Failure of religious forces in Pakistan - Part II by Nadia Khan

 

Earlier, we had discussed as why religious forces lost ground in Pakistan in last five decades - how and where? Here we will analyse as how many opportunities brought up for religious forces to move back the nomenclature of the country towards Islam.   A country, where 91% population (according to independent survey) is Sunni Muslims and the basic ideology is Islam then why the country lacks the true sprit of religion – peace, social justice, and equality!!!   First of its kind, came up during General Auyb Khan era, when he was trying to elect himself against Muhtarma Fatima Jinnah, who became the prime candidate for President office by being the sister of the founder of Pakistan. Unfortunately, she lost because of rigging but the real defeat was meant for religious forces that stood behind Fatima Jinnah.   Second, during 1977 PNA movement when Prime Minister Z A Bhutto & his ruling PPP had accepted many of the demands of opposition such as declaration of Ahmadis or Qadianis as non-Muslims, holiday on Friday, banning liquors in govt offices etc.   Third, in 1979 when USSR had invaded Afghanistan to extend its reach up to the Middle East and influence the region with socialism. Poor Afghans became the first line of defence for a year or so before the arrival of USA with all its sophisticated arms and missiles. If by any means, Afghan radical Mujahedeen and warlords could have sorted out their internal differences & they should have abided by Makkah Accord then the world could have seen Islamic Caliphate in 21st century. Alas, that golden opportunity had been lost just because of personal differences.   Fourth, when Taliban surged in mid 90s and with the help of Pakistan they had captured the 90% land of Afghanistan . Supporting Taliban was prime policy matter of Pakistan ’s foreign ministry to counter the actions of Ahmed Shah Masood’s Northern Alliance with Pro Tajik militia of Rasheed Dostum and General Faheem, both were gaining the support of US & India silently.   This has given an opportunity to Pakistani religious forces to streamline them in bordering Afghanistan & tribal areas due to number of common reasons. Tahreek Taliban Pakistan , TTP, got attention once Sufi Muhammad & 4 thousands Taliban militia under the leadership of Fazl ullah, in Swat had raised their voice for Nizam e Adl, a long-awaited desire of people of Swat & Malakand for speedy justice. Muslim Khan, the spokes person of TTP appeared on many news channels to defend the demands of Taliban. Before inking this peace accord secular forces became active and raised the drama of girls’ flogging to counter the growing influence of Islamism and its political enforcement within the region.   Even though secular forces in Pakistan and US authorities didn’t like any accord between govt of Pakistan and radical Islamist however it exists for a day or two prior to Operation. If somehow this peace accord could have existed longer, probably the blame goes on both sides – flamboyant speech of Sufi Muhammad and inability of Zardari govt to succumbed US pressure, the region could have benefited out if it more than the Army Operation results, which could take years to heal the wounds & economy – more than 2 millions displaced, and socio-political work around to bring back the religious forces to mainstream of Pakistan!   The blame goes less on Sufi Muhammad as his views about democracy, constitution, or judiciary were known since ages. Even after knowing that, he was in govt custody and brought forward for peace in Swat by present govt. This has confirmed the inability of both govt and political forces to counter the influence of growing Taliban in Swat valley and hence Sufi Muhammad has been used to tackle Taliban issue.   Not only the secular forces came forward, they also brought forward some other elements of Pakistan religious society, likely the conflicting sects to fire against Taliban. The convention of Ulema & Mashiekhs (Saints & Sufis) not only condemned the advancement and approach of Swat Taliban but they move forward and join hands with secular forces in this “noble cause.”   Neither Deubandi nor Barelvis were the looser out of this useless battle, the main loser was Islamic Jihad activity, as many of the Western media men portrayed “Jihad as an act of barbarism” and presented such Pakistani religious scholars views of opposite sects, for the justification of their ulterior motives. While condemning Taliban, each member of Jamiat Ulma e Pakistan, Noorani group forgot that it was Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, the first high level religious scholar, of different school of thoughts, who had endorsed the actions of Taliban in Afghanistan positively, when other Islamists groups were engaged against each other.

