian terrorism within a week will be headed by the interior minister and
comprised of IB DG, all provincial police officers, home secretaries and heads of counter
terrorism departments, besides the interior secretary and the NACTA coordinator.

AFGHAN REFUGEES:

Furthermore, the interior minister will also head a sub- committee to furnish
recommendations within a week on the formulation of a comprehensive policy to deal
with the issue of Afghan refugees, banning registration of all unregistered illegal
refugees. KP governor, SAFRON minister, NADRA chairman and other senior officials
will be part of the body.

FATA REFORMS:

The PM also formed a sub-committee under the KP governor, which will furnish
recommendations within a week on administrative and development reforms in FATA,
with an immediate focus on rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Ministers for finance, planning and SAFRON, as well as the economic affairs secretary,
Corps Commander 11 Corps Peshawar and FATA chief secretary will be part of the
committee.

KARACHI OPERATION:
Another sub-body, formed under the interior minister will present its recommendations
within three days on the subject of taking the ongoing operation in Karachi to its logical
conclusion. Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Rangers
DG and other senior officials will be part the body.

NO MILITANCY IN PUNJAB:

Another sub-committee, to be headed by the interior minister, has been assigned to

recommend measures within three days on zero tolerance for militancy in some parts
of Punjab. ISI and IB DGs, home secretary and provincial police officer are members of
the committee.

Pakistan: amending constitution to set up

anti-terror military courts
Posted: 10:12 am, January 3, 2015 by admin

Pakistans political leaders have decided to amend the constitution to form an alternative military court
system that will try alleged terrorists and extremists following the deadly Peshawar school attack.

A unanimous agreement by the countrys civilian political and military leadership to alter the
constitution in order to form the alternative court system was achieved during the meeting headed by
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The bill will be presented in the National Assembly on Saturday and in the Senate on Tuesday and
after it is passed by the two houses of parliament, it will become part of the Constitution, Minister for
Information Pervaiz Rashid told the press, adding that the Army Act will also be amended.
READ MORE: Pakistan agrees on new antiterrorism plan, pledges to eradicate Taliban
The special court will try all the terrorists who have killed innocent civilians in the countrys street and
bazars, schools and all around, and involved in killing security personnel and attacks on military
installations, Rashid told reporters.
Prime Minister Shariff said the meeting at his house showed a demonstration of national unity and
accord as it serves as a bright chapter of our political movement.
Pakistan vowed to crack down on terrorism following a December Taliban attack on a school in
Peshawar that killed 150 people, including 134 children. Immediately after the attack, Sharif vowed to
wipe out terrorism in the country as he announced the termination of the moratorium on the death
penalty in Pakistan.

READ MORE: Pakistan to execute 500 convicted terrorists within weeks

The amendments would see military courts established for a specific period of at least two years.
Besides this, the new legislative roadmap would focus on curbing the spread of terrorism by
regulating seminaries, preventing hate speeches and provocative literature, and preventing terrorists
propaganda on the media.
The nation now wants to see the National Action Plan to deal with terrorism in action so that the
country could be purged of the menace of terrorism once and for all, Sharriff said.

EU never threatened Pakistan with sanctions

over Hangings
Posted: 6:34 pm, January 1, 2015 by admin By Dr Shahid Qureshi : -

Capital punishment is legal in Pakistan and is ranked fifth after the Peoples Republic of China, Iran,
Saudi Arabia and the United States. The European Union continue to do business with Iran, Saudi
Arabia, China and USA. How is it possible that the EU would only discriminate and force Pakistan
who is fighting a bloody war since 2001?

It seems for that very reason Nawaz Government did not extend the moratorium but quietly put a ban
on executions of over 8000 criminals waiting to be hanged. The EU and USA has no problem with the
Islamic Sharia Laws as they have benefited from them when US Citizen Raymond Davis was
released from all murder charges of two Pakistani citizens after paying the blood money to the
families of the victims.

The Presidential moratorium imposed by Asif Zardari expired on 30th June 2013 and the government
announced it had no plan to extend it. The government stated there would be no general amnesty for
the convicts waiting for execution.

When Zardari said, democracy is the best revenge. He meant his style of revenge from all Pakistanis
i.e. he banned hanging of murders and criminals on the one hand and gave free hand to criminals,
mafias in Pakistan and turned it into Criminalistan. During Zardaris democratic rule from March 2008
to March 2013 in Pakistan 65,446 murdered, 16,448 women raped (including gang rapes), and
88,161 kidnappings according to National Crime Data (NCD).

Read More:
(Pakistan Taliban are not bigger threat than Police & Judges : Published, The London Post
on 13th March 2014.)
http://thelondonpost.net/taliban-are-not-bigger-threat-than-police-judges-65446-murdered-
16448-women-raped-88161-kidnappings/
When the above killings, kidnapping and rapes were happening Zardari Government and later Nawaz
Sharif continued ban on executions of the criminals awarded sentences by the courts of Pakistan and
have used their all appeal rights.

First Zardari Government and later Nawaz Sharif government continued to lie to the people of
Pakistan. They told people of Pakistan that reason behind the Presidential ban on hanging of
murderers was due to the pressures from European Union. That was never been the case in 2008
and also in 2014. The European Union never pressurised Pakistan and/or asked to ban on executions
of criminals awarded punishments by the courts of Pakistan.

In the after math of the Peshawar Massacre of Children in School and in response to a query The
European Union wrote on 19/12/14 and within hours European Union sent me the following response
after consulting their experts:

Dear Dr (Shahid) Qureshi

Pakistan was granted a Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade arrangement
as from 1 January this year (2104). The moratorium on executions is not a GSP + precondition
and is not part of any of the 27 core conventions under the GSP+ scheme.

That being said, in the process leading up the granting of GSP+ by the EU, and as part of
Pakistans effort to show its commitment and willingness to make significant progress on
human rights, the Government of Pakistan undertook to maintain the de facto moratorium,
which has been in place since 2008.
The position of the EU is well known: we are against the death penalty in all circumstances
because we believe it is not an effective deterrent and is an irreversible form of punishment.

After the horrific massacre in Peshawar, the EU High Representative and European
Commission Vice President Frederica Mogherini issued a statement expressing her shock and
heartfelt condolences, reiterating the commitment of the EU to tackle the threat posed by
terrorism and to further assist the Pakistani Government.
I sent the above European Union response to British Human Rights Lawyer Barrister Amjad Malik for
comment.
He said: Lifting ban on moratorium does not affect GSP plus status as long as Pakistan is
committed to improvement on human rights and due process of law.
I send following request to the Government of Pakistan via their Press attach Muneer Ahmad at The
Pakistan High Commission in London at the same time on 19/12/2014. I have not received any
response from them till filing of this article 01/01/2015.

EU warning of ban on Executions in Pakistan: I am writing to enquire about the above

statements made in Pakistani media that: EU threatened to put trade restrictions on Pakistan if
it continue with executions of criminals and murderers? Can you please provide background
to this information and evidence if possible when did it happen and what was the context as
soon as possible.
According to the latest reports corrupt and incompetent politicians of Pakistan are still not seeing the
gravity and dangers Pakistan facing from the criminals as well as terrorists. They are trying to hide
behind the EU or some human rights organisations as an excuse to further delay the executions for
no other reason that they themselves have been involved in crimes. They are detached with the
reality, as they feel safe in police protections. Over 2500 policemen are protecting PM Nawaz Sharifs
family among them 19 policemen are keeping an eye on his pet peacocks. Eight policemen of Punjab
Police were suspended after a wild cat killed one of his peacocks. That cat was shot dead by the
Punjab police.

All the criminals are patronised by the politicians and mafias. These criminal mafias are providing
shelters and protections to the terrorists, as they cannot operate in a vacuum? These mafias have
become national security threat to Pakistan. They are responsible for harbouring and financing
terrorist as well as become tool for the foreign agents. Armed Forces are not deigned to fight with
these mafias, which is fully backed, by judiciary and police. As a result we see jail breaks en mass, we
see witnesses murdered, terrorist and criminals released and most worrying trend is that these mafias
are now offering services to foreign powers and getting paid in foreign banks.

In Pakistan crime against person and property are on the rise the average of 24.12% as compared to
the figure of 2007. Pakistans corrupt police and judicial system especially at lower level seemingly
have contributed to the causalities among the armed forces fighting with the terrorists and security
forces. Corrupt officials at all levels have made the infiltration of enemies with the ranks and files,
which resulted in the huge increase in the deaths of armed forces. Police corruption has made the job
of the anti terror personnel not only difficult but almost impossible with the emergence of various
criminal mafias and syndicates. Terrorism in Pakistan is now self financing through land grabbing,
drugs, extortion and white collar crimes in stock exchanges, money laundering.

The politicians have left Army to deal with everything from floods, earthquakes, famine and terrorism
as well as minding the international borders while politicians are busy in all kinds of corruption, minting
money and buying properties abroad.

The politicians must know that clock is ticking and they dont have any idea what is attached with it.
So time to act now before it is too late.

