Wednesday, October 23, 2019
سلیکٹڈ اور کٹھ پتلی کو گرا کر عوامی حکومت لائیں گے، بلاول بھٹو
چیئرمین پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے کہا ہے کہ عوامی حکومت لائیں گے اور کٹھ پتلی حکومت کو گرائیں گے۔
اسلام کوٹ میں جلسے سے خطاب میں پی پی چیئرمین نے کہاکہ وہ عمران خان اور ان کے سہولت کاروں کو گرانے کے لیے نکلے ہیں کیونکہ جمہوریت بھی خطرے میں ہے۔
انہوں نے مزید کہاکہ عمران خان سندھ کےدشمن ہیں اوریہ ستارے والےبھی دھرتی کے غدارہیں ،حکومت کے خلاف احتجاج کا یہ سلسلہ کشمیر تک جائے گا۔
پی پی چیئرمین نے یہ بھی کہاکہ تھر میں ستارے پر الیکشن لڑنے والے کٹھ پتلی سیاستدان عمران خان سے وزارتیں لیتے ہیں اور عوام کے حقوق پر سودے بازی کرتے ہیں۔
ان کا کہنا تھا کہ کٹھ پتلی خان امیر وں کو ریلیف اور غریبوں کو تکلیف پہنچارہے ہیں ،یہ ظالم حکومت عوام اور غریب دشمن ہے،جو پاکستانیوں کا خون چوس رہی ہے۔
بلاول بھٹو نے کہا کہ اس عوام دشمن کٹھ پتلی حکومت نے ملکی معیشت کا برا حال کردیا ہے، مہنگائی نے عام آدمی کا اور ٹیکسز نے تاجروں کا جینا دوبھر کردیا ہے ۔
انہوں نے مزید کہاکہ کٹھ پتلی حکومت نے سبسڈیز (زرتلافی) چھین کر کسانوں اور تنخواہوں و پینشنز میں اضافہ نہ کرکے سفید پوش طبقے اور ہمارے بزرگوں کا معاشی قتل کیا ہے۔
پی پی چیئرمین نے یہ بھی کہاکہ حکومت ان سے چل نہیں رہی اور یہ کشمیر کا سودا بھی کرچکے ہیں،کوئی غیرت مند پاکستانی انہیں معاف نہیں کرے گا۔
ان کا کہنا تھاکہ تھر والوں کا مطالبہ تھا کہ یہاں ایک یونیورسٹی قائم کی جائے اور ہم نے 6ماہ کے اندر تھر پارکر میں این ای ڈی یونیورسٹی کا کیمپس قائم کر دیا۔
جلسہ عام سے وزیراعلیٰ سندھ سید مراد علی شاہ نے بھی خطاب کیا ان کا کہنا تھاکہ چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو نے کال دی تو صرف اسلام کوٹ والے ہی حکومت کو نکال باہر کریں گے۔
وزیراعلیٰ سندھ نے کہاکہ حکومت نے ایک سال میں ملک کو دیوالیہ کردیاہے، عمران خان نےبجلی منصوبے کےافتتاح پرحب والوں کےلیے ایک لفظ نہیں کہا۔
انہوں نے مزید کہاکہ تھر میں یونیورسٹی شروع ہوگئی ہے ،پی پی چیئرمین کل اس کا افتتاح کریں گے ، تھر والوں کو مفت بجلی، گھراور تعلیم ملےگی۔
#Pakistan - #PPP - Bilawal Bhutto vows to topple Imran-led PTI govt
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that we were all set to throw away ‘selected’ rulers imposed on the people of country, a year back through ‘rigged’ elections.Govt fails to provide any relief to people who are facing worst-ever economic crises in country Asks people to get ready for fresh elections.
He was addressing big public gathering in Islamkot on Wednesday.
Speaking to the charged crowd gathered from various parts of the desert district and other areas of the region, Bilawal said that the days of misrule of Imran Khan-led PTI government were numbered and asked the people to get ready for the fresh election so that they could elect their true representatives to lead them from the front and give them relief.
“We have begun our decisive protest movement by staging the huge power show first in Karachi and now in Thar and are moving to other parts of the country to create awareness and to mobilise the people to get rid of the incompetent rulers, who according to him, had made lives of people miserable,” he added.
The PPP chairman said that PTI puppets had failed to run the country and had compromised on the issue of Occupied Kashmir adding that they would soon throw them away.
He reiterated that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and economy of the country could not go together, adding that NAB was formed by a dictator to use a tool to politically victimise those believing in the true democratic values. He said that under the given situations, it would be difficult for PTI government to survive when all the democratic forces with massive public support were getting ready to massively protest against government for its flawed and anti-people policies.
Bilawal also came down hard on PTI government for launching the controversial projects including power plant at Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, the appointment of a member in Isra despite the protest by Sindh government. He said that water of Sindh’s share was being stolen adding he would resist against the injustice and would not allow anybody to occupy Karachi.
He said that he was equally proud of freedom fighters including Rooplo Kolhi and brave Thakurs, who had fought against the invading forces adding he was also proud of legendary Marvi and peasant leader Mai Bakhtawar.
The PPP chairman said that he was delighted to see the green Thar after years of droughts.
He lashed out at the federal government for its failure to provide any relief to the people, who were facing the worst ever economic crises in the country. He said that though Imran Khan was himself a ‘wicked’ man but those supporting him in Sindh were also against the prosperity of Sindh and Pakistan.
He said since the all opposition parties were on the same page to get rid of such insane rulers, who were creating the hatred and unrest among the provinces by their illegal moves and policies.
The PPP chairman highly lauded the efforts of both Sindh government and the mining firm, which accomplished their task of power generation much before the scheduled time and hoped that more power plants in other blocks would bring the revolution and would greatly help overcome the power crisis in the country. He said that federal government had created number of the hurdles but the PPP leaders including Asif Ali Zardari were focused on the mega projects to fulfill the dream of his slain mother Ms. Benazir Bhutto, who had visualized tapping the resources of Thar including the huge reserves of coal. He said that power being generated here in Islamkot was being pumped into Faisalabad but PPP government had already decided to provide the one-hundred unit of power free of cost by footing the bills of the people of consumers. He said that nobody would be allowed to steal the resources of Thar adding he asked the federal rulers to make mockery of the people of Thar.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaking on the occasion said that the people gathered in the public gathering in Islamkot would be enough to topple the PTI government adding he said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would soon become Prime Minister of the country. He announced to establish a university in Islamkot very soon. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Senator Aajiz Dhamrah, MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani and other PPP leaders also spoke on the occasion.
https://nation.com.pk/24-Oct-2019/bilawal-vows-to-topple-imran-led-pti-govt
#Pakistan #PPP - Will get rid of puppet rulers with help of people: Bilawal Bhutto
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said today (Oct. 23) that everyone together will get rid of the puppet government and form a public government in the country.