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Failure of religious forces in Pakistan - Part I by Nadia Khan

Pakistani citizens, in or out of the country, as a nation, are quite religious (probably conservative) in all aspects of life. However, failure of religious forces in Pakistan is also quite obvious. The formation of Pakistan is based on "two nation's theory" as Hindus & Muslims were two distinct nations and a separate homeland was needed for Muslims where they could exercise their rights within the frame work of their religion. The founding fathers of this homeland had dreamt a piece of land where Muslims could have their basic rights and an implementation of true social justice as envisaged by the earlier rulers of Islam – the Caliphates.   This dream never came true even after 60 years. Be it general elections or council level selections you wouldn't find much of religious or righteous figures successful there. It is a well known fact that "beside all their conservatism, many of Pakistanis wouldn't like to marry their sons & daughters with Molvis or Mullanis – man who prays five times a day religiously & grows beard or a woman who observes veil!"   Here, by religious, we mean the outlook of a person is as per the inspirations of religion defined by many of our religious scholars. To make it clear, we would say – Molvi outlook. You may disagree with this definition however this is the outlook of religious elements that had created major chaos in Pakistan under the banner of Taliban.   If we analyse religious movements in last 60 years, it is obvious that all were failures. After independence till 1956 an agreed constitution wasn't written or implemented. The entire country was run under the British system of governance, as left by Englishmen, for many years.   In mid 60s, first time religious elements took strong stance against General Ayub Khan when he had tried to implement his own interpretation of Shariah; however it was confined up to matrimonial matters or Muslims Personal Laws.   In 1977, Nizam e Mustafa movement, which comprised all factions of religious forces, went in wrong directions and General Zia had taken the due advantage of it. By chance, an opportunity came up and USSR invaded Afghanistan , hence he became the blue-eyed boy of USA for a decade & ruled Pakistan militarily.   In 80s, General Zia's infamous Hudood Ordinance didn't bring fruits to entire nation and many of the innocent women became its victim.   Later in 90s, Shariat Bill, brought forward by JUI and Maulana Sami ul Haq,  the man behind it, wasn't a success. And the nomenclature of the country remains under the rule of British Laws till today.   Even, during General Musharraf days, there was much protest against women protection bill, and it was termed as in opposite direction of religious requirements by many of religious personalities. Politically, during Musharraf era, religious elements under the banner of MMA won partial victory and became the balancing force however the out come of their efforts is the passing of 17th amendment which had strengthen the dictatorial powers of Musharraf, and derailed the democracy in Pakistan from its centre point for unknown period. Hence President became more authoritative then the Head of the Govt – Prime Minister and we have seen weak Prime Ministers such as Jamali, Aziz, and Shujaat with all their secular agendas!   The fall of religious political parties is also evident such as Jamat e Islami, an organized religious-political party with roots in most of the educational institutions, lost ground in cities like Karachi to Altaf Hussain's MQM and in Lahore to Nawaz Sharif's Muslim League.   JUI, be it Sami ul Haq's or Fazlu ur Rehman, couldn't become rising star on national horizon or to form federal government. They remain confined within the borders of NWFP or partially in Baluchistan and helping hands for parties like Muslim League or IJI type joint associations.   Then the era of ethnicity came up in Pakistan with the fall of Afghanistan Jihad. Small religious groups became the ethnic-fighters within their small towns or large villages, were evident. Be it Haq Nawaz Jhangvi's SSP in Southern Punjab or Sipha e Muhammad, a Shia ethnic-fighter group formed to counter SSP, or Salim Qadri's Sunni Tehreek in metros like Karachi or likewise smaller groups, considered as ethnic group promoting religious hatred in last 20 years with very small ground gaining position, as they were winning one or two seats of assemblies.   Then it came to Lashker e Tayyaba – a religious group mostly engaged in Jihadi activities in occupied Kashmir or Indian cities. Even though with die-hard fighters, their approach didn't win the hearts of many Pakistanis, and worked in reverse order bringing Pakistan & India at the brink of war.   Until recently Taliban surged and took the ground in NWFP. Initially PPP led govt got engaged with them thru ANP and worked out a solution that was based on their long-standing demand – Nizam e Adl. However, days after that, Taliban, as it looks like didn't sense the sensitivity of International pressure and PPP govt didn't succumbed that and hence a full scale army operation against the corrupt elements of Taliban is now in action under the name of "Operation Rahe Rast" means  the True Path!   Taliban or the corrupt elements hiding behind the curtain of Taliban, likely welcome the operation as it looks like their initial target to engage Pakistan Army at home-front. However the operation has displaced almost 2.5 million residents to live under open sky with less basic amenities.   All this was done in the name of religion or in the name of the interpretations of Quran or Sunnah. All ethnic sects feel that their interpretation is absolutely correct and others are wrong. This approach has extended up to a level where the "killing" of those who differ became the path of Jannah!

