Pakistan Link - October 16, 2015 by PL PUBLICATIONS

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Friday, October 16, 2015

VOL. 25/42 - 2 Muharram 1437 H PAGE 9

Lynch Mob Mentality Mars Modi’s India PM Said to Be Backing Ahsan Iqbal in Cabinet Tussle Islamabad: Going by the press note issued after a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the head of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, it would appear that the latter had the PM’s support in an ongoing tiff with a couple of his cabinet colleagues. Following recent criticism of the Planning Commission by the powerful ministers for Water & Power and Petroleum, Mr Iqbal met the prime minister for a detailed discussion on Tuesday. “The fast-track process of project planning, monitoring and evaluation undertaken by the Planning Commission should be maintained,” the PM was quoted as saying in a statement released by his media office. The PM also appreciated, according to the release, Mr Iqbal’s efforts to build the capacity of ministry officials, which had enhanced the performance of the Planning and Development Division. “[The] PM appreciated the transparent mechanism adopted by the Planning & Development ministry in IQBAL, P24

New Ambassadors Designated for Various Capitals Islamabad: The government announced on Tuesday new envoys for a number of world capitals. The ambassadors-designate, who called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif included Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah, who has been named as ambassador to Russia; Additional Secretary (Admin) Johar Saleem as ambassador to Germany; former chief of protocol and currently at NDU Moinul Haq as ambassador to France; Additional Secretary AsiaPacific Mr Afrasiab as ambassador to New Zealand; Director General Europe Mazhar Javed as ambassador to Nepal; DG Africa Babar Hashmi as ambassador to Bulgaria; and foreign service officer Zahid Ali as ambassador to Sudan. A political appointee Chaudhry Nadir has, meanwhile, been designated as ambassador to Morocco. Consul Generals-designate AMBASSADORS, P28

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Malala Documentary Shown in London

PML-N Retakes NA-122 but Loses Provincial Seat

Call for Addressing Kashmir Issue Boldly

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr Maleeha Lodhi

New York: Underscoring the ur-

gency of settling the decades-old Kashmir dispute, Pakistan said it was ready to engage in a dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. Speaking at the United Na-

tions, Ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi said, “Longstanding disputes have to be addressed boldly and decisively if enduring peace and stability is to be established.” “UN resolutions pledging a

plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination have not been implemented. Instead, the people of Kashmir have suffered brutal op-

KASHMIR, P24

PTI Probing Issue of Transferred Votes from NA-122 Lahore: Pakistan Teh-

reek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan congratulated party workers and activists on Wednesday for displaying conviction and passion in the NA-122 by-polls, and said PTI had created a cell to investigate the issue of ‘transferred and missing votes’ from the constituency, whose findings will be presented to a “free and fair Election Commission.” “For now we will remain tight lipped, but as soon as our probe is complete, we will take action accordingly.” Addressing party workers and activists in Garhi Shahu, Imran slammed the ruling PMLN for what he called were “pre-poll intimidatory

For news, updated round the clock, visit

www.PakistanLink.com NDMA Has Developed into a World Class Institution: UN New York: The UN Office for Co-

ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) lauded on Wednesday efforts of Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), saying it had developed into a world class institution. [The NDMA] has developed into a world class institution over the last decade, incorporating international best practice,” said John Ging, head of operation of OCHA in a statement. He said in a world where so many crises were on a negative trajectory, Pakistan offered a rare example of positive progress. “We must acknowledge Pakistan generously hosts more than 1.5 million refugees – the second largest refugee population of any country on earth,” said Ging. “The country also disproportionately suffers the impacts of climate change, with 1.6 million people affected by floods this year.” The OCHA chief argued that supporting Pakistan to help people rebuild their lives in areas where fighting has ended is critical to

NDMA, P28

England Faces Mammoth Task after Malik’s Double Century Abu Dhabi: Openers Alastair Cook

tactics and rigging.” He said nowhere in the world was an incumbent prime minister allowed to take part in an election campaign. “Sit-

ting ministers – for railways and BISP – were also involved in campaigns in the constituency,” he said. “I am the chairman of a party and I have the

right to share my manifesto,” said the PTI chief, in an implicit remark after a court order had earlier banned him from cam PTI, P28

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and Moeen Ali batted solidly to take England to 56-0 after Shoaib Malik’s double century lifted Pakistan to a mammoth total in the First Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Cook was unbeaten on 39 and with him Ali 15 not out as England trailed by 467 runs in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 523-8 declared after day two at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. England batsmen will have to bat out of their skins to thwart Pakistan’s pace-cum-spin attack on a pitch which did not help the bowlers on the first two days but can change its nature as the game progresses. Ali survived a confident legbefore appeal and the subsequent review when left-arm paceman Rahat Ali brought one in sharply to hit the pads but Australian umpire Paul Reiffel gave the batsman not out. It was a day to remember for CRICKET, P28

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OPINION

P4 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

Pakistan Link President

Arif Zaffar Mansuri

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n By Mowahid Hussain Shah

he overriding principle of real estate is location, location, and location. In an article, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that “the United States stands at a pivot point” and that, from then on, American focus would shift from the Middle East to the AsiaPacific region (“America’s Pacific Century”, Foreign Policy, October 11, 2011). Martin Indyk – executive vice president of Brookings Institution – wrote in Foreign Policy, June 20, 2012: “The ‘pivot’ to East Asia will probably be Obama’s most lasting strategic achievement … it is Clinton’s too.” But is it? Was it meant to be a pivot from the core Palestinian problem? Then, what happened? Syria imploded. Iraq fragmented. ISIS happened. Yemen bombarded. Egypt derailed. Libya unraveled. The refugee exodus overflowed into Europe. Russia – fuming over Western incitement in its own sphere in Ukraine –conducted combat operations in the Middle East for the first time since the end of World War II. Steps have consequences. It’s easy to say that the Mideast is not important. But saying so doesn’t make it so. The sheer weight of history, geography, heritage, and desn By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

Washington, DC

enjamin Franklin, a signer of the US Declaration of Independence from Britain, and a man responsible for negotiating a treaty between the colonies and France, asked, “When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?”

Perhaps the simple answer to that is that it will occur when power is distributed among men in such a way that it cannot be abused by any individual or nation, and that both personal and national sovereignty is once and for all respected. Benjamin Franklin was a very wise man. He wrote, in respect to the American Revolution, “We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little partial, local interests, our projects will be confounded and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And, what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.” Franklin was also an inventor. Inventors cannot stand confusion. They look for ways to simplify, to turn what is thought to be unrelated into a unity of parts that mean something or that can be used in a practical way. No doubt he viewed war as stupidity, a useless way of dealing with problems. As an ambassador for the colonies to Great

Pivot from the Mideast

tiny suggests otherwise. The Middle East was the epicenter of monotheism. It is the hub of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The first Pope, Saint Peter, was

Prophet Abraham was born in Iraq. The Prophet Moses rose against the tyranny of the Pharaoh in Egypt. That heritage, seen as integral to Western Civilization, is not rooted

Middle East blunders have splashed across the globe into Europe, unleashing the greatest humanitarian crisis after World War II. A quarter million Syrians have died and 12 million have fled (CBS Evening News, September 30). The ensuing chaos spawned the refugee crisis in Europe from Syria. And, according to the New Testament, Saul became Saint Paul when he saw light on the road to Damascus, where he was heading to persecute Christians. The

in London, New York, or Paris. Middle East blunders have splashed across the globe into Europe, unleashing the greatest humanitarian crisis after World War

Kashmir: The Pursuit of the Possible

Britain between 1767 and 1775, he sought constructive relations between the two countries. He was in fact a loyalist, a man who believed that the king should have more power (it was simpler), but became a patriot and ultimately a believer in liberty and the self-determination of those who wanted to escape tyranny, It was through Franklin’s agency, his power of persuasion, and perhaps France’s discomfort with growing British strength, that France

mand negotiations if winning outright isn’t in the cards. A man who is weak can demand nothing. The need for both resistance and arbitration in the case of Kashmir is obviously needed, but we have a balance of power problem just as the colonies did in the beginning. India’s 700,000-plus troops stationed in Kashmir combined with its control over local law enforcement presents a difficult if not insurmountable challenge to those willing to

I believe the best way to resolve the conflict which directly affects the peace and stability of India and Pakistan – the Kashmir conflict – is through listening to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation of India who said on 29 July 1947 in Delhi, “I am not going to suggest to the Maharaja (Ruler of Kashmir) to accede to India and not to Pakistan. The real sovereign of the state are the people. The ruler is a servant of the people. If he is not so then he is not the ruler ... In Kashmir too the power belongs to the public. Let them do as they want.” aided the American colonies and brought balance to what might have been a lost cause for the American Revolution. Franklin obviously believed that resistance by the colonies was a preferable route to capitulation. “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety,” he wrote, “deserve neither safety nor liberty.” With sufficient resistance one has the strength to de-

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II.

A quarter million Syrians have died and 12 million have fled (CBS Evening News, September 30). The ensuing chaos spawned the refugee crisis in Europe and emergence of ISIS, which now holds one-third of Syria and Iraq. During a recent trip to a remote part of Nova Scotia, Canada, I came across the “Chronicle Herald,” a local paper, whose September 14 issue highlighted on its front page the efforts of Rany Ibrahim, an Egyptian immigrant, calling on Canada to open its doors to Syrian refugees. When the Berlin Wall came down on November 9, 1989, America had a brief window of opportunity to stamp its imprint through policies guided by good sense and fairness. Instead, over-clever, overscheming games continued to be played on by hubris-imbued small men of a great country. Parenthetically, note how systematically US spokesmen exclude and exempt Israel from the Mideast crucible as if it had nothing to do with all of this. Closer to the subcontinental region, errors made in the Mideast have been replicated in Afghanistan where, 14 years after 9/11, much has come to naught. At the end of the day, despite vast resources, technology, and military prowess, there is absolutely no substitute for human wisdom, plain common sense, and moral direction, which comes from discerning right from wrong. What one does with what one has is always more important. tional peace and security on one side and conflict resolution on the other, all emphasized the need for cooperation and not confrontation. However, in the end, it was clear that every member nation wanted cooperation that will serve only its own national interest and not cooperation that will serve humanity or the interests of other nations or peoples. Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s vision, “Today the world again faces a situation, where cooperation and dialogue is all too often replaced by force and violence” can hardly be disputed by anyone. President Obama repeated what he has mentioned at other international fora. He said, “It is these international principles that helped constrain bigger countries from imposing our will on smaller ones… On this basis, we see some major powers assert themselves in ways that contravene international law.” Quite true, obviously. But of course he is subtlety pointing fingers at Russia and perhaps it would be well if President Obama’s own foreign policy advisors gave heed. US intervention militarily in numerous countries in the last decade, whether

KASHMIR, P24

resist the foreign occupation. The presence of such a large number of troops plus sixty-eight years of conflict would seem to most observers a clear indication that Kashmir’s differences with India are intractable and irresolvable given the persistent resistance, despite the serious imbalance of power between the two. While a lot was said during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly about interna-

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OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P5

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P6 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015 n By Dr Mahjabeen Islam

Toledo, Ohio

he world is already forgetting the thousands dead and the hundreds injured during the hajj stampede at Mina this year. We must not move on so soon and specifically we must not allow the disaster to recur.

Many, especially governments, have a callous attitude toward other people’s losses. But the world of the survivors is not just dramatically changed; the angst and the pain live on. It has been decades since I lost my brothers and my father but not a day passes that I don’t miss them. I know the color and joy of life would have been different if they hadn’t died so young. Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran among many other countries have placed the blame for the deaths squarely on Saudi mismanagement. Pakistan interestingly is silent regarding this. Its leader is indebted to Saudi hospitality during his exile, so forget objection, even regret is not forthcoming from the Pakistani government. The Saudi government loses credibility when they refuse to acknowledge the true death toll and remain stuck on 769 dead. Diplomatic representatives from Pakistan, Indonesia and Nigeria among others have confirmed that over 1,100 died. Compilations from several sources reveal 1,413 dead with the highest toll from Iran of 465 followed by Egypt at 148. There are an estimated 1,398 missing with Mali and Nigeria reporting the highest

An International Organization for Hajj numbers at 271 and 241 respectively. Saudi Vice Minister of Health Hamad bin Muhammad Al-Duweila said the death toll in the tragedy had reached 4,173. However, the Saudi Health Ministry later denied this. Even if the 1,100 number is taken, this makes it the deadliest hajj in recent memory. This year other challenges were the highest temperatures in Makkah in 20 years, the MERS infection and the ongoing Saudi offensive in Yemen. I went for hajj in 2005 and again in Mina 250 people died. In those days the entry and exit to Jamarat, the devil-stoning area, were not separated. My friend almost died that day. Despite admonition to not reach down for a lost sandal, she did and suddenly I saw her being swallowed by a vortex of people. My screams alerted others in our group and we extricated her. That day gave me PTSD; after returning to the US, I would wake up night after night with that recurrent nightmare. International outrage after that year’s deaths forced the Saudi government to separate the entry and exit areas for Jamarat and the death toll fell dramatically. Till this year. Accounts vary: Lebanon-based Arabic-language daily Ad-Diyar alleged that the convoy escorting Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud comprising 200 soldiers and 150 police officers, played a central role in the incident, by making some pilgrims turn around against the flow, which triggered a stampede. Saudi authorities state that a

group of pilgrims was not authorized to use the Jamarat Bridge at that time and that created the overcrowding, other accounts state that pilgrims turned back from a road closure and walked into a rush of people. I have travelled to several

pathetic. With their distorted and literalistic interpretations of Islam, the Saudis have razed Muslim landmarks like Hazrat Khadija’s house and built public bathrooms over it, but while you are standing in line at the airport or other public place, a Saudi, any Saudi, not necessarily a

The Kaaba, Masjid Nabawi, Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifa belong to the Muslim world and for a harmonious hajj it is best that Saudi Arabia accept this and the Muslim world own it. The planning of the Olympics and similar huge events occur years in advance. The Muslim world must create an International Organization for Hajj and Umra countries and remember their ambience. My two umras and one hajj gave me some amazing memories of Madina, the Kaaba and Arafat and I deeply treasure them. The one nagging constant in all those trips was the hostility of the Saudis, especially the government officers, soldiers and police. Saudi arrogance is omnipresent and their paradoxes

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VIP Saudi, gets to cutting the line and go right up to the counter with nary a word of excuse or explanation. The Saudis give lessons in Islam to pilgrims, but hajj and umra are based on their VIP culture and deference, to the point of worship, of the Saudi royal family. Calling the dead “shaheed” with a sure heavenly destination

OPINION and throwing a few thousand in compensation to the families, cannot be used as an “oh never mind” for the horrific loss of life. Cause and effect are strongly reverberated in Islam; physical laws will always apply. Pray but make sure you tie the camel says a Hadith. Qadr or fate and predestination cannot be used to explain away entirely preventable tragedies and human error. Hajj is meant to simulate the Day of Judgment and ihram, the two sheets that drape the pilgrim are meant to resemble the shroud that Muslims are buried in. Instead of being hung up on bidaa or innovation and disciplining pilgrims for how they behave at Masjid Nabawi or Jannatul Baqi, the Saudis need to put the stark equality that Islam preaches into their daily as well as their umra and hajj practice. And dispense with their VIP culture as well as their contempt for Africans, Shias and all things non-Saudi. The Kaaba, Masjid Nabawi, Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifa belong to the Muslim world and for a harmonious hajj it is best that Saudi Arabia accept this and the Muslim world own it. The planning of the Olympics and similar huge events occur years in advance. The Muslim world must create an International Organization for Hajj and Umra. Contingents from every Muslim country should be sent to Saudi Arabia at least three months before hajj and trained at all of the sites where the rituals of hajj occur. They need to be familiarized with the geography and the processes that are to happen there. During hajj members of ORGANIZATION, P28

OPINION n By Dr Mohammad Taqi

“

Florida

Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York” — Shakespeare’s Richard III.

The Kunduz city center may have been ostensibly recaptured by the Afghan forces within three days of the city’s fall to the Taliban over a week ago but the aftermath is far from over. The city remains hotly contested and battles are raging in its several districts. Indeed, the battle for post-US withdrawal Afghanistan has just begun. What transpired in Kunduz and is unravelling in several other northern Afghan provinces is perhaps the harbinger of a long winter of discontent for the Afghans. And it will take a lot more than the first snow flurries to dampen the Taliban’s newfound offensive fury. This is clearly a change of tack on part of the Taliban with a shift from countryside fighting and spectacular terror attacks to incursions into the city and district garrisons. The jihadist terror group has clearly decided to bare its teeth after what Afghan President Dr Ashraf Ghani perhaps mistook for a Taliban smile but to everyone else had looked like a ruse to bide their time. To the chagrin of both his devotees and detractors, Dr Ashraf Ghani had put all his eggs in the negotiations’ basket held out by Pakistan. Well, now the Afghan president seems to be the one left holding the bag after the Taliban has shown its hand. The capitulation at Kunduz, however evanescent it might have been, will not just leave an

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P7

The Winter of Afghan Discontent indelible mark on Dr Ghani’s presidency but perhaps mortally endanger it too. How deftly he handles the second biggest Taliban surge after the jihadist group’s mid-2000s regrouping and resurgence, will determine not only what lies ahead for Afghanistan but also whether he will get to complete his term in the office. The televised laments of wailing Kunduzi women to Dr Ghani on how the Taliban brutalized them on the ground and his forces from the air cannot be lost on him. The calls for his resignation or impeachment and the chorus of reproach after the fall of Kunduz cannot be conducive for any wartime president let alone for someone with little political history and fast-evaporating political capital. If he fails to wrap his arms around the situation fast, Dr Ashraf Ghani risks becoming the Afghan equivalent of Prime Minister (PM) Neville Chamberlain who was detested for his appeasement of Adolf Hitler and literally shown the door by the British public after the 1940 fall of Norway to the Nazis. Dr Ashraf Ghani did not heed repeated warnings from within and outside Afghanistan that his peace overtures to the Taliban and their patrons were highly unlikely to bear any fruit. He squandered the opportunity to take the fight to the Taliban when they were most vulnerable politically, even if not militarily, after Mullah Omar’s death was confirmed. An opening that could have been used to liquidate the rump leadership was allowed to slip while signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with those who were alleged to be

Lynch Mob Mentality Mars

harboring that clique. Dr Ashraf Ghani’s gamble that Pakistan could or would leverage the new Taliban emir (leader), Mullah Akhtar Mansour, to make peace not war has cost the Afghans very dearly. The time that should have been used

The sons of Afghanistan will have to put in a herculean effort to turn an imminent winter of discontent into a glorious summer; whether Dr Ashraf Ghani is ready to transform into a wartime president and lead them remains to be seen to aggressively lobby world capitals for sustained support and training to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) was spent wooing the Pakistani brass at the expense of Afghanistan’s existing international relationships and agreements. The treasure

