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Editorial: #Pakistan - Noorul Haq Qadri's assertion is a dangerous one in a country already dangerous for women - Hostility to Aurat March

IT is that time of year once again when defenders of the patriarchy spring into action with spurious arguments to protect the status quo. This time, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri is leading the charge.

He has written to Prime Minister Imran Khan to ask him to ban Aurat March on International Women’s Day — March 8 — and declare it as International Hijab Day, claiming that the women’s rally held annually to mark the UN-designated occasion contravenes religious principles. Interestingly, the minister in his letter dated Feb 9 acknowledges the importance of International Women’s Day in raising awareness of women’s rights, but then proceeds to decry as un-Islamic the banners and slogans that often feature at the Aurat March.

This is not only a specious assertion, but a dangerous one in a country already dangerous for women — where a man who murdered his celebrity sister walked free recently, one among many other ‘honour killers’ who will never see the inside of a prison long enough to pay for their crime. Here there are laws aplenty to protect women, from sexual harassment, domestic violence etc, but regressive social mores and an apathetic legal system remain major obstacles to implementing them. Millions of girls are condemned to a lower quality of life, simply on account of being born female.

According to the latest Gender Parity Index, in which we regularly feature near the bottom, at the current rate it will take 136 years to close the gender gap in Pakistan. And yet, every year without fail, conservative segments balk at the prospect of peaceful rallies of women demanding their rights as enshrined in the Constitution. The opportunistic co-opting by the minister of the hijab row in India simply underscores the illogic of his position. Aurat March advocates women’s agency — to pursue a career, to select a life partner, or indeed, to wear the hijab or not. Participants at the annual event, carrying their diverse slogans, illustrate precisely this inclusive, non-judgemental stance.

The government is led by a party which used to take pride in its vocal female support base, one that regularly showed up at its months-long dharna in 2014. The PTI should rein in the retrogressive voices within its ranks and express support for the Aurat March. Yesterday, the president of JUI-F’s Islamabad chapter openly threatened physical violence to disrupt the march. Clearly, misogynistic elements such as these will stop at nothing.Last year, the lives of march organisers and participants were put at risk by a particularly vicious disinformation campaign. The government is responsible for the protection of all those engaging in their democratic right to protest on March 8. Unlike other recent protests that were met with kid glove treatment by the state, at least the Aurat March will not be the cause of death and mayhem on the streets.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1675889/hostility-to-aurat-march

#Pakistan - Misogyny unites #PTI, #JUI-F

The PTI government and the opposition JUI-F may be at daggers drawn but mention women’s right to public protest and, in a rare display of unity, though one reeking of deep-seated misogyny and patriarchy, they vehemently oppose it. As Aurat March approaches, to coincide with the UN’s International Women’s Day, the federal religious affairs minister and a leading light of the JUI-F have both termed it ‘un-Islamic’. They also cite, ‘our culture, tradition’ to justify their opposition to it. Their argument would have weight if backed by logic, knowledge or even plain common sense but their driver appears to preconceived, archaic notions about a woman’s place in society and outright misogyny. Women demand equality as a right; not as a favor.

Obscurantist mullahs, long patronised by the state both as a foreign policy tool and a facilitator of their unending political-social engineering projects, gain strength with every passing moment and dictate the agenda. And all of us, the state often included, watch in abject helplessness.

What kind of inexplicable madness drives such men? Killing someone, his own sister, because she’d been wronged by four men.

Well, many women among us are done watching and suffering in silence. And why shouldn’t they be? They are enraged and impatient, having seen and lived with the reality around them for longer than they’d like to remember. A reality no man can experience with the same intensity as a woman.

This reality has existed for centuries. And while many men support women in spirit, only a few are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they ask for their legitimate rights. On the other hand, those smug about the status quo, often citing faith, are aggressive and obnoxious and endanger protesting women’s rights activists.

Anyone questioning the legitimacy of the women’s rights movement need not embark on a deep study of history or sociology but merely look at a few recent incidents to understand why the status quo is unacceptable, as it is patently unjust.

These incidents are just a tiny window into one element of a woman’s existence in our society: constantly living with violence or the threat of violence. Yes, and this one factor alone cuts across all socioeconomic tiers and is not restricted to the deprived sections of society. Verbal, physical and psychological abuse in the vast majority of cases flows in one direction. That is from man to woman. Qandeel Baloch was murdered for creating a persona on social media that challenged the honour of her brother who killed her. His honour or ghairat was not challenged when his sister was providing for the ageing parents because he couldn’t. His ghairat did not spur him into making a living and supporting the parents; only his sister’s independence and what she chose for herself provoked him.

Look at the brother whose sister was subjected to the most heinous of crimes against a woman: gang rape. The brother thought nothing of taking a gun and killing his sister. A gang-rape victim, survivor. He was arrested soon after and regretted that that was before he’d killed the rapists.

What kind of complete, inexplicable madness drives such men? Killing someone, his own sister in this case, because she’d been wronged by four men. Tell me if change is not urgently warranted; if society does not need to wake up and tell these representatives of the ‘ghairat brigade’ there can be no bigger shame than their own actions have brought them. Because of the indomitable courage of Mukhtara Mai, the crime against her became public knowledge and inspired a large number of women to stand up for their rights. But what did the biggest proponent of ‘enlightened moderation’ in the country, who happened to be a man, say about her? It disgusts me so much I won’t repeat it. This past week another such incident has come to the fore. Two young women, could well have been underage girls, were kidnapped, raped and stripped before being paraded in their village. Their crime: a man from their tribe and a woman from their tormentors’ tribe, eloped and got married of their own choice.

This ‘retribution’ visited these young women because a man from their own tribe and a woman from their rival tribe had the audacity to fall in love and get married. Yes, if the religious affairs minister and the JUI-F’s leading light who has sought his party’s permission to ‘attack’ Aurat March are to be believed this is our faith, culture and tradition.

They say nothing of the dozens of recorded incidents in religious seminaries, even mosques, where minors, girls but mostly boys, who have not even reached double digits in age, have been sexually abused, molested, raped. Whose faith, culture, tradition sanctioned that criminal conduct?Violence or fear of violence remains a major issue as it endangers a woman’s person but where women’s rights are concerned it is but the tip of the iceberg. Gender equality in the workplace remains a dream; sexual harassment by male colleagues or even co-travellers in public transport is commonplace.We men would turn murderous if we faced a fraction of what women are subjected to during the course of their everyday life, just walking in the street or shopping or whatever else. Countless women in the family, circle of friends have talked of being groped in public.

A deeper issue is unpaid labour. From caring for the family to cooking, raising children, cleaning, doing laundry and endless domestic chores to helping men in the fields and their businesses, women’s labour is rarely quantified and remunerated. Instead, the slightest of ‘shortcomings’ in these multiple roles incurs the wrath of man.

Oh yes. I do support Aurat March. With all my heart. Have huge respect, admiration for women who take to the streets in an extremely volatile and hostile environment as they have the courage to stand up and be counted for what is right. Wish I was so fearless. As for their PTI, JUI-F detractors the less said the better.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1676081/misogyny-unites-pti-jui-f

#Pakistan: Militant attacks in #Balochistan put pressure on #China's infrastructure plans

Several attacks in recent weeks in the southern Pakistani province have caused concern that a separatist movement is jeopardizing the completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

A militant separatist movement in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province has stepped up attacks in recent weeks, targeting the Pakistani military and complicating infrastructure projects being developed by China as part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative (BRI). In 2015, China announced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $46 billion (€41 billion) infrastructure network linking a port in Gwadar, a remote city on the Arabian Sea, to China's western Xinjiang region. Many of the Chinese projects are being built in Balochistan, and Baloch separatists say the Pakistani government is exploiting local resources on behalf of Beijing's ambition to expand its influence.

CPEC also includes plans to create road, rail and oil pipeline links running though Balochistan to improve connectivity between China and the Middle East.