Political Slogans in Pakistan by Nadia Khan

When I was writing my previous article, "Slogans of MQM" I realized that this canvass could be extended bit more to include other political parties too. Here is the updated version. Nadia Khan

 

In Pakistan , political slogans convey the facts of life and are sometimes revealing the hidden information of meaningful nature. After independence, number of political slogans had made their way in our society. Ayub Kutta Hai Hai, during the days of former President Ayub Khan became quite famous even after his resignation and exit from active politics, was seen on many walls.

 

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP’s) famous slogan "Roti, kapra aur makan, mang raha hay herr insan" has stayed with us for four decades and it still inspires the low-income cadres of the party who form the nucleus of the party. Another popular PPP slogan, "Bhutto family hero hero, Baqi saray zero zero,” bluntly conveys that only the Bhuttos count in the party as the rest don't have a value more than a zero. This has made number of old PPP stalwarts and “uncles” of slain Benazir Bhutto, angry and finally out of the party. During the elections of 1977, most famous slogan of PNA was Ganjay kay serr per hal chalay ga, hel chalay ga phel milay ga, means ploughing would happen upon Mr Bhuttos’ head and then fruit will grow!

 

Once Zia ul Haq entered into politics, he has his share of political slogans highlighting Islamic cause and lionizing him as a pious leader. Mard e Momin, Mard e Haq Zial ul Haq Zia ul Haq, means that Zia ul Haq is a pious and true Muslim, was chanted by his followers during those days. However, his opposition, MRD, which was based on the amalgamation of PPP and Fazul Rehman use to term him as America ka jo yar hay ghaddar hay ghaddar hay, means anyone who is friend of America is traitor to Pakistan .

 

When General Zia imposed ban on all student unions across the country, student wings of political parties became very active with Islami Jamiat Tulba, a student wing of Jama e Islami, at forefront and had coined a new slogan, Jo Talba say takrayie ga, wo pash pash ho jaye ga, saying that anyone who strikes students would be crushed, became quite famous during those days. Another slogan, Lathee goli kee sarkar, nahee chalay gee nahee chalay gee, had asked govt that with the help of batons and bullets govt would no longer function properly.

 

In 1986 this slogan Charoun souboun kee zanjeer, baynazir baynzair became very famous while arranging the heroic reception for the daughter of late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto; late Benazir Bhutto. After her tragic death, zinda hay BB zinda hay became quite famous among PPP political circles. 

 

"Qadam bharao Nawaz Sharif, Hum tumharay saath hain," means move ahead Nawaz Sharif, we all are with you, also gained popularity when the PML-N leader was being moved ahead and take on his rivals during IJI days. Some analysts say that it also was an effort to create the Nawaz Sharif cult in our peculiar dynastic politics which is the blood of our main stream political figures. Based on PML (N) election mark Tiger or Lion, their supporters had coined a slogan Dekho dekhko Koun Aaya – Sheer aya sheer aya, means look who has come in, a lion is arrived, became quite famous during his tenure.

 

MQM, in our national politics have coined number of political slogans to idolize Altaf Hussain, party’s founder, by coining & chanting Jeeya Altaf in the style of Jeeay Bhutto. As MQM lovers say that our sloganeering basically symbolizes the founder, conveys admiration for him and loyalty to Muhajir cause. Such slogans convey a lot more than hours long speeches or lengthy articles with true arguments. The activists of any political party wouldn’t work on their own unless they have been instructed to do so and MQM “fighters” are die hard lovers of Altaf Hussain, as their slogan is “Hum ko Manzil Nahee Rehnuma Chaheya” means we don’t need to achieve our goals; we need only a leader, is the guiding light for them or Quaid kay ferman pay jan bhee Qurban hay was a candle light for Muhajir activists.

 

However MQM critics say that you have not seen such an idiotic or funny slogan all the way in slogans history, which says that a leader is needed rather than the goals set by the party. Another view is that leader is having precedence over the targets. Or some analysts say that Muhajir community, who liked MQM only, will not accept anything without Altaf Bhai.