Pakistan waiting for a true leader

Posted: 6:57 pm, December 26, 2014 by admin

By Asif Haroon Raja : -

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan raised the slogan of Two-nation Theory to challenge the brute majority of
Hindus in All India Congress. Allama Iqbal raised the hopes of Muslims through his scintillating poetry
and gave the idea of Pakistan. Unconquerable spirit, strength of will and singleness of purpose of MA
Jinnah united the Muslims of India under the banner of Muslim League and turned the dream into
reality. His honesty, strength of character and undaunted steadfastness helped him in achieving his
goal of creating Pakistan. The Quaid lived all his life by a strict code of personal ethics and never
compromised on principles and discipline. The Quaid was a man who could be trusted upon without
an iota of doubt. He had assumed a legendary image for the Muslims. His presence was a matter of
strength and comfort for them. Creating a new Nation had taken all the character, prescience,
conviction and energy of the Quaid. In his Presidential Address to the Constituent Assembly of
Pakistan on 11th August, 1947 he said, My guiding principle will be justice and complete impartiality,
and I am sure that with your support and co-operation, I can look forward to Pakistan becoming one of
the greatest Nations of the world.

Pakistan was very unfortunate to lose MA Jinnah just after one year of its birth. Hardly had he closed
his eyes when the Muslim League which the Quaid had nurtured and solidified into a cohesive force,
began to crack from within. Devoid of strong leadership, the hidden demented forces of hate, greed
and destruction who had remained suppressed under the awe-inspiring personality of the Quaid,
surfaced and started to dismantle the edifice bit by bit that had been erected after so much of pain
and labor. Regionalism raised its ugly head. Mini-mind and rapacious leaders that came after Liaquat
Ali Khan set aside the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and started plundering the nation with both hands.
Fascism overtook democratic norms and the country kept lurching from one crisis to another.

The ideals of the Quaid have been torn into shreds. Sycophancy, nepotism, jobbery, favoritism,
bribery, corruption, red tapism, hypocrisy, immorality and all sorts of vices have become rampant. The
country is gripped in lawlessness, extremism and terrorism. While the honest are hounded and
persecuted, the dishonest and rogues are patronized and shielded. Decent politics have been
replaced with hooliganism and dirty politics, and democracy stultified. Democracy, Anglo-Saxon laws
and economic system are pro-rich and anti-poor. Incompetence, greed for power and pelf of the
successive regimes has made Pakistan economically weak, politically unstable and socially and
religiously divided.

Pomp and show of the rulers and the elite class and their insensitivity towards the downtrodden has
made the latter heart-broken, disenchanted, resentful and revengeful. Great majority is drenched in
the pool of poverty. Having nothing to lose, many have opted to join the criminal gangs or terrorist
groups. It is from among the have-nots who are responsible for the deaths of over 50,000 Pakistanis
and the gruesome attack on a school in Peshawar on December 16 in which 133 children were
martyred. Existential threat to the security of Pakistan is not from the traditional enemies across the
border but from within.

While the entire lot of politicians is on one page to eliminate the scourge of terrorism, the 20-point
Action Plan announced by the PM is very encouraging. Concrete steps have been suggested to net
the terrorists, their sympathizers and helpers. However, the whole burden has once again been put on
the Army to fight the battle of survival. The question is, have we not held several APCs in the last six
years and came out with unanimous resolutions to root out terrorism? While the military performed its
task of clearing and holding the troubled regions commendably, other organs of the State remained
out of step and failed to perform. Heavily politicized police which is supposed to act as the first line of
defence against criminals and terrorists lack capacity and will to deliver. The judiciary, particularly
lower courts failed to convict criminals and terrorists and failed to provide justice to the have-nots. The
Supreme Court made no effort to revamp the flawed criminal justice system. It is owing to utter failure
of civil

courts that the people are vying for establishment of military courts. Civil administration lacks will
power to take over secured areas from the Army, undertake rehabilitation and development works
and win hearts and minds of the affected people. No effort has been made to bring FATA in the
mainstream and it continues to remain Illaqa Ghair. PPO has not been implemented in real sense and
special courts established in Sind have not convicted any hardened criminal/terrorist. Failure of
democracy to provide security, social justice and means of living has impelled the people to seek out
military rule.

Successive governments lacked moral courage to point out that intelligence agencies of US, UK,
Israel, India, Germany and Afghanistan based in Kabul were heavily involved in fomenting terrorism in
Pakistan and also in discrediting its premier institutions through orchestrated propaganda war. They
have continued to treat them as friends of Pakistan and followed one-sided policy of appeasement
despite having collected concrete evidence of their involvement in FATA, Swat, Balochistan and
Karachi. While the rulers never tire of saying that we are at war, they continue to indulge in merry
making. They have remained busy in amassing power and wealth and are more worried about
personal security and security of capital cities particularly Islamabad by turning them into Red Zones.
Rather than becoming role models, respecting laws and ensuring their implementation, the rulers and
elites violate laws with impunity.

Several political/religious parties and groups are soft towards the banned extremist groups and
preferred talks over action. Right persons were not chosen for negotiations. So-called independent
media and NGOs have been instrumental in promoting the agenda of foreign countries and
PEMRA/Ministry of Information remained silent spectators. No effort has ever been made for moral
refurbishment, national integration and to narrow the ever widening gap between rich and poor. As a
consequence, extremism kept growing and new crop of terrorists kept increasing and terrorist groups
mushroomed.

Among the corrective actions, no thought has been given as to how to doctor the causes which
foment religious extremism, sectarian strife and intolerance, how to

refurbish declined moral turpitude, human values and ethics, how to change ostentatious lifestyle and
behavior of the affluent class and bringing it in conformity with the teachings of the Quaid and as
prescribed in our religion. No plan has been spelled out how to revamp three-tier education system
and to better the lives of the have-nots, convert their hatred into brotherhood and fraternity. Law and
order can never improve until and unless the police is depoliticized, its quality and capacity improved
and given a free hand. People can never be won over unless they are provided cheap and
evenhanded justice and their basic amenities of life made available. Military courts should be
established only in Karachi and Quetta where terrorism is rife and no airstrikes or drone attacks are
taking place and Army is not involved.

In the APC, the political/religious leaders should have pledged to become role models and to
religiously implement the guidelines and legacies of Jinnah by turning Pakistan into a welfare state.
Alas! Dream of the Great Quaid remains unfulfilled. People are still waiting for another Quaid.

The writer is a retired Brig, war veteran/defence analyst/columnist/author of five books, Director
Measac Research Centre, Director Board of Governors Thinkers Forum Pakistan

Pakistan killed school massacre criminal

facilitator
Posted: 3:53 pm, December 26, 2014 by admin

Pakistani security forces have killed a Taliban commander who allegedly facilitated the Peshawar
school massacre, which left 150 people dead in the countrys worst ever attack.

Officials on Friday said the fighter, named only as Saddam, was killed on Thursday night in a gunfight
with security forces in the restive Khyber tribal area, which borders the northwestern city of Peshawar
where last weeks attack took place.

Commander Saddam was a dreaded terrorist, who was killed in an exchange of fire with the security
forces in Jamrud town of Khyber tribal region, top local administration official Shahab Ali Shah told a
press conference in Peshawar.

Six of his accomplices were injured and arrested.

He added that Saddam is believed to have facilitated the school attack, although the extent or
capacity of his alleged involvement was not yet known.

Authorities are currently interrogating the injured terrorists, Shah said.

He described Saddam as an important commander in the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban

Pakistan (TTP), and said he had masterminded several bomb attacks.

Saddam and his accomplices had been involved in several recent attacks on security forces that had
resulted in heavy casualties, Shah said.
The Taliban and other fighters have taken refuge in Khyber from a major army offensive launched in
June in North Waziristan, another restive tribal area on the Afghan border that has been a hub for al-
Qaeda and Taliban fighters since the early 2000s.

Anti-terror measures
Meanwhile, a US drone strike on a Taliban compound in North Waziristan killed at least four fighters
on Friday, officials said, the second such incident in a week.

Another drone strike in North Waziristan on December 20 killed at least five fighters, officials said.

The area is generally off-limits to journalists, making it difficult to independently verify the number and
identity of the dead.

Washington pressed Islamabad for years to wipe out armed groups sanctuaries in North Waziristan,
which have been used to launch attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani military says it has killed more than 1,700 fighters so far in its heavy offensive in the
tribal zone, with 126 soldiers having lost their lives.

Pakistan has ramped up its anti-terror strategy in the wake of the December 16 slaughter at an army-
run school in Peshawar, where 134 children were among the victims gunned down by heavily-armed
Taliban fighters.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of military courts for terror-related
cases in order to accelerate trials, and he has also lifted a six-year moratorium on the death penalty,
reinstating it for terrorism-related cases.

Officials said Monday that Pakistan plans to execute around 500 fighters in the coming weeks.

Source: APShare on Facebook

Is it Jinnahs Pakistan?
Posted: 10:34 am, December 25, 2014 by admin

By Syed Atiq ul Hassan : On the 139th Birthday of the Founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah
My message to you all is of hope, courage and confidence. Let us mobilize all our resources in a
systematic and organized way and tackle the grave issues that confront us with grim determination
and discipline worthy of a great nation Founder of Pakistan

Our object should be peace within, and peace without. We want to live peacefully and maintain
cordial friendly relations with our immediate neighbours and with the world at large Founder of
Pakistan.
In addition to above two sayings of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, there are plenty
speeches and sayings of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in which he described Pakistan, a peaceful and
friendly country and Pakistani nation an open and vibrant society. Unfortunately, those who took the
control of the state run the country exactly opposite the principles and dream of the founder of
Pakistan.

