POLITICKING AGAINST PEOPLE

Ever since the PPP government came in power it is trying its best to undermine the MQM-led city government in Karachi. It cannot reconcile to the fact that Karachi is the power base of its main rival in Sindh. It knows that the real power of the political parties is the work it gets done for the people which votes them to power.

It is working on the premise that if you keep your opponent parties in need for money, restrict their ability to work and keep them busy dealing with allegations of misuse of power and financial irregularities you lessen their energies and frustrate them. The reconstruction work suffers and then you blame your opponents for not getting their work done.

It seems that the city government is surrounded by vicious adversaries, the Sindh Local Government Minister on one side, the CM on the other, the National Reconstruction Bureau and the Federal Government Local Bodies Ministry on the other two. Instead of addressing to the pressing economic issues of the people the PPP-led government is chipping on whatever good the local government has done for the people of Karachi.

The CDGK has done a marvel by transforming the city’s infrastructure in a short period of time. Like any other organisation, its work cannot be without a blemish but it is learning. The people have seen a change in the city and have benefited from it. For the first time people have been given a voice that is also being heard. People have access to its chosen leaders and there is no lord peon to stop his entry to the office of the union council (UC) and Nazim. The UC leaders are the residents of the area they represent and have a stake in getting the work of the area done. With a strongly willed Nazim, whose integrity even the opposition is willing to accept, Karachi is in line to become a major city of Asia.

This is not going down well with the new anti-people PPP, which is hell bent in minting a piece of the pie and making money from whatever is the budget allocation for Karachi. If they were wiser they could have used the ‘Karachi Experience’ to bring about the same infrastructural changes in the rest of Sindh.

But it is not about the “people”. It is about “politics”. In the end the rich will become rich and the poor will become poorer.

Second Level Of Nagan Flyover Opened in Karachi

The second level of the Nagan Chowrangi flyover was opened for vehicular traffic late on Saturday night.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal performed the opening ceremony.

Seemingly undeterred by the withholding of the promised funds by the federal and provincial governments, the city nazim announced that the city government would curtail its non-development expenditures to finance and complete the ongoing development projects in the city.

Talking to newsmen after the inauguration, he said that the Nagan Chowrangi and Gulshan-i-Iqbal flyovers were actually federally-funded projects but owing to the withholding of funds, the city government spent Rs170 million from its own resources to complete the project.

He said that so far the city government spent Rs400 million on various development projects under bridge financing.

Defending his decision to continue the work on various projects without getting the promised funds, the nazim said that since the cost of raw material was increasing with each passing day, there was a possibility that if the city government kept waiting for the promised grants, the overall costs of the projects would increase manifold.

“Therefore, despite limited resources, we do not want to further delay the ongoing projects,” the nazim said.

Mr Kamal maintained that the city government was facing a shortfall of around Rs3 billion but was trying to meet the same by curtailing various non-development expenditures including fuel, medical etc.

However, he urged the federal and provincial authorities to release the withheld funds to the city government so that it could complete the ongoing development projects in the city.

The nazim said that the signal-free corridor II comprising five flyovers – three on Rashid Minhas Road, one at Sohrab Goth and the Nagan Chowrangi flyover – would be formally inaugurated on Independence Day.

He said that that the Nagan Chowrangi flyover was an important part of the signal-free corridor II, which linked Sharea Faisal to Surjani Town and was being completed at an estimated cost of Rs650 million.

Level one of the Nagan Chowrangi flyover was recently opened for vehicular traffic.

Currently, the city government is constructing one more loop of the flyover, which will cover Anda Mor and is scheduled to be completed by August 14.

Mr Kamal congratulated the people of Karachi on the opening of the Nagan Chowrangi flyover and observed that due to effective arrangements, traffic was not disturbed during the construction work of the flyover.

He said that the city government would work on the beautification of the entire area after the completion of work on adjacent roads and a storm-water drain.