 

Few Karachi based political analysts did some analysis on to this slogan by extending it to the founder of Pakistan . If this slogan would have been there before partition in 1947 and common people used to say, “Hum ko Pakistan Nahee Quaid e Azam Chaheya” means we don’t need Pakistan ; we need Muhammad Ali Jinnah only. If it would have been the case then most likely, Quaid e Azam himself, should have asked his lovers to stop chanting this slogan.

 

They say that, no one in pre-partition India had raised any such slogan – we don’t need independence of India ; we need only Gandhi. Even the man with whom Altaf Hussain is inspired in his early political days – G M Syed; his followers, with so much love for Syed, didn’t raise any such slogan. Few say that this slogan is mostly the brain child of military dictators who are the true reflection of MQM’s this slogan such as Yahya Khan proved it with his actions that he doesn’t need Pakistan but his own self was more important than the country. Same is true in case of Musharraf when he was demolishing the institutions and tribal Pakistanis as he felt that his own personality (or his prolonged tenure of govt) is more important than Pakistan or Pakistanis.

 

Jo Quaid Ka Ghaddar Hay Wo Maut Ka Haqdarr hay, means anyone who betrays Altaf Hussain; only deserves death punishment was quite common among MQM activists during the days of 1992 Karachi Army Operation & there after. As there’s no election mechanism within MQM, the loyalty with Altaf Hussain is trend-setter in the party to gain benefits, national or provincial assemblies’ seats tickets or minister ships portfolios. I believe that within this context this slogan appears to be a practical approach for MQM activists!

 

Beside that, Karachi residents are aware of few other slogans such as MuhajirouN kay teen Ghaddar – Mir Jaffer, Mir Sadiq, and Mir Khalil ur Rehman. This means there have been three traitors within the Muhajir community, Mir Jaffer who betrayed Muslim Indian ruler Siraj ud Daula during war of Plassey, Mir Sadiq who betrayed Shaheed Tipu Sultan and the founder of Jang group, Mir Khalil ur Rehman. Probably it is assumed that Jang group had betrayed Altaf Hussain, being a Muhajir, by not publishing his photo at his desired place. This was chanted by MQM activists when Jang group of news papers had refused to publish Altaf Hussain’s photo on to the front page of daily Jang, an Urdu newspaper, near the main headline.

 

It is still in memory of many Karachi residents that they have seen number of banners hoisted in district central where a welcoming note for Altaf Hussain birthday celebration mentioning him as Mohsin e Insaneeyat Ko Salgirah Mubarak means happy birthday to the well wisher of humanity. Whole world knows that this title in Urdu language is meant for last Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallahu Alihay wassallum (peace be upon him) and no one attributed after him for same!

 

Until recently, MQM’s new slogan Karachi Kis Ka – MQM Ka, means who is the owner of Karachi - that’s MQM, had raised major concerns for other communities residing in the city such as Pathans, who own most of the transport business in the city.

 

Lawyers’ movement, beside its success, had brought number of literary things such as poetry, poems from Aitazaz Ahsan, and slogans against ex-President Pervaiz Musharraf when he sacked the Chief Justice. Go Musharraf go was quite famous and repeatedly chanted against him in almost all the functions. When it came to docking off Army Chief Uniform, the popular Punjabi slogan Chacha Wardee Lahenda Kioun Naiee, Pension lay kay janda kioun naiee? as asking why Uncle Musharraf is not docking off his uniform and why he is going away by taking his retirement pension, chanted by lawyers had stir the environment.

 

The lovers of Ali Ahmed Kurd used to chant Dekho dekhko Koun Aaya – Sheer aya sheer aya upon his arrival in lawyers processions.

Communist and Mazdoor Kissan Party (CMKP) workers after the incident of 12^th May 2007 in their rallies were using this new slogan against the MQM. It was extremely popular in the rally in front of the Supreme Court building:

Yeh MQM kya hai...MAFIA
Altaf ka yeh...Mafia
Musharraf ka yeh..Mafia
Jarnailon ka yeh...Mafia

Khoonkharon ka yeh..Mafia
Nafrat ka hai yeh..Mafia
Fasciston ka yeh...Mafia
Zaalimon ka hai yeh...Mafia

Yeh MQM kya hai....Mafia
Har zaalim ka yeh..Mafia
Har jaabir ka yeh....Mafia
Makkaaron ka yeh...Mafia
Ghaddaaron ka yeh...Mafia

 

“We made Pakistan and we will save the country” is the slogan that lawyers community has raised since March 9 when the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Ifthikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was rendered non-functional by the then president Pervaiz Musharraf.

