Khurram Zaki – A Beacon of Courage‏

After Sabeen Mahmud, Irfan Khudi Ali and others, Khurram Zaki has been the latest victim after protesting against Lal Masjid radical cleric Abdul Aziz, after the latter refused to condemn the brutal killing of 150 innocent children of army public school Peshawar.

Zaki alongside Jibran Nasir and other Civil Society activists; organized a peaceful protest in front of Lal Masjid on first anniversary of Army Public School massacre and filed a court case against Abdul Aziz for spreading hatred against shia community. Zaki a computer graduate from FAST-NU, participated in these protests with his wife and kids.

Lal Masjid’s Abdul Aziz, along-with Sami-ul-Haq of JUI-S and leader of Jamaat-e- Islami Ibrahim Khan was nominated by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as their representative for peace talks with the government in February 2014. According to the media reports, Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility of Zaki’s killing saying that he had been targeted for his protests against Abdul Aziz.

In a frantic statement in the National Assembly, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in December last year mentioned his inability in arresting Abdul Aziz as no cases were registered against him. I have still failed to see a clear condemnation of Zaki’s killing from the interior ministry or establishment.

This cannot be considered just a coincidence that all the peaceful and nonviolent voices against religious fanatics of Lal masjid are systematically made silent on regular basis. There are only a handful of Pakistanis who choose the difficult rout and confront the Islamist extremists instead of burying their heads in sand – and Khurram Zaki was arguably the bravest and most courageous among this small list of comrades.

It has unfortunately become an astonishing norm in Pakistan that whoever decides to confront this strong and fanatic lobby should be prepared to put his neck on the line as Zaki did by paying with his life.

Pakistan government and security forces decide to look the other way when it comes to the militant activities carried out by fanatics associated with Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, which has become a bastion of terrorist killing across the country.

This is not surprising that Khurram Zaki’s website LUBP.com is blocked in Pakistan – apparently by directions from interior ministry and Pemra; while the extremist radical groups are free to spread their hatred ideology through the electronic and social media without any check.

PTI’s economic scheme

This was published in the Dawn on September 14, 2012.
MUHAMMAD Jalal Awan has mentioned in his letter (Dawn Sept 6 2012) the example of Malaysian growth after
Mahatir Mohamad’s reforms. I want to point out that all developed or rapidly growing nations,
including Malaysia, did not face militancy in their cities during the development and so the example of
Asian Tigers is not relevant.
I don’t agree with Asad Umar’s idea that economic development can be achieved in the presence of
militancy.
Until 1977 Pakistan was among the fastest developing economies of the world. Institutions like PIA and the
BCCI bank were among the world’s top – ranking organisations, and human development index was rapidly
growing changing the economic conditions of citizens.
After the start of the Afghan war in 1979, Pakistan gave refuge to over four million Afghans who brought
weapons, drugs and militant ideology with them and destroyed the social fabric of the peaceful and tolerant
Pakistani society.
By the 1990s the country was gripped by sectarian violence and hundreds of doctors, teachers and other
innocent citizens were killed by Islamic militants across the country.
After the 9/11 attacks in New York, Taliban militants fled Afghanistan and brought the war into Pakistani
cities.
According to the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, since 2007 Taliban militants have been blasting on
average more than one bomb every day somewhere in Pakistan. Various government and military officials
have presented the figure of 30,000 innocent civilians killed by the Islamic extremists during last 10 years.
As a result, Pakistan’s economy has critically suffered because of the deteriorating law and order situation.
Textile Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin mentioned in January this year that 40 per cent of the textile
industry and over 200,000 power looms have been moved to Bangladesh.
In my opinion the PTI’s economic policy could be a very nice document; but its implementation will be
difficult in the war-waged country.

Sectarian Attacks in Pakistan – a Routine

In the latest incident of its kind, 25 Shia muslims are forced out of a bus at main road near Mansehra and killed in cold blood. The national identity cards of these victims were checked before shooting to ensure their sect.

Police mentioned that the innocent people killed were travelling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid.

On 28th February gunmen killed at least 18 Shia bus passengers including 3 children in Kohistan in an attack carried out in similar fashion. Militants were wearing army uniform, who stopped the bus and killed the Shia muslims after identification through their papers. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed the responsibility soon after the incident.

Militants have used the same procedure few times in Quetta too where Hazara community has been victim of continuous sectarian violence for a long time.

The recent killings indicate a great failure of law-enforcement agencies of Pakistan. Although militants have used Army uniforms in many incidents, every time after completing their nefarious design the militants have been able to walk away freely and the perpetrators of such organised crime remain untouched.

