Bridge mag international april, 2014

Published Monthly in Chicago, USA and distributed simultaneously to major cities of USA, Canada, UK and Pakistan

Published by Bridge Publications USA, Inc Publisher Jawaid Riaz

7331 N Kolmar Ave Suite G, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712 773 828 5126 973 517 5586 (

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5 NISAR hopeful of progress in talks with Taliban

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7 EFFORTS to sell small arms and jets to S. Arabia underway: Aziz

Contents

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Edi t o r i a l Stop the Blame Game The director general of ISI, Pakistan’s powerful intelligence agency formally complained to the nation’s military about Geo’s coverage after an attack on one of its anchors, Hamid Mir. The Defense Ministry asked the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to act against Geo News, including possibly suspending and ultimately canceling its license to broadcast.

A former newspaper reporter and editor, Hamid Mir writes columns and hosts a political talk show on Geo News. His guests have included members of Pakistan’s ruling government and the opposition. Mir is also writing a book on Osama bin Laden, the late al Qaeda leader whose escape from the Tora Bora Mountains of Afghanistan he extensively reported on. He was banned twice

by Pakistani governments once in 2007 and again in 2008 from appearing on Pakistani television.

Hamid Mir was attacked on Saturday in Karachi by unknown gunmen, his car was shot by assailants in a car and on two motorcycles near Karachi’s airport, his network reported. He is now recovering after undergoing what his doctor described as a successful operation.

Following the attack on Hamid Mir, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute a judicial commission to probe the incident.

A three-member judicial commission, constituted by the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali to investigate the murder attempt on Hamid Mir. The other members of commission are Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman. On Monday, the commission, headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, was briefed by senior government, police and Rangers officials. During proceedings, the brother of Hamid Mir, Amir Mir recorded his statement before the commission.

The government condemned this attack while also sharply criticizing Geo News’ subsequent reporting of the account of Mir’s brother Amir, who is a journalist himself. Amir Mir said his brother believed ISI and specifically its leader, Lt. Gen. Zaheer ul Islam, had plans to assassinate him.

The Home Secretary, IG Sindh, Additional IG Karachi, DG Rangers Sindh, Joint Director Intelligence Bureau, DIG East, DIG Special Branch, SSP Traffic and other police officers appeared before the commission along with the relevant record and submitted their confidential reports on the incident.

The defense ministry’s complaint accuses Geo News of waging “a vicious campaign ... wherein false accusations were made against a state institution tasked to work for the defense, sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.”

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This telecast tried to tarnish state agency’s image by “falsely linking it with ... terrorist outfits/activities,” the complaint said. “(This) false, malicious and irresponsible reporting is a continuation of the policy of Geo Network for maligning the state institutions,” added the complaint.

The Geo News Network has strongly defended itself against these allegations, in addition to citing other journalists and citizens who likewise have rallied to its side.

Benjamin Ismail, the head of Reporters without Borders Asia-Pacific desk, said the interview with Hamid Mir’s brother “does not constitute an offense” and noted that Pakistani authorities “are perfectly free to address the suspicions against them. His group ranks Pakistan 158th out of 180 countries on its latest World Press Freedom Index.

Bob Dietz, the Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, urged the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority not to act against Geo News based on what he called “a spurious complaint.”

“We call on Pakistan’s security services to recognize the critical role of the media and exercise tolerance and maturity,” Dietz said in a statement. “The ISI is free to rebut allegations in the media but should not try to censor coverage.”

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In an earlier statement, Dietz had called the targeting of Mir “an indicator that the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has not been able to reverse the country’s appalling record of violence against journalists, despite pledges to do so.”

I hope under the democratic government of Nawaz Sharif and the independent Judiciary, the constituted three-member judicial commission will probe with full confidence and intensions to bring the culprits to the justice and set an unprecedented for the Judiciary past decisions and judgments. Pakistan is already fighting against terrorism in the country, and cannot afford any anti-state propaganda against its institutions, especially the institutions those are already engaged in the defense of the peoples and borders.