 

Beside these political slogans from various parties, “all dictators, civilian or military, have always introduced some slogan in Pakistan to justify their regimes wanting in legitimacy. Ayub Khan introduced ‘Ideology of Pakistan ’, Bhutto ‘Islamic Socialism’, Zia ‘Pakistaniat’ and finally Gen Musharraf ‘ Pakistan First’, which apparently has also been dutifully adopted by the new prime minister (Shaukat Aziz). While all previous slogans had a ring of idealism about them, though quite misplaced and meaningless, the last one, i.e. ‘ Pakistan First’, has a touch of irony about it when it connotes avoiding of unnecessary involvement in issues that are of no concern or benefit to Pakistan . … indeed to most sensible Pakistanis, the slogan ‘ Pakistan First’ will only make sense if our rulers, to the exclusion of everything else, take such action on the political and diplomatic plane that would benefit the people of Pakistan at large,” writes Justice (R) Shaiq Usmani.

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Slogans of MQM by Nadia Khan

In Pakistan , political slogans convey the facts of life and are sometimes revealing the hidden information of meaningful nature. Post partition number of slogans had made their way in our society. Ayub Kutta Hai Hai, during the days of former President Ayub Khan became quite famous even after his resignation and exit from active politics, was seen on many walls.   Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP's) famous slogan "Roti, kapra aur makan" has stayed with us for four decades and it still inspires the low-income cadres of the party who form the nucleus of the party. Another popular PPP slogan, "Bhutto family hero hero, Baqi saray zero zero," bluntly conveys that only the Bhuttos count in the party as the rest don't have a value more than a zero. This has made number of old PPP stalwarts and uncles of slain Benazir Bhutto, angry and finally out of the party.   "Qadam bharao Nawaz Sharif, Hum tumharay saath hain," means move ahead Nawaz Sharif, we all are with you, also gained popularity when the PML-N leader was being moved ahead and take on his rivals during IJI days. Some analysts say that it also was an effort to create the Nawaz Sharif cult in our peculiar dynastic politics which is the blood of our main stream political parties.   MQM, in our national politics have coined number of political slogans to create the room for Altaf Hussain. The activists of any political party wouldn't work on their own unless they have been instructed to do so and MQM "fighters" are die hard lovers of deaths, as their slogan is "Hum ko Manzil Nahee Rehnuma Chaheya" means we don't need to achieve our goals; we need only a leader, is the guiding light for them! You have not seen such an idiotic or funny slogan all in your life which says that a leader is needed rather than the goals set by the party. Another view is that it is such a useless slogan, means leader is having precedence over the targets. Or some analyst say that Muhajir community linked with MQM will not accept any target without Altaf Bhai.   This is a real question to identify the "targets or goals" of political parties of Pakistan especially MQM which portrays itself as the representative of 98% oppressed class of Pakistanis!   I would like to extend this slogan little bit more on to the political parties of Pakistan . Let's start with founder of Pakistan . If this slogan would have been there before partition in 1947 and common people used to say, "Hum ko Pakistan Nahee Quaid e Azam Chaheya" means we don't need Pakistan ; we need Muhammad Ali Jinnah only. If it would have been the case then most likely, Quaid e Azam himself, should have asked his lovers to stop chanting this slogan.   No one in pre-partition India had raised any such slogan – we don't need independence of India ; we need only Gandhi. Even the man with whom Altaf Hussain is inspired in his early political days – G M Syed; his followers, with so much love for Syed, didn't raise any such slogan.   This slogan is mostly the brain child of dictators. Military dictators are the true reflection of MQM's this slogan such as Yaha Khan proved it with his actions that he doesn't need Pakistan but his own self was more important than the country. Same is true in case of Musharraf when he was demolishing the institutions and tribal Pakistanis as he felt that his own personality (or his prolonged tenure of govt) is more important than Pakistan or Pakistanis.   Jo Quaid Ka Ghaddar Hay Wo Maut Ka Haqdarr hay, means anyone who betrays Altaf Hussain; only deserves death punishment was quite common among MQM activists during the days of 1992 Karachi Army Operation & there after. As there's no election mechanism within MQM, the loyalty with Altaf Hussain is trend-setter in the party to gain benefits, national or provincial assemblies' seats tickets or minister ships portfolios. I believe that within this context this slogan appears to be a practical approach for MQM activists!   Beside that, Karachi residents are aware of few other slogans such as MuhajirouN kay teen Ghaddar – Mir Jaffer, Mir Sadiq, and Mir Khalil ur Rehman. This means there have been three traitors within the Muhajir community, Mir Jaffer (who betrayed Muslim Indian ruler Siraj ud Daula during war of Plassey), Mir Sadiq who betrayed Tipu Sultan and the founder of Jang group, Mir Khalil ur Rehman. Probably it is assumed that Jang group had betrayed Altaf Hussain by not publishing his photo at his desired place. This was chanted by MQM activists when Jang group of news papers had refused to publish Altaf Hussain's photo on to the front page of daily Jang, an Urdu newspaper, near the main headline.   It is still in memory of many Karachi residents that they have seen number of banners hoisted in district central where a welcoming note for Altaf Hussain birthday celebration mentioning him as Mohsin e Insaneeyat Ko Salgirah Mubarak means happy birthday to the well wisher of humanity. Whole world knows that this title in Urdu language is meant for last Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallahu Alihay wassallum (peace be upon him) and no one attributed after him for same!   Until recently, MQM's new slogan Karachi Kis Ka – MQM Ka, means who is the owner of Karachi - that's MQM, had raised major concerns for other communities residing in the city such as Pathans, who own most of the transport business in the city.   Probably such slogans are true in case of "political" parties like MQM as they are not having any defined goals to achieve or they have violated their own early claims such as quota system removal or Bihari's repartition. Except now days to "get rid of Taliban" to save their Karachi which they had made "kingdom of terrorism" since last two decades!   Or the leader himself is vision-less and he can't see beyond himself. He feels that he would be the founder of MQM forever and after him most likely his daughter would take care of MQM, like all other feud-political parties functioning in Pakistan .