Addressing a rally in Tharparkar, he alleged that the federal government wants to end the rights of provinces and take over Karachi which they will not let happen. Bilawal Bhutto continued expressing that today the tyrannical, puppet and the selected government is ruling again. “Democratic and economic rights are under attack”, he said adding that the rights of the provinces are being stripped.
The scion of Bhutto dynasty asserted, "We all will get rid of this puppet government together and form a public government". PPP Chairman said that they will save Pakistan by sending off the selected rulers and help the public by snatching their rights back from the federal government. Talking to rally, he went on to say that puppet government and political orphans make fun of your poverty. “They have destroyed the economy while deal on Kashmir has also been made”, he maintained.
He announced that the next protest will take place on October 26 at the border of Sindh and Punjab.
On Oct. 22, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is responsible for all the crises in the country.
Talking to media, the PPP chief said that the incumbent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has itself put federal capital, Islamabad on lockdown. Will continue efforts to send the government packing, he pledged.Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto expressed that they morally support the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s Azadi March. “We all are agreed on one thing which is that Prime Minister Imran Khan has to go”, he added.He went on to say that if Maulana is barred from the constitutional right of protest then PPP will consider its own course of action. “I send a message to the opposition parties that we all should play such cards which will refrain the third party to come, because even a broken democracy is better than dictatorship”, Bilawal stated.
He said government must think that running the affairs of country is not like playing a cricket match, adding that politicians would be forced to hold protests if government will lock the parliament.
PM Imran Khan cannot complete his term as he does not possess the abilities to do so, the PPP chief added.
He asserted that everyone including traders are protesting against this government and country is moving towards anarchy.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/515368-Will-get-rid-puppet-rulers-help-people-Bilawal-Bhutto
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Remembering Begum Nusrat Bhutto: Mother of Democracy
BY BASHIR RIAZ
Begum Nusrat Bhutto was an iron lady who stood against undemocratic forces in Pakistan. She was awarded the highest civilian award for democratic struggle against dictatorship. She faced the tyrannical rule of the dictator Zia-ul-Haq with utmost bravado.
Despite house arrests and other difficulties created for her by the government, she persisted in her struggle to raise the flag of democracy in Pakistan. Her courage was a source of inspiration for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers.
She led her people by example and gave them a clear message that there would be no compromise on the struggle for democracy even if it meant writing history with their blood.
After she lost her husband to dictatorship, Begum Nusrat Bhutto took charge of PPP as the chairperson and continued her struggle against martial law. The undemocratic forces were so terrified of this strong-willed lady that they tried to put out the spark burning for democracy by arrests and jails.
The attempts to crush the voices of democracy were thwarted as Begum Bhutto kept the party flag aloft. When she was assaulted with baton charge at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a photograph of the wounded Begum Bhutto was published in all the newspapers, revealing the ugly face of dictatorship. The photograph has been imprinted in the memory of the nation and they are haunted by the image when their mother was treated savagely by the autocratic ruler.
When such tactics proved futile, the state resorted to emotional and mental torture by targeting Begum Bhutto’s children. Her daughter was put under house arrest and denied medical assistance. She was treated brutally in Sukkar jail and was kept away and separated from her mother. However, the resolve of the Bhutto ladies shook the dictator and added to his fear.
After the judicial murder of Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto, Begum Bhutto redoubled her political struggle for democracy. Proving his cowardice, General Zia-ul-Haq postponed the elections scheduled on 16 October, 1979. The voice of PPP, Musawat newspaper was shut down.
Along with journalists, PPP workers were punished with lashes but the sky continued to witness their echoes of jiyaye Bhutto. If their leader was facing cruelties and yet marched on for democracy, the workers decided they would not let her down.
During this era of darkness, Begum Bhutto also faced separation from both her sons, Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto. Despite all the difficulties, she dashed all hopes of Zia ul Haq to easily sail through in his boat of dictatorship.
Begum Bhutto was diagnosed with lung cancer during her long detention and the regime tried to seize the opportunity of taking revenge on its opponent by denying her aid. However, due to national and international pressure, she was allowed to go outside Pakistan for the sake of her health and treatment. On 22 November, 1982, Begum Bhutto reached Munich in Germany. Her health was very frail and she was accompanied by her sister as caretaker. Even though she was extremely ill, she addressed party workers who had gathered from different European countries.
“For the sake of democracy in our country, human rights, and restoration of the constitution, you must come forward and protest without fearing the martial law. It is the duty of the workers of Pakistan People’s Party and all the democratic citizens of Pakistan to give a final shove to the apparently strong but hollow pillars of martial law to bring them down on the ground,” she had said.
Benazir Bhutto proved true successor to her father Quaid-E-Awam Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as predicted by Begum Sahiba.
She led party to victory twice against all odds. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became leader of international stature. Begum Nusrat Bhutto proudly stated about Benazir Bhutto, “She is an intelligent, courageous, and politically enlightened girl who will play an important role in taking PPP to new heights of success. Bhutto Shaheed has especially given political training to his daughter.
When Bhutto Shaheed was in jail, he was allowed one hour to meet with visitors. He used to give political lectures during this hour. This teaching during the last days of Bhutto Shaheed proved to be of immense importance for our daughter. “Benazir has passed every test and will offer effective leadership to the party,” he had stated.
Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s resolve was so strong that it travelled from one generation to another. Her children continued her struggle against dictatorship and today her grandchild Bilawal Bhutto is a champion of democracy. There is no doubt that the contributions of the Bhutto family for democracy in Pakistan are invaluable.
Begum Nusrat Bhutto was born on 23 March 1928 and she passed away on 23 October 2011.
Pakistan warned to ‘stop terror camps’ or India will enter the region to ‘destroy’ them
PAKISTAN was warned the Indian army will enter the contested Jammu and Kashmir region if it does not stop the terrorist attacks emanating from the territory.
India has long accused the region of being a hotbed of terrorism and on Sunday, launched several attacks on terrorist launchpads in the region after reported fire by the neighbouring country.
Following those attacks, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik said on Monday that India would enter the country to go “inside and destroy” the terrorist camps if the attacks continued.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Malik said: “Pakistan will have to behave and stop these terror camps.
The Indian army confirmed “several terrorists” had been killed but also that “six to 10” Pakistani military members had also been killed during the recent attack.
India’s, army chief, General Bipin Rawat told The Times of India: “Six to 10 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in our firing.
“A similar number of terrorists have been killed and three out of the four launch pads were destroyed.
“The casualty number could be much higher.
“Instead of waiting for the terrorists to infiltrate, we decided to target the launch pads since we had the coordinates for them.”