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and training needed for the Afghan security force’s effectiveness was surely not going to come from those who groomed its nemesis. The damning New York Times report on Mullah Akhtar Mansour’s whereabouts and wherewithal, published earlier this week, notes: “He has also benefited from a powerful alliance with the Pakistani military spy agency, InterServices Intelligence, the original sponsor of the Afghan Taliban insurgency. That relationship, along with a hefty dose of cash payouts to fellow commanders, was a crucial factor in his ability to manage the succession crisis this summer after news of Mullah Omar’s death finally got out.” The Taliban war plan has become increasingly clear with the spate of its attacks across half a dozen provinces and, indeed, Kabul. The jihadist group is moving from purely guerilla attacks to offensive action against cities and seeks to topple regional governments but not necessarily hold its ground afterwards. Combined with continued terror attacks in Kabul, such incursions seek to delegitimize the central government, demoralize the people and erode their confidence in the Kabul dispensation. Moving the faceoff to ethnically mixed regions like Kunduz, the Taliban seek to exploit ethno-linguistic fault lines too. Thrust into the areas far removed from the Durand Line gives some level of deniability of foreign patronage and also forces the Afghan security forces to expose their southern and western flank, which could allow moving some elements of the Quetta and Waziristan shuras over to Helmand, Kandahar and Loya Pak-

tia areas. It is unlikely, however, that the core leadership, including Mullah Mansour, would actually step into harm’s way albeit for a spectacular photo op. One also seriously doubts that the current Taliban foray into Kunduz and Badakhshan is designed to start off or buttress insurgencies in Tajikistan and China, respectively, as some analysts have suggested. It is actually the other way around with the Central Asian and Uighur jihadists reinforcing the Taliban ranks. While the jihadist creed invariably is transnational, the Afghan Taliban remain geocentric, at least overtly, but deadly all the same. The Kunduz debacle indicates that the Afghan forces still need airpower and advisory support from the coalition forces and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future as they spread themselves thinner to counter multiple fronts that the Taliban is opening as the US commander, General John Campbell, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 6. General Campbell cannot and will not tell his president what to do but has, in his own words, provided “senior leadership with options different than the current plan”, i.e. a skeleton force of 5,000 US troops in Afghanistan after 2016. General Campbell has, however, laid the groundwork for a rethink of the current US strategy in Afghanistan. It is up to Dr Ashraf Ghani now to make a case for uninterrupted US and international support for Afghanistan while he puts his own house in order. He should know full well by now that those backing the Taliban are not backing off any time soon. The sons of Afghanistan will have to put in a herculean effort to turn DISCONTENT, P28

OPINION

P8 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015 n By Dr Adil Najam

Boston

have already made my case for why there should be a woman on the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Why, with two vacancies that need to be filled, now is a good time to appoint one; maybe two. How there are enough qualified women to choose from. And, above all, why doing so is not a matter of so-called ‘political correctness’; it is a matter of judicial correctness. That doing so will make this court, a better court; its justice, better justice.

There is little to add to that case. The pity is only that it had to be made in the first place. That the obvious injustice of it all has so long eluded even those whose very job is to reign ‘supreme’ over collective sense of justice. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) – which the constitution entrusts with recommending names for our superior courts, and which former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry made so powerful that all above it must now act as its rubber stamps – is supposed to meet “any day” to discuss and decide on the two who will be invited to join the Supreme Court bench (actually, rather plush high-back chairs). Word has it that the new Chief Justice, Anwar Zaheer Jamali, has summoned the JCP to convene on October 10. But, also, that it could be convened summarily any time before that! Word also has it that

Why Is There No Woman on Our Supreme Court? the chief justice has already decided who he wants to join his ‘brothers’ on the bench (names of two justices from Lahore are in circulation). But, also, that he or the JCP could well change their mind between now and then; especially then. In short, there is uncertainty. That is good. It means that, even though unlikely, the JCP could still spring a surprise and nominate the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court of Paki- stan. Of course, the odds are against it. But, what a delightful surprise it could be. The real surprise, however, should be about why we don’t already have women serving in our Supreme Court. The treacherous naiveté that is borne out of ingrained prejudice will insist that this is not about bigotry, misogyny or discrimination. That there is ‘nothing stopping’ women from making it to the Supreme Court when they are ‘ready’ to do so on ‘merit’. Little do they realize that such an argument is not just facetious, it is insulting. Especially, when you see women doing as well as – and, often, better than – men wherever there is fair intellectual contest. No. This is not so because there aren’t talented women lawyers and judges in Pakistan. Indeed, my last article in this space was written precisely to point out that there are. This is one more instance of the insidious bias against women – embodied in the absurd idea that women cannot have ‘merit’ – that pervades society

and from which even our courts are not immune. The story of women justices in Pakistan, and why none has (yet) made it to the Supreme Court, is illustrative. It took Pakistan 47 years to appoint our first woman to the superior judiciary. But, first we had to elect a female prime minister. We then had to wait for her second term for her to muster enough political capital to be able to do so. All this, still in the days when prime ministers could actually appoint justices to the high and supreme courts. We know that in her first term as prime minister at least one female name was sent to Benazir Bhutto – it was 1989 and the recommendation was to appoint Majida Rizvi to the Sindh High Court. She was not appointed. By August 1994 Benazir Bhutto was prime minister again. This time with a government less fragile; a social agenda more emboldened. This time she got to name 40 justices in

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one go. As if to prove that there were enough qualified women who could make ‘merit’, she chose not one, but five: High Court Justices Fakharun-Nisa Khokhar and Nasira Iqbal in Lahore, Justices Talat Yaqub and Khalida Rashid Khan for Peshawar, and Justice Majida Rizvi in Sindh. At least three of them could have made chief justices of their high courts – the clearest path to the Supreme Court. None did. The first is about more than unfortunate timing. Justice Majida Rizvi was appointed to the Sindh High Court on the same date (June 6, 1994) as Justice Rana Bhagwandas. However, a dispute arose on the question of seniority between them and Justice Nazim Siddiqui that eventually required a Supreme Court judgement. It did not end in her favor. The irony was that had Pakistani society and politics been ready to appoint a woman when she was first recommended in 1989 she would have certainly become chief justice of the Sindh High Court but

probably the first woman to serve on the Pakistan Supreme Court. A brilliant mind, Justice Majida Rizvi went on to become the chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women and became a strong voice against the Hudood Ordinances. The second case was more devious. By all accounts Justice Khalida Rasheed Khan is equally brilliant. Appointed while still young, she was on her way to become chief justice of the Peshawar High Court. According to Justice Nasira Iqbal, she was then told to leave the court on a foreign assignment but “realizing that she was being sidelined from [becoming chief justice she] protested.” To no avail. That she has eventually risen to high position in the international judiciary – now president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda – is a matter of pride for Pakistan. But that pride could have been home-grown had she become high court chief justice and/or justice of the Supreme Court. The third instance is outright discriminatory. No one disputes that Justice Fakhar-un-Nisa Khokhar was the senior judge on the Lahore High Court when CJ Falak Sher retired in 2001. The same tactic was applied: she was nominated without her consent to the Environmental Tribunal. She refused to leave and the matter went up to the chief justice of the Supreme Court. She stayed, but was not made chief justice, nor elevated to the Supreme Court. She now serves as a PPP MNA. Here is a generation of women jurists that clearly could have – WOMAN, P28

OPINION n By Karamatullah K. Ghori

Toronto, Canada

icrosoft should be revisiting its commitment to knit rural India into cheap internet connection—an undertaking splurged over US and Indian media as the global software giant’s gift to Modi in his much-hyped Silicon Valley Yatra of last month.

Modi was billed by his Indian acolytes and US ‘admirers’, those largely from the Indian diaspora that hogs the Silicon Valley, as being on a ‘charm offensive’ to wow the cyberworld wizards and technocrats with his ‘vision’ of a ‘Digital India.’ The man whose own academic achievements are pretty prosaic, to say the least, was hailed in well-choreographed welcome addresses as Columbus of India’s digital discovery. But within days of Modi’s return to India, howling, murderous, mobs of Hindutva fanatics set upon the minority Muslim residents of Dadri—a village 50 kilometers from Modi’s seat of power, Delhi—to punish them for allegedly consuming beef of their holy Gao-mata (cow). A Muslim blacksmith—the 54 year-old Mohammad Akhlaq—was lynched to death on the spot in front of his house by the mob; his 22-year-old son is still fighting for his life in a hospital in Delhi, having already undergone two brain surgeries. Ever since Modi’s ascent to power in Delhi, Hindutva zealots, anointed by the exclusivist philosophy of ‘Hindutva’ (Hindu-ness) have gone on a crusade to ban cowslaughter throughout India. Their message to minorities in India is loud and clear: India is for Hindus; there’s no room in this Hindu-India for equality of existence for all, and if minorities wish to linger on as

n By Shahid Javed Burki

utting-edge technology work gets done in the developed world — in particular in the United States — in four places: government departments and agencies, corporate headquarters and their affiliates, universities, and special-purpose enterprises mostly run by the private sector.

Each of the four have made important contributions to technological development. The internet was developed by the United States Department of Defense to facilitate communications among its many parts, some separated by long distances. Much of the earlier advances in communication technologies came from the research arms of large corporations that had the financial means to finance such operations. The fixed-line telephone system was developed largely by the Bell Laboratories attached with the US firm, American Telephone and Telegraph, AT&T. The Silicon Valley was founded by graduates of Stanford University who were later joined by those who attended (but did not graduate) from east coast universities, such as Harvard and MIT. The Genome came from a relatively small research outfit located near Washington that received funding from the National Institute of Health. The place in the emerging world

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P9

Lynch Mob Mentality Mars Modi’s ‘Digital India’ second-class citizens, they will have to live by the rules and edicts of the majority Hindus. The chest-thumping zealotry of Hindutva mobs flies in the face of those high-sounding principles of secularism on which India’s constitution had been framed and drafted by its architects. Pundit Nehru—the apostle of India’s proclaimed secularism—must be very unhappy in the other world seeing the brute defacing of his India on the watch of Modi and his BJP revanchists. In the historical context, neither the exclusivist ideology of India being strictly for Hindus is new nor the movement to make India a beef-free country. It was in the early 1880s, some years before the birth of Indian National Congress, that Swami Dayananda unfurled the banner of ‘Shuddhi,’ or ‘return to the original.’ His provocative movement was anchored in the retrograde belief that all existing minorities of India had originally been Hindu and were victims of ‘forced’ conversions by waves of successive conquerors of India. Even if that early rabble-rouser, Dayananda, wasn’t an English proxy—an agent of India’s colonial masters—his mischief was in sync with the rulers’ diabolical scheme of dividing their Indian subjects, in more ways than one, in order to facilitate their grip over a disparate, polyglot and multi-ethnic India. So was the case with the maverick move by Hindu fanatics of British India to force everyone living within its confines to give up slaughtering the cow for beef. According to historical evidence, the first ‘meat riots’ occurred in the Muslim-majority Punjab—again in the early 1880s— where Hindu zealots challenged the Muslim practice of slaughtering cows for their meat. The colonial rul-

ers did put down the riots but didn’t ban the fanatical Hindu movement for the protection of their sacred Gau (cow) Mata (mother). Even under a supposedly mildmannered and poetry-loving Atal Bihari Vajpayee as PM, rowdy bands of RSS (Rashtrya Swayamsevak Sangh) roamed Muslim areas and threatened their denizens with dire consequences if the honor of their sacred mother-cow was violated. Vajpayee, for the record, made no attempt to hide his own preference to enforce a ban on cow slaughter. So Modi, in all fairness to him, is not the progenitor of the movement to make India cow-slaughter free; he only shares this dubious distinction with Vajpayee. However, the qualitative difference between India of Vajpayee’s watch, and India under Modi’s thrall, is that Vajpayee led a coalition government in both his stints as PM. In contrast, Modi rules India with a majority mandate and has the kind of control over it that Vajpayee may have pined for but never had.

Modi may have honed the mantra of charming his overseas interlocutors with his supposedly 21st century ‘vision’ of an India tethered to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the most advanced societies of the West. His rags-to-riches saga may have been cleverly choreographed and articulated to win accolades in the West and convince its gullible leaders that in him India had a leader the world could do business with. That was the kind of gullibility that exacted the commitment from Microsoft, last month, to stitch 500,000 villages of India into digital connectivity at a price affordable to India’s villagers. But Modi is as committed a votary of Hindutva—and all that this inward-looking doctrine stands for—as Vajpayee or any other BJP notable, including, no doubt, L.K. Advani who initially mentored Modi but was brashly upstaged by his upstart acolyte for the top slot of BJP that, eventually catapulted him to supreme power in Delhi. No doubt that Modi, basically a

The Making of Pakistan’s Silicon Valley that comes closest to the Silicon Valley is Bangalore in south India. But the Indian city has gained prominence not because of a close association with academia, the finance sector, or established industries. It owes its existence and reputation to the clustering together of a number of large IT companies in the area. Most of these firms built lucrative businesses based on outsourcing. India has many world class institutes of technology, but most of the better known ones are in places some distance from Bangalore. Hyderabad, again in a southern Indian state, has turned the Bangalore model upside down. It now houses a world class institute of management, whose funding and development was largely financed by the rich Indian diaspora in the United States. The institute has begun to attract private enterprise to the city as was done by towns such as San Jose in Silicon Valley. Could the Hyderabad model be replicated in Pakistan? The answer is most certainly ‘yes’. There are three cities in the country that have the makings of vibrant centers of technology. Lahore and Islamabad have several universities and learning centers, many of which specialize in science and technology. Two of these are in the private sector — Lahore University of Management Sciences — known by its acronym, LUMS. The second, Lahore School of Economics while still focused on social sciences, has the capacity and business model to develop

beyond that and move into science and engineering. Lahore already has a cluster of privately-owned and managed IT businesses. The landscape has been dominated by one large company, Netsol. It is located prominently on the Lahore Ring Road and employs more than 1,000 engineers, many of them women. Islamabad also has a cluster of universities that are already feeding the city’s fledgling IT industry. Most of the Islamabad-based enterprises are small with less than 100 employees. The National University of Science and Technology, NUST, was founded by the military when it decided to bunch into one entity its many science and technology institutions. The Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute on the banks of Tarbela Lake has a strong faculty and a fairly large student body. Islamabad has one advantage over Lahore; it is only a

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stone’s throw away from the three military headquarters, two of which are in the capital city while the third is in Rawalpindi. At some stage, the military is likely to increase its use of technology for its command and control operations. Karachi, a city much larger than either Lahore or Islamabad, could also develop into a center of technology. It is already the center of the country’s finance and commerce operations and has the headquarters of several large private firms. It is lack of security that is holding back the city. It is worth noting that no one from amongst Pakistan’s senior leaders has visited Silicon Valley in California, which has risen into a center, not only of American but also of global economic power and is a wellrecognized hotbed of technology. That world leaders realize its importance is

rabble-rouser and anti-Muslim hatemonger, came to Delhi with a heavy baggage of sectarian politics that was anything but inclusive. The 2002 pogrom in Gujrat against hapless Muslims of that Modi-led state is just one of the black marks on Modi’s leadership. Kangaroo courts may have absolved him of any responsibility for that massive spilling of Muslim blood but he stands condemned at the bar of people’s court of justice. Proponents of the exclusionist Hindutva philosophy had been looking for just such a leader to put teeth into their rabid and pernicious campaign to enforce their edict over all of India and all of the Indians. They grabbed the opportunity with both hands and have never looked back. An across the board ban on the slaughter of cow is a lynch-pin of their tirade against India’s beefeating minorities; Muslims top of the list among those who must be disciplined to fashion their lives—including their eating habits—strictly according to the Hindutva code. Modi’s minions may argue, in defense of their ‘supremo’ that he isn’t responsible for the murderous conduct of the Hindutva zealots— trained arsonists, rapists and murderers of Sangh Pariwar, the militant arm of BJP. But their canard is easily exposed when, on a nod from those responsible for law and order, the police and other law-enforcing agencies turn a blind eye to the Sangh goons rampaging through Muslim areas terrorizing their denizens, torching their dwellings, raping their women and murdering their men. All this has been happening on Modi’s watch and he bears full responsibility for the Hindutva bands’ egregious agenda to subdue the minorities, Muslims in particular, under the crushing weight of their archaic vision of India. That this beef-ban hysteria is Muslim-specific was quite MODI, P28

one reason why a wave of foreign dignitaries have added the Valley to their traditional tours of the United States. Heads of state from Japan and Brazil visited in early 2015 following earlier trips by the leaders of Ireland, Russia and Malaysia. A report in The New York Times focused on the visit by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mid-October and dwelt on prominence of the Indian diaspora in several types of IT operations. It quoted Venky Ganisan, the head of a venture capital firm as follows: “Silicon Valley is, in some ways, more important than New York and the financial sector, or Washington DC’s political world. World leaders see clearly that when it comes to just about any sector, Silicon Valley is eating them up.” It’s not just world leaders who are interested in the Valley. In March 2015, ambassadors from 35 countries — including Kazakhstan, Gabon and Paraguay “toured the region to soak up lessons on how technology might contribute to their economies.” Why has the Pakistani leadership stayed away? It could be for one of two reasons. The leaders have yet to realize the significance of technology for the rapid economic development and social improvement of their country. Or, they believe that this task is better left to private enterprise. They are wrong on both scores. They must recognize that technological development requires the active involvement of the state. (The writer is a former caretaker finance minister and served as vicepresident at the World Bank. - The Express Tribune)

P10 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

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Ayaz Sadiq Retakes NA-122 but PML-N Loses Provincial Assembly Seat to PTI

Otherwise a dull exercise with low turnout, it became a nerve-breaking electoral contest after both the sides openly used their resources without caring for the code of ethics