Abid Ali Syed Andleeb Jawaid Baseer Naveed Madah Jawaid Dr.Naseem Shekhani Dr.Naveen Aman Dr. Tanveer Imam Tariq Khawaja Special correspondent from Pakistan Syed Tariq Abrar

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ADVISORY BOARD

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Jawaid Riaz, Editor Armughan Asar, Queens, NY Mashood Ahsan, Saint Louis, MO Najeeb Ali Kidwai, Canada Rashid khan, Springfield, MA Shahid Alam, Dallas, TX Shahid Khan, London, UK Suhail Ahmed, Houston, TX Zafar Khursheed, Denville, NJ Zulikha Wahid Washington, DC

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EDITORIAL BOARD

We have to stop this blame game for our personal wishes and egos, from media side and political side, and place nation’s interests first.

This is the time to set a precedent for a fair and just judicial investigation and ruling.

Jawaid riaz

Abdul Aziz Memmon, Karachi, Pakistan Abdul Waheed Jamal, Karachi, Pakistan Dr. Azfar Malik, St. Louis, MO Ghulam Mustafa Majeed, Bahrain Dr. Hadi Zadi, St. Louis, MO Hassan Mahmood Jafri, Karachi, Pakistan Mark Asim, New York City, NY Mubbashir Aslam, Canada Dr. Naseem Shekhani, St. Louis, MO Dr. Naveen Aman, Chicago, IL Syed Ashiq Raza, Karachi, Pakistan Syed Mazhar Alam, Naperville, IL Tariq Khawaja Dr. Tausif Ahmed Khan, Karachi, Pakistan Art Director : Syed Tariq Abrar ( Pakistan ) Design by : Seema Niazi (Pakistan) 011 + 92 + 333 3270755

4 April - 2014

NEWS

NAWAZ meets top federal aides on TTP talks, Musharraf

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Information Minister Pervez Rashid attended the meeting held in the federal capital.

Progress on ongoing peace talks with the Taliban and the future course of action to be adopted in this regard were discussed.

Moreover, the meeting also deliberated upon the posISLAMABAD: Prime Min- sible request by former miliister Nawaz Sharif sum- tary dictator Musharraf to remoned a key meeting of move his name from the Exit Control List to travel abroad the ruling Pakistan Muslim in order to meet his ailing League – Nawaz (PML-N) mother. during which discussions on negotiations with the Tali- Separately, a high-level secuban and former president rity meeting convened by the Pervez Musharraf’s request premier, was scheduled for to travel abroad were dis- today afternoon, to discuss cussed. the Musharraf issue, talks with the Taliban and other ources said that Defence issues pertaining to national Minister Khawaja Asif, security.

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to various bilateral, regional and international issues,” he added.

Khawaja Asif highlighted the role of Pakistan as a stabilising factor in wake of drawdown 2014 and said that Pakistan and United King- Pakistan wanted stable and dom are progressing through peaceful Afghanistan which Enhanced Strategic Dialogue was important for the region (ESD) which covers the entire and Pakistan in particular. spectrum of bilateral relations. Other defence forums The minister at this point also like Defence Cooperation Fo- highlighted sacrifices renrum and PAK- UK Naval Staff dered by the armed forces talks also hold great signifi- and people of Pakistan in cance in cementing the bilat- terms of men and material eral ties, said a press release and said that the country was issued here. trying its best to play a neutral role and normalise relaSir Kim Durroch expressed tions with all stakeholders hope at the reactivation and neighbours in the region. of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and The meeting proved fruitful stressed that relations would in better understanding iscontinue to evolve on prin- sues of the both countries ciples of mutual trust, shared and helped in formulation common interest and under- and charting a way forward, standing each others’ per- said the press release. spective.

GOVT REJECTS Musharraf’s petition to strike name off ECL

cial court which indicted Musharraf for high treason charges had put the ball in the government’s court in relation to the request put forward by the former president to be allowed to travel abroad.

CIVIL-MILITARY leadership on same page over internal security: ASIF

will help bring us out of our problems,” he remarked this during his meeting with National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom, Sir Kim DarISLAMABAD: The governroch in his office here. ment has rejected former He said that violence in any military ruler General (retd) form was undesirable and Pervez Musharraf’s applicagovernment was privy to tion seeking removal of his it, adding, “We want to give name from the Exit Control peace a chance.”

