“Kashmir, a Festering wound”

Kashmir is the oldest unresolved agenda with the UN; a festering wound which speaks volumes of international apathy towards the just cause of the people of Kashmir. All this Indian occupation forces unleash a reign of terror on the unarmed Kashmiri population including atrocities which are a shame for humanity. The so called developed nations of the world were quick to annihilate Iraq and Libya on suspect weapons of mass destruction, which could never be found. Whether former Yugoslavia, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria or Afghanistan, the same developed nations did not take long to unleash their might.

UN Secretary General can have stakeout of “Sudan” on 11 July 2016 but not “Kashmir”. It seems like if UN is intentionally brushing aside the issue of Kashmir as a “No Issue”. Various interviews/statements (11-16 July 2016), of spokespersons of UN Secretary General Stephane, OIC Independent Permanent Human Right Commission (IPHRC), US State Department John Kirby, Mark Toner, Elizabeth Tudeau, portray if all have no clear stance on the issue with restraints to give an indistinct verdict on international forum – owing to, growing Geo-strategic interests of US in India. US is avoiding indulging into the Kashmir quagmire by deflecting the worlds concerns by declaring it purely an internal issue of India. The international media is not giving due weightage to burning issue of Kashmir, instead prioritizing on coverage of non-issues.

There is a dire need that the UN to conduct an independent, fair and transparent inquiry against the individuals responsible for the massive killings and ensure accountability of culprits at all levels, as immediate measure and resolve of Kashmir Issues as a permanent step. In their “great games” and “new great games” Kashmir somehow does not figure out which leaves a big question mark on the role of the UN and international powers.

Read More

Qandeel Baloch - Strangled for Being Attractive

Fouzia Azeem better known by the name Qandeel Baloch was a Pakistani model, actress, and feminist, activist and social media celebrity. Baloch rose to prominence due to her videos on social networks discussing her daily routine and various controversial issues. She was famous for her sensational videos on social media. Baloch first received recognition from the media in 2013, when she auditioned for Pakistan Idol; her audition went viral and she became an Internet celebrity. She was one of the top 10 most searched for persons on the internet in Pakistan and both celebrated and criticized for the content of her videos and posts. In many ways, Qandeel Baloch reminded me of Amy Winehouse, the troubled young singer also with a failed marriage who died tragically five years ago when she was just 27. Qandeel’s brother allegedly strangled the 26-year-old actor-crooner-activist. Her daring appearances on social media insulted the family honor. Qandeel was staging a fight for her version of azadi.Baloch's fame was based on her social media posts – pictures, videos and comments. These were considered bold by the largely conservative Pakistani community. Some international news media compared her to Kim Kardashian; however, local commentators stated that she was more significant than Kardashian, as Baloch "went against the norms of society" and lived life on her own terms. In June 2016, Baloch met senior cleric Mufti Abdul Qawi in a hotel room to learn more about her faith; the interaction between them brought about mayhem on social media platforms as their photos went viral online. She also wore a hat with the Mufti's signature the meeting led to the Mufti being suspended from his position on one of Pakistan's religious committees.Qandeel Baloch wasn’t unintelligent. With all my “intelligence”, I could never get three-quarters of a million people to follow me on Facebook as she did. It couldn’t have been her looks alone for she wasn't the only good-looking person out there. Qandeel shot to new heights of infamy when she announced her intention to perform a strip dance for Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi if he succeeded in leading his team to victory on the T20 match against India. She even launched a "trailer" of her performance before the match, promising "[a full] film" upon Pakistan's victory. The video appeared to be the tipping point for Facebook users in Pakistan. Many, many people seem to have reported her page for nudity, resulting in a temporary block on her page. “She must be arrested for spreading vulgarity," insisted one Facebook user. Qandeel feigned hurt upon her return: “Aaj se no video. Get lost tharki awam (I won't post videos on Facebook anymore. Get lost, you perverts)," she said in a message.
On 15 July 2016, Baloch was drugged and then asphyxiated by her brother Waseem while she was asleep at her parents' home in Multan. Her death was reported by her father Azeem. By the time her body was found she had already been dead for fifteen to thirty six hours. Marks on Baloch's body revealed that her mouth and nose were pinned shut to asphyxiate her. Police called the murder an honor killing. Her father told the press "my daughter was brave and I will not forget or forgive her brutal murder.Baloch's murder was widely condemned by media celebrities and people around the globe, while some in Pakistan were more inclined to support her murder. Personalities such as Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sharmila Farooqi, Reham Khan, Sanam Baloch, Osman Khalid Butt, Meesha Shafi, Nadia Husain, Ali Zafar, along with many others condemned the incident, including filmmaker and activist Sharman Obaid-Chinoy who said, "I really feel that no woman is safe in this country, until we start making examples of people, until we start sending men who kill women to jail, unless we literally say there will be no more killing and those who dare will spend the rest of their lives behind bars. “She further said, "There is not a single day where you don't pick up a paper and see a woman hasn't been killed ... this is an epidemic. British Prime Minister Theresa May also condemned the murder saying "there is absolutely no honor in so-called honor killings and they should be referred to as acts of terror. “May also said it was 'criminal' for women to be murdered by their male relatives on the grounds of defending family 'honor'