With CPEC, Beijing aims to expand its influence in Pakistan and across Central and South Asia in order to counter US and Indian influence.

However, Baloch separatists have staged violent attacks in the vast province, which creates a precarious security situation for developing large infrastructure projects.

Earlier this month, the so-called Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) waged multiple attacks on security forces in Panjgur and Nushki districts. The assault lasted four days and left 20 militants and nine Pakistani soldiers dead.

The Pakistani military said in a statement it was the biggest separatist attack in recent years.

The assault came as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was on an official visit to China. Khan paid tribute to the "brave" military forces for repulsing the attacks and acknowledged their "great sacrifices."Pakistan has accused arch-rival India of covertly supporting the Baloch insurgents in the province, a charge New Delhi denies.

Who are the Balochistan militants?

The BLA is the largest and insurgent group in Balochistan and has been active for decades. It, and other groups, have stepped up its activities targeting Chinese interests in the province after CPEC projects began to expand.In August 2018, a suicide bomber targeted a bus carrying Chinese engineers in Dalbadin, Balochistan, wounding five people, including three Chinese nationals.In November 2018, a Baloch insurgent group claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in southern Karachi city, killing four people. In May 2019, separatists attacked the Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar , killing five people and injuring six persons.

In 2019 a luxury hotel Gwadar was attacked by gunmen from a Baloch separatist group

In June 2020, armed separatists raided the Pakistan Stock Exchange, where three Chinese companies at the time owned 40% of the stakes.

"The target of the Baloch nationalists is the Pakistani state, which they see as an oppressor," Husain Haqqani, the South Asia director at the Hudson Institute, a US think tank, told DW. "They target China because they think that might get them Western and Indian support, and also because they see China's backing as important for Pakistan’s security establishment," he added. Rafiullah Kakar, a political analyst from Quetta, said the nationalists are demanding "freedom from the Pakistani state." "They claim the Pakistani government and China are responsible for the abject poverty and oppression," he told DW.

Is China feeling pressure in Pakistan?

Stable security in Pakistan is necessary for Chinese investments to bear fruit, and increasing militant attacks could complicate projects. "No investor, including China, wants to deal with constant violence or a long-running insurgency," said Haqqani."The Baloch might be weak and outnumbered but they have been consistent in their battle with the Pakistani state for years while getting little international support," he added.Islamabad accuses Afghanistan and India, as well as Iran, of supporting Baloch insurgents but some experts say the view has attracted little support outside Pakistan."The attacks will not expel the Chinese from Balochistan," said analyst Kakar. However, he added that larger commercial investment in southern Balochistan in the presence of an insurgency is "not possible."

"Attracting private sector investment is impossible in presence of a conflict, and the Baloch insurgents could hurt Chinese development ambitions," he added.

Chaudhry insists the situation in Balochistan is "under control" and that Pakistani forces have made big gains against the militants in recent years.

But analysts are of the view that if the situation in Balochistan is to improve, the province will need to be better integrated into Pakistan's political and economic system.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by land area, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, but has the country's lowest population.

"They are not included in the power structures, over the years there has been resentment," said Kakar.

The Pakistani government has pledged to end deprivation in the province. Chaudhry says that not being satisfied with the government is "an excuse to justify terrorism and take up arms against the state."

https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-militant-attacks-in-balochistan-put-pressure-on-chinas-infrastructure-plans/a-60796264

Pak releases dozens of TTP prisoners as peace talks continue with banned outfit

Pakistan released 46 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) prisoners with an aim of a permanent ceasefire and peace agreement with the banned group.

Journalist at Radio Free Europe, Daud Khattak, in his tweet said that the release of the 46 TTP prisoners came as a result of the efforts of the tribal Jirga that first met the Taliban leadership in Paktika province on January 9-10 and then again in Khost province of Afghanistan on February 17-18.

He further, in his tweet, said that the Haqqani Network leader and Taliban Interior Minister Siraj Haqqani played important role in breaking the ice.

“TTP confirmed the release of their 46 prisoners, but say they want release of 102 men, which also include leaders of Swat Taliban & only then will think of ceasefire,” he wrote.The journalist informed that the Pakistani authorities have not commented so far, but sources say more TTP prisoners will be free in the next 3-4 days, including some key members of the Swat Taliban or men like Latif Mehsud.

“TTP is so far watching and had slowed down its attacks in Pakistan,” said Khattak.

A U.N. Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report say that between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters of the TTP are still active in Afghanistan.

Moreover, Pakistan’s recently released National Security Policy has failed in its mandate to tackle non-traditional security threats. It fails to address the core issue of how Islamabad will eradicate extremism and radicalization, reported the magazine.

Islamabad-based security expert Muhammad Wali says that the Afghan economy is on the verge of collapse, and the country is still believed to be a haven for different terrorist outfits. He said that all these developments in Afghanistan should be a reason of concern for Pakistan as well. (ANI)

https://theprint.in/world/pak-releases-dozens-of-ttp-prisoners-as-peace-talks-continue-with-banned-outfit/840106/

#Pakistan #PPP - Senator Mian Raza Rabbani condemns the amendments to the electronic crimes law and the Election Act

PRESS RELEASE

Mian Raza Rabbani, Former Chairman Senate, has issued the following press statement:

The amendments to the electronic crimes law and the Election Act, ECP’s code of conduct through Ordinances, amounts to denying a national debate and depriving Parliament of its constitutional right of legislation.

Since 2018, the Government has taken systematic steps to apply censor to online content through the “Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules, 2020” and the “Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight, and Safeguards) Rules, 2020”. Such Rules were opposed by journalists and digital rights groups. The proposed legislation converts bailable offenses to non-bailable offenses. The punishment for defaming a person or an institution on social media from two years is being increased to five years. This is condemned. This is placing fetters on the Fundamental Rights of the citizens and can not be done without a national debate, that is through legislation in Parliament.

The President should not sign the Ordinances, as under Article 50, Constitution, 1973, he is a part of Parliament, here Parliament is being denied the right to legislate and fundamental rights are being curtailed outside of Parliament.

The amendments to the Election Act and Rules will allow government patronage to be used for the ruling party’s candidates, it is opposed and condemned. This government runs on vital Cabinet decisions being taken by the circulation of Summaries and legislation being done through Ordinances. Since it came to power legislation has only been done through Ordinances.

MIAN RAZA RABBANI.

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#MJtv LIVE: محسن بیگ گرفتاری اور تشدد کیخلاف اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ میں رٹ درخواستوں کی سماعت

In new setback for eradication campaign, poliovirus from Pakistan shows up in Africa

Health officials hope to squash outbreak quickly.

A wild poliovirus has made a leap from Pakistan to the African continent, where it has paralyzed a 3-year-old girl in Malawi—the first wild polio case in the country since 1992.

The case, announced on 17 February by the Malawi government, is the latest setback for the global campaign to end polio once and for all. But the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) hopes it can limit the damage by stopping the outbreak quickly. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries that are endemic for the wild virus, which means circulation there has never stopped. Occasionally, the virus spills over from these entrenched reservoirs. The last “exportation” from the region was in 2013, when a virus from Pakistan sparked an outbreak in Syria.

Africa is battling big outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio, which occur in areas of low immunization when the live but attenuated virus in the oral polio vaccine reverts and regains its ability to paralyze and spread. But the last known case of wild polio on the continent occurred in 2016 in Borno state in Nigeria, and Africa was officially certified free of wild poliovirus in August 2020.

Because polio spreads quickly and “silently”—just about one in 200 infected children becomes paralyzed—even a single detection of the virus is considered an outbreak. But GPEI has a history of quashing these imported outbreaks quickly with rapid vaccination campaigns; the goal is to stop them within 6 months, before the virus becomes entrenched.