Lahore: In a tension-filled close contest, PML-N’s Sardar Ayaz Sadiq retained his NA-122 Lahore seat by defeating PTI’s Abdul Aleem Khan in the by-election held here on Sunday amid extraordinary security as well as media hype. According to unofficial results, Mr Sadiq secured 76,204 votes and his rival Aleem Khan 72,043. It’s the fourth consecutive win for the former National Assembly speaker since 2002, twice against PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The by-election resulted in ritual routing of the former ruling party, the PPP. It was difficult to spot any election camp of PPP’s candidate, Barrister Amer Hasan, or its flags and workers in the constituency. Because of the absence of PPP’s central leadership from the electioneering it could not become a three-way contest. Interestingly, in the by-election for the Punjab Assembly’s PP-147 seat, which falls within NA-122, PML-N candidate Mohsin Lateef was defeated by PTI’s Shoaib Siddiqui, though by a thin margin, to the worst fears of the chief minister’s son Hamza Shahbaz who had opposed granting Mr Lateef party ticket because of his ‘unpopularity’ among party activists. According to unofficial results, Shoaib Siddiqui bagged 31,993 votes and Mohsin Lateef 28,641. Barring a couple of minor clashes, the polling throughout the day remained peaceful as no major complaint was lodged by any party, thanks to elaborate arrangements n By Zulqernain Tahir Lahore: Unlike previous elections in Lahore, the NA-122 constituents were visibly happy while casting their votes in what they called a “hassle-free environment” and expressed their desire that all future elections in the country should be held under the supervision of the army. The polling day saw unprecedented discipline and relative calm, said most voters Dawn spoke to at various stations. Women voters were feeling more ‘protected and confident’ while heading towards their polling stations under the security cover. Inside most polling booths the environment was quite ‘voter friendly’. There were queues which no one dared jump. And the election staff and polling agents seemed more focused and ensured that the process continued without hiccups.

made by the election authorities. Otherwise a dull exercise with low turnout, it became a nervebreaking electoral contest after both the sides openly used their resources without caring for the code of ethics. Both the parties ran expensive publicity campaigns through print and electronic media, banners and election offices and held corner meetings and large public rallies to impress voters. Imran Khan gave fulltime while his wife Reham and party’s bigwigs, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Jehangir Tareen, partially canvassed for the PTI candidate. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, along with members of his cabinet, also visited the city to explain to Lahorites through media what the PTI was doing for the people in KP. The PML-N not only executed various development schemes in the constituency but also involved its parliamentarians from outside Lahore and even Punjab, like Talal Chaudhry and Abid Sher Ali from Faisalabad and Marvi Memon from Sindh. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also made his entry by holding a large and detailed news conference at the Governor’s House, located in the middle of the constituency, criticizing his political opponents and recounting achievements of his government. The PML-N’s polling day strategy also wor¬ked well. It mobilized its workers led by MNAs and MPAs from across the city to make the

party’s impressive presence in the constituency. The N-League also set up separate election cells for each union council where computerized voter number slips were prepared and delivered at voters’ doorsteps a day before the polling, while the PTI activists were seen preparing the slips at camps outside the polling stations and getting confused about numbering in the voters’ list. The activities helped increase the turnout as by 2pm (three hours before the end of polling) about 30 per cent of voters had used their right to franchise. Activists of both parties exchanged hot words and even blows when their leaders passed by polling camps of the other in Survey Colony in Garhi Shahu, Basti Syden Shah on the Upper Mall and Pir Ghazi Road in Ichhra. Unlike the past, police were fully prepared for quick response, reaching a place within five minutes of receiving any complaint. In view of a report by a secret agency identifying 12 places where clashes were feared, the health authorities declared an emergency in three major public hospitals while Rescue 1122 was asked to reduce its response time from normal seven minutes to 2-3 minutes. Luckily, no untoward incident took place. A youth carrying a pistol was arrested from outside a polling station in Rehmanpura. Law-enforcement agencies made elaborate security and administrative arrangements and no-one in polling station areas was allowed to violate the election code of ethics. Voters were not allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling stations. Voters were frisked and their identity cards checked by Rangers personnel before they were allowed to enter polling stations. Media personnel covering the elections were escorted and facilitated by Rangers. A political analyst, who cast his vote in the constituency, told Dawn that it was the best arranged election activity so far as unlike in the past voters faced no problem this time. Returning Officer Ahmed Nawaz said they had received 25 complaints, but all of them were of minor nature, mostly related to voter lists.

We Were Not Prepared for PML-N Rigging Tactics again: Imran

In a series of tweets posted Monday, Imran termed the outcome of the by-elections as a “moral victory for PTI” saying that this election would strengthen the party as it had challenged the PML-N with its government power

Islamabad: In his first comment

after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ’s Aleem Khan lost the contest for the coveted NA-122 seat, party chairman Imran Khan has said that his party will counter the “rigging tactics by PML-N” that they “were not prepared for again.” On Sunday, PTI’s Abdul Aleem Khan lost the by-election in NA-122 to PML-N’s Sardar Ayaz Sadiq while PML-N candidate Mohsin Lateef was defeated by PTI’s Shoaib Siddiqui in PP-147 constituency, which falls within NA-122. In a series of tweets posted Monday, Imran termed the outcome of the by-elections as a “moral victory for PTI” saying that this election would strengthen the party as it had challenged the PML-N with its government power. The PTI chief went on to say that his party will “learn from our mistakes”. In a separate tweet, Imran said his party is investigating the number of “PTI votes thrown out of NA-122 at the last minute”, adding that they will approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after the probe. While no major complaints of rule violations or rigging had been received, the Election Commission said it had gotten around 35 smaller complaints in NA-122. The PTI chief also congratulated Aleem Khan for “his hard work and persistence against two PML-N governmental machiner-

A ‘Change’ Like No Other “There was a queue of about 50 people when I reached the Shadman Polling Station. It did not take much time for me to get my turn to cast the vote due to the presence of the Army,” said Usama Ahmed, a banker. “Owing to the army’s presence the ruling party cannot do anything wrong in the polling booths but it is not clear whether the same transparency is maintained at the returning officers’ offices,” said Muhammad Amin, a resident of Ichhra. Unlike the practice in the past, the law-enforcement agencies had placed barricades at quite a distance from the polling booths. The traffic was diverted from these points by the wardens. VOTER LIST ISSUES: There were few problems though. Many

voters were unhappy about the lists which they said caused a great deal of inconvenience to them in finding out their polling stations. At Shama Pir Ghazi Road poll-

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ing station, people were seen complaining about their names being missed in the voter lists. “I have come here along with my wife but we are told by the polling camp

ies.”

We accept the results, but with reservations, says Sarwar: On Monday evening, PTI’s candidate for NA-122, Aleem Khan, and leader Chaudhry Sarwar addressed a press conference, during which they said that the results of the by-election were acceptable to the PTI. However, Sarwar went on to say that the PML-N had violated campaign regulations with provincial ministers and other personalities involved in the pre-poll campaign process despite ECP’s orders against such activities. Sarwar said his party had received several complaints of irregularities during polling, adding that if any substantive evidence of rigging comes up, the PTI will lodge protests. Imran should end politics of lies, says Rasheed: Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed has said that Imran Khan should quit ‘the politics of lies’ as the victory of PML-N in the by-election of NA-122 proved the transparency of 2013 general election. Talking to media personnel in Islamabad, Rasheed said that “making election results controversial is tantamount to maligning democratic institutions of Pakistan.” He said Imran Khan’s demands to ensure transparency in the by-election were met, but even then the PML-N and PTI bagged the same number of votes as they did in 2013 general elections members that our votes have been moved to Sodiwal,” Muhammad Ashraf said. Hasan Abbas Bharwana said he had cast his ballot at the Shama Chowk in the 2013 elections but he came to know that his vote was now registered in Samanabad. “How can this happen? There must be some manoeuvering,” Bharwana left the polling station cursing the government. Among others, Imtiaz Ali and Muhammad Imran Saeed were upset over not finding their names in the lists. They alleged that since their rivals knew that they were supporters of the PTI, they had managed to remove their names from the voter lists of the polling station near their residences. “Such tricks won’t work,” commented Ali. ENTHUSIASM: It was a day of enthusiasm and celebration for a large number of people who CHANGE, P13

P12 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

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Malala Documentary Premiered at London Festival

Malala Yousafzai with Davis Guggenheim, director of a documentary on the teen who took center stage as spokeswoman for girls’ rights to education

London: Malala was the name on ev-

eryone’s lips this week at the London Film Festival where a documentary about the youngest-ever Nobel Peace laureate had its European premiere. “He named me Malala” is an intimate portrait of Malala Yousafzai and during the festival even the biggest stars seemed humbled by the teenager and her aspirations. American actress Meryl Streep hailed her as the worthy heiress of the suffragettes who battled for the right to vote in Britain in the early 20th century. Filmed over 18 months in Britain, Kenya, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi and Jordan, the documentary by American David Guggenheim recalls how Malala’s father chose her name in honor of Malalai of Maiwand, a heroine who rallied the Pashtun army against British troops in 1880. “When I was little, many people would say, `Change Malala’s name. It’s a bad name, it means sad.’ But my father would always say, `No, it has another meaning. Bravery’,” Malala said. On screen, the 18-year-old is seen at her home in Birmingham,

central England, explaining to her father in the family living room how Twitter works, or squabbling with her brothers, Atal and Khushal. “She’s fighting for human rights but at home she’s so violent,” complained Atal after being beaten in an arm wrestling match. The film follows her at school, in the streets of New York, at a refugee camp, spreading her optimistic and determined message on the right to education. “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world,” she proclaimed. The documentary also shows Malala’s life in Swat valley where she decided, aged 11, to write a blog for the BBC — “Diary of a Pakistani schoolgirl” — in which she denounces Taliban violence. Guggenheim turns to animation to bring to life these years before the attempted assassination in October 2012, when Taliban gunmen opened fire on then 14-year-old Malala on her school bus. The cartoons, matching photos from the family album, also evoke the childhood of Malala’s mother,

Toor Pekai Yousafzai, who recalled her own brief education on Friday at London’s Women in the World summit. “I left school because I was the only girl in a class full of boys. I just wanted to play with my cousins who were girls,” she said in Pashtun, adding that she is now trying to learn to read and write in English. Of her daughter, she explained that, despite the anguish, she could not “stop a girl like her from talking or speaking up”. “Sometimes when I worried she would tell me `I can’t stop going to school, I can’t stop talking, because I am a girl and we cannot go back to the ages when they buried girls alive. I want to progress. I want to speak’.” The film also shows the months of hospitalization and re-education of the girl who wants to become prime minister of Pakistan, as well as her close relationship to her father. “We are one soul in two different bodies,” said Malala in the documentary. To silence the critics who see her as her father’s mouthpiece, she added: “My father only gave me the name Malalai. He didn’t make me Malalai. I chose this life.” Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, meanwhile told of his astonishment at the Taliban attack, saying, “They had never killed a child, I never expected that”. On occasions in the film, Malala is just a normal teenager: she looks at photos of Brad Pitt, speaks of her favorite book, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, and shares her passion for cricket. But she recognizes the difference between her and her British classmates who “all have boyfriends”. And she shares her dreams of one day returning to the Swat valley. “He named me Malala” is to be released in Britain on Nov 6.

Investigation against Robin Raphel over ‘Spying for Pakistan’ Faltering

Islamabad: The nearly year-long federal investigation against Robin Raphel, a veteran American diplomat, for allegedly spying for Pakistan has all but fizzled, The New York Times reported Sunday. Last fall, federal agents raided the home and office of Robin Raphel in search of proof that she was spying for Pakistan. But officials now say the spying investigation has all but fizzled, leaving the Justice Department to decide whether to prosecute Raphel for the far less serious charge of keeping classified information in her home. The fallout from the investigation has in the meantime seriously damaged Robin’s reputation, built over decades in some of the world’s most volatile countries. If the Justice Department declines to file spying charges, as several officials said they expected, it will be the latest example of American law enforcement agencies bringing an espionage investigation into the public eye, only to see it dissipate under further scrutiny. Last month, the Justice Department dropped charges against a Temple University physicist who had been accused of sharing sensitive information with China. In May, prosecutors dropped all charges against a government hydrologist who had been under investigation for espionage. Robin, in negotiations with the government, has rejected plea deals and has been adamant that she face no charges, according to current and former government officials, particularly because the Justice Department has been criticized in recent years for handing out inconsistent punishments to American officials who mishandle classified information. Both the Justice Department and a lawyer for Raphel, Amy Jeffress, declined to comment. Robin has for decades been at the center of shaping American policy towards Pakistan, and she has maintained

close ties with Pakistani officials even as many of her colleagues became disenchanted with what they saw as Islamabad’s duplicity in the fight against terrorism. Some American investigators viewed Robin’s relationships with deep suspicion. Those suspicions became a federal investigation last year when American officials, while eavesdropping on a Pakistani government official, intercepted a conversation that seemed to suggest that Robin, an adviser at the State Department, was passing American secrets to Pakistan. The reason for the eavesdropping is unclear, but the government routinely listens to the phone calls and reads the emails of foreign officials. After months of secret surveillance, the investigation into Robin spilled into the public when agents searched her home and her State Department office last October. She was quickly stripped of her security clearances and left in the dark about the precise origins of the federal investigation. In discussions with prosecutors, according to several government officials, Robin and her lawyer have cited the Petraeus case as the vital precedent.

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Shiv Sena Calls off Protest against Kasuri’s Book Launch

With his face smeared with black ink Sudheendra Kulkarni holds a copy of the book by former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri at a news conference in Mumbai

Mumbai: Shiv Sena has announced

to withdraw their protest against Kasuri’s book launch event in Mumbai city, The Hindu reported. The announcement came after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intervened and persuaded senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut to back off from the protest. Earlier at least 10 to 15 Shiv Sena activists had attacked Sudheendra Kulkarni, organizer of former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book launch, hours before the event, NDTV had reported. Raut while speaking to media said that the CM had told him that there should be no anti-Pakistan statement at the book launch. “When I got out of home, a group of Shiv Sainiks - some 10, 15 of them - stopped my car. When I came out, they smeared my entire body with black oil paint, shouted slogans and said ‘we had ordered you to cancel the program, you didn’t listen to us, this is what we’ll do’. They abused me,” Kulkarni said following the attack.

He had earlier told Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray that the program will not be cancelled. “We respect your right to protest peacefully, you should respect our right to hold the program ... We are not doing anything unlawful,” he told NDTV. Kulkarni said the government has assured security for Kasuri and the program. Kulkarni and Kasuri held a joint press conference following the incident, NDTV reported. The organizer welcome the former Pakistani foreign minister, thanking him for accepting the invitation. Kasuri reached Mumbai on Sunday for the last leg of his book release tour. His book ‘Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: An Insider’s Account of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy’ will be launched at Mumbai’s Hall of Culture, Nehru Center. “My Indian sponsors say we should not chicken [out] before any threat by the Shiv Sena,” Kasuri told Dawn Newspaper. “There are some 20 security men guarding me. I’m leaving it all to Allah.”

Pakistan, China Finalize Submarine Manufacture Plan Islamabad: Pakistan has finalized its long-negotiated submarine deal with China, with four to be built in China and four in Pakistan. Analysts believe the submarines will go a long way in maintaining a credible conventional deterrent against India, and also largely secure the seabased arm of Pakistan’s nuclear triad. Minister for Defense Production Tanveer Hussain announced the news last week while opening a new exhibition center at the Defense Export Promotion Organization. Construction is to be undertaken simultaneously in both countries, but Hussain did not say when construction would commence or what type had been

selected. Most analysts believe the subs will be the air independent propulsion (AIP) equipped variant of the S-20, which is an export development of China’s Type039A/Type-041 class diesel-electric submarines. Though Chinese submarine technology is reported to have improved considerably, Tom Waldwyn, research analyst in the Defense and Military Analysis Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said, “The capabilities of Chinese submarines are not something which can be easily determined as it benefits countries on both sides to keep this a secret.

CHANGE FROM P11

women before entering the polling station to vote for the PTI. We are voting for an ideology – a corruption-free society,” she said. In most areas there was zeal and zest in the PML-N camps and their loyalists were confident of winning. “I voted for lion as we have been supporting Nawaz Sharif for two decades,” Arif Chishti of Ghari Shahu said. He said the PML-N government had done a lot for Lahore and it was not easy for Lahorites to switch loyalties. Dawn

saw a tough contest for the NA-122 by-election between PML-N’s Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and PTI’s Abdul Aleem Khan. The voters never shied away from disclosing their loyalty to a party. Faisal Aziz, who works in an IT company, said: “We want change and have voted for it. Even if we don’t win today’s poll, we will not give up and rather focus on the next elections.” Mr Aziz’s wife was equally enthusiastic. “I voted for bat and even tried to persuade a couple of

P14 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

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PAKISTAN

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P15

We Stand by You, General Raheel Tells Turkish Counterpart

Abdullah Welcomes PM’s Offer to Revive Afghan Peace Talks

Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff

(COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Monday assured his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, of unflinching support in the face of daunting challenges, and condoled deaths of victims of the recent twin blasts in the Turkish capital . Over a hundred people attending a peace rally died in the blasts. General Raheel visited the headquarters of the Turkish Land Forces, where he met the Turkish army chief and discussed “enhanced cooperation” on the future direction of counter terrorism, DG ISPR Asim Bajwa said in a series of tweets on Twitter. The army chief told his Turkish counterpart that he understood “the enormity of their challenges” and “stood by them”. Upon his arrival, the army chief was presented a guard of honor by the Turkish Land Forces. General Raheel also laid a

COAS Gen Raheel Shareef meets his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar during his three-day visit to Turkey. - ISPR Twitter Photo

wreath at the mausoleum of Kamal Ataturk at Ankara during his visit. He expressed hopes of “surmounting challenges with a common and coherent approach,” adding that the relationship

PTI Moves SC against ‘ECP Ban on Electioneering by Imran’ Islamabad The Pakistan Tehreek-

e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday called on the Supreme Court to take notice of ‘Election Commission of Pakistan’s attempts to keep party chairman Imran Khan off campaigning for by-election’. “The ECP had mala-fide intentions in restraining parliamentarians from running election campaign,” a statement submitted in the apex court by PTI central region Punjab President Mansoor Sarwar Khan through counsel Hamid Khan claimed. The party maintained that the notification for the ban on campaigning was aimed at Imran Khan since he was the only MNA who did not hold any official position and therefore could run an election campaign. The statement, however, endorsed the Lahore High Court’s order and subsequent ECP notification of May 7, barring MNAs and MPAs from entering constituencies at the time of polling. According

to Sarwar Khan, preventing the PTI chief from campaigning in the constituencies was a violation of Article 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the constitution and, therefore, the notification was liable to be struck down. A day earlier, ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) candidate Sardar Ayaz Sadiq narrowly defeated Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf ’s (PTI) Abdul Aleem Khan in the by-election in NA-122, whereas PTI’s Sohaib Saddiqui won the provincial seat of PP-147 by 3,352 votes. The real contest in NA-122 was between Sadiq, who grabbed a total of 76,204 votes, defeating Aleem Khan, who bagged 72,043 votes.