List (ECL). The Interior Ministry has also formally noThe minister said that Pakitified Musharraf in this reISLAMABAD: Federal De- stan considered the United fence Minister Khawaja Kingdom a close friend and gard.

Muhammad Asif said on development partner and citources said the former Wednesday that both politi- izens acted as a living bridge president will approach cal and armed forces’ lead- between the two countries. the High Court in order to ership was on the same seek removal of his name page over all matters in- “Recent visit of British Prime from the ECL. It is also excluding the internal security Minister David Cameron is a pected that an application testimony of our strong relasituation of the country. will be submitted in the Sindh tionship. These frequent inHigh Court. his unanimity is prov- teractions prove beneficial in ing as our strength and coordinating our approaches Earlier on Monday, the spe-

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The court had also granted Musharraf exemption from appearing in the case’s hearings saying the accused could be ordered to appear in court whenever required.

The decision had said that as long as the accused was not in custody, he could seek medical treatment at any place of his choice, adding that an accused could not be restrained from travelling nor could his/her rights as a human being be curtailed for any reason.

However, the court had added that removal of Musharraf’s name from ECL was not the prerogative of the special court as it had not ordered for the inclusion of his name in the list in the first place.

5 April - 2014

NEWS

PM HOUSE denies govt release of Praising efforts of the government of Prime Minister Taliban prisoners

NISAR hopeful of progress in talks with Taliban

oners to boost reconcilliation efforts.

Nawaz Sharif, the interior minister said the government started talks and just in few months ‘headway’ was made in it.

“Now those people, who did not take any step to initiate talks, are raising objections and resorting to criticism,” he added.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday expressed optimism about progress in talks with the Pakistani Taliban and said a meeting would be held soon to review the dialogue process.

Chaudhry Nisar said facts should not be distorted, addISLAMABAD: The Pakistani ing that no acts of terrorism government on Thursday took place from 2001 to 2004 denied reports that it has in the tribal areas. released prisoners of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan No Pakistani or tribesman was involved in the incident (TTP) in a bid to revive peace of 9/11 but rulers of that talks with the militant group. time dragged innocent peohe reports are incorrect. he statement came the ple into the war on terror, he The government has neisame day when the gov- said, adding that millions in ther released any Taliban ernment denied reports that FATA were displaced from prisoners nor has approvit has released prisoners of their homes in the previous al been given for any such the Tehreek-i-Taliban Paki- years. measure,said a spokesman stan (TTP) in a bid to revive for the Prime Minister house Referring to his ministry’s repeace talks with the militant fusal to strike Pervez Mush- in Islamabad. group. arraf’s name off the Exit Foreign news agency Reuters Control List (ECL), Chaudhry had reported officials as sayForeign news agency Reuters had reported officials as say- Nisar said the government ing that the government had ing that the government had has taken its position on the released 16 Taliban prisonreleased 16 Taliban prison- issue, without elaborating it ers to invigorate the shaky ers to invigorate the shaky any further. peace process with the TTP. peace process with the TTP. Speaking about ethical stan- The Pakistani Taliban called Speaking at the launching dards of the society, the in- a one-month ceasefire on ceremony of a think tank terior minister said people March 1 but said this week “Center for Policy Research have stopped differentiating they would not extend the and Dialogue,” Chaudhry between right and wrong truce because the governNisar said Pakistan will be- and truth and falsehood. ment was not serious about come peaceful because of meeting their demands. the efforts made by the Paki- He said the rulers should stan Muslim League-Nawaz adopt the strictest standards The demands include releasof accountability as it was ing 800 prisoners the insur(PML-N) government. necessary for stopping de- gent group describes as inCriticizing the regimes of mil- generation in society. nocent family members and itary ruler Gen (retd) Pervez withdrawing the army from Musharraf and Pakistan Peo- The minister appreciated Ad- parts of the semi-autonoples Party (PPP), the minster nan Kakakhel, the head of mous tribal areas along the alleged that former rulers the think tank, for his coura- border with Afghanistan. imposed a war on Pakistan geous stand during the rule Reuters quoted the political for 12 years to serve foreign of the last military dictator. agent of South Waziristan, interests.

