SAT Issue 03

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“Oh ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...” Quran II:183

Prime Minister’s message for Ramadan Page 18

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Tribune South Asia

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FYI Page 5

Year 1  Issue 3  Thursday, 04.08.11

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Muslims in Fear after Norway Attacks

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uslims and immigrants have been left feeling vulnerable after last week’s shooting and bombing attacks in Norway. Some have been left wondering if far-right extremists could be capable of even worse atrocities.

In Drammen, a port city in Norway’s east, where 22% of the population are immigrants, many people, especially Muslims, have told Sky News they are feeling vulnerable.

The city, home to Pakistanis, Iraqis, Turks, Norwegians and Christians, represents everything Breivik despises multiculturalism at the heart of Norwegian life. Councillor Yusuf Gilani, who grew up on the almost exclusively immigrant Fjell estate, said people are scared.

“There was so much hate coming from one man and it was about us,” he told Sky. “People are asking are there other people like him? Some have been wondering if they should move away.”

The image of Norway has long been of a tolerant nation imbued with liberal values.

But like many places where the immigrant population has grown significantly there are tensions over jobs, housing, a way of life.

And this weekend in Drammen they invited others to join them in Muslim prayer in remembrance of the dead.

The minister from the local Norwegian church was there and took his message of unity back to his parish.

Controversial Bollywood Film

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andhi to Hitler’ is the movie that attempts to link two disparate leaders by letters they exchange, and by the time the final credits roll – you are still wondering what the movie was really all about.

The movie directed by Rakesh Ranjan Kumar, stars Raghubir Yadav,

Neha Dhupia and Aman Verma.

The story is ideally about the last days of Adolf Hitler, which he spends hiding in a bunker in Berlin while the Allied Forces close in.

One of the most hated men in histoContinued on page 2 >>

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

NEWS

Controversial Bollywood Film

Human Rights Logo Competition Attracts 15,000 proposals

<< Continued from page 1

An international competition to design a new logo representing human rights has attracted more than 15,000 proposals, the German Foreign Ministry has announced.

The initiative, launched by Germany and supported by nine other countries, aims to devise a human rights symbol akin to the peace dove or the universally recognized heart shape, representing love.

A total of 15,296 designs were submitted from 190 countries from early May until the competition deadline on July 31.

ry stomps around his bunker, fumes about failed plans, commands traitors in his own Reich to be hunted down and killed, believing all along that his victory is assured. In a desperate attempt to show the other side of the coin, a shadowy, unimpressive figure of Gandhi takes innumerable walks with his silent group of followers talking about his non-violent beliefs. Things get as bad as it could with Hitler muttering in rage –”An eye for an eye!’” and is juxtaposed by Gandhi’s – “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind...”

Against the war of beliefs of these two leaders runs the story of a bunch of soldiers from Subhash Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj lost in the dangerous terrain between Germany and France – trying to find their way back home.

The pack is lead by Aman Verma who keeps penning letters to his wife back in India – none of which he manages to send. The soldiers squabble amongst themselves, reminisce about the fields and the food back home and in their walk back to the homeland, keep losing one brother after another and only two survive. And we are not even sure if they make it back home.

Raghubir Yadav, who is a splendid actor otherwise, completely reduces the figure of Hitler to a caricature. When furious – his speech gets garbled and his shaking frame does not do justice to the leader of the third Reich. None of his officers are believable in their roles, not even Joseph Goebbels. The only two believable characters are

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Bollywood’s Gandhi to Hitler ‘worst film of 2011’

Group Editorial Managers Gulzar Khan (India) Abdul Khalique (Pakistan) Editorial Board UK Nayab Chohan (Editor in Chief) Frances Brunner Raza Syed FYI Tribune team Adrian Fellar Misbah Khan Reema Shah Rohma Khan Keziah-Ann Abakah Art Department UK Ali Ansar (Art Director) Md. Reazul Islam This paper is printed on 100% recycled paper. The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher or the editorial team unless otherwise stated. The claims or representations made by the advertiser(s) do not carry any endorsements presented by the publisher. Readers should take responsible care and precautions when buying goods and services from advertisers. This newspaper and its publishers will not accept any claims arising from any dispute under any circumstances.

Eva Braun and Joseph Goebbels’ wife Magda. Braun tells her new husband Hitler, after their marriage in the bunker – that she does not want to die ugly – she has just been married for a few hours. Magda on the other hand, stoically poisons her six sleeping children, finally biting in to the capsule herself and dying in her husband’s arms.

The acting in most cases is not believable, the sets are bad, the footage of World War II war carnage has weird orange flames added to it. The worst and the most redundant scene is perhaps the song for Holi, filmed in Punjab, showing the contrasting beliefs of Aman Verma – the soldier and his wife Amrita – who lives by Gandhian principles. Another was a soldier kissing his girl good bye and then getting blown up a few meters away from her.

The only good scene was one of the last ones – Hitler’s followers burn his body, Goebbles shoots himself in the head with his dead wife in his arms – a mirror image of Hitler and Eva Braun’s last moments; Aman Verma lying dead in a picturesque valley in Switzerland with the letters to his wife strewn around him and back in India, his wife turns the lantern down for the night.

Hitler with traces of tears around his eyes when his favourite architect Albert Speers puts in his papers and chooses to leave is less believable than Aman Verma breaking down in the forests with his small band of army when he sees them fight amongst each other.

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Bollywood film about Hitler which members of the Indian Jewish community dubbed as “ignorant” when it was announced has been panned by critics.

Gandhi To Hitler, a Bollywood take on the correspondence between the Indian and Nazi leaders and the end of the Third Reich was the subject of controversy when the project was announced last year.

Anupam Kher, the actor due to play the Nazi leader, eventually dropped out after facing criticism.

The film was released in India on Friday, but news site DNA India told filmgoers to avoid it “at all

costs”. The reviewer said that director Rakesh Ranjan Kumar had presented a “botched up and ineffective” account of history.

“I’m still figuring why every character, including Hitler, is played by an Indian,” wrote the reviewer.

“The wigs will remind you of your own hair, which by now will have been subjected to pulling and tearing by you or your cinema hall neighbour.

“It is rancid, futile and unnecessary to the past, present and future of sanity, let alone to cinema.”

Another reviewer for NDTV.com said the film should be consigned to the dustbins of hsitroy. “It has the feel of a Z-grade quickie,” he said.

The Daily Bhaskar gave the film one star out of five. “The locations look extremely suspicious as he has tried to merge Himalayas and Punjab to seem like European locations,” said the review.

“The ascent looks extremely fake and romantic scenes are extremely silly and unintentionally funny.”

One reviewer was more concise. “The worst film of 2011,” said Janhvi Patel.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

EDITORIAL David Cameron: Stop terrorism from UK

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arachi: More than 300 people were killed in political and ethnic violence in July, making the month among the worst on record. The government has deployed hundreds of extra paramilitary troops in Karachi, struggling to end violence that has killed 58 people in five days till Wednesday.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that everything has a limit, enough is enough, the government is going to take extra-ordinary measures to restore peace and normalcy in Karachi, Sindh home minister says operative parts of operation cannot be disclosed beforehand. The known militant and the most power full Party of Karachi MQM’s chief Altaf Hussain has given a 48 hour notice to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to stop bloodshed in Karachi. In a bid to restore peace in Karachi, the Sindh government on Tuesday directed the Rangers to conduct targeted operation in the areas hit by violence.

The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recently described Karachi as a city in the grip of political, ethnic and sectarian “polarisation”.

It said 490 people were killed in targeted killings in Karachi in the first half of the year, compared with 748 in the whole of 2010.

Question is why the Governments are so blind they cannot see who the real culprit is and why they are still in power sharing. PML(N) is the party that had forced the inclusion of a clause in the Charter of Democracy (COD) that no political party would deal with the MQM which was dubbed as a ‘terrorist’ outfit – a clause that was rubbished by the PPP the moment it needed the MQM support. So much for principles!

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Altaf (MQM-A) has been widely accused of human rights abuses since its founding.

It claims to represent Mohajirs- Urduspeaking Muslims who fled to Pakistan from India after the 1947 partition of the subcontinent, and their descendants.

In the mid-1990s, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement was heavily involved in the widespread political violence that wracked Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, particularly Karachi, the port city that is the country’s commercial capital. Muttahida Qaumi Movement militants fought government forces, breakaway MQM factions, and militants from other ethnic-based movements.

In the mid-1990s, the U.S. State Department, Amnesty International, and others accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and a rival faction Continued on page 21 >>

COMMENT

Rebels could be worse than Gaddafi

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he murder and mutilation of the Libyan rebel leader in Benghazi is a salutory reminder of two principles in international affairs. The first is that civil wars are the most bloody conflicts and the second is “be careful what you wish for”.

Because the regime of Muammar al Ghadaffi is a grisly kleptocratic ramshackle dysfunctional shambles does not mean that whatever comes after him will be better. It could be worse, and especially if in addition to the tribal, theocratic and personal fissures amongst the Libyan opposition is added the permanent stain of having been placed in power by a foreign military and intelligence operation mounted by the enemies of all the Arabs and the former bloody occupiers of the Arab Maghreb.

Another principle of international affairs is that diplomatic recognition is afforded to those who control states not those whom the internationl community wishes controlled states. And that the theft of a country’s resources and the handing over of those treasures to rebel groups is, well, just that, theft. The freezing of the Libyan assets held in the west is one thing. The handing of those assets over to a rag-bag coalition of genuine revolutionaries, spies and Salafist groups with “just a flicker of Al-Qaeda” about them is quite another. All Arab governments should know that the same thing could, indeed may, happen to them and their resources invested in foreign countries.

Equally those countries, like China and Russia who could and should have stopped this NATO bandwaggon in its tracks may have cause one

day to wish they had. Russia in particular has any number of Caucasian and Chechnyan potential conflicts which may attract the attention of NATO at any time. Can’t you just see the possible scenario? Rebel group A launches an “uprising”. President, as he will then be, Putin moves his

George Galloway

Tribune Comment forces to protect the territorial integrity of Russia. Bloody fighting ensues. NATO countries “recognise” the Transitional National Council set up by the rebels and hey presto...