The girl, who lives in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, was paralyzed on 19 November 2021. Through sequence analysis of her poliovirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the regional reference lab in South Africa have just confirmed she was struck by a relative of wild type 1 poliovirus that circulated in Sindh province in Pakistan in October 2019. The new case means the virus has been lurking undetected since then.

GPEI analysts don’t know yet when the virus arrived in Malawi and how far it may have spread. The quality of polio surveillance in Malawi has slipped during the COVID-19 pandemic. GPEI is also assessing the risk of spread to other countries, because there is a lot of population movement from Malawi to Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. And it is figuring out the vaccination strategy—which vaccine to use, and how broadly.

Although Malawi is now considered a “wild-polio–affected country,” the African continent will still be considered free of wild poliovirus unless it circulates for 12 months or more.

The case shows, again, that “polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere,” says John Vertefeuille, a CDC polio specialist. “One child paralyzed is one too many and it is a tragedy for the girl and her family,” adds Aidan O’Leary, director of GPEI, which is based at the World Health Organization’s headquarters in Geneva. “It simply underscores the importance of prioritizing immunization activities everywhere while focusing on permanently interrupting polio transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

https://www.science.org/content/article/new-setback-eradication-campaign-poliovirus-pakistan-shows-africa

In 1st, Israeli Navy joins huge US-led exercise; Saudi Arabia, Pakistan participate

 By JUDAH ARI GROSS 

Israeli, US officers hail growing cooperation between IDF and 5th Fleet; dozens of countries join IMX drill, focused on undersea warfare, including some Israel has no ties with

The Israeli Navy on Thursday wrapped up its participation in the US Navy’s massive IMX exercise, in which dozens of countries took part, including several with which Israel does not have formal ties.

This was Israel’s first time participating in the International Maritime Exercise, as it increasingly cooperates with the US military’s Central Command and its 5th Fleet, which operates in the waterways around the Middle East.“The participation of the Navy in the American exercise demonstrates the strengthening connection between our fleets, based on power, mutual learning, and strategic partnership. We are coordinated and working together with our American partners to prevent terror in the maritime arena and to strengthen the security of the region’s waters,” Israeli Navy chief David Salama said in a statement.

The head of the US 5th Fleet, Admiral Brad Cooper, who over the past month has met with Salama, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, similarly hailed the growing ties between the two navies.

“This joint exercise demonstrates our determination to protect international law and order. This is a special opportunity to expand our interoperability as we strengthen our naval ties,” Cooper said.

In the IMX exercise, the Israeli Navy says it trained with the 5th Fleet, simulating neutralizing naval mines, above- and under-water search-and-rescue operations, as well as conducting medical exercises at sea. On the Israeli side, the navy’s 3rd Flotilla, which operates missile ships, the 915th Patrol Boats Squadron, and the Unit for Underwater Fighting, known by its Hebrew acronym YALTAM, took part in the exercise, which was held in the Red Sea.

According to the US Navy, in total, more than 9,000 people from 60 militaries took part in the IMX, which kicked off on January 31. Participants include a number of countries that Israel does not have formal ties with, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan, as well as several countries with which Israel recently normalized relations, like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which hosts the US 5th Fleet.

The biennial drill was launched in 2012 and has become “the largest multinational naval exercise in the Middle East,” according to the US Navy.

In November, the Israeli Navy participated in a 5th Fleet-led exercise in the Red Sea, alongside the UAE and Bahrain in what Israeli officials said was meant to serve as a response to recent attacks by Iran against Israeli naval assets.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-1st-israeli-navy-joins-huge-us-led-exercise-saudi-arabia-pakistan-participate/

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s message on World Day Of Social Justice

 Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated the commitment of his Party for enforcement and implementation of social justice for every strata of Pakistani society adding that ensuring social justice was key to a peaceful, progressive and prosperous country.

In his message on the eve of World Day of Social Justice 2022, the Chairman said that social justice is the cornerstone of the PPP’s ideology and struggle. We have been working for the empowerment of women, labour,  youth, and vulnerable segments of our population because. Whenever the PPP is in power it delivers social justice to the people.
He said that through a long history of sacrifices against injustices his Party has become a source of inspiration for the victims of social injustices among every sphere of society. Our political and administrative decisions, while in power have helped the weak and vulnerable to start dreaming a better future for themselves.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Party Founder Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto launched a movement against social inequality and won one-man one-vote for the first time in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was dragged from court to court for providing employment to the unemployed youth. She started revolutionary mother and child health initiatives. President Asif Ali Zardari began Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which has been internationally acclaimed as a model social security step.
PPP Chairman further pointed out that his Party took various decisions politically. These decisions ultimately promoted social justice and empowered the segments who had been prey for exclusions in history.
He announced that PPP will launch an Awami Long March from February 27 against unbearable inflation hitting hard the poor, who has been dragged into poverty by the selected and puppet regime of Imran Khan. Every Pakistani who stands for social justice has the responsibility to join us to free the nation from the clutches of poverty, inflation, unemployment, extremism, and victimisation, he appealed.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pledged that his Party will continue to be a thunderous voice for the voiceless for our Party was founded to play a historic role in transforming Pakistan into a role-model Muslim country with a peaceful, egalitarian and vibrant democratic society.

https://www.ppp.org.pk/pr/26306/

سماجی انصاف کو یقینی بنانا ملک کو پرامن، ترقی پسند اور خوشحال بنانے کی چابی ہے۔ چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری

 پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے اپنی جماعت کی جانب سے معاشرے کے ہر طبقے کو سماجی انصاف فراہم کرنے کے عزم کا اعادہ کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ سماجی انصاف کو یقینی بنانا ملک کو پرامن، ترقی پسند اور خوشحال بنانے کی چابی ہے۔ عالمی یوم سماجی انصاف کے موقعے پر جاری کردہ اپنے پیغام میں پی پی پی چیئرمین نے کہا کہ سماجی انصاف ہی پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے نظریے اور جدوجہد کا سنگ بنیاد ہے۔ ہم خواتین، محنت کشوں، نوجوانوں اور اپنی معاشرے کے کمزور طبقات کو بااختیار بنانے کے لیے سرگرمِ عمل ہیں۔

 پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کی جب بھی حکومت آتی ہے، تو وہ عوام کو سماجی انصاف فراہم کرتی ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ ناانصافیوں کے خلاف قربانیوں کی ایک طویل تاریخ کے بعد ان کی جماعت اب معاشرے کے ہر طبقے میں سماجی ناانصافیوں کے متاثرین کے لیے ایک امید بن گئی ہے۔ حکومت کے دوران ہماری جانب سے کیئے گئے سیاسی خواہ انتظامی فیصلوں نے ناتواں اور کمزوروں کو اپنا بہتر مستقبل کا خواب دیکھنے کے قابل بنایا ہے۔ بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے کہا کہ ان کی پارٹی کے بانی وزیراعظم شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو نے سماجی عدم مساوات کے خلاف تحریک چلائی تھی اور ملک میں پہلی بار عوام کے لیئے ایک فرد ایک ووٹ کا حق حاصل کیا تھا۔

 وزیراعظم شہید محترمہ بینظیر بھٹو کو تو بیروزگار نوجوانوں کو روزگار فراہم کرنے کی پاداش میں عدالتوں کے چکر لگوائے گئے۔ شہید محترمہ بینظیر بھٹو نے ملک میں زچہ و بچہ کی صحت کے لیے انقلابی اقدامات کیے۔ صدر آصف علی زرداری نے بینظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام کا آغاز کیا، جسے عالمی سطح پر بھی سماجی تحفظ کے ایک ماڈل منصوبے کے طور پر سراہا جاتا ہے۔ چیئرمین پی پی پی نے نشاندہی کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ ان کی پارٹی نے سیاسی طور ایسے بیشمار اقدام اٹھائے ہیں، جو ملک میں سماجی انصاف کو فروغ دینے کا موجب بنے اور ان طبقات کو بااختیار بنایا جنہیں تاریخ میں ہمیشہ نظرانداز کیا جاتا رہا ہے۔

 بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے اعلان کیا کہ پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی 27 فروری سے عوامی لانگ مارچ شروع کرنے جا رہی ہے، جو اس مہنگائی کے خلاف ہے، جس نے اس غریب عوام کو شدید مشکلات کا شکار بنا دیا ہے، جسے عمران خان کی سلیکٹڈ و کٹھ پتلی حکومت نے غربت میں دھنس دیا ہے۔ انہوں نے اپیل کی کہ ہر وہ پاکستانی جو سماجی انصاف چاہتا ہے، اس کی یہ ذمہ داری ہے کہ وہ قوم کو غربت، مہنگائی، بیروزگاری، انتہا پسندی اور ظلم و جبر کے چنگل سے نجات دلانے کے لیے ہمارا ساتھ دے۔ چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے اس عزم کا اعادہ بھی کیا کہ ان کی پارٹی بے آواز شہریوِں کی طاقتور آواز بنی رہے گی، کیونکہ ہماری پارٹی کی بنیاد ہی اس پر رکھی گئی تھی کہ وہ ایک تاریخی کردار ادا کرکے پاکستان کو ایک پرامن، مساوات پر مبنی و متحرک جمہوری معاشرہ اور مسلم ممالک کا ایک رول ماڈل ملک بنائے۔

 

 
 
 https://www.ppp.org.pk/pr/26308/

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Countdown begins for Imran Khan's exit as the Pak Army helps opposition to get no-confidence numbers

In the last meeting of the Corps Commanders, Bajwa was cautioned by his faithful generals about how the "hybrid regime" has harmed the credibility of the establishment.

As the Pakistan National Assembly is set to start its session from February 18, all eyes are on the opposition parties, which have vowed to bring a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in a bid to oust him. Unlike their failed attempts in the past, the united opposition is confident of getting the magic number in the Assembly."The opposition is trying to close all the loose ends before they go for the final. They want to be hundred per cent sure of getting 'blessings' from the military establishment. For them it is now or never because the situation is ripe and people are fed up with the Imran Khan government," says Ansar Abbasi, a Pakistani journalist.

But has the opposition got the magic number of 172 votes in the 342-member House to oust the Imran Khan government? The leaders of the united opposition front Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) are holding their cards close to their chests, leaving the government to guess about how their plans will unveil. Political hobnobbing among Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) coalition partners and the PDM leaders have caused panic in the ranks of PTI leaders.

Imran Khan is laughing off the opposition's move to get the magic number because the Pakistan constitution empowers a party head to disqualify a member who votes or abstains from voting in the House against the direction of the Parliamentary Party to which he belongs. But according to Pakistani experts, allied parties do not come under this law. They are free to vote against the government."Ultimately the opposition would need support from the coalition partners of Imran Khan government like the Mutahida Quomi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PMLQ) and they would not be on the side of the opposition if the military establishment so willed," said one Pakistani expert, adding that these allies will not join the opposition owing to personal rivalries and egos, but may vote against Imran Khan government. In addition, a group of 25-30 MPs of the ruling PTI has already formed a separate cluster within the party under Jehangir Tarin, a sugar baron who was at one time Imran Khan's right-hand man and according to Pakistani media. But this faction is now likely to be part of the opposition to oust Khan.

According to Pakistani analysts, the rift between Imran Khan and the Pakistan Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has gone to the point of no return but the military establishment is wary of taking direct power as it has done many times in the past. The reason behind it is that it was the establishment which bought Imran Khan after rigging the elections in 2018. The Pakistanis thus have been calling this government "hybrid regime", because of the military's visible hand in "selecting" the Imran Khan government. But now, it is evident that this experiment of political engineering has failed on every front, persuading the military led by the powerful Army Chief General Bajwa to a decision to get rid of Khan. Gul Bukhari, a Pakistani columnist was spot on when she said on her Twitter post: "No-confidence move is Bajwa's game. Do not be a facilitator. He who brought the baby (Imran Khan) should himself show him the door. Why are you helping? Let him do it."

Bajwa knows very well that if he does not get rid of Imran Khan now, the next few months will be crucial for his own survival. Bajwa is due to retire in November 2022 and it is unlikely that Imran Khan will agree to give him any extension. Imran Khan would prefer to appoint his favourite Faiz Hameed as the next Army Chief, with whose support he can ensure that he gets re-elected in next general elections in 2023. In the last meeting of the Corps Commanders, Bajwa was cautioned by his faithful generals about how the "hybrid regime" has harmed the credibility of the establishment.

Imran Khan is under immense pressure due to his failed policies -- an unprecedented economic meltdown and the highest inflation rate of 13 per cent, unemployment, industrial stagnation and a sharp polarisation in the country. The supply and demand side distortions have pushed the prices of commodities, electricity and gas sky high. Social stability undermined by red-hot radicalisation is at its nadir.

https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/countdown-begins-for-imran-khans-exit-as-the-pak-army-helps-opposition-to-get-no-confidence-numbers/859839

ہم اس حکومت کے خلاف عدم اعتماد کی تحریک لائیں گے اور اس حکومت کو جمہوری انداز سے چیلنج کریں گے۔ چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری

 چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے جمعرات کے روز لاہور میں لاہور بار ایسوسی ایشن سے اپنے خطاب میں کہا کہ قانون کے بغیر نہ تو کوئی پریس ممکن ہے اور نہ ہی کوئی مہذب معاشرہ اور نہ ہی جمہوریت۔ قانون معاشرے کو جوڑ کر رکھتا ہے اور ریات اور قوم کے درمیان ایک پل کا کام دیتا ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی اور قانون کا ایک خاص رشتہ ہے۔ جب لاہور میں پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی وجود میں آئی تھی تو مشہور اخبار ڈان نے لکھا تھا کہ “بیروزگار وکیلو نے ایک پارٹی بنا لی ہے”۔ اب 50 سال بعد وہی پارٹی ملک میں قانون کی حکمرانی، آئین کی علمبرداری اور پاکستان کے عوام کے حقوق کے لئے جدوجہد کر رہی ہے۔ پاکستان ایک وکیل قائداعظم محمد علی جناح نے بنایا تھا اور پاکستان کو ایک آئینی، اسلامی مملکت بھی ایک وکیل شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو نے بنایا تھا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ وہ عدالتوں کا مشاہدہ اپنے بچپن سے کر رہے ہیں جب وہ اپنے والد اور والدہ کے ساتھ مختلف کیسوں کے سلسلے میں عدالت اور جیل جایا کرتے تھے۔