Justice (retd) Mufti Muham- the highest government offiThis war continued for over mad Taqi Usmani and other cial in the northwestern triba decade and nobody held speakers stressed on the im- al region, as saying that the talks to resolve the conflict, portance of dialogue for end- government has started rehe added. ing violent conflicts in society. leasing non-combatant pris-

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“South Waziristan’s political administration released 16 men on April 1,” Islam Zeb told Reuters. “They are not major commanders. They are innocent tribals who were arrested during different search operations in South Waziristan in the last two to three years.”

However, the PM house quickly denied any such release of prisoners.

“There is no truth in the reports. The political agent has only released a few petty criminals,” he said.

Taliban negotiators were not immediately available to comment.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who took power last year promising to strike a negotiated peace with the Taliban, has been trying to engage the militants.

But talks broke down last month, when a Taliban wing operating in the Mohmand tribal region said it had executed 23 soldiers in revenge for the killing of its fighters by the security forces.

Islamabad then refused to hold further talks until the Taliban announced a ceasefire on March 1.

The second round of peace talks now hangs in the balance after the Taliban announced on Wednesday they would not extend the ceasefire and warned that attacks would begin again in Pakistan.

A militant group calling itself Ahrarul Hind launched a rare attack on a court in Islamabad last month, killing 11, including a judge.

Pakistan’s military is said to be skeptical about the talks.

6 April - 2014

NEWS

MENGAL slams govt Blind being followed over Taliban talks, Baloch in the name of talks: alienation Bilawal prised the premier that while they await positive change in the province, his party might not be able to linger for the whole year and might disassociate itself from the National and provincial assemblies.

Ending his four-yearlong self-imposed exile, Sardar Mengal participated unconditionally in the 2013 polls.

His party won a National Assembly and two Balochistan Assembly seats in the May 11 general elections. After hurling rigging allegations initially, he subsequently accepted the poll results in protest.

ISLAMABAD: Criticising Islamabad’s dialogue process with Taliban militants, former chief minister and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief, Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Saturday lamented that the government considers the Taliban as their own and treats the Balochs as outsiders.

The senior Baloch politician showed his disappointment peaking to BBC Urdu, he saying the expectations he said ongoing peace talks pinned to the government with the Tehreek-i-Taliban of PM Sharif have not been Pakistan (TTP) indicate the fulfilled. difference of attitude.

“In comparison to previous “They (government) consider regime, when mutilated Taliban as their own…. Hence bodies were found separatetalks and reservations…. We ly, the current government are just outsiders.” has provided a great facility to the masses by discovering The BNP-M chief warned that his party would resign mass graves…so that loved from the treasury benches ones of the dead find it easy of the Parliament in case, to bury them,” said the diswhat he described as, kill- gruntled Baloch leader in his ing of Baloch youth and their characteristic tone. enforced disappearances Replying a question over efwas not stopped by security forts to engage the separatforces. ists in the dialogue process, He said that Prime Minister he said when the BaloNawaz Sharif has also been chistan government is not apprised about his party’s having dialogue with him bedecision in a meeting on Fri- ing in Islamabad and Quetta, then how could they engage day. the armed rebels hiding in “The prime minister has as- mountains. sured that 2014 will be a year of change for Balochistan Mengal ruled out possibility and political betterment will of playing the role of a mediator between the governbe visible,” said Mengal. ment and the disgruntled The Balochistan MPA said Balochs in the future. that he, however, has ap-

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday said sighted persons were asking the blind to lead them in the name of talks, adding that his party would not bow down to savages and tolerate their dictatorship.