Though China may be thought to be too strong to fall victim to the same sort of ploy...watch this space.

And watch Tibet and Xinkiang.

Meanwhile in the Horn of Africa millions are on the verge of starving to death. George Orwell said that the ultimate in obscenity would be when one half of the world could watch the other half starving to death on television. In 1984 of all years, that first came true and in the very same killing fields as todays famine now harvests first the old and then the young and before long will be killing indiscriminately in the millions.

Some float upon yachts swilling Champagne whilst others die for the want of a drink of clean water.

London and Paris Marbella and St Tropez throng with Ramadan revellers whilst Muslims and others starve to death in agony in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya..

Of what value to the faithfull is such fasting in the face of such injustice? What is the point of Haj when the pilgrim has neither raised their voice their hand still less their wallet in defence of their brothers and sisters? How can the Eid be joyous when such starving to death on television is immediately switched over

to Mtv? Some people seem to think God is blind. On the Judgement Day they will surely find that He was not.

And why and when did the terrorist atrocity in Norway cease to be an act of terrorism and become the “insane” act of a “lone gunman”? Why, when it emerged that the mass murderer was not a Muslim that’s why and when.

The blonde blue eyed messenger of Satan who slayed 77 innocents in a small European country acted out of hatred of Muslims. Those who died at his hands suffered the same terror and agony as those Muslims under the bombs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya..

But the blood of those victims is less valueable than the suffering children of Norway. It must be. How else could every western news report describe Norway as a “peace-loving” country when its armed forces - who took more than an hour to come to the rescue of the children and young people being slaughtered by the selfstyled “Crusader” Breyvic - are currently killing other peoples children in both Afghanistan and Libya?

Netanyahu extends greetings to Muslims at start of Ramadan Benjamin Netanyahu

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n addresses to Muslim world, the prime minister says he hopes Israeli Muslims, who are familiar with democracy, could serve as an example for their

coreligionists in the region.

In the video message, Netanyahu expresses the hope that the “Arab Spring” wave of protests would bring democracy to Muslims everywhere, and that Israeli Muslims, whom he says are familiar with democracy, could serve as a beacon of light to their brethren in the region, who also want to live as free citizens in a democratic country. A democratic Arab world, says the prime minister, would certainly make peace with Israel.

Moreover, Netanyahu used the

opportunity of the Ramadan address to call on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to return immediately to negotiations, without preconditions.

some 2000 members, 75% of whom live in Haifa, is the largest in the Middle East. And it is in Haifa where, on July 16 and 17, one of their “annual international conventions” is held under the

One should also know about Ahmadiyya Muslims in Israel One should also know about Israeli Muslims, Haifa, home to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which numbers

leadership of their Israeli emir, Muhamad Sherif. The Ahmadis, nevertheless, do not identify with the Palestinian cause.

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NEWS

BBC job cuts will go ahead

The BBC has refused to rule out compulsory redundancies in the face of “significant” Government cuts, despite a second strike by thousands of journalists protesting at job losses.

Members of the National Union of Journalists took industrial action across the UK, disrupting radio and TV programmes, including Radio 4’s flagship Today, which was broadcast an hour later than usual.

Picket lines were mounted outside studios and offices, including the

BBC TV Centre in west London, Bush House in central London and cities including Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester.

NUJ members will start a work to rule on Tuesday, including a ban on overtime, which the union said would hit BBC programmes ahead of a meeting between the two sides on August 11.

She said journalists were angered at a “change in approach” by the BBC to job cuts, with a number of compulsory redundancies already made and more expected in the coming weeks.

The union posted photographs on its website of journalists on picket lines, while newsrooms were empty and programmes, including BBC2’s Newsnight, were replaced.

Lucy Adams, the BBC’s director of business operations, said in a message to staff that six out of seven employees were working normally and only “limited” changes to programmes had been made.

She said: “We will continue to speak to the NUJ daily in an attempt to resolve the ongoing issues. However it is simply not realistic for us to agree to a policy of no compulsory redundancies when we face such significant cuts to the central Government grants that fund BBC Monitoring and the World Service.

“We will also carry on working to redeploy affected staff wherever possible. We have so far managed to redeploy 30% of staff at risk of compulsory redundancy in BBC Monitoring and 27% in the World Service.

Nevertheless, we are clear we cannot create new jobs artificially nor can we give preferential treatment to NUJ members.”

South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

UK govt. urged to review far-right threat

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he UK Home Secretary has been urged to review counterterrorism strategies following the news revealing Norway terrorist has links with British far-right extremists.

After Prime Minister David Cameron said he had taken “extremely seriously” Anders Behring Breivik’s claims of having contacts with the UK extremists, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Theresa May to review the anti-terror Prevent strategy.

In his 1,600-page manifesto, the Christian Fundamentalist has disclosed that he met eight other far-right extremists from other European countries and hosted by two British in London in 2002, to discuss reforming the Knights Templar Europe, a group planning to “seize political and military control of western European countries and implement a cultural conservative political agenda.”

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Cooper called on Theresa May to

reassess the strategy. Saying: “People involved in extreme rightwing terrorism have not received the same training, guidance or support as many of those who have engaged with al-Qaeda or al-Qaedainfluenced organizations. Nor have they ever aspired or planned to conduct operations on the scale of those planned by their al-Qaida counterparts.”

Zaheer Ahmad, president of the National Association of Muslim Police, said: “We’ve been too busy looking at the threat from Islamist extremists and taken our eye off the ball on tracking the extremist right.”

UK anti-extremist campaign group Hope Not Hate insisted that since the British government has not yet decided to Classify English Defence League (EDL) as an “extremist rightwing group,” the police would have limited capacity to “gather intelligence on the EDL, its members and its activities.” “Despite the violence and racial hatred whipped up by this street gang the authorities refuse to label the group as “far-right extremists.”

Cricketer Imran Khan in Keighley to open new school A new state-of-the-art academy school designed to raise the aspirations and achievement of its pupils was officially opened by cricketing legend Imran Khan last night.

University Academy Keighley has been built on the old Greenhead School site as part of Bradford Council’s Building Schools for the Future programme.

Mr Khan, who is also the

chancellor of Bradford University, unveiled a plaque to formally open the building. The former Pakistan cricket captain gave a speech to guests and spent time talking to pupils.

An outstanding pupil from each of the four Academy houses also received a signed trophy.

Mr Khan said: “It is a real privilege to open such a wonderful new facility. I think it’s an amazing building and will provide inspiration to pupils in Keighley for many years to come, and will be a hub for the community.”

Breivik had “Zionist connections”

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here’s no question at all that [Breivik] was a very devout Christian Zionist with strong links to Israel and he had visited there several times,” Middle East consultant Peter Eyre told Press TV. He went on to say that Western media outlets are using “a diversionary tactic” to picture Breivik as a far-right extremist instead of highlighting his links to Zionism.

On July 22, a massive bomb explosion rocked the government

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headquarters in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, killing eight people and leaving several more injured. On the same day, sixty eight members of the youth wing of Norway’s Labor Party were killed in a shooting spree on Utoeya Island near Oslo.

Islamophobic extremist Breivik has claimed responsibility for both attacks.

“There is a very strong Zionist lead there,” Eyre said, adding that the massacre “is certainly showing a sign of being an inside job with

Zionist interference”.

Breivik, who expresses strong antiIslam views, has announced having several discussions with members of the English Defense League, a racist and anti-Muslim group based in Britain.

The police said they are to interview Breivik for a second time this week, yet they did not mention the details as to what they are looking for.

Breivik was interviewed once on the day after the attacks in a seven-hour session.

Women rally in Delhi

omen’s empowerment has been given fresh impetus in India.

A rally has taken place in the capital Delhi, inspired by the so-called “Slutwalk” protests that began a few months ago in Canada.

The aim is to challenge the concept that women only have themselves to

blame for sexual harassment because of the way they dress.

“Women are targeted when they wear skimpy clothes, they are called a slut and told they have a bad character.

This is to fight against that perception and to change it.” said one participant.

The protests began in Canada after a police officer advised a group of students they could avoid rape by not dressing like “sluts”, as he put it. However, most of the marchers in Delhi were soberly dressed. Records show there were 22,000 rape cases in India in 2008 – up 18 percent on 2004.

Police warn community over thefts during Ramadan Police are urging Muslim communities to take extra care in securing their property against thieves as they look forward to celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

Experience from previous years shows there can be an increase in burglaries during religious periods such as Ramadan with thieves targeting Muslim households that they believe could contain gold jewellery and other valuables.

Police are advising that people take photos of their valuables, particularly gold items to ensure they can be identified if stolen and recovered.

They should also take extra care of their jewellery and to store it securely in safety deposit boxes in banks and building societies.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

“Mummy, tell the police that they must be quick, people are dying here, tell them there’s a madman running around shooting people.”

Marianne Jones received this SMS from Julie, her 16-yearold daughter from the spot of the Norway shootout. Not the stereotypical text message you’d expect from a teen belonging to the supposedly reckless Generation Y, one may say. With terror now an evil that cannot be wished away, teens are increasingly learning how to cope with it.

“Well, teens don’t have mortgages to pay or mouths to feed, so they’d probably tune out when they hear economy-related words that set many adults’ teeth on edge. But today’s kids seem to have suddenly discovered a higher calling. They are now clearly tuning in when they hear words like terrorism and war. Such is the grip and intensity of the situation, post the Mumbai bomb blast and the Norway shootout,” says Jojan Job, head of the journalism department at a prominent college in the city.

“It’s appalling how innocent folks are being attacked in broad daylight and blown into shreds

The terror war

for no mistake of theirs. There can be no possible justification for such heinous acts of crime; no claims of communal or religious propagation can ever

be acceptable. Nobody has the right over other people’s lives or choices. And for that matter, they don’t have the right to forcefeed or thrust their ideologies

either,” says agitated 15-year-old Selvana Jayakumar. About novels like Bifocal which is based on terrorism and aimed at teens, she says, “It’s time we tuned out of

games and cartoon channels and updated ourselves on the terror status of the country. It’s about time we took the responsibility for innocent lives lost instead of just sitting around and empathising.”

