Pakistan Link - March 20 2015

Pakistan Link

VOL. 25/12 - 29 Jumadal-ula 1436 H PAGE 9

The Muslim World’s Answer to Thomas Jefferson Air Marshal Sohail Aman Appointed as New Air Chief Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz

Sharif on Wednesday approved the appointment of Air Marshal Sohail Aman as new air chief, after promoting him to the rank of air chief marshal.

He is due to take over the command of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday. The government issued a notification for his appointment as the new chief of air staff with effect from March 19, 2015.

Earlier, outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, called on PM Nawaz in Islamabad.

The premier lauded the services of the outgoing chief of air staff for national defense and the role of PAF in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The Prime Minister said that the PAF made exceptional progress and attained professional excellence under the leadership of Air Chief Marshall Tahir Rafique Butt.

Air Marshal Sohail Aman, who is an accomplished fighter pilot, was commissioned in the GD (P) CHIEF, P29

Rangers File Case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain

The Largest Circulated Pakistani-American Newspaper in North America

Friday, March 20, 2015

PAGE 15

Iqbal Museum to Be Set up in Germany

PAGE 15

Poetess Ada Jafri Is No More

Pakistan Makes Economic Turnaround

According to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has succeeded in turning around the country’s economy

Islamabad: Despite facing rough

six months of street protests, a weak economy, and a disturbing law and order situation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has managed to start

turning around the country’s economy, Bloomberg reports.

“Lower oil prices, higher remittances and increased consumer spending are pushing growth towards a

seven-year high,” the media company headquartered in New York City said in an article.

Bloomberg, that gives indepen ECONOMY, P29

Pakistan vs Australia: A History of Fierce Rivalry

Karachi: The Rangers filed a case on

Tuesday against Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain for allegedly threatening them.

The case was registered in the Civil Lines police station on the request of Rangers spokesperson Colonel Tahir Mehmood.

The application has been filed against the MQM chief for threatening the Rangers spokesperson and other personnel following a predawn raid on the MQM headquarters, Nine-Zero last week.

In the application, the Rangers spokesperson claimed that following the raid the MQM chief threatened Rangers personnel involved in the operation during the course of an interview with Geo TV. The MQM chief had said, “The have-beens of today in the paramilitary force will become the hadbeens.”

According to police, the case has been registered under the AntiTerrorism Act with sections pertain CASE, P29

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34 Suspected Militants Killed in Tirah Air Strikes Islamabad: At least 34 suspected

militants were killed in airstrikes conducted by military jets in Khyber tribal regions Tirah Valley area, according to a statement issued by the army on Wednesday.

Pakistan Air Force jets bombed several suspected militant hideouts in the remote Tirah Valley area of Khyber tribal region, an army statement said.

Khyber is one of Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous regions governed by tribal laws and lies near the Afghan border.

Tirah valley is home to militants from the proscribed Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and an allied group called Lashkar-i-Islam.

The Taliban and their allies have been waging an insurgency for more than a decade in Pakistan, seeking to overthrow the government and install their own brand of fundamentalist Islamic rule.

The attacks have killed tens of thousands of Pakistanis, including 17 killed on Sunday in a pair of STRIKES, P29

Altaf Denies Making Threats to Rangers Karachi: Following the registration

Jubilant Pakistani fans celebrate the victory of their team against Ireland in Adelaide on Sunday

Adelaide: Pakistan and Australia go

into Friday’s World Cup quarter-final burdened by a history of tension, setting the stage for an explosive contest at the Adelaide Oval.

Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis admits previous matches

between the two teams have been hard-fought and he expected another tough contest for a place in the semi-finals.

“I won’t call Australia bitter rivals but there is a fierce rivalry that should provide for a high-intensity

game,” Waqar, one of the game’s great fast bowling exponents, said.

“We respect each other but do not give an inch on the field of play.”

Waqar described Mohammad CRICKET, P26

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of an FIR for allegedly threatening Rangers officers involved in a raid on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters NineZero, party chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday said he did not threaten anyone and does not want any confrontation with the armed forces of the country.

In an apparent reference to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar’s meeting with the British High Commissioner earlier in the day, Hussain said the government may send the text of his controversial interview to anyplace it wants, but the fact of the matter remains that he did not threaten anyone at all.

The interior minister said during the meeting that the MQM chief made objectionable statements against the Pakistan armed forces during a television program.

He went on to claim that no one should be allowed to sit in the United Kingdom and deliver state THREATS, P26

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March and the Advent of Spring

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Arif Zaffar Mansuri

ArifMansuri@PLpublications.org Editor

Akhtar Mahmud Faruqui afaruqui@pakistanlink.com

Editor Urdu Link & Bureau Chief (Pakistan)

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urdulink@yahoo.com Resident Editor Urdu Link & Director Video Operations

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n By Akhtar Mahmud Faruqui

M

Editor Pakistan Link

arch heralds the advent of spring. It breeds hope, it nurtures the creative impulse, it sustains the drive for a wholesome change. March 23, 1940 marked a singular development in the life of the Muslims of India.

They converged in droves from all parts of India on Lahore, a city cherished for its winding canals, magnificent mosques and graceful buildings, its gardens and roses, where arts and crafts bloomed, where Persian influence led to the development of a Mughal school of miniature paintings and a new architectural style. A city that served as a cultural hub of Muslims.

It was a defining moment. They heard their leader Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s voice resonate in the sprawling Minto Park: “Mussalmans are a nation according to any definition of nation. We wish our people to develop to the fullest spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that we think best and in consonance with our own ideals and according to the genius of our people.”

In 1916, Mr Jinnah was hailed as the Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity by none other than Sarojini Naidu – the nightingale of Bombay. What transpired in the intervening period to lead to this change of heart?

The answer is furnished by Prof Sharif ul Mujahid. The Pakistan Resolution of 1940 and its subsequent adoption by the Muslim League was an answer to the Indian National Congress’s consistent attempts to deny the Muslim community a religio-political entity of their own.

The controversy began on September 18, 1936, when Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru claimed: “The real contest is between two forces – the Congress which represents the will to freedom of the nation, and the British Government in India and its supporters who oppose this urge and try to suppress it. Intermediate groups, whatever virtue they may possess, fade out or line up with one of the forces …The issue for India is that of independence. He, who is for it, must be with the Congress and if he talks in terms of communalism, he is not keen on independence.”

Nehru’s two-force dictum was not a stray declaration. In response, Jinnah declared: “I refuse to line up with the Congress. I refuse to accept this proposition. There is a third party in this country and that is Muslim India… We are not going to be camp followers of any party.” This stance gained concrete formulation during the historic October 1937 re-organizing session of the Muslim League at Lucknow, which served as a launching pad for the Pakistan Movement.

Seventy-five years later, the stock-taking continues to reappraise the past in the light of the present. For some, on the eve of March 23, 2015, the winter of despair continues to linger on; for many, a spring of hope has arrived.

Dismal governance today, along with larcenous leadership, has bred despondency. Particularly worrisome is the wanton killings of fellow Shia Muslims and minority groups as well as suicide bombings termed haram by Islam. But these are solvable issues. Americans today salute Lincoln for saving the union; they don’t retrospectively blame him for the damage inflicted on America by others.

In contrast, there have been a string of successes. The nation did produce a Nobel laureate physicist in Dr Abdus Salam (his later bigoted mistreatment is an indefensible blot). It had the wherewithal, despite severe limitations in resources, to become the world’s first Muslim nuclear power.

It houses a world-class military institute in the shape of the Command and Staff College at Quetta, which has produced four British military chiefs including World War II hero, Field Marshal Montgomery. In its short history, Pakistan has had the unique distinction of being world champions in hockey, cricket, squash, and snooker. With all its limitations, Pakistan remains the Muslim nation with the most democratic freedoms in the world.

Lately, there has been a major transforma-

tion of the landscape of our universities under the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Six of Pakistani universities are now ranked among the top 500 of the world. Our international research publications have soared from about 600 in 2002 to about 8,000 in 2012, bringing us ahead of India in terms of research publications per million people.

Some successes stand out: While a Muslim emperor built the Taj Mahal as testimony of his enduring love for his empress, a Muslim scientist built another magnificent structure in Pakistan in the post-independence era to demonstrate his abiding interest in scientific enquiry. The emergence of the grandiose laboratories in the idyllic surroundings of Nilore did not go unnoticed.

Commented a prestigious American weekly: “… If the Mughal emperors who had built the Taj Mahal were alive today they would have rubbed their eyes in wonderment at the architectural beauty of PINSTECH …” In due course, the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology – PINSTECH – was to become famous not just for its architectural beauty but its world-class research undertakings.

Dr I H Usmani had placed Pakistan on the nuclear map. His budding corps of scientists and engineers zestfully learnt the art of drawing energy from the heart of the atom. Today, Pakistan’s aging reactors, as well as the new ones, continue to operate safely under international safeguards.

Another Pakistani scientist, at about the same time, embarked on the arduous task of establishing a world-class theoretical physics research center for Third World physicists. His efforts were fiercely contested and for some time blunted by snooty developed-country physicists who contended that the discipline had no place in bullock-cart countries: it constituted the Rolls Royce of physics and was the exclusive preserve of the developed world.

The Pakistani scientist did not relent. He was not ruffled. Others joined forces. Finally, in 1964 the United Nations voted in favor of the center and the ICTP made its debut. By and by, the focus expanded from theoretical physics to other challenging disciplines – molecular biology, genetic engineering, microelectronics – and the city of Trieste tucked away in the northern part of Italy hummed with scientific enquiry, virtually a science city in the heart of Europe. When the Pakistani scientist died, the United Nations befittingly named the center he had founded as The Abdus Salam International Center of Theoretical Physics.

What is more heartening, the Pakistan middle class today appears in a mood to defy conservative stereotypes. It is on the march, Western media reports testify.

American fast-food and fashion outlets are taking Pakistan’s growing middle class by storm, defying stereotypes about a conservative Muslim country plagued by violence.

The rupee may have nose-dived, a third of the population may live in poverty and sectarian violence may be at a record high, but remarkably, consumer spending is up among a resilient elite fond

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OPINION

of imported luxuries.

In a smart corner of Karachi, a new mall offers wealthy clientele the chance to lunch on an American burger, buy French cosmetics, shop for cocktail dresses, sip an afternoon cappuccino or wolf down a cinnamon roll!

Female sales assistants dressed in jeans and T-shirts buck the idea that “service industry” jobs are unsuitable for women, even if many of them commute to work heavily veiled to avoid being harassed or insulted. Lahore, over the years, continues to fire the imagination of writers, artists and thinkers. The annual literary festival especially brought a ‘feel-good’ factor. For two days, large crowds filled the halls of the Alhamra Art Center to listen to lilting recitals of Urdu and English language poetry, and to delight in classical dance and music.

“This lets Lahore see what Lahore is,” commented Mohsin Hamid, author of the ‘Reluctant Fundamentalist’ who launched his new book ‘How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia’.

Mohammed Hanif, a former BBC journalist who shot to fame with his first novel ‘A Case of Exploding Mangoes’, discussed his latest writing on the many who “disappear” in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan.

These changes are in consonance with the vision and drive of the founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, whose life in the words of eminent scholar Dr Akbar Ahmed, spans different centuries, cultures and continents. He was born in Karachi in 1876, studied at Lincoln’s Inn in London, practiced law in Bombay, led the movement which resulted in the creation of Pakistan in 1947, and died in Karachi in 1948. Jinnah was renowned for his reserve and impeccable attire. It was widely rumored that his suits were stitched in London’s Savile Row. In demeanor and deportment, he was the quintessential Victorian gentleman. He was a leader who succeeded against all odds. And he was a champion of the rule of law and a dauntless opponent of fanaticism and hate.

In his first speech to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, delivered on August 11, 1947, Jinnah sent a powerful message of inclusivity to nonMuslim Pakistani minorities: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the State . . . We are starting in the days when there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens, and equal citizens, of one State. “ The Quaid frequently reminded his Muslim audience of this Islamic ideal of enlightenment: “Our own history and our Prophet have given the clearest proof that non-Muslims have been treated not only justly and fairly but generously.”

Jinnah was confident of Pakistan’s future. His words regarding the poor and the less privileged are particularly poignant: “Now, if we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, and especially of the masses and the poor.”

To inspire national self-belief and self-esteem, and to stage a comeback on the international stage, it is the foremost challenge, particularly amongst the youth, to rediscover the spirit and vision which animated the Pakistan Movement and the founding of the nation. To cite the Quaid, “Let it not be said that we proved unequal to the task.”

Views and opinions expressed by authors and contributors in articles, letters, opinion pieces, reports, advertisements, etc appearing in Pakistan Link and Urdu Link are their own. The paper neither shares nor endorses them and thus should not be held responsible for the views/opinions of the writers & advertisers.

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OPINION

P6 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

Power Imbalance

n By Mowahid Hussain Shah

T

he rousing ovation received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he addressed a joint session of the US Congress sends a number of mixed messages.

It reconfirms, first, the unfettered access enjoyed by Israel in the power corridors of Washington. Second, it displays how a foreign leader can have more of a sway than a US President.

The joys of freedom of expression are routinely celebrated. But would a Western leader gently interrupt Netanyahu – in the midst of the quest to blackball Iran’s nuclear program – to publicly remind of Israel’s own nuclear arsenal?

It underlines, too, the utter lack of stature and leverage of any Muslim leader to pull off something equivalent to it in the West, despite the vast size and scope of resources in the Muslim world.

It is this power imbalance and disparity that feeds radicalization.

Muslim state and society have yet to foster an attitude of excellence. It enfeebles the competitive spirit. A standard narrative of victimhood has only helped perpetuate a passive response to challenges.

I read somewhere that “it is not what you gather but what you scatter” that tells what kind of life you have lived. Thus far, contemporary Muslim elites have shown an unseemly talent for worshipping wealth while, at the same

time, revealing an underlying predisposition to scatter the seeds of despair and pettiness. It is that which is making segments of the marginalized youth vulnerable to becoming an easy quarry for nefarious recruitment. Whom they

concept of Khudi.

The existing crisis presents an opportunity. An individual who doesn’t succumb can make an inspirational difference. A case in point has been that of a brave young Muslim American woman,

able court observers, she is likely to win. If so, it would validate a landmark blow against the forces of anti-Muslim bigotry.

Also remarkable was the sense of outrage expressed by some US

The existing crisis presents an opportunity. An individual who doesn’t succumb can make an inspirational difference. A case in point has been that of a brave young Muslim American woman, Samantha Elauf, who took her case of religious discrimination all the way to the US Supreme Court, which recently heard arguments on it. According to knowledgeable court observers, she is likely to win. If so, it would validate a landmark blow against the forces of antiMuslim bigotry. see as protectors turn out to be predators.

Attempts to relinquish all vestiges of shame and self-respect have not and will not quash Iqbal’s

Samantha Elauf, who took her case of religious discrimination all the way to the US Supreme Court, which recently heard arguments on it. According to knowledge-

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Congressmen over Netanyahu’s address, which connects with his March 17 faltering election campaign in Israel. Congressman Jared Huffman of California accused

Netanyahu of war-mongering, saying: “This is a prime minister who has never seen a war that he didn’t want the US to fight.” And Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky said that “it was fearmongering at its ultimate.”

Notably missing during the 40-minute address of the Israeli Prime Minister was even a single reference to the word ‘Palestine.’

The question is whether it was by design or by accident.

Globally or regionally, any attempts to divert attention away from the key geopolitical flashpoints of Palestine and Kashmir shall flounder.

Pro-Israeli cheerleaders in Washington would do well to watch a significant new documentary, “The Other Man: F.W. de Klerk and the End of Apartheid.”

It depicts how the last President of apartheid South Africa saw light, and negotiated an end to apartheid, thereby averting a catastrophe for his people.

SAHIR FROM P7

hoonmein” (Am I a reactionary or am I a progressive?

This debate to me is so retrogressive I have nothing to do with the assembly of stars Tears I shed are for mankind’s scars What the world gave me as trial and experiment I have returned thus with a compliment).

(The writer can be reached at mazdaki@me.com and he tweets @ mazdaki)

OPINION

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P7

n By Dr Mohammad Taqi

T

Florida

he birthday of Sahir Ludhianvi, one of the foremost Urdu progressive poets of the 20th century, went largely unnoticed last weekend. Up until a few years ago when that indefatigable chronicler of the subcontinent’s progressive movement, Hamid Akhtar, was still alive, one would see a piece or two from him remembering his compadre Sahir.

While the songs he wrote for films pop up on the social radar frequently, Sahir’s life and literary contributions seem to be slowly slipping away from memory. I recall that as late as the 1980s, Sahir’s first collection, Talkhiyan (rancor) was essential reading in leftist study groups. Anyone initiated in Marxist circles would almost certainly come across Sahir’s famous lines written at the execution of the Congolese independence leader and socialist icon, Patrice Lumumba: “Zulmphirzulm hai, barrhta hai to mitjata hai Khoonphirkhoon hai, tapkayga to jam jaiyga” (Repression is but repression, it can grow but it will not last Blood is still blood, it spills, but repression it shall outlast).

Undivided Punjab’s greater Ludhiana area has given Urdu the three greats: Sher Muhammad Khan, Akhtar Ali and Abdul Hai, who became known by their pennames Ibne Insha, Hameed Akhtar and Sahir Ludhianvi, respectively. Abdul Hai was born on March 8, 1921 in the city of Ludhiana to a feudal, Chaudhry Fazal Mohammed, and one of his several wives, Sardar Begum. Sahir’s parents had an acrimonious divorce in which he sided with his mother and testified in the court against his quite brutal father. His mother raised him in abject poverty. Sahir went to the Malva Khalsa School and then the Government College at Ludhiana

Sahir: The Poet Magician of Ludhiana where he gravitated towards student politics and joined the All India Students Federation, which was allied with the Communist Party of India (CPI). Sahir became the president of the student union at the Government College and a progressive poet almost simultaneously. By most accounts he was eased out of the college for his defiance against visiting British dignitaries but the precipitating event perhaps was his fling with a girl on which the college officials frowned. Subsequently, he moved to Lahore circa 1943 along with his mother, where he was also joined by his comrade, Hameed Akhtar. He continued with the cycle of his student political activism and ensuing expulsion at Dayal Singh College, and then the Islamia College, Lahore.

It was, however, in the same fateful year that his first poetry collection, Talkhiyan, was published by the progressive outlet Preet-Larri.