 ان کے والد نے ساڑھے گیارہ سال تک جیل کی صعوبتیں برداشت کیں اور ان کی والدہ شہید محترمہ بینظیر بھٹو اور صدر زرداری 30سال سے ریاست اور حکومت وقت کے بنائے ہوئے مقدمات بھگتے رہے ہیں لیکن وہ نہایت شکرگزار ہیں کہ تاریخ نے اپنا فیصلہ دے دیا ہے کہ “یااللہ یا رسول، بینظیر بے قصور”۔ وہ عدالتیں یہ مقدمات سماعت ہوتے تھے اور افتخار چوہدری کی عدالت ہی نے دونوں کو ہر کیس میں باعزت بری کر دیا ہے۔ بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے کہا کہ لاہور ہائی کورٹ پاکستان کی تاریخ کا ایک حصہ ہے جہاں شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو کو فری ٹرائل کا حق نہیں دیا گیا اور ان کے عدالتی قتل کی سازش تیار کی گئی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ صدر زرداری اور شہید بی بی کا فیصلہ تو تاریخ نے کر دیا ہے ار ان لوگوں کو فیصلہ بھی کر دیا ہے جنہوں نے ان کے خلاف سازشیں کی تھیں اور آج وہ سارے لوگ تاریخ کے کوڑے دان میں پڑے ہوئے ہیں۔ ان سازشیوں کے نام ہمارے آئین، ہماری مملکت اور تاریخ میں کالے حروف سے لکھیں ہیں جبکہ شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو آج بھی عوام کے دلوں میں زندہ ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ تاریخ اور پاکستانی عوام کا فیصلہ سب کے سامنے ہے لیکن ہم آج بھی اس بات کا انتظار کر رہے ہیں کہ عدالتوں نے جو غطیاں کی ہیں ان کی تشریح کی جائے۔ یہ ہماری ذاتی درخواست نہیں اور یہ بات بھی نہیں کہ شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو کے داماد نے یہ کیس انصاف کے لئے عدالت بھیجا ہے بلکہ یہ کیس پاکستان کے عوام کے ساتھ ناانصافی کا ہے۔ میں نہ صرف لاہور ہائی کورٹ بار کے وکلاءبلکہ پاکستان بھر کے وکلاءکا شکریہ اداکرتا ہوں کہ انہوں نے شہید ذوالفقار کے فیصلے کو اب تک تسلیم نہیں کیا اورآج تک اس فیصلے کو رد کرتے چلے آئے ہیں۔ وقت آگیا ہے کہ پاکستانی عدلیہ پر لگائے گئے دھبے کو صاف کیا جائے۔ اگر ہم یہ چاہتے ہیں کہ دنیا کو بتائیں کہ ہماری ملک میں آزاد عدلیہ موجود ہے تو عدلیہ نے جو تاریخ میں غلطیاں کی ہیں انہیں درست کریں۔ ہماری عدلیہ نے ڈکٹیٹرشپ کی توثیق کی ہے اور اس نے جنرل مشرف اور جنرل ضیاءکی بھی توثیق کی ہے لیکن قائد عوام کو پھانسی کے پھندے پر چڑھا دیا ہے۔ اس بات میں کوئی شک نہیں ہے کہ ہماری وکلاءبرادری نہایت قابل احترام ہیں اور جج بھی، لیکن ہمیں عدلیہ کی کی ہوئی غلطیوں کو درست کرنا ہوگا۔ 

انہوں نے کہا کہ قانون کی حکمرانی کسی بھی جمہوری نظام کی روح ہوتی ہے۔ موجودہ سلیکٹڈ حکومت قانون کی حکمرانی کو ختم کرنا چاہتی ہے اس لئے اس کی حفاظت کرنا تمام سیاستدانو ں، وکلاءاور ججوں پر عائد ہوتی ہے۔ افسوس کا مقام ہے کہ تاریخ بتاتی ہے کہ ہم اپنی ذمہ داریاں پوری کرنے میں اب تک ناکام رہے ہیں۔ اکثراوقات انصاف کا ترازو عوام پر ظلم کرنے والے پلڑے کی طرف جھکا ہوا ہے۔ ہماری تاریخ میں بہت ساری اچھی مثالیں بھی موجود ہیں لیکن ہماری عدلیہ نے تاریخ میں عوام کا اعتماد کھو دیا ہے۔ ہم ایک ایسا عدالتی نظام چاہتے ہیں جو انصاف اور برابری پر مبنی ہو۔ ہم کسی ایک خاندان یا پارٹی کے لئے جدوجہد نہیں کر رہے بلکہ ایک ایسے نظام کے خلاف جدوجہد کر رہے ہیں جس نے کروڑوں لوگوں کو ناکام کر دیا ہے۔ کوئی بھی جدید ریاست ایک انصاف پر مبنی قانونی نظام کے بغیر کام نہیں کر سکتی۔ پاکستان کو ایک انصاف غیرمتعصبانہ، شفاف اور کارآمد احتساب کا نظام چاہیے۔ موجودہ احتساب مخالفین کو دبانے اور ان لوگوں کو خاموش کرانے کے لئے ہے جو حکومت کے چہرے سے نقاب اٹھاتے ہیں۔ عدالتوں کا یہ فرض ہے کہ وہ بنیادی انسانی حقوق اور انصاف پر مبنی مقدمات کی ذمہ داری نبھائیں۔ بدقسمتی سے عدلیہ ایسا کرنے میں ناکام رہی ہے۔ قومی اسمبلی کے رکن کی حیثیت سے یہ میرا پہلا تجربہ ہے اور ایک نوجوان سیاستدان کی حیثیت سے میں کہتا ہوں کہ پارلیمان ہماری توقعات پر پورا نہیں اتری اور شاید یہ پاکستان کی تاریک کی سب سے خراب کارکردگی والی پارلیمنٹ ہے۔ ہم اپنے اداروں کی بہتری چاہتے ہیں اور یہ ہم پاکستان کے عوام کے لئے چاہتے ہیں۔ عام طور پر یہ تاثر ہے کہ پاکستان آہستہ آستہ جمہوریت کی طرف جا رہا ہے۔ ہم ایک قدم آگے بڑھتے ہیں تو دو قم پیچھے ہٹ جاتے ہیں اور دو قدم آگے بڑھتے ہیں تو ایک قدم پیجھے ہٹ جاتے ہیں۔

 عمران خان کی حکومت میں ہم جمہوریت کی طرف نہیں بڑھ رہے ہیں بلکہ آمریت کی طرف جا رہے ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ بہت چھوٹی ہی عمر میں انہوں نے عدلیہ کی آزادی کی مہم سے متاثر ہو گئے تھے جس میں کھوسہ صاحب کا سر پھٹ گیا تھا۔ مجھے آج تک 12مئی کا واقعہ یاد ہے جب عدلیہ کی آزادی کے لئے پی پی پی کے کارکن شہید ہوئے تھے۔ عدلیہ کی آزادی کی جدوجہد کسی ایک جج کے لئے نہیں بلکہ ایک ایس عدلیہ اور جمہوریت کے لئے تھی جو قانون کی حکمرانی کے تحت چلتی ہے۔ ہم عدلیہ کہ بہت عزت کرتے ہیں لیکن وکلاءکی تحریک سے لگائی گئی توقعات پوری نہ ہو سکیں۔ چیئرمین پی پی پی نے کہا کہ عدلیہ ایس جگہ ہے جہاں قانونی خیالات، آئینی امور اور بنیادی انسانی حقوق اور انسانی عزت کی بات کی جائے۔ یہ ایسی جگہ نہیں کہ جہاں یہ فیصلے کئے جائیں کہ کونسا ڈیم کہاں بنے گا۔ عدلیہ غریب ترین طبقے کا آخری سہارا ہوتا ہے لیکن کچھ ججوں نے اپنے اوپر یہ ذمہ داری لے لی ہے کہ فیصلہ کریں کہ کونسی عمارت گرائی جائے گی اور کونسی عمارت نہیں گرائی جائے گی۔ پاکستان کی عدلیہ اورجمہوریت وکلاءبرادری کے ہاتھ میں ہے۔ وکلاءکے پسینے اور خون نے وکیل کے پیشے کو عزت بخشی ہے۔ بہت سارے جج موجود ہیں جن کی عزت نہ صرف یہ کہ پاکستان اس خطے بلکہ دنیا بھر میں کی جاتی ہے۔ ہم وکلاءسے اپیل کرتے ہیں کہ وہ عدلیہ اور پاکستان کے قانونی نظام کو بچائیں۔ چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے کہا کہ آج ہم ایک دوراہے پر کھڑے ہیں۔ ہماری سرحدوں کی ایک جانب انتہاپسندوں کی حکومت ہے اور سرحدوں کی دوسری جانب بھی انتہاپسند موجود ہیں۔ اس وقت پاکستان کے لئے یہ موقع ہے کہ ہم جمہوریت کے لئے روشنی کا منارا بن کر ابھریں۔ ہم اس دوراہے پر غلط سمت بھی جا سکتے ہیں۔ ہم اپنی پارلیمان کو مذاق بنا سکتے ہیں، ہمیں درست فیصلہ کرنا چاہیے۔ ہمیں چاہیے کہ ہم ایک جمہوری، وفاقی اور کثیرالجہتی معاشرہ بنائیں۔ 