“With terror attacks creating chaos globally, teens are not only disturbed, but are stepping up to help clear the mess — which is a silver lining. Facebook pages like T.A.C.T. (Teens Against Crime and Terrorism) — an initiative started by teens to voice their opinion against terrorism but with a humorous twist, is a good start.

On a serious note, the signature campaigns, reflexive peace drives and petitions to the government by the younger members of society, asking for prompt answers, is a sign that we have taken off on the right route,” says psychologist Ivy Das. Illustrating the effectiveness of such initiatives, she adds, “Only time can tell how effective these campaigns will prove to be. The enemy and the players of terror are tough nuts to crack but something has to be done and quickly. It is heartening to see that a few teens have already pulled up their socks and are raring to go.”

DEBATE Is common courtesy Common?

Call me old-fashioned or even naïve, but is it so wrong to wish that the workers of society (particularly bus drivers) had better manners? What happened to ladies first? Why are ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘pardon’ so little used? And last but not least, is chivalry chivalrous no longer?

In a dog-eat-dog world, it’s understandable that an everyday person will forget to use theirs P’s and Q’s once, twice, and maybe even on a third occasion, but it’s the consistent underestimation of these magic words that have made our society what it is today. How many of us have ever spoken to or even greeted our neighbours? How many of us say thank you to any of the public workers who aid us? How many of us ask, How are you? and not just because we feel obligated to do so. Once upon a time, common courtesy was not a taboo it was a practise preached by the young and old alike but then came the twenty-first century.

The twenty-first century has brought with it an array of useful inventions

that has benefited society, but in doing so, it has left behind the most basic of all things any society needs to survive...manners. There is no use denying that the display of manners within society is appalling, and

equally, there is no use denying that society doesn’t always make it easy for us to put our manners into practise.

There will always be that bus driver who gives you the third degree only to find that they are in the wrong and refuse to admit it. There will always be that person who pushes past you when they could have side-stepped you or excused themselves. And there will always be that person who asks, receives and smiles but doesn’t say thank you.

The point in case is this. If you choose not to display your manners, manners will not be displayed to you. If we decline to be courteous because others are not courteous to us, then the world will be a place more complex than it already is. A simple ‘please’ can form an alliance between two enemies.

An earnest ‘thank you’ can unfold a blessing in abundance. And ‘excuse me’ could be the difference between life and death. So to you I leave this question: Is common courtesy no longer common?

JAY SEAN: LIKE THIS LIKE THAT YMCMB International superstar, Jay Sean, reminds us of his R&B roots with this latest street offering of ‘Like This Like That’, featuring the inimitable vocals of Cash Money’s boss himself, Birdman.

The sexy lyrics and soulful grooves will undoubtedly have his fans screaming for more. The accompanying video shows Sean showing off his legendary ripped physique while Birdman imports some ladies for some nice eye candy.

‘Like This Like That’ follows on the critically acclaimed mix tape single release of ‘Where Do We Go’, which continues to show Sean’s growth as an artist and singer.

Jay Sean continues to tour the world selling out shows from Asia to Africa, North America to Australia.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

ENTERTAINMENT Bilz & Kashif – Breaking Barriers Super-talented Canadian artists The Bilz and Kashif are looking forward to touching down in India and Pakistan for the next stop of their world tour.

The Bilz consist of Canadian South Indian musician, DJ Vicious (Vishal Urva) and Canadian Bengali musician, Master-D (Subir Dev). Together with Pakistani-Canadian R&B musician Kashif Khan, they are known as The Bilz and Kashif.

They are best known for their 2007 word-wide hit ‘2 Step Bhangra’. The track catapulted them into the mainstream, becoming a huge crossover phenomenon reaching No4 on the Top 7@7 charts on Z103.5FM in Toronto.

Now, on tour with their latest offering, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, they are once again capturing the hearts and minds of many young fans across continents. Taken from their latest album Breaking Barriers, it mirrors their signature style fusing together Hindi and English vocals with a catchy up-tempo urban beat.

The stunning new video for ‘Nachle’ (On the Dancefloor) by the funky 3Mix boys was shot in London by imagery wizard Luke Biggins, whose previous work includes videos for artists such as Ludacris, T2, Hinda Hicks, Keisha White & Devlin.

‘Nachle’ features talented singer/ songwriter Navin Kundra. 3Mix began turning heads after winning the Best Unsigned Act at the UK Asian

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Nachle

Music Awards. In 2008, they landed a single deal with major label EMI, releasing their debut single ‘Put It On Me’. Since the, the guys have been busy touring the world, performing to thousands and building a solid fan base along the way. ‘Nachle’ is a fun, up-tempo track, ready to kick off the summer in style and is taken from 3Mix’s forthcoming album, ‘Headlines’.

The London 2012 Urban Youth Music Project

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The London 2012 Urban Youth Music Project is a project initiated by Ronald Amanze Music in association with Brent youth radio, UKU Records, and FBC Business . The Project aims to give young people a platform to develop their music and media talents and a chance to engage in the 2012 Olympic celebrations. With Urban music being one of the most significant influences of today’s youth culture and fashion, very little acknowledgement has be give to its relevance in our communities. This project album shall be an exciting show case of cultural diversity, youth enterprise and youth initiative.

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Dear Miss R: My best friend has gone off the deep end over a boy she met. She is fourteen and he is fifteen and they are really, really involved. They are planning a great weekend away at his parent’s camp. He is going to steal the key and she is getting a girlfriend to lie and say she is spending the weekend at her house. They found a big kid who drives to take them there and pick them up. It is all she talks about. They will be drinking; this guy drinks a lot. All our friends think it is so romantic. I am worried. Ever since she met this guy, she isn’t any fun anymore. We used to talk about books and music and have fun but now she seems so shallow. I think her mother should know but I don’t want to do it. She would never talk to me again.

Anonymous Dear Anonymous: Lying, stealing, breaking in, illegal drinking, and the possibility of disease or pregnancy are serious issues. Your friend is not thinking clearly. Her mother needs to be notified. Some things are bigger than friendship. Talk to her mother. Sometimes being a true friend involves saving someone’s neck, even when they put the noose on themselves.

Miss R.

FREE

Britain spent £18 billion on war in Afghanistan See Page 2

Thursday, 04.08.11

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international

www.saarc.co.uk (under construction)

India calls for action against JuD’s Hafiz Saeed

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ndia said it wishes to have constructive relations with Pakistan and an environment that is free from terror, and that Pakistan should take credible action against Jamatud-Dawa Chief Hafiz Saeed who allegedly ‘continues to incite violence’, Press Trust of India has reported.

“I requested Pakistan to act on the assurance given to our home minister by Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik in June 2010 on the dossiers regarding seven specific individuals and the need to provide voice samples,” Foreign Minister of India SM Krishna said.

Krishna after a week of the round of India-Pakistan talks and a visit by his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, to India, told the Lok Sabha that he had conveyed India’s desire to work with Pakistan to diminish the trust deficit and move forward in a friendly manner.

Krishna said that Khar’s visit was aimed at resolving prolonged issues peacefully through a constructive dialogue and to establish cooperative neighbourly relations between the two countries.

China blames Pakistan-trained separatists for Xinjiang attack C

He said that India is “committed” to build a relationship of trust and bilateral benefits and to see an end to terrorism and violence.

Giving details about his discussions with Khar, he said that he had underscored the importance of fulfilling commitments that Pakistan had promised and probe into Mumbai attacks case.

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hina has blamed Pakistantrained Muslim separatists linked with Al Qaeda for the weekend attack that left six dead in the country’s far-western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, state-run media reported.

Pakistan, a key ally to China, condemned the violence and offered support in combating the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. A Foreign Ministry statement said it is “fully confident” the people of the Xinjiang autonomous region and the Chinese government “will succeed in frustrating evil designs of the terrorists, extremists and separatists, who constitute an evil force.”

The city said Monday an initial investigation showed members of the group allegedly behind Sunday’s attack had been trained in explosives and firearms in Pakistani camps run by the banned East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a militant group advocating

independence for Xinjiang.

It offered no proof in the statement on its website. China says the group is allied with al Qaeda.

The ETIM traditionally trains its members for suicide bombings and

car bombings before sending them to Xinjiang, but today more are using the Internet, the statement said as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The government also issued arrest warrants for two local ethnic Uygurs,

Massacre in Karachi See Page 8

who allegedly fled the scene after participating in the attacks. The police have offered 100,000 yuan ($15,384) for information leading to their arrests. Six civilians were killed, 15 others -- including three policemen -- were injured after attackers set fire to a restaurant and started randomly killing civilians in Kashgar on Sunday. Five suspects were shot dead by police.

Sunday’ s violence came after at least eight civilians were killed and 27 others were injured on Saturday night in the same city. Two people hijacked a truck, stabbed the driver to death and drove the vehicle into pedestrians before jumping out and attacking bystanders. One of the suspects was killed in the clash while the other was apprehended.

The local government did not specifically label Saturday’s attack as an act of terrorism, according to state media.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

NEWS EDITORIAL China and Pakistan

W

hen our erstwhile American allies accuse us of harbouring terrorists, it no longer comes as a surprise. Similar accusations from China, whom we consider a true friend, carry an additional sting.

China has claimed that terrorist elements in its minority Muslim Uighur population is responsible for twin attacks in Kashgar and that they received training at camps in Pakistan. China’s accusation fits neatly in the narrative of Pakistan as the hub of all terrorist activity.

The truth, however, is far more complicated.

The Uighur population in China has suffered a long history of persecution. In 1997, the Uighur’s protested their repression at the hands of the Chinese government.

This led to a long period of mass arrests and torture that continue to this day. The Chinese government handed over the Uighurs to the US, claiming that they were involved in terrorism. Housed at Guantanamo Bay, these detainees were found to be completely innocent and since China refused to take them back, they were relocated to Bermuda. Given their second-class status in China, many sought sanctuary in Azad Jammu Kashmir. That some of them have turned to violence should not come as a surprise. Violence is never a solution to repression but China is equally wrong to conflate the Uighur struggle for basic rights with international terrorism. And it compounds the error by shifting the blame to Pakistan. This incident alone should not be enough to damage our relationship with China but it should teach us to be more wary.