The short collection, most of it written during his college days, catapulted Sahir into the top tier of Indian Urdu writers at the age of 22. The leftist Progressive Writers Association (PWA) welcomed him as one of their equals and as a poet after which there was no looking back for Sahir. He distinguished himself from other revolutionary poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Josh Malihabadi under whose influence he had initially labored, and Allama Iqbal, from whose poem he had apparently adopted his takhallus (nom de plume), Sahir (the magician). On the eve of 1947, Sahir was in Bombay participating in PWA and CPI activities as well as making a rather lackadaisical entry into song writing for what is now called Bollywood. As India was divided he, worried sick about his mother, dashed back via Ludhiana to Lahore. He joined the editorial staff of the leftist literary journal Savera (dawn), which quickly earned him the ire of Pakistani officials who ordered his arrest. Without telling even his buddy Hameed Akhtar and the Communist Party of Pakistan’s (CPP’s) secretary general, Sajjad Zahir, Sahir took off for New Delhi in 1949 and, after a brief

sojourn there, ended up in Bombay. Hameed Akhtar said that Sahir’s concern was not just an arrest but also his rather prophetic assessment that Pakistan would end up being ruled by the “mullah and jagirdar” (clergy and the feudal).

Sahir had to toil without much luck for a good two years before the celebrated musician Sachin Dev ‘SD’ Burman gave him a break. Sahir wrote the song Thandi Hawaain, Lehra Kay Aain extempore to Burman’s tune and virtually never looked back after that. Sahir’s pairing with SD Burman under the cinematic prodigy Guru Dutt produced one after another super hit scores. He wrote hundreds of songs for dozens of Bollywood movies without once compromising on poetic quality. He set not only the literary but also the intellectual and philosophical benchmark so high that hardly any of his peers could match it. Rebellion remains the

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leitmotif of Sahir’s film and non-film poetry, which moves from the elation of romance and revolution to resentment and resignation and, at times, despair. Nowhere is this panoply of thought and emotion expressed better than the 1958 film Pyaasa, which Guru Dutt directed and also performed the lead role in after Dilip Kumar turned it down.

Pyaasa, ranked fifth among Time magazine’s top romantic movies of all time, is unmistakably an imprint of Sahir’s life and work.

Sahir updated his massively popular poem Chaklay (brothels) from Talkhiyan for Pyaasa by changing the refrain from “Sanakhwan-etaqdees-e-mashriqkahanhein” (where are those who sing paeans to the east’s sanctity) to “jinheinnaaz hai Hind pewohkahanhein” (where are those who boast about India) to inflict a massively bitter reality check in post-independence India. The film culminates with Guru Dutt’s signature performance that brings to life not just Sahir’s words but also his deep-seated resentment against oppression and a certain resignation to his fate with the crescendo: “Jala do isay, phoonkdaloyehdunya meraysamnay se hata lo yehdunya tumhari hai, tum hi sanbhaloyehdunya yehdunya agar mil bhijaiy to kiya hai?”

(Torch this world, to ashes blow this world Remove it, I do not wish to see this world This is your world; I will let you handle this world For even if I get it, what worth is this world?).

From the Lenin Peace Prize to Filmfare Awards to the Padma Shri, all have acknowledged Sahir’s socio-political struggle and his poetic genius but he summed up his colossal contribution as: “Ruja’t-pasandhoonkehtarraqi-pasandhoon issbehskofuzool o abusjantahoonmein ... taaronkianjuman se mujhaynaheen insaniyatpeashkbahata raha hoonmein dunya ne tajarbaat o hawadiskishaklmein jokuchhmujheydiya hay, wohlauta raha SAHIR, P6

OPINION

P8 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015 n By Dr Syed Amir

I

Bethesda, MD

n his best-selling book, Being Mortal--Medicine and What Matters in the End, Dr Atul Gawande, a professor and surgeon at Harvard Medical School in Boston, noted that while medical school taught him a lot of things, it failed to teach him how to deal with human mortality and death, existential issues that he confronted daily. Since the days of Hippocrates (Al Boqrat), the celebrated Greek physician who lived 2,500 years ago, practitioners of medicine have pledged to help save lives and do nothing to hasten death. Dealing with issues of death and mortality, however, has not been their purview.

Yet, occasionally, the prohibition against facilitating the end has not been followed literally. In 1936, King George V of Britain, who had been sick, comatose and near death was administered high doses of morphine and cocaine by his doctor, Lord Dawson, to ensure a painless end. There was another consideration as well. The King’s death was advanced by a few hours to meet the news deadline for London’s morning papers. Death announcement in the evening papers was not considered sufficiently dignified, especially for the King-Emperor.

The process of dying and how to demystify it has been the subject of several recent books and treatise.

Gawande, whose parents emigrated from India, contends in his book

Confronting Human Mortality that although we avoid thinking or talking about it, dying remains an ineluctable part of life’s normal progression and should be faced with serenity. His book has set off a flurry of lively debate in the news media, and the author has become a familiar figure on the US talk shows. His book has become one of the most popular books on the subject that have come out in recent years, swiftly climbing to the best-seller list.

The book focuses on a phenomenon of relatively recent origin.

The human lifespan has been rising steadily since the days when peripatetic Greek physicians and philosophers taught medicine to their pupil.

In the Middle Ages, people rarely lived to what we call a ripe old age, as infectious diseases and rampant pestilences took millions of lives, while childhood maladies killed many in infancy. During the reign of Abbasid Caliph Harun ur-Rashid in the eighth century, the average human lifespan was 40-45 years, and the fabled Caliph himself lived only for 46 years. In today’s Pakistan, the average life expectancy has climbed to 66 years; while in rich countries, Canada and Japan, people on the average live 80 years or beyond.

Human longevity has not been an unmitigated blessing. The final years of life are often marked with chronic, debilitating diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which make people hopelessly dependent on others for day-to-day needs, leading to a sharp decline in the quality of their lives. As a physician, Gawande records his first-hand observation:

“The waning days of our lives are given over to treatments that addle our brains and sap our bodies for a sliver’s chance of benefit. They are spent in institutions--nursing homes

disposal, believe that they can fight off death or at least keep it at bay for a while, Nuland remorsefully confessed that “on more than one occasion he had persuaded dying patients

His book has set off a flurry of lively debate in the news media, and the author has become a familiar figure on the US talk shows. His book has become one of the most popular books on the subject that have come out in recent years, swiftly climbing to the best-seller list and intensive care units--where regimented, anonymous routines cut us off from all the things that matter to us in life.”

Some two decades ago, another noted American surgeon and author, Dr Sherwin Nuland, now dead, made similar remarks in his much admired book, “How We Die.” Deriding the arrogance of modern physicians who with an arsenal of new diagnostic tools and powerful drugs at their

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to accept aggressive treatments that intensified their suffering and robbed them of an easier death.”

During the past half century or so, the practice of medicine has changed radically in important respects. In the good old times, doctors were viewed as authority figures, their diagnosis and mode of operation were beyond question. The perception allowed no input from the patient in managing his own care, but

paradoxically, it also freed him from the burden of making any decisions or choices, fostering the comforting belief that the doctor knew best. The system worked well as often patients, especially the aged with serious illnesses did not last long. There were no life-support systems, no miracle drugs that could keep them alive for many months or years. Therefore, no one needed to ask whether the prolongation of life, largely valueless, was also the priority of the patient.

Being Mortal is a compendium of anecdotes, many emotive even touching, based on the first-hand experience of the author. In many cases, he writes about geriatric patients who were terminally ill, with no hope of recovery. Nevertheless, their physicians continued their heroic effort to keep them alive, connecting them to ventilators, feeding tubes and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitations and heavy doses of painkillers, knowing well that it was all futile. Even when living on artificial life support was not the choice of the patient, the children would not agree to permit the parent a dignified exit.

A dignified, peaceful death is not the only issue. In the United States, the cost of medical care is spiraling out of control. The expense of care of just five percent of patients in the last two months of their lives consumes onequarter of the total budget allocated for the care of elderly. The pity is that the ultra costly treatments rarely provided lasting benefit to the patient.

The most moving story in the book relates to the death of the author’s father who was a successful urologist. In his early seventies, he led a vigorous life, playing tennis, MORTALITY, P29

OPINION

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P9

The Muslim World’s Answer to Thomas Jefferson n By Dr Akbar Ahmed

“

American University Washington DC

You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship. . . . We are starting in the days when there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one state.”

These are the words of a founding father -- but not one of the founders that America will be celebrating this Fourth of July weekend. They were uttered by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, founder of the state of Pakistan in 1947 and the Muslim world’s answer to Thomas Jefferson.

When Americans think of famous leaders from the Muslim world, many picture only those figures who have become archetypes of evil (such as Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden) or corruption (such as Hamid Karzai and Pervez Musharraf). Meanwhile, many in the Muslim world remember American leaders such as George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, whom they regard as arrogant warriors against Islam, or Bill Clinton, whom they see as flawed and weak.

Even President Obama, despite his rhetoric of outreach, has seen his standing plummet in Muslim nations.

Blinded by anger, ignorance or mistrust, people on both sides see only what they wish to see, what they expect to see.

Despite the continents, centuries and cultures separating them, Jefferson and Jinnah, the founding fathers of two nations born from revolution, can help break this impasse. In the years following Sept.

11, 2001, their worlds collided, but the things the two men share far outweigh that which divides them.

Each founding father, inspired by his own traditions but also drawing from the other’s, concluded that society is best organized on principles of individual liberty, religious freedom and universal education.

With their parallel lives, they offer a useful corrective to the misguided notion of a “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West.

Jefferson is at the core of the American political ideal. As one biographer wrote, “If Jefferson was wrong, America is wrong. If America is right, Jefferson was right.”

Similarly, Jinnah is Pakistan. For most Pakistanis, he is “The Modern Moses,” as one biography of him is titled.

The two were born subjects of the British Empire, yet both led successful revolts against the British and made indelible contributions to the identities of their young nations.

Jefferson’s drafting of the Declaration of Independence makes him

Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Father of the Nation

the preeminent interpreter of the American vision; Jinnah’s first speeches to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in 1947, from which his statement on freedom of religion is drawn, are equally memorable and eloquent testimonies. As lawyers first and foremost, Jefferson and Jinnah revered the rule of law and the guarantee of key citizens’ rights, embodied in the founding documents they shaped, reflecting the finest of human reason.

Particularly revealing is the overlap in the two men’s intellectual influences. Jefferson’s ideas flowed from the European Enlightenment, and he was inspired by Aristotle and Plato. But he also owned a copy of the Qur’an, with which he taught himself Arabic, and he hosted the

first White House iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Muslim holy days of Ramadan.

And while Jinnah looked to the origins of Islam for political inspiration -- for him, Islam above all emphasized compassion, justice and tolerance -- he was steeped in European thought. He studied law in London, admired Prime Minister William Gladstone and Abraham Lincoln, and led the creation of Pakistan without advocating violence of any kind.

No one in public life is free of controversy, of course, not even a founding father. Both were involved in personal relationships that would later raise eyebrows (Jefferson with his slave mistress, Jinnah with a bride half his age). In political life,

Tasawwuf served as the life raft for Muslims during the Mongol devastations of the thirteenth century (1219-1301). The Mongols destroyed the exoteric, empirical Islam that had flourished during its classical age (753-1258). Faced with the prospects of total annihilation, the Islamic world turned to their innate spirituality. This period produced a galaxy of Sufi Shaikhs, the most celebrated among them were Mevlana Rumi of Konya (d 1273), Shaikh Shadhuli of Cairo (d 1258), Shaikh Ibn al Arabi of the Maghreb (d 1240), Khwaja Moeenuddin Chishti of India (d 1236) and Shah Bahauddin Naqshband of Samarqand (d 1389). Seeking nothing but the pleasure of God and their fulfillment in the service of man, these stalwarts succeeded not only in rescuing Islam from annihilation but in converting the conquerors themselves. The conversion of Gazan (1301), the Mongol overlord of Persia, cemented the sway of Islam over Persia and central Asia. History unfolded, revealing in its wake the Mogul, Safavid ad Ottoman empires.

A tareeqa is a brotherhood following a rigorous process prescribed by a Shaikh for tazkiya (purification) of the nafs (soul) so that it becomes worthy of receiving the spirituality passed on through an unending chain of transmission (silsilah) from the Prophet. All of the tareeqas trace their silsilah through Ali (r) except the Naqshbandi which traces its chain of transmission through Abu Bakr (r).

The Shaikhs established zawiyas in the far flung corners of

the Islamic world. A zawiya was a mosque-madrassah complex and a meeting place for the brotherhood wherein the students mastered the methodology of tazkiya under the direction of a Shaikh. It was also a place for the public to gain an audience with the Shaikh and benefit from his wisdom and his baraka (beneficence). The visitors, touched by the spirituality of the Shaikh renewed their faith. Many accepted Islam. These zawiyas were so widespread throughout the Islamic world that we may refer to the culture that sprang up in the postMongol period (1300-1700 CE) as the Zawiya culture.

The Qalandariya tareeqa was one of the first to enter the subcontinent but its influence was confined to Multan and its surroundings. Syed Mohammed Ghouse of Sind introduced the Qadariya silsilah into Pakistan (1482). One of the most important Qadariya Shaikhs was Mian Pir who passed away in Lahore in 1635. Mian Pir was a teacher to Dara Shikoah, the eldest son of Shah Jehan and is widely credited with bringing Islam to Northern Punjab and Kashmir.

It was the Chishtiya tareeqa that was most influential in India and Pakistan. The fountainhead of that tareeqa, Khwaja Moeenuddin Chishti was born in Sijistan, Persia in the year 1139. Orphaned at the age of 12, he received his early education in Samarqand. After becoming a hafiz e Quran and mastering the disciplines of kalam, hadith and fiqh, he moved to Neshapur where he was trained by Khwaja Uthman Chishti. After obtaining

the two suffered accusations of inconsistency: Jefferson for not being robust in defending Virginia from an invading British fleet with Benedict Arnold in command; Jinnah for abandoning his role as ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity and becoming the champion of Pakistan.

The controversies did not end with their deaths. Jefferson’s views on the separation of church and state generated animosity in his own time and as recently as this year, when the Texas Board of Education dropped him from a list of notable political thinkers. Meanwhile, hard-line Islamic groups have long condemned Jinnah as a kafir, or nonbeliever; “Jinnah Defies Allah” was the subtitle of an exposé in the December 1996 issue of the London magazine Khilafah, a publication of the Hizb ut-Tahrir, one of Britain’s leading Muslim radical groups. (Jinnah’s sin, according to the author, was his insistence that Islam stood for democracy and supported women’s and minority rights.)

But today such opinions are marginal ones, and the founders’ many contributions are commemorated with must-see national monuments -- the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi -- that affirm their standing as national heroes.

If anything, it is Jefferson and Jinnah who might be critical. If they could contemplate their respective nations today, they would share distress over the ANSWER, P29

Tradition, Reform and Modernism in the Emergence of Pakistan - Part 3 of 6

n By Professor Nazeer Ahmed

T

CA

he ideological challenge from the Fatimids elicited a response from the Sunnis. Nizam ul Mulk (d 1091), the grand vizier of the Abbasids, established the Nizamiya College in Baghdad (1090). The College, in addition to a great center of learning, became a propaganda center for Sunni Islam. In this respect, it was a mirror image of Al Azhar, which was a center of Fatimid learning and propaganda. Local governors in the Sunni provinces followed the example of the grand vizier and established higher institutions of learning in cities as far away as Nishapur and Samarkand.

It was in the Nizamiya College in Baghdad that Al Gazzali, the most celebrated dialectician in Sunni Islam, taught as a Professor. By the time Gazzali made his entrance on the stage of world history, classical Islamic civilization was past its zenith. Along the road, it had experimented with and abandoned the Mu’tazalite rational approach and had instead adopted and cultivated the empirical sciences. Now it was turning inwards to discover its own soul. Tasawwuf, the inner dimension of Islam, offered new vistas for a civilization that had grown weary of the exoteric sciences. Renowned empiricists such as Ibn Sina (d 1035) had come to accept tasawwuf as a legitimate discipline

for the acquisition of knowledge.

Al Gazzali, who experienced this skepticism in his personal life, gave up the teaching of exoteric sciences and embarked on a spiritual quest which opened up for him the vast realm of the spirit.

Al Gazzali took on the dual challenge of accommodating tasawwuf within orthodox Sunni Islam and refuting the esoteric doctrines of the Fatimids. He succeeded on both counts through the sheer power of his pen. Tasawwuf thrived. The Fatimid intellectual challenge was contained, and Sunni Islam went on to radiate its spirituality to India, Indonesia, Europe and Africa.

The work of Al Gazzali laid the foundation for the golden age of tasawwuf. The centuries immediately following Al Gazzali (d 1111) witnessed the establishment of Sufi tareeqas which were instrumental in the spread of Islam beyond the Arab-Persian world. The first and foremost of these tareeqas was that of Shaikh Abdel Qader Jeelani (d 1186) of Baghdad. Considered by some to be the greatest of sages, Shaikh Abdel Qader Jeelani is referred to as Ghouse ul Azam (the great helper-for those who seek spiritual help). So powerful was his radiance, and so sublime his message, that thousands flocked to hear him, and the mureeds who learned from him themselves became well known sages. The conservative theologian Ibn Taymiya of Damascus (d 1328), considered by some to be the greatest exponent of Salafi Islam, referred to Shaikh Abdel Qader Jeelani as his own Shaikh.

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his ijazah from the Shaikh, he visited Baghdad and met the towering Sufi personages of the age, including Shaikh Abdel Qader Jeelani.

From Baghdad, Khwaja Moeenuddin traveled to Multan and then to Lahore.

The vast Indian subcontinent was dominated by Rajput kings.

Delhi and Ajmer were ruled by Prithvi Raj Chauhan, a dashing, colorful prince who had earned the enmity of Raja Jai Chand of Kanauj by eloping with his daughter. Khwaja Moeenuddin migrated from Lahore to Ajmer in the year 1191 and established a zawiya. His initial reception was hostile and the Khwaja faced many hardships. However, the political situation changed the following year when Mohammed Ghori of Kabul, backed by Raja Jai Chand of Kanauj, defeated Prithvi Raj at the battle of Tarain (1192). The establishment of the Delhi sultanate removed the impediments to the movement of Sufi mystics. Khwaja Moeenuddin trained and sent his disciples to Delhi, Lahore and other cities in northern India. Thousands embraced Islam through his radiance.

Millions came into the fold of Islam through the work of his disciples.

Khwaja Moeenuddin Chishti passed away in 1236 and the mantle of leadership of the Chishtiya order passed on to Khwaja Qutbuddin.

Upon the death of Khwaja Qutbuddin, Khwaja Fareed Ganj (d 1257) succeeded him as the Chishtiya Shaikh. Khawaja Fareed moved to Western Punjab and established a Zawiya at Pakpattan. If there TRADITION, P29

OPINION

P10 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

“And Beat Them” They Say “So Says the One Who Calls Himself the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate!” Does He? n By Dr Aslam Abdullah

N

Las Vegas, Nevada

ote: This article is based on an analysis of the translation of verse 34, chapter 4 of the Qur’an. The translations used for analysis are included in the appendix.

