Monday, August 6, 2018
OP-ED - #Pakistan - Elections and religious minorities
Yasser Latif Hamdani
As the elections fast approach and the country is under virtual martial law designed to favour one particular party, nobody is even discussing the continuing marginalisation of religious minorities in our political system. Since the separation of Bangladesh, Pakistan’s religious minorities have numbered less than five percent of the population. Under the 1973 Constitution, this obviously raised questions about their representation. Initially this was resolved through an in-house election of MNAs and MPAs for Non-Muslims. Then General Zia-ul-Haq introduced separate electorates. This meant that Non-Muslims divided up into Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis and other minorities could elect up to 10 members through direct election but could no longer vote for general constituencies or Muslim constituencies.
If we justify constitutional discrimination and unconscionable bars against minorities as an Islamic Republic, then we should at least give them this right of voting both jointly and separately so they can have some voice
This was overturned by General Musharraf’s regime, which reintroduced the joint electorate. Reserved seats for Muslims would now be distributed amongst political parties in proportion to their numbers on general constituencies. The truth is that both these systems have failed to provide effective representation and political influence to the tiny Non-Muslim population in Pakistan. While the separate electorate system provided them with elected representatives, it alienated them from Muslim legislators in the country. Separate electorate in any event can only work if the minorities amount to around 25 percent of the population. Anything below 10 percent means nothing but alienation and irrelevance. Similarly, the joint electorate has given them some influence on Muslim legislators but the representatives they get in the assembly are all essentially yes men of political parties that appoint them. For example, even the JUI-F has had a Christian on one of these reserved seats, despite the fact their agenda is entirely anti-minority in every way.
There are two ways this could be rectified. One would be a primary election for representative Non-Muslims who could then be fielded as list candidates by various political parties. This would require each party to actively engage with the minority communities and ascertain their views. However this would be a complicated process and will not always be fair. The other easier way would be to grant Non-Muslim citizens the dual right to vote, allowing them to both participate in joint electorate and also elect their own representatives by separate electorate. Some would deem this a violation of the ‘one person, one vote’ principle. However let us not forget that the Pakistan of today is not the Pakistan envisaged by the founding father on August 11, 1947.
Instead of erasing religious differences, successive regimes have only exacerbated them over time. Under the 1973 Constitution, the offices of the President and Prime Minister are reserved for Muslims alone. Given that this discrimination at the highest level seems to be non-negotiable for the increasingly intolerant and paranoid Muslim majority in this country, does justice not demand that the Non-Muslims should at least be given the dual vote as restitution for it? After all if you are going to so blatantly discriminate against citizens of Pakistan, what is so wrong with ensuring that they at least have a voice in matters directly pertaining to them and their locales?
This would not even be affirmative action but simply quid pro quo for the fact that a Pakistani citizen who is not a Muslim can never aspire to the highest office in the land. It would be a totally different story if Pakistan was a secular state and blind to the religious affiliation of its citizens, but we have failed to achieve such a state. If we justify constitutional discrimination and unconscionable bars against minorities as an Islamic Republic, then we should at least give them this right of voting both jointly and separately so they can have some voice. In any event, 10 seats are far too few in terms of proportion. Non-Muslims should have at least 17 reserved seats.
The Christian Democratic Party, which represents a sizeable number amongst Pakistani Christians, has been demanding the right to vote on these reserved seats. Its president, Ben Hur Gill even petitioned the Supreme Court during the 18th and 21st Amendment case, but only Justice Jawad S Khawaja was willing to listen. Now the CDP has decided to boycott the elections altogether. Next they are determined to call for mass migration out of Pakistan. The oppression that Non-Muslims face in Pakistan is not very different from the persecution minority groups have always faced throughout history.