Our alliance with China, like all bilateral relationships, is based on need, not love.

Publisher Salah Bu Khamas (UAE) Sabha Khan (UK) Managing Editor & CEO Mohammad Shahid Khan Group Editorial Managers Gulzar Khan (India) Abdul Khalique (Pakistan) Editorial Board UK Frances Brunner (Editor) Raza Syed Art Department UK Ali Ansar (Art Director) Md. Reazul Islam

Targeted operation by Rangers imminent in Karachi

I

n what appears to be preparation for targeted action, the Rangers have been beefed up in troubled areas of the city with parts of Orangi town cordoned off including Katti Pahari.

According to details received early Wednesday morning, Rangers, who had already been deployed in increasing numbers in the city had cordoned off Katti Pahari, Gulfamabad, Qasba Colony and adjoining areas with no one allowed to either enter, nor exit

these areas.

Rangers had set up pickets and increased snap checking of motorists in Orangi, Banaras, Mangopir, Surjani, New Karachi, Shah Faisal, Landhi, Qaidabad, Old Sabzi Mandi, Hasan Square, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-eIqbal and Abul Hasan Ispahani road.

Tackling crime: FC to be given police powers In an attempt to stem the haemorrhage, the government

has decided to give Frontier Constabulary (FC) special police powers but they will remain in reserve until needed.

This and other decisions were made on Tuesday at two separate meetings at Chief Minister House and the Crisis Management Cell.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah chaired the meetings.

Officials from the intelligence agencies attended.

“Enough is enough and the government cannot further tolerate this,” said Malik. “The people of

Karachi will now see strict action against these terrorists.”

The government will offer Rs5 million in reward money for information leading to the arrest of target killers.

Anyone who can identify a target killer with photographs or video shall be rewarded Rs10 million and his or her identity shall be kept secret. An operation is planned in several areas in three days along with aerial surveillance. The DIGs and SSPs will visit police stations twice a week and submit a report to the IG of Police.

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9

Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF AFGHANISTAN NEWS

Helmand bus blast kills 18 civilians

A

t least 18 Afghan civilians have been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Helmand province, police say.

They were travelling by minibus in Nahr-e-Saraj district when the blast occurred. Elsewhere in Helmand,

another roadside bomb killed one person and four police died in an ambush.

Roadside bombs are commonly used by the Taliban against Nato-led forces.

The first six months of 2011 have

been the deadliest for civilians in Afghanistan since the war began.

‘Shots fired’ The civilians killed in Nahr-e-Saraj were on their way to the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. Two women and four children were among the dead, police told the BBC. Helmand’s deputy police chief, Kamaluddin Sherzai, said everyone on the bus had died.

“The mine was very powerful and destroyed the vehicle,” he told the Associated Press. “They were all civilians. Some were children.”

UK judges say they cannot free Afghan detainee

High Court judges have refused to free a man in Afghanistan after the charity Reprieve sought his release under one of England’s most ancient laws. Yunus Rahmatullah was seized by British soldiers in Iraq in 2004 as a suspected insurgent and then secretly taken by US forces to Bagram air base.

His lawyers wanted a writ of habeas corpus, forcing the government to ask Washington to release Mr Rahmatullah, but the High Court ruled the UK had no control over the

Britain spent £18 billion on war in Afghanistan

BBC journalist Mike Mullen killed in takes heat in Afghanistan Afghanistan

This morning we received the extremely sad news that the BBC’s stringer in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan, Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, had been killed.

He died in the city of Tarin Kowt during a prolonged assault involving suicide attackers. The sympathies of the BBC and all of his colleagues go to Ahmed Omed’s family and friends.

Only this morning he was reporting on BBC Pashto about another Taliban attack that happened last night. For the past three years he has been constantly reporting from a very difficult part of Afghanistan.

Summer in southern Afghanistan is blazing hot in every way; temperatures soar and the fighting season reaches its peak. But this year it really is boiling hot.

We landed at midnight at Kandahar military airfield, on aircraft bringing the top US military advisor Admiral Mike Mullen and his team to take the temperature here. Even at that hour, the blazing heat of the day still lingered. In recent months audacious Taliban attacks have killed leading Afghan figures and key US allies.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff tried to take some of the heat out of that worry.

Afghanistan : 12 children killed in suicide-bomb attack

Suicide bombers killed at least 19 people, 12 of them children, in an attack Thursday on government buildings in southern Afghanistan, the latest blow to a fragile region that has been destabilised by a string of assassinations.

Suicide bombers killed at least 19 people, 12 of them children, in an attack yesterday on government buildings in southern Afghanistan, the latest blow to a fragile region that has been destabilised by a string of assassinations.

prisoner’s fate. Lord Justice Laws and Mr Justice Silber dismissed Reprieve’s application and refused to grant a writ of habeas corpus, a right in English law which dates back to the Magna Carta.

The five-year conflict in Helmand is officially estimated to have cost about £4 billion a year, according to

Govt, people decisive in undertaking security responsibility Second Vice-president Mohammad Karim Khalili and UK ambassador to Kabul in their meeting exchanged views on transition of security responsibility, consolidation of democracy and new vales, current issues of Afghanistan and regional and world situation.

Second Vice-president Mohammad Karim Khalili and the British ambassador to Kabul in their meeting exchanged views on the transition of security responsibility, consolidation of democracy and new vales, current issues of Afghanistan and regional and international situation. The presidential press office said to BIA, in regard with transition of security in several cities of Afghanistan Khalili said that the government and people of Afghanistan are decisive for successful transition of security till the year 2014. He added that the internal community shared bringing about democracy and new values with the people of Afghanistan and the defeat of Afghanistan in consolidation of democracy is the defeat of the international community.

Ministry of Defence figures published in a Commons defence committee report.

But the panel of MPs accused the MoD of hiding the true cost of the war by refusing to disclose millions of unseen expenses.

The report added that the bombing campaign in Libya is projected at £260 million if it lasts six months – significantly higher than forecasts made by George Osborne, the Chancellor, in March.

When the first attacks on Col Gaddafi’s forces commenced four months ago, the Chancellor claimed that the cost to Britain would be “in the order of tens of millions of pounds, not hundreds of millions”.

The news comes at a time when the MoD is cutting 28,000 troops and equipment programmes to resolve a £38 billion black hole in its funding.

‘The Office’ hits Afghanistan Last year, some documentary makers filmed the daily activities of the Ministry of Garbage in Hechland. This is their film.

So reads the scrawl in the English subtitles at the beginning of the trailer for “The Ministry,” a mockumentary very much in the vein of “The Office” that will soon air on Tolo TV, Afghanistan’s most popular commercial television station.

The comedy takes place not at a paper supply company but at the Ministry of Garbage. It focuses

on the daily travails of Dawlat, a married and probably corrupt bureaucrat who completed his “higher education at a university in Zorland.”

The trailer finds his underlings squabbling over the use of staplers, complaining about widespread government bribery and nepotism, and explaining how they came to work in such a miserable office. It also features a dottering elderly man who boasts that he has “singlehandedly prevented many suicide attacks.”

Afghan police suffer worst casualties of war

The Taliban were raining fire on his checkpoint when Afghan policeman Jan Agha heard the whooshing sound of an incoming rocket just as he was tying a tourniquet on his bloody hand ripped by

a machine gun bullet.

He moved fast, but couldn’t get far enough. Shrapnel from the rocket sprayed his legs, breaking both in several places. “If I had been standing where I was, I would have been killed,” the 26year-old Agha said, lying in a hospital bed in Kabul.

Agha of Maidan Shahr in Wardak province lived to tell his story, but many of his comrades don’t. Afghan policemen on the front line of the war suffer more deaths and injuries than Afghan soldiers or U.S.-led coalition forces.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF BANGLADESH NEWS

Govt fails to amend report Awami League bid to woo Islamic parties on indigenous people The Bangladesh government was unsuccessful on Friday in removing two paragraphs from a report written by the UN’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Bangladesh government was unsuccessful on Friday in removing two paragraphs from a report written by the UN’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which had recommended in May that the government take far-reaching measures to ‘normalise’ the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

However members of the UN Economic and Social Council, which has been meeting in Geneva this month, did agree as a compromise, that its own report would ‘take note’ that the Forum should ensure that it ‘adhere[s] to its mandate’ and that its studies are conducted in a fully independent, transparent, impartial

and objective manner’.

The agreed text did not specifically refer to Bangladesh’s concerns.

Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, Bangladesh’s representative at the Council’s meeting, said that he had accepted the compromise ‘for the sake of consensus’ but ‘reiterated [the country’s] reservations and serious concerns about the report of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues’.

The Awami League has initiated a move to win support of some Islamic

PM formally invited to SAARC summit

The special envoy of Maldives president Mohamad Nasheed, Ibrahim Hussain Zaki on Saturday handed over the formal letter of invitation to the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to join the 17th summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

The next SAARC summit will be held November 10-11 in Male, the capital of the Maldives. The visiting special envoy of the Maldives president handed over the invitation letter when he paid a call on the prime minister at her Ganabhaban official residence Saturday morning.

PM should apologise to nation for changing constitution: BNP

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said yesterday Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has to apologise to the nation for curbing freedom of expression and snatching people’s voting right by amending the constitution.He

said the ruling coalition dreams of the next parliamentary election excluding BNP, but they will not be able to stay in power if the poll is held without BNP. Fakhrul was addressing a protest rally organised by Dhaka city unit

HC orders probe into student’s torture The High Court yesterday ordered the inspector general of police to suspend immediately three officers of Khilgaon Police Station including its officer-in-charge for torturing a Dhaka University student in their custody.

The court took up the issue to unearth the facts after media reports brought to light the incident a couple of days ago. The reports said police claimed the student, Abdul Quader, is a robber while his teachers and fellow students said he is a decent person.