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi revoked Article 370 in August, a section within the Indian constitution which guarantees special status to Kashmir and Jammu, thus reinitiated the conflict between the two states.
The reason for his decision was down to alleged terrorist activity, in particular, an attack in the Kashmir region which killed 44 Indian paramilitaries.
Following that attack, the India Prime Minister called an airstrike on a camp run by the militant organisation known as Jaish-e-Mohammed.
However, two Indian jets were shot down in Pakistani territory with one including pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman, who as then paraded in front of state television before being returned to India.
During the United Nations General Assembly last month, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan indicated that the recent clashes had been the closest the two countries had come to a nuclear war.
He said: “It is the only time since the Cuban crisis that two nuclear-armed countries are coming face to face. we did come to face to face in February.”Following the trend of a potentially catastrophic nuclear war between the two states, a recent report published in Science Advances earlier this month stated that the death toll could rise to 125 million in the event of nuclear warfare.
The report stated: “India and Pakistan may be repeating the unfortunate example set by the United States and Russia during the ‘cold war’ era: that is, building destructive nuclear forces far out of proportion to their role in deterrence.
“Should a war between India and Pakistan ever occur, as assumed here, these countries alone could suffer 50 to 125 million fatalities, a regional catastrophe.” With Mr Khan warning of a potential nuclear conflict between the two, US President Donald Trump has previously remarked that he hoped the two could “come together”. In a move that did not pacify relations, however, Modi recently attended a rally in Texas with Trump. During the rally, Modi defended his country’s actions over Kashmir and labelled Trump as a “friend of India”.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1193810/Pakistan-India-news-update-world-war-3-Narendra-Modi-Imran-Khan-kashmir-conflict-terrorism
پی ایم ڈی سی تحلیل: ’حکومت نوکریاں دینے آئی تھی یا لینے؟‘
ڈاکٹروں کا کہنا ہے کہ پی ایم ڈی سی جیسے بڑے ادارے کو ڈاکٹروں کے بجائے وزیر اعظم کے حوالے کر دیا گیا ہے اور اب ڈاکٹروں کی جگہ صرف وز یراعظم اپنے من پسند ممبران نامزد کریں گے۔
حکومت نے بیس اکتوبر کو صدارتی آرڈیننس کے ذریعے پاکستان میڈیکل اینڈ ڈینٹل کونسل کی حیثیت ختم کرتے ہوئے پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن بنانے کا آرڈیننس جاری کیا جس کے بعد سے پی ایم ڈی سی کے تین سو سے زائد ملازمین اپنی نوکریوں سے ہاتھ دھو بیٹھے۔ ڈاکٹرز اور پی ایم ڈی سی ملازمین حکومت کے اس اقدام کے خلاف سراپا احتجاج ہیں۔
اس حوالے سے فزیشنز اور سرجن ایسوسی ایشن نے اپنے بیان میں تخفظات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پی ایم ڈی سی کے بارے میں حکومت کی طرف سے نئے آرڈیننس لاگو کرنے کی پْر زور الفاظ میں مذمت کر کے اسے مسترد کرتے ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ حکومت نوکریاں دینے آئی تھی یا نوکریاں واپس لینے؟
پی ایم ڈی سی کا قیام اور فرائض؟
نامہ نگار مونا خان کے مطابق پاکستان میڈیکل اینڈ ڈینٹل کونسل آفیشل ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی تھی جس کے پاس میڈیکل اور ڈینٹل ڈگری کے سرٹیفیکیٹ جاری کرنے کا اختیار تھا۔ قیام پاکستان کے بعد ہر صوبے کا اپنا میڈیکل کونسل تھا لیکن 1962 میں صوبائی میڈیکل کونسلوں کو ختم کر کے ایک ہی مرکزی ادارہ بنا دیا گیا۔
کونسل میڈیکل اور ڈینٹل شعبے سے وابستہ تمام معاملات کی ذمہ دار تھی اور کلئیرنس سرٹیفیکیٹس اور تجرباتی سرٹیفیکیٹ جاری کرنے کی مجاز تھی۔ اس کے علاوہ بیرون ملک مقیم پاکستانی ڈاکٹرز کو بیرون ملک نوکری کرنے سے پہلے پی ایم ڈی سی سے میڈیکل کلئیرنس لیٹر جاری کیے جاتے تھے۔
پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن
صدارتی آرڈیننس کے مطابق پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن کے نام سے نیا ادارہ قائم کیا جائے گا۔ پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن نو افراد پر مشتمل ہوگا جبکہ کمیشن کا سربراہ صدر کہلائے گا۔
کمیشن میں تین ممبران کا تعلق سول سوسائٹی سے ہوگا، تین ممبران کا تعلق میڈیکل شعبے سے ہوگا اور ایک ممبر کا تعلق ڈینٹل کے شعبے سے ہوگا۔ آرڈیننس کے مطابق ڈینٹل اور میڈیکل سے تعلق رکھنے والے ممبران کے لیے 20 سال کا تجربہ ہونا لازمی ہو گا۔
آرمڈ فورسز میڈیکل سروس کا سرجن جنرل بھی کمیشن کا ممبر ہوگا۔ اس کے علاوہ صدر کالج آف فزیشن اینڈ سرجنز آف پاکستان بھی ممبران میں شامل ہوگا۔ اس کمیشن کی مدت تین سالہ ہوگی اور یہ ایک کارپوریٹ ادارہ ہوگا جو میڈیکل ایںڈ ڈینٹل کونسل، نیشنل میڈیکل ایںڈ ڈینٹل اکیڈمک بورڈ، نیشنل میڈیکل اتھارٹی پر مشتمل ہوگا۔ نیشنل میڈیکل اتھارٹی کمیشن کے سیکریٹریٹ کے طور پر کام کرے گا۔
نئے قانون کے تحت لائسنس کی تجدید سمیت تمام اختیارات کمیشن کو دے دیے گئے ہیں اور پی ایم ڈی سی کا تمام ریکارڈ بشمول اکاؤنٹس کمیشن کو منتقل کر دیا گیا ہے۔