پاکستان کی وکلاءبرادری سے ہر ڈکٹیٹر ڈرتا ہے وہ وکلاءکے کالے کوٹ سے ڈرتا ہے۔ متحد وکلاءبرادری کے سامنے کوئی طاقت نہیں ٹھہر سکتی۔ پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی نے فیصلہ کیا ہے کہ آج کی حکومت کو چیلنج کریں اور ہم وکلاءبرادری سے اپیل کرتے ہیں کہ جس طرح وہ قائد عوام اور شہید محترمہ بینظیر بھٹو کے ساتھ کندے سے کندھا ملا کر جدوجہد کریں اور اس پارٹی کے ساتھ کھڑے ہوجائیں جو بیروزگار وکلاءنے بنائی تھی تاکہ ملک میں آئین اور جمہوریت کی حفاظت کی جا سکے۔ احتجاج کرنا ہمارا جمہوری حق ہے، ہم جمہوریت پسند لوگ ہیں اور ہم پارلیمان اور پی ٹی وی پر حملہ کرنے پر یقین نہیں رکھتے۔ ہم اس سلیکٹڈ حکومت کے خلاف ایک تحریک شروع کریں گے اور یہ تحریک پاکستانی عوام کے ساتھ ہوگی۔ وہ عوام جن کا وزیراعظم پر اعتماد ختم ہو چکا ہے۔ ہم اس حکومت کے خلاف عدم اعتماد کی تحریک لائیں گے اور اس حکومت کو جمہوری انداز سے چیلنج کریں گے۔ ہم دیکھیں گے کہ کون عوام کے ساتھ کھڑا ہے اور کون عوام کے ساتھ نہیں کھڑا۔ انشااللہ ہم پاکستان بچانے میں کامیاب ہوں گے اور ضرور کامیاب ہوں گے۔

https://www.ppp.org.pk/pr/26304/

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Pakistan struggles to quell violence on its Afghan border

By Asif Shahzad

Pakistan's military has stepped up operations along the Afghan border in recent weeks after a spate of militant attacks that has dashed any hope the frontier might see more peace and stability after the end of the war in Afghanistan.

Islamist and separatist factions have killed at least 14 Pakistani soldiers in attacks over the past month, three of them carried out by fighters entering from Afghanistan, the Pakistani military said.

Militants firing from inside Afghanistan killed at least five Pakistani soldiers at a border post in northwestern Kurram district on Sunday, the Pakistan military said, the second such attack since Taliban militants took over Kabul in August.

The army said it retaliated, causing heavy casualties, but independent confirmation was not immediately possible because the districts along the mountainous Afghan border are off limits to journalists and human rights organisations.“Militants from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on Pakistani troops in Kurram district,” the military’s media wing said in a statement.The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistan Taliban, which renewed an allegiance with the Afghan Taliban after the fall of Kabul, claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack.

The Afghan government denied the firing had come from within Afghan territory.

"We assure other countries, especially our neighhours, that no one will be allowed to use Afghan land against them," Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, told Reuters.The Afghan Taliban late last year played the role of facilitator in talks between the TTP and the Pakistan government.Those talks fell apart in December, since when there have been a series of attacks on Pakistani forces along the border.The military statement said Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by militants for activities against Pakistan and expects that interim Afghan government to halt such acts in future.Pakistani security forces had just a day earlier completed a three-day operation against militants who had attacked two military bases in the southern province of Balochistan. At least nine soldiers were killed in those attacks.

“As per its promises, Taliban government should stop such cross-border militants attacks,” Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan’s interior minister, said in a statement.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/five-pakistan-soldiers-killed-attack-afghanistan-military-says-2022-02-06/

The Lahore High Court is a part of the history of Pakistan where Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was denied a free trial – Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that without the law no press is possible, no civilized society is possible and no democracy is possible.

He said this while addressing the Punjab Bar Association in Lahore on Thursday. He said that the PPP and he have special relationship with the law. The law is glue which binds the society together. Law is the bridge between the state and the people. The PPP was formed in Lahore, The Dawn had reported “a group of brief-less lawyers have formed a party”. Now after 50 years the party formed by lawyers still fights for the rule of law, for the constitutional supremacy and for the people of Pakistan. Pakistan was formed by a lawyer, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan was made a constitutional Islamic republic by a lawyer Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He said that he is continued to be a witness and a victim and going to courts with his mother and father who spent 11 and a half year in prison. For 30 years Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Zardari face persecution at the hands of state and the government of the time. But we are eternally grateful because history has given its verdict that “Ya Allah Ya Rasool- Benazir Be qusur”. The courts where these cases used to be heard, in the court of Iftikhar Chaudhry, they both were exonerated in every case. The Lahore High Court is a part of the history of Pakistan where Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was denied a free trial and a conspiracy to institute his judicial murder was orchestrated. As far as President Zardari and Shaheed Mohrama Benazir Bhutto are concerned history has given its verdict. Those who conspired to murder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto have been consigned to the dust bins of history. Their names are remembered as only smear on the face of our constitution, on the face of our republic, on the face of their institution and Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lives to this day in the hearts of the people.

The verdict of history and the verdict of the Pakistani public is loud and clear. We still await the rectification of this historic wrong through the courts of Pakistan. This is not a personal request because when the reference was sent in Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case, it was not because his son in-law was the President of Pakistan asking for justice. It was because this was injustice with the people of Pakistan. How can the people of Pakistan hope for justice from the law, how the people of Pakistan can expect justice under the constitution if the founder of that very constitution to this day still awaits justice. I would like to thank the lawyers of not only the Lahore High Court Bar but of the length and breadth of this country who have never accepted this decision, who have fought every day of their legal profession to reject this decision. To the judges of the judiciary who have refused to allow this decision to form a precedent for our country. This is the time to remove this stain from the judiciary of Pakistan. If we have to prove to the word that we in fact have a free and independent judiciary. A free and independent judiciary must free itself of the injustices of the past of the historic wrongs of the illegal decisions they endorsed the dictatorship, that endorsed the rule of General Musharraf , that endorsed the rule of General Zia ul Haq but condemned Quaid-e-awam to the gallows. We do not doubt how honourable are our layer community is nor we doubt the honour of our honourable judges but we want wrong to right so that we can build a truly Islamic republic of Pakistan.

Rule of law is the soul of a democratic system. The present selected government seeks to strip the rule of law. The responsibility to protect the rule of law falls on us, all politicians, lawyers and judges. Sadly, history shows that we have thus far failed to discharge our responsibility and more often than not, the scale of justice tilt towards the oppressors of the people. There have been shining examples despite our history of mistreatment we have not lost faith in the law as an ideal. The trials, the witch hunt have only strengthened our resolve to strive for a judicial system which is fair, just and equitable. We are fighting for not one family or party rather we are fighting for a system which failed millions of people. No modern state can fuction without a fair legal system.

Pakistan needs an accountability system which is fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and efficient. Not the present witch hunt and persecution of opponents and those who expose the insecurity of the regime. The courts have the responsibility to uphold the values of fundamental rights, fair trial and due process. Unfortunately, very often the judiciary has failed to do so. This is my first term in the parliament as a member of National Assembly. As a young politician the role of parliament has not met our expectations and perhaps we have become a member of the worst performing parliament in the history of Pakistan. We strive for the betterment of our own institution for not only me but the people of Pakistan. It is widely perceived that Pakistan is transitioning towards democracy. One step forward two steps back and two steps forward one step back. It is now clear that during the government of Imran Khan Pakistan is not transitioning towards democracy but away from it and towards dictatorship.The lawyers’ struggle for independence of judiciary has inspired me in my young age. Khosa Sahib’s head was split open. I still remember 12 may when the PPP workers were martyred fighting for independence of judiciary. The struggle for the independence of judiciary was not for one judge but it was for the idea of democracy, a judiciary which runs on the basis of rule of law. We have the utmost respect of the judiciary but the expectations of lawyers’ movement were not met.