In a suo moto rule in the morning the HC summoned the policemen concerned and also brought the victim, the National Human Rights Commission chief, and a Dhaka University teacher for hearing the rule in the evening.

After the hearing, the court asked the government to provide proper treatment to the victim at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital at its own cost, and to allow his parents to visit him anytime at the hospital.

BNP at Nayapaltan in the city as part of the party’s countrywide demonstration against price hike of essentials and arrest warrant against the party’s Senior Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman.

Several thousand leaders, workers, and supporters attended the rally with the party’s Dhaka city unit convener Sadeque Hossain Khoka, also the city mayor, in the chair.

“You have to apologise for curbing freedom of expression and snatching people’s right to vote.

New banks to join a saturated market

Though the number of banks in Bangladesh is more than those in its neighbouring countries, the government now considers giving permission for setting up new banks.

According to Bangladesh Bank statistics, at present the number of local and foreign banks is 47, whereas the number is 21 in Sri Lanka, 39 in Pakistan and 26 in Nepal.

Even Malaysia and the Philippines have only 26 banks each.

However, being a big economy India has 90 banks. There are also some regional banks there.

In Bangladesh, three successive governments in 1980s and 1990s allowed setting up new banks, but after 2001 no new bank was approved rather some were merged.

political organisations in a bid to enlarge the alliance led by the party before the next general election.

The AL contacted a number of Islamic parties last week and expressed its interest in holding talks with them with an aim to expand the alliance as well as to thwart attempts by the opposition to mislead the people about the 15th amendment to the constitution, AL insiders said.

The party’s environment affair secretary Hasan Mahmud, also

the state minister for forest and environment, and religious affairs secretary Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had been given the task to establish contacts with Islamic political groups not allied to the BNP. The AL communicated with the leaders of Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Islami Oikya Andolan, Bangladesh Islamic Party and Olama Mashayekh Parishad last week and expressed its interest to hold dialogues with them, sources said.

Leaders of the seven organisations have agreed to hold talks on condition that the government should restore the phrase “absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah” in the constitution as a fundamental principle of the state,’ he said on Saturday, adding that he would communicate further with the Islamic groups if asked by the prime minister to do so.

3 Bangladeshis, 13,582 bullets, other crewmen 13kg explosives released found in forest

The three hijacked Bangladeshis along with 14 other crewmen of a UAE-flagged oil tanker were released yesterday.

MV Jubba XX and its 17 crewmembers were hijacked by the Somali pirates on July 16 from Umm Al Qaiwain port.

The three Bangladeshi crewmen are Mohammad Nurul Islam and Nurul Amin, two brothers Nunachhara village of Sitakunda, and Jahurul Alam of Mirsarai of Chittagong. Nurul Islam’s wife Baby Begum told The Daily Star that her husband telephoned her around 2:00pm after the release.

All the crewmembers are in good condition, she said.

Law enforcers recovered 13,582 bullets and 13kg of explosives buried in Gozari forest in Kaliakoir upazila of Gazipur early yesterday.

The bullets, which are of small machineguns (SMGs) and rifles, and the bomb-making materials were hidden in Nishchintapur area of the forest, Lt Col Md Rashidul Alam, commanding officer of Rapid Action Battalion-1, told The Daily Star. A team of Rab, following a tipoff, raided the area around 3:30am, he said. A dog squad helped Rab sniff out the stash.

The bullets (model -7.62) were kept in 50 packets, which were stashed in five sacks, said the Rab official.

DCs asked to check dropout of students

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the deputy commissioners to start school feeding programme to check dropout from primary schools.

“The DCs’ conference elaborately discussed checking of dropout.

The prime minister asked them to begin the feeding programme in at least one school in each district and monitor it closely,” Cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz told newsmen after the conclusion of the threeday conference at the secretariat yesterday afternoon.

The meeting also suggested the DCs to take measures to stop coaching business, he mentioned.

“They were directed to engage themselves in every development and service-oriented activity and play more effective role to ensure people get their services timely,” noted Aziz adding, “The main message of the meeting for them was to provide services without any hassle.”

Programmes like help desk, public hearing day and e-service are being introduced in every district to serve the people, pointed out the secretary.

The government arranged the conference at the beginning of the new fiscal year to inform the DCs about its new development projects and other steps.

11

Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF BHUTAN NEWS

Sawmillers sore at new system

The recently endorsed timber allocation system, where every individual has to get a permit from the chief forestry officer to buy timber from sawmills, has left sawmillers fuming. They say the new rule would affect their business.

Before the new rule came into effect on July 20, sawmillers could sell timber to any client.

Yesterday, during the allotment through lucky dip at the Natural Resource Development corporation (NRDCL) office premise, sawmillers, who had been complaining of shortage of timber, expressed

concerns of the rule affecting their business. The owner of Retchikha in Paro, Tshering, said the new rule worries him. “I don’t know how our business will fare,” he said.

“If timber is allotted in far flung places like Zhemgang, we have to pay extra transportation fare, which is a loss to our business,” the sawmill owner of Tajur in Haa, Rinchen Dorji said.

Some said the government should increase the rate of timber. “Most of the timber we get can’t be sold.

About 10 to 12 percent timber becomes waste and we have to bear

Bird strike leads to aborted flight

the loss,” said one.

The sales manager of NRDCL, Sangay Gyeltshen, said the new system of timber allotment was designed to enhance and facilitate smooth flow of timber in the market. Moreover, it will curb price escalation and other illegal timber trade. But there were some contractors, who are still confused with the new system.

Meanwhile, those not in the timber business, said that sawmillers are not happy with the new system because it will stop them from selling timber at exorbitant prices.

“Some contractors hoard timber, while other pay unreasonable prices, because there’s still profit for them,” said an observer. “The new rule, which would demand valid construction documents, would stop people from hoarding.” Others said that while rule sounds logical, how it would be implemented would be questionable. About 2.1M cft of timber are allotted by NRDCL every year.

Significance of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha Every fourth day of the sixth month in the Bhutanese calendar is observed as the First Sermon of Lord Buddha, formally known as Drukpa Tshe Zhi. Among many great deeds of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, the turning of the wheel of Dharma at Deer Park in Sarnath is considered most significant.

At Sarnath, the five ascetics had resumed their austere practices. When they saw the Buddha approaching, thinking that he was still the Gautama who had forsaken their path, they decided not to welcome him. Yet, as he neared, they found themselves involuntarily rising and paying respect to him. Proclaiming that he was the Buddha, Shakyamuni assured them that the goal had been attained.

On the first night, the Buddha was silent. On the second, he made a little conversation and on the third, he

Truck drivers cash in on stone chip shortage Truck drivers are reportedly taking advantage of the shortage of stone chips, an dispensable construction material, to make a fast buck. The demand for construction materials including stone chips has soared, sending the price shooting through the roof.

With construction industry booming, the demand for construction materials including stone chips has soared, sending the price shooting through the roof. The price of stone chips has doubled in just a few months. Earlier, a truckload of

Yet to go cashless

Engine shutdown necessitated forced landing. A Drukair flight safely landed after a major bird strike shortly after taking off from Paro airport yesterday. The KB 126 Bangkok-bound airbus jet with 108 passengers struck a flock of birds upon takeoff, according to the national airline.

The aircraft’s port or left engine ingested a number of small birds resulting in a loss of power. The flight crew then initiated a turn back procedure to Paro airport and landed. Passengers were transferred

to Drukair’s second airbus jet and flown to Bangkok.

Drukair CEO, Tandin Jamso, said that the airline is still investigating the extent of damage to the aircraft’s port engine. He said that several of the engine’s fan blades had been damaged and would have to be replaced. He added that Drukair engineers were still investigating the level of damage further within the engine. Drukair expects the aircraft to be grounded for four days, adding to disruptions and delays in the airline’s schedule.

Despite the central bank launching the electronic funds transfer and clearing system (EFTCS) in June last year, a cashless banking system is yet to be in place.

EFTCS was set up to reduce inconveniences and delays associated with cash and other paper based transactions such as cheques and drafts, but most transactions today are done in cash and not even cheques.

A meeting among central bank

began his teaching. At the spot where all the buddhas first turned the wheel, 1,000 thrones appeared. Shakyamuni circumambulated those of the three previous buddhas and sat upon the fourth.

Thus, inviting the gods and all who wished to hear, and saying that he spoke not for the purpose of debate but in order to help living beings gain control of their minds, Shakyamuni began the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

officials, private sector, financial institutions and businessmen yesterday saw one blaming the other.

Two businessmen from Zimdra and Hyundai motors said that they could not accept cheques from their customers because they have had experiences of cheques bouncing.

This has compelled them to take in only physical cash.

“A firm takes in a cheque from a customer, goes to the bank to claim the amount and is told that there isn’t adequate balance in the account,” an official from Zimdra Bishnu said. “ And when you call up the customer, the mobile phone is switched off.”

Bishnu suggested the banks to provide some certification to the cheque to ensure the payment.

But bankers said it was not their responsibility if there isn’t adequate cash in the customer’s account.

stone chips cost Nu.6000. Truck drivers now sell them for as much as Nu. 12000. The construction owners have no choice but pay.

Namgay, a construction owner, said “we have no choice because without the material your work will get struck ad you lose money anyway.”

According to Tshering Lhamo, another construction owner, they are also forced to buy a truckload of sand with every truckload of sand.

“If we refuse to buy the sand, the truck drivers refuse to sell us the stone chips.”

Turmoil in timber business

Many sawmill owners expressed dissatisfaction with the recent timber allotment system introduced by Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited (NRDCL). The NRDCL came up with the interim measure to facilitate supply and curb price. In the past, contractors

and construction owners bought the timber directly from the sawmill owners. Now they must first get an approval from the chef forestry officer.

The approval will be accorded based on the construction approval and the timber utilization report.

12

Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF INDIA NEWS

New NSG rules restrain N-tech transfer to India Govt, Opposition strike deal on

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has published new guidelines tightening rules for transfer of enrichment and

June 23-24, the new guidelines were only published on Thursday.

As expected, the new rules restrict

as a non-nuclear weapons state.