انڈپینڈنٹ اردو نے جب متعدد ڈاکٹرز سے رابطہ کیا تو بتایا گیا کہ اس نئے آرڈیننس کے تحت کسی ڈاکٹر کے خلاف کارروائی کرنے کے فیصلے کو کسی عدالت میں چیلنج نہیں کیا جاسکتا بلکہ تین افراد پر مشتمل ایک میڈیکل ٹربیونل اس کی اپیل سنے گا اور فیصلہ سنائے گا۔
یہ بھی بتایا گیا کہ میڈیکل یونیورسٹیوں کے ڈگری ہولڈرز (ایم ڈی، ایم ایس، ایم ڈی ایس، ڈپلوماز، ایم فل، پی ایچ ڈی) کو مکمل طور پر نظر انداز کر کے ایک مخصوص پرائیویٹ ادارے سی پی ایس پی اور اس کے ڈگری ہولڈرز (ایف سی پی ایس) کو بلا شرکتِ غیرے پی ایم ڈی سی کے اختیارات سونپ دیے گئے۔
پی ایم ڈی سی تحلیل ہونے کے بعد بیرون ملک مقیم ڈاکٹرز کا مستقبل بھی داؤ پر لگ گیا۔ ینگ ڈاکٹرز ایسوسی ایشن کے ڈاکٹر فضل ربی نے انڈپینڈنٹ اردو سے بات کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ کل جب پی ایم ڈی سی ہی نہیں رہا تو جو سرٹیفیکیٹ جاری کیے گئے تھے تو کیا 190ممالک میں پی ایم سی دوبارہ سرٹیفیکیٹ بھیجے گا؟
پی ایم ڈی سی کے سینیئر افسر سعید مسعود نے انڈپینڈنٹ اردو کو بتایا کہ انگلینڈ یا کسی بھی ملک میں جو پاکستانی ڈاکٹرز جاتا ہے تو اُس کو کہا جاتا ہے کہ اپنی تصدیق شدہ اتھارٹی سے گڈ سٹینڈنگ سرٹیفیکیٹ لے کر آئیں۔ گڈ سٹینڈنگ سرٹیفیکیٹ میں لکھا جاتا ہے کہ اس ڈاکٹر سے کبھی کوئی میڈیکل کوتاہی نہیں ہوئی۔
انہوں نے کہا کہ سٹاف تو کہیں بھی نوکری کر لیں گے لیکن جن کے سرٹیفیکیٹ جا چکے ہیں اُن کے لیے بھی مسئلہ ہے کہ کیا اب وہ دوبارہ پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن سے سرٹیفیکیٹ لیں گے؟
ان کا کہنا تھا کہ جمعہ کو تقریباً 200 کے قریب بیرون ملک مقیم پاکستانی ڈاکٹرز جنہوں نے وہاں ملازمت کرنی ہے گڈ سٹینڈنگ سرٹیفیکیٹ کے لیے اپلائی کیا۔ اُن کو پیر کے دن سرٹیفیکیٹ بجھوانے تھے کیونکہ انہوں نے اپنے اداروں میں جمع کروانے ہیں لیکن اتوار سے پی ایم ڈی سی سیل ہے تو اُن کو سرٹیفیکیٹ بھی جاری نہیں کیے جا سکتے۔
’اگر 15 دن تک انہیں سرٹیفیکیٹ نہ ملے تو اُن کی نئی نوکریاں داؤ پہ لگ جائیں گی۔‘ انہوں نے سوال اُٹھاتے ہوئے کہا کہ اب اس ساری صورتحال کا ذمہ دار کون ہے؟
ڈاکٹر ذاکر جمال نے انڈپینڈنٹ اردو کو بتایا کہ پہلے انٹری ٹیسٹ کے بعد سے پانچ سالوں میں پانچ امتحانات ہوتے تھے اس کے بعد پرویژنل میڈیکل سرٹیفیکیٹ مل جاتا تھا اور ڈاکٹر ہاؤس جاب کا اہل ہوتا تھا۔ اب انہوں نے یہ کر دیا ہے کہ پانچ امتحانات دینے کے بعد ہاؤس جاب کے لیے چھ ماہ بعد دوبارہ امتحان دینا پڑے گا اور ہاؤس جاب کے بعد ایگزٹ امتحان دینا پڑے گا۔
’تو کیا حکومت کو اپنے ہی تعلیمی اداروں کے معیار پہ اعتماد نہیں؟ اس سے ڈاکٹرز کا وقت مزید ضائع کیا جائے گا۔‘
انہوں نے کہا کہ بیرون ملک سے جو ڈاکٹرز ڈگری کر کے پاکستان آتے ہیں اُن کو پی ایم ڈی سی کا ٹیسٹ دینا ہوتا تھا۔ 24 اکتوبر کو فارن گریجویٹ کے لیے فارم جمع کروانے کی آخری تاریخ تھی لیکن اب پی ایم ڈی سی نہیں اور پی ایم سی کا وجود سامنے ہے ہی نہیں تو فارن گریجویٹ کہاں جائیں گے؟ اُن کے ضائع ہونے والے وقت کا مداوا کون کرے گا؟
آرڈینینس میں کہا گیا ہے کہ پاکستان میڈیکل کمیشن میں نئی بھرتیاں کی جائیں گی لیکن پی ایم ڈی سی سے بھی سٹاف کو وہاں نوکری کے لیے ترجیح دی جائے گی لیکن پی ایم ڈی سی ملازمین کا کہنا ہے کہ انہیں اس حوالے سے بالکل اعتماد میں نہیں لیا گیا اور نہ ہی کوئی یقین دہانی کروائی گئی ہے۔
ڈاکٹرز کے یہ بھی تخفظات ہیں کہ نئے صدارتی آرڈیننس کے بعد میڈیکل کالج کو فیس بڑھانے کی اور سٹاف بڑھانے کی چھوٹ مل جائے گی اس سے پہلے پی ایم ڈی سی نے پرائیویٹ کالجز کو کنٹرول کر رکھا تھا۔ کیا ملک میں موجود 150 پرائیویٹ میڈیکل کالجز کو کمیشن کنٹرول کر سکے گا؟
پی ایم ڈی سی ملازمین اور ڈاکٹرز نے صدارتی آرڈینینس کے خلاف عدالت سے رجوع کرنے کا بھی فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ کچھ ڈاکٹرز نے کہا کہ یہ اقربا پروری ہے۔ پی ایم ڈی سی جیسے بڑے ادارے کو ڈاکٹروں کے بجائے وزیر اعظم کے حوالے کر دیا گیا ہے اور اب ڈاکٹروں کی جگہ صرف وز یراعظم اپنے من پسند ممبران نامزد کریں گے۔
ان تمام تخفظات پر جب انڈپینڈنٹ نے حکومتی موقف لینے کی کوشش کی تو وزیراعظم کے مشیر برائے صحت ظفر مرزا سے رابطہ نہیں ہو سکا۔
سیاستدان خبردار رہیں، ان کے کسی عمل سے تیسری قوت کو موقع نہ ملے، بلاول بھٹو
پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو نے کہا ہے کہ سیاستدان خبردارر ہیں، ان کے کسی عمل سے تیسری قوت کو موقع نہ ملے، ہم انارکی اور آئینی بحران کی طرف بڑھ رہے ہیں، کٹھ پتلی حکومت کو پتہ نہیں کہ ملک چلانا کوئی کرکٹ میچ نہیں ہے۔
جب کہ پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی وسطی پنجاب کے صدر چوہدری قمرالزماں کائرہ کا کہنا ہے کہ ناکامی ساری اپوزیشن، کامیابی اکیلے مولانا کو ملے گی۔
جمعیت علماء اسلام (ف) کے رہنما سینیٹر مولانا عبدالغفور حیدری نے کہا ہے کہ 9 ستارے اکھٹے تاجر بھی ساتھ ہیں۔
تفصیلات کے مطابق پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو نے کہا ہے کہ سیاستدان خبردارر ہیں، ان کے کسی عمل سے تیسری قوت کو موقع نہ ملے، یہ حکومت امن و امان خراب کرنے کی طرف جا رہی ہے۔
ہم انارکی اور آئینی بحران کی طرف بڑھ رہے ہیں، حکومت کے پاس معیشت کا کوئی پلان ہے، نہ کوئی سیاسی پلان ہے، گورننس کا کوئی پلان نہیں ہے، اس چیلنج سے نکلنے کا کوئی پلان نہیں ہے۔
Monday, October 21, 2019
#Pakistan - #PPP - Bilawal Bhutto demands medical facilities for Zardari
Talking to media outside Adiala Jail, Bilawal Bhutto expressed that the PPP and his family are concerned about the health of the former president. He alleged that his family is being pressured by using Asif Zardari. “We never bowed down before wrongdoers, nor will we yield now”, he added.