Addressing a public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the occasion of the 35th death anniversary of the party founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal said the Taliban were deceiving everyone in the name of talks. He said the negotiations were being held

Bilawal said Pakistan was facing multiple crises because the nation had buried a man 35 years ago who was

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with those who had termed like a beacon of light to the Quaid-e-Azam ‘Kafir-e-Azam’. nation.“Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a philosophy and an ide“Those who leveled allega- ology; he was the man upon tions against the PPP are whom the poor relied,” he politicking over children’s said, adding that his grandbodies,” he added. Bilawal father had transformed the alleged that Prime Minister country into a nuclear power.

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif only issued statements and Bilawal said he was worried made false promises when while watching the Punjab he visited Tharparkar. He being held hostage by terrorclaimed the premier’s team ists. He said it wouldn’t have had stopped providing aid to been the case if ZA Bhutto the drought-hit Thar people. had been alive. “Pakistan needs a Bhutto once again He said the nation had today,” he remarked. reached a point of history where uncertainty was the Lamenting the privatisation rule and fear ruled every policy, Bilawal said the naheart. “Terrorists want to tion’s house was being auctake away our identities and tioned without taking it into existence,” he said, adding confidence. “If the governthat people were asking for a ment cannot run the country, way out from the blind alley. does this mean we should “What did we do that the his- sell it?” he asked. tory is not willing to forgive Bilawal also criticised the us?” he asked the audience. continued...

7 April - 2014 PML-N government for abandoning the Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project. He questioned what price Pakistan had to pay for the money paid by a friendly country.He said the Pakistan Army was not the personal property of anyone. “Is the money given by a friendly country the price of heads of our Jawans? Our war is still underway and you are jumping into other countries’ wars,” he remarked.

He said unlike the silence of the Punjab government on the Joseph Colony incident, the PPP government in Sindh would not remain silent on demolition of temples.“Damaging and burning minorities’ worship places is not Islam,” he said, adding that he and his party workers would stand by the minorities if anybody tried to attack them. He urged the chief ministers of Balochistan, Sindh and KP to demand their respective provinces’ share of assets from the Centre.

NEWS and Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari on Friday recalled that the agreements signed by his government with China, the US and other countries and said the present rulers were now enjoying its benefits but the country was still facing the energy crisis .

Zardari paid tributes to ZA Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their sacrifices for the country and for never compromising with the military dictators.He also eulogised Bilawal for leading the caravan of Bhutto legacy. He raised the hands of a PPP candidate for PS-35 and asked the people of Larkana to vote for him and support him.

PPP parliamentarians and leaders including Syed Khursheed Shah, Raza Rabbani, Aitzaz Ahsan, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and others also addressed the event.The 35th death anniversary of ZA Bhutto was observed with reverence and respect. Thousands of party workers and Online adds: Speaking on the leaders paid tributes to their occasion, former president legendary leader.

EFFORTS to sell small arms and jets to S. Arabia underway: Aziz ing efforts to sell small arms and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia while also maintaining a balance between its ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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hen asked if Pakistan would supply arms to Syria, Aziz said at this point in time there was no Syria-specific agreement, adding that Pakistan was making efforts to sell small arms and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said in an interview with the BBC that Pakistan was mak-

The prime minister’s adviser said that like any country which with a flourishing arms industry, Pakistan was trying to sell its arms and there was

nothing dubious about Saudi Arabia’s interest in purchase weapons from Pakistan.

this year in line with promoting peace in the region.

Speculation had been rife He further reiterated the in Pakistan after a joint Pakgovernment’s claim of Paki- istan-Saudi declaration in stan’s neutral stance on the February called for the “formation of a transitional govSyria issue. erning body” with full exOn Iran and Saudi Arabia, ecutive powers as part of a Aziz said Pakistan wanted to solution to the bloody Syrian restore the balance of rela- civil war. tions with the two countries which he said had been dis- The move was criticised by turbed during the past five the opposition in the Nationyears. al Assembly and even though the government dispelled Comparing the current state the impression, it failed to of Pakistan’s relations with convince the opposition. other countries with that in the past, he said not a single The un-official revelation of Saudi minister had visited $1.5bn aid from Saudi Arabia, the country during the ten- following a climb in the Ruure of the previous govern- pee value against the dollar, ment but after the coming raised further questions, reof Pakistan Muslim League garding Pakistan’s stance.