Pakistan - at the verge of chaos? by Nadia Khan

There are many elements and factors making the situation worse for Pakistan especially in FATA and Swat divisions. Double game of US or Allied forces: Taliban has emerged in those areas and now fighting with Pak Army fiercely. Many times analysts have asked this question as how a professionally trained army is not able to cope up the situation with few hundred Talibans? There are hundreds of causalities at the army front, probably more damage than Taliban fighters, why? Another point, as how come Taliban forces are able to have such large ammunition to fight back against heavy artillery? There might be some channels from where it is being supplied to Taliban fighters? In a very casual way, Pakistan interior minister has said that, “Arms are being supplied to Pakistani Taliban from Afghanistan.” This is vague statement, perhaps a way to point to Karzai govt, as by and large Afghanistan is under the control of US forces and any arm supply from there should have the patronage of US rather than weakest Karzai govt. If so then the double game of US is evident. If not then Pakistani authorities have to identify as who is power force behind Taliban fighters? Multiple faces of Taliban: So far both International and local media is publishing news about Taliban, it is still a mystery that “Taliban - who they are?” Is this only Sufi Muhammad who is representing Taliban in Pakistan, as many political leaders assume? This doesn’t look true as the Taliban’s of Darra Adam Khayel or North or South Waziristan are different in approach, perception, and war tactics than those waging war in Swat or Malakand or Buneer divisions presently. Sufi Muhammad claims to be the head of TNSM, an independent organisation than TTP whereas his son in law, Fazl ullallah wasn’t involved in any Jihadi activities against USSR. So there’s a need to identify to segregate who are these Talibans and then only a better strategy of waging war could be worked out against them. At peoples’ front, it is clear that Taliban, who so are they, are not under the influence of majority of Pakistani Ulema, especially Deubandi school of thought as perceived before. Rouge elements in Pakistan establishment: Pervaiz Musharraf had played a role that had created doubts in everyone’s mind even his closest ally US had accused him of playing double games. Within Pakistan, he had used security agencies in kidnapping innocent Pakistanis and then handing them over to US authorities for few dollars. Politically, he had orchestrated election victory for religious forces to gain two advantages – one to leverage MMA for legitimization of his army rule (through 17th amendment) within the country and second at abroad by scaring US or West, as if he is unsuccessful then Pakistan would be taken over by religious bigots. Musharraf’s this strategy worked out till then West & US had realized & started talking to Benazir Bhutto, a liberal face and a political power, who could enforce US line of action. When President Zardari tried to replicate the same strategy he wasn’t able to get support from the military establishment and few elements continued to play against him. Drone attacks & their increased frequency are basically a sort of no-trust onto Pakistan government or military establishment in cleansing religious forces, just because US fears that some elements in Pakistan are playing same old game of double standards. Simplicity of Sufi Muhammad’s Islamic version: The simplicity of Sufi Muhammad is also instrumental in creating chaos for Islam and Pakistan. He is a simple man, who doesn’t know beyond the boundaries of his home town. He is aware of only Afghan or Tribal culture where system, courts, education, constitution, policing, curbing crime & social justice – all have been carried out through jirga or grand-jirga and decision would be made by elders then & there without challenge. His statements about Quran & constitution are logically making sense as if you asked any Muslim, “which book is more sacred – Holy Quran or Constitution of