As a result of the Indo-US nuclear deal of 2008, the government signed an India-

reprocessing (ENR) technology to countries that have not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

While the decision to put out new guidelines was taken at the NSG plenary meeting in Noordwijk, Netherlands, on

the transfer of ENR equipment and technology to countries that have signed the NPT and have implemented a comprehensive safeguards agreement. India has not signed the NPT and has no intention of signing it

specific safeguards agreement with the IAEA which allowed India to implement a “separation plan”, putting all its civilian nuclear reactors under safeguards, while keeping the strategic nuclear weapons programme outside its ambit.

PM, top judges, MPs excluded as cabinet approves Lokpal Bill

Forty-three years after the first draft was conceived, the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a Lokpal Bill, keeping outside its purview a serving Prime Minister, the higher judiciary and the conduct of MPs inside Parliament.

The Bill, which includes some provisions of the Jan Lokpal Bill, provides for setting up the institution of Lokpal to probe allegations of corruption against a Union Minister or officials of Group A and above without having to obtain any sanction. It will have its own investigation and prosecution

The government has agreed for a debate under rule 184 on price rise.

There is a provision for voting under this rule. As a result, Parliament will

function normally from Wednesday.

The breakthrough was announced by JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav after a series of interactions.

function normally from Wednesday.

The breakthrough was announced by JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav.

The government has agreed for a debate under rule 184 on price rise.

There is a provision for voting under this rule. As a result, Parliament will

The government has a huge number of bills that is awaiting parliamentary clearance, but the House hasn’t been able to conduct any business so far.

For the second day in a row, there was turbulence in both Houses, which were adjourned after three disruptions.

Ford to build Video-conferencing billion dollar plant for speedy disposal in Gujarat - report of RTI complaints The factory in Gujarat, expected to be up and running by 2014, will employ 5,000 people and is expected to have an initial annual capacity of 240,000 vehicles, the newspaper reported.

wings but no powers to prosecute.

It would recommend prosecution to the Supreme Court.

At the Cabinet meeting, chaired by

Tainted Karnataka CM to go, search for successor begins With Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa now reconciled to his demitting office in the wake of an indictment by the Karnataka Lokayukta on illegal mining, the Bharatiya Janata Party will commence the process of finding a new chief minister today.

The party’s central leadership has decided to elicit the views of all party legislators in selecting Mr. Yeddyurappa’s successor.

Sources close to the Chief Minister said discussions were continuing and that it might take time since Mr. Yeddyurappa’s camp was keen on a consensus for a candidate of its choice.

Those in contention are party MPs — D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Ananth Kumar — and Ministers V.S. Acharya, Jagadish Shettar and R. Ashok. All-out efforts are being made to prevent any rebellion within the party and ensure

smooth conduct of Parliament

that the BJP continues to govern the State for the remaining 22 months of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Yeddyurappa did not submit his resignation letter to the Governor by the evening deadline (Thursday) given by the party’s national leadership and has reportedly conveyed that he will quit on July 31 as the next two days are inauspicious (according to him).

July 31 is the first day of the month of Sravana as per lunar Hindu calendar.

Legislature Party meet A meeting of the BJP Legislature Party has been called for Friday and contrary to norms, wherein the Legislature Party leader (the Chief Minister) summons the meeting, in the present scenario, reflective of the confusion that prevails in the party, the high command has instructed for calling the meeting.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the United Progressive Alliance government had on board all its alliance partners except the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam that went unrepresented. The DMK earlier demanded that the Prime Minister be covered under the Bill.

The Bharatiya Janata Party too expressed “disappointment” over the exclusion of the Prime Minister.

Ford Motor Co plans to invest $1 billion to build a factory in Gujarat to gain a greater share of one of the fastestgrowing car markets, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The U.S. automaker plans to announce its plans on Thursday, according to the report, which cited Ford’s head of

The State Information Commission of Bihar introduces for the first time in the country video-conferencing facilities for speedy disposal of RTI complaints at every district headquarters.

Launching the facility, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said similar facilities would be extended up to the blocklevel.

He said as Public Information Officials faced difficulties in providing information due to shortage of funds “we have now decided to ensure a contingency fund for the purpose.”

He said about 93,000 pieces of information had been sought by applicants through ‘Jankari call centres’ in Bihar after implementation of the RTI Act.

India, Maldives Bihar video-conferencing for to boost trade speedy disposal of RTI complaints ties, connectivity

The State Information Commission of Bihar introduces for the first time in the country videoconferencing facilities for speedy disposal of RTI complaints at every district headquarters. Launching the facility, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said similar facilities would be extended up to the block-level.

He said as Public Information Officials faced difficulties in providing information due to shortage of funds “we have now decided to ensure a contingency

fund for the purpose.”

He said about 93,000 pieces of information had been sought by applicants through ‘Jankari call centres’ in Bihar after implementation of the RTI Act. “We will be awarding the 1,00,000th applicant,” he said.

“We are going to implement the Right to Service Act in Bihar from August 15, 2011,” he said, adding it had provisions for dismissal from service if public servants violate the law.

India and Maldives have agreed to increase commercial relations between the two countries and discussed cooperation in defence and maritime sectors. Besides augmenting sea connectivity, a daily direct flight between Mumbai and Male has also been finalised.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who held wide ranging talks with Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and his counterpart Ahmed Naseem, said the two countries have decided to further cement their cordial relations.

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WEEKLY REVIEW OF PAKISTAN NEWS Pakistan Taliban added to UN terrorist sanctions list The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Friday put the Pakistan Taliban on its international anti-terrorism sanctions list in a move highlighting the growing threat from the group, diplomats said.

The adding of the Tehrik-ETaliban Pakistan (TTP) group to the sanctions list also comes as the UNSC eases pressure on the Afghan Taliban in a bid to encourage it to join peace moves in Afghanistan.

The Pakistan Taliban has been blamed for attacks that have left hundreds dead in Pakistan but also been linked to an attempted bombing in Times Square, New York last year.

Britain’s UN ambassador Mark Lyall Grant welcomed the addition of the Pakistan Taliban to counterterrorism list, a moved which has been backed by the Pakistan government.

U

US pushes Pakistan to support Afghanistan strategy

S special regional envoy Marc Grossman calls for Pakistan to support reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan as the trilateral meeting of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US does not produce any significant result on the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

On a visit to the Pakistani capital, Grossman highlighted “the unique role that Pakistan must play in supporting

PPP, allies ‘not to back off’; SC gives govt a day for compliance

Partners in the ruling coalition decide to defend the ‘supremacy of parliament’ and not to back off on the crucial issue of the authority of the executive as the Supreme

Army, govt forcing seminaries to close : Fazl Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman comes down heavily on the security forces and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government accusing them of forcing closure of seminaries and intimidating Ulema and students in the Malakand Division.

“The state institutions are taking extrajudicial measures and pressurising Ulema to close down seminaries and avoid giving admission to outsiders,” said Maulana Fazl while addressing a press conference after attending his party`s provincial executive council meeting here.

He alleged that Ulema were being threatened to close their seminaries in Malakand Division particularly in militancy stricken Swat district and asked not to admit outsiders.

He said that workers of Tablighi

Court gives the government one more day to obey its directives.

According to sources, the decision was taken at a meeting of leaders of the coalition parties at the presidency. It lasted for two and half hours and was jointly presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The Supreme Court has given the government one more day to obey its directives, including the reinstatement of a top bureaucrat, a written response by the prime minister and bringing back the chief investigator of the Hajj corruption scam.

Coming as it does against the background of a tough stance taken by the Supreme Court over non-compliance of its orders by the government, the decision may have serious implications for the future of national politics.

“The coalition decided that the government will not change its decision regarding the removal of Establishment Secretary Sohail Ahmed and will not transfer the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gilgit-Baltistan, Hussain Asghar, to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the Haj scam, despite orders of the Supreme Court,” a

the reconciliation process”, as Afghan leaders and the international coalition consider talks with Taliban militants.

“Neighbours and near-neighbours of Afghanistan have this extremely important role to play supporting not just the Afghan-led reconciliation but

Govt tramples on civil rights in tribal areas Security forces operating in Fata and Pata have been given unbridled powers to act as judge, jury and executioner for anyone held on charges of terrorism in the tribal areas, in a bill that is likely to undermine the civil rights of people in tribal areas.

In a little-noticed presidential ordinance promulgated on June 28, security forces operating in Fata and Pata have been given virtually unbridled powers to act as judge, jury and executioner for anyone held on charges of terrorism in the tribal areas, in a bill that is likely to undermine the civil rights of people living in the tribal areas.

Under the ordinance titled “Action

US misunderstandings to be removed: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says that Pakistan is ready to sort out its fractured relationship with the US, adding the move had the backing of the armed forces.

“There are some misunderstandings with the US and we are ready to resolve them,” he said after inaugurating a photo exhibition held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts to commemorate 50 years of the country`s participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

The latest denouement in ties that began with the US raid on Osama bin Laden`s compound continues despite several initiatives from both sides to halt the downslide.

After partial suspension of military aid and initiation of a bill for restrictions on civilian aid to Pakistan in the US Congress,

ISI chief Gen Shuja Pasha visited Washington for mending troubled intelligence cooperation and an impression was subsequently given that the two sides were backing down from brinksmanship that had characterised their relations over the past months.

But soon afterwards the arrest of

the region’s economic vision as well,” said Grossman.

Senior officials from the three countries made little headway in accelerating the process of peace-making with the Taliban due to ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Washington.

Kashmiri leader Ghulam Nabi Fai in the US for allegedly illegally lobbying for Pakistan was taken here as an indicator of changing US policy nuances towards the region.

Responding to a question about the military`s position on ties with the US, the prime minister said: “We are all on the same page.”

The military made a similar indication in ISPR`s curtain raiser on the event issued to the media: “Pakistan Army understands the cost of peace and is always prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of national as well as international peace and security.”

At the core of the frayed ties is a strategic disconnect over counterterrorism strategy and certain operational differences.

in Aid of Civil Power”, security forces would have the power to detain any person they deem a threat to public order for as long as 120 days, with relatively little oversight.