ATC Sentences Altaf Hussain to 81 Years in Prison Gilgit: An anti-terrorism court in Gilgit on Monday sentenced Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain to 81 years in prison in a case related to treason and incitement to violence. At least 15 cases were registered against Altaf Hussain in different police stations of Gilgit-Baltistan on charges of treason, incitement to violence and speeches against the state and armed forces. Announcing the verdict, ATC Judge Raja Shahbaz Khan directed the MQM chief to also submit a fine of Rs 2.4 million. He ordered the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) to produce the MQM chief before the court. The court also ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate Altaf ’s properties and hold them for auction. Earlier on September 21, the court had reserved its verdict in the case. On September 1, the same

court had declared Altaf Hussain an absconder despite being summoned through a legal notice. The court had warned that if the MQM chief failed to appear in the court on the next hearing, it would issue a verdict against him. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has already imposed a ban on the media coverage of Altaf and airing of his images and speeches across all electronic and print media in a similar case. MQM lawmakers tendered their resignations form both the houses of parliament and Sindh Assembly on August 12, citing reservations over the Rangers-led operation in Karachi.

between the two countries was “time-tested and eternal”. The COAS was also awarded the Turkish Legion of Merit for his services in establishing regional peace and courageously combating terrorism.

NA Speaker Slot for Ayaz Sadiq again Lahore:

The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) l e a d e rsh ip has decided to assign the slot of Speaker of the National Assembly to Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The PML-N leadership approved the name of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for the slot. However, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will make a final decision in this regard. Ayaz had relinquished the speakership of the House after an election tribunal declared the NA-122 results null and void. Ayaz will be elected the speaker in a National Assembly session likely to be held by the end of this month.

Let’s Forget the Past and Work Together

slamabad:

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid on Monday invited PTI Chairman Imran Khan to join hands with the government and work for the progress of the country. “Let us forget the past and work together for development and prosperity of the country,” the minister said while talking to reporters in Islamabad. He urged Imran Khan to “give up negative politics and think positive for the sake of the country”. The minister called upon the PTI to play its part in parliament and give suggestions to overcome the challenges of terrorism, energy shortage, unemployment and pov WORK, P28

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Dr Abdullah Abdullah welcomed on Monday the offer by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to revive the stalled Afghan peace process but urged Pakistan to end its ‘support’ to the Afghan Taliban. Abdullah’s response comes two days after PM Nawaz said he “wants to bring the Taliban back to the ne-

gotiation table”. “This is a good offer but we want support to the Taliban to end. This would be useful as they [Taliban] would not have the ability of launching major attacks,” the Afghan leader told ministers in response to the prime minister’s offer, according to the Afghan media. Abdullah was quoted as saying that “trust” between the two neighbors will be in the best interest of Afghanistan. Pakistan had postponed the second round of Murree talks between Afghan Taliban and the government in Kabul after the death of Taliban supremo Mullah Omar in late July. Talking to reporters in Lahore, PM Nawaz said the news of Mullah Omar’s death had a “negative impact” on the Afghan peace process. The deadly Kabul blasts in August proved to be a major setback for the negotiations as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani accused Pakistan of being involved in the attacks.

Entry of 190 Ulema Banned in Pindi during Muharram

100% of High-Profile Murder Cases Solved

Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has banned the entry of 190 ulema and Zakirs in the Rawalpindi division during Muharram. The inter-provincial movement of religious leaders is already banned during the month. According to police sources, of the 190 ulema, the entry of 39 has been banned in the Rawalpindi district, 91 in Attock, 18 in Jhelum and 45 in Chakwal. As many as 77 of the clerics belonged to the Shia, 95 to Deobandi and 18 Barelvi schools of thought. The government has also decided to register cases against the organizers of majalis in which any banned ulema or Zakirs would be invited. “No ulema from other parts of the province will be allowed to enter Rawalpindi or visit other districts during Muharram,” Regional Police Officer (RPO) Mohammad Wisal Fakhar Sultan Raja said. Besides the entry ban, the names of those included in the police watch list under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 are being updated. The RPO said individuals placed on the watch-list were under surveillance by the police and security officials. In the Rawalpindi division, more than 725 processions and 3,800 majalis have been put in the highly sensitive ‘A’, less sensitive ‘B’ and low sensitive ‘C’ categories. Imambargah Qasr-i-Shabbir at Dhoke Syedan, which had been included in the ‘C’ category, was targeted by a suicide bomber in November 2012 killing at least 15 people and injuring over 35 others. The RPO said there was no specific security threat regarding Muharram but the police were taking all possible measures to ensure peace during the month. He said it was for the first time that separate security plans had been made for every procession. He informed a total of 15,000 personnel, including police, Punjab Constabulary, Elite Force and the traffic police would perform security duty during Muharram processions.

Islamabad: Sindh Inspector Gener-

Islamabad: Afghan Chief Executive

al Police Ghulam Hyder Jamali said on Monday that 100 per cent of all high-profile murder cases - including those of Parveen Rehman and Abbas Kumaili’s son - have been solved. He added that there has been a 98pc decline in cases of kidnapping for ransom and theft. The IGP said that Daesh or the Islamic State and the banned sectarian militant group Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) were linked to each other. He said the Safoora attack suspects had been involved with Daesh for at least a year and had been receiving instructions from one Abdul Aziz located in Syria. The former interior minister and the head of the Senate committee on the interior, Rehman Malik, said IS was “100 per cent” behind the Karachi attack, citing testimony from the Sindh provincial police chief to his committee. “IS was 100 per cent involved in it, the attack was planned from Syria and the attackers were receiving orders from a Pakistani member of IS presently in Syria,” Malik said after the Monday meeting where the Sindh police chief testified. “So far 14 people belonging to IS have been arrested in Pakistan.” Malik said Abdul Aziz, the alleged mastermind of the attack, is from the city of Jhelum in Punjab province, and lived in interior Sindh for some time before moving to Syria. Six laptops containing sensitive information recovered from the suspects have been decrypted, Sindh IGP said, adding that the development will help in the investigation. A ‘hit-list’ of to-be-targeted officials was also recovered from the Safoora suspects, he added. Jamali said that during the past year, 166 Al Qaeda affiliated terrorists, 644 other terrorists and 186 members of Lyari gangs were arrested in Karachi. He said action had also been taken against the facilitators and doctors who had treated injured Afghan nationals in the city.

P16 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

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COMMUNITY

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P17

Community Link Friday, October 16, 2015

VOL. 25/42 PAGE 18

PAGE PAGE21 17

egum PAGE 18

TCF Sacramento Chapter Launched

2 Muharram 1437 H

Keynote Address at CAIR’s Banquet by Dr Jackson

Remembering Justice Javed Iqbal

For news, updated round the clock, visit

www.PakistanLink.com

Anti-Muslim Rallies End up Inspiring Acts of Love and Service

Instead of dividing the communities they targeted, news about the rallies strengthened bonds between interfaith allies and inspired numerous acts of community service around the US

n By Carol Kuruvilla

loosely affiliated group of armed protestors organized anti-Muslim hate rallies across the country on Friday and Saturday. But instead of dividing the communities they targeted, news about the rallies strengthened bonds between interfaith allies and inspired numerous acts of community service around the US.

Grassroots organizers behind the socalled “Global Rally For Humanity” used Facebook to encourage “fellow patriots” to protest Islam outside their local mosques and Muslim community centers. On some pages, the protests were billed as “open carry” events and participants were encouraged to come armed with guns. Although up to 35 Facebook pages were created in support of the rally, according to the anti-bigotry group Center for New Community, the majority of these were deactivated in the days leading up to Friday. And in an extraordinary show of solidarity, interfaith networks in neighborhoods

across America and online stepped up to show their support for their Muslim friends. A protest scheduled to happen in front of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan, had to relocate to the grounds of a public library because the organizers hadn’t gained a permit, according to Arab American News. Fewer than 10 protestors reportedly showed up, four carrying weapons. Counterprotestors spent time engaging in dialogue with those who seemed to have an anti-Muslim viewpoint. The two groups left after shaking hands. Another rally was scheduled to take place at Masjid Muhammad in Washington, DC. The Facebook page announcing that event was later taken down. Still, a few interfaith allies attended a Friday prayer service at the mosque to make it clear that they were willing to stand alongside Muslims. Catherine Orsborn, director of the Shoulder to Shoulder interfaith campaign, which aims to end anti-Muslim bigotry, was one of the leaders who attended the prayers. Other than a security protocol leaflet inserted into

the program, she said the service went on as planned and the community didn’t seem to be on edge. “The sermon wasn’t about the protests, it was about freedom, justice and equality,” Orsborn told The Huffington Post. “There was a fish lunch afterwards outside the masjid -- I’m pretty sure if any protestors had shown up, they would have been offered fish, too.” At Seattle’s Interfaith Community Sanctuary, Muslims, Jews, Christians and Buddhists participated in joint prayers on Friday. They screened the film “American Muslims: Facts vs. Fiction,” which presents information about the Muslim community, from how often Muslims watch television to how often they attend religious prayer services. Imam Jamal Rahman, co-founder of the sanctuary, called the gathering “remarkable.” “In particular, the Muslims in the group were profoundly touched by the extraordinary expressions of support and unity by their nonMuslim brothers and sisters. All of us experienced a deep kinship of spirit,” Rahman, a Muslim Sufi minister, told HuffPost.

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On Saturday, the Spokane Interfaith Council in Washington organized a potluck dinner at their local Islamic center. A similar interfaith community dinner is being organized at an Islamic center in Louisville, Kentucky, to “celebrate the ideals of anti-racism and anti-bigotry.” The rallies also inspired the Council on American-Islamic Relations to launch a nationwide voter registration drive. In Spring Hill, Florida, Muslim doctors planned to offer free checkups to anyone who walked into the Crescent Community Clinic on Saturday. Michigan’s Muslim Community Council directed Muslims and their interfaith allies to avoid counter-protests and instead commit to serving the community. Volunteers planned to distribute clothing and school supplies to people in need at the Muslim Center in Detroit. Others signed up to plant trees and organize a youth dialogue on politics and social justice. Online, supporters rallied under the hashtags #HateUnchecked and #LoveYourNeighbor. – Courtesy Huffington Post

COMMUNITY

P18 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

The Citizens Foundation Sacramento Chapter Launched

With over 1000 schools and over 165,000 students already enrolled and close to 9000 trained teachers in 109 towns and cities in Pakistan, this is certainly a huge operation which aims to educate 1.5 million kids in the near future with help from communities like ours

n By Ras H. Siddiqui

he Citizens FoundationUSA (https://www.tcfusa. org/) is one of the three groupings of an international effort (along with those in Canada and the United Kingdom) who are serious in helping to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Pakistan today - children who are not in school. In support of The Citizens FoundationPakistan (which carries out this worthy mission) there are already a number of Chapters in the USA actively engaged in spreading awareness and in fundraising activities in major cities. The closest one to Sacramento, California is the very active decade-old Silicon Valley Chapter and it is with their introduction and an initiative shown by two area Pakistani

community luminaries - Asghar Aboobaker and Javed Iqbal - that an expansion into California’s Capital City is now becoming a reality.

On Saturday, October 3, 2015 a small lunch gathering was held in nearby Roseville in Placer County at the Best Western Hotel attended by a select 35 people who have shown an interest in pursuing The Citizens Foundation (TCF) mission in this geographic area. Pakistanis have been in the Sacramento region since Partition (and before) and the area can be considered as having one of the oldest communities of Pakistani origin in the United States. The community has become really active of late via the Pakistani American Association of Sacramento (PAAS), the Pak American Culture and Arts Council (PACAC) and last but not least the Pakistani American Sports and Culture Organiza-

Dr Sherman Jackson to Give Keynote Address at CAIR-LA’s 19th Annual Banquet

AIR-LA has announced that this year’s 19th annual banquet keynote speaker will be Dr Sherman Jackson.

Dr Jackson is one of the most influential American Muslim scholars in the nation, renowned for his contributions to the field of Islam in the United States and bridging the gap of understanding between Muslims and the broader community. He is the King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC). He has authored several books on Islam and Black America including “Islamic Law and the State: The Constitutional Jurisprudence of Shihâb al-Dîn al-Qarâfî” and “Islam and the Blackamerican: Looking Towards the Third Resurrection”. Dr Jackson is the Co-Founder of the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM), as well

tion (PASCO). And now TCF is set to become a welcome addition here. The lunch gathering in Roseville started with words of welcome by Javed Iqbal who explained why he had decided to support TCF and has become one of the main organizers for Sacramento after serving and supporting various other organizations in the Sacramento area for many years. Javed was followed by Laiq Chughtai from the Silicon Valley Chapter who provided details of the work that TCF has been doing in Pakistan. Laiq explained that there is an education emergency in Pakistan where 1 in 4 children in rural areas do not attend school, half the government primary schools lack toilets and 40% have no drinking water. He also said that 50% more girls are out of school than boys. A clip from a video aired on American television focusing on TCF titled “An Alternative Public School System” was also shown. But most im-

US Lawmaker Sponsors Resolution in Congress to Welcome Nawaz

pressive of all was the scale reported of work that TCF is doing. With over 1000 schools and over 165,000 students already enrolled and close to 9000 trained teachers in 109 towns and cities in Pakistan, this is certainly a huge operation which aims to educate 1.5 million kids in the near future with help from communities like ours. Also explained was why TCF has been successful in reaching out to children in Pakistan, some in remote areas. Amjad Noorani , also from the TCF Silicon Valley Chapter, spoke next and elaborated on four recent additional initiatives taken by TCF in Pakistan including Alumni Development, Learning Management, Quality Improvement and Partnerships with Provincial Governments and others. And Amjad was followed by Asad Mohiuddin, also from the Silicon Valley TCF Chapter, who presented a holistic view of the organization and his own reflec-

MPAC Applauds Presidential Appointment of American Muslim Leader

resident Obama has named Aziza Hasan as one of his nominees to serve on the President’s third Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Hasan was previously with MPAC, having served from 2006-2012 as the Southern California Government Relations Director, and was responsible for S Congresswoman Sheila managing MPAC’s relationship Jackson Lee is sponsoring a with local government. resolution in the Congress According to an MPAC mesto welcome Prime Minister Nawaz sage, the Presidential Advisory Sharif when he visits the country Council is made of religious and later this month, Radio Pakistan non-religious leaders, and is tasked with advising the President on polireported.

as past president of Shari’ah Scholar Association of North America, among other various board positions in several organizations helping to create a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in America. Dr Sherman Jackson was twice recognized among the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in 2009 and 2012 by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.

The US National Security Adviser, Susan Rice, extended President Barack Obama’s invitation to the premier to visit the country during her visit to Pakistan in August. The proposed visit is scheduled only a few weeks after PM Nawaz attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In Washington, PM Nawaz is set to meet with President Obama, RESOLUTION, P28

www.PakistanLink.com

tions on its work. And to be more specific Asghar Aboobaker closed the afternoon formalities with his impressions of the remarkable work that The Citizens Foundation is doing on the ground in Pakistan to educate children impacted by poverty or other pressing priorities. To conclude, this report has been kept purposely short as we will wait for the first TCF Sacramento Chapter event in the near future to further expand on the work of this unique organization. In the meantime readers are invited to visit the TCF-Pakistan website at http:// www.tcf.org.pk/ to see if they would like to assist or participate in its mission. And to add some wisdom here, as a wise Chinese philosopher by the name of Confucius once reportedly observed, “If your plan is for one year, plant rice; If your plan is for ten years, plant a tree; If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.”

cies to address creating equal opportunity for all, including those in lowincome communities. In addition, the Council works on representing the needs of faith-based organizations. Hasan’s appointment is an example of civic integration that our community needs and MPAC encourages. Being part of government and institutions that make policy is crucial to making change. Advocat-

ing from the outside, while important, is much easier when there are people within policy-making circles that can engage and agree with your vision. Like many other minority groups in this country, the American Muslim community must become a part of our civic institutions in order to have a relevant voice in policymaking. However, this is more than just a win for the American Muslim community- it is a win for our government. By appointing diverse, intellectual individuals such as Hasan, the Council benefits from a unique point of view and experiences that will only add to its ability to recommend effective policies. MPAC is proud to continue the tradition of civic engagement and highlight the importance of being involved in the decision making process of shaping policies that affect our communities and our nation at large. We look forward to engaging the President’s Council and seeing the work that evolves from it, the message concludes.

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P19

Jadoo TV Announces Another Milestone In another milestone achievement, JadooTV announces a partnership with EROS, the largest media house with rights to Bollywood movies. With this partnership, JadooTV and Eros are now able to market the latest movies on the JadooTV platform. In a recent agreement signed between the CEO of Eros, Kishore Lalla and the CEO of JadooTV, Sajid Sohail, all Jadoo4 customers will have access to the latest movies from Bollywood and many more. Sajid Sohail while signing the deal said that “We are much honored to have the Eros movie content available to over a million of our customers from all over the World from the Americas to Europe, Middle East, Far East and the APAC countries”. This very exciting development was appreciated by Kishore Lalla, the CEO of EROS while signing the agreement. During the last few weeks, JadooTV has made many more milestone achievements. The launch of ZeeTV channels in Canada was another major breakthrough in a mega deal between ZeeTV and JadooTV. Customers in Canada can now watch three of the major ZeeTV channels: Zee Canada, Zee Movies & Zee Punjabi on Jadoo4. Another unique feature launched by JadooTV is the APP JadooGO. Any customer that has a Jadoo4 can now watch JadooTV on two mobile devices, Android or Apple (iOS), tablet or phone by using the same log-in of their Jadoo4 for free. Or they can purchase the application for their mobile devices by just paying a nominal fee of $4.99 per month. JadooTV Inc. based and registered in California was launched in 2008 and is the only IPTV Company that provides preloaded channels, movies and recorded content to its customers legally unlike many copycats that steal the content and air it on their devices illegally. About Sajid Sohail, the CEO of JadooTV: He is a well know stalwart of the Silicon Valley. Having got his MS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1983, he focused his energies on video and media applications and worked his way through High Tech companies and founded Dazzle Multimedia in 1995. Being a visionary, he decided to launch JadooTV in 2008 as he saw that there was a huge potential for an untapped market for video content for the hundreds of millions of expatriates around the World. And now, JadooTV has become a household word. Sajid Sohail says that “Our Mantra is Connecting You to Your Culture”. For further information, please visit www.jadootv.com or call US # 1-619-523-6688 or in Canada 1-289- 466- 1005

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COMMUNITY

P20 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

Harris Khalique on the Wide Scope of Politically Motivated Urdu Poetry n By A.H. Cemendtaur

ourteen years ago when Harris Khalique visited the Bay Area he was already a well-known poet in Pakistan. His debut collection of poems was published when he was still a student at an engineering university. Khalique’s first book made strong waves in the literary circles as it was the most powerful and sane voice from the young generation of writers and poets, in the hateful and bigoted Pakistani 80s.