The struggle of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah in united India was to secure the basic
rights of the Indian Muslims, and Pakistan was the last resort after long negotiation and cooperation
with the leaders of the Indian Congress.

Pakistan came into existence after a long political movement of the leaders of the all India Muslim
League under the grand leadership of Mohammed Ali Jinnah that is why he is called Quaid-e-Azam.

All India Muslim League under the leadership of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah,
struggled to negotiate and secure the civil rights of the second big population of United India
(Muslims) with Indian Congress over the long period of time and in result of continuously denial of
various proposals put forward by the All India Muslim League by the Indian Congress, the leader
Mohammad Ali Jinnah finally declared the ultimate solution of a separate state for the Muslims of
India Pakistan. A state where the citizens would be treated equally, where there would be equal rule
of law for everyone, where people would respect each others ethnicity and faith, where citizens would
be free to practice their religion and where everyone would enjoy the freedom of an independent
state.

Today, everything is happening in Pakistan except those for which Pakistan was created. The
landlords, tribal leaders and sectarian religious leaders played politics in Pakistan for their own vested
interest, their properties, businesses and assets grown-up remarkably in the last 60 years but the
wealth and assets of the State decreased shamefully.

Yesterday (24/12/2014), all political pundits, after 7 days to the Peshawars massacre of children
carried their difference into the grand meeting and in the presence of military leadership agreed to
have military courts to punish the culprits involved in terrorist activities. They have proved that they
are incompetent, incapable and corrupt.

Last night (24/12/2014), in this speech, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said, The Peshawar atrocity has
changed Pakistan; we need to eradicate the mindset of terrorism to defeat extremism and
sectarianism. Mr. Sharif looks into his own backyard and sees who are supporting Taliban. He
himself and his brother, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif who is the chief minister of the largest province of
Pakistan, until yesterday, promoting dialogue with the Taliban, Nawaz Sharif loudly and firmly
advocating negotiations with Taliban in his speeches. He was wrong at that time or is he wrong now?
The fact of the matter is that he is again deceiving a nation of 180 million and trying to get away from
taking the responsibility of law & order failure in the terrorists attack in recent attack on school in
Peshawar where 148 citizens including 135 children died. He is now cunningly shifting his own
responsibility to the army. This is the same whose chief (Retired General Pervez Musharraf) he calls
as traitor.

Time and again, it happened in the 60 years of Pakistans history that whenever these political thugs
get power they start building their own wealth & power and left mess in the country for the military to
clean when worst happened. It is shame on Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Nawaz Sharif, who tried
to deliver an impression of grief and with emotional words announced to formed military courts for two
years in Pakistan in order to deal with the terrorists. If military has to provide justice to the criminals
and terrorists then why these political thugs are there? Just to enjoy the lavish life on tax-payers
money and further expand their businesses in and outside. How shameful is this for this Prime
Minister and his government there he has yet not appointed a foreign minister in Pakistan, what is the
hitch? There is no one in Pakistan who could satisfy his criteria to be the foreign minister? These
politicians in power and out of power are involved not only in corruption but shameless activities. On
the name of democracy foreign powers for their own vested interest in the region are supporting the
control of the state by those corrupt so-called politicians who are further dragging the country towards
total collapse.

If Pakistans army has to serve the punishment to the criminals then what is purpose of these political
thugs to govern the county. 180 million people of Pakistan needs justice not only the criminals. In the
last seven years, these corrupt politicians on the name of democracy have given country further
bankruptcy, corruption and lawlessness. They have shown no interest in the problems of common
people who are dying day by day by poverty. These politicians only goal is how much they can
prolong their power and how much they can further expand their assets by kickbacks and briberies.
And now, all these so-called political leaders, after 7 days of discussing action plan against terrorism,
came-out with the proposal in front of Pakistan army that they are fine with having the military courts
to serve the justice. Pakistans ruling history shows that when some incompetent politicians failed to
run the state affairs the others begged army to take control of the state again.

This is a great slept on their faces by the military leadership. The reality is this that these political
thugs have surrendered in front of criminals and now begging army to serve punishment to them,
therefore, army has to take the control of Pakistan and not only serve the justice to the terrorists but
also the same punishment to the abettors and sympathisers of these fanatic killers.

The people of Pakistan have short memories, they have been victimised by the same perpetrators
time and again. The people of Pakistan forget what happened to Pakistan in 1971. The people of
Pakistan should look into the profiles of those who are governing Pakistan today. Most of them are
either the same culprits or their next generation who had split the country in 1971.
Now, in the current drastic failing situation of Pakistan, if the people of Pakistan feel that the country
needs an operation clean-up against terrorism then it can only be done the Pakistan Army. (The writer
is a Sydney-based journalist, his website address is www.sauhassan.com )

Concluded on 25 December, 2014Share on Facebook

Pakistan struggles to encounter December

16 Terrorism
Posted: 10:23 am, December 25, 2014 by admin

By Aisha Noor : Pakistan witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks on December 16, 2014 when
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan gunmen stormed Army Public School and massacred 150 people, mostly
school children in a revenge attack for ongoing military operation in North Waziristan. Violent
extremism continues to plague Pakistan, as the government struggles to combat militant groups that
contribute to political, economic, and social instability. The civil-military leadership, in shock after the
massacre, vowed to take strict action against the militants. Leaders met on Dec 24, 2014 in
Islamabad to discuss the progress made so far in chalking out the national action plan against
terrorism. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar outlined some of the key points that would form the action
plan against terrorism. All parties conference unanimously accepted the implementation of special
trial courts. Quid pro quo response to militants has become unavoidable now. When the court awards
punishment, quick action should be taken according to the trial.

COUNTERING terrorism refers not just to a forceful response to acts of terror but also a
comprehensive combination of hard and soft power. Social, psychological, economic and political
means, all are essential. Military forces have conducted large-scale operations against militant
groups. To what extent can the military deal with the elements? Military measures include targeting
militant and terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries, cutting off their command and controlling set-ups such
as supplies. The defense forces especially the army and the internal security agencies especially the
provincial police need to work together in order to counter this threat against humanity. Strong Police
under the control of Judiciary should be ensured.

The police as a department do require to be trained in handling the problem .It should be the Police
job to secure the scene of crime. Sufficient requisite staff must be on permanent duty in every police
station, monitoring the movements of strangers. Training and filling vacancies in the Police
department must be done on a war footing and the latest equipment must be provided to them.
Moreover, retired armed forces personals should be inducted being trained soldiers within a minimum
time frame of one year. Potent force will be made available.

Intelligence measures can help in countering the planning and operations of terrorist groups while
judicial measures can ensure prompt hearings and the award of punishment to those found guilty of
acts of terror. There is an urgent need for information sharing amongst various intelligence agencies
and need to procure new technologies for forensic testing and other capabilities. All of this will require
resource commitment. Technological advancement has given an edge to western nations who have
achieved a great success in controlling terrorism after 9/11. Surveillance and monitoring system may
be enhanced by using modern technology.

The proper protection of borders including communication jammers is extremely necessary now. The
border if once completely sealed then we would not bear any more allegations of cross border support
to terrorism. The passports and immigration system is to be strengthened and the validity and
authenticity of passports issued to various individuals in Pakistan should be checked.

Violence has more space when there is poverty, unemployment, under-development and
backwardness. Poverty, lack of education, unemployment, corruption and mainly injustice are major
causes of terrorism.one way to deal with extremism and radicalization in society is to promote social
harmony, mobility and interaction among different social groups. By promoting literacy and better
education, one can defeat the elements that take advantage of ignorance and illiteracy and promote
extremism, militancy and terrorism. Educational Institutions should become free from all kind of
politics especially in FATA.

Disillusioned youth get attracted to the evil path when nothing is left and fall prey to evil people.
Money has to be spent on education and jobs have to be generated. There is need to reduce the
unemployment rate, and injustice and manage proper system of education. Industries should set up in
these remote and backward areas to make them developed and prosperous. Young generation
should give employment and opportunity to move forward despite to be used by the Militants as they
are going to be trapped by them just for some money or in the name of religion. For this purpose
corporate giants may be approached and may be asked to join hands to build and run these free
educational institutions with strong management in FATA and other backward areas.

Tolerance for religious extremists has not just destroyed lives and alienated entire communities; it is
destroying Pakistani society and the nation. Illegal mosques with their funding should be checked.
Moreover, implication of Shariah is the foremost need of Pakistan. True implication of Islamic Laws
can solve many problems internal and external.

Now political parties are serious about dealing with the threat and the challenge of terrorism and
people of Pakistan are united in curbing terrorism completely. All decisions are taken in the national
interest.

Pakistani Politicians are the biggest enemy

of democracy
Posted: 12:14 am, December 23, 2014 by admin
By Asif Haroon Raja : -
It is being generally opined that repeated takeovers by the military blunted growth of democracy and
became the major cause of Pakistans sad saga. It must however not be forgotten that all martial laws
and military takeovers were legalized by the higher courts and backed by the politicians in opposition
and rejoiced by the people. But for the deplorable conduct of the politicians, the Army could not have
snatched power. Ayub Khans ten-year rule is internationally acclaimed as the golden period of
Pakistan. GDP rose to 7% and all-round reforms were undertaken. Pakistan is surviving economically
because of dams and irrigation canals made during Ayubs tenure. Pakistan armed forces became a
robust conventional force and it successfully blunted the nefarious designs of five-time superior Indian
forces to capture Pakistans heartland in the 1965 War.