However, the work of famous commentators of the Qur’an are quoted extensively.

Introduction If there is one ayah (verse) in the Qur’an that may decide the future understanding of Islam as a religion of peace, compassion, kindness and mercy for Muslims as well as non-Muslims, it is the ayah (verse) number 34 that appears in its fourth surah (chapter).

The verse translated by one of the most popular translators of the Qur’an Abdullah Yusuf Ali reads as follows: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and illconduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all) (4:34) The surah is titled Nisa or women.

The ayah deals with family relations primarily between husbands and wives. Its prevalent understanding among Muslims, both Arabic-speaking and nonArabic-speaking, has, throughout the history of Islam, impacted the status of women, their role in the family and society and their relations with their spouses especially in situations of conflict. Even though the verse relates to the relation between husbands and wives, yet it has serious implications for women in their roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, inlaws and members of their community.

This ayah is generally quoted by Muslim men to prove their superiority, while many women often refer to this verse as the one that legitimizes their second class status in their family and community under the will of Allah.

“What can we do when the will of Allah is to make us dependent on men,” this is the typical response of an average Muslim woman.

With the knowledge of the Qur’anic text becoming widely prevalent and with women and men becoming part of an economic system that requires the skills and services of the two to an ever evolving and changing world and with both Muslim men and women relating directly with their scriptures as the source of divine guidance, many questions are being raised about the interpretations of the verse in Arabic as well as in other languages.

Many Muslim and non-Muslim women definitely feel uncomfortable for the prevalent understanding of the ayah that a great majority of scholars have handed them down for centuries and men, conscious of their responsibilities towards their creator, might feel embarrassed for the so-called privileges accorded to them.

Women often ask the following questions: Does their God require them to be submissive and subservient to their hus-

bands in particular and men in general?

Do they have to be obedient to their husbands all the time, or sometime? If so, what does that obedience mean, what are the limits and who would determine them? In case of conflict and irreconcilable differences between the spouses, will they, all the time, be at the mercy of men or their husbands who have the permission or the authority to strike, hit, punish, beat or scourge t h e m ?

Will men always decide and determine what the marriageable age of a woman is? Does their value lie in their ability only to procreate and to provide sexual satisfaction to their husbands? Are they a thing created to serve men’s sexual pleasures? Do their conjugal responsibilities require them to be always ready to serve their husbands? Will they always be at the mercy of husbands to express their identity and abilities? How will they face the women of other faiths who would always view them a target of possible beating at the hands of their husbands for any act of disobedience? Is this an institutionalized inequality that will last until the eternity? Does Allah want women to live with this fear for ever, the fear of being beaten by their husbands or men at home or in public for their deviations?

Will this status impact their relations with their children, especially boys who would feel that like their fathers, they too have a right to control and discipline their wives? What about the daughters who would also grow up in an environment of intimidation and fear?

Muslim men often also ask some of the following questions.

Why their physical strength is considered a source of authority rather than an instrument of responsibility? Does it mean that those who are physically stronger have more rights over those who are physically weaker? If they spend their earnings on their spouses does it mean that they own them and should be considered their masters or owners?

Why should they be given the right to use physical violence to discipline their wives or female members of their family or community in case of conflict with them? Must their wives always remain subservient to them? Do they not have an independent identity? Is it their right to demand sex from their wives always?

Will their wives have any say in matters pertaining to physical intimacy or are they at the mercy of their masters? If so, what about love, compassion, kindness and compatibility? Is the purpose of marriage only to serve a husband’s sexual desires and procreate his progeny? Whose interpretation of the Qur’an they should follow in understanding this verse? Are angles so obsessed with the male sexual desires that they would curse a woman if she refuses sexual intimacy with her husband during the night? Are women really created in a state of immaturity and inferiority and are deficient in intellect as suggested in many of the statements people have attributed to the Prophet? Are they just a rib for their husbands? If so, why has the society always relied solely on their skills to raise a new generation?

Non-Muslims also ask: The questions asked by non-Muslims might be different as they may try to understand the rationale of beating wife in maintaining a household together.

Does the one who bestows mercy to all assigns the woman a role only to please men? Does He give men authority over women despite the claims of equality among genders? Does He empower men with the right to beat a woman if he con-

siders her to be in defiance of his authority? Is the Qur’an really a revealed document or was it the product of a specific time and culture? Was the purpose of the Qur’an to create a new social order or to perpetuate the age-old patriarchy where women were always at the mercy of men? Will women ever achieve selfdignity in Islam?

Methodology The following discussion looks at the prevalent understanding of the ayah as explained by various translators and commentators of the Qur’an , both classical and modern and analyzes its linguistic understanding within the overall message of the Qur’an and compares the two with some of the authentic sayings of the Prophet to make an attempt to arrive at an alternative meaning.

The perspective of the article is simple. The overwhelming majority of both classical and modern scholars have relied on an explanation that gives more credence to the norms of patriarchy rather than the intent of the divine guidance in matters pertaining to family relations. These scholars have selectively used the statements attributed to Prophet Muhammad to supplement their arguments about male superiority.

Interestingly, the verse does not talk about male supremacy. It even does not talk about beating or disciplining wives, rather, it explains a methodology to resolve differences within a family in a non-violent and peaceful manner maintaining the dignity of everyone involved in the dispute. It does not give authority to a husband over his wife and it does not elevate him to a status of a master or owner or in charge. On the contrary, it gives reassurance of the sincerity of women in maintaining their integrity in family matters They have often ignored the uswa or the character and lifestyle of the Prophet as is explained in the Qur’an and several of the authentic ahadith (words and actions attributed to the Prophet). In this effort, they have created several contradictions within their own writings and promoted a view that defies the spirit of the Qur’an.

The article concludes that there has been a grave error on the part of a majority of interpreters of the Qur’an in developing a rational, objective, logical and humane understanding of the verse within the overall context of the divine message.

Rather than looking at the Qur’anic message within the context of the divine guidance as a whole, the scholars, by and large, have used the verse to understand the situation within a male-dominated context with a view to promoting male domination in the name of God. Anatomy of the Verse Most commentators and translators have concluded that the verse refers to a man’s right to beat his woman if she defies him. But they do not explain what do they mean by men and women? They are also confused about the nature of defiance. They also show contradictions in narrating the historical context in which

www.PakistanLink.com

the verse was revealed. But what they are certain, despite all these uncertainties, is that the verse establishes the rule of male supremacy over women.

Interestingly, the verse does not talk about male supremacy. It even does not talk about beating or disciplining wives, rather, it explains a methodology to resolve differences within a family in a non-violent and peaceful manner maintaining the dignity of everyone involved in the dispute. It does not give authority to a husband over his wife and it does not elevate him to a status of a master or owner or in charge. On the contrary, it gives reassurance of the sincerity of women in maintaining their integrity in family matters.

Many scholars usually justify the provision of beating and refer to this verse as a directive to promote balance and justice in the family and society.

They argue that if the defiance of a wife is not responded properly by the husband through a process involving advice, sexual neglect and beating, families might disintegrate and lose their essence. They say that peace comes only when there is an authority to impose or implement it.

In order to avoid chaos in family matters, God has made the husband head of the family and the wife subservient.

Ironically, they expand this role of the husband to the society and then argue to empower every male to exercise authority over women in general.

How could one talk of balance and justice if within the basic human unit, the family, one spouse has more physical and financial advantage over the other as well as the right to use force to maintain his authority? How could one talk of peace with the threat of being beaten?

Who is there to determine the level of disciplining and stop the man from exercising his right to beat in an arbitrary manner? Who is there to monitor the level of beating? What is the objective criterion to determine the scope and nature of beating and why beating is considered a solution to the problem? No religious authority is present when the beating is performed and who can stop a husband in his moment of rage?

The argument that force or the threat of the use of force is a deterrent for any deviant behavior or action may be considered valid in case of a state because citizens relate with each other in an impersonal manner. They follow laws that are chosen by them. The state offers a system of check and balance that is necessary to maintain order in the society. The state through the collective will of people decides the process of check and balance and the deterrent. In a despotic system, the checks and balances are created by an individual to protect his interests.

In a democratic system, people decide the deterrent.

In a divinely ordained system, it is the principle of justice and the concept of equality that are the foundation for voluntarily regulating human behavior as the divine powers cannot be transferred to any human being.

But a family is not a mini-state as argued by many of the commentators of the Qur’an with a ruler and subjects. A family comes into being on the foundations of love and mercy and grows on the strength of truthfulness and compassion. If the husband is given arbitrary and exclusive authority to determine the level of defiance from his wife and punishment, then the very existence of the family is endangered. Who is there to check WOMEN, P29

Attack on Lahore Churches n By Nasir Ahmad, MD Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Tinton Falls, NJ

T

he TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack on two churches that has killed 14 and injured over 75 in Lahore. In 2013, a similar Church attack in Peshawar claimed more than 80 innocent lives.

These extremists defy the teachings of the Holy Qur’an (22:40-41), which instructs Muslims to protect all places of worship, explicitly mentioning churches. The perpetrators cannot be true followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who mandated full protection of Christians from any act of aggression of Muslims. Indeed, St. Catherine’s Monastery in Mt. Sinai, Egypt today houses a copy of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) letter in this regard.

If the Pakistani Government claims to be Islamic, then it must provide full protection to Christians and their places of worship. The Pakistani authorities must not only condemn the attacks in the strongest terms possible, but also pursue the guilty parties.

Lastly, I express my most sincere condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters who lost their loved ones in this heinous act of violence. ***

n By Salman Khalid

P

Seattle USA

akistan has had its fair share of tragedy, the worst probably being the mass murder of children at the hands of the Taliban. Our minorities, sadly, are no less vulnerable than our children. Not only do they have to deal with the common problems every other Pakistani faces, they also have to endure day-to-day discrimination and persecution at many levels.

Pakistan - and the Muslim world in general - are facing grave challenges, one of the greatest being religious extremism. Sadly, we have lacked the will and integrity to deal with growing religious intolerance and bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.

May Allah grant strength and fortitude to the Christian community to deal with the harrowing church bombings in Lahore. May Allah grant the people of Pakistan the will and moral strength to confront religious intolerance and bigotry head on. I’m reminded of a saying by one of the greatest leaders of the last century: “A nation cannot be reformed without reforming its youth”. On this note, let’s give our youth the vision and tools to confront terrorists, operating under the guise of religion, head on.

They should be armed with the message: “Swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds”.

Rights of Women and Islam n By Fazeela Wadan

I

Fairfax, Virginia

n the 1920s, Susan B. Anthony led a women’s suffrage movement for equal rights and treatment of women. The voices of women were finally heard in the Western society. However, a man who went by the name of RIGHTS P29

PAKISTAN

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P11

Pakistan Declines to Join Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Iran Alliance

Pakistan Successfully Test-Fires Own Drone Aircraft to Target Militants

“Pakistan would not rush to join the anti-Iran alliance that is being forged,” a senior government functionary told Dawn in a background interview

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif is briefed about the controlling mechanism of the Pakistan-manufactured drone

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia’s cam-

Islamabad: Pakistan’s military test-

paign to build a broad Sunni alliance to contain Iran has apparently suffered at least a setback from Pakistan. Islamabad has opted, at least for now, to avoid becoming entangled in the sectarian cold war between Riyadh and Tehran.

Earlier this month, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was invited to the kingdom for urgent talks with King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and his advisers. The king met Sharif at the airport to underscore the importance of the talks. The main topic was Iranian aggression in the Arab world and the impending deadline for the P5+1 negotiations on Iran’s nuclear project. The king wanted firm assurances from Sharif that Pakistan would align itself with Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Arab allies against Iran, especially in the proxy war now underway in Yemen.

Salman specifically wanted a Pakistani military contingent to deploy to the kingdom to help defend the vulnerable southwest border with Zaydi Houthi-controlled north Yemen and serve as a trip-wire force to deter Iranian aggression. There is precedent for a Pakistani army expeditionary force in Saudi Arabia. After the Iranian Revolution, Pakistani

dictator Mohammad Zia ul-Haq deployed an elite Pakistani armored brigade to the kingdom at King Fahd’s request to deter any threats to the country. In all, some 40,000 Pakistanis served in the brigade over most of a decade. Today only some Pakistani advisers and experts serve in the kingdom.

According to Pakistani sources, Sharif has reluctantly decided not to send troops to Saudi Arabia for now.

Sharif promised closer counterterrorism and military cooperation but no troops for the immediate future.

Pakistan also declined to move its embassy in Yemen from Sanaa to Aden as the Saudis and the Gulf Cooperation Council states have done to distance themselves from the Houthis.

The Pakistanis are arguing their military is already overstretched facing the traditional enemy, India, and the increasing threat from the Pakistani Taliban. Pakistan has its own serious sectarian tensions and violence. About 20% of Pakistanis are Shiite and sectarian violence has been intensifying in recent years.

Groups linked to al-Qaeda such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi have targeted Shiite mosques and schools for suicide bombings. Iran also has proxies in

Pakistan that have attacked Sunni targets in the past. Faced with these difficulties at home, Sharif is telling Salman not now for troops.

Sharif is by nature a cautious man and a very deliberate decisionmaker. He is carefully leaving open the option of deploying troops to the kingdom in the future if the security situation gets worse. He will also be clear with the king that Pakistan remains a close Saudi ally.

The king has doubled down on his Egyptian connection this month.

Crown Prince Muqrin pledged $4 billion in investment in Egypt at the Sharm el-Sheikh conference this week, and Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates each pledged the same. But Egypt, too, is reluctant to send troops, especially for operations around Yemen. Egyptians still have bitter memories of their disastrous intervention in Yemen in the 1960s.

Ironically, the Egyptians then were fighting Saudi-backed Zaydi royalists.

So for now Saudi Defense Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king’s son, will have to plan on dealing with Houthi threats on the border alone with Saudi troops. They have not fared well in past clashes with the Houthis.

Burraq UCAV to Aid Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Campaign

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n By Riaz Haq

akistan has successfully flight-tested Burraq, its first armed drone. The new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) fired and precisely hit the target with Barq, a laser-guided missile it carried under its wings.

Based on Chinese CH-3 specifications, the indigenously developed Burraq can carry 100-kilogram payload. It has 12 hours endurance. The payload can be laser-guided missile Barq, similar to Chinese AR-1 missiles, or a pair of precision guided small-diameter bombs like the Chinese FT series PGM. With its successful Burraq test, Pakistan joins eight other countries — the United States, South Africa, France, Nigeria, Britain, Iran, Israel and China — which have already put weapons onto unmanned aircraft, according to the New America Foundation. Of these, only the US, Britain and Israel have successfully deployed armed drones during military operations, the foundation said.

Pakistani military’s interest in armed drone technology is based on its direct knowledge of how effective American Predator drones have been in targeting and eliminating Taliban terrorists in Pakistan’s FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas).

The objections to US drone strikes in Pakistan have mainly been due to the political sensitivity with violation of sovereignty, not due to lack of precision and effectiveness. Top TTP terror-

ist leaders Nek Mohammad, Baitullah Mehsud and Hakimullah Mehsud have all been killed in US drone strikes.

In a rare public statement on the effectiveness of the US drone campaign in FATA, General Officer Commanding 7-Division Maj-Gen Ghayur Mehmood serving in Waziristan in 2011 confirmed the effectiveness of US Predators when he said: “Yes there are a few civilian casualties in such precision BURRAQ, P29

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fired a Pakistani-built unmanned aircraft armed with a laser-guided missile on Friday, an army statement said, giving it a new weapon to target Taliban and other jihadist militants in its lawless border areas.

Pakistan has long sought a weaponized drone capability of its own as an alternative to US drones that fly into Pakistani air space -- raising sovereignty issues -- to target al Qaeda, Taliban and other militants along its border with Afghanistan.

Video released showed the “Burraq” drone taking off from a runway and firing a missile to destroy a hut designated as the target.

The army chief of staff, General Raheel Sharif, was shown watching the test-firing with other military officers and engineers who clapped and shouted “Allah Ho Akbar (God is Great)” when the target was destroyed. The drone has the ability to fly in all types of weather conditions

and strike its targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Speaking on the occasion, General Raheel said this newly developed arsenal will increase the military’s capacity in fighting terrorism. He commended engineers, scientists and technicians for their untiring efforts to develop the stateof-the-art technology.

The military’s official Twitter account hailed the test-fire on Friday as “a great national achievement” and said the new drone “multiplies capability against terrorists”.

In November 2013, the military announced it had developed unarmed surveillance-capable drones called the “Burraq” and “Shahpar”, the first unmanned aircraft to be developed in Pakistan.

Pakistan already has several types of unarmed surveillance drones in operation, but ‘Burraq’ and ‘Shahpar’ were the first surveillance drones to be developed locally.

USPBC Welcomes Efforts to Strengthen US-Pakistan Business

Islamabad: The US-Pakistan Busi-

ness Council (USPBC) expressed its support for the 3rd Pakistan–United States Business Opportunities Conference held last week in Islamabad, welcoming efforts to advance trade and investment ties between the US and Pakistan. The Council’s delegation was led by USPBC President Esperanza Jelalian. On the sideline of the business conference, members of the Council met with Minister of Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue Tariq Bajwa.

“We are encouraged that government officials remain committed to spur growth, foster investment, and implement economic reforms,” said Jelalian. “All business requires stability, predictability, and security to thrive. A reasonable tax structure and transparent customs and tax procedures with proper enforcement can enhance government revenue while supporting the legal and compliant industry and in turn will help American companies view Pakistan as a favorable destination.”

“Investors value strong protection of intellectual property rights as a driver of innovation and creativity.

Ad hoc policy changes without consultation of industries, such as last

minute revenue generating measures or the recent graphic health warning (GHW) regulation which would significantly undermine the ability of brand owners to use their legally sanctioned trademarks, hurts business confidence. We strongly encourage outreach to business and industry towards developing a long-term economic policymaking framework that provides consistency in policies.”

The USPBC also welcomed working-level Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) discussions between the US and Pakistan and voiced support for the prompt implementation of the fiveyear joint action plan to expand trade and investment flows. It expressed hope that both governments can reestablish negotiations of a US-Pakistan Bilateral Investment Treaty.

“It is encouraging that both governments are increasingly relying on the expertise of the private sector to help advance their objectives. We applaud efforts to create a US-Pakistan Business forum under the auspices of the already established bilateral dialogue on economic and trade issues. The USPBC stands ready to work with both governments to enhance private sector growth and the investment environment in Pakistan,” said Jelalian.

PAKISTAN

P12 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

Help Pakistan out of ‘Extremist Karachi Operation: Security Forces Zeroing Darkness’, Ali Zafar Appeals to World in on Militant Wings of All Parties Islamabad: The ongoing surgi-

cal operation in Karachi will not remain confined to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and soon other political parties which are believed to have militant wings will be targeted.

The deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi is the result of an enduring turf war between major political parties, says a recent intelligence report that sheds light on how alleged militant wings of certain political parties have wreaked havoc on Karachi.

The report claims that besides the MQM, other key political parties also have militant wings in the metropolitan city.

The intelligence agencies recommend an across-the-board operation against criminals and militant wings of political parties to restore normalcy in the country’s financial hub.

The ongoing crackdown on criminals by the Rangers was launched in the light of the report.

“The raid on Nine-Zero is just the beginning … soon this campaign will target other militant wings,” said a security official.

In response to the Nine-Zero raid, MQM chief Altaf Hussain accused the military of being selective in its approach to deal with the law and order situation in Karachi and the rest of the country.

However, the security official dismissed the allegation and said it had already been decided that all political parties’ militant wings would be disarmed without discrimination. Under the National Action Plan, all non-state groups

“The raid on Nine-Zero is just the beginning … soon this campaign will target other militant wings,” said a security official

will be disarmed, he added.

He informed that in terms of fighting extremism and terrorism, there was a clear strategic shift in the approach of the current military leadership. “There is a greater realization now that for too long have we tolerated groups that use violence to further their interests,” said another official.

PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar said his party supported across-theboard action against all criminals, irrespective of their party affiliations. Asked if the PPP has a militant wing in Karachi, Senator Babar said: “All I can say is that there should be an across-the-board operation to restore law and order in Karachi.”

ANP Senator Shahi Syed, how-

ever, denied his party had a militant wing in Karachi. “We have given a free hand to the Rangers. If they think our people are involved in any criminal activity, then they should be named and shamed.”

But Syed believes the operation alone is not the answer to the problem. “Unless the Karachi police are depoliticized, the law and order issue will prevail.”

Punjab operation: A similar operation will be carried out in Punjab against sectarian groups inciting violence across the country, said an official. A targeted campaign is already under way but it would be stepped up once the security forces establish the state’s writ in the tribal areas and restore law and order in Karachi, he added.

Weapons Being Smuggled in Ambulances: Rangers Karachi: A Rangers spokesperson

claimed on Sunday that ambulance services of certain welfare organizations, and their officials, were involved in the trade of illegal weapons in the city.

During investigation of convicted criminals arrested a few days earlier it has been uncovered that “officials and personnel of certain welfare services are involved in smuggling and hiding of illegal weapons across the city”.

Through the statement, the paramilitary force — currently enjoying policing powers in the provincial capital — warned that “direct or indirect involvement in smuggling of arms is a high level crime. All those involved in such illegal practices will be brought to book under the Sindh Arms Act”.

The Rangers official further urged citizens of Karachi to call the Rangers Helpline 1101 in case they observe any such criminal activity.

This revelation adds to the series of ‘confessions’ currently going on after the arrest of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activists

by Rangers, following a raid at party headquarters Nine Zero a few days earlier.

The paramilitary force had claimed in a statement that Umair Hassan Siddiqui, allegedly involved in killing of 120 people, was a key member of the ‘target-killing’ racket.

The activist became part of a team when the MQM decided to carry out killings on ethnic grounds in 2008.

“The meeting was attended by all sector in-charges of the party. The in-charge of the MQM’s Kara¬chi Tanzeemi Committee, Hammad Siddiqui, also attended the meeting, during which directives were issued to expedite killings on ethnic grounds.”

“The suspect has revealed that it was in 2008 when the party decided to expedite killings on ethnic grounds and for that deputy convener of the party Anis Qaimkhani chaired a meeting at Khursheed Memorial Hall,” the Rangers statement said.

Each time an MQM activist `confesses` to murder or extortion, the party disassociates itself from him. And the constant defensive mantra hinges around anti-MQM conspiracies, whether it is the Scot-

land Yard inquiry of murder and money-laundering in London, or the widely witnessed violence it launched against a pro-Iftikhar Chaudhry rally in Karachi in May 2007 in which 45 people were killed.

ADA FROM P15

known as a ghazal writer.

One of her ghazals ‘Honton pe kabhi unn ke mera naam bhi aaey’ was sung and popularized by the late Ustad Amanat Ali Khan.

She published six collections — ‘Main Saaz Dhoondti Rahi’, ‘Shehri-Dard’, ‘Ghazala Tum To Waqif Ho’, ‘Harf-i-Shanasai’, ‘Safar Baqi’ and ‘Jo Rahi Sau Be Khabari Rahi’.

She was the recipient of several awards, including the Baba-i-Urdu award from the Pakistan Academy of Letters.

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“Pakistan needs your help. It has been fighting this battle for years and has lost countless lives in the process,” the actor urged in his blog

Karachi: Three months after the

devastating Peshawar school attack, in which over 130 students lost their lives, singer-actor Ali Zafar has urged the world to help Pakistan out of ‘extremist darkness.’

“Pakistan needs your help.

It has been fighting this battle for years and has lost countless lives in the process,” the actor urged in his blog.

On December 16, 2014, Taliban gunmen stormed into an army school in Peshawar, killing more than 150 people, including 132 children.

The actor wrote: “The world needs to see Pakistan in a whole different light to help us out of this darkness. They need to partner with us towards progress.”

“This is something that we all need to work towards — the international community and us,” he added.

Ali stressed the need for the world to understand the complexities of Pakistani society and the “fact that it’s not easy to survive through all that this country has been through” “Unfortunately because of an extremist minority, it is sometimes seen as an extremist country. But no society is void of extremism in one way or the other.”

Shocked and disturbed, Ali had cancelled his tours and concerts scheduled in the weeks following the attack.

He even united actors, cricketers and musicians for his song Urein Ge, honoring the Peshawar school victims.

“Today, the entire nation stands as one for this cause. And that is what I have tried to show the world in this video. A Pakistan that stands united to make sure that the lives of those innocent children did not go waste,” he said regarding the song.

The actor further stressed he wanted Urein Ge to be more than just a song.

“I wanted to practically help towards a cause dear to me — education.”

Speaking of the astounding response to his song, Ali wrote, “And the response to the song and video further solidified my belief that every Pakistani wants the same. They just need someone to show them the way. And to me, education is the way forward. It’s the key to progress and peace.”

With both his parents having served in the field of education their entire lives, Ali said that was one of the reasons the tragedy affected him so deeply.

Furthering his mission to help out and spread education, Ali has collaborated with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) movement of 141 schools across Pakistan in the names of the victims of the attack.

The actor aspires to build at least one school which would cost around Rs20.7 million.

Police Kills Five Gang-war Criminals in Lyari Search Operation

Karachi: Five alleged gang-war

criminals belonging to the ‘Shiraz Comrade’ group were killed during a search operation by police in the troubled Lyari town late Monday night, DawnNews reported.

Details reveal that around 200 police officials were carrying out a targeted search operation in Lyari when they were fired at by gang-war criminals belonging to the ‘Shiraz Comrade’ group. Police’s retaliation left five members of the group dead, while two policemen also received bullet wounds in the exchange of fire.

According to SSP City Fida Hussain, the deceased criminals were involved in target killing, extortion, murdering police officials

and kidnapping for ransom.

Law enforcement agencies have been actively seeking to rid Karachi — Pakistan’s commercial hub— of terrorism and violence via operations in the city’s troubled areas for well over a year now.

Both police and Rangers have raided plenty of areas and have arrested thousands of suspects and criminals to ensure peace in the city, which has been hit by a wave of law and order problems.

Pillion riding banned: The Sindh government has banned pillion-riding in the city from March 17 to March 23, keeping in view the security situation during polio eradication campaign in the metropolis.

PAKISTAN

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P13

Sixteen Die as Deadly Blasts Rock Churches in Lahore

Two girls mourn the death of a family member who was killed in a suicide bombing attack on two churches in Lahore, March 15, 2015

Lahore: Two bomb blasts killed at

least 14 people near two churches in a Christian neighborhood of Lahore, local officials say. More than 70 people were hurt in the explosions, which targeted worshippers attending Sunday mass at the churches in the Youhanabad area.

Violent protests erupted after the blasts, with a mob killing two men accused of involvement in the attacks.

An offshoot of the Pakistan Taliban, calling itself Jamatul Ahrar, has said it carried out the attack.

Witnesses say suicide bombers were responsible for the explosions but police have not confirmed this.

The bombers are said to have detonated their explosives near the gates of St John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church.

According to another report, “the lanes of Youhanabad are always busy but this Sunday, the traffic is not of the usual kind. Bewilderment, fear and anger mark the faces of its residents, and although it seems everyone is outside their homes, in one of the houses, Zaid Yousuf alias Goga, president of the local traders’ association, is being mourned. The screams of his widow and two daughters echo within the walls, and his brother relates how it happened. ‘When the terrorists came to the Roman Catholic Church, three boys asked them to identify themselves,’ says Riaz Fazal, his eyes red rimmed, and his face swollen from crying.

‘They shot two of the boys point blank. But Goga intercepted them, and pushed them back, and in that time, a terrorist blew himself up.’”

Goga was martyred, he says, defending the lives of 1,000 people inside the church who were having their last prayers of Sunday Mass.

Youhanabad is a major locality of the Christian population and there are several churches big and small, but its residents complain that not enough security has been provided to them especially on Sundays when they gather for Mass.

People say that after attacking the Roman Catholic Church, two of the terrorists attempted to abscond but the mob caught them and beat them to death before burning them. Till late afternoon, their bodies lay burning on the main road, and the public was taking videos and photographs of the gruesome scene.

“At one point before being beaten the police had caught them,” relates a local woman. “But

they kept cursing us saying, ‘You Christians ought to be killed in blasts everyday’. It was almost as if they were inviting the mob.”

Others especially those outside the church complain that there were only three policemen for security measures but even two of them were in a nearby shop watching the cricket match.

Ayub Sardar, a security volunteer for this church, says the police personnel are never enough for them and they always have to take security measures themselves. “It is easy to identify outsiders because we know our community,” he says.

The blue gate of the church has been blown off and now community volunteers have formed a human chain, and propped up ladders and rods in order to stop the crowd from coming in. Yet people are still coming to pay homage to their place of worship.

The other church that was attacked a few moments before this one faced slightly less damage.

“We had an iron gate that luckily stopped the men from coming in,” says Reverend Irshad Ashknaz of the Christ Church. “But there were attempts to first shoot down the church’s gate, and when that did not happen, they went to the second gate which is the entrance to the church’s school and tried to blow that up. They had come on a motorcycle.”

“What more security can we provide for ourselves?” asks the vicar. “We have barbed wires on the wall, since after the APS attack, and that helped,” he says.

Angry residents chant ed slogans against the government especially the chief minister. “This is CM Shahbaz Sharif ’s constituency,” says one of them. “Neither the CM nor any of the MPAs and MNAs including Shehla Tariq and Shakil Marcus Khokar from this area had done any kind of development work here, nor do they come to visit.”

“We are in a quandary because we are given representatives who do no work, and on the other side, we cannot elect our own because minority representatives are always chosen for us. Almost all the basic facilities have been given to us by our churches, otherwise we have no dispensaries, no health facilities, no access to clean drinking water or a good sewerage system.

Even the roads are rough and untarred,” says Pastor Javed.

“The youth is not supported by the government through jobs.

When they go for work they are

only offered the work of a sweeper.”

An angry woman cursed the police saying they often harassed young boys on the pretext of drinking. “I would like to know where has all the money gone which these representatives show that they have spent on development work here?”

Sadly, the biggest supporter of the ruling PML-N was Goga himself. “He used to ask us to vote for the PML-N and we always listened to him but what is the party doing now that they are in power? We cannot even feel safe in our own homes” “The Christian community is degraded, disgraced and pushed to the wall,” says Zafar Iqbal, Goga’s nephew, who is waiting for his uncle’s body to come. “It took a person from our own community after all to protect us. Because of him, 1,000 people have been saved today. This is the biggest sacrifice.”

Pope Calls for End to Persecution of Christians

Vatican City: Pope Francis told the

faithful in St. Peter’s Square that he was pained by the news of two terror attacks against churches in Pakistan and called for an end of persecution against Christians.

The pontiff said during his traditional Sunday prayer that the numerous dead and injured were persecuted “only because they are Christians”.

Pope Francis said he felt great pain over bomb attacks outside two churches in Pakistan, departing from scripted remarks in his customary address to decry “persecution” of Christians.

“These are Christian churches.

Christians are persecuted, our brothers spill their blood simply because they are Christians,” the pontiff said after his Angelus address.

Francis told crowds at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican that he prayed for peace in the country and that “this persecution of Christians, and that the world tries to hide it, finishes”.

The pontiff spoke after suicide bombers exploded themselves near two churches in Lahore on Sunday as worshippers were gathered inside. At least 14 people were killed in the blasts, claimed by a Pakistani Taliban splinter group, and nearly 80 people got injured.

Francis said he was praying for the victims and their families and that he “implored God, the source of all good, the gift of peace...for that country, and that this persecution against Christians, that the world tries to hide, ends.”

www.PakistanLink.com

Pakistan Politics Shows Signs of Maturity n By Salahuddin Haider

P

Karachi, Pakistan

akistan politics, based on personality cult since long, has begun to show signs of maturity as almost all key players seem to have realized, or at least try to give that impression, that their survival lies in co-existence and accommodating each other’s viewpoint.

Nomination of opposition leader, Mian Raza Rabbani for the chairmanship of parliament’s upper house called the Senate, is considered a good omen for a country with a checkered history, haunted by jealousies, prejudices, and hatred for non-conformists.

It brought smiles on the faces of people, normally depressed because of economic meltdown and mismanagement, but a Rangers’ raid on the MQM headquarters in Karachi vitiated the atmosphere. The fallout of such an action will be discussed separately in a day or two. For the present, the Senate nomination is more important because of its impact on political life of the country A veteran parliamentarian, Rabbani, has commanded respect from friends and foes alike. Associated with the Peoples Party for more than three decades, his unanimous selection today for the coveted office, second in order of precedence after the country’s President, was accepted even by the ruling party of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

This is thus for the first time that a bi-partisan approach has begun to be visible in Pakistan, and if persevered with, it may give birth to trends and traditions that have been missing so far. It was the narrow vision of the politicians, rather than of the military, that has hurt the cause of democracy.

They failed to rise to the occasion, when in power, and instead of working for a national cause, seemed more interested in the leg-pulling of opponents. They not only framed cases against rivals but even tortured and jailed them for no reason or rhyme.

Self-aggrandizement coupled with corruption and nepotism has unfortunately been the cardinal principle so far. Obviously a country, founded for the common man’s emancipation, slowly but steadily plunged into an abyss, recovery from where looks almost impossible A new ray of light appeared on the horizon in 2007 when Benazir Bhutto, belonging to an illustrious political dynasty from the interior Sindh town of Larkana, tried to apply Nelson Mandela’s theory of “reconciliation”. But the dream of the “Daughter of the East” was shattered by an assassin’s bullet. Her husband Asif Zardari, accused of corruption and mismanagement, nevertheless got his name written in history by ensuring a peaceful transfer of power to the staunchest of opponents after an electoral defeat in 2013.

Victimizing political rivals was forgotten even by the Sharifs, controlling the country for a little over18 months. Charges of horse trading in Senate elections held on March 5 vitiated the atmosphere, and though Zardari and Sharif, both spent sleepless nights in winning the majority for their candidate’s victory, the for-

mer outsmarted the latter, proving once again that he was a far better chess player than the other, who is often attacked for lack of wisdom and foresight. In a still incomplete House of 93, the magic number was 47.

Zardari, pulling a fast one on Sharif, advanced his dinner invitation to the parliamentarians by at least 12 hours to Sharif ’s luncheon meeting with them.

His efforts to collect all those in the opposition to his side won him handsome rewards, and late at night, Reza Rabbani’s candidature was announced from the PPP camp. It was backed by powerful elements like MQM, Awami National Party, and smaller factions in the upper house.

It came as a rude shock for Sharif, who knew that he had lost the fight already. To his credit ,however, he wisely accepted the PPP nominee as his choice too. In doing so, the Muslim League leader virtually “killed” the hate-Sharif campaign launched afresh by Tehrik-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan. PTI, winning its maiden representation with 6 seats in the Senate, had announced boycott of the Chairman’s elections. He even threatened re-launch his street agitation against Sharifs should his demand for judicial commission against election rigging of 2013 went unheeded Now that politicians once again have showed unanimity in their views, Khan’s desire to be a rebel rouser may again prove a house of cards as his four-month sitin that ultimately failed in the capital city of Islamabad last year.

For many Rabbani is an excellent choice. He is known for his integrity and for adhering strongly to principles. He even wept before a packed house in the joint session of the parliament for supporting military courts established under the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. He not only resigned his ministerial post in the Zardari cabinet, refusing to submit to expediency over conscience, and the founding Charter of a party, set up by articulate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, father of Benazir, whose son Bilawal is now at odds with his father.

The parties represented in the indirectly elected House, and their leaders, are all happy at his induction.

They know that he will prefer principles, rules and regulations, and act according to conscience, rather than be guided by party preferences. Members of the PML(N), depressed slightly, too will be convinced in their heart of hearts that Rabbani will be impartial as House custodian. Optimism was writ large on their faces, confirmed by a welcome reaction from information minister Pervez Rashid.

Pundits agreed that despite the army’s indirect control over administrative policies, democracy has slowly been asserting itself, which is a happy augury for a country founded by the will of the people. (The writer is a former Sindh Minister and senior journalist)

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MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P15

No Change in Pak-China Economic Corridor Routes

Ahsan Iqbal addresses the seminar on civil reforms in Peshawar on Monday, March 16, 2015

Peshawar: Federal Minister for

Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Monday moved to quell speculation that routes of the PakChina Economic Corridor had been altered, and dismissed such news reports as mere “rumors”.

Speaking to the media after attending a workshop on reforms in Civil Services for achieving the Vision 2025 goals in Peshawar on Monday, Iqbal said the Pak-China Economic Corridor was a “destiny-changer” as it features projects

worth billions, which will benefit all the four provinces of the country.

“It is not a name of a road but has many routes, which will connect Gwadar to Khunjerab, and Pakistan will become a bridge between the central Asian countries and China.”

There are certain elements who do not want to see Pakistan becoming a commercial hub and they are spreading such baseless rumors, defended Iqbal.

The planning minister explained they are working on N-85

road which will link Gwadar to Quetta and Qilla Saifullah, adding that there is another route from Gwadar to Ratodero and Sukkur, which will link up with the Indus highway leading to Peshawar.

Talking about the energy crises in the country, Iqbal said they will construct the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, and Rs25 billion had been released for acquiring land.

“We will never let resources hinder the construction of the dam as it is needed for the existence of Pakistan,” he said adding that the government is also working on the Dasu Dam project on a war footing.