ALTAF HUSSAIN ASKS TO CALL ALL PARTIES CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT CRISIS

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has requested to government to call an all parties conference to discuss the current crises, growing talibanisation, country’s critical situation, economic crises; as it is the need of time. He has appealed to invite all the political and religious parties in this conference. He also appealed to call urgent session of all the chambers of commerce of the country and small investors to discuss the stock market commotion. He expressed these views in an important session at the MQM International Secretariat London attended by Members of MQM Coordination Committee Saleem Shahzad, Muhammad Anwar, Waseem Aftab, Mustafa Azizabadi, Asif Siddiqui, Qasim Ali Raza and Member of Provincial Assembly Sindh Nisar Pahnwar.
Mr Hussain said that as a result of the deteriorating situation of the country and the economic and trade crises; not only the stock exchanges are feeling the impact but also industrialists and investors, big or small, are faced with difficulties and compelled to come out on the streets. On the other hand, the situation in tribal areas is fast deteriorating with every passing day. The Taliban Movement has given ultimatum to the ANP Government in NWFP to resign in 5 days or face the consequences. Be it the economic crises, increase in terrorism in tribal areas, every citizen of the country is concerned, however, the government is yet to be seen to be taking strong action. He appealed to the Government that the current scenario and the national unity and integrity demands that an All Parties Conference is called to formulate a clear line of action to address and tackle the growing talibanisation in Pakistan, political and economic crises, closure of industries, inflation, unemployment, load shedding, energy crises and similar issues. All coalition partners and the parties of the Opposition should also be invited and a joint line of action to be formulated with consensus of all. He further advised the Government to call an urgent session of all the stock exchanges of the country and the investors, big or small, to discuss the economic crises and the stock market commotion.

Mr Hussain said that Pakistan came into being as a result of enormous sacrifices. The country has already been disintegrated in two and the remainder Pakistan is faced with a critical situation. Therefore, for the sustenance of the remainder of the country, it is the need of time that all the political and religious parties, industrial and traders organisations, social organisations and people from all walks of life to come forward and demonstrate national unity. He reminded that the MQM has already offered its unconditional support to the Government and its defence institutions. He appealed to the citizens of Pakistan not to get despondent and remain united.

Altaf Hussain offers unconditional support to the government

ALTAF HUSSAIN OFFERS UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DEFENCE INSTITUTIONS OF THE COUNTRY
Country is faced with critical situation; our nuclear assets are at risk

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has stated that the country is faced with critical situation, our nuclear assets are at risk, therefore, and we must refrain from issuing provocative statements against foreign powers so as not to provide them with justification to carry out an attack on Pakistan. The MQM in the past has offered unconditional support to the Government and today once again we offer our unconditional support to the Government and defence institutions for the safety and security of the country. Mr Hussain expressed these views while addressing a meeting at the International Secretariat of MQM in London. The meeting was attended by the Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, Members of MQM Coordination Committee Muhammad Anwar, Syed Tariq Mir, Senator Babar Ghauri, Adil Siddiqui, Javed Kazmi, Waseem Aftab, Mustafa Azizabadi, Ashfaq Manghi, Provincial Minister for IT Raza Haroon and Member Provincial Assembly of Sindh Nisar Pahnwar.

Mr Hussain said that he has recently issued repeated statements drawing the attention of the people at the helm of affairs towards danger and deteriorating situation in FATA and tribal areas. He said that he emphasised that if concrete steps are not taken to tackle this situation and the spread of terrorism then it might be too late. He said that all his apprehensions have come true and every citizen is aware that US leaders, military officials and President of Afghanistan have said that if the situation is not controlled then they will no longer do dialogue or share intelligence with Pakistan and have warned that they will carry out unilateral attacks on Pakistani areas used for terrorist attacks on Afghanistan. Mr Hussain said that the Prime Minister himself has acknowledged that tribal areas are harbouring Uzbek, Chechan and other foreign elements who are engaging in warfare with the security forces and committing acts of terrorism. They are beheading captives and throwing the bodies on streets. Addressing the political and religious parties Mr Hussain asked does Islam teaches us to behead Muslim brothers. It is, therefore, essential that the Government should take concrete steps to tackle terrorism or else if the American and NATO forces will attack the tribal areas and the FATA region then it will highly detrimental to the country. Pakistan is already faced with threats at borders, the lawyers community must also rethink whether their priority should be to join the struggle to save the country or continue with the movement for restoration of judges. The PML-N and PPP should also resolve their differences through dialogue and take into confidence all the coalition partners and also the opposition parties with a view to save the country.
Mr Hussain appealed to all political and religious parties not to issue provocative statements nationally or internationally against foreign powers so that to provide them with a justification to attack our borders. He requested all the political and religious parties to demonstrate patriotism, maturity and sincerity at this crucial time. He informed that information has reached that our nuclear assets are in danger but instead of grasping the depth of current situation we are still busy in making tall claims of erecting our national flag at the Delhi Red Fort. Such was the state of affairs when we lost half the country in 1971. We must refrain from issuing provocative statements and be sensible in our political approach. Mr Hussain reminded that the MQM has already offered its unconditional support to the Government and feeling the need of time the MQM once again offers its unconditional support to the Government and the defence institutions for the safety and security of the country. He prayed to Almighty Allah for the safety and security of Pakistan.
During the meeting Mr Hussain also offered fateha for lat Syed Hashim Ali, former Haq Parast Member of Provincial Assembly, who passed away in Leicester City recently.