The judiciary of Pakistan is a place for legal ideas, jurisprudence, for constitutionalism, for the fundamental of human rights and dignity not a place to decide where to build a dam. It is the one source for the shelter of the poorest of the poor. Some judges took upon themselves and to busy themselves and the courts on deciding which building should be demolished and which not to be demolished. The fate of the judiciary of Pakistan and democracy is in the hands of lawyers’ community. The sweat and blood of generations of lawyers have contributed to the dignity of this profession. There are so many justices who have made mark on history who are respected not only in Pakistan or the region but across the world. We beg you to please save the judiciary and legal system in Pakistan.We have a choice at a fork on the road. On one side of the border we have an extremist regime and on the other side we have another extremist regime. Pakistan has the opportunity to become a beacon of light of democracy, of modernity or we can go on the wrong side of the fork. We can make mockery of our parliament and we can make a joke of our judiciary. We have to make the right choice. We founded a democratic, federal and pluralistic society. The lawyers of Pakistan have made every single dictator shake. They fear your black coat. There is no power which can stand in front of united legal fraternity.

Pakistan Peoples Party has decided to challenge the regime of today and call upon the legal community who stood shoulder to shoulder to Quaid-e-awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to once again stand with the party founded by briefless lawyers to save the constitution and democracy. Party has decided to march towards Islamabad to save democracy, to save our constitution, to save our economy and to save our country. This is our democratic right to protest. We are democrats and do not believe in ransacking. who stood shoulder to shoulder to Quaid-e-awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to once again stand with the party founded by briefless lawyers to save the constitution and democracy. Party has decided to march towards Islamabad to save democracy, to save our constitution, to save our economy and to save our country. This is our democratic right to protest. We are democrats and do not believe in ransacking parliament and PTV. We will run a campaign against this selected government with the people of Pakistan who have lost faith in the prime minister. We will bring a no-confidence motion and democratically challenge this government. We will see who is with the people and Insha Allah we will and must succeed to save Pakistan.

https://www.ppp.org.pk/pr/26300/

Video Report - Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addresses Lahore High Court Bar Association

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کل بھی بھٹو زندہ تھا،آج بھی بھٹو زندہ ھے

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Pakistani Journalist Arrested, Booked Under Terrorist Act Over Remarks Against Imran Khan

By Anurag Roushan

In another telling tale of democracy in Pakistan, senior journalist Mohsin Baig was apprehended on Wednesday under unspecified charges a week after he passed controversial remarks against Prime Minister Imran Khan. Known to be a sharp critic of the PTI administration, Baig's residence in Islamabad was raided by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed lodged a complaint against him.

Although the Minister had filed the complaint against the journalist for using foul words to 'defame' him, FIA's Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) not only raided the journalist's house along with the police but also took him into custody. Pakistan's Geo News while speaking to his son revealed that Baig was roughed up by FIA officials who went to arrest him in plain clothes. “Initially, we thought that they (FIA personnel) were thieves and opened fire in the air but later they introduced themselves as law enforcers. We also asked them to show arrest warrants but they didn't have any," he said.

The FIA "faced resistance" during the raid and "dragged" the journalist to the van, The News International reported adding that Mohsin Baig's son was also injured during the raid.

What was the complaint about?

According to Pakistan media reports, Mohsin Baig was among the panellists on the TV One program hosted by anchor Gharedah Farooqui. The panel had discussed Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to award 'best performance certificates' to 10 ministers under which Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed was adjudged the 'top performer'.

During the discussion, Baig had cited Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan's book, quoting the part where she purportedly made sexually explicit remarks on the relationship between Murad Saeed and Prime Minister Khan. According to the FIA, after initial resistance, the journalist was arrested and shifted to Margalla Police Station for interrogation. The police also registered a case under Anti-Terrorist Act, alleging that Baig used violent means to avoid arrest.

The Opposition has come down heavily on the arrest with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demanding the journalist's immediate release. This is the second arrest of a critic of the Imran Khan government this week. On Monday, the FIA arrested social media activist Sabir Hashmi for ”running trends against the prime minister” on social media.

Meanwhile, Mohsin Baig’s family has lodged a petition against his illegal detention and the Additional Sessions Judge Justice Zafar Iqbal after hearing the pleas appointed a bailiff to produce Baig in court.

https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/pakistan-news/pakistani-journalist-arrested-booked-under-terrorist-act-over-remarks-against-imran-khan-articleshow.html

Addressing students convention in Karachi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari calls for restoration of student unions in every province like Sindh

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the new and younger generation is fully prepared to challenge against and fight to oust the incompetent and illegitimate Prime Minister who has been imposed on the country. It is the prime time for the young people to lead the country from the forefront against the decayed and frustrated elements having no sanity and sense of responsibility.

He was speaking at a mammoth students convention under the aeges of Sindh People’s Student Federation (SPSF) at Karachi Arts Council Auditorium.
He said the SPSF office-bearers and workers had through years of unshaken nerve-writhing struggle taken the right to form a union of which they had been deprived by was dictator Ziaul Haque.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in her first term had restored the student unions along with the labour unions, but under a conspiracy the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was toppled and the government that followed imposed ban on student unions.
The PPP chairman said that any 18-year-old could participate in the election of the Prime Minister, meaning he could choose the Prime Minister of the country, be prepared to fight in war situations, by taking up arms against India but when it comes to choosing his own representative, he has no choice left for a change.
He said that Pakistanis got this country not as a result of any war or violence but as a result of a peaceful democratic struggle under the leadership of Quaid-e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the precious gift to the nation in form of democracy and gave every citizen the right to vote.

He was of the view that the biggest atrocity against the youth of this country was that an attempt was made to suppress their voice.
He lamented that the young people aren’t allowed to talk about their own problems. Some frustrated elements are predominantly obsessed with a negative idea that country’s youth shouldn’t get involved in mainstream politics.
They are the advocates of zero politics in universities as if doing politics is either a bad taboo or a crime.

“Doing politics is the right of the youth and doing politics is their most powerful weapon.”
He said that the youth with right to vote and do politics is more powerful than tanks and armored vehicles because he can change the entire scenario which tank can’t.

The PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that we wonder why there is so much violence and barbarism in our society. The politics of religion and ethnicity get space because student unions were banned.

By banning student politics for their own benefit, some elements not only harmed the youth of country’s academic institutions such as colleges and versities but also inflicted irreparable loss to the society.
He said that the ever escalating fee graph of educational institutions is naked to all eyes. The way the state is being run, and graduates are being deprived of jobs opportunities instead of creating job opportunities, the students will now speak and draw attention to such issues.

The PPP chairman said that cases of harassment are being reported from educational institutions, but it was a great injustice that those cases would be investigated by those who belonged to the same institution and they won’t do justice at all.

He said that the fees graph is forced to be higher without taking the students on board. They also face similar injustice with regard to imposition of same curriculum is imposed across the country.
“Student unions are our first step, and when the students are organised, they will fight for the solution of their problems, but if there is a PPP government, you will run the government yourself,” he added.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that since he took over the organisational responsibility, the PPP’s priority is the public health system. Despite limited resources, it has created world-class institutions in the field of health.
He asserted his dream to establish more institutions like NICVD and Gombat in the field of health. We will also equally work in the field of education.
He pointed out that most of the universities in the country were established during the PPP government. We will work harder and strive for 100 percent free of cost education in future government educational institutions. Though, not possible to achieve this target overnight but since we are dynamic young people so we will try hard for it. Our goal is to establish at least one university or campus in each district over the next five years.
Highlighting his party’s future plans, he said his government would set up youth centers in every district, providing space for cultural and sports activities as well as career counseling. Students work hard to get a degree, but then they need career counseling.
He said that history has shown that PPP always provided employment. The actions of Quaid-e Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto are part of
history, while for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, she
was famed that she would come and bring employment.