Fast forward to today, Harris Khalique still carries the tone of a fervent poet, but seems to have negotiated with the realities of his times. On Thursday, October 8, Harris Khalique spoke on ‘Political Poetry in Contemporary Pakistan,’ at UC Berkeley. At Berkeley Khalique was hosted by the Institute for South Asia Studies, the Berkeley Pakistan Initiative, and the Townsend Center for the Humanities, with the familiar team of Munis Faruqui, Puneeta Kala, and Saba Mahmood working in the background. In his talk Harris Khalique claimed that works of all major Urdu poets have had political themes in their poetry. Khalique thought any work by a woman poet in that region should be considered political as a woman raising her voice in that culture is in itself an act of defiance and a political statement. He said most educated people of South Asia were bilinguals and were strongly influenced by the

Muslims Respond to Hateful Protests with Voter Registration Drives n Carol Kuruvilla

s protestors prepared to spend last weekend demonstrating in front of Islamic houses of worship, Muslims responded on Friday by standing up for their rights as American citizens.

The hateful protests, spurred by a national rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, were scheduled to take place at Islamic centers across the country on Oct. 9-10, according to The Center for New Community, a Chicago-based anti-bigotry group. In response, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim advocacy organization, announced on Friday that they were launching a year-long voter registration campaign. The drives will take place inside mosques and community centers and will be open to the public. It’s an attempt to show that American Muslim houses of worship are places that foster civic and democratic engagement. “In registering voters, American Muslim organizations nationwide are challenging Islamophobia with community organizing, coalition building and civic empowerment,” CAIR Government Harris Khalique spoke on ‘Political Poetry in Contemporary Pakistan,’ at UC Berkeley

English language; thus it was not surprising that many contemporary writers of Pakistan write in two languages -- he, Harris Khalique, being a good example of this bilingualism; he writes poetry in both

Halal Economy Set to Grow: Experts

Urdu and English, and writes social commentary in English. After his talk Harris Khalique was interviewed by Saba Mahmood, Associate Professor in Anthropology at UC Berkeley.

Affairs Manager Robert McCaw said in a statement. “In the face of hatred, the Muslim community will respond by asserting its rights as American citizens and voters.” The goal is to register 20,000 voters before the Super Tuesday presidential primaries next March. CAIR registered over 10,000 voters during a similar drive in 2012, McCraw told The Huffington Post. Anti-Muslim sentiment and hate crimes have been a growing problem for American Muslims since 9/11. The so-called “Global Rally For Humanity” is a loosely affiliated national campaign that has been organizing anti-Muslim extremists through Facebook. The Center for New Community’s advocacy director, Kalia Abiade, had tracked 29 anti-Muslim protests scheduled for last weekend. Some of the rallies were billed as “opencarry events” where participants were encouraged to bring guns. Not wanting to bring more attention to the protestors, many of the mosques that were targeted decided not to arrange counter protests. However, the interfaith community in these areas stepped in to show their support for their Muslim neighbors.

White House Meeting & Press Conference Urge Russia to Stop Airstrikes in Syria

... And You Helped Make This Happen

n the past week, Governor Jerry Brown signed three major bills into law that will help protect the rights of Californians and promote equality. All three of these bills were part of CAIR’s policy agenda this year and in partnership with community members and partner organizations, we have succeeded alhamdulillah.

A CAIR message goes on to say: This past Saturday, AB 953 was signed by Gov. Brown, which requires police officers to report the race of the people they stop and search and also creates a state board to review this data. This bill will directly address racial profiling. South African Muslims gather at a halal abattoir in Lenasia, 30km south of Johannesburg, On Monday, the Governor where ritual slaughtering of animals for Eid al-Adha took place on September 24, 2015 signed SB 358, which makes Califorhe halal economy is set to were sharia-compliant by nature are nia’s Equal Pay laws the strongest in grow as the world’s Mus- now being certified as halal, contrib- the country and will address the unlim population expands uting to the increase in the size of just pay disparity between men and women. and more products are certified the halal economy. “When we talk about the halal And recently, SB 178 - the Calito comply with Islamic sharia law, economy growing by 20 percent, it is fornia Electronic Communications experts said on Tuesday. The range of halal products, the conversion from indiscriminate Privacy Act, was also signed into law. from goods not containing pork or we-don’t-know-what’s-in-it econ- This bill protects privacy of electronic alcohol to financial and tourism ser- omy to a definitely halal-certified communications such as emails and vices, is rising as the global Muslim economy,” he told AFP at an Islamic texts, from warrantless searches. economy forum in Dubai. CAIR-CA advocated for two of population grows. The rising demand for halal these bills during our fourth Annual “They are growing because we are increasing by 2.5 to 3 percent ev- products has seen businesses, res- Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) ery year. Islam is the fastest growing taurants and hotels across the world this past April. This event by CAIRreligion,” said Muhammad Chaudry, cater for the needs of Muslim clients, CA mobilized nearly 500 American Muslims to Sacramento to engage president of the Islamic Food and Chaudry said. “Halal is a lifestyle. Countries legislatures for such positive change. Nutrition Council of America. He said many products that ECONOMY, P28 HAPPEN, P28

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n By Hoda Hawa Director of Policy and Advocacy MPAC

oday (Oct 9) we were part of a group of leading American Muslim and Syrian American leaders who met with top ranking White House officials to express concerns over Russia’s recent airstrikes in Syria that resulted in the killings of civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. At the White House meeting, the leadership discussed the ramifications of the recent bombings and suggested policy recommendations for the protection of civilians and the resettlement of more refugees. Following the White House meeting, we participated in a news conference in front of the Russian embassy in Washington, DC At the conference, I stated that the introduction of Russian airstrikes in Syria will only wors-

en the already devastating humanitarian crisis, cause a new influx of refugees and give further ammunition to ISIS propaganda and recruitment efforts. I called on the US and our partners to rethink our strategy on Syria. We must deal with Assad and countering ISIS simultaneously. Without that vision and shift in policy, Assad and ISIS will continue to use each other to perpetuate the worst humanitarian crisis since WWII. After the press conference, we collectively hand-delivered a letter addressed to the Russian ambassador urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to rethink his military strategy in Syria. In an op-ed published yesterday, MPAC President Salam AlMarayati and Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) Board Member Zaher Sahloul cautioned that the current conflict could also escalate into a perceived religious war. Take some time to read their op-ed here.

COMMENTARY

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P21

n By Dr Basheer Khan

Garden Grove, CA

t was a strange coincidence that my last article in the series of “Fikr e Iqbal” was published on Oct 2, 2015 in Pakistan Link, and I got the news through newspapers that his son Javed Iqbal breathed his last after battling with cancer for some time on Oct 3, 2015. This kindled memories of my brief meeting with him when he visited ISOC in late 90s of last millennium or early years of this. I am not sure of the year when he visited. This visit was to improve the strained US-Pakistan relations and also to build hope in the Pakistani diaspora.

When they announced after the Friday prayer that Javed Iqbal will be visiting ISOC the coming Sunday, I was overwhelmed with the thought of meeting the son of the doyen of Urdu poetry, Allama Iqbal, whom I held in great reverence. I thought that by meeting Justice Javed Iqbal I will be fulfilling the deficiency of not being able to see Allama Iqbal and lived in his time. Besides this emotional reason, I wanted to ask him about the poem which Allama had written to him after receiving the first hand- written letter from him when Allama was visiting Britain to attend the Round Table Conference in 1931 for a discussion on the future of British India. In the little time that was there before Zuhr Prayer after his lecture and the question-answer session, I sat near his feet holding his knee to express my respect for Allama Iqbal through his illustrious son. As I was sitting at his feet I realized that worthy children of illustrious parents command the same respect and hold the same aura. I asked him as to what was his request that Allama Iqbal wrote such a powerful poem to a child to give a strong message to the grownups. He told me: Those days gramophones were new and I was fascinated as a child and asked him to bring one for me as it was produced by HMV, a British enterprise. He further said that this couplet in the poem points to it. Utha Na Shisha Garan e Farang Ke Ehsan Sifal e Hind se Meena O Jaam Paida Kar Your joy and your pleasure should come from the goblets that you can make from the soil of your land and you should not sacrifice it for the beauty of the goblets which the glass blowers of the West create. The whole poem is full of eloquence and has a strong message to build self-esteem and resentment against colonialism and its ways. Islam recognizes the importance of fine arts as a tool of inspiration and solace in facing the rigors of life. But it is against using them as a mean to escape the realities of life and destroy life itself. This whole poem reflects this

Remembering Justice Javed Iqbal

spirit. Even though Javed Iqbal was a little child when this poem was written for him but he imbibed its meaning and put it to practice as he grew up is evident from his life. Apart from having excelled in his education he had an illustrious career. He was a prolific writer and had many books to his credit. The biography of his father “Zinda Rood” which is in three volumes is an invaluable reference to understand the life and literature of Allama Iqbal through the most authentic source. The other on the philosophy of Islamic law is a good source to understand the hidden humanness behind its apparent harshness and also a critique of its abuse. All his life, Justice Javed Iqbal shunned the temptation of getting into political limelight even though he had plenty of offers during the reign of every dictator and democratic ruler of Pakistan. The wish of his father expressed in this poem was translated into action by this illustrious son and I am proud to have sat at his feet for few minutes and relish this memory even to this day. I will conclude by translating this poem with its original text for the benefit of all the parents with great expectations from their children and all the children who have great ambitions in life. May Allah fulfill them all. Amen. Dayar e Ishq Mein Apna Muqaam Paida Kar Naya Zamana Naye Subh O Shaam Paida Kar Make your place in the world of love not by imitating the trends but by creating your own new mornings and nights of shining accomplishments. Khuda Agar Dil e Fitrat Shanaas De Tujh ko Sukoot e Lala O Gul se Kalaam Paida kar May Allah give you a heart that recognizes the beauty of nature so that you can enjoy the beauty of tulips and other flowers in the quiet rather than be drowned in the din of music. Main Shakhe Thaak Hoon Meri Ghazal hai Mera Samar Mere Samar se Ma’ye Lala faam Paida Kar The fruit of the branch of my grapevine is my poetry and if you can, brew from it the wine that can give you meaningful pleasure. Mera Tareekh Ameeri Nahin Fakhiri Hai Khudi na baych Gharibi mein Naam Paida Kar. My life is humble and not opulent, so guard your self-respect and establish your credential within your own means. Life is not about how long one lived but how he Justice Javed Iqbal with his distinguished father, Allama Iqbal. Life is not about lived. Javed Iqbal not only lived a long life of 91 years but also lived it well. May his soul rest in peace and how long one lived but how he lived. Javed Iqbal not only lived a long life of 91 years but also lived it well. May his soul rest in peace and may the poetry of Almay the poetry of Allama Iqbal continue to inspire all lama Iqbal continue to inspire all people at all times till the end of this world people at all times till the end of this world. Amen.

For Muslim-Americans, Baby Aidan or Baby Muhammad? n By Wajahat Ali

“

Alhamdulilah, by the greatest blessings of God, we are overjoyed to announce the birth of our beloved new baby son, Aidan.”

I sincerely celebrated the good news, deferred to social media etiquette and clicked “like” on my friend’s post. Another new Muslim baby Aidan had entered the world. He joins lots of little Aidans, Rayans and Adams, Sarahs, Laylas and Sophias smiling and drooling their way through my Facebook feed. Not popping up as much? Bouncing baby Muhammads. The logic goes that “Rayan” can blend in as a moderate “Ryan,” “Aidan” is cool, mysterious and thus inherently likable; and “Adam,” inspired by the prophet, is sturdy, safe and reliable like George, William and Oprah. And who doesn’t like a plain and tall “Sarah,” an exotic “Layla,” who even got Eric Clapton on his knees? The process of choosing a name for a tiny human being is a tremendous, anxiety-inducing responsibility that can lead to marital spats, desperate crowdsourcing and latenight prayers for divine inspiration. For Muslim parents, it carries a much heavier burden. “Should we give our baby a less Muslim-y name?” I asked my wife after we did an awkward, late-night celebration dance upon seeing the “+” sign appear on the pregnancy test over a year and a half ago.

It wasn’t crazy to be entertaining the question. Why burden your kid with a profile-worthy name in addition to the problems he will likely inherit because of his skin color, ethnicity and religion? Some numbers to consider: In a recent poll, 30 percent of Iowa’s Republican voters said they wanted the practice of Islam to be illegal. Nearly three dozen states have introduced bills to ban the influence of foreign laws, targeting Shariah law, which are about as necessary and useful as anti-Bigfoot and anti-unicorn bills, and many Americans don’t want a Muslim as president, even though 29 percent think they’ve already elected a Muslim twice. The Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson doubled down on his recent inflammatory statements and said he would not support a Muslim for president unless he or she renounced central tenets of the religion. His bigotry was rewarded with a huge rise in Facebook friend requests and a surge in fund-raising. In 1980, I think my immigrant parents were more concerned about saving money to buy halal meat and removing turmeric from under their fingernails than the social consequences of naming their only child “Wajahat.” It’s a trisyllabic name with Arabic roots that means “esteemed,” and is used by certain Pakistani parents who want to guarantee that their American-born Muslim child expe-

riences childhood mockery. “Whatchamacallit?” “Wajathe-Hut” and “Warbalot” are my all-time favorite mispronunciations over the past 34 years. “Why is your name so difficult?” I was constantly asked by the Travises, MacKenzies and Joshes of the elementary school world. By fifth grade, the scimitar forged by and for mainstream simplicity chopped off two syllables, leaving me as only “Waj” — the friendly neighborhood token American Muslim kid of Pakistani descent with lentil stains on his OshKosh B’Gosh shirt and husky pants. However, like premature balding and chest hair, “Wajahat” has grown on me over the years. As a member of the 9/11 generation, I’ve owned, defended and attempted to honor the name with all its baggage. When the towers fell, I was a 20-year-old University of California, Berkeley, student who experienced a baptism by fire, like many of my

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Muslim peers. I emerged as the accidental activist and cultural ambassador, a walking Wikipedia and defense counsel of 1,400 years of Islamic civilization and 1.5 billion people. Our patriotism and moderation were always indicted, tried and convicted by a nameless judge who thought Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden were the religion’s brand names. I assumed that participating in the “condemnathons” — monthly rituals where Muslims are asked to vociferously condemn acts committed by violent extremists they’ve never met on continents they’ve never visited — would abate antiMuslim fears. I was wrong. When I was growing up, the worst name I was called was “Gandhi,” which is actually a compliment. Even being labeled “Apu” — a character from “The Simpsons” — wasn’t that insulting. He has great catchphrases (if questionable entrepreneurial sensibilities), and married the smart, attractive Manjula. Fast forward to 2015. My brown-skinned Muslim baby, who eats tandoori chicken, graham crackers and mashed potatoes, and is infatuated with Elmo, is seen as a “problem” by some American voters because of his religious identity. In Texas, a 14-year-old teenager who made a digital clock to impress his teacher was humiliated and handcuffed. If his name wasn’t Ahmed Mohamed, what would have

happened instead? He’d probably be hailed as the Texan Jimmy Neutron or teenage Tony Stark. Like most parents, I could never forgive myself for causing my child undue pain. But if a Wajahat can survive and thrive in America, then why should we be afraid? Why not throw down and give the boy a symbolic, honorable “Muslim-y” name? So, we named our son “Ibrahim.” One might assume it’s because “Ibrahim,” the Arabic pronunciation of Abraham, is the dear friend of God revered by all monotheistic religions, who rebuilt the Kaba in Mecca, offered to sacrifice his son, and was promised a blessed progeny that would inherit the land. One might also think we chose the name to honor Abraham Lincoln, who ended slavery — and earned Daniel Day-Lewis a third Academy Award. The name is in fact a hopeful prayer — both for my son and the future of America. It’s inspired by a verse in the Qur’an: “O fire, be coolness and peace upon Ibrahim.” As a parent of a multisyllabic young boy, I pray that the fires of America will be cooled by and for the Ibrahims of the world. May the Travises, Laylas, Sarahs and Aidans join him in this difficult but necessary task. - The New York Times (Wajahat Ali, a writer and the author of the play “The Domestic Crusaders,” is a journalist at Al Jazeera America)

P22 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

Asylum: What You Should Know Before Applying n By Umar Akbar Ahmed, Esq.

You may include your spouse and children on your initial asylum application, or at any time until a final decision is made on your case if they are already in the United States. To include your child on your application, the child must be under 21 and unmarried. If your spouse or child is abroad, you may petition to bring them to the United States once your asylum is granted

he United States offers protections to individuals who have suffered persecution, or fear that they will suffer persecution, due to their race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. These protections are part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which guarantees a “right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution.” What types of persecution qualifies for asylum? Persecution is defined as “a threat to life or freedom.” Harm due to persecution may be physical, although it need not involve permanent or serious injury. Harm need not be physical, but must be more than harassment. Harm can constitute, for example, severe economic deprivation, forced medical examination as part of a population control policy, disclosure of certain confidential information, disproportionate and severe sentence, denial of benefits available to most individuals, or being stripped of one’s citizenship. A single incident can be sufficient to amount to persecution. Can political opinion be imputed? To qualify for asylum based on persecution due to political opinion, the relevant factor is what the persecutor believes your political opinion is, irrespective of your actual opinion. For example, it was sufficient that a lawyer in Gujarat, Pakistan, who represented a rival political party, was perceived as having a politically adverse opinion to the persecutor irrespective of the lawyer’s actual political opinions.

dividuals who share a particular experience, such as former gang or military members, former police officers or prosecutors, or former land owners. The common characteristic need not even be real as long as it is perceived as so by the persecutor. Persecution based on gender, male or female, is also covered, allowing some to obtain asylum due to rape, forced marriage, FGM, or domestic violence.