Sectarian killings have sharply increased in the country after Lahore High Court ordered release of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi chief Malik Ishaq from prison on bail in January this year. Ishaq has been reported to move freely and is delivering inflammatory speeches since his release.

Human rights activists have been urging Pakistani security forces for quite few years to take action against extremist sectarian outfits; however no operation so far is launched to curb these militants.

Amnesty International has reported that Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, a banned militant organisation, is operating openly in Punjab and Karachi and striking their victims at will in Balochistan and other parts of the country.

Human Rights Watch has also mentioned that Laskar-i-Jhangvi operates with impunity even in areas where state authority is well-established, such as Punjab and Karachi.
Human Rights Watch added that law-enforcement officials have been seen to look the other way during attacks on Shia and other vulnerable groups.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said; it had no hesitation in stating that the terrorists managed to strike on Thursday only because those behind earlier target killings in Kohistan and Quetta had not been tracked down.

Drawing similarities between the Shia killings in Gilgit Baltistan and in Kohistan in February, the human rights body stated that the buses were stopped on a main road by men in military uniforms, Shia passengers were separated from the rest and executed.

HRCP also said “The sectarian killings and Kamra attack prove that the Taliban were nobody’s friends and those who had created them, had taken Pakistan down the road of annihilation,”

Protecting Hazaras in Balochistan

EIGHT more people belonging to the Hazara Shia community were killed in Quetta on April 14 as the targeted killing of the ethnic community has unfortunately become a routine in the provincial capital.

These targeted killings indicate a great failure of law-enforcement agencies in Balochistan. Every time after completing their nefarious design the militants have been able to walk away freely and the perpetrators of such organised crime remain untouched.

Human rights groups have urged Pakistani security forces to take action against extremist sectarian outfits which have once again targeted Hazara Shia Muslims killing eight more people.

Human Rights Watch says that from 2008 to 2011 at least 275 Shias, mostly from the Hazara community, have been killed in Balochistan province, while these killings are still continued.

Human Rights Watch has reported that Pakistani and international human rights organisations, including HRW, have made numerous calls to Pakistan’s authorities to hold those responsible for the attacks to account. While authorities claim to have arrested dozens of suspects, no one has been charged in these attacks.

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has reported that “together with the red tape, endemic to the bureaucracy, the delays in justice delivery and the ban on political activity created a vacuum in which the Islamic militant groups found it easy to run their terror activities”.

The Asian Human Rights Commission has urged that the government must immediately avail itself of all possible efforts to bring the perpetrators of targeted killings of innocent Shias to book. The government must probe the links between the banned militant organisations and the establishment.

The AHRC has also urged the government to ensure the security of the survivors, family members and relatives of those who were killed in the targeted killings and immediately pay compensation and rehabilitate them.

Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director Sam Zarifi said: “These are not random killings but demonstrate the deliberate targeting of the Shia by armed groups.”

He added that “recent attacks have predominantly targeted unarmed Shia Muslims in their homes, shops or while travelling, and even in their places of worship.”

Amnesty International has also reported that Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, a banned militant organisation, is operating openly in Punjab and striking their victims at will in Balochistan and other parts of the country.

Human Rights Watch has also mentioned that Laskar-i-Jhangvi operates with impunity even in areas where state authority is well-established, such as Punjab and Karachi.

Human Rights Watch has urged the Pakistan government to direct the military and the Frontier Corps to protect those facing attacks from extremist groups.

Time Period to End Energy Shortage:

Prime minister, once again has claimed to end the energy crisis within six months time. Since the current government resumed the office in 2008, there have been many claims of ending the energy crisis in the country, however unfortunately no practical aspects of these claims have ever been made public.

There has been common misconception about the completion date of the coal fired power stations across the nation. We have seen various interviews of renowned nuclear scientist Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand together with government officials that underground coal gasification facilities can start generating electricity in less than a year time without any foreign investment or technical aid.

World’s average time to connect coal fired power stations with the national grid is 4 to 5 years. This period includes time spent on engineering design, arranging billions of dollars investment, procurement of sophisticated equipment and construction.

If we work on “war footings”, as prime minister mentioned in his first speech to the current national assembly in 2008, and enable to secure foreign investment timely, electricity can not be generated using Thar coal before 2017.

Underground coal gasification team, run by respected nuclear scientists is by nature is a research and development organisation and unfortunately lacks in an organisational setup to install some of the world’s largest facilities in timely fashion. On July 16, 2009, the underground coal gasification team first claimed to generate 100MW of electricity by end of 2009. After spending two and a half years in research and development, they have only been able to establish a very small pilot plant to perform underground combustion.