Monday, July 14, 2008 - BAITULLAH MEHSUD, Taliban Militant Commander

BAITULLAH MEHSUD














(BBC NEWS REPORT)

Baitullah Mehsud, the 34-year-old pro-Taleban militant commander, fits the part of the Pakistani tribal guerrilla leader to the hilt.

But there is something extra about him as well.



The few journalists who have met him speak of his earnest desire to support his actions by his interpretation of Islamic ideals.



The emphasis here is on jihad (holy war) against foreign occupying forces in Afghanistan and the establishment of an Islamic state.

These include the use of suicide bombers and cross-border attacks on international forces based there.

There is also his aversion to publicity in general, and to photography in particular.

“He does not allow his picture to be taken,” says a journalist who has met the commander.

It is an aversion he shares with Taleban supreme commander Mullah Omar, with whom he is said to have a “good relationship”.

Baitullah Mehsud, as his name suggests, belongs to the Mehsud tribe in Pakistan’s troubled South Waziristan region.

The area is now said to be a safe haven for al-Qaeda and the Taleban.

In this regard, Baitullah Mehsud is said to have played a major role, especially in providing a sanctuary for fighters to operate in Afghanistan.

Commander Mehsud makes no bones about this, and says it is in fact the duty of every Muslim to wage jihad against “the infidel forces of America and Britain”.

The militant leader on several occasions has openly admitted to crossing the border to fight foreign troops.

Since 9/11 he has grown in strength and stature, making him the most important pro-Taleban militant commander in the Waziristan region.

He is said to operate under a legendary Afghan Taleban commander, Jalaluddin Haqqani.

Jalaluddin Haqqani is believed to have helped Osama Bin Laden escape US bombing in Afghanistan’s Tora Bora mountains in early 2002.

Baitullah Mehsud himself is said to command about 20,000 pro-Taleban militants.

A majority of these belong to the Mehsud tribe.

The militant commander is said to be the man who has masterminded most of the recent suicide attacks in the country.

While he has admitted to targeting military personnel in reprisal attacks, he denied attacking any political figures.

PEOPLE OF SINDH SHOULD FORM “DEFFENCE COMMITTEES” TO SAVE KARACHI FROM TALIBANISATION

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, while welcoming the ANP for forming defence committees in NWFP against Talibanisation has announced that the people of Sindh will also form “defence committees” to save Karachi from Talibanisation. We Karachiites and people of Sindh reject imposition of baton-wielding and self imposed shariat and Talibanisation of Karachi. MQM will encourage and support the area residents in forming “defence committees”. In unity is victory – with change in our thinking process a lot will change. Mr Hussain reiterated that Sindh is the land of Sufis and Saints and is void of discrimination and Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province. MQM and its leadership have always kept the public well-informed of future threats and apprehensions. Recently in his statements and speeches through newspapers and electronic media he has been warning of the threats, which have come true. Addressing the audience Mr Hussain said that they were called today to attend this hurriedly called session because it was essential to apprise them about the future and that he considered it his national obligation to disclose the facts. He was expressing his views while simultaneously addressing meetings of Defence Clifton Residents Committee and Society Residents Committee. The meetings were also attended by Members of MQM Coordination Committee, Provincial Ministers, Members of National and Provincial Assemblies.

Recalling his statements of last couple of weeks with reference to the political scenario, uncertainty, flight of capital, deteriorating economic condition, worsening law and order situation etc Mr Hussain said that billions of dollars of investment and capital is being shifted from Pakistan to abroad. As a result our currency is weakening against dollar by the day. All stock exchange markets of the country including the Karachi Stock Exchange are falling down. Industries including the textile industry are closing down. Inflation is on the all time high and as a result of unemployment, people are compelled to commit suicide or sell their children.

Mr Hussain said that soon after the Elections of 18th February 2008, the people of Pakistan took a sigh of relief and hoped that everything will be fine, peace will be established and the law and order situation will improve. Instead kidnapping for ransom, robbery, street crimes have increased manifold as compared to the past.
Mr Hussain said that he has been warning of the potential threats at our borders and anything can happen if the government fails to tackle the law and order, control the increasing activities of Talibanisation in tribal areas, control the suicide attacks; and address the issues in FATA, tribal areas, North and South Waziristan. Large number of people including Taliban members from these areas are coming to Karachi and illegally occupying vacant properties and land. This is a well-planned conspiracy to Talibanise Karachi. Mr Hussain asked the audience if they were in favour of Talibanisation of Karachi, want the girls schools and colleges burnt, ban women from employment, ban women from doing business, confine women to homes only, have womenfolk to strictly obey purdah and wear the “shuttle-cock style burqah” when they come out? Everyone replied… “No”.