Even in the Islamic tradition, this makes Hijrat mandatory. In face of persecution and violence of this magnitude, especially when all parties have made theological debates an election issue, would it not make sense for as many Non-Muslims to try and leave? It will be a great tragedy for Pakistan of course, but this country has long lost its way. It has become a majoritarian state with no recourse or way out for those minorities who are unfortunate enough to be born here. A couple of years ago when Ben Hur Gill first suggested that he would be forced to call for mass migration one day, I told him to give us another chance. Now I find myself in agreement with him. This does indeed seem like the only possible course of action left for religious minorities in Pakistan. Perhaps they should leave while they still can, because the Muslim majority in this country will ultimately turn to genocide against them before ultimately killing each other. Ghulam Abbas, the great Urdu short story writer, predicted this much in his classic Hotel Mohenjodaro in the 1960s. Soon there will only be ruins left in what was once a young country with great potential.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/268413/elections-and-religious-minorities/
Pakistan-Russia Rapprochement – OpEd
By Misbah Arif
At the end of Cold War, Moscow’s influence and interest significantly declined in South Asia. However, after almost two decades there is an obvious change in Russian policies both at domestic as well as at international level. Changing patterns in Russia’s Asian foreign policy will be directly affecting the regional security environment of South Asia. Cementing Indo-U.S. strategic partnership against China, historical India Pakistan rivalry, and conflicting interests of great powers collectively made South Asia one of the most vulnerable regions.
In view of Moscow’s capabilities, its reorientation to South Asia will have significant implications for regional security complex in general and Pakistan in particular. The relationship between Pakistan and Russia has been described by many as a tale of misunderstandings and lost opportunities. Pak-Russia relations have been just like a roller costar ride with many ups and downs and most of the time they have perceived each other in a deleterious mindset. Pakistan’s foreign policy has been mainly focused on Western world while Russia has been strengthening its ties with India. In past, both countries missed opportunities to cooperate with each other due to minor difference.
The historical back ground gives a clear picture that both countries have never been involved in direct confrontation but proxies have been a source of misunderstanding and constrained relations between two. However, the strategic landscape is changing now at a very rapid pace. As Russia is strengthening its political, strategic, and economic ties with Pakistan, it will open new avenues in almost all sectors. Recently, Russia has made agreements with Pakistan to uplift arms embargo, sold Mi-35 attack helicopters, and has negotiated a deal with Pakistan for SU-35 and SU-37 fighter jets. Pakistani and Russian Navies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in the naval field.
These trends show that Pakistan is acknowledged as an important player by Russia that could bring peace to the South Asian region mainly Afghanistan. But the decades old arch rival of Pakistan i.e. India, has been quite afraid about Russia-Pakistan relations, ignoring the fact that its increasing strategic partnership with the U.S. is disturbing the Balance of Power (BoP) in South Asia.
The Pak-Russia rapprochement indicates rearrangement in the South Asian region. Russia is a significant country because of its geopolitical outreach and great power status while Pakistan’s population, presence of nuclear arsenals and geostrategic location makes it a significant actor in international relations. The statements made by the Russian and Pakistani Defense Ministers after their interaction at this year’s Moscow Conference on International Security show that the military relations between the two Great Powers are on the right track and moving them closer to a long-awaited strategic partnership.
Moreover, Russia and Pakistan have organized regular exercises of naval and ground forces to strengthen their ties. Similarly, the two countries have a general consensus on undertaking counter terrorism and extremism operations in Pakistan. Pakistan introduced Regional Anti Terrorist Structure(RATS) in Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) which was believed as an effective measure to fight against drug trafficking which is one of the main sources of funding to terrorists.
It is generally believed that it is not the climate change or environmental degradation that is affecting Pakistan but actually the policy formulation in Pakistan regarding energy sector has caused the damage. Russia has abundant oil, gas and coal reservoirs and can help Pakistan in overcoming its growing energy needs. Pakistan geostrategic location makes it easier to get access to energy rich region. Moreover, Iran-Pakistan (IP) and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan-Iran (TAPI) pipelines are in well pipeline. TAPI connects Russia and Central Asian Republics (CARs) with the South Asia states. Both projects are economically feasible and are in interest of Pakistan. Both states can help each other in oil and gas explorations, construction of floating liquefied natural gas terminals, North South gas pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah as well as modernization of oil and gas infrastructure.