- Nawaz (PML-N) into power, the government and military Again, the opposition rejectleadership of both countries ed the government’s claim that the donation was only had exchanged visits. ‘a gift from friends’ and not He further added that he a loan nor given in return of hoped Prime Minister Sharif any services, would visit Iran in May or June

8 April - 2014

NEWS

Musharraf Not Asked To Pakistan To Free 13 More Apologise, Says Saad Rafique Taliban Prisoners: Nisar

number of released prisoner may rise to 30 before that.

The government released 19 prisoners earlier this month.

institution are now participating to make the country developed and prosperous.

He said “independent judiciary, media and rule of law had been our dream.”

Replying to a question regarding Balochistan issue, Saad Rafiq said that 2014 is the year to change the destiny of the province, adding that government has many LAHORE: Federal Railways plans including political stratMinister Khawaja Saad egies and dialogue process Rafique said on Friday that to address the reservations no one had demanded an of Baloch leaders. apology from former military dictator General (r) Per- The Government is fully comvez Musharraf and neither mitted to not only bringing did the government have peace in the province by ensuring law and order but also the mandate to seek one. is determinant to address he federal railways minis- the issues to make it proster said that government perous, he said. would follow the decisions of courts regarding Pervez Replying to another question, he said all the governmental Musharraf case. institutions were following He said that rule of law would the Constitution and funcbe ensured to protect the tioning accordingly. country from the onslaught He said that every one should of enemy forces. obey the Constitution for Talking to a private news making the society civilised. channel, he said it is mandatory on government to pro- Praying for the long life and vide assistance to judiciary speedy recovery of the ailing mother of former president on legal issues and matters.

Pervez Musharraf, he said The Minister said now trends the government is ready to have changed in national provide all necessary treatpolitics, adding that all the ment facilities to her.

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Corruption Record Broken In Sports Festival: Pti LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf has said the PML-N government’s deception and corruption has broken all Guinness Book of World Records.

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n a statement issued here on Saturday, PTI Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry said the scandal of the Guinness Book of World Records judges had exposed the PML-N government and was tantamount to lying and eating up taxpayers’ money.

The government is holding talks with the Pakistani Taliban to bring an end to the ongoing insurgency in the country that’s killed thousands of people in recent years. Splinter groups have continued their attacks deISLAMABAD: In a bid to spite the talks. bring an end to the ongoing insurgency in Pakistan, the Meanwhile, Maulana Samiul government has decided to Haq, head of the TTP coorfree 13 more Taliban prison- dination committee told meers as a confidence building dia representatives that next measure to carry forward round of direct talks with Taliban Shura will take place in a its peace initiative, Interior day or two. He hoped for furMinister Chaudhry Nisar Ali ther extension in ceasefire Khan said on Saturday. and complete restoration of peaking to media rep- peace in the country. resentatives after chairThe chief of his own faction ing a joint meeting of the of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUIgovernment and Taliban S), who is known as “Father negotiating committees, he of Taliban” in the West, said urged the Tehreek-i-Taliban real peace talks are yet to Pakistan (TTP) leadership to commence as ongoing diareciprocate to the governlogues were only confidence ment’s action for the success building measures. of peace talks.

Earlier on Friday, the TTP Khan said some of those behad extended till April 10 the ing released by the governceasefire earlier announced ment were on a Taliban list. by it and expressed the hope Progress at talks and venue that the government would and date for the next round reciprocate its ‘gesture’ with of direct talks between the positive steps. government team and TaliThe extension came a day afban were discussed at the ter the government had anjoint meeting. nounced that it had released 19 non-combatant Taliban as The minister told reporters that next round of talks will a goodwill gesture for bolbe held next week and the stering the peace process.

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Mr Chaudhry demanded an immediate investigation into the allegation on the Punjab government that the Guinness Book of World Records had completely denied any relationship with the judges, He said the Punjab govern- who had visited on the inviment had spent some Rs6 tation of the Punjab governbillion on the youth festival ment. including the substantial fee paid to the Guinness Book of He suggested that an authenticated commission should World Records.

be formed as Sports Minister Rana Mashood and Law Minister Rana Sanaullah would again cook up another story to hide the scandals.