Operation in Karachi to restore peace: The minister argued that the government’s economic agenda needed peace and stability.

“The Karachi operation is being conducted with mutual consent [of all stakeholders] to restore its peace, which is impartial,” he said, adding that Karachi in 2015 is better than it was in 2013.

Government has spent billions in K-P: To a question regarding the distribution of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) funds, Iqbal said the federal government considered all provinces as federating units and had spent billions of rupees in the development of universities, including in KhyberPakhtunkhwa.

Pakistani Bodybuilder Wins Title at Arnold Classic Australia

Arnold Schwarzenegger (left) poses with Atif Anwar (center), winner of Arnold Classic over 100 class

Canberra: Pakistani bodybuilder

Atif Anwar on Sunday won a title at the Arnold Classic body building competition held in Australia.

Anwar won the ‘over 100 kg class’ title at the event named after Hollywood legend and seven times Mr Olympia, Arnold Schwarzeneg-

ger.

Anwar is a former Mr Pakistan and first-ever Pakistani to compete in the Mr Universe competition, where he secured the fourth position. He has previously won the National bodybuilding title as well as Mr Sindh and Mr

Karachi honors.

Besides bodybuilding, the event also featured different power sports including Australia’s Strongest Man, Arnold We i g h t l i f t i n g & Powerlifting and Arnold Arm wrestling competitions.

During the competition Schwarzenegger was seen clapping and cheering as the sportsmen and women stood in an array of poses – ensuring the judges got a view of every angle of their jaw-dropping bodies.

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Iqbal Museum to Be Set up in Germany including Heidelberg, to take up the matter with the City Government of Heidelberg for the acquisition of the property.

Addressing participants of a literary conference on Iqbal, organized by the Human Welfare Association, Frankfurt at Iqbal Memorial Park on the Bank of River Neckar in Heidelberg, Javed said that there is a need to understand the message of the philosopher in its true spirit for forging unity among various factions of the Muslim societies and reactivate the institute of Ijtehad to deal with the challenges of modern day societies.

Ada Jafri Is No More Karachi:

Heidelberg, Germany: Pakistan

will set up a museum about Allama Mohammad Iqbal in Heidelberg, Germany, where the poet had lived between 1907-08.

Iqbal had lived in Heidelberg while pursuing a doctorate from the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich. He wrote his famed “Javed Nama” on the banks of River Neckar – a Rhine tributary.

According to a statement, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany Syed Hasan Javed said that all-out efforts will be made to set up the museum at the house where Iqbal had stayed for his PhD studies. Pakistan’s Consul General in Frankfurt was directed to form a committee comprising of prominent Pakistanis living in Frankfurt and its adjoining cities,

Renowned Urdu poet Ada Jafri passed away after a long illness on Thursday.

She was 90.

Jafri was born in Badayun, India, in 1924.

She migrated to Karachi with her husband after the partition of the subcontinent.

Her real name was Aziz Jahan.

She adopted her pen name after marriage.

Ada Jafri was the first major published woman poet in Urdu which was why she was often referred to as the first lady of Urdu poetry. Although she dabbled in different genres of literature, including the short story, she was primarily ADA, P12

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P18 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

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et's face it, a hair cut or hair colour can transform a simple woman into a chic diva. All one needs to do is give extra attention to the hair and find a stylist that gives one a cut that complements the face.

However, there's more to hair than just cuts and colours. How would you feel about a woman who

has a trendy cut, yet a hair texture that reminds you of hay that horses munch on? Not an appealing sight is it? Hair care is a must if one wants to receive envious glares from both the genders. Also, good hair texture can enhance any cut or colour, making you look more beautiful than before.

Are you wondering how you can work on your hair texture and at the same time work on the hair styling and colour? Well fret not as a renowned international brand is here to save the day. The brand we are speaking of is Wella, one of the world's largest hair care and cosmetics companies.

The brand: Founded in 1880 by Franz Stroher, the brand is a German company that has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand specializes in hair care, styling and colorants. The company originally made tulles, the base used for making wigs. As wigs and hairpieces fell out of fashion, the company turned to permanent wave products.

After years of constant innovation, in the 1960s, the company launched a salon-exclusive product range that let customers take professional-style products home for the first time.

For over 125 years, the brand has perfected the science and beauty of hair; alongside, working with scientists and colourists worldwide to drive innovation and inspiration for salon professionals. Today, the name has earned a reputation for

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providing quality products.

Well, here's the good news ladies. Recently, Wella launched an academy in Pakistan that has not only made available a wide range of their products to the public, but also offers training to potential stylists and gives trendy haircuts to its customers. The launch event included a fashion show where Raana Khan styled the models using products of the brand.

Go the Raana way: Raana Khan started her career some 7 years ago. Her story of emergence as a beautician began with fashion shows, profiles for magazines as well as make-up for a number of shoots. In order to polish her skills as a beautician she also did a few short courses in hair and makeup techniques. Gradually she ventured into bridal makeup and has been running her own salon since the past five years. And now she has earned a name in the industry as one of the most talented stylists.

Read on as You! talks to the chic and creative stylist about a few of the looks that she gave to the models on the launch event.

You! Describe the different looks you have given to the models for the launch event fashion show?

Define at least three of the looks in detail.

Raana Khan: To all the models we gave a different look using Wella products. We coloured the hair in different ways and techniques and used hues of blonde, red, brown and black.

Model 1: We mixed highlights and low lights in red and blonde using shades by Illumina. The Illumina range of the brand gives extra shine to hair without damaging the cuticles. Then we styled the hair with mirror polish to add more shine to the hair and then fixed the hair style with the product 'Stay styled'.

Model 2: We loved the model's hair length and natural virgin brown hair colour and decided to do a natural ombre in shades of deep blonde. The hair was styled by giving soft curls and added height at the crown. The overall look was fixed with a product called 'Dynamic fix'.

Model 3: For the third look we dyed the extensions in very light blonde and straightened the model's hair. We added the extensions aesthetically in her hair giving the look that her own hair is naturally highlighted. This look is ideal for girls who don't want to colour their hair and for temporary look need a change.

You! Which Wella products were used in the styling?

R.K: The products used at the show were Mirror polish, Shimmer delight, SP range, Flexible finish, Super set, KP, Illumina and Magma.

You! Tell us about the must have products from the brand that women need in everyday styling?

R.K: I would recommend the Luxe oil, their shampoo for colour treated hair and deep conditioning mask. They give amazing results.

You! What hairstyles are in vogue?

R.K: Preferably loose curls as they give a soft and pretty look to the face.

You! Recommend some stylish haircuts.

R.K: For those who have straight and silky hair one length cut is the way to go. And hair that is short cropped is very much in this season.

You! Current trendy colours for the hair?

R.K: This season experiment with ash blonde and shades of brown. Use the ombre technique to amplify the look of these colours.

COMMUNITY

Community Link

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P19

Friday, March 20, 2015

VOL. 25/12 PAGE 20

PAGE PAGE30 17

egum PAGE 24

Philly Buses Accept Ads Featuring Hitler

29 Jumadal-ula 1436 H

Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi under Focus

PIA Gets a Fashionable Makeover

For news, updated round the clock, visit

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Fremont Fire Department Gives Safety Presentation at the ISEB Sunday School

The students were very excited and showed their interest and enthusiasm through their questions. The presenters included Captain Rick Bota, Engineer Chuck Simms, Police Officer Zahid Aslam, and Firefighter Tony Trujillo.

n By Abdus Sattar Ghazali Pictures by Laeeq Ahmed

T

he Fremont Fire Department visited Islamic Society of East Bay (ISEB) Sunday School, recently to give a presentation about fire, medical, rescue, and life safety.

The presenters included Captain Rick Bota, Engineer Chuck Simms, Police Officer Zahid Aslam, and Firefighter Tony Tru-

jillo.

They showed their gear and first aid equipment, and let the kids check out the truck.

The students were very excited and showed their interest and enthusiasm through their questions.

One student wondered if the firemen had ever saved a kitty from a tree.

Firefighter Tony Trujillo stole the show with his demonstration of dressing full heavy gear of fire-

fighters. That included boots, hat, gloves, and oxygen mask which transformed him into an ‘astronaut.’

Laeeq Ahmed, a senior volunteer at the ISEB Sunday School, was of the view that we never fully appreciate the value of teaching young children not to be afraid of a firefighter dressed in full gear, and specifically how important it is for young people to learn they should run toward a firefighter - not away

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- in the event of an emergency.

At the end of the presentation, the school management presented gifts to the Fire Department presenters.

The ISEB Sunday School, established in 1999, provides Islamic education to 265 students.

The School offers classes from Pre-K to Level-7 and has a set curriculum taught by professional teachers who also teach at various well-known institutions in Bay

Area. The staff has expanded to 45 members from 3 teachers and 17 students in 1999.

The school has lot of extracurriculum activities to motivate the students. A Quiz Competition and Hajj Poster Competition is held annually.

Its Annual Day program is a huge success. At this event students proudly show their parents and guests what they have achieved during the year.

COMMUNITY

P20 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

OCIF Opens Its Doors for Debate and Discussion on CVE Countering Violent Extremism

Anila Ali with Lt. Mike Abedeen from LA County Sheriff’s Department co-participants at the CVE

Participants of the White House Summit:Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC; Maria Khani Islamic Institute of OC; Anila Ali, President American Muslim Women’s Empowerment Council AMWEC; Professor Ahmed Younis Chapman University CAIR, Todd Gallinger, Haroon Manjlai- opposing #CVE

O

n By Anila Ali

n Friday, March 13th, 2015, Orange County Islamic Foundation OCIF invited the participants of the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) on February 18th, 2015, to be a part of a panel along with a group who is opposing CVE, CAIR. In the Friday khutba, Salam Al- Marayati made an enlightening point: our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) welcomed discussions and debate and encouraged his Ummah to have dialogue and accept oppos-

ing points of view. Incidentally, panelists, MPAC’s Salam Al_Marayati, Maria Khani, Professor Ahmed Younis, and I spoke about our experience at the Summit and our thoughts on being a part of a historic Summit at the White House, with the President, and the Vice President seeking ways to engage the Muslims to help build strong communities, through interaction with other communities, interfaith alliances, federal and local government, and law enforcement, many of whom were present, so that Muslims can be a more resilient and empowered community.

The premise of the CVE frame-

work rests on protecting the rights and civil liberties of all Americans and thus our delegation was lead by the Acting US Attorney, Stephanie Yonekura, whose family had suffered from the Japanese Internment.

The notion that the CVE framework will involve surveillance and monitoring of Muslims and that Muslims are being targeted is FALSE. The framework helps empower the communities to deal with issues themselves and gives them the leverage to use the resources provided by the government and law enforcement. To become the first line of defense in countering

Detention of Pakistani Accused of Planning Toronto Attack Extended

Toronto: A Pakistani man, who is

accused of planning to bomb the US consulate in Toronto and other targets in the city’s financial district, will remain in custody pending an immigration review in April, Canadian media reported on Monday.

Jahanzeb Malik, 33, said little as he appeared by video-link before the brief immigration hearing at a jail in Lindsay, Ontario, northeast of Toronto, the reports said. He was told he would be detained until his next hearing on the grounds he may be “a danger to the public”.

The Canadian government, which has said Malik was inspired by the Islamic State group, is seeking to deport him as a security threat rather than charge him with criminal offenses. That strategy has been criticized as irresponsible by human rights lawyers.

While the deportation process can take months to complete, the threshold for proof of guilt is far lower than in criminal law. Malik’s next review hearing is set for April 14, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp said.

Malik was befriended by an undercover Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer during a long investigation into the activities of the former student, who has a record of travel to Pakistan and allegedly underwent combat training in Libya, the Canada Border Services Agency said last

extremism, bigotry, and challenges that face us going forward is to become a community that is ENGAGED and RESILIENT. We need to build networks and alliances that are strong and learn to combat bigotry from other minority communities that have developed successful programs such as the Jewish and the Japanese communities.

CAIR’s allegation that this is targeting Muslims is incorrect.

American Muslims should stand proud that their president included them and gave them an opportunity to be a part of the framework and did not exclude them. As stated by a lady in the audience, “How many of us can say that our birth countries will ever give us the same opportunity, to be a part of the conversation at such a high level?” A gentleman asked CAIR why they were not invited, but their response was vague.

A young reporter came to me, at the end of the town hall and told me

about the two girls from her own high school who almost joined ISIS from Colorado and that she was doing a story on ISIS after she heard about them. She mentioned how she thought that groups opposing the CVE efforts are polarizing the community and not acknowledging that this is a unified American effort to counter extremism in all shape and form and that everyone should be a part of the conversation, even with dissenting views. I agree with her reflection.

Whatever the results of the open discussion, the truth remains clear - Muslims of America have two choices - to be part of policy making and engage - or to isolate and exclude themselves from the dialogue.

The choice for the majority of Muslims in American is clear - integrate, discuss, engage, and debate.

A link to the townhall can be found at: http://www.ocif.org/index.php

Philly Buses Ordered to Accept Ads Featuring Hitler Philadelphia:

Philadelphia’s transit system has been ordered to accept provocative ads that include a 1941 photograph of Adolf Hitler with a former Arab leader after a federal judge ruled in favor of a proIsrael group’s freespeech lawsuit.

The proposed bus ads carry a tagline saying: “Jew Hatred: It’s in the Quran.”

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority believes the ads violate “minimal civility Canada has been on heightened alert since a gunman attacked the Parliament building in standards” and will consider an apOttawa in October peal. The Philadelphia Inquirer first week.

Malik, who came to Canada as reported on Wednesday’s ruling by The accusations against him a student in 2004 and became a per- US District Judge Mitchell Goldberg. have not been proven in court, and manent resident in 2009, told the unThe ad in question features a Malik’s lawyer could not immediate- dercover officer of his plans to make photograph of a 1941 meeting bely be reached for comment. a video of the bombings he planned tween Adolf Hitler and Hajj Amin Canada has been on heightened to encourage others, the CBSA said. al-Husseini, described by the group alert since a gunman attacked the Authorities also said he claimed as a Palestinian leader and Hitler Parliament building in Ottawa in to be a personal friend of US cleric ally.

October after fatally shooting a sol- Anwar Al-Awlaki, who was killed in The ads are produced by the dier at a nearby war memorial. a US drone strike on Yemen in 2011. American Freedom Defense InitiaThe attack by a so-called “lone Another Pakistani man sus- tive, a New Hampshire-based group wolf ” Canadian convert to Islam pected of militant links, Muhammad that opposes US aid to Islamic councame two days after another convert Aqeeq Ansari, is also being held by tries and has filed similar lawsuits in rammed two soldiers in Quebec with Canada awaiting possible deporta- New York and other cities. his car, killing one. tion.

SEPTA General Counsel Gino

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J. Benedetti testified in December that he rejected the ad because he thought it “put every single Muslim in the same category (of) being a Jew hater.”

Goldberg concluded that the transit authority’s “anti-disparagement” policy, while well-intentioned, was not clearly defined and therefore potentially discriminatory. He noted that SEPTA has run viewpoint ads on public issues including animal cruelty, birth control, religion and fracking.

“It is clear that the anti-disparagement standard promulgated by SEPTA was a principled attempt to limit hurtful, disparaging advertisements. While certainly laudable, such aspirations do not, unfortunately, cure First Amendment violations,” Goldberg wrote.

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MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P21

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COMMENTARY

P22 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

Who Will Win Cricket World Cup?

I

n By Stephan Shemilt

t has taken four weeks, but the Cricket World Cup has finally whittled 14 teams down to eight and is poised for the knockout stage.

The first month in Australia and New Zealand has seen recordbreaking batting, hard toil for the bowlers, spirit from the non-Test playing sides, and humiliation for England.

As the tournament prepares for the quarter-finals to begin on Wednesday, a range of Test Match Special pundits look back on the first round, ahead to the last-eight ties and predict who will lift the trophy in Melbourne on 29 March.

Has it been a good World Cup? BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew: “Yes, despite it being too long and not building any momentum, particularly within Australia. The standard of cricket has been very high, including the Associates. The only disappointment is that we should rattle through it quicker - some teams have had eight days off, which is ridiculous.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan: “It’s being played on the best wickets in the world, which is why we’re seeing great shots from the batsmen. The pitches have been fantastic for stroke play and they also reward bowlers with pace - if you zip it down, you’ll get something out of these decks.”

Former England off-spinner Vic Marks : “I still have reservations about the length, but we’ve had some good, close games. It has raised questions about whether a

10-team tournament is right next time, even if the likes of Scotland and the United Arab Emirates ran out of steam.”

Who has impressed?

Former South Africa off-spinner Johan Botha: “New Zealand have bowled really well in home conditions. They have swung the ball and Daniel Vettori has been excellent with his left-arm spin, controlling the game. The same can be said for Australia with their aggressive bowling line-up.”

India captain MS Dhoni led India to victory in pursuit of 288 against Zimbabwe on 14 March Agnew: “I saw AB de Villiers destroy the West Indies, but in that ridiculous situation, I saw great character from Windies captain Jason Holder. I like the look of him and I think he will be a good cricketer.”

Vaughan: “The India attack has really surprised me. In the tri-series with Australia and England beforehand, they looked like a pub team - you thought they would struggle.

Now, the likes of Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami are bowling with pace and being well managed by MS Dhoni. What is it about Dhoni? It’s like he gets to the big tournaments and sprinkles the magic dust.”

Apart from England, who have been disappointing?

Botha: “South Africa are a concern, especially their batting.

They’ve been tentative in the first 10 overs, trying to set it up for De Villiers to come in and finish it.

He’s done that a couple of times, but when he hasn’t, they’ve fallen short,

especially when chasing.

Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen: “De Villiers has been outstanding, but South Africa can’t just leave it all to him. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, the senior players, need to stand up and say ‘we’re going to soften up the opposition so you don’t have to chase 300’.

Scotland have failed to record a victory in three World Cup tournaments Marks: “Scotland would reckon they are better than they have showed. The killer was losing to Afghanistan by one wicket. If they’d won that, they might have played better in the rest, so I suspect they are slightly disappointed. You could have said the West Indies, but they have reached the quarter-finals.”

The quarter-final showdowns Sri Lanka v South Africa (Wednesday, Sydney, 03:30 GMT) Vaughan: “South Africa have never won a knockout game. They will want to win the toss and get something on the board because they have lost on both occasions they have been asked to chase. I don’t understand how panicky they become when they chase, there’s too much talent there for that. Sydney will offer a bit for the spinners and Sri Lanka will have Rangana Herath back. I’m backing Sri Lanka.”

Botha: “Everyone talks about South Africa losing these games and it just becomes a bigger and bigger issue. Until they win a game in that situation, it’s always going to be there. The worry for Sri Lanka is their bowling and if South Africa can get away to a good start, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews should be concerned.”