In addition, Pak-Russia civil nuclear cooperation will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation. The civil nuclear cooperation will fill the historical gaps between two states and will highlight the level of trust between them. Pakistan is looking for opportunities in civil nuclear cooperation in order to deal with the energy shortage. Russia would be an ideal option for Pakistan because of its capabilities and experience. Pak-Russia energy civil nuclear cooperation will help Pakistan to develop a long-term comprehensive program to improve Pakistan’s energy sector. India received a waiver in 2008 that allowed it to engage in civil nuclear trade, Pakistan is also looking forward for such leverage by getting Nuclear Suppliers’ Membership (NSG) as it fulfills all the pre-requisites. Ambassador Alexey Dedov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan recently stated that Russia has no objections to Pakistan’s membership of the NSG. As long the dialogue between Russia and Pakistan continues on civil nuclear cooperation, there is prospectus of peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Furthermore, Pakistan and Russia can join hands in outer space as well. Russia aims at curbing the placement of nuclear weapons and arms race in the outer space and so do Pakistan. Russia and China in 2014 proposed a new draft of Prevention of Arms Race on Outer Space (PAROS) Treaty. The treaty aims at non-placement of nuclear weapons in outer space. In 2012, China, Pakistan and Russia said that this treaty is their top most priority at the Conference of Disarmament (CD). On 25th October 2015, in a session of the General Assembly’s Disarmament and International Security Committee, Pakistani representative said that Pakistan is looking forward for effective mechanism and increased efforts to deal with the grave danger to global peace and security. This is the right time to address this issue before it’s too late. Once space is weaponized it would be difficult to stop others with help of another ceremonial treaty.
Likewise, the economic interdependence between Russia and Pakistan can be established by the consolidation of Eurasian Economic Union via CPEC to South Asia and to Indian Ocean and beyond. Pakistan can be a viable source of agricultural and textile goods to Russia. Russia has banned agriculture imports specially food from Europe. Pakistan can export agriculture products to Russia. Both countries should open track II channels for mutual collaboration.
In view of changing geostrategic landscape, Pakistan is looking for diversification of its foreign and Defence policy. It wants to maintain good ties with all the nations and decrease its dependence upon U.S. Pakistan cannot afford to have all of its eggs in one basket. In a multi-polar world it is in interest of Pakistan to have good ties with all states. Hence, reset in Pak-Russia relations will increase Pakistan’s foreign policy options. Pakistan should pursue its relationship with Russia vigorously and keep it independent of its relationship with other countries.
US cuts defence aid to Pakistan from $1 billion to $150 million
Under the new bill, Pakistan is not required to take any action against Haqqani Network or the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and will also not get any reimbursement for its counter-terrorist activities in the country.
Troubles seem to be mounting for Pakistan as the US has decided to cut its financial aid by over 75 per cent to $150 million from $1 billion. Amid Pakistan's poor economic conditions, the US decision could deeply hurt its shaking economy. Under the defence spending bill passed by the US Senate, the US could cut aid to Pakistan as the country is no longer required to take actions against terrorist groups inside the country. Pakistan's total public debt stands at $199 billion, of which $134 billion is domestic debt while the rest is external liabilities.
The National Defence Authorisation Act, 2019, states that Pakistan is not required to take any action against Haqqani Network or the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pakistan will also not get any reimbursement for its counter-terrorist activities in the country. The bill was passed by 87 to 10 votes in the US Senate, following which it now awaits US President Donald Trump's approval.
"The legislation reduces the total amount of funds provided for reimbursement to Pakistan to $150 million. This is a significant reduction from the $700 million that was authorised through Coalition Support Fund (CSF) last year," Anish Goel, who was part of Barack Obama's White House National Security Council, said.