He said the credibility of the government had completely eroded and their explanation would hold a little value as the whole festival had been full of scandals and corruption.

9 April - 2014

NEWS

Army to preserve its own dignity and institutional pride: COAS

Musharraf Ordered To Appear In Court For Bugti Murder Hearing

COAS also praised them for their outstanding professional skills, given the specialised nature of their employment in the most sensitive, complex and challenging environment, Speaking to SSG officers and soldiers, COAS said, Pakistan Army never had and never would shy away from renderISLAMABAD: Chief of Army ing any sacrifice in ensuring Staff General Raheel Sharif a formidable defense and seon Monday said that Paki- curity of the motherland. stan Army upheld the sanc- Drawing its strength from tity of all institutions and national support, with its would resolutely preserve characteristic coherence and its own dignity and institu- resilience, Pakistan Army has tional pride, during his visit contributed immensely toto the headquarters of Spe- wards national security and cial Service Group (SSG) at nation building and will continue to deliver on its misGhazi Base, Tarbela. sion, the Army chief added. en Sharif paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices While our country is faced of the SSG soldiers and offi- with multiple internal and cers and acknowledged their external challenges, Pakistan tremendous success while Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions and will resofighting against terrorists. lutely preserve its own digHe said, Pakistan Army took nity and institutional pride, pride in the brave and battle General Sharif said while rehardened Special Services sponding to the concerns of Group who were ranked soldiers on undue criticism among the top elite forces of of the Institution in recent the world. days.

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Cleric Murder: Musharraf’s Plea For Permanent Exemption Rejected ISLAMABAD: Hearing the Ghazi Rasheed murder case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, an additional district and sessions’ judge in Islamabad rejected the retired general’s application seeking permanent exemption from appearance during proceedings.

his arguments saying that the former army chief faced death threats, adding that he was targeted in an attack two days earlier as a result of During the hearing, Mush- which he could not appear in arraf’s counsel presented court.

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dditional district and sessions Judge Wajid Ali was hearing the case against Musharraf.

mer ministers to reappear before it on April 21st.

“We respect the court now and we will respect it in future,” Mr. Sherpao told reporters after the hearing of the case.

The court also issued arrest warrants of Pervez Musharraf’s guarantors, Rajput inQUETTA: An anti-terrorism formed reporters. court (ATC) in Quetta has ordered former military ruler “Investigation team is not fulGen (retd) Pervez Musharraf filling its responsibility with to appear before it on April regards to probing the mur21 in a case relating to the der of Nawab Bugti,” Rajput murder of Baloch nation- complained. alist leader Nawab Akbar Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti, Bugti. the son of Nawab Akbar Bug-

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TC Quetta 1 Judge Tariq Ahmed Kasi directed the former military dictator to appear before the court otherwise his bail would be cancelled.

ti, had nominated Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz and other high-ups in the murder of his father.

The Balochistan High Court had already issued arrest “The court will issue arrest war- warrants of the accused perrants against him if he fails to sons. appear before it,” counsel of Bugti was killed in a cave on Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti, August 26, 2006 during a miliSohail Rajput, told reporters tary crackdown ordered by while quoting the remarks of Musharraf who was president the judge during the hearing. and army chief at the time.

Meanwhile, former federal interior minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and former home minister Balochistan Mir Shoaib Nowsherwani appeared before the court in relation to the case.

Bugti had led an armed campaign to press for provincial autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan’s natural resources.

The death of the Baloch chieftain sparked angry protests The court ordered both for- in the country.

He said Musharraf sought during the Lal Masjid operaexemption from appearing tion which was a 2007 govin court. ernment crackdown on the controversial pro-Taliban The court granted him exmosque in Islamabad. The emption from appearance operation had ended in a for today’s hearing and adbloody eight-day siege killing journed the case to three at least 58 Pakistani troops months. and seminary students.

Whereas, the former presiThe operation, ordered by dent’s request seeking permanent exemption from at- Musharraf, followed a weektendance during the case’s long standoff between the mosque’s supporters and sehearings was dismissed. curity forces.