Does your social group qualify for asylum? Membership in a particular group is broadly defined, although large groups that would “open the floodgates” have been discouraged from qualifying. Qualifying groups include those made up of individuals who share particular characteristics, such as color, kinship ties, or sexual orientation, or those in-

Does my country of origin have any responsibility? You must show that your home government was, or would be, unable or unwilling to control the persecutors. The persecution must take place in your country of nationality unless you are stateless. If you cannot prove your nationality, this is not a reason to deny asylum, but you must let the authorities know your

n By Rafiq Ebrahim Glen Ellyn, IL

hisked away from the comforts of Pearl Continental, I found myself in a small, but decent house in North Nazimabad belonging to Uncle Yusuf and Aunty Zulekha, my aged relatives, both in their early eighties. They had insisted that I must stay with them at least for a couple of days before flying back to Chicago, and I couldn’t disappoint them, for they were two of the very few relatives who had always cared for me and my family and showered love when we were in Karachi, prior to settling down in America. Having got their seven daughters married off, they now lived alone in their house, and in spite of their age, managed to get all the household chores done - even enjoy an occasional romantic, candle-lit dinner, the fact which Uncle Yusuf confided in me. After a mouth-watering dinner prepared by Aunty Zulekha, expert in the art, I was taken to a room which was supposed to be my bedroom for two nights. It was small but cozy and I hoped to have a good night’s sleep. Just as I dropped down on the bed, everything turned dark. The power broke down. I opened the window to get some cool air, but instead of air an army of buzzing mosquitoes invaded the room, and in turn started feasting on my blood. I picked up an old newspaper lying on a table and tried to beat them away, but it was a futile effort. Covering myself completely with a bed sheet, I tossed and turned around, and somehow passed the night.

stateless status in a timely manner. If you hold dual nationality you must demonstrate that the second country will also deny you protection, and you should not have been firmly resettled in a third county prior to coming to the United States. What about your spouse and children? You may include your spouse and children on your initial asylum application, or at any time until a final decision is made on your case if they are already in the United States. To include your child on your application, the child must be under 21 and unmarried. If your spouse or child is abroad, you may petition to bring them to the United States once your asylum is granted. However, you must apply to bring them to the United States within two years of being granted asylum, barring human-

itarian reasons to excuse the delay. Important deadlines You should apply for asylum within one year of your arrival to the United States. There are exceptions, for example, this time limit does not apply to unaccompanied children under 18 years old. An individual does not need to be in legal immigration status to apply for asylum. If you are in legal immigration status, with for example a valid B1/B2 visa, you should not let your current immigration status expire merely because you have applied for asylum. If your current immigration status expires, and then your asylum application is denied, your visa may automatically become void under INA Section 222(g). Translation To prove your case, you must provide, and pay for, your own language interpreter and translator, if needed. The United States government will not provide you with one. After obtaining asylum You may work in the United States immediately once your asylum application is granted. You may apply for employment authorization earlier if certain conditions are met. You can obtain lawful permanent residence (LPR or a “green card”) one year after you have been granted asylum. Once you have obtained your asylee status or LPR status through asylum, one should note that your status can be terminated for certain crimes and you can become deportable. Although in a lot of cases, asylees in removal proceedings may still have defenses and forms of relief from CAT claims to withholding of removal. (Note: This feature is intended only as a forum for general information and discussion. Any information provided is not in the nature of legal representation and is not intended to establish any attorney-client relationship. Any information provided should not be relied upon without consulting an attorney to discuss the specific facts relevant to your situation)

Driving the Jinns away! “Looks as if you slept well,” remarked Aunty, at the breakfast. I said I did, not wanting to tell her about how really I had really passed the night. Her love and care outweighed the discomfort I suffered. I didn’t go out anywhere that day, for I wanted to pass as much time as I possibly could, with them. Something happened in the evening. I was watching Aalim Online, when I heard a deep, heavy voice saying Allah at the door. I thought Sabri Qawwal had paid us a visit, but Uncle Yusuf, before opening the door, briefed me that Bawa Sai had arrived and that I must kiss his hand in respect, because he was an enlightened soul, helping people in distress, and it was he who was going to drive away a big jinn who had made Uncle’s house his abode. I was stunned, and couldn’t believe my ears that Uncle could even think of such supernatural invasions. He opened the door, and a tall, wellbuilt, dark complexioned man of about forty entered. He was wearing a saffron kurta and a gold embroidered skullcap on his head which had a massive growth of hair. A rosary in his hand, he walked in like a monarch on a mission to bless the people. He was offered an easy chair, and I stepped forward to kiss his extended left hand which had stone-studded rings on all the fingers. Was it marijuana that I smelled? Well, I could be mistaken. After chanting Allah a couple of times, he clapped his hands and submerged in silence, vigorously shaking his head. The he started murmuring some ”mantra”

and went towards a wall. He scratched it for a while, then closed his fists and threw out an imaginary object through the door. He clapped again, breathed heavily and collapsed in a chair. Bawa Sai was offered a plate of rice pudding, a specialty of Aunty Zulekha, which he consumed quickly and asked for more. I was sure he would finish the whole dish, leaving nothing for me. He burped aloud and turned his gaze on me. Suddenly, he began to laugh. “He likes you,” said the aunt. “Naturally, now you will be blessed.” Bawa Sai now spread out his hands, palm upwards. Aunty got the cue, went to her bedroom and came out with an envelope, full of currency notes. That she placed in his right hand. He pocketed it and patted her on the shoulder. I was witnessing a scene, all too familiar in the sub-continent. Tens of thousands of innocent, gullible people fall victims to such fake “pirs” and get themselves robbed. I didn’t want my old relatives to be continuously cheated. Something ought to be done, I felt. I thought for a while and said, “Bawa Sai, I have a problem. My business has taken a downturn and I am afraid I might go bankrupt. Could you do something for me?” “Where do you do your business?” he asked. “In Chicago.” He raised his eyebrows. “America,” I explained. “Ah, Amrika! He said. “Amrika. Full of jinns. Every third person is car-

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COMMENTARY

rying a jinn inside him.” He asked me to describe the location of my place, which I duly did. Bawa Sai heaved a long, sonorous sigh and said, “Bachha, I can clearly see two male jinns residing together in your store, making a mess of things and devouring all the profits.” “Two male jinns, living together?” I asked. “Are they gay?” He again raised his eyebrows. “Never mind,” I said. “Forget it. Tell me how to get rid of these jinns.” “Ah! ” he said. “Let me think. Yes, you will have to get me a visa, return air tickets and provide me with boarding and lodging for forty days in Amrika. I”ll pray in your store. You will also have to sacrifice black goats on alternate days.” “God!” I gasped. He was asking for a cool five thousand dollars! “Is there another option?” I asked. He closed his eyes, swirled his hair from left to right. “I’ll have to go to a mountain resort in Mangho Pir, and do a chilla for forty days. I’ll myself sacrifice black goats to be purchased by you every alternate day and feed the meat to the crocodiles.” Twenty black goats! I wondered. “And during this period,” he continued, “you will have to be locked in a mosque with your head shaved. You will pray silently like a hermit all the time.” “I’ll do as you say. Would the jinns leave my place?” “Definitely! They will come flying here.”

“Will I have to provide them with air tickets?” He clapped his hands and was lost in a reverie, probably congratulating himself on getting one more victim who would make him richer by a couple of lacs. I went to my room, took out a couple of one million Turkish lira bills. I had brought with me a number of such bills when I visited Istanbul two years ago. At that time one million Turkish liras were equivalent to 80 US cents. Then I scribbled a note in Urdu, which read: If you are ever seen again in this neighborhood, or if you bother my relatives, not only the local police, but the Anti-Terrorist Squad and the CIA will be alerted to look out for you. You will not only be arrested, but may be sent to Guantanamo. The foreign currency notes enclosed can be cashed at any currency exchange. That should suffice. I put the note and the bills in an envelope and put them in his extended right hand. “Allah,” he uttered loudly and before departing asked me to see him the next day at his place. Next day, I went back to the hotel. A couple of weeks later before returning to Chicago, I visited my relatives. I was informed that Bawa Sai had not come to their place. They looked concerned, so I said, “Don’t worry. I met him recently and he said his job at your place is finished, and that you should now live happily.” “Did he do away with the jinn?” “Of course! Didn’t you see him scratching the wall and throwing something out of the door? The jinn was hiding in the wall. He took him out and now he is Bawa Sai’s prisoner.”

COMMENTARY

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P23

Goats, Guns and Generosity: How Pakistan Stole an Aussie’s Heart n By Joel Hill

“

Don’t go, comrade, they kill cricketers there!” This was the general reaction I received when I told people back home I was going to Pakistan.

They would also ask, “Why?” I wasn’t entirely sure of the answer to that. All I knew was that when you get a chance to go somewhere that you otherwise would never be able to, you go. There are some nutters that do it alone. They don’t speak the language and have this bizarre feeling of invulnerability. They come to Pakistan, hitchhike around in blissful ignorance of the possible dangers and almost always survive. I am envious of these people and definitely not one of them. Luckily, I had a friend on the inside, Madeeha. She promised to show me the true side of Pakistan, and that is exactly what I saw from one entry point, Karachi all the way to the other, Khunjerab. “Tell your friends back in Australia we are good people.” The warmth! The people are lovely, that’s just the way it is. Nobody tried to rip me off, leer at me like I was an alien (well, there was some confusion initially) or generally appear threatening or nasty. People always wanted to say hello, offer us chai, have a photo taken and just chit chat. Some would say, “Tell your friends back in Australia we are good people.” Which I have. The pictures I took show breathtaking landscapes, glorious mountains and stunning lakes, but while my phone captured the vista, the people captured my heart. I even reluctantly wore the local hat (Pakol) around and people loved it. ‘Reluctantly’ because back home in Australia, we are being taken over by politically correct idiots who are convinced that everything is racist. Wearing a hat like that for them is ‘cultural appropriation’. (For real, Google it.) But while I was unsure about being ‘racist’ for wearing the hat, I was met only with cheers and welcoming embraces once I put it on; it seemed somewhat typical of the Pakistani spirit. I had left behind the bullying Western culture of shutting

“Please don’t jab me with your mighty horns goat friend,” I told this goat. It obliged. Pakistan’s goats are noble creatures. And this one is a top goat

people down; nobody was trying to tear me down. Everyone was welcoming and I adored that. When it was time to return, a taxi driver rode us to the airport through roads fraught with traffic. We almost missed our flight. I wanted to offer the driver a tip, but he refused. We had been chatting in the taxi (mostly translated by the capably bilingual Madeeha) on the way and, apparently, he considered me a friend and a guest. He would not accept my money.

The pictures I took show breathtaking landscapes, glorious mountains and stunning lakes, but while my phone captured the vista, the people captured my heart Also, I discovered that money doesn’t necessarily buy you great food. Excellent and wellmade food comes in all places and at all manners of expense. One of our cheapest meals was clearly one of the best

This was typical of the hospitality shown to me during my stay, something I have never seen in my travels anywhere else. One thing I did take issue with in Pakistan is slavery. You guys might be used to it and you may not even consider it slavery, but there are some people who are just accepted as more equal than others; these ‘others’ being destined to do nothing but menial work for the rest of their lives, and they, too, accept it like it is meant to be. I find that hard to swallow. Where I come from, we have a thing called ‘social mobility’, which gives everyone a chance

However, such incidents are not entirely unexpected because India is being ruled by a political party that believes in imposing a peculiar version of “Hindu way of life (Hindutva)” in utter disregard to the huge differences in the cultures of different communities living in the country. A strange myth is being propagated about the Hindus that they are vegetarians and that cow should not be killed under any circumstances. That’s why a fierce controversy had erupted when renowned historian D.N. Jha published his well-researched

a decade, I can say I have literally not had a week away from alcohol. But, I didn’t miss it. I didn’t feel the need for it at all. I would have loved to have been able to go to a Pakistani pub to meet people, but we just met people on the street and around the place, who were amazing. And sober. Another reason why I was glad that there was no booze was that there were tons of machine guns around ‒ mostly, in the hands of the several different police/ paramilitary units that were patrolling the places I visited. But I would never know the difference. On the one hand, I am hap-

Holier than Man?

n By Kuldeep Kumar

ow has become a political animal. It’s symptomatic of our times that a Muslim family can be brutally attacked, head of the family killed and his son critically injured, on a mere suspicion that its members ate beef and stored it in their refrigerator. While two years ago, it was the killing fields of Muzaffarnagar where fires of communal violence raged; this time it was Dadri in Gautam Buddha Nagar near Delhi. Hastinapur is not very far from both these places where, as the belief goes, preparatory events leading to the great fratricidal war of Mahabharata had taken place thousands of years ago.

to move up the ladder. I mean, people are born poor everywhere, but man, get a welfare system and rise above it. Let them go to school. Let unlikely excellence shine. I know this is easier said than done, but ultimately, it must be done. Initially, I also found it hard to accept that there was no booze. But as time went on, I learned that it was a blessing in disguise. In Australia, taking a week off alcohol is an achievement. Until this year, for

py to know that we are being protected. But then, protected from whom? That is always a disturbing thought. One day, as we were walking through Hunza, enjoying the sights and chatting with the locals, Madeeha got a phone call. Some intelligence agency guy was ‘just checking’ where we were. I thought, okay, well, I guess that is a good thing. But are the intelligence agencies worried about us? Should I be worried? Now I am a little worried. But I felt so safe! Needless to say, there was no cause for alarm. I don’t know why, but there wasn’t. With all of this ‘danger’, though, I must preface: I am Australian. We don’t have guns. People find that hard to understand but we really don’t have guns. They freak us out. Our police have guns and even that is a bit creepy. So we take time to get used to guns. The food, however, was the most essential part of discovering the country and predictably, Pakistan didn’t disappoint. To be honest, I think all I need to say is that it was better than my trip to India. Also, I discovered that money doesn’t necessarily buy you great food. Excellent and well-made food comes in all places and at all manners of expense. One of our cheapest meals was clearly one of the best. Speaking of food, I have a newfound respect for goats now. I’m not sure why, really, seeing as their purpose, for the most part, is to end up in a curry. But they do prance around like champions, taking on rough terrain like it is nobody’s business. Pakistani goats are total legends and worthy of much respect. Especially when eaten. As a general summary of my trip, I would say that Pakistan is widely misunderstood and very much worth visiting. The landscape is beautiful and the potential for adventure is huge, but the people are what truly matters. They are hardworking, honest people who would readily give you their last dollar or their last cup of chai. They have peace in their hearts. I hope that one day, Pakistan can spend less time defending itself from itself and more time fostering the excellence from within. (Joel Hill is studying at the University of Sydney. He is a typical Australian. Broke but not poor. Curious but not intrepid. Foolish but not stupid. He likes cats. – Dawn)

book “Holy Cow: Beef in Indian Dietary Traditions” in 2001. Two years later, Granthshilpi came out with its Hindi translation. At that time too, the Bharatiya Janata Party was ruling the country as the leading partner in the coalition government at the Center, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. This fact is important because, as Vyasa says in the Mahabharata, “Raja kalasya karanam” –– it is the ruler who shapes up the times. Jha presented an impressive array of documentary evidence that left no doubt about the custom of beef eating in the Vedic as well as later periods of Indian history. This view enjoyed the support of such great traditional scholars like Pandurang Vaman Kane, a recipient of Bharat Ratna, and H.D. Sankalia, doyen of Indian archaeologists, besides many others. Kalidasa in “Meghdoot”, Bhavabhuti in “Mahavircharit” and “Uttarramacharit”, Rajeshwara in “Bal Ramayana” and Shriharsha in “Naishadhcharit” clearly mention instances of beef eating. Even in our own times, famous Kannada writer Bhairappa, winner of the Sahitya Akademi award, mentions beef eating in his Mahabharata-based novel

“Parva”. At the same time, one must mention that the custom of beef eating among high-caste Hindus experienced a gradual decline but did not disappear altogether. As D.D. Kosambi asks in “The Culture and Civilization of Ancient India”, the question arises as to why “a modern orthodox Hindu would place beef-eating on the same level as cannibalism, whereas Vedic Brahmins had fattened upon a steady diet of sacrificed beef ”. It seems that like many other communal constructs, the myth that beef eating was an absolute no-no before the advent of the Muslims in the subcontinent also has

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its origins in the 19th Century when the process of identity creation had started both among the Hindus as well as the Muslims. Ironically, India has emerged as the world’s top beef exporter. Is this beef being produced without killing cows? So, it is kosher to kill cows so that foreigners can eat beef but a crime if Indians eat it! And, do those who pride themselves on being vegetarian really know what they are eating? On June 5, 2001, The Hindu published a news story based on the latest report of the Animal Welfare Board of India. As Diwali is approaching us, this piece of information should be of particular

interest. According to the report, “silver foil or “varak” used for decorating sweets… is made by placing thin metal strips between steaming intestines of freshly slaughtered animals. The metal is then pounded between ox-gut and the sheets are carefully transferred in special paper for marketing.” One is not sure if the process of manufacturing silver foil has dramatically changed in the past 14 years. One may also recall that in the early 1980s, a Jainowned company was charged with importing beef tallow for mixing with vegetable oil. Those who swear by Indian culture should pay heed to what Vyasa says in the Mahabharata: “Guhyam brahma tadidam braveemi, na hi manushat shreshtaram hi kinchit” (I am telling you the ultimate truth. There is nothing superior to a human being.) One can’t have any quarrel with those who consider cow as “holy” and beef eating a taboo but they have no business to impose their will on others, that too in such a violent manner that results in death and injuries. One remembers Ghalib in such times: “Adami ko bhi mayassar nahin insan hona” (Man is not allowed to remain human.) (The writer is a noted literary critic. – The Hindu)

COMMENTARY

P24 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015 IQBAL FROM P1

its affairs,” the statement said. It said that the PM was particularly appreciative of how Mr Iqbal’s ministry had adopted measures “that resulted in significant savings for the national exchequer”. But a well-connected government source told Dawn, “Tuesday’s meeting with PM was held against the backdrop of Khawaja Asif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s recent criticism of Mr Iqbal.” During the meeting, Mr Iqbal explained the Planning Commission’s point of view on various development projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to the source, Mr Iqbal even asked the PM to reassign him, if he (the PM) thought the Planning Commission wasn’t doing a good job with regard to the scrutiny of major development projects. “I can only discharge my duty as minister for planning as long as I have your complete confidence and backing,” the source quoted Mr Iqbal as telling the PM. In the short but unequivocal press statement released after the meeting, the PM threw his weight behind Mr Iqbal, said another government source, who was privy to the prevailing tensions that came to the fore earlier this month. At a recent seminar in Islamabad, both Mr Asif and Mr Abbasi KASHMIR FROM P4

directly or indirectly, such as in Syria, are a matter of history. Zbigniew Brzezinski, a national security advisor to President Carter, has proposed that we “disarm” the Russian ships supporting Assad. President Putin has however suggested that Russia’s presence in Syria should lead to negotiations to settle the political differences involved. None of this bloodshed and the millions of displaced Syrians would have occurred if that had been the policy to begin with. Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary General of the UN and the custodian of human rights, said on 28 September 2015: “What counts now is translating promises on paper into change on the ground.” I fail to understand who prevents these world leaders to use their moral authority to persuade the violators of the international laws to abide by these principles. Perhaps international arms sales and the general military industrial complex that seem to have a firm grip on foreign policy priorities might offer a clue, and when world leaders are complicit, it is rather difficult for them to hold any high ground in any moral prerogative that might be addressed toward one’s partners. Observing democratic process and civility in international affairs seems too great a request for people who lack both the will to act responsibly and the maturity to understand the proper role of civil servants of society. The peace initiative offered by Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan that could pave the way for peace and stability in the region on South Asia needs to be pursued further by the world leaders. The initiative encompasses much of the deliberations that took place at the United Nations in late 1940s. This initiative proposes: i). Expansion of UNMOGIP’s mandate to monitor the observance of the ceasefire; ii). Reaffirmation by both India and Pakistan not to resort to the use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances; iii). Demilitarization of Kashmir; iv). An unconditional

had called for the Planning Commission to be scrapped and said that it was detrimental to the national interest. Both also decried the role of regulators, such as Nepra and Ogra, with Mr Asif going as far as to say that the Planning Commission’s “expertise lay in delaying and derailing key national projects”. In response, Mr Iqbal issued a strongly-worded press statement saying – without naming anyone – that the prudent cost cuts implemented by the Planning Commission had perturbed certain ‘brother ministers’. “Some ministries and divisions feel irritated [by the] close scrutiny of development projects, but this cannot distract the Planning Commission from its responsibility to safeguard the public money and ensure its effective utilization in development projects,” Mr Iqbal was quoted as saying. However, another member of the federal cabinet told Dawn that the disagreement among cabinet colleagues over the role of the Planning Commission had been blown out of proportion by the media. But the minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity, agreed that such divergent views shouldn’t have been made public. “The federal cabinet is the best forum to address such issues because taking them to the public will only bring disrepute to the government”, he said. mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground. A similar initiative was also proposed by Adlai Stevenson, the American Ambassador to the United Nations, on June 15, 1962 when he said, “I refer of course to the resolutions which were accepted by both parties and which in essence provide for demilitarization of the territory and a plebiscite whereby the population may freely decide the future status of Jammu and Kashmir.” Ms Sushma Swaraj, the foreign minister of India, could not get an answer from the United Nations when she said, “If we ask whether we were able to find permanent solution to these conflicts, the answer is no.” To me the best answer that could be given to Ms Swaraj was given by Greg Anderson, a National Basketball Association forward/center for the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks, when he said, “The Law of Win/Win says, ‘Let’s not do it your way or my way; let’s do it the best way’.” I believe the best way to resolve the conflict which directly affects the peace and stability of India and Pakistan – the Kashmir conflict – is through listening to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation of India who said on 29 July 1947 in Delhi, “I am not going to suggest to the Maharaja (Ruler of Kashmir) to accede to India and not to Pakistan. The real sovereign of the state are the people. The ruler is a servant of the people. If he is not so then he is not the ruler. This is my firm belief, and that is why I became a rebel against the British - because the British claimed to be the rulers of India, and I refused to recognize them as such. In Kashmir too the power belongs to the public. Let them do as they want.” That visionary Mahatma Gandhi made it easy for us to understand what the Kashmir conflict was all about when he said, ‘Kashmir would belong to the Kashmiris.” Now the time has come that India should reciprocate to the peace initiative of prime minister of Pakistan and initiate a serious and sincere peace ne-

But for those in the party’s inner sanctum, there seems to be a ‘method to this madness’. Following the Nandipur power project fiasco, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was said to have developed serious differences with the water and power minister because he had reportedly refused to rescue the younger Sharif. In the new power equation, a party office-bearer claimed, Mr Iqbal had aligned himself with the Punjab chief minister.