The Pentagon no longer had any tools to put pressure on Pakistan to undertake counter-terrorism activities or action against the Haqqani Network, said Goel, who till recently was a senior staffer in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The previous Obama administration used to disburse $1.2 billion per year to Pakistan under the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, also known as the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act, but Trump has taken a tough stance against Pakistan's inability to handle terrorism activities on its soil. Before this, the US had cut $1.5 billion worth of aid to Pakistan in January over its closeness to China and its failure to act against terrorist groups like the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network.
As Pakistan's PM-elect Imran Khan is about to take oath on August 11, the country is reportedly drawing up a plan to seek a massive $12 billion bailout package from the IMF, a move that has been strongly opposed by the US. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had last week cautioned the IMF against a possible fresh bailout for Pakistan's new government to pay off Chinese lenders who have invested in the strategic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both Islamabad and Beijing have worked together on this "flagship" project under the ambitious Belt and Road initiative to build railway projects, roads and maritime links. Over 20 CPEC projects worth over $27 billion are currently being implemented all across Pakistan. In the name of CPEC, China has been consistently helping Pakistan with financial loans. But Pakistan has no concrete plan to pay them back.
The country needs around $3 billion of immediate funds to avoid default on loans from the IMF, China and the World Bank. Its ever-expanding trade deficit and declining foreign reserves leave no option for the new government but to knock on the IMF's door. The US, which is the highest contributor of funds to the IMF, has warned the global fund body, saying it should "think twice".
Joshua White, who was also a part of Obama's White House National Security Council team and worked on Pakistan, said: "It makes Pakistan ineligible for Coalition Support Funds (CSF), but adds Pakistan to a list of countries that can receive a related form of assistance designed to help partner nations bolster border security. This legislation is a mixed blessing for Pakistan."
Imran Khan, whose party won 115 of the 270 National Assembly seats, gained victory in the recent National Assembly polls on the promises of ending corruption and bringing economic stability.
https://www.businesstoday.in/current/world/us-defence-aid-cut-to-pakistan-to-hurt-its-already-shaky-economy/story/281034.html
سندھ حکومت کیلئے بلاول کی ترجیحات کیا ہیں؟
پیپلز پارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹوزرداری کی ہدایت پر سندھ کی نئی حکومت نے نئے چیلنجز اور اہداف طے کرلئے ہیں،ششماہی منصوبے میں صحت ،تعلیم اور روزگار اولین ترجیح ہوںگے۔
ذرائع کے مطابق بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے نامزد وزیراعلیٰ مراد علی شاہ نے کو اپنی ترجیحات سے آگاہ کردیا ہے ۔
ذرائع کے مطابق پی پی چیئرمین نے سندھ حکومت کو کہہ دیا ہے کہ پارٹی منشور کے مطابق فلاحی پروگرام تیار کریں،حکومت میں آتے ہی صحت اور تعلیم کے شعبے میں انقلابی اصلاحات کرنا ہوگی۔
بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے کہا کہ سندھ میں بنیادی تعلیم سے یونیورسٹی تک تعلیم مفت کرنے کا منصوبہ بنایا جائے،یونین کونسل سطح تک صحت کی تمام بنیادی سہولیات فراہم کی جائیں۔
نئی سندھ حکومت کی ترجیحات میں ڈسڑکٹ اور تحصیل ہیڈکوارٹر کے اسپتالوں کو اپ گریڈ کرنا ، سفارش کلچر کے خاتمے اور میرٹ پر نوجوانوں کو روزگار کی فراہمی کے لئے منصوبہ بنانا شامل ہے ۔
ذرائع کے مطابق سندھ حکومت کے اہداف میں شعبہ زراعت ،پینے کے صاف پانی کی فراہمی بھی شامل ہے ،بلاول بھٹو نے ان تمام اہداف میں بڑی حد تک پیشرفت کے لئے 6 ماہ کا وقت دیدیا ہے۔
https://jang.com.pk/news/530815
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