Ghazi Rasheed was killed

10 April - 2014

NEWS

PAKISTAN PROTECTION BILL PASSED AS OPPOSITION STAGE WALKOUT assured them of consultation on the bill today.

“However, the opposite happened and we were not allowed to suggest amendments,” he said.

The JUI-F called the new bill an ‘extra-constitutional’ and slammed it.

ISLAMABAD: Amidst much uproar and protests, the Protection of Pakistan Bill was approved on late Monday evening in the National Assembly.

According to the contents of the Bill, the said law will ensure that trail of cases against terrorists are expedited.

A joint team will investigate terrorism cases of terrorism eanwhile, the gov- and special courts will be set ernment refused all up to deal with the cases. amendments suggested by Furthermore, under the bill, the Opposition. any person who is convicted The minute Pakistan Protec- of a crime can be kept in any tion Bill 2013 was presented prison in the country. in the upper house; chaos ensued and eventually re- APP adds: sulted in a boycott.

Minister for State and FronOpposition leaders gathered tier Regions Abdul Qadir around the dais and protest- Baloch on Monday called for ed against the bill. Some op- a protective law to save the position members also tore country from terrorism and down the copies of the bill sectarian violence. and threw them.

“The country is bleeding. We

the killer of 100 people as tyranny of extremists,” he well as quashing the cases added. against 8000 people of a poThe minister said, “Today litical party. people are talking of sepaBut, today the important peo- rate countries and we are ple of previous governments opposing a law meant for are opposing this bill, sitting securing the country and its people from the clutches of on opposition benches. terrorism and extremism.”

“We are not enacting a law to kill the people. The country He however stated that if this is bleeding and the govern- law can be made better, it ment desires to protect the should be done but it should innocent people from the not be opposed out rightly.

OPPOSITION TO REACT IF SONS OF GILANI, TASEER NOT RELEASED: SHAH

that if the government failed to secure the release of Ali Haider Gilani and Shahbaz Taseer, then the opposition would react.

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need to protect lives and property of our people and this needs a protective law,” he said speaking in National Assembly during discussion Calling it a ‘black law’, the on the Protection of Pakistan Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bill 2013 and the Protection slammed the Bill and said it of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill will backfire.

2014.

Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) showed its support with the opposition and also joined in the walk-out.

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Monday warned that if the government failed to secure the release of Ali Haider Gilani and Shahbaz Taseer, then the opposition would react.

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peaking to media representatives in an informal meeting in the Parliament House, Shah said it was imperative to take the military into confidence regarding the release of prisoners, even though the decision was to be taken by the government Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehrik- He said the situation started and not the army. e-Insaaf leader Shah Mehm- worsening from 1999 and ood Qureshi said that bill two previous governments He also expressed the fear was accepted without taking also lived with the same situ- that granting a free peace into account the opposition ation but enacted no law for zone to the Taliban was danto it. protection. gerous.

“The government bulldozed the process of legislation.

With this bill, it is getting limitless powers,” he said.

“Even today they are opposing the bill knowing well that this wave of terrorism has claimed the lives of 40,000 Pakistanis.”

He said the Taliban had managed to get many of its prisoners released, but not a single person held in Taliban captivity was freed.

Shah demanded of the government to apprise political parties of details of talks with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, adding that both sides should negotiate from a position of equality.

Shah said the PPP was not against talks between the government and the TTP, adding that the former should not hold the opposition responsible in case the mediation failed.

He claimed that in December 2000, Musharraf, who at the time was the chief executive of the country, had facilitated the granting of a presidential pardon to Nawaz Sharif and the incumbent premier would now return the favour.

He said the opposition supported the federal government on talks with the Taliban for lasting peace in the country, but peace didn’t seem to be visible

The opposition leader said the government had not held consultations over the Pakistan Protection Ordinance, adding that the ordinance MQM leader Farooq Sattar said that the Prime Minister He mentioned the examples The senior Pakistan Peoples would be opposed in case and the Home Minister had like release of Ajmal Pahari; Party (PPP) leader warned any contact was

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