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Bangladesh v India (Thursday, Melbourne, 03:30 GMT) Vaughan: “I’m just looking forward to the atmosphere. India are looking strong through the way that Dhoni gets his team up for it and how the pieces of the jigsaw seem to be fitting together. They are going to take some beating.”

Nielsen: “You can’t see a way for Bangladesh to win this, only because of the way India have been playing.

Bangladesh shouldn’t be underestimated, especially after what they did to England, but India should have a bit too much class.”

Botha: “The only chance for Bangladesh would be to do something similar to the England game; make 270-plus, then maybe get through the India top order to put pressure on the rest of the India batting.”

Australia v Pakistan (Friday, Adelaide, 03:30 GMT) Vaughan: “I hate to say it, but I think Australia will win quite easily.

The Pakistan attack is decent, with pace and a bit of leg-spin from Shahid Afridi, but the way Australia lost to New Zealand told me so much about how strong they are. They batted poorly, yet only lost by one wicket. They will not bat that badly again. On top of that, Mitchell Starc is on fire.”

Agnew: “Pakistan have a very good bowling attack, especially if they can get Mohammad Irfan fit, but their batting can be erratic. You imagine that Australia will win this, but you’re never entirely sure that Pakistan will be beaten.”

Marks: “Pakistan are on a good roll and, in their win against Ireland, we saw reverse swing for the first time in the tournament. However, I

just don’t feel they’ve got the batting.

So, unless the Pakistan bowlers have a great day, you expect Australia to win.”

New Zealand v West Indies (Wellington, Saturday, 01:00 GMT) Botha: “A lot will depend on left-hander Chris Gayle. Wellington isn’t the biggest ground so he’s got a chance of doing something special.

That’s what the Windies have to hope for. They have to bat first, post something big and then create the pressure.”

Marks: “New Zealand are the favorites, but if West Indies can get through 10 overs without losing a wicket, they have a chance. It would take some doing, mind. It’s a free game for the Windies, because they didn’t look like getting through. They shouldn’t win, but they have a couple of players that can sway a game.”

Who will lift the trophy?

Agnew: “I’m still picking Australia, because they have the resources and the belief that they will go on to win it. An Australia v New Zealand final would be a reflection of the two teams that have played the best cricket so far and I hope New Zealand get there because they have been an outstanding team and hosts.”

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott: “I’m sticking with Australia as my tip to win it. New Zealand and South Africa could also be in the final. South Africa have talent - De Villiers is the best batsman in the world.”

Marks: “I said South Africa before the tournament so I should stick with them. They haven’t been the most impressive side, but teams very rarely go through a World Cup without losing a game.” - BBC Sport in Melbourne

COMMENTARY

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P23

Are We Wrong about Pakistan? n By Peter Oborne

I

t was my first evening in Pakistan. My hosts, a Lahore banker and his charming wife, wanted to show me the sights, so they took me to a restaurant on the roof of a town house in the Old City. My food was delicious, the conversation sparky – and from our vantage point we enjoyed a perfect view of the Badshahi Mosque, which was commissioned by the emperor Aurangzeb in 1671.

It was my first inkling of a problem. I had been dispatched to write a report reflecting the common perception that Pakistan is one of the most backward and savage countries in the world. This attitude has been hard-wired into Western reporting for years and is best summed up by the writing of the iconic journalist Christopher Hitchens. Shortly before he died last December, Hitchens wrote a piece in Vanity Fair that bordered on racism.

Pakistan, he said, was “humorless, paranoid, insecure, eager to take offence and suffering from self-righteousness, self-pity and self-hatred”. In summary, asserted Hitchens, Pakistan was one of the “vilest and most dangerous regions on Earth”.

Since my first night in that Lahore restaurant I have travelled through most of Pakistan, got to know its cities, its remote rural regions and even parts of the lawless north. Of course there is some truth in Hitchens’s brash assertions. Since 2006 alone, more than 14,000 Pakistani civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks. The Pakistan political elite is corrupt, self-serving, hypocritical and cowardly – as Pakistanis themselves are well aware. And a cruel intolerance is entering public discourse, as the appalling murder last year of minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti after he spoke out for Christians so graphically proves. Parts of the country have become impassable except at risk of kidnap or attack.

Yet the reality is far more complex. Indeed, the Pakistan that is barely documented in the West – and that I have come to know and love – is a wonderful, warm and fabulously hospitable country. And every writer who (unlike Hitchens), has ventured out of the prism of received opinion and the suffocating five-star hotels, has ended up celebrating rather than denigrating Pakistan.

A paradox is at work. Pakistan regularly experiences unspeakable tragedy. The most recent suicide bombing, in a busy market in northwestern Pakistan, claimed 32 lives and came only a month after another bomb blast killed at least 35 people in the Khyber tribal district on January 10.

But suffering can also release something inside the human spirit. During my extensive travels through this country, I have met people of truly amazing moral stature.

Take Seema Aziz, 59, whom I met at another Lahore dinner party, and who refuses to conform to the Western stereotype of the downtrodden Pakistani female. Like so many Pakistanis, she married young: her husband worked as a manager at an ICI chemical plant. When her three children reached school age, she found herself with lots of time on her hands. And then something struck her.

It was the mid-eighties, a time when Pakistan seemed captivated by Western fashion. All middle-class young people seemed to be playing pop music, drinking Pepsi and wearing jeans. So together with her family, Seema decided to set up a shop selling only locally manufactured fabrics and clothes.

The business, named Bareeze, did well. Then, in 1988, parts of Pakistan were struck by devastating floods, causing widespread damage and loss of life, including in the village where many of the fabrics sold by Bareeze were made. Seema set out to the flood damaged area to help.

Upon arrival, she reached an unexpected conclusion. “We saw that the victims would be able to rebuild their homes quite easily but we noticed that there was no school. Without education, we believed that there would be no chance for the villagers, that they would have no future and no hope.”

So Seema set about collecting donations to build a village school. This was the beginning of the Care Foundation, which today educates 155,000 underprivileged children a year in and around Lahore, within 225 schools.

I have visited some of these establishments and they have superb discipline and wonderful teaching – all of them are co-educational. The contrast with the schools provided by the government, with poorly-motivated teachers and lousy equipment, is stark. One cleric did take exception to the mixed education at one of the local schools, claiming it was contrary to Islamic law. Seema responded by announcing that she would close down the school. The following day, she found herself petitioned by hundreds of parents, pleading with her to keep it open.

She complied. Already Care has provided opportunities

for millions of girls and boys from poor backgrounds, who have reached adulthood as surgeons, teachers and business people.

I got the sense that her project, though already huge, was just in its infancy. Seema told me: “Our systems are now in place so that we can educate up to one million children a year.” With a population of over 170 million, even one million makes a relatively small difference in Pakistan.

Nevertheless, the work of Care suggests how easy it would be to transform Pakistan from a relatively backward nation into a south-east Asian powerhouse.

Certainly, it is a country scarred by cynicism and corruption, where rich men do not hesitate to steal from the poor, and where natural events such as earthquakes and floods can bring about limitless human suffering. But the people show a resilience that is utterly humbling in the face of these disasters.

In the wake of the floods of 2009 I travelled deep into the Punjab to the village of Bhangar to gauge the extent of

Some years after Botham’s outburst, the Daily Mirror had the inspired idea of sending Botham’s mother-in-law Jan Waller to Pakistan – all expenses paid – to see what she made of the country.

Unlike her son-in-law, Mrs Waller had the evidence of her eyes before her: “The country and its people have absolutely blown me away,” said the 68-year-old grandmother.

After a trip round Lahore’s old town she said: “I could not have imagined seeing some of the sights I have seen today.

They were indefinable and left me feeling totally humbled and totally privileged.” She concluded: “All I would say is: ‘Mothers-in-law of the world, unite and go to Pakistan. Because you’ll love it’. Honestly!” the tragedy. Just a few weeks earlier everything had been washed away by eight-feet deep waters. Walking into this ruined village I saw a well-built man, naked to the waist, stirring a gigantic pot. He told me that his name was Khalifa and that he was preparing a rice dinner for the hundred or more survivors of the floods.

The following morning I came across Khalifa, once again naked to the waist and sweating heavily. Pools of stagnant water lay around. This time he was hard at work with a shovel, hacking out a new path into the village to replace the one that had been washed away. A little later that morning I went to the cemetery to witness the burial of a baby girl who had died of a gastric complaint during the night. And there was Khalifa at work, this time as a grave digger. Khalifa was a day laborer who was lucky to earn $2 (£1.26) a day at the best of times. To prejudiced

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Western commentators, he may have appeared a symbol of poverty, bigotry and oppression. In reality, like the courageous volunteers I met working at an ambulance center in Karachi last year, a city notorious for its gangland violence, he represents the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani people, even when confronted with a scale of adversity that would overpower most people in the West.

As I’ve discovered, this endurance expresses itself in almost every part of life. Consider the Pakistan cricket team which was humiliated beyond endurance after the News of the World revelations about “spot-fixing” during the England tour of 2010. Yet, with the culprits punished, a new captain, Misbah-ul-Haq has engineered a revival.

In January I flew to Dubai to witness his team humiliate England in a three-match series that marked a fairy-tale triumph.

Beyond that there is the sheer beauty of the country.

Contrary to popular opinion, much of Pakistan is perfectly safe to visit so long as elementary precautions are taken, and, where necessary, a reliable local guide secured. I have made many friends here, and they live normal, fulfilled family lives. Indeed there is no reason at all why foreigners should not holiday in some of Pakistan’s amazing holiday locations, made all the better by the almost complete absence of Western tourists.

Take Gilgit-Baltistan in the north, where three of the world’s greatest mountain ranges – the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas and the Karakorams — meet. This area, easily accessible by plane from the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, is a paradise for climbers, hikers, fishermen and botanists. K2 – the world’s second-highest mountain – is in Gilgit, as are some of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions.

Go to Shandur, 12,000ft above sea level, which every year hosts a grand polo tournament between the Gilgit and Chitral polo teams in a windswept ground flanked by massive mountain ranges. Or travel south to MohenjoDaro and Harappa, cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization which generated the world’s first urban culture, parallel with Egypt and ancient Sumer, approximately 5,000 years ago.

Of course, some areas of Pakistan are dangerous. A profile of Karachi – Pakistan’s largest city and commercial capital – in Time magazine earlier this year revealed that more than 1,000 people died in 2011 in street battles fought between heavily armed supporters of the city’s main political parties. Karachi is plagued by armed robbery, kidnapping and murder and, in November last year, was ranked 216 out of 221 cities in a personal-safety survey carried out by the financial services firm Mercer.

But isn’t it time we acknowledged our own responsibility for some of this chaos? In recent years, the NATO occupation of Afghanistan has dragged Pakistan towards civil war. Consider this: suicide bombings were unknown in Pakistan before Osama bin Laden’s attack on the Twin Towers in September 2001. Immediately afterwards, President Bush rang President Musharraf and threatened to “bomb Pakistan into the stone age” if Musharraf refused to co-operate in the so-called War on Terror.

The Pakistani leader complied, but at a terrible cost.

Effectively the United States president was asking him to condemn his country to civil war by authorizing attacks on Pashtun tribes who were sympathetic to the Afghan Taliban. The consequences did not take long, with the first suicide strike just six weeks later, on October 28.

Many write of how dangerous Pakistan has become.

More remarkable, by far, is how safe it remains, thanks to the strength and good humor of its people. The image of the average Pakistani citizen as a religious fanatic or a terrorist is simply a libel, the result of ignorance and prejudice.

The prejudice of the West against Pakistan dates back to before 9/11. It is summed up best by the England cricketer Ian Botham’s notorious comment that “Pakistan is the sort of place every man should send his mother-in-law to, for a month, all expenses paid”. Some years after Botham’s outburst, the Daily Mirror had the inspired idea of sending Botham’s mother-in-law Jan Waller to Pakistan – all expenses paid – to see what she made of the country.

Unlike her son-in-law, Mrs Waller had the evidence of her eyes before her: “The country and its people have absolutely blown me away,” said the 68-year-old grandmother.

After a trip round Lahore’s old town she said: “I could not have imagined seeing some of the sights I have seen today. They were indefinable and left me feeling totally humbled and totally privileged.” She concluded: “All I would say is: ‘Mothers-in-law of the world, unite and go to Pakistan. Because you’ll love it’. Honestly!”

Mrs Waller is telling the truth. And if you don’t believe me, please visit and find out for yourself. - The Sunday Telegraph

COMMENTARY

P24 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi – 3

n By Dr. Zafar M. Iqbal Chicago , IL

A

few years after “Asrar-e-khudi,” “Rumuz-e-Bay-khudi” appeared (1918) in Persian, to complement the former. The latter was translated into English in 1953, “The Mysteries of Selflessness: A Philosophical Poem” by A. J. Arberry (a student of “R. A. Nicholson who had translated Asrar). Asrar-e-Rumuz, as the complementary collection is familiarly called, serves as a dialogue between them on khudi, and an individual trying to integrate into the community. It is in the development of such a community does khudi begin to realize its limitations on its freedom in a societal, community-related sense. In this context, Iqbal sees the vital role of women in forming and participating in developing such a community.

As a tangent off the controversy over the Asrar, Iqbal was right when he said in January 1921 that “the history of Muslim thought is so little known in the West.” Much earlier, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe(1749-1832), Germany’s great poet-philosopher, bemoaning the increasingly materialistic ways of the West, tried to bring in the spiritual values of the East. Goethe and Iqbal, each in his own ways, did much to narrow the gulf, the best they could, and made literature in each language, each culture richer.

For instance, Goethe, fascinated by the images and tales from the East since he was 12, wrote ‘Mahomets-Gesang’ [Mahomet’s Song) in 1774 and then a famous collection of poems, “West-Östlicher Diwan” ‘ in German (1819), or, “Diwan of West and East.”

This was based on Persian Sufi-poet, Hafiz Shirazi, and the Eastern culture, written over the previous 4-5 years. To Goethe, he was “Saint Hafiz or a “celestial friend. “Goethe was familiar with Persian Literature and had talked about Firdowsi, Anvari, Nizami, Mowlavi, Sa’adi, Hafiz and Jami.

“Mahomets Gesang” (Mahommad’s Song) was initially designed as a dialogue between Ali and Fatima for the fourth act of the drama. In 1877, Goethe turned it into a dialogue.

Here are English translation Goethe.

First, a part of ‘Mahomets Gesang’: “See the rock-born stream!

Like the gleam Of a star so bright Kindly spirits High above the clouds Nourished him while youthful In the copse between the cliffs.......”

[Stream used as a metaphor for the prophet] [1774] A few parts from “West-Oestlicher Diwan” :

n By Dr. A. Khan

F

Chicago , IL

ebruary 19, 2009 marks the 101 st anniversary of birth of Professor Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, a great Islamic scholar, a trusted friend of Pakistan, and one of the last free citizens of the State of Hyderabad Deccan.

Dr Hamidullah lived a remarkable life dedicated to scholarship and service to Islam. He belonged to the rare breed of scholars and intellectuals who focus on scholarship and strive for serving humanity without seeking any recognition in return.

His portfolio of scholarship included a doctorate from the Bonn University and a PhD in literature from the Sorbonne University. He translated the Holy Qur’an into French, English and German, and wrote more than 170 books in 24 languages, and more than 1,000 articles on a wide spectrum of topics and issues. Dr. Hamidullah also provided frequent help and advice to Dr. Annemarie Schimmel, the well-known German

“Stupid that everyone in his case Is praising his particular opinion!

If Islam means submission to God, We all live and die in Islam.”

“Whether the Koran is of eternity?

I don’t question that!...

That it is the book of books I believe out of the Muslim’s duty.”

Another from Goethe’s ‘Diwan’: “TO HAFIS. HAFIS, straight to equal thee, One would strive in vain; Though a ship with majesty Cleaves the foaming main, Feels its sails swell haughtily As it onward hies Crush’d by ocean’s stern decree, Wrecked it straightway lies.

Tow’rd thee, songs, light, graceful, free, Mount with cooling gush; Then their glow consumeth me, As like fire they rush.

Yet a thought with ecstasy Hath my courage moved; In the land of melody I have lived and loved.”

In “Unbounded,” Goethe to Hafiz: That you never end is what makes you great.

And that you never begin is your fate......

And if the whole world should disappear Hafiz, with you and you alone Would I compete! Pleasure & pain As twins we’d share!

To love & to drink like you That shall be my pride, my life. fire!

May songs now resound with their own

For you are older, you are newer!

At another place in ‘Diwan’, he says: “Stupid that everyone in his case Is praising his particular opinion!

If Islam means submission to God, We all live and die in Islam.”

[Other Western writers who have translated, or written about Hafez, include Rudyard Kipling, Ralph Waldo Emerson, etc.]

Goethe was quite interested in Sufism and mysticism, had bought copies of Rumi, Dschami, Hafez, Saadi, and was impressed by some of the mystic metaphors (moth and candle, e.g.): In another poem in ‘Diwan’, he refers to this metaphor as: “Blissful yearning / Selige Sehnsucht” ; Sacrifice of the self / Selbstopfer” and “Perfection / Vollendung.”

Iqbal’s ‘Payam-e-Mushriq’ (‘Message from the East’, 1923-1924) was in fact a response to Goethe’s “West-Ostlicher Diwan’ ( 1819). In Javid Nama / ‘Book of Javid’ (1932) Iqbal addressed the future generations, through his own son, Javid. Iqbal took the example of Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy’, casting himself as Zinda Rood (a lively stream).

Iqbal was guided here by Rumi, “through the realms of thought and experience to the final encounter.”

In an article, “Devil in the Triangle of Rumi, Goethe and Iqbal,” Dr.Javid Iqbal points out that “the three poets blend the ‘classical’ with the ‘romantic’, and despite the gaps in the times of their lives, their ideas on the role of evil in the spiritual and material development of Man are similar.” Compared to Goethe’s “Faust” (Evil, reverse of good) and Rumi’s “Mu`awiyah & Iblis” (evil is necessary for the fulfillment of the divine plan), Iqbal sees “the running parallel lines of good

and evil [meeting] in infinity.” Goethe and Iqbal both found Rumi difficult to fathom, but this quatrain from Payam-e-Mushriq by Iqbal takes an interesting turn: “ How may I describe good and evil?

The problem is complex, the tongue falters, Upon the bough you see flowers and thorns, Inside it there is neither flower nor thorn.”

In Payam-e-Mushriq, Iqbal has Rumi and Goethe meeting in paradise, and Goethe telling Rumi about the pact between the Doctor Faustus and the Devil, and Rumi responding to him this way: “O Portrayer of the inmost soul Of poetry, whose efforts goal Is capturing the seraphim And God himself, yes even Him, Your thought, consorting with your heart, Remade the world by means of art.