Medical Assistance for the Poor & Neglected

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MALEEHA FROM P1

pression,” she added. “Consultations with Kashmiris - who are an integral part of the dispute - are essential to evolving such a peaceful solution. Calling for the termination of these consultations, as a precondition for dialogue, is unacceptable as well as counterproductive,” she said. Maleeha also referred to the escalating tensions on the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, saying the matter required Pakistan and India to take all possible measures to avert further escalation. Referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ’s four-point peace initiative that he outlined in the General Assembly last month, she said, “This should have evoked a positive response from India, but it has not been forthcoming.” Commenting on the Afghan

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gotiation with Pakistan along with the leadership of the people of Kashmir. The refusal by India to sit down on the table with Pakistan or those who represent the Kashmiris indicates that India is not even close to addressing the realities of Kashmir and the will of the people. This must change. Peace in the region would benefit not only those who are directly impacted by this conflict but India as well, whose economy is seriously drained by the maintenance of such a massive amount of troops in Kashmir, and the diversion it creates from other challenges it faces in raising the living standards of its population. Sounder minds must prevail. More rational methods of dealing with differences must be sought. Repeating the same mistakes while expecting different results has long ago been found to be the path of failure. Sixty-eight years should demonstrate a need for a change in policy, a policy that accepts the need for coming together in a process that accepts the right of all people to determine their own destiny. President Obama should support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people as it is in conformity with the statement made at the same United Nations General Assembly by President John F. Kennedy on September 25, 1961: “That continuing tide of self-determination, which runs so strong, has our sympathy and our support…My Nation was once a colony, and we know what colonialism means; the exploitation and subjugation of the weak by the powerful, of the many by the few, of the governed who have given no consent to be governed, whatever their continent, their class, or their color.” Without such support, the likelihood of this conflict dissolving into open warfare again, as it has in the past, with a cost of hundreds if not thousands of lives, seems unavoidable. Intervention is of paramount importance by those who have a stake in the future of India, of Pakistan, the Kashmiris, and all parties involved. - gnfai2003@yahoo.com

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RELIGION

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P25

The Real Believers: Some Parables of the Prophet

Gems from the Holy Qur’an

n By Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi

ho are the real believers? Prophet Muhammad –peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was very much concerned that his followers should be believes in the true sense of the word. His concern was that the believers must have sound faith and sound character. There are a number of Ahadith in which the Prophet –peace be upon him- described the believers’ life and behavior with beautiful examples and parables. I would like to mention ten examples for our knowledge and inspiration.

1. A believer is a peaceful and caring person: The believer is the person whom people consider safe for their money and their persons. (Majma’ alZawa’id, 5625) The word ‘iman’ comes from the root ‘amn’ which means safety and security. The Prophet wanted to emphasize that faith is not just belief, but it is also the peaceful, caring and trustworthy character. The person of faith must be honest to all people. People should feel secure about their money and persons when dealing with a true believer. 2. A believer is a person of nobility and generosity: The Prophet –peace be upon him- said, “Do not call grapevine ‘karam,’ because the ‘karam’ is the believer’s heart.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Arabs used to call grapevine ‘karam’ (generosity and graciousness) because they used to think that vine revived the heart and caused generosity. The Prophet wanted to emphasize that it should be faith that make people kind and generous. The effects of vine are mostly harmful, but the true believers’ hearts are always full of kindness and nobility. 3. A believer is always beneficial: It is reported that one day the Prophet asked his companions: ‘Among the trees there is a tree whose leaves do not fall and it is like a Muslim. Tell me what its name is?’ People went thinking about all kinds of desert trees. Abdullah (ibn Umar) said, ‘I thought that it was date-palm, but I was shy (and did not reply).

From the translation by Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss) 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, dedicated to “li-qawmin yatafakkaroon” (For people who think).

Then the people said, ‘Tell us what it is, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said, ‘It is date-palm.’ (Al-Bukhari) Date-palm was the most beneficial tree for the people of Arabia. It needed very little water and care; but it was useful for them in all seasons. It provided them food to eat, its stones were used as feed for animals, its trunks, branches and leaves were used for building homes and putting roofs on them. Palm-tree could survive under very harsh climate and its food was most nutritious and beneficial for them in all seasons. The Prophet said that this should be the way of a Muslim. A true Muslim is simple, strong, with little needs and a lot of benefits to all people. 4. A believer is pure with shiny character. “By Him in whose hand is Muhammad’s soul, the example of a believer is like that of a piece of gold. The goldsmith puts it under the heat, but it does not change and does not lose itself.

(Suyuti, Jami’ al-Masanid, 24576) The Prophet –peace be upon him- emphasized that a true believer is like gold, precious, pure and good. If he/she goes through trials and difficulties, they make him even better. He comes out stronger and shines more. 5. A believer produces only good things. By Him in whose hand is Muhammad’s soul, the example of a believer is like that of the honey-bee. It consumes good and it produces good things. It does not break, nor spoil.” (Ibid) Honey-bee does not consume anything bad and whatever it consumes it even brings out better than what it took. The honey-bee sits on flowers but it does not break them or spoil them. The Prophet wanted the believers to be like honey-bee in their work and efforts. 6. A believer knows how to handle tough situations: “The example of a believer is like an ear of corn; it bends sometimes but it becomes straight; the example of a disbeliever is like a cedar, it stands straight until it falls and does not understand.” (Musnad Ahamad ibn Hanbal, 14468) A believer goes through good times and rough times. He/she knows how to handle each situation. A believer is not rigid and inflexible because rigidity destroys and uproots. 7. A believer knows his/ her limits and

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knows how to correct him/herself: “The example of a believer is like a horse connected to its stud. It moves and then comes back to its place. The believer may forget sometimes but he/ she comes back to faith.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, 11097) If a horse strays, he knows how to go back to its stable; but a donkey keeps wandering and does not know how to come back to its home. A believer is not someone who does not forget and who does not transgress; but a true believer will always return to his/her senses and would not keep wandering like a donkey. 8. Believers support each other: A believer for the believer is like a building, each part supporting the other. The Prophet joined his fingers together. (Al-Bukhari, 475) The believers must support each other in matters of goodness and piety. They should act like a building: each brick supporting the other brick. 9. Believers correct and improve each other: “A believer is the mirror of his brother.” A mirror points out the wrong; but it does not save it or publicize it. A believer does not get angry when his brother tells him about his shortcomings and mistakes, just as a person would not get angry with the mirror shows him his problems. 10. Believers care for each other: The example of believers in their mutual love, compassion and care is like one body: if one part of it has pain, the whole body joins it with sleeplessness and fever. (Muslim, 6538) All believers must be united and connected with each other like one body. Every part of the body cares for the other. If some people in the Ummah suffer the whole Ummah should feel pain and unhappiness. They must support each other. (Khutbah at ISOC – Jumada al-Ula 29, 1431/ May 14, 2010)

Chapter 83, Al-Mutaffifiin, Verses 1-6 Woe unto those who give short measure: those who, when they are to receive their due from [other] people, demand that it be given in full – but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due! [ 1 ] Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead [and called to account] on an awesome Day – the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds? Chapter 84, Al-Inshiqaaq, Verses 16-21 But nay! I call to witness the sunset’s [fleeting] afterglow, and the night, and what it [step by step] unfolds, and the moon, as it grows to its fullness: [ 2] [ even thus, O men,] are you bound to move onward from stage to stage. [ 3 ] What, then, is amiss with them that they will not believe [ in a life to come ]? [ 4 ] – and [that], when the Qur’an is read unto them, they do not fall down in prostration? ______________________ Translator’s Notes [ 1 ] This passage does not, of course refer only to commercial dealings but touches upon every aspect of social relations, both practical and moral, applying to every individual’s rights and obligations no less than to his physical possessions. [ 2 ] Thus God “calls to witness” the fact that nothing in His creation is ever at a standstill, since everything moves unceasingly from one state of being into another, at every moment changing its aspect and its condition: a phenomenon aptly described by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus by the phrase panta rhei (“everything is in flux”). [ 3 ] Or: “from one state to another ( ref. ZamaKhsharii): i.e., in an unceasing progression – conception, birth, growth, decline, death and, finally, resurrection. [ 4 ] Since the inexorable movement of all that exists from stage to stage or from one condition to another corresponds to a fundamental law evi GEMS, P28

P26 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015

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OCTOBER 16, 2015 - PAKISTAN LINK

SPORTS

OCTOBER 16, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAKISTAN LINK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; P27

Misbah Critical Over Lack of Yasir Cover

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq has expressed his disappointment with the selectors over not having another spinner in the squad to cover for the injured Yasir Shah in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan prefer

squad, with another spinner - either Zafar Gohar or Mohammad Asghar expected to come in as a 16th player but instead Shoaib Malik was selected having not played a Test in five years. Less than 24 hours before the first

Zafar Gohar Temporary Replacement for Injured Yasir Shah in England Series DUBAI: Zafar Gohar, the left-arm spin bowler who recently featured in Pakistan 'A' team's two matches against England, has been selected as a temporary replacement for Yasir Shah, who suffered from a back injury during the Team Pakistan practice session at Sheikh Zayed Stadium recently morning, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. A press release issued by PCB said that Yasir Shah has not yet been ruled out of the first Test match, and a final decision on fielding him or not shall be taken before the match commences on Tuesday. Yasir, who was widely tipped to play a match-winning role in the three-match Test series against Alastair Cook's side, suffered a back injury in the nets and may join toporder batsman Azhar Ali on the sidelines who failed to recover from a toe infection.Captain Misbah-ul-

Haq termed Yasir a doubtful starter for the first game. "We will wait on a final decision on Yasir on the morning of the first Test but judging by his current condition, his participation is highly unlikely," Misbah told reporters during a pre-match press conference.

to play two fast bowlers and at least two specialist spinners but were forced to bring in Imran Khan as part of a three-man seam attack after a back spasm ruled out Yasir. Pakistan initially named a 15-man

Test, Yasir collapsed during a training session and he was unable to prove his fitness on Tuesday morning. It was a major setback for Pakistan, with their plans centred on Yasir. The flaw in their selection was

immediately apparent, with no spinner sitting on the bench as a cover. Misbah made his feelings clear before the start of the match, saying: "I think it's a mismanagement and we're really disappointed by this." The team's management had attempted to bring back Gohar but the uncapped left-arm spinner had already returned to Pakistan after playing in two warm-up matches against England and had to apply for another visa. The PCB made every effort to fly Gohar overnight to Abu Dhabi from Lahore and make him available for selection but time was against them. He did not make it and Pakistan had to play three seamers against their will, leading to Misbah voicing his disapproval publically. It was, however, with the consent of Misbah that team management preferred Malik to either Gohar or Asghar. Both were to be judged while playing for Pakistan A against England in Sharjah last week, with Gohar emerging as the standout performer with figures of 2 for 47 and 3 for 72. It is understood that Misbah was not happy with the selections in the first place, with four seamers and two spinners included, but he did not resist and the squad was ultimately named with his consent. With Mohammad Hafeez currently banned from bowling, Zulfiqar Babar will therefore carry the spin burden, although Malik - who has 21 Test wickets at 61.47 - is also likely to contribute. J

India Under Pressure to Regain Lost Ground INDORE: If there is a place for India to get their groove back after falling behind early against South Africa, Indore's Holkar Stadium is it. They have won all three ODIs played at the venue, which has not seen international cricket since 2011. The South African visit threatens to very quickly go downhill for India after they lost the T20 series and the first ODI. They have also lost their premier

spinner and the only bowler who really troubled the South Africa batsmen, R Ashwin, to a side strain and have to find both the motivation and the right men to get things back on track. The captain, MS Dhoni, has to be one of those men especially because, so far, his tactics have been questioned. Dhoni's use of his bowlers have, at times, given South Africa's batsmen a free passage, and he will have to be

attacking and aggressive if he wants his team to draw level. Dhoni need look no further than the opposition camp to see how to do that. South Africa are batting with intent and bowling with energy and the results are falling in their favour. They'll be careful not to think that means nothing can go wrong because, they know that as soon as they get too comfortable, they will likely pay the consequences. J

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Najam Sethi Considering Indian Players for PCB T20 League LAHORE: Najam Sethi, the head of PCB's executive committee, has said he is looking to invite Indian players to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the UAE. The idea, he said, was to try and convince India to go ahead with the scheduled bilateral series in December and, as the next step, discuss Pakistan players returning to the IPL and Indians playing in the inaugural edition of Pakistan's T20 league next February. India's players do not participate in any of the other T20 leagues apart from the IPL, as the BCCI does not provide them with No Objection Certificates for the same. Sethi, who had in August ruled out inviting Indian players to the PSL, now told the National: "We are going to try to persuade the Indians to play us in December. If that happens, we will also be talking about a reciprocal arrangement - and I have had preliminary talks with people in Delhi on this - about Pakistani players being allowed to play in IPL and Indian players being allowed to play in PSL. "If the series takes place in December, the ground will be fertile. If you don't want our players to play in your league, okay, but at least let your players play in ours. It will be difficult for them to refuse that. There will be pressure from the players. If Indian

players do come in, then I think PSL will become the biggest thing in cricket after IPL." Pakistani players featured in the first edition of the IPL in 2008 but then, following the terror attacks in Mumbai that year, the Indian government suspended all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. Since then Pakistan players have remained unsold at the IPL auctions. Recently, the PCB, in a letter to the BCCI, had sought clarity on the mooted bilateral series for December, pointing out that it was part of a memorandum of understanding signed last year by the two boards. But political events in the recent past have cast doubts over such a revival, with BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur himself having scotched the possibility of cricket resuming till political equations had stabilised. The PCB has already announced that it has over 100 players ready to be part of the PSL drafting process including big draws like Kevin Pietersen, Shakib Al Hasan and Dwayne Bravo - which is set to take place between Nov and Dec. The PSL is scheduled to take place between February 4 and 24, in Dubai and Sharjah, with franchise-based teams from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad competing for prize money of $1 million. J

Najam Sethi: 'If you [the BCCI] don't want our players to play in your league, okay, but at least let your players play in ours.