PPP Chairman went on to say, “The accused and the case belong to Sindh but it is being investigated in Rawalpindi”. “President Zardari is surely sick but also encouraged, and he is ready to tolerate any atrocity”, he asserted adding that they are demanding human rights and hope the justice will prevail.
On the other hand, talking about the political situation in the country, Bilawal Bhutto expressed that they morally support the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s Azadi March. “We all agree on one thing which is that Prime Minister Imran Khan has to go”, he added. He went on to say that If Maulana is prevented from the constitutional right of protest then PPP will consider its own course of action.
Meanwhile, the scion of Bhutto dynasty asserted that the lives of the people have been strained by inflation. No single political party can solve public problems. “I send a message to the opposition parties that we all should play such cards which will refrain the third party to come, because even a broken democracy is better than dictatorship”, he added.
On Oct. 20, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said government must think that running the affairs of country is not like playing a cricket match. He said politicians would be forced to hold protests if government will lock the parliament.
Talking to media outside Jinnah Hospital, he expressed that PM Imran Khan cannot complete his term as he does not possess the abilities to do so. He continued sayign that PPP would play its role in this so called democracy and will fight against dictatorship.
Bilawal further said the solution of problems of common man lies in democracy only. He asserted that everyone including traders are protesting against this government and country is moving towards anarchy.
He said that Sindh government is providing relief to public and free health facilities are being provided and issues of Karachi are being solved with the help private sector, adding that we should all work together solve issues of masses.
http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/515014-Bilawal-Bhutto-calls-providing-medical-facilities-Zardari-
Bilawal says PM Imran should resign
“As far as [JUI-F’s anti-government] Azadi march is concerned the position of PPP is very clear. We support [JUI-F chief] Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s march politically and morally,” Bilawal said on Monday while talking to reporters after meeting the PPP’s jailed supreme leader, Asif Ali Zardari, at Adiala Jail.
He said: “The PPP has always struggled for democracy and agrees on one-point agenda with Maulana Fazl that this government of Imran Khan must go so that we can save democracy.”The PPP chief said unfortunately the government has locked up the parliament.
“Imran Khan is not allowing the parliamentary system to function; not allowing any bill to be passed; not issuing production orders for jailed members; not allowing meetings of parliamentary committees.” He accused the government of pressurising courts; trying to throw out judges; using the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as a political tool and threatening NAB chairman.
“So when all democratic paths are closed for opposition then we are left with no option but that of agitation, protest and roads blocks,” he said.
He said the PPP is not supporting a single party but democracy. He said PPP has had a long working relationship with Fazlur Rehman. “We think that the problems of this country are of such magnitude that all of us will have to solve these problems together.
Talking with reference to the PPP’s level of support to Fazl, he said ‘for now’ it is his and his party’s programme to support Maulana. “However, the PPP cabinet and core committees will take a final decision in this regard,” he added.
Results of PS-11 will be challenged in the election tribunal, says CM Murad
He said if any undemocratic behaviour is exhibited against the JUI-F’s march and if Fazl is not allowed to exercise his democratic right to protest, then the PPP will also protest.Talking with reference to Zardari’s health, he said the PPP and his family is very concerned as health condition of the former president is deteriorating rapidly.“But as I always say his health conditions may get worse but his determination is unshaken. He will remain steadfast on his principles and ideology for which Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life and President Zardari himself spent over eleven years in prison,” he said.
He said the recently held by-polls in Larkana were mired in controversy as the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) also highlight irregularities during the Sindh Assembly seat election in which the PPP faced defeat despite being in power the province.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2084467/1-bilawal-says-pm-imran-resign/
Imran khan not capable of completing his term: Bilawal Bhutto
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal on Sunday made the comments while speaking to the media during his visit to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).Lashing out at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government in Pakistan, main opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is not capable of completing his term as political parties and people are unhappy with his administration's policies, according to a media report. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal on Sunday made the comments while speaking to the media during his visit to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). He said the federal government was not competent to steer the country into the right direction, which was the reason that everyone across Pakistan was raising voice against its anti-people policies, the Dawn newspaper reported. “Everyone is fed up with this puppet government,” he said. “Every political party and people belonging to every sphere of life, including traders, teachers, doctors and workers, are unhappy with the government's policies. All this is quite not up to scratch and gives me no assurance to say Mr Imran Khan will complete his term successfully,” Bilawal was quoted as saying in the report. He was accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Azra Pechuho and Information Minister Saeed Ghani. Bilawal said that his party would certainly protest against the government, yet, “we'll not become part of any act to derail democracy; or allow anyone to do the same”. He said the federal government should take measures that could create unity and consensus among the people of Pakistan, the report said. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/imran-khan-not-capable-of-completing-his-term-bilawal-bhutto-4553561.html
#Pakistan - #PPP - ‘Everyone Fed Up With The Puppet Government In Pakistan’: Bilawal Bhutto Slams Pakistan PM
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) President Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan "has no capability" to complete his term as all political forces of the country and people belonging to all spheres of life had no other option but to go on an agitation against the "puppet government".
The PPP leader made the remarks to the media while visiting the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre here on Sunday (20 October), Dawn news reported.