O you have seen the spirit’s frame Ablaze in its corporeal frame, And you from observation know How in their shells pearls form and grow All this you know, but there is more.

Not all can learn love’s secret lore, Not all can enter its high shrine One only knows by grace divine That wisdom is the Devil’s own, While Love belongs to man alone.” (“Jalal and Goethe”-Payam-e- Mashriq; Translation by M. Hadi Hussain) Iqbal once said (‘Stray Reflections’): “I confess I owe a great deal to Hegel, Goethe, Mirza Ghalib, Mirza Abdul Qadir Be-dil and Wordsworth. The first two led me into the “inside” of things; the third and fourth taught me how to remain oriental in spirit and expression after having assimilated foreign ideals of poetry, and the last saved me from atheism in my student days.” About Goethe’s influence on him, Iqbal also said: “Our soul discovers itself when we come into contact with a great mind. It is not until I had realized the infinitude of Goethe’s imagination that I discovered the narrow breadth of my own.”

In a tribute to Ghalib (Bang-e-Dara, 1923), Iqbal compliments Goethe by including with Ghalib) in these lines, written before he went West “Ah tu ujadi hui Dilli menh aramidah hai Gulshan-e-Weimar menh tera humnavah khwahbida hai” (“Alas, you lie buried in devastated Delhi, while in the Garden of Weimar sleeps your colleague.”) ( Weimar is a German city where Goethe lived all his life, since he was 17-18) (To be continued)

Professor Dr Hamidullah: A Great Silent Scholar scholar and orientalist, on various research projects.

Dr Hamidullah is recognized as the most authoritative scholar who carried out extensive research on Islamic international and constitutional law. His most popular works are: Muslim Conduct of State, Introduction to Islam, and The First Written Constitution.

These books have become very popular and have been translated into almost every major language of the world. One of his major scholarly contributions was the publication of the collection of ahadith by Sahifa Hammam bin Munabbah, a student of Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA), a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In the early 1950s, Dr Hamidullah was invited by the government of Pakistan to draft the first Islamic constitution for the country. He started the work but later resigned because of difference of opinion with

vested interests, and returned to Paris where he conducted his scholarly activities for five decades. He often visited Pakistan on various scholarly ventures.

In 1985, the government awarded him Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his scholarship and service and a

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10-million-rupee cash award. But he refused to accept the award and donated the Rs10 million to the Islamic Research Academy.

In 1946, as a citizen of the State of Hyderabad Deccan, Dr Hamidullah was appointed a delegate by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, to represent the state at the League of Nations. On September 12, 1948, a day after the demise of the Quaid-i-Azam, Indian prime minister Nehru carried out the military invasion of the state of Hyderabad Deccan. Before the invasion, Hyderabad Deccan’s delegation which included Dr Hamidullah left for the United Nations (UN) to plead their case. But before the delegates could reach the UN, the state was annexed

by India (according to oral historical accounts, prime minister Nehru did not keep his promise of making Azam Jah, the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad ). Thus, Dr Hamidullah like other delegates became a state-

less refugee. In 1948 he founded the Hyderabad Liberation Society to get recognition for Hyderabad as an independent state, and decided to stay in France as a stateless person as long as the status of Hyderabad remained open in the United Nations.

Dr Hamidullah was a very humble man and lived a modest life and dedicated his time to his students.

In 1967, he told his students during a lecture, “We can expect to solve the problems facing us if everyone ... helps others before asking for help.”

Dr. Hamidullah did not marry; he dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of scholarly activities. He lived in a small apartment in Paris.

For five decades he used to climb three flights of stairs to get to his apartment. In his later years, he fell sick, and was asked by his brother’s grand-daughter Sadia Attaullah to join her in the United States so that she could take care of him. In 1996 Dr. Hamidullah moved to the United States for medical treatment and stayed with Sadia Attaullah.

HAMIDULLAH, P29

SPORTS SPORTS

MARCH20, 20, 2015 2015 –-PAKISTAN LINKLINK – P25 MARCH PAKISTAN

Sarfraz Ahmed Hundred Sends Pakistan Into Quarters

Sarfraz Ahmed is thrilled after completing his hundred, Ireland v Pakistan, World Cup 2015, Group B, Adelaide.

ADELAIDE: Pakistan lost their opening two matches of the World Cup; Ireland won their opening two matches. But it was the former who progressed to the quarter-finals with a reasonably polished seven-wicket victory in Adelaide to mean that the knockouts will be populated solely by Full Members.

An opening stand of 120 ensured against any concerns for Pakistan and Sarfraz Ahmed, just two matches into his comeback, struck his maiden ODI hundred - their first century of the tournament - although it was reached in

slightly farcical scenes as Umar Akmal blocked ball after ball when it appeared Sarfraz would finish short. Ireland's spirit never dimmed, but there were some resigned looks long before Umar finally clubbed the winning boundary.

On the biggest day of Ireland's cricket history their captain William Porterfield had stood tall with his seventh ODI hundred, but the next best score was Gary Wilson's 29 and ultimately the skill of the Pakistan quick bowlers, even without the injured Mohammad Irfan, prevailed especially at the death.

The pacemen have been central to Pakistan's recovery after the heavy opening defeats to India and West Indies and this time the last ten overs of the innings brought 49 for 5 with just three fours and a six against outstanding death bowling from Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz.

However, Ireland would also ponder the number of well-struck shots that hit fielders - more than half the deliveries in the innings were dots - and they struggled to rotate the strike.

In contrast to Pakistan, Ireland's bowling is comfortably their weakest department. A chase of 238 was enough that a couple of early wickets would have created some jitters but, like against India, they could not break the opening stand before significant damage had been done. The first seven overs brought 28 runs against Alex Cusack and John Mooney, then Sarfraz and Ahmed Shehzad began to cut loose.

George Dockrell's introduction, for the tenth over, marked a change in tempo as Shehzad and Sarfraz collected two boundaries apiece. It was smart play because on a pitch where the ball had occasionally stopped, or gripped, Dockrell should have been a key weapon for Ireland but he was not given the chance to settle.

Ireland's first chance to break through was spurned when Wilson, standing up the stumps to Kevin O'Brien, dropped Sarfraz on 37. By the time Shehzad pulled straight to mid-on against Stuart Thompson, Pakistan were half way to the target and Haris Sohail's run out two overs later was only a momentary blip.

Sarfraz had hit three boundaries by the end of the tenth over and did not add to that until the 37th when he took back-to-back fours off Cusack. It was a sign of how he calmly worked the field and judged that there was no need for anything reckless. Misbah-ulHaq was more aggressive and the pair added 82 before Misbah trod on his stumps, but by then it had long been obvious there would not be scenes to match Jamaica 2007, almost eight years ago to the day.

South Africa Beat Sri Lanka

by Nine Wickets in Quarter-Final

SYDNEY: South Africa crushed Sri Lanka by nine wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground recently to reach the World Cup semi-finals where they will face either New Zealand or the West Indies.

Chasing just 134 to win, the Proteas reached their target in the 18th over with opener Quinton de Kock making an undefeated 78.

Earlier, South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka - who won the toss - for just 133, with leg-spinner Imran Tahir taking four for 26 and offspinner JP Duminy, whose haul included a hat-trick, three for 29 Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel set it up with probing spells at the top, leaving Sri Lanka at 47 for 2 by the time spin was introduced in the 15th over. Imran Tahir and JP Duminy made sure the pressure wasn't released, and were there to accept the wickets when the pressure became too much. Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick at the World Cup. Playing what turned out to be his last ODI innings, Kumar Sangakkara - who had scored four centuries in his last four innings was neutralised through excellent bowling and the failure of the rest.

His score at various points of the innings read 0 off 15, 2 off 27, 6 off

42, 34 off 90 and out for 45 off 96.

He was the ninth man out with the score at 127, only just past the lowest score in a World Cup quarterfinal: West Indies' 112 against Pakistan in 2011. On big days, you are looking for early signs that everything is going to be all right.

Sri Lanka tried all sorts of verbal gamesmanship. When they won the toss, Angelo Mathews said, "Obviously the pressure will take it to them." He introduced debutant offpsinner Tharindu Kaushal as a "duplicate Murali" and "mystery spinner". They made mystery moves, too. Kusal Perera was asked to open although Lahiru Thirimanne had scored 261 runs at the top of the order this World Cup. Perera kept slashing at everything outside off until Abbott bowled a perfect seaming delivery, which looked like it would swing in when in air, but left him a touch upon pitching. The edge was taken, and would have died well short of first slip. There are quite a few specialist wicketkeepers going around today who wouldn't even have attempted it.Quinton de Kock, who is under pressure for having scored just 53 runs this World Cup, not only went for it, not only got his left hand to it, but also took the rebound even as he dived. J

Injured Muhammad Irfan Ruled Out of World Cup ADELAIDE: Pakistan's ace fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been ruled out of the World Cup recently after the seven foot tall left-armer failed to recover from a "stress frac-

ture in the pelvis".

Irfan had undergone a MRI scan a day earlier. The radiologist's report showed a stress injury of the pelvis.

Brad Robinson, Pakistan's phys-

iotherapist, later asked for a detailed scan which confirmed an obvious injury of serious nature.

"This injury rules Irfan out of the World Cup," Robinson said.

Injury will deprive fans of the most anticipated battle of the quarter-finals: Irfan vs Warner

www.Pakistanlink.com www.PakistanLink.com

We'll Have to Live With It, Misbah Says After Irfan Blow ADELAIDE: Giant Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was ruled out of the World Cup recently because of a stress fracture to his pelvis, an injury which captain Misbah-ul-Haq described as a "huge setback".

The 32-year-old first felt the hip injury in the 129-run win over the United Arab Emirates two weeks ago when he bowled just three overs.

The seven-foot one-inch fast bowler played in the crucial victory against South Africa, taking three

wickets, before missing Sunday's game against Ireland which Pakistan won to secure their place in the lasteight.

The injury is a major blow to the 1992 champions' chances of defeating four-time winners Australia in the quarter-final at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

"Irfan was one bowler who was different to all the others in the competition," Misbah told AFP. "It is a huge setback for us but we have to live with it."

The left-armer suffered a recurrence of his hip injury during Pakistan's crucial game against South Africa but managed to complete the match, playing a pivotal role in the 29-run victory.

He was ruled out of the next game against Ireland, a must-win encounter for both sides. Though Pakistan emerged unscathed from the battle, it will be a major blow for Misbah-ul-Haq to lead without the firepower of Irfan against tourna-

ment-favourites Australia.

However, the Pakistani think tank has decided to wait till the outcome of Friday's quarter-final against Australia before asking the selection committee for a replacement.

The development would be a bitter pill for Pakistan to swallow who are already without the services of key bowlers Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Junaid Khan for the World Cup. J

COMMENTARY

P26 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

n By Saghir Aslam

Wills and Trusts

Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the Ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities) Many of you have heard me emphasizing the need for each and everyone to have a will. I have discussed this in depth in many seminars and in formal and informal gatherings as well. It is our Islamic duty to create a will to secure our future. It is more important to have a will in this great land of opportunity as here we do not have the Islamic Law of Inheritance.

Before I continue further, let me reiterate what has been said many times over, I am not an attorney, nor an expert on estate planning. I am simply sharing the information I have learned with you so you can find further professional help regarding this matter.

Do you own a valuable house?

Are you likely to leave an estate large enough to be subject to federal estate tax?

If so, placing your house in a qualified personal residence trust CRICKET ROM P1

Irfan as the team’s X-factor but insisted they can still defeat Australia despite the giant seamer being ruled out of the tournament with a stress fracture of his pelvis.

The lanky 7 foot, one inch paceman suffered a fracture to his hip bone and was ruled out of the remaining World Cup matches, including mouth-watering quarter-final against the four-time champions at the Adelaide Oval.

“It’s unfortunate that we lost Irfan just at the wrong time,” said Waqar on Wednesday.

“It’s a huge loss. He was an X factor for us but we have got to live with it.”

Waqar refused to accept that Irfan had not been rested adequately.

“This injury could have happened a long time before, so we can’t say that it happened two days ago, it’s not easy for us but we have to cope with it,” said Waqar.

“I am pleased with the performance of the fast bowlers — Wahab Riaz has taken responsibility and has been delivering and so has Rahat Ali. “We have been approaching the games very well in the entire tournament. We had a poor start at the beginning but we came back well.”

“The bowlers know what to do and they are doing well. Look at the bigger picture, look at what happened in the recent past, losing so many bowlers and some good spinners for other reasons so it’s tough but we are handling that well.”

YASIR SHAH: Waqar did not rule out playing leg-spinner Yasir Shah in place of Irfan on Friday.

Shah took 12 wickets in Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series win over Australia in the United Arab Emirates last year — their first win over the opponents for 20 years.

(QPRT) can cut the eventual tax bite.

Here’s how it works: You create an irrevocable trust for a specified number of years, placing your house in the trust while retaining the right to live there.

Because your gift to the trust is a gift of what the Internal Revenue Service calls a “future interest,” it does not qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion of $10,000 per person.

But it does qualify for a discount, based on your age and the length of the trust. That discount is key to cutting estate taxes.

Let’s say you own a house valued at $400,000. Giving it outright to your children would mean using up a substantial portion of the $675,000 total you currently can give away without any of it being eaten by gift or estate taxes.

Give the house to a QPRT instead, reserving the right to use it for a term of 10 years. The taxable value of the gift could be as little as $120,000.

Transfers of jointly held proper“We have discussed Shah but we will look at the pitch and if it’s conducive then we will see how it goes,” said Waqar, who added he was not worried about facing a tough opponent like Australia.

“Look, we are in a situation where we cannot worry too much.

We need to go out and do the best we can. It’s a big game, a quarter-final of the World Cup and we all are very pleased to be here.”

“We know Australia play very aggressive cricket and we have to match that.” Waqar said Pakistan needed to be positive.

“We can beat Australia but for that we have to be very positive. We have beaten them in the past, even in the last World Cup (2011) so we can do that again if we play to our strengths.”

TURNING POINT: The turning point for Pakistan’s campaign came with a stunning victory over South Africa, a result that coincided with the recall of Sarfraz Ahmed.

In the wicketkeeper’s two matches, in which he has opened alongside Ahmed Shehzad, he contributed 49 against the Proteas and then an unbeaten maiden century against Ireland to confirm his team’s progression past the group stage of the tournament, thanks to their fourth consecutive win.

Captain Misbah said the selectors felt they had no choice but to overlook the 27-year-old, and instead ask batsman Umar Akmal to take the gloves, for the first four matches of the tournament because of his conspicuously poor form beforehand.

“In these conditions he was not up to the mark, he was not getting runs. He was finding it difficult, even in the nets,” he said.

The captain confirmed the recall of Sarfraz occurred because

ty are complicated. I suggest changing the form of ownership from joint ownership to tenants in common.

Under this arrangement, the husband and wife each own half the house and can place the halves in two separate trusts.

The value is reduced first simply by dividing the ownership. For the sake of a rough illustration, suppose that reduction is 15% of its value.

Half a house is worth less than a fractional interest in the whole.

After marking down the value of both halves by 15%, each trust holds $170,000. Then the discounted value of each trust is calculated, based on current federal interest rates.

In this example, a 10-year trust where both spouses are age 65 results in a combined taxable gift for the couple of about $120,000. As a result, you took a $400,000 house out of your estate for a song. (Continued...)

(Saghir A. Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and NO ADVICE is given. Mr Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, nor does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Mr Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. Mr Aslam does not have anything for sale.)

Younus and Jamshed had between them contributed 11 runs in four matches at the top of the order.

“We were just left with no choice but to get Sarfraz back at the top of the order, and he responded really well,” he said.

In 1992 Pakistan’s only win in their first five matches, which included a washout against England, was against Zimbabwe. The losses were a crushing 10-wicket loss to West Indies, a 43-run defeat by India and failing in a rain-affected chase against South Africa.

Then captain Imran Khan symbolically appeared for the toss before their match against Australia wearing a T-shirt featuring a cornered tiger, declaring he wanted the team to adopt that mindset.

“I want my team to play today like a cornered tiger. That’s when it’s at its most dangerous,” Imran said at the toss.

Pakistan’s 48-run defeat of Australia that day was the first of five matches they won in succession to claim the 1992 trophy.

The last time the teams met, late last year, ended in humiliation for Australia. The fact they swept Pakistan 3-0 in a one-day series at the start of the tour was all but forgotten after they were smashed in the both Tests, the conspicuous low point of Darren Lehmann’s tenure as coach.

THREATS FROM P1

ments againstthe security agencies of Pakistan. Nisar also shared a copy of the FIR with Philip Barton.

During the course of his speech the MQM chief said, “I don’t want to fight with the Army as it is the defender of my country and I always do advocacy for it.” He said thatt he was ready to fight alongside the armed forces to rid the country of terrorism and extremism.

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Support Hidaya Schools Due to corruption, mismanagement and poverty, the state of schools in economically depressed areas of under-developed countries are in a deplorable state. Hidaya opens schools in rural areas which have none to begin with, as well as adopts and operates “ghost schools” which have been shut down.

Hidaya is currently operating 67 schools with over 7,00 0 students from 1st to 8th grade poverty in stricken areas of Pakista n.

It co sts a bou to r appr un a cla t $160 oxim s ate sroom eac ly 40 st of hm uden ont ts h.

Donate Zakat & Sadaqah to Support Hidaya Schools

Hidaya Foundation 866.2.HIDAYA | www.hidaya.org Hidaya Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization with Tax ID # 77-0502583

Exchange Rates for Currency Notes* Countries

USA

UK S.Arabia Japan Euro UAE

Buying Rs. 101.30 149.53 27.01 0.8348 107.65 27.58

(*March 18, 2015)

Selling Rs. 101.50 149.82 27.06 0.8365 107.21 27.63

RELIGION

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P27

from the Prophet Muhammad’s Message: Common, Unique and Relevant Gems Holy Qur’an n By Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi

(Khutbah at ISOC – Jumadal Ula 3, 1434/ March 15, 2013)

M

uhammad is not the father of any one of your men; he is Allah’s Messenger and the seal of the prophets: Allah knows everything. (33:40)

The example of me and other prophets before me is like a person built a building. He made it fine and beautiful, except for a stone at a corner. People walked around the building and were amazed but said, ‘For what reason this cornerstone is not placed?’ I am the cornerstone and I am the seal of the prophets. (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 3535) In Islam we emphasize both the commonality of Prophet Muhammad’s message with the message of other prophets and messengers of Allah as well as its uniqueness. It is important to recognize commonality, because this makes us work with others and cooperate with them in matters of goodness. It is also important to understand the special and unique mission of Prophet Muhammad, because this makes us distinct and help us to make our unique contribution to the world. We should talk of uniqueness not in any arrogance but in humble thankfulness to Allah and give this message to the world.