Pakistan?” The answer is obvious however the major piece which Sufi Muhammad is missing is support from other religious scholars or at least from the school of thought which he practices – Deubandi for all his interpretations of Quran & Sunnah. If not, then he might not be the right Islamic force who could do anything positive as per the guidance of divine religion. Exile-Nationalist leaders’ agenda: International players are keenly watching the recent developments is Pakistan with a view that “who would rule the country?” in next few years? If there would be any chance of religious forces to run the country then International players, with India hiding behind US, are setting up strategic policies to use nationalist leaders living in self-exile against the wishes of people of Pakistan like it had happened in Algeria. Probably the only change here would be the role of exile leaders. Zardari-led weak PPP federal government: The weakest democratic government of PPP led by President Zardari is yet to gain it’s strengthen than we started hearing the news of its dismissal in foreign & local press. Some Pakistani analysts say that “it’s a matter of few weeks to have a new government in Pakistan.” This is also adding more value to Pakistan’s present chaos and making a war-like-situation more vulnerable for those living outside Pakistan. Within this context, the fake propaganda of “taking over nuclear arsenal by radical Islamist forces” from US and West is serving only the purpose of enemies of the country.

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Karachi and a Champion of Muhajirs – Part 2 by Nadia Khan

Reading his press statements which talk about his self-claimed love for the country or listening his speech is always a fun! His body language, if you are able to watch him, indeed through the news channels clips, you might feel that Bollywood actors are far behind him in exploiting the mass emotions. For every dead or non-issue, with his emotions, loud conversation style and dead arguments, he makes it a matter of life & death, a matter of saving Pakistan from the darkness of stone-ages!

 

My elders say that former Pakistani politician and the founder of Bangladesh , Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rahman used to have such conversational style. I didn’t believe and went to India Office Library searching some old videos of Mujeeb ur Rahman. It was an amazing experience to discover that both resembles a lot in terms of speeches and probably, outlook too, if the later wears spectacles of thick frames! However one elder in Karachi says that he copies the speech-style of Mr Rizvi, a local resident of F B Area, who took part in council elections and had brought him in Muhajirs politics.

 

He picks up one word and then by elongating it and by stretching it sometimes, he pulls out all that’s hidden in his mind and conscience within a single word. When he uses the word “MaouN BehnouN” means mothers and sisters, he prolongs the word mother …. up to an extent portraying that the voice is coming out of his heart … and then he asks for the ornaments to be donated to his political party with full emotional zeal. He repeats his words so many times as if he is trying to take the reward immediately from his listeners. When he talks about the religious personalities whom he opposes then he chews the word “Maulana Sahab” little more than it is needed like ..Maulanaaaaaa Saaahab…. in which he pulls out his internal hatred against that religious personality.

 

With the advent of electronic media, he is seen every where talking and delivering speeches. Media men are little bit cautious of him as he doesn’t allow the anchors or interviewers to intervene in his “sermon – like – speeches” even on TV news channels, where editing is must and every single second is saleable!

 

When he starts a speech, God knows when the end would come. Even on the faces of anchors who had invited him, and there are too few TV anchors who invited him, because many fears beside prolong conversation fear; you could see the impact easily.