He said the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was not competent to steer the country to the right direction, which was the reason that everyone across the country was raising voice against its "anti-people" policies.
The PPP leader said he was not seeing the government to last long for creating self-inflicting hard conditions.
"Everyone is fed up with this puppet government," he added.
At a rally on Friday (18 October) night, Bhutto-Zaradari had announced nationwide anti-government protests to "restore 'real' democracy in the country".
He said the PPP will protest in Thar on 23 October, demonstrate in Kashmore on 26 October whereas rallies in Punjab will begin from 1 November.
https://swarajyamag.com/insta/everyone-fed-up-with-the-puppet-government-in-pakistan-bilawal-bhutto-slams-pakistan-pm
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Surge in Bad Loans Poses New Risks to Pakistan Economy’s Revival
By Ismail Dilawar and Faseeh Mangi
A quick economic revival may elude Pakistan’s economy as soured debt at the nation’s banks increases at the fastest pace in eight years, constraining their ability to boost lending.
Total bad debt rose by 23% in the year to June 30, while annual growth in loans slumped to a four-year low, data compiled by Pakistan’s central bank shows. Deterioration in the asset quality may continue as companies across the board -- from Toyota’s local unit to Power Cement Ltd. -- cut production while others, including Nestle SA’s Pakistan unit, shrink their workforce.
Interest rates, which have more than doubled to 13.25% since the start of 2018, are adding to the asset-quality woes by eroding borrowers’ ability to repay.The government estimates economic growth to plummet to 2.4%, the slowest pace in over a decade, in the year started July.
Gulalai Ismail - Pakistan silences army's critics with raids, terror charges
ByKATHY GANNON
A dozen plainclothes Pakistani security forces attempted Thursday to raid the former home of a human rights activist who recently fled to the United States seeking asylum.
Gulalai Ismail's elderly parents said they were ordered to come outside "just to talk," but refused. The security men eventually left after nearly an hour.
"I told them you have weapons in your hands and no uniform — I won't come out," said Ismail's father, Mohammad, a retired professor living in the capital of Islamabad.
Raids like this are part of an expanding push by Pakistan's security services to crack down on anyone who voices criticism of their activities.
Gulalai Ismail's parents are facing charges of financing terrorism, allegedly for funneling money from their daughter toward terrorist activities. They deny the charges and are currently out on bail but have been ordered not to leave Pakistan.
Their daughter went into hiding for several weeks after her criticism of the Pakistan army and its powerful intelligence made her a target. Last month she surfaced in the U.S. seeking asylum.
The family supports an ethnic Pashtun movement known as the PTM that is stridently critical of the army's war on terror, particularly in the country's border regions. Millions of people have been displaced from those areas, and thousands of mostly young men have disappeared, often after being picked up by security forces.
While Gulalai Ismail was criticized and even arrested for her support of the PTM, her father said the real trouble began when she criticized the security forces of sexually harassing and abusing women in the tribal regions, particularly Pakistan's Waziristan region.
"In Waziristan, young girls told stories of how army and non-state actors are harassing young girls and women," her father told The Associated Press. "She returned saying: 'My job should be to help women who suffer sex abuse in conflict.'"
Mohammad Ismail, who taught Urdu literature, is a self-avowed communist who traces his activism back to the 1980s. At the time, he opposed Pakistan's military dictator Gen. Mohammed Zia-ul Haq, whjo worked with the U.S. to fund, arm and train the Islamic militants fighting in neighboring Afghanistan against the former Soviet Union. Some of those fighters, including Osama bin Laden, would eventually go on to form al-Qaida.
Ismail also drew the ire of the Taliban, another hard-line Islamic militant group born out of the war in Afghanistan. His house was ransacked several years ago in retaliation for his criticism of the group's activities in his home province of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan.
Activists with the PTM charge that Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies harass and intimidate ethnic Pashtuns who are critical of the war on terror. They also claim the Pakistani government continues to separate insurgents into "good" and "bad" Taliban.
Pakistani security services are still undecided about whether to break all ties with groups they have long considered "assets," particularly against neighboring India, Pakistan's longtime nemesis.
In an earlier written response to questions from the AP, army spokesman Gen. Asif Ghafoor dismissed allegations of turning a blind eye to some Taliban militants while fighting others.
"Pakistan Armed Forces have undertaken military operations against terrorists of all hue (and) color," Ghafoor said. He asserted that military operations in the mountainous border regions since the early 2000s had simply targeted the most dangerous groups first, followed by those that pose less of a threat to Pakistan.
He also fiercely denied human rights violations. "Genuine grievances of affected population in cleared areas are being addressed in post conflict environment," he said.But Gulalai Ismaili, her father, the PTM and other human rights organizations in Pakistan disagree.Bushra Gohar, a politician and human rights activist, was among the women activists who went to Waziristan. She said the stories of abuse were harrowing.
"Several women and girls narrated horrifying stories of sexual harassment, threats and intimidation by the security forces," she told the AP.
"One woman had kept a record of the security forces breaking into her house for illegal searches and terrorizing her family in the absence of male household members by drawing a line on a piece of paper for each visit. She showed the paper to us and gave a video statement," she said.
Ghafoor, the army spokesman, did not directly address the accusation of sexual abuse but denied human rights violations.
Human Rights Watch is among the many organizations who have spoken out in support of Gulalai Ismail, whom the spokesman said faces charges of "using derogatory language against the state institutions."
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-silences-armys-critics-raids-terror-charges-66342442
US expresses concern over restrictions on journalists in Pakistan
On Wednesday, Pakistani journalists had held a country-wide protest against police brutality faced by a local reporter in Lahore.The United States has expressed concern over restrictions on journalists in Pakistan after the country's authorities denied entry to the head of Committee to Protect Journalists' (CPJ) Steven Butler. (Photo: File) Washington: The United States has expressed concern over restrictions on journalists in Pakistan after the country's authorities denied entry to the head of Committee to Protect Journalists' (CPJ) Steven Butler. Pakistani authorities at Lahore International airport told Butler on Friday that his journalist visa was valid but he was barred for entering the country as his name was "on a stop list" of the Interior Ministry. Butler was to speak at a human rights conference in Lahore over the weekend, reported Al Jazeera. The US' Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to bar Butler. "Refusing entry to the coordinator of a press freedom program w/a valid visa increases concerns about restrictions on journalists in Pak. A free & independent media is indispensable to any democracy, and we urge Pakistan to reconsider this decision," Wells tweeted on Friday. Butler told Al Jazeera said he was sent back to Doha. "The officers did say they recognised that I had a valid visa. Some papers were prepared, but they were not given to me." CPJ's executive director Joel Simon also condemned Butler's deportation. "Pakistani authorities' move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and is a slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom in the country," said Joel Simon, CPJ's executive director. "Pakistani authorities should give a full explanation of their decision to bar Butler from entering and correct this error. If the government is interested in demonstrating its commitment to a free press, it should conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this case," added Simon. Notably, Islamabad ranked 142 in Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) Press Freedom Index for 2019. It is down from 139 last year. On Wednesday, Pakistani journalists had held a country-wide protest against police brutality faced by a local reporter in Lahore. The protest took place after police officials beat up Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N) -- leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported. https://asianage.com/world/americas/191019/us-expresses-concern-over-restrictions-on-journalists-in-pakistan.html
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Is there another coup in the making in Pakistan?