He said that the role of students in the struggle against Yahya Khan or dictator Zia has been historic and exemplary. The purpose of depriving the students of their rights was simply that some elements want to see a non-political society in the country. So that it will be easy to control this society. Today, due to the selected government, which has led to skyrocketing inflation, unprecedented unemployment rate, increase in fees of educational institutions is talk of the town while country’s foreign policy has been compromised and this has opened a venue for the youth for struggle against it. Part of the unfinished mission of Quaid-e Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto has been completed in the form of revival of Students Union.
He said that it was being propagated all over the country that the PPP needed feuds and elites, while they did not know that the
PPP was in fact a party of the SPSF. The fact is that the feuds need PPP, instead.
He said that February 27 march of the party will carry the demands for restoration of students union all over Pakistan.

https://www.ppp.org.pk/pr/26297/

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#Pakistan - Editorial: With yet another lynching, the state must realise futility of quick fixes to combat extremism -

Is there really no end to our days of shame? The savagery that we witnessed just two months ago in Sialkot erupted once again, this time in Mian Channu, Khanewal district, where, on Saturday, a violent mob bludgeoned to death a mentally ill man accused of desecrating holy verses.

Not content with that, they continued to beat the bloodied body of Mushtaq Rajput. The police could do nothing; it was from their custody that the victim had been snatched. They had failed to save a life, just as they had failed to save university student Mashal Khan in 2017, and Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara — whose remains were repatriated with state honours — last December.

True, a day after the Khanewal lynching, the police did rescue a blasphemy suspect in Faisalabad from an angry mob that had surrounded his home. But their quick action here, and in some other cases, is overshadowed by a barbaric public mentality for which no law is a deterrent especially in matters of faith.

There is a reason for that — one that we have underscored on these pages time and again. Successive governments have capitulated to the rising forces of religious extremism. From the TLP that has laid siege to the capital on more than one occasion, to the murderous TTP that has left no stone unturned to target men, women, children and security forces, the rulers have been open to engaging with all. What more can strengthen the sense of impunity in the dark forces that are propelling this country towards collapse?

We all knew that the government would swing into ‘action’ after Khanewal. We’ve seen it before. Religious leaders condemned the incident. Police rounded up suspects. And while there were no state honours for Mushtaq Rajput who was buried in the local cemetery, the prime minister pledged to crack down with the full force of the law. On what though? The issue goes well beyond the misuse of the blasphemy law.

Certainly, parliamentarians and the ulema should discuss it and revisit it. But when there is anger and toxicity in a society that has been fed on flawed ideologies and regressive narratives fanned by the state, it is time to acknowledge that the damage done is more insidious and deep-rooted than we think. And it will be years before it can be reversed. Only when it realises the futility of resorting to quick fixes will the state be in a better position to fight extremism.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1675164/what-have-we-become

The life of slavery of Pakistani women who are forced to 'marry' the Quran

Marrying a woman to the Quran is an abusive practice in Pakistan's southern province, Sindh. Many feudal lords wed their daughters or sisters to the Quran to renounce their inheritance rights. One 'Bride of Quran' shares her story.

Some can’t take it and go mad. Others become apathetic and slowly fade away. Most live a nightmarish life, trapped in the hellish web of an inhumane tradition.

These girls are waitresses, child minders and slaves born to serve the family.

They are the “wives of the Quran”, Pakistani girls whose lives have been mortgaged by their families: instead of marrying men, they are forced to “marry” the Holy book of Islam, the Quran.

They learn its contents off by heart and have to hang the text around their wastes with a cord. They live segregated lives and no boy that is older than 14 is allowed to approach them. A life sentence they have no say in.

The tradition, known as the “Haq Bakshish”, literally means “renouncing the right to marry”. It is an ancient and cursed tradition that is still widely practiced in the Sindh province and in some parts of the Punjab in Southern Pakistan.

Arabic international newspaper Asharq Al Awsat says that in 2007 there were an estimated ten thousand Quran brides in Sindh.

The roots of this tradition are economic more than religious. This is explained further in a 2011 US Department of State report on human rights in the world. It said that this practice is prevalent among the families of big landowners. When a suitable husband cannot be found for a daughter or a sister among the members of extended family (cousins and uncles, Ed.), then it is preferable to keep the girl cooped inside the family home than divide the land, giving a portion of it to the girl as a dowry and letting her marry an outsider.

This keeps her portion of the land within the family and under the protection of her father or brother.

Under Pakistani law the Haq Bakshish tradition is punishable by a seven-year prison sentence, but no one dares report such cases. This is partly due to the fact that the families involved belong to the Sayyid caste, which claims its members are direct descendants of the prophet Mohammed.

These pure-blooded Muslims are often leaders of institutions. This is why Quran brides are hidden away, making it impossible to get official numbers.Very rarely some cases do come to light. For example, in 2011 a 28-year old couple, Fahad Amin and Shahnila Naz, married against the parents’ will and held a press conference in Lahore speaking out against the death threats they received for violating the Haq Bakshish code.“Half the women in my family,” the girl told the Daily Times, are married to the Quran. They are treated worse than servants and are forced to look after children and animals. One evening all of my family came to my room, sat on my bed, opened the Quran and said: ‘Here is your husband.’ I managed to escape; I got to Fahad and we got married in a court. But they are threatening me, I’m scared….”

It is not known what happened to the rebel couple in the end.

https://www.ucanews.com/news/the-lives-of-pakistans-brides-of-the-quran/68919#

Pakistan’s all-powerful military to determine Imran Khan’s fate

Pakistan has been in turmoil politically and economically amid rallies and movements to ouster Imran Khan and rising inflation and growing debts, however, his fate will be decided by the all-powerful military.

Called by different names — like “powers that be’ “the establishment”, ‘Rawalpindi’, where the Army’s General Headquarters (GHQs) is located, or ‘Miltablishment’, the military-civil combine that rules the country – it is supposed to have placed Khan, its current ‘proxy’, in power, reported Islam Khabar.

The overall picture Pakistan presents is that the military is wary of taking direct power as it has done thrice before since the current situation is dire, both politically and economically, needs to civilian facade.

Khan has repeatedly said that his government is “on the same page” with the military. But past experience is that of the army taking the final call, even if it has to engineer the elections to ensure another ‘proxy’ to rule the country.However, Imran Khan is facing stiff political opposition through “Long March”, abandoning the streets and adopting the parliamentary path, through a “no-confidence” motion in the National Assembly.Several meetings in the last few weeks between top leaders of the two mainstream parties, Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and those conducted with smaller parties by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) and convener of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), have fuelled perceptions that the Khan Government’s parliamentary majority will be challenged on the floor of the National Assembly.

Media reports indicate that Imran Khan Government has in the recent past managed even two-thirds majority support, in the opposition-controlled Senate, the upper house, to pass legislation required to meet stipulations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for getting a loan and those required by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that is probing Pakistan’s money laundering and funding of terror outfits.

These were achieved by unorthodox means, allegedly, through bribery and ensuring members’ absence from the House before the crucial vote. The government ensured the absence of even the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Islam Khabar.

These are the hard facts. Above them all, any analysis of Pakistan’s turbulent political arena would be easy if the first and the last step are kept in mind. Actually, the two are the same: the outcome of the challenge that is building up, yet again, against the incumbent will be decided by the all-powerful military, reported Islam Khabar.

https://theprint.in/world/pakistans-all-powerful-military-to-determine-imran-khans-fate/833327/