The economic graph of the country remained at 7% during Gen Zia and Gen Musharrafs tenures. No
military ruler bled the nation white. Popularity and graph of progress of each military rule declined
when politicians joined the military government. Bureaucrats too fared poorly. The four Army rulers
had not only put the derailed nation back on the rails but also gave a lot to the country in terms of
development, accountability, good governance and continuity. Law and order situation was kept under
control.

The armed forces have maintained and further improved the existing cantonments and developed
new ones. FWO and NLC have contributed a great deal in development of road infrastructure
throughout the length and breadth of the country. The NLC also beefed up the road transport service
to carry heavy loads. Welfare organizations like Fauji Foundation/Fertilizer/Cement etc are all self
reliant and profit running/ tax-paying setups, which not only cater for the well-being of retired officers
and men, but also handsomely contribute towards national growth. Fauji Foundation is running chain
of top class Askari banks, high quality schools/colleges as well as hospitals all over the country. It has
now commissioned windmill project in Karachi to boost energy. Army/Navy/Air-force Housing
Directorates have spread a network of high quality housing schemes for the retiring officers and now
for lower ranks as well. Top quality hospitals are run by armed forces where civilians can also avail
the medical facilities. Well equipped

Armed Forces Rehabilitation Centre in Rawalpindi effectively treats the disabled and war injured
soldiers. As welfare measures, welfare shops, resorts in hilly areas, sport complexes, swimming pools
and jogging tracks are run by the armed forces. The Army has earned a name in the UN and is the
most respected and in great demand for UN Missions in troubled countries. The ISI is rated as
number one intelligence agency in the world since it has thwarted the combined efforts of six
intelligence agencies to denuclearize/balkanize Pakistan. The Army is maintaining minimum nuclear
deterrence and is guarding strategic assets with resoluteness. It has inbuilt accountability system and
makes no compromise in discipline and strives to keep the units/HQs operationally/technically fit.
The Army is now busy fighting the faceless enemy to rid the nation of the menace of terrorism which
has become an existential threat. It has lost 5000 soldiers to keep Pakistan safe. Besides counter
insurgency, the Army is also engaged in developing FATA and Balochistan, looking after one million
displaced persons from North Waziristan and in winning the hearts and minds of the troubled regions.
Despite frantic calls by all and sundry, the Army leadership has desisted from seizing power and has
played a definite role in strengthening democracy.

In comparison, performance of political leaders has been dismal. All told 9 general elections took
place between 1970 and 2013 in addition to party-less election in 1985. Unfortunately, all were rigged,
which brought to fore false mandate. Rulers and not leaders with a fake mandate left no stone
unturned to wreck and destroy the nation. Their sole objective was to make hay as long as the sun
shone. Both the PPP and PML-N in their respective two tenures each from 1988 to 1999 tried to
control the Khakis but couldnt. Army played no role in shortening their tenures. Similar attempts were
made by PPP regime in their last tenure but again failed. Even the present regime yearns to harness
the Army for unexplainable reasons.

While ZA Bhutto laid the foundation of nuclear program in 1976, Pakistan achieved weapon-grade
nuclear capability during Ziaul Haqs tenure. Zia and Musharraf however should have constructed
Kalabagh Dam, which would have countered Indias blackmailing tactic of flooding or drying up the
three rivers. All the four military rulers during their 33-year rule opted for controlled democracy to gain
legitimacy of the West rather than striving to take Pakistan out of the well of poverty and illiteracy and
making it a model welfare State as envisaged by Quaid-e-Azam. Ten-year unadulterated military rule
free of political influence and Bureaucratic negativity could have made Pakistan an Asian Tiger.

Economic indicators during the 34-year rule of politicians remained downbeat. Not a single dam has
been built by them. The third PPP rule under Zardari took away everything and gave nothing except
for false promises. The present government of PML-N having learnt bitter lessons is working hard to
restore the faith of people in democracy. In one and half years it has taken bold initiatives/constructive
steps and so far no corruption scandal has come to surface. Although webbed in lot many
imperfections, PML-N is comparatively a better devil and is at least striving hard to put the house in
order under extremely trying conditions
.

Opportunist politicians, who had all along cribbed that the Army rulers never gave a chance to the
democracy to grow, are hell-bent to derail the democratic system. Rather than trying their luck in next
elections, PTI and PAT egged on by discarded politicians like Sheikh Rashid and Chaudhri brothers
of PML-Q ganged up to boot out the ruling government through sit-ins. Two religious parties also
joined PAT. They remained under the illusion that Army leadership had gone wary of the ruling regime
and would let them undertake unconstitutional steps to seek power even if the government orders it to
come in aid of civil power once the red line is breached. They were also assured by the MQM and
disgruntled politicians within PML-N that they would join them at an opportune time. Likewise,
discontented politicians of PPP belonging to Punjab chapter conveyed their support. While Tahirul
Qadri promised to collect a crowd of 12 lakhs, Imran Khan stated that he would be able to muster at
least 2.5 lakhs on August 14 to storm the capital city. In their considered view, Nawaz would become
history once the gigantic convoy reached Gujranwala.
Despite the fact that all the rosy assumptions proved false and ultimately Tahirul Qadri having taken
all rabbits out of his hat deemed it feasible to bow out, somehow Imran continued with his sit-ins and
kept his hopes high that he will be able to force Nawaz to step down. He kept playing the theme of
rigging even when 5 out his 6 points were accepted by the government. He showed utter lack of
confidence in any institution other than the Army and kept ridiculing the politicians, judiciary and
Election Commission. Notwithstanding that all what he said was true and required surgical treatment,
however, his method and timings were wrong and he was in too great a hurry. He took the fatal
plunge without legal, constitutional and political support.

Large crowds he attracted at Islamabad and in other cities further bolstered his spirits and kept him in
a trance. Song and dance which became part and parcel of sit-ins, heavy presence of girls and
women, free food, daily wages to the people belonging to lower classes and those coming from out
stations, together with the comical slogan of Go-Nawaz-Go were the major attractions for the sitters
mostly belonging to higher middle and upper classes. Rabble-rousing leaders incited the public to
take law into their own hands and throw out the government in power by force. A demonstration of
this was witnessed on 30 August when the PTV Station, PM House and the parliament building were
attacked by the charged up crowds.

Interestingly, Imran and Qadri upped the ante at a time when economic indicators had begun to show
an upward trend, investments had begun to flow in, Operation Zarb-e-Azb had entered a crucial
phase and the Army required full support of the public, the government and the media. One million
people displaced from North Waziristan (NW) needed full attention. While the public got distracted
towards Naya Pakistan, the media focused its entire attention towards the merry-making sit-ins and
the government got busy in saving itself from falling. Interior Ministers priority became safety of
Islamabad rather than of Pakistan. The paramilitary forces and the police were heavily employed in
Islamabad and in other cities to provide security to the protestors. Even the Army had to part with
troops to secure the capital city. The diplomatic community and the world at large also got engrossed
in politics of sit-ins while Chinese President regretted to visit Islamabad because of disturbed security
situation.

Every house in Pakistan got sharply divided over affiliations with PML-N, PTI and PAT and serenity of
a house got disturbed. Old politicians with their feet in grave also saw the ongoing power tussle as an
opportunity to gain a piece of cake and felt happy to be given a place to stand on the container. Worst
of all, the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and other senior ministers of PTI abandoned their
primary duty of serving the province which had elected them with high hopes and joined the sit-in in
Islamabad. They also took part in dancing spree rather than spending more time with the IDPs and in
removing the fault-lines in KP. They didnt return even when intelligence reports indicated a deadly
terrorist attack on a school in Peshawar.

All this time when the nation remained glued to the TV to watch the stimulating sit-ins, and the media
anchors and participants soured their throats in lionizing Imran and demeaning Nawaz, the Army
supported by PAF kept vigorously pursuing the terrorists to clear NW of their presence

and to let the IDPs return to their homes. The Operation was extended to Khyber Agency to strike
hideouts in Tirah and Bara in particular. Precautionary steps were also taken to prevent blowback in
urban centres. In the process, the Army lost 150 officers and men. The Army also had to respond to
Indian belligerence along the LoC and Working boundary. The biased media paid little attention to the
tremendous sacrifices made by the security forces in making Pakistan safe. But for the 16 December
tragedy which befell in Peshawar, the madness of sit-ins would have continued unabated.

The strategic diversion from Operation Zarb-e-Azb to unproductive politics of sit-ins gave a field day to
the plot makers sitting in Kabul to defame the military operation, demoralize the Army and cause it
unbearable pain. India exploited the political instability and adopted an offensive posture. Modi is on
record having stated that India will cause pain to Pakistan. With hate-filled fugitive Fazlullah and
Omar Khalid Khurasani in Afghanistan under the thumbs of foreign agencies, and the internal security
apparatus under IB, CID and Special Police as well as the managers of KP involved elsewhere, and
the Army heavily involved on multiple fronts, it was easy to plan the dastardly attack. Terrorists who
had been up stuck from NW were too eager to carry out a revenge attack and that too after being well
paid.