Mr Hussain asked the audience are they all prepared and arranged protection for themselves and their properties? They replied… “No”. He commented the angels will not come on earth to protect them. He emphasised that his fears are coming true and the danger has already entered the city. Recently, the Taliban have pasted posters in different parts of the city and warned the truck drivers not to transport fuel to NATO. They have threatened to burn such trucks and behead its driver. He referred to a few news items appearing in today’s national and international newspapers with reference to US warnings to Pakistan to tackle the issue of Talibanisation in the tribal areas and also that US will no longer share intelligence and if Pakistan does not take action then US will be compelled to take action.
Mr Hussain said that if the US attacks Pakistan then the influx to Karachi will increase. The city’s outskirts today are surrounded by population and madressahs on illegally encroached lands. We are Muslims and will remain Muslims till our last breath. And, therefore, we reject the imposition Taliban shariat, suicide shariat, baton-wielding shariat or self-imposed version of shariat. The very same people are involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, robbery and street crimes. With every passing day these criminals are getting more and more encouraged as no action is being taken against them. The threat of Talibanisation of Karachi is very much present.
Mr Hussain assured the audience that MQM being the representative political party is busy in discussions and meetings to find ways and means to tackle this issue but this is not the responsibility of the MQM alone, we must be alert, This is the question of security and safety for our coming generations. We must now without wasting more time establish chawkidari system in our areas and hold community meetings to communicate with each other. Mr Hussain reiterated that Sindh is the land of Sufis and Saints and is void of discrimination and Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province. He stressed on the need to mobilise the permanent settlers of Sindh who live and die in this province and don’t send their remittance elsewhere to stand united to face the challenges ahead.
Mr Hussain while welcoming the ANP for forming defence committees in NWFP against Talibanisation has announced that the people of Sindh will also form “defence committee” to save Karachi from Talibanisation. Even before the formation of Taliban we prayed to Allah Almighty, observed fasting in the month of Ramadhan and performed all our religious duties and obligations according to Islamic teachings. Therefore, we Karachiites and people of Sindh reject imposition of baton-wielding and self imposed shariat and Talibanisation of Karachi. MQM will encourage and support the area residents in forming “defence committees”.

He appealed to all the Haq Parast elected representatives including the Members of National Assembly, Members of Provincial Assembly, Town Nazims etc to coordinate with residents and make regular visits to hold meetings. In unity is victory – with change in our thinking process a lot will change.

Sunday, July 13, 2008 - Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

At least 20 people were killed Saturday in fighting between security forces and pro-Taliban insurgents in volatile northwestern Pakistan, according to officials and witnesses.

The violence came during an unannounced, one-day visit to Pakistan by Adm. Michael Mullen, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. Mullen met with President Pervez Musharraf; Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani; and other officials before returning to Washington.

During his meetings, Mullen expressed concern about insurgents flowing into Afghanistan from Pakistan, according to his spokesman.

The fighting Saturday began when insurgents attacked an army convoy near the town of Zargari in North-West Frontier Province, a region where the Taliban has gained strength in recent months. Witnesses said the insurgents fired rockets, grenades and automatic rifles at the security forces, who responded with heavy fire from ground artillery and helicopter gunships.

A local official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said as many as 16 paramilitary soldiers were among the dead. Local officials said five insurgents were killed, but Taliban sources said one of their fighters had died.

Residents said four civilians were killed in indiscriminate fire from both sides.

"It is really sad that our whole town suddenly became a battleground between local Taliban and security forces, which has paralyzed life," said Mohammand Aurangzeb, a teacher.

Tensions have been high in the area since last week, when security forces arrested six Taliban fighters. In retaliation, insurgents attacked a police station and captured 29 people.

"We will release them only when the government frees our Taliban prisoners," Maulvi Omar, the spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, said in an interview Friday. He threatened to kill the captives, who he said include soldiers, paramilitary forces and police.

Since coming to power in February elections, the government has been trying to negotiate with insurgents. But after months of failed talks, the government has moved troops into the restive regions.

Meanwhile, mortar fire from Afghanistan wounded several Pakistani soldiers Friday in the turbulent tribal area of South Waziristan. Pakistani Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas told the Associated Press it was unclear whether the fire came from NATO-led foreign forces or Afghan forces. He said Pakistani troops returned fire, and "casualties were reported on the other side."

The incident came a month after Pakistan reported that 11 soldiers were killed along the Afghan border when U.S.-led forces dropped more than a dozen bombs in and near Pakistan's tribal regions. At the time, U.S. and Pakistani officials indicated that the incident pointed to the need for better coordination.