 

Recently on NewsOne channel, Mubashir Lucman tried to say good-bye to him twice after getting his show over but he resumed his speech again & again.

 

When there were no private news channels before 2001, he had refused to come on state television during election campaigns because the state media wanted to edit his speech and he had refused to do so.

 

He is the one who, beside Multinational Corporations conference calls syndrome for business purposes, invented the concept of political telephonic speech while away from his native land. Reason is obvious that he, as a foreigner, couldn’t come to his own native land for number of reasons including the fear of killing by his own splinter group. So you could find his voice every where in Pakistan where ever PTCL coverage is there. God knows who bears the cost of such long distance calls for hours and hours! His critics say that his party men in various departments especially in PTCL connects him illegally without any cost for several hours.

 

Now he is saving Pakistan from Taliban and his speeches are full of Pakistan’s love. The faded memory of people of Karachi recalls that in 1992, he & his party press statements were fully against of Pak army & same homeland, which he is trying to save now from Sufi Muhammad. What a great change in his approach, philosophy, and negative thinking!

 

It is heard and few newspapers reported also that, “his wife has filed a divorced petition against him just because he spends whole of his nights in rehearsal of the next day speeches by standing in front of mirror that is fixed in his bedroom.”

 

Perhaps, this could be a genuine reason for any woman to file divorce as his husband is quite busy in his dramatic style speeches even in the bedroom late nights.

 

On the other hand, one has to consider that speeches are bread & butter; if not other sources of income are considered. He has to earn his living through this act as expat-allowance might not be sufficient to run his expenses. Though his followers claim that he is a “poor” politician without any source of income to live in world’s most expensive city – London , for over a decade without any source but insiders say that money is being sent from Karachi .

 

Guess who he is!!!

Posted via email from nadia_khaan's posterous

Karachi & a Champion of Muhajirs – Part 1 by Nadia Khan

Karachi is in fire again and in his own words, he is trying to "cool down" the situation, which he has ignited in last 4 months by propagating hatred against 98% oppressed elements of our society – Pathans, in the name of arriving Taliban! In last 4 months he took the city by storm, arranging rallies, telephonic speeches, press statements, phone calls to President-Prime Minister, scaring all of them about the arrival of Taliban in Karachi, though he lives in London.   On 12th May 2007, after the bloodshed in Karachi, he over BBC news termed himself as peace-loving man and the "follower of Bachha Khan." In reply to his love with peace & Bachha Khan, his grandson said, "Shame on such follower of Bachha Khan who sheds human blood only" since then he became adamant with Pakhtoons & didn't mention the sayings of Bachha Khan anymore! Perhaps this could only be the sole reason as why he dislikes Pathans now.   Ultimately he & his party will blame some foreign elements, probably India, to get away from current Karachi situation and Muhajir community will accept these crocodile tears with full confidence that foreign elements are not penetrated in their party!   Since long his politics is revolving around 3 Bs - bullets, blood, and bodies. Probably, you may find it an exaggeration but if you look at the last 21 years history of Karachi or Hyderabad, you may find it true. Whenever he & his party sit in opposition, Karachi was in fire with strikes, protests, bullets, blood, and dead bodies!   He has gathered good number of religious personalities against the flogging of a Swati girl however he forgot to "remember" the poor soul, prisoner 650, Dr Afia Siddiqui who had been abducted from the same city five years ago along with her kids, where he rules and later sold to CIA for few thousands of dollars. The word "Siddiqui" in her name is pointing that she was a Muhajir girl but the champions of Muhajir cause are silent over this.   He became silent over Dr Shazia rape case too as it involved influential personalities and he along with his party was close ally to military dictator.   Tasleem Solangi was the daughter of Sind, abducted from Karachi. She had been thrown to dogs while she was pregnant and later killed. Her culprits are still at large within the jurisdiction of Sind where Muhajirs longest-serving governor is installed.   Over Hajiano case, a man who raped 60 girls in Karachi, he didn't utter a single press statement. What was the reason of his silence over social crimes in a city which he rules like a Lord!   These daughters of Sind are calling another Muhammd bin Qasim but today's "Qasims" are both rural "Qaim" busy ruling the Sind as Chief Minister or urban "Hussain" living in exile in London!