The security forces would have the power to imprison any person in the tribal areas indefinitely, conduct a trial in which they could award life imprisonment or even the death penalty to anyone accused of terrorism or collaborating with the militants.

The citizens of the tribal areas would have no judicial recourse if they are abused by the military since the ordinance calls for any such allegations to be investigated within the military hierarchy.

But perhaps what is most disturbing about the bill is the fact that the testimony of any military officer would be deemed sufficient to prove a person’s guilt.

“Any member of the armed forces, or any authority official deposing on his behalf in or any official statement or before the court to prove any event offence or happening, shall be deemed to have proved the event, offence or happening by his statement or deposition and no other statements, deposition or evidence required,” states the ordinance.

The safeguards for civil rights under the new system would be minimal at best. A four-person panel will review any detention decision, which will consist of two civilians and two military members. But such a panel is only empowered to report to the provincial government and does not appear to have any powers to order the release of any person held by the military.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF MALDIVE NEWS

Backing for India

“The Indian government wants work to commence on the housing units before this November,” he said.

The talks were held between India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Maldives ministers including Foreign Minister Mohamed Naseem, Finance Minister Ahmed Inaz, Home Minister Hassan Afeef and Economic Development Minister Mahmood Raazee. Officials also revealed that agreements to further strengthen bilateral relations will be signed when the Indian Prime Minister arrives in Maldives for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit to be held in Addu this November.

Krishna yesterday visited Addu to inspect the construction of the Convention Centre where the summit is to be held.

During the minister’s visit the Indian government on Thursday granted $5 million (Rf77.1 million) to Maldives for the preparations of the SAARC Summit.

Adhalath Party mulls over coalition equation The Adhalath Party will make a final decision on whether to remain in the ruling coalition with the Maldivian Democratic Party after meeting President Mohamed Nasheed.

This is according to Adhalath President

on the President’s response following discussions, we will decide whether to remain in the coalition,” Imran said.

According to Mohamed Shaheem, the party’s Spokesperson and former State Minister to the Islamic Ministry

Sheikh Imran Abdulla who said today that the party, which has been publicly criticising the government, was preparing for a meeting with President Nasheed. He, however, did not reveal details of the agenda.

“We will make suggestions and based

Sheikh, problems and difficulties faced by the Islamic Ministry and issues of concern for Adhalath will be discussed with the government.

Based on the outcome of the meeting the party will adopt “special policies,” he added.

“In the 2008 Presidential Elections, the people elected a coalition government. But the way things are taking shape, that picture is now unclear. Adhalath Party has its bulk of the responsibility as well.”

The Foreign Ministry reveals that the Maldives has agreed to support and lobby for India in the United Nations.

Addressing journalists at Kurumba Maldives after officials talks between the two countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Haula Ahmed Didi said that Maldives will give the highest priority to India.

“If there is an Indian candidate [contesting for a position in the UN], Maldives will be the first country to vote for that candidate,” she said.

Also at the briefing Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam said that work on 500 housing units, funded by a $40 million grant aid from the Indian government, will begin before November.

Rozaina asks govt to cut Ramadan food prices

Nasheed requested on phone to dismiss a Judge - Dr. Afrasheem

Thulusdhoo MP, Rozaina Adam has called on the government to fix the prices of basic commodities during Ramadan so that the people can afford to fill their plates when they end their daily fast.

Rozaina Adam who is also a council member of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) said that during the month of Ramadan people are used to cook more food and that it is known that during this month people spend more money than during any other month of the year.

Ungufaaru MP, Dr. Afrasheem Ali has said that President Mohamed Nasheed called him on phone and requested to dismiss a Judge, during his tenure as the President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Dr. Afrasheem Ali who also has filled the post of the Vice Presidency of the Commission said that the President requested him to dismiss a judge of one of the courts of law of the capital city. He said that President Nasheed also asked him to sack the judge even if it is an offence against the law.

Dr. Afrasheem who is from the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) alleged that President Nasheed tries to exercise undue influence over the Judiciary on a number of occasions. He further alleged that the President has been committing these acts of corruption both openly and secretly.

Moreover, the Ungufaaru MP said that these actions expose the true reality of the President. He said that

Lacking political watchdog party is cause for worries : Mohammad Zubair

Dhuvaafaru MP, Mohamed Zubair has said that the lack of a lack of a “watchdog” political party is a cause for worry.

Dhuvaafaru MP, Zubair said that currently there is no watchdog political party in the country and that all political parties are busy fighting for power and authority.

Zubair said that the political parties apparently have no concern for the pulse of the people. He said that the parties are drenched in their own political egos and greed for power. He said that the people criticize the Peoples’ Majlis and the political parties because of these issues.

Inactivity of sovereign institution causes woes, says Dr. Hassan

the President although claims to be the vanguard of Democracy in the Maldives, he has little or no respect to democratic rule.

Afrasheem also alleged that Nasheed is trying to annihilate the independent Judiciary of the country for his own gain.

Leader of the opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Dr. Hassan Saeed has said that the inactivity and inefficiency of independent institution is cause for grave concern.

Speaking regarding the role of independent institutions at a programme of the local TV Channel, VTV, DQP Leader Dr. Hassan Saeed

Border Control System be installed free and not for $ 150m: Shahid Controller of Immigration and Emigration, State Minister Abdullah Shahid has said that the Department of Immigration and Emigration will not spend 150 million US Dollars to install the Border Control System when it could be done free of charge.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, State Minister Abdullah Shahid said that it is not acceptable in these times to install and develop a border control system while the cost of it is paid in instalments over a long period of time.

“United States expressed their interests in 2009 to install a border control system in Maldives. Recently the paperwork was exchanged. If this succeeds then the system will be installed free of charge. The only expense will be on the changes brought to the software. And it will be relatively low,” the State Minister said.

Shahid also said that similar discussions were made with India. He said that if the government were to install the system with no outside aid, then it will only cost the government 4 million US Dollars.

said that two and half years has passed since the current government came to power and that corruption is rampant in the administration.

He said that the government has been opposing the Constitution in a number of issues.

“The inactivity and inefficiency of independent institution is cause for worry,” he said.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF NEPAL NEWS

Chinese cash for security

China provides NRs 100 million through the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen cooperation with the country’s security establishment.

The Chinese offer came on Thursday at a meeting of Joint Secretary to the Ministry of Home Sudhir Shah and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Chaun Qi, head of International Cooperation, Ministry of Public Security Affairs.

In March during the visit of Chinese Army Chief Gen. Chen Bingde, Beijing had signed a bilateral agreement with the Nepal Army pledging assistance worth Rs. 1.42 billion (130 million RMB).

“We discussed areas of mutual cooperation for the benefit of both sides. The meeting mostly dwelt on how to extend cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both countries. Also, we discussed how to enhance the capacity of our security and civil officers,” said Shah.

Sudan scam jailing The Special Court sends Shambhu Bharati, the proprietor of Bhagwati Traders that is the local agent of the London-based supplier of armoured personnel carriers and logistics to the Nepali peacekeeping mission in Sudan, to judicial custody.

The Special Court on Friday sent Shambhu Bharati, the proprietor of Bhagwati Traders that is the local agent of London based supplier of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and logistics to the Nepali peacekeeping mission

Last July, Nepal and China established a joint secretary level mechanism to share intelligence for containing anti-China activities in Nepal and the Chinese side had assured full support to enhance capacity building and training of

in Sudan, to judicial custody.

Bhagwati Traders supplied eight substandard and outdated logistics including APCs from the London based supplier, Assured Risks P Ltd, in 2008. After concluding a four-day interrogation and initial hearing, a full bench of the Special Court Chairman Gauri Bahadur Karki and members Om Prakash Mishra and Kedar Prasad Chalise fixed bail amount Rs 150 million holding Bharati responsible for supplying substandard and outdated logistics.

Nepali security personnel to be deployed along the northern border, while seeking Nepal’s commitment on information sharing on antiChina activities with an effective law enforcement mechanism to contain such activities.

PM, UML seek tangible Govt asks INGOs, NGOs for Maoist warning steps for reshuffle foreign workers’ details for government

Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and his party CPN-UML have sought immediate and tangible progress in the peace process from the major coalition partner UCPN (Maoist) as a precondition for induction of the latter´s ministers into the cabinet.

Leaders close to Khanal are hopeful that the prime minister may administer oath of office and secrecy to the minister nominees from the UCPN (Maoist) on Friday. “We are hopeful that the prime minister will get an assurance from the Maoists tomorrow (Friday) on advancing the peace process. He will subsequently induct the new ministers,” Minister for PMO and Council of Ministers Ghanshyam Bhusal, who was closely involved in the bilateral talks, told Republica.

The prime minister held two rounds of talks with top Maoists leaders on Thursday.

PM Khanal, Bamdev Gautam, Surendra Pandey and Bhusal from the UML and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Vicechairmen Mohan Baidya, Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Narayankaji Shrestha, General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa

and Secretary Posta Bahadur Bogati from the UCPN (Maoist) were present during the talks. Bhusal had reached Dahal´s residence at Nayabazaar in the morning to prepare grounds for the talks. During the talks, the Maoists had strongly pressed Khanal to induct the new ministers without any delay saying it was the party´s official decision.

Maoist Vice-Chairman Shrestha said they told the prime minister that the cabinet should get a full shape and given continuity until the new national consensus government is formed,” Narayankaji Shrestha told Republica.

“In reply, the prime minister told us he would think over the matter and settle it.”

The UML leaders at the meeting had argued that the prime minister was caught in a fix because the Maoists had officially taken the decision while the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has been continuously obstructing the parliament proceedings against the ruling coalition´s decision to reshuffle the cabinet.

According to UML leaders, Khanal urged Maoists to come up with a concrete action plan to make immediate progress in the peace process as there hasn´t been any progress in the peace process for months and the coalition had no time to wait any longer.

Earlier in the afternoon, a standing committee meeting of CPN-UML decided to uphold its previous decision that instructed the prime minister to not reshuffle the cabinet in contravention with the spirit of the five-point deal.