As a matter of fact, underground coal combustion has yet to be proven on commercial scale and financial institutions might not be willing to fund few billion dollars without technical and commercial assurances. This becomes more significant when no such commercial scale plant exists in the world which could be used as and example to claim the commercially viability.

United States being the world’s largest; produces 342,000 MW of electricity in about 1400 plants using “conventional” combustion procedures and not through the underground combustion. China being the second largest and many other countries are producing thousands of MW energy without trying the unconventional methods.

On part of government, coal mines should be offered to the world’s renowned expert companies with transparent and clear contractual terms, so these companies can use internationally proven technologies to install coal fired power plants.

The only short/medium term solution to cover the demand and supply gap of fuel gas and electricity is to enhance speed on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, which can be completed on fast track bringing upto 1000 MMSCFD into the national gas distribution network by 2014. This gas will be supplied cheaper than the international trade gas price.

As Iran is about to complete its part of 1,100 km pipeline from South Pars gas field to Pak-Iran border, Pakistan has yet to award the procurement and construction contract to a construction company.

A few years ago Pakistan laid down 800 km long white oil pipeline from Karachi port to Pak Arab refinery in Muzaffar Garh within one and a half year construction time. The country has therefore ample expertise available for fast construction of pipeline.

Pakistan government should keep in mind one of the agreement clauses that, if any of the two countries that caused a delay in completing the project would be liable to $200 million penalty per month after December 31, 2014.

At the same time, Pakistan government should also focus on long term solutions including Diamer Bhash dam, which can provide plenty of cheap electricity alongwith providing water security to the country’s agriculture sector.

Military Courts in Karachi

PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif’s statement for setting up the military courts in Karachi is dreadful and disappointing.

Mian Nawaz Sharif government established the controversial military courts in Karachi in 1997 through an ordinance, which were largely criticized by the human rights organizations due to their contentious decisions during military operation in Karachi.

Supreme Court voided the military courts in its decision on February 17, 1999 and termed them unlawful and against the constitution of land. Mr. Sharif, in his statement has actually endorsed the military courts which do not follow the civilian law, practiced by the courts throughout the country.

Mr. Sharif’s petition regarding “memogate” together with his recent statement in support of military courts has raised a big question mark on his previous claims for strengthening the democratic institutions and to keep the armed forces out of country’s politics.

Moreover, Mr. Sharif has raise the need of military courts when Karachi is going through a period of relative peace; which further points the finger towards PML-N leader’s ability of understanding Karachi’s political and economical problems.

At a time when Pakistan army is busy fighting with Taliban insurgents up and down in the Pakistani cities and on its western borders, pointing out the metropolitan city for military courts is deeply disgraceful for its 20 million people.

On one hand PML-N has been campaigning for negotiations with Taliban militants for a peace deal, even after failure of several such deals in past; and on the other hand he is advocating for establishing the military courts in the country’s bread earning metropolis.

Mian Nawaz Sharif and his party should try understanding the country’s actual problems and bring the fresh approach to tackle these issues instead of repeating the tried, tested and failed methods.

Ardeshir Cowasjee – A Beacon of Truth

[This blog was published in the daily Dawn on 29th December 201]

THIS is disappointing to know that we will not be able to read Ardeshir Cowasjee’s columns On Sundays anymore, as he has decided to take retirement.

Mr Cowasjee has shown light and wisdom to the nation during the ever-changing and dynamic political era for 22 years from 1989 to 2011.

Mr Cowasjee over the years particularly clarified and corrected the history about the creed of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in establishing a liberal and secular state where every citizen will be equally treated without any discrimination on religious or linguistic grounds.

He has been at the forefront against radicalisation of Pakistani youth as an aftermath of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and during the war against terror.

Mr Cowasjee has been the lone wolf in highlighting the environmental problems in the city of his birthplace Karachi, including the very important issues of industrial effluent treatment and mangroves.

The previous local governments must have learnt a lot from him during epic development of the city infrastructure.

His special emphasis on the need for modernising the basic and higher education system has undoubtedly played a significant role in establishing the various educational policies by various governments.

Although these policies were not properly implemented, it didn’t stop Mr Cowasjee from highlighting the long-term effect of good education on society.

As Mr Cowasjee, at the age of 85 years, has decided to retire from writing Dawn’s Sunday column, I wish to thank him for making a difference in Pakistani society and correcting its history.

He will remain a vital beacon of truth and vivid patriotism for the nation for years to come. I wish him best for his health and wonderful family life.

Deal With Taliban – a Futile Exercise

[This Blog was published in the Daily Dawn newspaper on December 16th, 2011]

According to media reports Taliban have claimed that the militant group is negotiating with government for a peace deal in Bajour tribal agency.