By Manzoor Ahmed
Pakistan’s Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who in August 2019, got a three-year extension in service, has yet once again hit the headlines; this time for having had a talk session with the business tycoons of Pakistan over dinner. The Pak CoAS was giving a pep talk to the heads of leading business houses who in turn apparently conveyed their serious concerns about the state of Pakistan’s economy and the government’s inability to correct the deteriorating situation. Their main grievance was that the government under PM Imran Khan had not gone beyond verbal assurances and that its words did not match its actions.
Pakistan’s Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who in August 2019, got a three-year extension in service, has yet once again hit the headlines; this time for having had a talk session with the business tycoons of Pakistan over dinner. The Pak CoAS was giving a pep talk to the heads of leading business houses who in turn apparently conveyed their serious concerns about the state of Pakistan’s economy and the government’s inability to correct the deteriorating situation. Their main grievance was that the government under PM Imran Khan had not gone beyond verbal assurances and that its words did not match its actions.
An ISPR release (03 October) informs us that “Sequel to discussions and seminars on ‘Interplay of economy and security’, a concluding session of stakeholders hosted by COAS was held at Army Auditorium. Govt economic team and businessmen of the country participated.” The ISPR also said that the seminars and discussions in question were held "in order to bring stakeholders on one platform to formulate recommendations for a synergistic way forward". So this was just one step in the larger game plan to somehow get the Pak economy back on track, but with the Pak Army Chief leading from the front and not the democratically elected Prime Minister of Pakistan.
During the meeting, top industry leaders complained of high-handedness by the Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), who was later reprimanded by the Army for its lack of capacity and overweening ambition to be the arbiter in all matters. This case, in itself, shows the Pak Army’s involvement in internal economic policies rather than political capacity to deal in such a scenario.
Given the gravity of the economic situation that Pakistan faces, one would have expected the government and Army to come up with some innovative solutions. Instead, the Army Chief reportedly “floated an idea that an internal committee is formed comprising military officers to work on the delegates’ complaints so that they could be resolved as soon as possible”. Several things are apparent from such a thought. The dismal state of Pak political and administrative efforts can be seen from the fact that the CoAS is a member of the National Development Council constituted by the Prime Minister this June and also a member of the National Security Committee and the National Command Authority.
Pak CoAS stated during the meeting that “National security is intimately linked to eco while prosperity is a function of balance in security needs & economic growth. (The) aim of various discussions and seminars was to bring stakeholders at one platform to formulate recommendations for a synergistic way forward”.
The Pakistani media has highlighted the fact that the delegation showed their “anger and frustration” at the government’s attitude towards the economy. More importantly, they disclosed that their business units were getting closed one by one leaving countless laborers unemployed. The business tycoons stated that if nothing was done on an “emergency basis” the situation would deteriorate further multiplying the problems. The meeting comes at a point when Pakistan’s GDP growth is touching its lowest ebb while inflation is persistently rising and resulting in halting of economic activities. Furthermore, the government’s collective debts (domestic plus external) rose by a cumulative Rs. 454 billion to Rs. 32.24 billion.
Amongst those who were present in the meeting with CoAS Gen. Bajwa included the former president of FPCCI Zubair Tufail, Arif Habib, Mian Mansha, Hussain Dawood, Ali Mohammad Tabba, Ali Jameel, Javed Chinoy, Zubair Motiwala, Ijaz Gohar, Aqeel Karim Dhabi, Zubair Tufail, Siraj Qasim Teli, Saqib Shirazi and some other textile tycoons. While the who’s who of Pakistani business attended the session, there does not appear to be any solution in sight to Pakistan’s economic woes. Thus, not only has PM Imran Khan alienated a section of the business community, it appears that he has also with his words while in the US recently, angered the military community.
Reports have been doing the rounds that ever since PM Khan returned from the US after addressing the UNGA, that the Army Chief was unhappy with the manner in which the Pak PM made statements and remarks which were not part of the official Army brief. This has led to speculation that Imran Khan could be replaced shortly. This speculation was further heightened by unverified twitter comments that the leave of all personnel of the Pak Army 111 Independent Infantry Division had been canceled and that all personnel had been asked to report for duty by 04 October.
The 111 Independent Infantry Brigade, though officially operates under X Corps in Rawalpindi, actually functions under the Pak CoAS and is tasked with the security of the Prime Minister and the Islamabad region. Point of note is that Lt. Gen. Athar Abbas, current Commander of X Corps is also from the Baloch Regiment, the same Regiment of the Army Chief. Anas Malik writing in “In Political Survival in Pakistan: Beyond Ideology”, states that "Brigade 111 is notorious because it is well-positioned to detain civilian leaders and take over the federal government's administrative centers as a coup unfolds." So there is another drama being enacted, that of a possible coup to dismiss Imran Khan, with perhaps Gen. Bajwa becoming President! The obvious question is would the CoAS want to become another Musharraf and become history? Highly unlikely. More likely that Imran Khan will be replaced by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. What will actually happen only time will tell.
The current situation in Pakistan is best summed up by Hussain Haqqani, currently at the Hudson Institute in the US. He writes: “Pakistan’s generals look at their country as a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Headquarters and consider themselves its board of directors. The role of a prime minister in this scheme of things is not to provide political leadership but rather act as a manager implementing the wishes of the board of directors”. This is precisely what Prime Minister Imran Khan is required to do, if this does not happen, he may be shown the exit door sooner than later.
http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/opinion-details/3460
#Pakistan - #PPP - Bilawal Bhutto to launch anti-government protests
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has announced nationwide anti-government protests to “restore ‘real’ democracy in the country”.
“Our demand is to restore democracy (in the country),” media quoted the PPP chief as saying at a public rally on Friday night. “We don’t accept this artificial democracy. The democratic and socio-economic rights of the masses shall be restored and for that (Prime Minister) Imran Khan has to resign.”
He said that the incumbent government had lost its credibility in the masses as it did not fulfil any of its promises, adding that all opposition parties in Pakistan have decided Khan must step down.
“Our anti-government movement has started from Karachi,” he said, as he announced his plan for further protests across the country.