The gruesome attack on APS Peshawar by seven fiends is too painful to recount. It has paled the
brutalities of Changez and Halaku into insignificance. While the pain and anguish of the departed 133
innocent students mostly from 8th, 9th and 10th classes and staff members including the principal and
teachers is too harrowing to explain, the young ones sacrificed their lives to unite this divided nation.
They gave an exit route to Imran and steadied the rocking boat of Nawaz. Imran showed large-
heartedness to call off dharna.

Will the politicians ever rise above self-centered interests and promote unity rather than disunity and
chaos? The political deadlock which persisted for over four months has once again underscored the
point that politicians and not Army are the biggest enemies of democracy. We hope and pray that the
politicians and religious leaders would rise to the occasion and rather than indulging in self-defeating
tug of war or in power tussle and point scoring, will collectively push the cart out of the swamp and
make Pakistan prosperous and a haven of peace.

It becomes incumbent upon Imran to focus his entire energies to make KP better and secure. Nawaz
should straightaway carryout constructive reforms in electoral system, depoliticize the

police particularly in Sindh, let the Army establish military courts under Article 245 for speedy disposal
of terrorism cases, implement national counter-terrorism policy and national intelligence policy
including setting up of joint intelligence directorate, set up counter terrorism force at federal/provincial
levels, repatriate 2.7 million registered and one million unregistered Afghan refugees to their home
country ASP, improve Pak-Afghan border control and management, convince Ashraf Ghani to wind
up Indian 17 intelligence units and four Consulates focused towards Pakistan, and close down safe
havens of Fazlullah and Khurasani in Nuristan, Kunar and Nangarhar. The Army should not only try to
seal off routes of foreign supplies but also widen the scope of Operation Zarb-e-Azb to all parts of the
country to root out all forms of terrorism. The people should play their part by identifying those
sympathizing with and harboring terrorists and should remain ever vigilant.

(The writer is a retired Brig, war veteran/defence analyst/columnist/author of five books, Director
Measac Research Centre and Member Board of Governors Thinkers Forum Pakistan.)Share on
Facebook

France: Eat Pork Or Go Hungry, Le Pen Tells

Religious School children
Posted: 10:03 pm, April 5, 2014 by admin
National Front leader Marine Le Pen has said her party will not pander to Jewish and Muslim children
by offering non-Pork alternatives for lunch.

School canteens will no longer offer non-pork meal options in the 11 towns the far-right party won in
local elections, because such arrangements are contrary to Frances secular values, she said.

marine le pen

We will not accept any religious demands in school menus, Le Pen told RTL radio. There is no
reason for religion to enter the public sphere, thats the law.

Considering pork is forbidden under Jewish and Muslim dietary law, her comments have sparked a
significant backlash.

But she defended the decision saying it was necessary to save secularism.

Le Pen launched a fierce row before 2012s presidential elections when she claimed all meat from
abatoires in the Paris region was prepared using Islamic halal traditions and non-Muslim consumers
in the capital were being misled.

Her anti-immigrant party made historic gains in last weeks municipal elections, which was seen as a
significant electoral breakthrough for the party.

But the French politician was fined 10,000 euros (8,268) on Thursday over fake flyers distributed by
National Front workers during 2012 legislative elections pretending to show a far-left rival calling for
Arab votes in Arabic.Share on

UN denounces UKs sexist culture

Posted: 9:30 pm, April 15, 2014 by admin

Sexism in the UK is more pervasive and in your face than other countries, a United Nations (UN)
investigator has claimed.

UN special rapporteur on violence against women Rashida Manjoo said there is a boys club sexist
culture in Britain that influences perceptions of women and girls.

Following a 16-day visit to Britain, Ms Manjoo also warned Government cutbacks have hit violence-
against-women services and confirmed reports she was blocked from entering controversial
immigration detention centre for women, Yarls Wood.

In an initial report on violence against women, the South African human rights expert said legal and
policy responses focused on harmful practices, such as early and forced marriages but ignored the
harms coming from a a sexist culture that exists in the country.
She added: Have I seen this level of sexist culture in other countries? It hasnt been so in your face
in other countries.

I havent seen that so pervasively in other countries. Im sure it exists but it wasnt so much and so
pervasive. Im not sure what gives rise to a more visible presence of sexist portrayals of women and
girls in this country in particular.

What is clear from these indications of portrayals of women and girls is that there is a boys club
sexist culture. That exists and it does lead to perceptions about women and girls in this country.

She is not the first UN special rapporteur to hit out at UK policy after housing official Raquel Rolnik
last year criticised the so-called bedroom tax for causing great stress and anxiety to very
vulnerable people.

In her report, Ms Manjoo said it was a regret that despite repeated requests, her access to privately-
run Yarls Wood in Bedfordshire was denied.

Serco-run Yarls Wood has been subjected to heavy criticism by human rights campaigners amid
reports of sexual misconduct by staff, women being detained for long periods of time and pregnant
detainees being held without justification.

Last month Jamaican detainee Christine Case, 40, died in the centre after suffering what is thought to
have been a heart attack.

The UN special rapporteur said: I regret that, despite my repeated requests, a visit to Yarls Wood
immigration detention centre was not facilitated by the Government, and that my access to the centre
was denied when I tried to visit it independently.

Due to receiving information from the third sector, I was keen to speak to detainees in this facility to
objectively seek information on violations being experienced.

Following visits to London, Leicester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Cookstown, Cardiff and Bristol, Ms
Manjoo said she had identified isolated pockets of good practice, however, these were still not
practised consistently throughout the country.

She said many groups had raised the impact of austerity measures, adding that cuts were having a
disproportionate impact on the provision of violence-against-women services, as well as other areas
affecting women, such as poverty and unemployment.

The special rapporteur said: Access to trauma services, financial support and housing are crucial,
yet current reforms to the funding and benefits system continue to adversely impact womens ability to
address safety and other relevant issues.
She also raised concerns about the impact of legal aid cuts on women who have experienced
domestic violence, as well as the overall numbers o f young women in prison being too high.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: Violence against women and girls in any form is unacceptable
and the Government has shown its commitment to ending it.

A comprehensive programme was drawn up for the special rapporteurs visit, including meetings with
the Home Secretary, the minister for crime prevention, and the chief inspector of prisons. Several
other options, including a trip to a womens refuge, were turned down by the special rapporteur.

A tour of Yarls Wood immigration removal centre was never agreed as part of this fact-finding
mission.

A statement from Asylum Aid said: Asylum Aid is very disappointed that the UN special rapporteur
on violence against women, Rashida Manjoo, wasnt allowed to visit Yarls Wood detention centre
during her mission to the UK to see this for herself and offer advice, given her international expertise.

Recently one woman who fled East Congo and was detained in Yarls Wood was perplexed to see
William Hague and Angelina Jolie on British TV promoting their campaign to stop rape being used as
a weapon of war in East Congo.

Yet when she and other women like her come to this country seeking protection from exactly the
same forms of violence, we lock them up.

Ms Rolnik, the UN special rapporteur for housing, labelled the so-called bedroom tax a shocking
policy in need of being scrapped.

She said anecdotal evidence during her fact-finding visit to Britain has raised concerns about the
happiness of those affected by the welfare reform measure.

Conservative chairman Grant Shapps wrote to UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon demanding an
apology and explanation for disgraceful comments.

End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Coalition co-director Liz McKean said: The EVAW Coalition is
very disappointed that Ms Manjoos requests to visit Yarls Wood detention centre were denied by the
Government.

The UK would be among the first to criticise a foreign government which denied access to a special
rapporteur.

Jamaican woman Christine Case recently died at the facility and an investigation is ongoing.
Womens organisations are very worried about multiple reported abuses at the site.

We urge the Government to talk to womens groups about urgent changes to the detention regime
there.

She added: The EVAW Coalition hopes that this spotlight on current UK work to end violence against
women and girls will be used by all the political parties to develop better, more effective, more
concerted commitments to end abuse in our lifetimes.

As local and general elections loom, and as womens rights activists are again very visible on the
political and social scene, lets hope we see a real offer to women and the whole community that
everything possible will be done to eliminate violence against women and girls.Share on Facebook

Oil Prices drops below $70

Posted: 7:58 am, December 1, 2014 by admin

Brent crude oil slumped to below $70 on Friday, its lowest level since 2010, after OPEC decided not
to cut oil production. Venezuelas Foreign Minister said the group had worse cases to handle, adding
that the current slump has partly political grounds.

The price of the crude oil dipped 3.7 percent on Friday and fell to $69.94 per barrel, according to
auction results. The cost of January futures fell by 4.47 percent, to $66.07 per barrel.

In turn, the ruble hit new lows against the dollar, going down to $50.01 on Friday night at the close of
the Moscow Stock Exchange.

This follows the decision made by the 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) on Thursday, to keep daily oil output at 30 million barrels. The step was taken
despite a major oversupply that has caused oil prices to fall more than 30 percent.

RT Spanish spoke with Venezuelas Foreign Minister Rafael Ramrez and asked him to comment on
the developments. Venezuela is one of the worst hit countries in the current oil price slump.
OPEC is a mature organization that has already faced different situations, perhaps even more
complex than this one. Today we had a fairly long discussion of all factors that influenced that market
and on the basis of a general consensus weve made a decision, which is the first step towards the
stabilization of the market, Ramrez told RT.
He reminded that 30 million barrels per day has been the OPECs oil production ceiling since
December 2011.