We believe in all prophets and messengers of Allah without any discrimination between them. We specially recognize the prophets and messengers who came in the line of Prophet Ibrahim and are recognized

by Jews and Christians. Most of the Prophets mentioned in the Qur’an are the same as mentioned in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The teachings of all prophets were very similar. They all emphasized faith in one God and righteous life. They all emphasized that God created this world. He created human beings as His special creation to serve Him and take care of His creation.

The uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad is that he was the last and final prophet of Allah and his message is the universal and final message of Allah. There is no new prophet after Prophet Muhammad and there is no new divine message after his

From the translation by Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss) (Recently, a media talk show host, well known for his anti-Muslim bias, saw it fit to make scornful remarks against the Qur’an on TV. In these columns, selections from this Holy Book will be published, so that unacquainted readers of the Pakistan Link may be able to judge for themselves.)

message. He was sent for all humankind until the end of the world. The Qur’an also tells us that this message is complete and perfect and does not need any addition or alteration. The message was also preserved and protected. So we should follow it without any doubt or hesitation. … Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My blessing upon you, and chosen as your religion Islam… (Al-Ma’idah 5:3) We have sent down the Reminder Ourself, and We Ourself will guard it. (Al-Hijr 15:9) However, the most important things for us are to reflect on the relevance of this message today and on our role. The relevance of this message is its universal quality. It is a most suitable message for our global village. It is a message that is good for the shrinking world where people of diverse background meet, live and work together. The core principles of this message are five. These principles were good for humanity in the past and they are much more relevant and needed today. These principles are: 1. One God

2. One human family 3. Dignity and equality of all human beings 4. Justice and fairness towards all people 5. Absolute requirement of balanced morality and universal ethics These principles are mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah in different places and in different ways. All of them are important and relevant, but there are two verses of the Qur’an that are most outstanding in presenting the core and global message of Islam. They present this message in the most powerful and beautiful way.

One is known as Ayat al-Birr (alBaqarah 2:177). Sayyidna Abu Dharr al-Ghifari called it ‘Ayat al-Iman’. The other is Ayat al-‘Adl (al-Nahl 16:90).

Sayyidna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud called it ‘the most comprehensive verse of the Qur’an: Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travelers and those who ask, and to liberate those in bondage; those who keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed charity; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are aware of Allah. ( A l- B a q ara h 2:177) The ayah emphasizes

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that true righteousness (or religiousness) means sound faith, sincere social concern, deep devotion to Allah and excellence in character. The second ayah says: Allah commands justice and kindness, and generosity towards relatives; and He forbids what is shameful, evil, and aggressive. He teaches you, so that you may take heed. (al-Nahl 16:90)

In this ayah we have three commands and three prohibitions.

Justice, benevolence and family connections are the basic rules for individuals and society. Indecencies, evil and aggressions must be removed to keep the individuals and society safe and secure.

This message is not for any particular race, ethnic groups or nationality. It is good for all people and for all times, especially for our time.

However, the message itself cannot be effective unless there are people who sincerely commit to this message and conduct their personal and communal affairs by it. Our responsibility therefore is: 1. To learn this message and its details from the authentic sources and teachers. Knowledge is the foundation.

2. We should live by it sincerely. Unless we practice what we profess we cannot be effective.

3. We must present it to others with wisdom and compassion using the right words and means.

4. Our goal must be to increase love, harmony and cooperation among all people.

5. Our ultimate objective must be Allah’s approval.

Say, ‘My prayer and sacrifice, my life and death, are all for Allah, Lord of all the Worlds; He has no partner.

This is what I am commanded, and I am the first to submit to Him.’ Say, ‘Should I seek a Lord other than Allah, when He is the Lord of all things?’

Each soul is responsible for its own actions; no soul will bear the burden of another. You will all return to your Lord in the end, and He will tell you the truth about your differences. (AlAn ‘am 6:162-164)

About the translator: Muhammad Asad, Leopold Weiss, was born of Jewish parents in Livow, Austria (later Poland) in 1900, and at the age of 22 made his first visit to the Middle East. He later became an outstanding foreign correspondent for the Franfurter Zeitung, and after his conversion to Islam travelled and worked throughout the Muslim world, from North Africa to as far East as Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. After years of devoted study he became one of the leading Muslim scholars of our age.

His translation of the Holy Qur’an is one of the most lucid and well-referenced works in this category.

Chapter 25, Verses 32-33 Now they who are bent on denying the truth are wont to ask, “Why has not the Qur’an been bestowed on him from on high in one single revelation?

[It has been revealed] in this manner so that We might strengthen thy heart thereby – for We have so arranged its component parts that they form one consistent whole – and [that] they [who deny the truth] might never taunt thee with any deceptive half-truth without Our conveying to thee the [full] truth and [providing thee] with the best explanation.

Chapter 25, Verse 43 Hast thou ever considered [the kind of man] who makes his own desires his deity? Couldst thou, then, [O Prophet,] be held responsible for him?

Chapter 25, Verses 47-49 And He it is who makes the night a garment for you, and [your] sleep a rest, and causes every [new] day to be a resurrection.

And He it is who sends forth the winds as a glad tiding of His coming grace; and [thus, too,] We cause pure water to descend from the skies, so that We may bring dead land to life thereby, and give to drink thereof to many [beings] of Our creation, beasts as well as humans.

Chapter 25, Verse 53 And He it is who has given freedom of movement to the two great bodies of water – the one sweet and thirst-allaying, the other salty and bitter – and yet has wrought between them a barrier and a forbidding ban. [ 1 ]____________ Translator’s Notes [ 1 ] I.e., it has caused them – as if by an invisible barrier – to remain distinct in kind despite their continuous meeting and mingling GEMS, P29

CLASSIFIED & MATRIMONIAL

P28 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

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PAKISTAN GEMS FROM P27

in the oceans: an indirect reminder of God’s planning creativeness inherent in the cyclic transformation of water – its evaporation from the salty seas, followed by a formation of clouds, their condensation into rain and snow which feed springs and rivers, and its return to the seas. Some Muslim mystics see in this stress on the two kinds of water an allegory of the gulf – and, at the same time, interaction – between man’s spiritual perceptions, on the one hand, and his worldly needs and passions, on the other. ____________________ MORTALITY FROM P8

running a busy medical practice and was active socially. When he started complaining of neck pain, the symptoms were dismissed as part of the normal aging process. However, as the problem worsened, more extensive diagnostic tests revealed a tumor growing in his spinal cord, a finding much more serious than originally thought. The author gives a detailed account of the progression of the malignancy, the course of treatment and the emotional roller coaster his family went through.

The father went through an invasive surgical procedure that brought only temporary relief. The radiation treatment that followed caused miserable side effects and no remission from pain. Fed up with both the malady and the treatment, he refused to countenance any further treatment that would have condemned him to a miserable existence, with no ability to enjoy things he valued. He insisted that his oxygen supply and antibiotic drugs be withdrawn. He was finally taken back to his house as he desired, and there he peacefully passed away without much suffering.

Dr Gawande, a master storyteller, has produced a highly readable book, but it is not designed to unravel the mysteries of death or dying or to offer any insights into either.

In fact, the book is a chastisement of his fellow doctors who often “focus on prolongation of the life of their patients, while failing to recognize they may have higher or different priorities beyond merely being safe and living longer.” In that mission, he seems to have succeeded.

HAMIDULLAH FROM P24

Dr Hamidullah was a very humble soul he disliked the limelight and preferred to live an anonymous life.

According to Saida Attaullah, “He wanted to be that fortunate man who lived and worked and died in anonymity and acknowledged 200 years after his death.” Indeed, Dr Hamidullah lived a life of anonymity in France and the United States without seeking either help from anyone or recognition for his work. He passed away in his sleep on December 17, 2002, in Florida.

Professor Dr. Hamidullah was truly a silent scholar and a seeker of the truth. His legacy will be a source of guidance for generations to come.

ANSWER FROM P9

acceptance of torture and suspension of certain civil liberties in the former; and the collapse of law and order, resurgence of religious intolerance and widespread corruption in the latter. Their visions are more relevant than ever as a challenge and inspiration for their compatriots and admirers in both nations.

Jefferson and Jinnah do not divide civilizations; they bridge them.

(Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn

MARCH 20, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P29 Khaldun chair of Islamic studies at American University’s School of International Service. This essay is adapted from his new book, “Journey Into America: The Challenge of Islam) TRADITION FROM P9

is one person to whom is due the introduction of Islam in Pakistan it is Baba Fareed. His piety, sincerity and spirituality acted as a magnet to the Hindus of the Punjab and they embraced Islam in droves.

Both the Sabiriya and Nizamiya tareeqas trace their origin to Baba Fareed. He trained and sent a large number of Shaikhs to the far corners of the subcontinent.

Notable among those were Shaikh Jamal of Hanswi, Imamul Haq of Sialkot, Mawzum Alauddin Sabir of Saharanpur, Shaikh Muntaqaddin of Deccan and Nizamuddin Awliya of Delhi.

Professor M. Mujeeb has compiled a list of Shaikhs and Pirs in the Pakistan region. The more notable ones listed by him include Shaikh Masud Ganj Shakar of Pak Pattan (d 1266), Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari of Bhawalpur (d 1294), Shaikh Dawud and Shaikh Ismail of Lahore, Shaikh Ruknuddin Rukne Alam of Multan, Shaikh Jehan Gusht of Uch, Pir Jalaluddin of Baluchistan, Mir Syed Hasan Samnani of Kashmir, Shaikh Ishaq of Pak Pattan, Baba Mullah Taher of Ziarat, Pir Hunglaj of Makran, Pir Shori of Bugti, Shah Bilawal of Lasbela, Pir Omar in Khuzdar, Shaikh Chatan Shah of Kalat, Pir Baba of Swat, Shaikh Kaka Sahib of Nowshera, Hazrat Abdullah Shah of Karachi and Hazrat Shah Inayat of Sindh. (To be continued) BURRAQ FROM P11

strikes, but a majority of those eliminated are terrorists, including foreign terrorist elements.”

Pakistan is hoping to emulate the success of American drones in FATA by deploying Burraq in its ongoing anti-terror campaign in Waziristan and other tribal agencies. Burraq has the ability to linger over targets for long periods of time, gather intelligence and fire deadly missiles precisely at much lower cost than fighter planes like F-16 and JF-17.

WOMEN FROM P10

a husband in his moments of anger and rage over the perceived defiance of his wife and how would anyone stop him from beating his wife in the privacy of his home away from the previews of religious scholars, law enforcement agents or the members of the family? Will the threat of further violence not prevent wives to speak up? What is defiance? The idea of the use of force and beating in one to one relations never produces positive results as no self-respecting individual would feel dignified after being beaten or living under the threat of being beaten even if the beating is done with a toothpick or a handkerchief as many scholars suggest was the advice of Prophet Muhammad. The physical injuries from beating may heal, but the emotional, social, and moral scars such a beating leaves on human souls stay permanently.

Didn’t the divine, the creator of human emotions, know this basic fact of His creation?

The idea of using physical force within family relations is unthinkable for its stability and durability. Certainly, the divine who created men and women knew that and the intent

in the revelation of this verse was not what the scholars have communicated but what has been lived by the Prophet.

Scholars accept the statement attributed to Hazrat Aisha, wife of the Prophet, in which she said that the Prophet was a living Qur’an. It means that he lived each and every verse of the Qur’an. There is not a single instance in the life of the Prophet where violence or beating may have ever become his option. The fact of the matter is that the Prophet never thought of hitting his wives or even speaking with them in an intimidating manner.

Thus, it is his behavior and example as well as the divine intent that defines this verse and not the opinions or interpretations of the scholars who are not sure of the real context of this verse, and not sure about its exact meanings, and who are still uncertain about the definition of defiance.

Certainly, the dignity of humanity cannot be left at the mercy of scholars who often find it hard to respect the dignity of those who oppose them, and who often compromise their positions for personal gains. (Continued next week) RIGHTS FROM P10

Muhammad helped grant these rights to women 1,400 years ago.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) fought for the equal rights of women throughout his life. He established the rights of inheritance for women. At that time, only male members could inherit wealth or land and Prophet Mohammad’s efforts constituted a huge leap forward. He also advocated equal treatment of daughters and sons and sometimes may have stressed the gentler care of daughters. Although the concept of feminism is less than a millennium years old in the Western society, Prophet Muhammad introduced it a long time back in the deserts of Arabia. Isn’t it ironic that Muslim women are the ones who are viewed as oppressed?

CHIEF FROM P1

Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November,1980. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College and Royal College of Defense Studies (UK) and his career encompasses a wide range of operational, training and command assignments.

During his remarkable career in PAF, he has flown various fighter and training aircrafts in PAF’s inventory. He also holds a Master’s degrees in International Studies from Kings College UK and Strategic Studies from Air War College. During his outstanding career in PAF, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, Combat C om mand e rs’ School, an Operational Air Base and Regional Air Command.

CASE FROM P1

caing to issuing threats to law enforcement agencies.

“The FIR was registered under Section

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506 of Pakistan Penal Code, that calls for punishment for criminal intimidation as well as Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 that calls for punishment for terrorist acts,” duty officer at Civil Lines police station said.

Reacting to news of the case, MQM’s Rabita Committee said in a press release that the party’s legal and constitutional experts are examining the case and will draft a legal framework accordingly.

“The accusations pinned on the MQM chief are not true,” the statement said.

“In the past, cases were also registered against the MQM chief but we faced them,” it added.

ECONOMY FROM P1

dent opinions on financial, political and economic issues, mentioned that Nawaz Sharif has seen street protesters aiming to nearly oust him, some of the worst fuel shortages, and a child massacre that shocked the world. However, despite these challenges, the “corporate earnings are soaring, stocks have surged and the currency is among the world’s top performers.”

The article stresses that while much more needs to be done to fix an economy dependent on financing from the International Monetary Fund, the perception of Pakistan is starting to change. “Sharif ’s government has improved things with the help of the IMF,” Sayem Ali, head of investments strategy and advisory at Standard Chartered Plc’s Karachi unit, said by phone. “They have put Pakistan back on the radar in terms of international investors.”

When Sharif took power in May 2013, he faced a balance-of-payments crisis that forced him to seek help from the IMF. “Foreign exchange reserves have doubled in the past year to $16 billion, the budget deficit has narrowed

and inflation is easing as global oil prices fall,” the article said.

Pakistan last month said it regained its eligibility to borrow from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, making it eligible for $2 billion of credit over the next four years.

The IMF also is optimistic it will meet the conditions of the $6.6 billion loan it received two years ago. “I see Pakistan breaking with past precedent of failed IMF programs and half-completed reforms, which set the stage for a crisis,” Jeffrey Franks said last month, when he was IMF mission chief. The country has a “good foundation” for further growth, a delegation led by his successor said on March 9. The IMF forecasts Pakistan’s economy to expand 4.3 percent this year, compared with the five-year average of 3.6 percent. Pakistan’s moves to bolster its public finances are credit positive, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report. “It is striking that reforms have continued despite disruptive domestic political challenges over the last year,” Moody’s analysts wrote. Pakistan’s middle class more than doubled to 84 million in 2002-2011.

STRIKES FROM P1

suicide attacks on churches in the eastern city of Lahore.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the TTP had claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The airstrikes come amid the ongoing Khyber- One operation launched by the military in Khyber tribal region and are part of the military’s stepped-up efforts since a militant attack in December killed 150 people, mostly children, at an armyrun school in Peshawar .

Militants have fled to various other tribal regions, including the Tirah Valley that borders Afghanistan, where they operate on both sides of the border.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MARCH 20, 2015 - PAKISTAN LINK

ENTERTAINMENT

P30 – PAKISTAN LINK – MARCH 20, 2015

R

eturning after a hiatus of almost two years, Sajjad Ali's 'Na Tum Samjhe' is based on the work of poet Saba Akbar Abadi and is a soft, melodic, wistful tune.

Singing the song, Sajjad himself acts like an omniscient spectator as others play their parts with the singer trying to overcome her hesitation, the artist trying to perfect his delivery,

- its ambiguity holds many meanings for viewers. While at one point it might appear that all the characters are trying hard to attain perfection, at the other it appears that they are

The song opens with Sajjad's soulful voice as he sings: "Hamaray aur tumharay raastay me eik naya pan tha, naya pan tha Magar dunya puraani hai, na tum samjhe, na hum samjhe.

Ye eik esi kahani hai, na tum samjhe, na hum samjhe Jawaani, zindegaani hai na tum samjhe na hum samjhe.

Ye eik esi kahani hai, na tum samjhe, na hum samjhe" Although the lyrics speak about unrequited love between two lovers, the video shows four different characters; a singer, a theatre artist, a corporate worker and a student.

the corporate worker getting worked up and the student struggling to focus on his studies.

The lyrics of 'Na Tum Samjhe' are easy to follow but the video is not

unable to fully express themselves both being dilemmas of modern life.

However at the end, all characters gain some control over themselves.

P

IA unveiled their new uniforms last night in a unique event that featured some of the biggest names in Pakistani Fashion.

Legendary designer Bunto Kazmi co-opted the likes of Maheen Khan, HSY and Sania Maskatiya into presenting possible designs for PIA's new look. A total of sixteen top designers presented their visions for PIA's new uniform and a distinguished panel of judges awarded marks to each. Zeba Bakhtiar, Tariq Amin, Naz Mansha and Indus Valley Dean Shehnaz Ismail were among the judges.

It was a night of patriotism and nostalgia with designers reminiscing about their experiences on PIA and clearly excited about putting together a fresh look for the national carrier.

There was a feeling that PIA staff are ambassadors for Pakistan and how they look reflects on us.

The presentations themselves were as varied as the designers themselves. Sania Maskatiya and Nida Azwer drew inspiration from the national flower and bird. Azwer paired her colourful scarves with shalwar kameezes trimmed with complementary colours. She included pants as an alternative to the shalwar and included pretty blue waistcoats in the look. She chose a beret as a cap which had too much of a military feel and didn't really appeal.

Maskatiya, meanwhile, showed pants and waistcoats in her trademark

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textured fabric. Her buttoned hats were a hit but the outfits generally had too much going on. Maheen Karim took her inspiration from Pakistani Art and showed three beautiful outfits that drew on the same roots but were very dissimilar.

Misha Lakhani proposed an avant-garde, demure yet almost western ensemble with a jaunty Jinnah cap.

Maheen Khan's offering was elegantly simple and HSY used dark colours and embroidery to great effect.

Khaadi's popular outfits featured colourful waistcoats and typically bright ethic borders but Nomi Ansari surprised with designs that were stark in their simplicity.

Ansari is generally known for being a genius with colour but his designs were just one colour each and relied on subtle detailing to set them apart. The deep maroon, navy and taupe shalwar kameezes were offset by a gold-buttoned jacket in the same hue.

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