Read More

Indian Army’s Aggression towards Occupied Kashmir

The Kashmir conflict is a territorial conflict primarily between India and Pakistan, having started just after the partition of India in 1947. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947 and 1965, as well as the Kargil War. The two countries have also been involved in several skirmishes over control of the Siachen Glacier. The root of conflict between the Kashmiri insurgents and the Indian Government is tied to a dispute over local autonomy. Thousands of people have died as a result of the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir. Protest movements created to voice Kashmir's disputes and grievances with the Indian government, specifically the Indian Military, have been active in Jammu & Kashmir since 1989.

NEVER before has Indian Occupied Kashmir reacted so violently to the death of a freedom fighter as it has to the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani by security forces on July 8. This 22-year-old Hizbul Mujahedeen commander had become an iconic figure in the Valley. Reportedly, a decision to kill him was taken two months ago at the highest level. Over 50 Kashmiris have been martyred, 200 Blinds, 5000 injured and counting in the protests following the martyrdom of Burhan Wani due to so-called non-lethal pellet guns. The puppet government there has declared a curfew in the entire valley but in spite of curfew and deployment of additional forces, the situation does not seem to be cooling down. Pakistan needs to take same action to show solidarity to their Muslim brethren. The abuses range from mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and sexual abuse to political repression and suppression of freedom of speech. India as usual, turning a blind eye to the ground realities, terms this new wake of struggle for freedom as a law and order situation instigated by Pakistan. It fails to realize that even young children are raising slogans of Azadi while carrying Pakistani flags against the worst kind of Indian terrorism.

There are several UN Security Council resolutions calling for a referendum in Kashmir. 100's of Canadians gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Toronto denouncing Indian army crimes against innocent Kashmiris. In order to protest against the atrocities committed against the people of Occupied Kashmir and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people, the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara observed “Black day” All officers and staff wore ‘black armbands.’

More such outrages will occur unless the truth about Kashmir is squarely faced. Its people sympathize with the wielders of the gun because without them, the people feel, no one will listen to them. Sri Lanka’s Tamils felt the same way about the Tamil Tigers.

The Kashmir dispute cries out for a solution on both dimensions — internal and external. For a people alienated and wronged for decades, any provocation will set them aflame. The Kashmir dispute will not vanish unless their aspirations are met. Within Kashmir the situation will only deteriorate.

Read More

“Miss in Turkey, Bliss in Pakistan”

The limited and halfhearted coup in Turkey brought the Turkish population on the streets in support of Mr. Recep Tayyab Erodgan and against the rebel forces. The Turkish Prime Minister has been hailed as a Messiah by the Turks, making him as popular as Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, if not more. Mr. Erodgan has done wonders for his nation, breaking free from the shackles of IMF, cutting inflation drastically, fighting terrorism, standing against intentional conspiracies being weaved around Turkey, giving up the love for EU and reverting Turkey to the path of progression and development. Statistics speak volumes for him. He is also being projected as the next Muslim leader set to rejuvenate OIC and reunite the Muslim countries, presenting in strife and disarray.