Venezuelan Foreign minister Rafael Ramirez (AFP Photo)

But now we have an overproduction, which, according to rough estimates, is 1.5 million barrels, he
said, adding that the Thursday decision will move the overproduction from the market, and the 12
members will monitor the markets reaction.
READ MORE: Oil slumps 4% as OPEC leaves output unchanged
The market situation is difficult, Ramrez elaborated. The demand for raw materials is kept at a low
level, especially amid the economic crisis in Europe and the United StatesAt the same time,
production is constantly increasing, especially due to shale [oil production] in the US.
Combined with geopolitics, as well as the desire to impose sanctions on Russia, and sanctions
against Iran all that influenced the fact that oil prices have fallen, he said.
Ramrez stressed the importance of following the unilaterally taken Thursday decision. He said the
price, which has been at $100 per barrel for quite a long time, has shown that it is a fair price for both
producers and consumers.

A general view shows the166th ordinary meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria on November 27, 2014. (AFP Photo)

At lower values, players with higher production price will leave the market, as well as new projects,
and developing ones will be closed, he explained, adding that the countries-producers will need more
funds to increase the capacity to cover the needs of the market.

Ramrez warned those putting stakes on speculation, saying that OPEC has tools to predict the
markets behavior.
The foreign minister stressed the importance of cooperating with non-OPEC member countries. He
reminded of the Tuesday meeting held between Russia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Venezuela, which
was held in such a format for the first time in 11 years.

Such meetings are very important because besides the fact that we share our opinions, we preserve
the mechanisms of cooperation and together observe how the market reacts to them.
READ MORE: Venezuelan president resolved to return oil to $100 a barrel
In 2008, OPEC had to face a sharp fall of oil prices, which slumped from $140 per barrel to as low as
$35 in six months. According to Ramrez, it took a whole year for prices to recover that time, after
OPEC decided to cut oil production.

1.2K

Obsessed with Nukes of Pakistan

There is a perception that Pakistani nuclear weapons would fall into the hands of terrorists. The
theory goes that the terrorists would be able to detonate these weapons and cause mass destruction.
Pakistan shares these international concerns about nuclear terrorism. The likelihood of such acts is as
good or bad as anywhere. As regards Pakistan, the proposition of nuclear terrorism is implausible
because it would take more than Mission Impossible III to convert this fantasy into a reality. Pakistans
nuclear materials, facilities and assets are safe and secure and the countrys nuclear security regime
is anchored in the principle of multi-layered defense for the entire spectrum insider, outsider or
cyber threat.

Unlike States where 80 years old nuns can slip into military nuclear facilities or where electronic locks
called PALs of the nuclear weapons are set in straight zeroes, Pakistan takes nuclear security and
safety very seriously. Firstly, there are very few who would know where these weapons are stored.
Two, the Strategic Plans Division claims that the storage sites are kept under layered defense by
some twenty eight thousand specially trained troops. Three, there is a personnel reliability program
that is designed to keep a close watch that there is no insiders collusion and unauthorized transfer of
weapons. These and several other measures are internationally acknowledged and appreciated.

Pakistan has also taken some international obligations for nuclear security. It is a party to the
Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and works closely with the IAEA to deal
with safety and security of radioactive sources and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials.

Perhaps the most credible endorsement of Pakistans nuclear security regime comes from its most
steadfast enemy. The consensus among Indias top generals and defense experts is that Pakistans
nukes are pretty secure. No one can be 100 percent secure, but I think they are more than 99
percent secure, said Shashindra Tyagi, a former Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force. They keep a
very close watch on personnel. All of the steps that could be taken have been taken. This business of
the Taliban taking over it cant be ruled out, but I think its unlikely. The Pakistans nuclear
establishment understands the threats they face better than anyone, and they are smart enough to
take care of it.

It is believed that miscalculation, miscommunication, or panic is being created about certain terrorists
stealing nuclear weapons. The militants of the Islamic State group may have some individuals in
Pakistan but they are not a major cause of concern.

Furthermore, the army chief re-emphasized Pakistans commitment to root out all kinds of terrorists,
stating that the determination to eliminate the militants exceeds the limits of any particular area, and is
not confined to any particular group. Addressing a gathering of Pakistani Americans and officials from
the state and defence departments at a reception hosted by Pakistans Ambassador to the US, Jalil
Abbas Jilani, in honor of the visiting military delegation, the COAS said Operation Zarb-e-Azb is being
carried out without any discrimination, whether it is the Haqqani network or the TTP or any other
group. He added that the operation to hunt down the terrorists was not taking place in just North
Waziristan or South Waziristan but throughout the country.

After 9/11, there is intense international attention to the risks of nuclear terrorism. Despite a number of
claims, there is no credible evidence that any terrorist group has yet succeeded in obtaining a nuclear
bomb or the materials needed to make one. The nuclear intent and capability of terrorist groups has
been fundamentally exaggerated.

As we look towards the future, we should consolidate our scrupulous attention, as it is not one of the
severest nuclear threats of Pakistan weapons getting in the hands of terrorists, but anxieties about
terrorists obtaining nuclear weapons are essentially baseless. Nuclear terrorism should neither be
hyped out of proportion, nor used as vehicle to pursue unrelated and undeclared strategic objectives
as it is cooked up and is a product of fantasy.

President Putin Woos Pakistan as Cold War

Friend India Buys U.S. Arms
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to build military ties with Pakistan as India buys more
weapons from the U.S., changing an approach toward the nuclear-powered neighbors that has
endured since the Cold War.
Sergei Shoigu, making the first visit by a Russian defense minister to Pakistan since the Soviet
Unions collapse, last week signed a milestone military cooperation agreement. The world
community wants to do business with Pakistan now, Shoigu said, according to a Pakistan
government statement.

The move comes as Putin seeks to expand relations with Asia in the face of growing isolation from the
U.S. and its allies over his support for separatist rebels in Ukraine. The U.S. overtook Russia as
Indias biggest weapons supplier in recent years, prompting leaders in Moscow to reassess their
strategy toward South Asia.
Were seeing a new Russia, C. Uday Bhaskar, director of the Delhi-based Society for Policy Studies.
With India now widening its search for defense supplies to the U.S. and Israel, Russia too wants to
expand the market for its equipment. Both Russia and India are reviewing their policies.
Putin plans to visit India next month to meet with Modi as Russia seeks to counter sanctions from the
U.S. and others. Russia this month announced plans to build a second gas pipeline to China, an ally
of Pakistan, in a move that would cement Putins policy of tilting energy exports toward Asia.
Ruble Tumbles

China and Russia are also allying themselves, so its also one factor why Russia is looking toward
Pakistan more cooperatively, retired Lieutenant General Talat Masood, a former chairman of
Pakistan Ordnance Factories, said by phone from Islamabad. Its important to be an ally of an ally.

Russias gross domestic product will contract by 1.7 percent next year after stalling in 2014, with
inflation rising to 8.4 percent from 7.6 percent, IHS Inc. forecasts. The ruble has fallen about 28
percent against the U.S. dollar this year, the worst performance among 24 emerging market
currencies tracked by Bloomberg.
Russia and the Soviet Union have been Indias biggest weapons suppliers, accounting for about 70
percent of its arms imports since 1950, according to data compiled by the Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute. Pakistan, by contrast, has received only 2 percent of its weapons from
Russia and the Soviet Union in that time, with the majority provided by the U.S. and China, the data
show.
Critical Juncture

Russia and Pakistan plan to increase port calls of warships, cooperate in fighting terrorism and help
stabilize Afghanistan, Russian state news service Tass reported. Shoigu also met Pakistani Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif, who said steps were needed to boost the $542 million of bilateral trade
between the two nations, according to the state-run Pakistan Broadcasting Corp.
Shoigus visit has come at a very critical juncture when U.S.-led NATO forces are drawing down from
Afghanistan by the end of 2014, Pakistans government said in a statement. Apart from promoting
bilateral defense relations, the visit will enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and
stability in the region.

Its important for countries to balance ties between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars
since they were split after British rule ended in 1947. U.S. President Barack Obama called Pakistani
leader Sharif last week, shortly after accepting an invitation from Modi to attend Indias Republic Day
parade on Jan. 26.
U.S. Weapons

The U.S. surpassed Russia as Indias top supplier of defense equipment in the three years to March,
according to figures submitted to parliament in August. They were followed by France and Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to modernize Indias armed forces and shift toward more
domestic production to reduce reliance on imports.
Two days ago, India approved a 158 billion-rupee ($2.5 billion) purchase of artillery, the first
acquisition of large-caliber guns since the 1980s. If a foreign manufacturer wins the tender, the first
100 pieces will be imported and the remaining 714 will be made in India through technology transfer.