Shane Watson joins Pakistan Super League KARACHI: It was one of the highlights of this year's ICC World Cup - a feisty display of fast bowling and theatrics from Wahab Riaz with Australian star Shane Watson being his target in a high-voltage quarter-final in Adelaide. Well, there is likelihood that such scenes could be repeated when the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is launched in the UAE next February as the event's organisers have roped in Watson for the T20 league. Or perhaps the PSL draft may see them play together as teammates. Watson becomes the 152nd foreign cricketer to join the milliondollar PSL which will be staged in Dubai and Sharjah. "I am very excited to be involved in the inaugural PSL. There are a lot of world class players involved so I can't wait to be a part of it," said Shane Watson in a statement. Najam Sethi, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) boss, said that Watson will be a hot pick in the PSL draft. "We are delighted to have Shane Watson on board and with Shane's record in T20 cricket, he will definitely be a hot pick in the PSL draft," said Sethi, the

Chairman of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council. With Watson's signing, the number of foreign players who have signed PSL consent forms has gone up to 152. These players belong to eight full members and five associate members of the ICC. Some of the top full-member players who have signed up for PSL include Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Grant Elliot, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Bopara, Andre Russell, Luke Wright, Dwayne Bravo, TM Dilshan, Shakib al Hasan, James Anderson, Samuel Badree, Ian Bell, Darren Sammy, Tim Bresnan, Angelo Mathews, Sunil Narine, Lasith Malinga, Michael Carberry, Samit Patel, Fidel Edwards, Shaun Tait, Thisara Perera, Adil Rashid, Brendan Taylor, Kemar Roach, Chris Jordan, Tamim Iqbal, Jesse Ryder and Dwayne Smith. The player drafting is scheduled to take place in December this year. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament runs between February 4 to 24 with matches in Dubai and Sharjah. Those dates overlap with Australia's Qantas Tour of New Zealand where three Chappell-Hadlee ODIs and two Tests will be played. J

PAKISTAN

P28 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015 WOMAN FROM P8

and should have – moved to the Supreme Court. It is certainly not ‘merit’ that kept them from doing so. Insidious bias. Ingrained prejudice. Maybe even some bigotry, misogyny and discrimination. In the next few days the JCP will meet again. They will consider nominations for the two vacant positions in the Supreme Court. One hopes that they will also consider at least a few women. It would be difficult, for example, for them not to at least consider Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar of the Balochistan High Court. Appointed in 2009 and now the Senior Pusine Judge, she cannot be faulted for ‘merit’. This will not be the first JCP to face the following choice. It can make judicial history by nominating the first female Supreme Court Justice. Or, it can perpetuate a historical injustice. One wishes the JCP well. One wishes them the courage to do the obviously righteous thing. ORGANIZATION FROM P6

these contingents should be placed at each of the sites where the rituals are to occur. They should wear colors or bands for the countries they are from or the languages they speak. The boy scouts and soldiers in Saudi Arabia who currently monitor pilgrims do not even speak English, so any nonArab is out of luck. Organizers from the different countries present on the ground will make a huge difference in crowd management. Physicians should be part of these contingents and placed in all areas for quick treatment. Saudi Arabia made US$8.56 billion on the hajj in 2014 and spent about US$1 billion on arrangements. An impartial inquiry regarding this year’s disaster is necessary. And active international involvement during hajj is vital to prevent repetition of the tragedy. It would be naïve for the Saudis to think that Muslims would not boycott hajj if this Saudi monopoly and mismanagement continue. They will really need to tap on their other treasure for the billions from hajj will whittle down dramatically. (Dr Mahjabeen Islam specializes in addiction and family medicine. Her email: mahjabeen.islam@ gmail.com) DISCONTENT FROM P7

an imminent winter of discontent into a glorious summer; whether Dr Ashraf Ghani is ready to transform into a wartime president and lead them remains to be seen. (The writer can be reached at mazdaki@me.com and he tweets @ mazdaki) MODI FROM P9

evident when, under Modi, the first target picked was the Indian-occupied Kashmir whose Assembly was bamboozled into approving legislation that translated the BJP agenda. The backlash from the Kashmiri Muslims, swift and strident, should’ve put the rabid Hindutva cadres on notice but the heady wine of hubris swaying them is, apparently, too intoxicating. Modi himself may not be leading the charge. He doesn’t have to. There are venomous factotums doing his bidding as pugnaciously. They are quite shameless to have no remorse or regret for their perfidious and sinister campaign. The one-item agenda of Safronizing India, at all cost, is on with a pugnacity that should astound those western friends of India who have been duped into believing that

it’s a force of moderation against global terrorism. Here’s a state presiding over terrorism against segments of its own citizenry. Pontificating, without remorse, on the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq, at Dadri, Modi’s Culture Minister, Mahesh Sharma, dismissed it as just an “accident.” Rubbing salt into Muslim wounds, the Ministerwithout-any-trace-of- culture, intoned his audience that Akhlaq’s bereaved family should be grateful to the mob that his daughter was left alone and wasn’t molested. With this ‘caliber’ of leadership that Modi has brought to India, it’s to his credit that he is being feted in the US, in particular, as a leader of great acumen and foresight. Modi has been singularly successful in not only wowing the Silicon Valley but also casting his charm spell on the power brokers and dispensers in Washington. So overly dazzled and impressed is the Obama administration with the prowess of Modi’s India that it seems prepared to throw its full weight behind the Indian quest to gain a permanent place on the UN Security Council. Mob-lynching Hindu fanatics and BJP vandals crying themselves hoarse to torch Muslims alive for their temerity of eating beef is something Obama and company don’t mind shutting their eyes to. They want India in their corner as an asset against both China and Pakistan. Sharing traditions, even those replicating the Stone Age, may serve to cement relations between two ‘great democracies.’ - K_K_ghori@ hotmail.com (The author is a former ambassador and a career diplomat) GEMS FROM P25

dent in all creation, it is unreasonable to assume that man alone should be an exception, and that his onward movement should cease at the moment of his bodily death, not to be followed by a change-over into another state of being. WORK FROM P15

erty.

He said that victory of Ayaz Sadiq in NA-122 proved that general elections 2013 were also held in a free, fair and transparent manner. He said Imran Khan had wasted two-and-ahalf years of the nation with politics of blames and baseless allegations of rigging. He said if there was any reality in the allegations of the PTI then the results of the by-elections should not have been same. “According to PTI chief, there were 50,000 bogus votes in NA-122 general elections, while some were casted through extra ballot papers published from Urdu Bazaar and Najam Sethi, former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and returning officers were involved in rigging against him. If all these factors were to be counted, Ayaz Sadiq would have obtained the votes which PTI candidate Ashraf Sohna got in NA-147, Okara,” the minister said. He said PTI just got 7,000 votes from Okara despite Imran Khan himself leading the election campaign. RESOLUTION FROM P18

along with important cabinet members as well as foreign policy makers. HAPPEN FROM P20

These efforts and victories are the best response to efforts that try to marginalize the American Muslim community and exemplify the positive impact we want to make in soci-

ety. When we work together and focus on long-term strategic initiatives such as these bills, we will insha’Allah make the most impact for the betterment of all Californians. ECONOMY FROM P20

like Japan and Korea are taking the lead to convert their restaurants and hotels into halal-friendly so they can attract more tourists from Muslim countries,” he said. “Halal is a global entity. We are looking at 1.8 billion consumers,” he said, referring to an estimate of the world’s Muslim population. The head of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, Abdulla al-Muaini, said the Muslim population, expected to reach 2.2 billion in 2030, is a “core market” for halal products. He said the Organization of Islamic Cooperation values the global halal sector at $2.3 trillion. “Halal industry is expected to be one of the steady growing sectors across the global economy,” he said. MALEEHA FROM P24

situation, the envoy said that Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. “We believe a peace process aimed at intra-Afghan reconciliation is the only viable way to bring a political end to the conflict,” she added. “We stand ready to help revive this process when requested to do so, and are encouraged that the international community wants to see a resumption of the peace process in Afghanistan,” she said. Pakistan’s fight against terrorism: On terrorism, Maleeha told delegates of Pakistan’s multipronged strategy envisaging a comprehensive National Action Plan and a military-led law enforcement operation - Zarb-e-Azb - to fight against terrorists. “Zarb-e-Azb is the largest antiterrorism campaign against terrorists anywhere and has already made substantial progress in cleansing Pakistan of terrorists,” she said. Collaborative action against world crises: On the Middle East, Ambassador Maleeha spoke of the rise of violent extremism. “The rise of Daesh has confronted the region with unprecedented security challenges, with an increasing number of countries being sucked into the vortex of conflict and instability,” she said. “Massive human dislocation and a growing refugee crisis threaten the stability of many parts of the world,” the ambassador said, adding that collaborative action - at the regional and global levels - was needed. Commenting on the situation in Palestine, she said, “The intransigent stance of the occupying power has dimmed any chance of progress towards the widely accepted avenue for peace between Palestine and Israel - a two state solution.” NDMA FROM P1

building a stable and prosperous future for the country. “Pakistan has shown strong leadership rehabilitating the displaced, giving more than $286 million in food and cash to support families returning to areas devastated by conflict.” As part of the organization’s efforts, Ging had visited Afghanistan and Pakistan last week. AMBASSADORS FROM P1

who called on the prime minister included DG Afghanistan Jabbar Memon, who has been posted to Los Angeles and Ahmad Naseem Wara-

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ich to Frankfurt. PM Sharif asked the newly appointed envoys to “work hard in their respective countries of accreditation for improving bilateral relations and enhancement of the positive image of Pakistan”. Some of the newly appointed envoys would be replacing the retiring ambassadors. Those retiring include Hassan Javed (Germany), Jamshaid Iftikhar (Bulgaria), Arshad Saud Khosa (Nepal) and Sarfraz Khanzada (Sudan). Ambassadors to France and New Zealand, Ghalib Iqbal and Zahra Akberi, respectively, are being replaced on completing their terms. PTI FROM P1

paigning in the by-poll. Imran Khan also challenged PML-N’s claim that no rigging had taken place in the 2013 election, labeling Ayaz Sadiq’s victory as vindication. “By that logic, Shaoib Siddiqui’s victory in the PP-147 by-poll means there was rigging in the 2013 election,” said the PTI chief. Imran Khan also congratulated Aleem Khan, his party’s candidate from NA-122, for giving PML-N a run for its money. “Just imagine, the party chairman (Imran Khan) lost in 2013 with a margin of 8,500 votes but Aleem Khan loses barely by 2,500 votes. Does this mean Aleem Khan has more votes than Imran Khan?” “It means the 2013 polls were massively rigged,” claimed the PTI chairman. The PTI chief was flanked by Aleem Khan, Jahangir Tareen and other senior party members during the address. CRICKET FROM P1

Malik as he capped his return to the Test side after a gap of five years with an epic knock of 245, his best score in Test cricket, after coming in to bat in the third over of the match on Tuesday. Malik said he felt proud of such a memorable comeback. “It was challenging, first it was my comeback then I came to the crease in only the third over but I had the resolve and the confidence to do well and that helped me throughout my innings,” said Malik, who had to take treatment for dehydration after his 647-minute vigil. Asad Shafiq, who scored 107 for his ninth hundred, added 248 runs with Malik -- a new record in Pakistan-England Tests -- as Pakistan added 213 runs in the two sessions after resuming the day at 286-4. Malik hit 24 boundaries and four sixes during his 420-ball knock before he smashed a Ben Stokes delivery straight into Ian Bell, who took a well-judged catch at mid-wicket. Malik steered paceman James

Anderson towards third man for two to complete his double hundred off 367 balls. He took off his helmet and bowed down on the turf in celebration. Shafiq also completed his century with a sweep boundary off legspinner Adil Rashid as the pair surpassed the previous best fifth-wicket stand of 219 set by Paul Collingwood and Eoin Morgan at Nottingham in 2010. Shafiq went soon after tea, when he was trapped leg before wicket off seamer Mark Wood while Sarfraz Ahmed (two) and Zulfiqar Babar (nought) also fell to Stokes. Stokes was England’s most successful bowler with 4-57 while Anderson took 2-42. Tough work: Pakistan declared soon after tea, leaving England to bat the remaining 23 overs. Stokes admitted it was tough work in the field. “It was tough, I think all the bowlers stuck to the task very well and we did not get much assistance from the pitch or off the air but credit to Pakistan’s batsmen for playing well,” said Stokes, hoping Cook and Moeen have set the tone for the fight with solid batting.

Google Honors Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on 67th Birth Anniversary

Washington, DC: There will never

be another Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Don’t believe us? Google it. The internet giant — which has made a praiseworthy tradition of highlighting the oft-forgotten great minds of the world — marked the musical maestro’s 67th birthday with a doodle. And while Google honors Khan, it’s safe to say that the honor is truly all ours to have been blessed with his heavenly voice. The ‘Shahanshahe-Qawwali’ (King of Kings of Qawwali) was born on October 13, 1948 in Faisalabad, belonging to a family of qawwals whose lineage went back six centuries. Here is Khan narrating the dream that changed his life: ”My father [the Qawwali singer Ustad Fateh Ali Khan] died in 1964, and ten days later, I dreamed that he came to me and asked me to sing. I said I could not, but he told me to try. He touched my throat, I started to sing, and then I woke up singing. I had dreamed that my first live performance would be at my father’s chilla [funeral ceremony], where we would all sit together again and read prayers from the Holy Qur’an and so on. On the fortieth day after his death, we held the ceremony, and I performed for the very first time.” And the rest, as they say, is history.

CLASSIFIED & MATRIMONIAL

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P29

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ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 16, 2015 - PAKISTAN LINK

ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE P30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAKISTAN LINK & â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OCTOBER 16, 2015

fter having successfully made the transition to cinema and then Bollywood, you would think a star like Mahira Khan would never look back at her humble homeground, television. But the Humsafar actress has said named "some excellent TV projects" as the secret to her success, and sent out a clear statement

to her fans in an interview with Khaleej Times: "TV is something I will never cut all ties with. Let me say this, I will never divorce television." Could it be then that after the release of her next films, Ho Mann Jahaan (on January 1) and Raees (on Eid 2016), we will see her return to the small screen?

Also read: Ho Mann Jahaan to be a New Year's release "If a really good script comes along, something that excites me, I would definitely go ahead and do it," she says.

at the same time I would like to be involved in a project that offers a challenge or something novel." So fans can definitely look forward to seeing Mahira in a new light!

that each one brings something different to the table. So my advice would be to know your strength and excel in that. Pretty soon you will carve a niche for yourself. There is never a formula

Mahira adds, "Television has given me a lot of love and I have a lot of respect for that medium, but

She even leaves a piece of advice for aspiring actors: "With actors, the best thing is

or a shortcut to it. But it's your determination and your self-confidence."

ou would think that a team as witty and playful as theBanana News Network (BNN) and 4 Man Show folks would continue its streak of side-splitting TV shows. But Murtaza and Faysal Chaudary are stepping away from the media limelight and entering the uncharted territory of big screens. Their upcoming venture Quetta is centered on the survival story of three men. With Murtaza donning the director's cap and also doing screenplay, Faysal is at the helm for film's writing. Murtaza tells Images Quetta is an "emotional drama" set in a city of significant historical and geographical importance. "The film is set in Quetta. It documents the journeys of three individuals of different age groups who have diverse experiences and aspirations. What brings them together is their ability to dream against the magnanimous odds." "It has been shot in Quetta to the core. Not only did we shoot the entire movie there but all the actors, costume designers and production support staff

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are also from there." While the makers are the muchadored men from one of Pakistan's most popular comedy shows, the film doesn't boast famous actors in the lead. "A real story could be best portrayed by real people who have lived those stories. To ensure that the screen is authentic and genuine to the viewers, except a few veterans, majority of the cast members are new actors." When asked why they made the dramatic switch from humour to drama, Murtaza says it's a matter of perception. "We have been a household name for raising serious societal problems and issues in a humorous manner. This time the chosen medium is also what you and I call 'serious'." While satire is a clever tool that highlights societal ills, Murtaza feels certain stories should be addressed with a grave concern. Humour is a rubber sword, it allows you to make a point without drawing blood. We have always used humour to bring to fore society's prevailing issues, albeit in a subdued way.

WOMENS WORLD

OCTOBER 16, 2015 - PAKISTAN LINK

WOMEN

By Rubia Moghees

very now and then fashion trends emerge; some of them become a rage while others just fade away. Have you ever wondered where fashion trends come from? Well, the answer is simple it all emerges from the runways of various fashion shows and fashion weeks that are organized from time to time. Designers put in all their creative juices to get the latest trends on the ramp. Yes, the truth is that fashion has inspired millions of women over the past decades to define their way of beauty. This week You! takes a look at the latest trends in makeup and apparel that were seen on the ramps of PFDC L'Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2015 (PLBW) which was held in Lahore recently. It was the fifth consecutive fashion presentation that saw the bridal brigade coming out in full force to take fashion matters one step ahead. Bridal outfits, hair, jewellery and makeup trends graced the fashion runway this season for a look that's unconventional but still appealing and refined. Veering away from the traditional dose of hues of red we saw a mix of steel grey, dusty blue, lavenders and utterly romantic luxe fabrics juxtaposed with hints of lace, sheer fabrics such as tulle and organza. Makeup trends: Nabila/NGENTs were the official hair and makeup partners for the PLBW 2015. And as always the creative team stood on top of their game. Known for perfection and consistency Nabila managed to woo the audience with her famous magic makeup

OCTOBER 16, 2015 – PAKISTAN LINK – P31

wand. Creating separate looks for each showcase required an in-depth knowledge while combining the requirements of designers and allimportant factors in determining the best look for each collection. Ali Xeeshan and Fahad Hussayn's collections projected headgears that were difficult to carry and only an expertise in the field could manage which she did with much ease. Jewel factor! It was heartening to see all the glitz, glam and elegance coming down the runway and many interesting collaborations between the clothes and jewellery designers. Sania Maskatiya announced their collaboration with renowned jeweller Reama Malik of GOLD as the official jewellery partner. The bridal collection by the House of Kamiar was complemented using a range of exquisite bespoke jewellery pieces created by Rehana and Shakil Saigol from their heritage brand Private Collection. So what's hot! This year's bridals include the use of sheer fabrics giving a whimsical and romantic feel to the silhouettes. It included full skirts cinched in at the waist; regal look remains a steadfast statement pledge for this season. The draping found a niche in most of the collections with the garments having bulging sleeves and big collars. Designers such as Ali Xeeshan and Nomi Ansari turned heads with their playful and visually pleasing collections. A lot of attention was given on fine couture tailoring and fashion-forward brides should look up to the trendsetting, edgy and chic designs that have timeless and bohemianinfluenced styles. A few designers that you may want to keep a tab on: Ammara Khan's dreamy, 'Memoirs of a moonlit garden', brought effortless glam to the runway. The focus was on the overall silhouette, style, texture and drape with a splash of intricate embellishments. Full skirts and bodices were delicately encrusted with shiny beads and Swarovski crystals. The designer surely offered sexy yet sophisticated looks on the ramp and managed to bring out the oomph factor. Sania Maskatiya's trousseau collection, 'Afsaneh' got the nod for its signature use of thread work techniques of zardozi, aari and shimmering textures of sequins and beadwork. We can always count on her aesthetics which says a lot about the designer's recent progress in the field. This season some designers included cropped tops over structured pants and bolero jackets in their collections. Designer Maheen Kardar used rich fabrics for her bridal collection that had an ethnic appeal with a strong focus on separate linings and camisoles, closures and tassels. The latest trend that we saw on runway was that many designers added fabric drapery on sleeves in classic styles. MAHGUL conceptualized sleeved presentation of the traditional dupatta; a trend that is bound to catch on. While the new entrant Maheen Taseer who still has a long way to go stuck to the traditional

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colours of maroons and reds. Her collection was all about reviving traditional designs in a contemporary way. She focused on the rich legacy of our traditional fabrics like silks, brocades and velvets that she combined antique embellishment techniques. The classic fabric got an upgrade with incredibly exclusive additions, like the latest techniques of laser cutting and use of new materials such as leather in the outfits by Ali Xeeshan. Silk thread embroideries, interlaced with delicate handiwork of exquisite craftsmen on custom delicate nets organza, tissue, chiffon and a unique knitted metal thread fabric was spe-

cially prepped for Fahad Hussayn's collection. And certainly both the collections left the audiences in awe. While Sana Safinaz's collection continued to push the envelope with fashion-forward looks ideal for the bride willing to experiment. Think crop tops, slim fit pants and fun jackets. An innovative design philosophy combined with an understated and timeless elegance, SS collection was truly distinctive. We can always count on Lahore's favourite duo Asifa and Nabeel who came up with an array of flattering silhouettes and styles including mermaid gowns.

P32 – PAKISTAN LINK – OCTOBER 16, 2015