He said the PPP will protest in Thar on 23 October, demonstrate in Kashmore on 26 October whereas rallies in Punjab will begin from 1 November.
“We will tour the entire country and when we return from Kashmir, you (Khan) will have to go. We will expose your incompetence in every nook and corner of the country. “Imran Khan neither has the capability nor seriousness to govern a country of 200 million people.
“Parliament has been side-lined and politicians have taken to the streets,” he added. IANS
Pakistan denies entry to CPJ's Steven Butler, forces him to return to US
Last night, Pakistani immigration authorities denied entry to CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler, citing a blacklist managed by the Ministry of Interior.
A border officer at Allama Iqbal International Airport, in Lahore, told Butler that his journalist visa was valid, but it was voided because his name was “on a stop list of the Interior Ministry,” Butler said.
Airport authorities in Lahore confiscated Butler’s passport and forced him onto a flight to Doha, Qatar. When he arrived in Doha, authorities there placed him on a flight to Washington, D.C. Butler, who communicated with CPJ while on the flight, said he was in “a kind of restricted custody” and said that the flight crew was in possession of his passport and boarding pass.
"Pakistani authorities’ move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and is a slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom in the country,” said Joel Simon, CPJ’s executive director. "Pakistani authorities should give a full explanation of their decision to bar Butler from entering and correct this error. If the government is interested in demonstrating its commitment to a free press, it should conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this case.”
Butler was traveling to the country to participate in the Asma Jahangir Conference-Roadmap for Human Rights in Pakistan.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Time has come to send “selected PM” home, says Bilawal Bhutto
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that it will not be wise to let the PTI-led government continue its rule. He added the time has come to send the “selected prime minister" home.
Bilawal Bhutto was speaking to supporters on the 12th martyrdom anniversary of October 18 Karsaz massacre in Karachi on Friday. In 2007, terrorists bombed reception of three million people which had gathered to receive Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto near Karsaz Flyover.
Criticising the PTI government, the PPP chairman said that his party will expose Imran Khan's government that came into power through “rigging".
He pointed out, “Imran Khan is not worthy of running the government."
He maintained PPP has crossed rivers of blood during its valiant struggle for restoration and strengthening of democracy.
The PPP chief said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto continued to challenge the dictatorship and terrorists even after the Karsaz attack and eventually laid down her life on December 27, 2007.
Bilawal said that PPP leadership and workers will always remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting dictators and terrorists bravely.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Virginity and menstruation myths behind Asia's tampon taboo
In a region where many communities chastise unmarried women for not being "virgins," tampons, believed by some to cause hymen breakage, are still rare.
It is a hot, humid day in Manila and 24-year-old Yen would like to go for a swim. While her male companions are free to splash around in the cool waters, she and her girlfriends can't indulge in this activity for about six days every month.
Yen, a university student, explains how a limited availability of tampons across the Philippines restricts many menstruating women from swimming or sports activities. "We miss out on the fun because we have our period … It's frustrating that tampons are not readily available."
Myths about menstruation
Menstruation has long been a taboo subject in many parts of Asia, widening gaps in knowledge about female reproductive health.
"Many women grow up in a society which doesn't facilitate talk about sex, the reproductive organs, the vagina, or sanitary issues," Varistha Nakornthap, founder of Cuppers Community Thailand, said. In some conservative communities, limited sex education and restricted dialogue feed myths and misconceptions about the female body.
A common myth surrounding menstruation is, for example, that contact with a woman having her period brings bad luck or contamination. In Nepal, an estimated 19% of women aged 15 to 49 follow a centuries-old practice known as "chhaupadi,"in which women are forced to spend the days when they have their period in outdoor huts. In India, menstruating women are not allowed into temples.
In several Asian countries, the usage of tampons has also been linked to women's sexuality. Some unmarried women find themselves socially stigmatized if caught using a tampon. Speaking to DW, several women from different East Asian countries said that in the societies they lived in, virginity was highly valued and using tampons was often associated with hymen destruction. Some spoke about possible health threats, including toxic shock syndrome and urinary tract infections.
Virginity still a virtue
There are no conclusive studies to suggest that a tampon breaks the hymen and "takes away" a woman's virginity. However, that myth is still prevalent.
University student Yen feels the tampon has been unsuccessful in the Philippines because many people believe that using a tampon, "means you're not a virgin." In Filipino society, which is heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, Yen said, "It's better to hide you're having unsafe sex than for people to know you're sexually active."
She believes the concept stems from the Spanish colonization period when women were severely repressed. She spoke of Maria Clara, the national heroine of the Philippines, who was raped by a Spanish priest under Spanish occupation.
"Maria Clara was characterized as timid, lady-like, and very conservative. So the Filipinos say, 'You should act like Maria Clara.'" Yen added that unmarried women feel pressured to hide anything that could potentially signal sexual activity, including using tampons.
Twenty-seven-year-old Quan, a doctor at Vietnam's Can Tho Tumor Hospital said he'd never seen a tampon in his life and explained that "traditional" Vietnamese would "very likely assume" that any woman using tampons were not virgins.
Thi, his wife, knows only married women who use tampons. In neighboring Cambodia, Sonit Tholly from Phnom Penh said that many women don't use tampons for the same reasons and emphasized that "virginity values" are still "treasured" in large parts of Cambodian society.
Meanwhile, in Seoul, Juen, a 28-year-old businesswoman, attributes the unpopularity of tampons to South Korea's patriarchal culture. She explained that the country's "virginity pressure" deters some women from using tampons.
"Men still want to see a girl as a weak figure that needs to be protected,” she said, adding that the sexist mindset extends into women's sexual lives. "Men should always be the ones who want sex and girls must accept it in a passive manner," she said.
Emerging trends
From traditional woven cloths in Cambodia to reusable fabric pads in Thailand, a "pad-like" style for dealing with the monthly cycle has existed for centuries and remains the region's favorite.
Rena Park, a young professional from Busan living in Seoul, explained that some members of South Korea's younger generation believe that sanitary pad companies, which dominate East Asia's female hygiene market, have fabricated myths and perpetuated stereotypes related to virginity and hymen destruction in their bid to stay on top of the market. She says it's possible that sanitary companies lobbied for a long time against the sale of tampons.
More recent discussions on women's hygiene, however, have turned towards the menstrual cup. The flexible vessel, made of silicone or latex rubber, collects menstrual blood instead of absorbing the flow and can be used several times over.
Heightened environmental awareness is increasing the cup's popularity in cosmopolitan cities across Southeast and East Asia because it is seen as an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons.
Nakornthap of Cuppers Community said that misinformation contributed to an overall lack of understanding and the exaggeration of myths around menstruation and the female sexual organ. She is hoping that advocating the menstrual cup and stimulating new forms of dialogue will change all that.
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