This is not the first time that Pakistan government has tried peace talks with brutal Taliban who have been waging war against Pakistani citizens and security forces for several years.

Since 2004, several peace deals have been negotiated, often collapsing within few months. These peace deals with Taliban resulted in release of hundreds of Taliban fighters from jails, cessation of military operation and amnesty with Pakistan army.

These past deals lasted only for a brief period of few months and Taliban used that “peace” time to reorganise their militia, collecting funds and to launch fresh attacks on innocent Pakistani citizens.

Taliban commanders have claimed that 145 members of Taliban militia have already been released from Pakistani jails as a result of these peace talks. Media has also reported that Taliban have asked the government to release all Taliban fighters from jails.

Taliban have claimed responsibility of killing thousands of Pakistani citizens and security personnel across the country and it is feared that as a result of these negotiations, Pakistan will loose the advantage of what is achieved as a result of several years long military operations against the brutal Taliban militia in tribal area.

Sectarian Killings in Pakistan and Human Rights Groups

This blog is published in the Dawn Newspaper on October 11, 2011.

HUMAN rights activists have urged Pakistani security forces to take action against extremist sectarian outfits which have once again targeted Hazara-Shia Muslims killing 13 people.

According to media reports, the assassinated people were poor labourers headed for work at the local vegetable market in the morning of Oct 4, when targeted.

On Sept 19, some 29 Hazara-Shia people were killed in Quetta while travelling in a bus.

Using the same procedure as two weeks ago, the attackers forced the people off the bus, made them stand in a row and then opened fire killing 13 people on the spot.

Sectarian killings against the Hazara community have sharply increased after the release of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi chief Malik Ishaq from prison on bail. Ishaq has been reported to restart inflammatory speeches in Punjab soon after his release.

Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director Sam Zarifi said: “These are not random killings but demonstrate the deliberate targeting of the Shia by armed groups.”

He added that “recent attacks have predominantly targeted unarmed Shia Muslims in their homes, shops or while travelling, and even in their places of worship.”

Amnesty International has also reported that Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, a banned militant organisation, is operating openly in Punjab and Karachi and striking their victims at will in Balochistan and other parts of the country.

Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said: “The government’s failure to break up the extremist groups that carry out these attacks calls into question its commitment to protect all of its citizens.”

Human Rights Watch has also mentioned that Laskar-i-Jhangvi operates with impunity even in areas where state authority is well-established, such as Punjab and Karachi.

Human Rights Watch added that law-enforcement officials have been seen to look the other way during attacks on Shia and other vulnerable groups.

Human Rights Watch has urged the Pakistan government to direct the military and the Frontier Corps to protect those facing attack from extremist groups.

The holy month of Muharram will start towards the end of November and the potential for

sectarian violence is very high, according to human rights groups. Continued failure to address the problem of sectarian violence will only exacerbate the general breakdown in law and order in Pakistan.

Sectarian Killings in Quetta

This post is published in the daily Dawn on September 22, 2011.

It is not the first time that Hazara-Shia community is targeted by the sectarian outfits in Quetta. According to media reports, 29 pilgrims were killed while going to Iran including 3 other people who were trying to bring the injured to a hospital.

According to the bus driver Mr. Khushhal Khan, the victims’ identity cards were checked before they were assassinated to ensure their sectarian background. Fortunately the bus driver and cleaner were left unharmed.

Assistant commissioner of Mustang has called it a sectarian attack, as banned outfit Lashkar-i-Jhangvi has claimed the responsibility for both attacks.
The Hazaras who migrated from Central Asia over 100 years ago have been easy target because of their distinct Mongolian features. They have been the targets of religious violence since mid 1980s; however the attacks on them began to intensify after start of war on terror when Taliban scattered in Pakistani cities particularly in the tribal belt and Quetta.
According to media reports, almost 500 Hazaraz have been killed since the year 2000.

Unfortunately most of the right wing politicians including Jamaat Islami, Imran Khan, Shahbaz Sharif and Zaid Hamid etc who have been very vocal against the drone attacks and the other issues like Aafia Siddiqui, are completely failed to raise their voice against these brutal attacks.

United States and other western countries have been claiming the strong presence of Taliban in Quetta for a long time, which our security establishment denies. According to media reports no action is taken against Taliban and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi in Quetta to stop these home grown militants, leaving the innocent citizens on their mercy.
We should try finding the strategic depth within our country instead of denying the presence of radical militants within our own borders.

I want to remind the Pakistan government and army establishment their basic duty of protecting the lives of their citizens according the constitution.
An army operation in Quetta is long over due to eliminate Taliban and other sectarian outfits, as the presence of militants can not be denied when the killings of innocent citizens has become a routine.