Alexander Kadakin, Russias ambassador in New Delhi, told the Press Trust of India last month that
there is zero technology coming from the U.S. to India, whereas Russia is building a nuclear power
plant and fighter jets with India.
He has also questioned Indias fairness in awarding defense contracts, telling the Hindustan Times
last year we know what gimmicks are used to manipulate deals. He said that Russia has always
stood by India and losing its position as the countrys top weapons supplier causes damage to our
reputation.
Kadakin earlier this year dismissed concerns that Russia was changing its policy toward India in
discussing the sale of Mi-35 defense helicopters to Pakistan. Nothing will be done that will be
detrimental to the deep relationship withIndia, Press Trust of India quoted Kadakin as saying.
By Natalie Obiko Pearson and N.C BipindraShare on Facebook

Pakistan is now Criminalistan: Leaders or

Criminals
Leaders with No accountability and No Shame

Pakistan is in ruins. The nation and its imagery, law and justice, commerce, thinking hubs, political
governance all appear dysfunctional and self-contradictory. Eroding freedom of thoughts and action
speaks of missing accountability of political elite. The nation is fast becoming victim of a US planned
blue-print being used in Iraq. Vengeful sectarian killings and dismantling of economic, political and
moral infrastructures to incapacitate the nation by its own sadistic rulers. All fighting against all to end
the very existence by collective madness. The paid Pakistani political and security agents are
instrumental in carrying out heinous crimes. Increasingly and without any logical redress, common
citizens are the targeted aim of the political cruelty. No wonder, once conditions favorable to cruelty
are established, it spreads like frightening wildfire. The governance demonstrates dead-ended
political conscience of the interest of the people.

After decade-old American entrapment in the bogus war on terrorism, the country has lost the
energies and capacity to deal with any major problems of security and national unity. The foreign
agenda is focused on breaking the moral and spiritual lifelines of the Pakistani nation by its own
agents of influence. There are no brave and proactive politicians to stop the continuing political
stagnation. The nation faces colossal disaster day in and day out but nobody is held accountable for
the crimes. The Generals are convenient spectators and Nawaz Sharif is happy, the herd is politically
manageable to complete his inherently fraudulent term of office as prime minister.
Daily blood baths of civilians go unabated adding to statistical record for lack of adequate security.
The latest cold blooded murder of 55 innocent people at Wagha border and 100 or so injured adds
nothing new to grieving citizens belief that Pakistan is governed by most inept, incompetent and
corrupt people ever witnessed by an informed nation. No politicians assume responsibility for the
protection and safeguard of life and property of ordinary Pakistanis. There is obvious disconnect
between the people and the political rulers constantly hated and feared by the masses. The conflicting
time zones are widening in which ordinary people suffer versus the ruling elite breathe as daily civilian
casualties continued to rise because of the Taliban attacks and targeted massacres of the ordinary
citizens. Who is a failure and who should be held accountability? Is the Pakistani security apparatus
so incompetent and ill equipped that it cannot ensure public safety? Given the lack of accountability
and lack of shame, there is nothing to prevent these political criminals from repeating their crimes. So
the killings of the innocent civilians go unabated. Strange as is, opposition activists raising voices
against the Sharif regime are conveniently arrested and jailed but not the Sharif brethren who kill the
citizens at random and implement planned massacres. Those facilitating crimes against the people
occupy positions of political leadership and even law and justice cannot question them abetted by
the political class, committed the greatest heist in history.

Assuming political power in Pakistan means kings men of oligarchy. Nobody could dare to challenge
their supremacy in the annals of public affairs. For almost three months thousands of people across
wide spectrum of Pakistani society, were raising voices of REASON in Islamabad to imagine political
change and to have the Sharif brothers held accountable for politically geared killings and death
squads against peaceful demonstrators. The inaction contributes to the downfall of the country to
obscurity and insanity often irreversible in time and space. This week, at Wagah international border,
55 civilians were cold blooded massacred by a group of Taliban. Reportedly 100 or more were
critically injured. Sharif and military security officials have proven to be a failure to console the people
in situation of emergencies and moments of pain and anguish.

A Failed State or Quagmire of Political Insanity

Pakistan lives in self-inflicted turmoil of political and military intrigues all deceiving all all trying to
gain their foothold in power either by attracting foreign interventions or creating catastrophic political
up hazards to dismantle the fabric of the originally Muslim nation. The stage actors want power and
use it as a divine right of absolutism against the interests of the coerced masses. This set the stage
for the gradual decadence of the meaning and purpose of the Pakistan Freedom Movement. The
worst emerged when ZA Bhutto and General Yahya Khan refused to transfer power to Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, the majority East Pakistani leader after the 1971 national elections. They managed to kill
several thousands of Pakistanis on both sides to retain power and ended up in humiliating surrender
to India. Both betrayed the nation and both escaped the accountability. ZA Bhutto emerged as an
absolute illegitimate leader of defeated Pakistan assuming the role of Martial Law administrator,
President and later Prime Minister. Another military coup by General Zia ul-Haq got the US-other
Western nation involved in military intervention to oust the Communist USSR from occupying
neighboring Afghanistan and evolution of jihadist Taliban struggle.

In August 1988, Ms. Bhutto and her mother were reportedly responsible for the plane crash of
General Zia ul Haq and Killings of 12 Generals and hundreds of others civilians including foreign
diplomats. Subsequently, Ms. Bhutto and her mother were not charged with killings of so many
precious lives but embraced as the first female PM. She was dismissed twice as corruption that knew
no bound. Ms. Bhutto and Asif Zardari stole millions of dollars from Pakistan and were indicted by
Swiss court on money laundering schemes. The $60. Million were never recovered by the national
treasury. A crime-riddled political culture flourished in which these monsters floated freely. Nawaz
Sharif was also dismissed twice on corruption charges. In 1999, he conspired to hijack a PIA incoming
flight from SriLanka to Karachi in which the then COAS General Pervez Musharaf and 250 or more
civilian passengers were traveling. Sharif had the plan to send the plane to India or to get it crashed.
A military coup ousted Sharif and was tried on terrorism charges in a court law and exiled. General
Musharaf and his colleagues traded-in Pakistans national interest including the nuclear program, and
hundreds of innocent Pakistanis sold to populate infamous Guantanmo Bay terror prison in return for
cash payments by George W. Bush. Musharaf lived in a $1.4 million newly bought mansion in London
under British police 24/7 protection before returning to Pakistan. Do Pakistanis have any sense of
honor? asked one British journalist of the Daily Telegraph. Would any honorable nation or country
allow such criminals to reemerge as political leaders?

Pakistan Needs Educated and Intelligent Leaders to Cure the Political Curse

To imagine a progressive country, educated Pakistanis living abroad could be resourceful to transfer
their knowledge and experiences for the good of the country and to strive for a Navigational Change.
But how? Hold your breath! An American neurologist of Pakistani origin goes back passionately to
serve the people. His clinic in Satellite town- Rawalpindi offers highly specialized systematic health
care services to fellow Pakistanis. Even treats those who cannot pay the fee or medication bill.
Thousands line up and day and night go to this clinic. The doctor starts getting warning messages
from local ghundas (rascals) asking for protection money. The doctor continues to work and informs
the police. They too want their share of the protection money and do nothing. He complains to higher
civic authorities upon getting death threats but nobody listens and does anything to ensure the safety
of the doctor and clinic. One day hundred of patients get big surprise when they see the rampaged
clinic and the doctor is nowhere to be seen. Lufhtansa Germany Airline flies to Lahore but does not
change its crew over there. The fear of kidnappers demanding money haunts them all the time. What
a Shame. What a Shame What a DISGRACE to a conscientious Pakistani that leaders of
Pakistans Government cannot extend sense of security to a reputable international airline.

No sensible person or global citizen will ever invest or travel to a country at the crossroads of daily
bloodbaths, corruption and political gangsterism. Is this prevalent fact hard to grasp to any
responsible person in Pakistan? Tourism is a lifeline to any developing nation like Pakistan. During
the summer of 2013 under PM Sharif, 10 international tourists were cold blooded murdered by
Taliban group near the K2 mountainous region. Is Pakistan that nave and hopeless in security that it
cannot protect the international tourists? Farzana Parveen would have liked to know why she was
stoned to death right where law and justice were supposedly administered to have protected her at
the Lahore High Court compound. Police were watching the horrifying killing. Farzana Parveen
Stoning Shames Pakistan. (Asia Times: 6/2/2014). The terrifying scene portrayed in the global news
media showed hundreds of spectators witnessing the most horrifying crime to human nature, not in
darkness but in broad daylight, and right where freedom, human dignity, and honor of the citizens
should have been protected the Lahore High Court compound with police in attendance.

It is incredibly shameful to be a Pakistani and to watch this inhuman atrocity out of the nowhere. Why
the police did not offer protection to Farzana? Farzanas soul must be wondering, why did society not
protect her against this draconian act of violence? Where are the concerned citizens who claim to be
believers the Muslims who day and night talk about Islam as being the faith and value of their
society? The Sharif brothers investigation revealed nothing to hold the criminal responsible. In June,
Karachi International Airport (Pakistan in Quest of Political Change. Uncommon Thought Journal,
USA: 6/18/2014), was on flame under Talibans attacks. It was a devastating blow to the international
image and security of Pakistan. Nobody resigned or was held responsible for failing to protect the
airport. Could Sharif and the few complacent Generals assure the global community that Pakistan is a
safe place to travel, study, visit and do business? If not, why not? The bogus assemblies, time killing
discussions, Sharif and the few Generals are the people embedded with wrong thinking and doing the
wrong things. They are part of the problem, not solution and have NO SENSE of the freedom, honor
and dignity of the nation. There was no peace process between Pakistan and Taliban and there is
no peace. Only the absence of peace, and the gnawing want for it, the desperation of the vanquished
clearly visible on the mindset of public horizon.