Mr. Recep Tayyab Erodgan has risen to the pedestal of glory for he has delivered and his nation loves him. They resisted the rebel forces, paying with their lives because their leadership was honest and clean. They did not have to run paid campaigns to prove themselves to the nation that they rule.

Some political leaders and analysts in Pakistan did not take long in drawing comparisons between the unsuccessful coup in turkey and successful ones in Pakistan. Some say the Pakistani nation would welcome the Army if they get rid of the leaders who are synonymous with Swiss accounts, Mayfair’s, Surrey Palaces and off shore companies; while the nation endures unemployment, inflation, rampant crime, nepotism, murder of merit, height of corruption, menace of terrorism etc. The list could continue. The same leadership is happy for the failed coup in Turkey – hoping any coup in Pakistan would also meet the same fate. Their bliss in the Turkish miss also speaks of the fear within them – fear of their wrong doings which have brought the rising Pakistan of the early 60’s to its present state. With the cancer of unchecked corruption gnawing at our flesh and bone, we are no comparison to Turkey.

    Our leadership need not to worry about a coup. The Army is happy playing its role in the war against terrorism, fighting natural calamities, earthquakes, floods, building roads, working for the success of CPEC and training Pakistani cricket team for success on it’s to UK. All they need to do is to make Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah their role model and to emulate his personality.    

Read More

Pakistan - “What a Country, Mr. Guide!”

Remember “KALIYAN” the famous TV program of yester years produced by Mr. Farooq Qaiser? The most popular segment was about a western tourist visiting Pakistan which invariably ended on the line “What a country, Mr. Guide.”

Democracy in our country also referred to as “damn o cracy” by some, has somehow always been in danger. Our democratically elected leadership has always been in the eye of the storm because of their own follies. Our Prime Minister’s last visit to the United Kingdom lasted for 48 days. He was there for heart bypass surgery, mired in dubious circumstances. Opposition leaders in Pakistan have called it a sham – terming it as self-exile. He was seen shopping at Harrods, eating at fancy restaurants, strolling the streets of London till hassled by local Pakistani’s. All this while the President of Pakistan, Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly were in Saudi Arabia during Ramzan. Ms. Mariam Nawaz was running the country through her #Tweets. The Prime Minister was seen walking out of the hospital unaided immediately after the bypass keeping in mind this was his 4^th bypass. Mr. Hassan and Hussain Nawaz the most successful businessmen of the world – Panama Leaks fame, following him. Mr. Hassan Nisar a famous Pakistan journalist had the following comments on the PM’s last exile:

        “Leaders in exile ponder, contemplate and write books but the Sharif brothers could only find time for hair transplants”

The story goes on, Pakistani Ministers visits to see their PM in London, brainstorming to avert the fall out of Panama Leaks, retirement of General Raheel Sharif – Pakistan Army Chief. He’s the driving force behind Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Karachi. Selection of junior General as the next Chief of Army Staff to slow down these operations, providing an opportunity for the Senior Army leadership to exit, creating an environment for better relations with India and putting Kashmir on the back burner. All this while the Pakistani masses bear the torment of corruption, inflation, lawlessness, nepotism and the VIP culture. None lags behind in this circus, MR. Fazal-ur-Rehman, Mr. Wali Khan; Mr. Achakzai declaring KPK as part of Afghanistan. Governor Sindh MR. Qaim Ali Shah visiting drought stricken Thar in a VIP convoy of 94 vehicles. What a country, MR. Guide.

Mr. Sheikh Rasheed says that the Prime Minister is in the habit of axing his own feet while the nation awaits the formulation of TOR’s, our PM flies back to Pakistan after 48 days in London on a PIA 777. A poor nations PM returns home not the capital, it can wait, to JATI UMRAH (Near Raiwind). PIA- great people to fly with, an exclusive aircraft to fiery the PM’s family. A 777 is the world's largest twinjet and has a typical seating capacity for 314 to 451 passengers.

A famous Pakistani singer Mr. Shehzad Roy says “Ye Qaum kisi zaroori kaam say so rahi hay isey sonay do”

“The nation is asleep because of necessity, let it remain asleep.”

·         This report has been gleaned from Pakistani Media. 

Read More