There is a frightening trend of crime explosion across the nation. Daily killings of the civilians go
unabated and unchecked by the security agencies. The blame game is centered on Talibans the
creation of the Bhutto family and the Generals. For almost two decades, Pakistans capacity for
change has been badly fractured and its moral, intellectual and political consciousness derailed and
undermined by the few. Bruce Riedel, one of President Obamas advisors on Pakistan and the War
on Terrorism(Battle for the Soul of Pakistan1/4/2013, Brookings Institute and Centre for Middle East
Policy), recently described the Pakistani rulers-both civilian and military: Pakistanis cannot be trusted
as they play dubious role, cheat and become double agents in War on Terror and warns that: The
changes in Pakistan are unlikely to come peacefully and will have major implications for India and
America. The stakes are huge in the most dangerous country in the world.

Pakistans worst enemies are those who are unable to listen to voices of reason and peaceful
activism for political change. The ruling elite and the people live in a conflicting time zone being
unable to understand the meaning and essence of the Pakistans Freedom Movement. Pakistan faces
multiple chronic problems which could undermine its future. To all concerned and thinking Pakistanis,
the country needs a Navigational Change or we could end up losing our national freedom. What is the
cure to the current problems? There is no magic pill to deal with all critical situations except a
comprehensive new systematic approach for Anew Pakistan. Few decades earlier, in Pakistan:
Enigma of Change (Media Monitor Network, USA) and Revisiting Pakistan Enigma of Change, this
author offered proactive vision for planned political change to evolve new institutions and new-age
educated leadership for a sustainable future. For too long, the masses have experienced tormenting
pains and political cruelty. Nawaz Sharif and his brother must be tried in a court of law for the killings
of 14 civilians and injuring 80 peaceful activists at Minhaj al Quran Academy Lahore and stolen
wealth. Despite evidence, the FIR against Sharif was not registered by police.

Nawaz Sharif has no political integrity and must step down or take leave of absence. There is
substantial evidence for the 2013 election rigging by the election commission members. Sharif would
need a powerful jolt as criminals do not exit voluntarily from powerhouses. Itwill provide a logical
breathing space for a planned and workable remedy to a highly critical political crisis and to enhance
a sustainable Change goal. A new Government of National Unity should be formed under a non-
partisan and non political leader of moral and intellectual integrity for a period of two years; a New
Constitution should be framed with new public institutions under leadership of new generation of
educated people; and then a new election could give meaning and clarity to the purpose of
democracy and to transform the ideals of a progressive legitimate functional democracy.

The Need is desperate for the Pakistani nation to think critically and see the Mirror and stand firm in
raising voices of reason for accountability and political change. The people must ponder at past
misconceptions and errors of judgments and to bring 21st centurys educated, proactive and
intelligent young people into political leadership role and to safeguard the national interest, freedom of
the nation and its future.

Riedels Mythmaking and Pakistan

Are India and Pakistan heading for a nuclear war? Bruce Riedel will make you believe it will happen
today and it will be all Islamabads fault. Mr. Riedel is a former CIA officer and was a senior adviser to
three U.S. presidents, including President Obama. He is currently a senior fellow at the Brookings
Institution. While Brookings leads in cutting edge research, Mr. Riedel leads in mythmaking about
Pakistan. His recent op-ed India-Pakistan Head for Nuke War is the latest fiction writing, which is
based on a priori knowledge rather than facts. His writings are perhaps an expression of his old
frustration of 1998 in failing to encourage Pakistan from not responding to Indian nuclear tests. He
was shown the door in his mission impossible. If this is untrue, the other possible explanation of his
hostility could be that he has a political axe to grind and works as the whip man for poking Pakistan
once needed. These are strong assertions and lets substantiate these with some evidence or we will
be liable of Riedelism.

Riedels Leading Assertions

Nowadays Mr. Riedel use repetition of two proclamations in his almost every piece. First, Mr. Riedel
asserts that Lashkar e Tayyiba (LeT) planned a massacre in the Indian consulate in Afghanistans
Herat province on the eve of inauguration of Indias PM Modi. Simple calculation, Riedel is pointing
out a major flaw of the US state department, which is always lacking in evidence and it depends on
being told by someone. The US itself refused to divulge details about the credible information on
Herat incident, when it was asked.

If anyone accustomed with US state department, one will be aware that the datum provided for the
sake of confirmation is always uncertain. For instance, no footage was released publicly on the
Osama bin Ladens killing and eventually the changing statements of the white house triggered a
ripple effect of conspiracy theories. Previously, varying statements by the US state department can be
found on different accounts such as 9/11 attack, procession of WMDs in Iraq, use of chemical
weapons by the Syrian government and the recent ISIS and Ukraine conspiracies, which are the
pieces of the same puzzle.

Second, Mr. Riedel is confused in a riddle that LeT is responsible for Mumbai attacks, by following the
incongruous Indian narrative on the issue. Ironically, there is lot to learn what happened in Mumbai.
Its his inability to understand the Indian involvement in terrifying its own Mumbai. A whistleblower
holding a major position in Indias Central Bureau of Investigation, Satish Verma, has alleged his own
government of orchestrating the attack on the Indian parliament, along with the 2008 Mumbai attack.
Considering the other confirmations, Wikileaks source has revealed secret US state department wire
in which the US had slammed New Delhis case on insufficient evidence.

Furthermore, the death of Hemant Karkare, who was investigating state-sponsored terrorism activities
by RSS and Mossad, raised questions on the involvement of Indian agencies. With the death threats
against him already on record, why ATS Chief Hemant Karkare exposed unprotected by
establishment on the streets of Mumbai? To let RSS and Mossad assassinate him! Gautam Adhikari
warned that Karkare killing was a message by RSS and Mossad that you cannot investigate this
angle.

Rather than jumping on biased conclusion, Mr. Riedel should scrutinize on other sources of
information to reinforce more realistic findings on the subject. Besides this, the Italian journalist Austro
D. Agnelli investigated the Indian involvement in terrorist activities and disclosed the two permanent
joint Indian air force and military bases, Farkhor and Ayni, both are located in Tajikistan are being
used as terrorist training camps. These Indian terrorists are being used in Pakistan, for instance in
Karachi airport terrorist attack. Also, Indian former Army Chief and Chuck Hagel have statements
about opening Butchery and another front in the West against Pakistan. One could not deny the
possibility of master planning the Herat attack by India, same as the Parliament and Mumbai attacks
to frame Pakistan.

Obsession with Nuclear Pakistan

In India-Pakistan Head for Nuke War, while raising the prospect and alarm of a nuclear war in South
Asia, Mr. Riedel completely fails to elaborate the factors that will lead to such a catastrophe. He
invites attention to Pakistans development of the so-called tactical nuclear weapons without informing
gullible audience that India has also developed TNWs Pragati and Prahaar. While pushing the
Indian narrative, he fails to give Pakistani perspective of developing similar weapons Nasr to deter
New Delhi from attempting a limited war below Islamabads nuclear threshold. Secondly, other world
powers including the US are testing delivery systems to upgrade their arsenals. If it is not the right
time to remove the American tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Europe and there is no prospect of
nuclear war, then why having such fears for South Asia?

There is no official statement by any Pakistani statesman that Pakistans nuclear weapons are the
primary resort for an Indian conventional attack. Pakistans defense planners always considered their
conventional might as first line of defence against any conventional military attack. In 2001-2002
conflicts, Pakistan was certain that its military is fully capable of thwarting Indian military
advancement. Pakistan strategic deterrence is mostly based on robust conventional military
capability and readiness. Any coercive diplomacy by India will always be encountered by deploying
Pakistani troops across the international border as exercised in Azm-e-Nau.

Likewise, Riedel gives an impression that Chinas modest support to Pakistan in overcoming its every
challenge is a nuclear weapons overtone. It is interesting to note that their cooperation is legal, under
IAEA safeguards and does not violate any international norms. On the other hand a defence research
group, IHS Janes has revealed that India is increasing its uranium facility that could support the
expansion of nuclear weapons. India is trying to buy foreign sources of uranium so it can use its
domestic reserves for a nuclear arms race with Pakistan. Comparatively, Riedel chooses to ignore
that a dozen nuclear deals that India has signed with so-called champions of non-proliferation violate
NPT and their domestic non-proliferation laws. NPT binds its signatories from not sharing nuclear
technology with non-members, especially the weapons possessing states. America and Australia
made an exception to their domestic laws in opening nuclear trade with India. Pakistan has no NPT or
NSG obligation and China had signed civil nuclear cooperation deal with Pakistan before it took these
obligations.

Lessons Learned
Bruce Riedels diatribes against Pakistan substantiate one lesson from international politics that
everything is fair in pursuit of national interests. Knowing that India is the biggest arms importer in the
world, why the West wants to create strategic imbalance by offering carrots to India and sticks to
Pakistan! Likewise, Pakistan does not currently fit in the larger geopolitical designs of large powers
that have created a mess out of Muslim world by fighting proxy wars then fighting more wars to deal
with their consequences and are now unbalancing the globe by so-called rebalancing towards Pacific
Rim. Proxys and militant organizations were used to defeat the Soviet Union, to overthrow the
Gaddafis regime and in Pakistan, the same forces are likewise being armed and backed by the
Americans. Mr. Riedel is a victim of self-denial and finds space and forums to push politically
motivated myths. He once confessed that we have betrayed Pakistani people over and over again in
pursuit of our national interests. One can always forgive him for his prejudices after all, it pays to
bandwagon and move with the tide.