The government has started demanding details of foreign workers employed by diplomatic missions and non-governmental and private organisations.

The move is targeted at compiling information about foreigners working in Nepal before taking action against organisations employing foreigners without an employment permit.

The Department of Labour has recently asked for details about foreign staff from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ Nepal and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through the Association of International NGOs in Nepal. The department has also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to correspond with all the diplomatic missions in Nepal to provide information about employees who do not enjoy diplomatic privilege.

The department also asked

the National Sports Council to submit information about foreign sportspersons in Nepal. The department has been preparing a list of multinational companies in Nepal to obtain details about their foreign workers.

“We will soon ask all the multinational companies in Nepal to come up with details about their foreign workers with or without a work permit,” said Man Bahadur BK, director general of the department and coordinator of the Non-Nepali Employee Monitoring Committee formed to scrutinize organisations employing foreigners.

Currently, the committee has been compiling information about foreign workers employed by organisations including details like legal status, visa type, date of issue and validity of work permit, nationality and designation.

Maoists warn of withdrawing their support to the government if Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal fails to reshuffle their ministers following a decision by their central committee meeting.

A meeting of Maoist office bearers on Friday also decided to call the party’s Standing Committee meeting to discuss the issue. PM Khanal and his party are against administering oath to new members stating that it would be against the five-point deal signed on May 29.

Plan afoot to extend assembly term till Nov 30

The Prime Minister’s Office has drafted a new plan of action that it says could set the stage for a national con-

sensus government to take the peace process through and write a new constitution.

It proposes extending the Constituent Assembly term till November 30, but warns that the prime minister could step down long before that if the parties failed to reach an agreement by August 13.

The Constitutional Committee will prepare the first draft of the constitution by August 27, according to the 11point action plan prepared by Minister without Portfolio and Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal’s key political adviser Ghanashyam Bhusal.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

WEEKLY REVIEW OF SRILANKA NEWS

Workers’ Council concept planned

The Workers’ Council concept is to be introduced by the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration to promote productivity and efficiency in public institutions.

At a time when Sri Lanka has launched a massive development war under the Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma programme this Workers’ Council concept will be

Hearings scheduled on recent violence in Karachi

By Jaffer Bilgrami Saarc International Correspondant Lahore: A fact-finding mission by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) investigating the causes of violence in Karachi and discussing solutions for sustainable peace there will hold a public hearing in the port city today, July 31.

The public hearing will take place at the Karachi Press Club. The HRCP mission, comprising HRCP council members from all provinces, has been in Karachi since July 29. The mission has requested the citizens of Karachi, particularly those from

severely affected areas, to attend the public hearing and share their experiences. By doing so, they will provide valuable contribution to the mission’s report and recommendations.

The HRCP mission has so far held meetings with representatives of political parties, NGOs, the Sindh Police IG, chief of the Citizen Police Liaison Committee, members of the Lyari Aman Committee, Karachi Transport Ittehad, workers of emergency and health services, business persons, including members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as intellectuals and educators.

No war crimes charges can be brought against Lanka : Ranil

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe said that no war crimes charges can be brought against Sri Lanka as the country is not a party to the Rome Protocol.

Ranil Wickramasinghe, who is currently in London, told BBC Sandeshaya he did not discuss the accusations against the Sri Lanka government in his meetings with

UK political leaders.

Mr Wickramasinghe has held discussion with British Defence Secretary Liam Fox and Foreign Office Minister Alastair Burt while attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) meeting in London. “We did not discuss war crimes. Anyway war crimes cannot be raised as I did not sign the Rome Protocol,” he said.

His comments come days after British Channel4 television aired another controversial footage that alleged Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s direct involvement in alleged war crimes.

The government has rejected the footage as biased. “I told the ministers that we prefer to discuss with the government and other parties to find a political settlement.”

launched to improve productivity and efficiency in state institutions by eliminating corruption and waste, improving employer-employee relations and obtaining worker participation in the management and decision making process.

This concept also has special features to help achieve institutional targets, follow up work and improv employee talents. The Workers’ Council concept is being introduced to the ministry under the directions of Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara with the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Money Laundering in Sri Lanka Jaffer Bilgrami Saarc International Correspondant

Colombo: After cautioning Indian markets about possible money laundering and terror-funding risks from Iran and North Korea, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Indian Foreign Secretary visits President

By Jaffer Bilgrami Saarc International Correspondant Colombo July 30: The outgoing Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day visit ahead of her retirement from the foreign service of her country.

After her arrival, she met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa over breakfast. Officials described the meeting as a farewell that the Sri Lankan President had wanted to accord her because of the special relationship she

shared with the country. Ms. Rao served in Colombo as High Commissioner and, earlier, as First Secretary in the Indian mission in Sri Lanka.

Ms.Rao had accepted an invitation to visit Sri Lanka ahead of her retirement, but a series of high-profile visits to New Delhi had meant that her visit was kept in abeyance.

Ms. Rao will meet Sri Lankan officials and Ministers with whom she shared working relationships when in Sri Lanka. She will leave on Sunday. Ms.Rao will then take up her new post as Indian Ambassador to the United States.

is going to issue a warning for funds from eight more countries, including Sri Lanka.

The warning will be issued soon by the Reserve Bank of India to banks and financial regulatory institutions asking for a caution in dealings with entities and funds related to the eight nations, which also include Bolivia, Cuba, Kenya, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Syria.

The warning follows a global caution notice from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global oversight and policyframing body for rules to combat money laundering and terror funding risks to international financial markets.

The FATF periodically issues such public notices to various foreign governments, which subsequently forward the same to their respective financial regulators.

The FATF also listed out Bolivia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Turkey as countries with strategic deficiencies in their rules to combat money laundering and terror funding.

FATF said these eight countries “have not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies or have not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address the deficiencies”.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

Special Report

Massacre in Oslo: does it all add up?

T

he recent massacre in Oslo has left the whole world stunned at the carnage and loss of innocent life that was allegedly inflicted by a lone gunman and bomber. The entire incident raises more questions than it answers. We will discuss here an overview of some of the buzz surrounding the arrest of Anders Breivik for the massacre in Oslo.

The Israeli connection Since the massacre in Norway, some have blamed the Israeli government for being behind the attacks. Needless to say, Hizbollah has been a vocal proponent of this idea, but there are others who have termed the killing, “state-sponsored terrorism.”

The 32-year-old Norwegian, who murdered more than 70 people in twin attacks, espoused an anti-Islam, anti-feminist but supposedly proZionist credo.

A statement released by Hizbollah said: “The terrorist act committed by a right-wing extremist, who supports Zionists in Norway, is additional proof that the culture stemming from the Zionist enemy, or ideas that support it, is deeply tied to the racism of its leadership.”

Israeli musician Gilad Atzmon, an antisemite, was one of the first to suggest Israel might have been behind Breivik’s actions, because of Norwegian society’s pro-Palestinian leanings. He wrote: “I am not in a position at present to firmly point a finger at Israel, its agents, or its sayanim [helpers] but … considering all possibilities, [it] may suggest that Anders Behring Breivik might indeed have been a ‘Sabbath Goy’(a non-Jew who is paid to come to the home on the Sabbath and perform duties that the observant Jew is forbidden to do).

There re other, and perhaps more credible discussions circulating about the connection with Israel and the

Mossad. An interesting commentary appears on the website of Dr. Webster Tarpley. He points out a few reasons why Israel can’t be discounted in the attacks.

First of all, the targets of the Norwegian terror attacks were all political. It means that the killers weren’t trying to send a message to Muslims or other, non-ethnically Norwegian people. They were targeting members of the ruling party, who have been cultivating a pro-Arab foreign policy. They sponsored the Oslo peace accords between Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the mid-1990s.

The Norwegian government also announced that it intends to grant diplomatic recognition to a Palestinian state in the near future. Furthermore, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Labor Party warned Norway’s partners in the NATO alliance against getting involved in the bombing of Libya. Norway gave in to pressure from the U.S. and agreed to participate in the NATO bombing of Libya for three months.

Coincidentally, July was the month when Norway reduced its contingent of planes and announced it would withdraw from the NATO bombing coalition by August 1.

There are other commentators who claim that Mossad’s fingerprints are all over the recent killing in Oslo, Norway, pointing to their long track record of false flag terrorism. It has been said that they have everything to gain by attacking Norway and teaching it a lesson.

More than one shooter?

A number of those who were present at the attack on the island in Norway stated that bullets were coming from totally opposite directions at the same time. Some of the shooting survivors were convinced that there was a second shooter on the island.

They claim that they saw another man

shooting at them who was not wearing a police uniform, and that they heard firing from two sides. Their accounts remain unconfirmed, but according to the Oslo newspaper VG, “Several of the youths who were at the Utøya the shooting drama, told VG that they are convinced that there must have been more than one perpetrator. Marius Helander Røset believes the same thing: – I am sure that there was shooting from two different places on

the island at the same time, he said.

The person was described as 180 centimeters tall, had thick dark hair and a Nordic appearance-clearly not Anders Breivik.

Bombing drills Some analysts who describe false flag operations have pointed out that one of the hallmarks of a false flag operation is that the police or the military will hold drills at about the same time terror attacks begin. They feel that this is a cover for putting the necessary hardware and devices in place for the actual attacks. In these cases, it is often discovered that the self-styled anti-terror drill or exercise contains a simulated action or event which strongly resembles the real world terror attack, the one which actually

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some sort of scar on the side of his chin, and there are other pictures where his skin is smooth. They also mention other features, such as his ears, which are not the same in all of the pictures.

The idea that there might have been a double for Breivik gains some credibility when you read accounts of his childhood and interviews with his friends. For example, Faisal Rafique, a Pakistani, was his best friend growing up. Although they have not seen each other in ten years, Mr. Refigure says he cannot imagine that his former best friend was capable of such acts.

Other Muslims who came in contact with Breivik were equally shocked to hear that he was being accused of the massacre. Breivik liked to eat at a restaurant in Rena owned by a Kurdish Muslim. This Muslim said Breivik was ‘the nicest Norwegian I have met in the 14 years since I came here’.

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kills people. The media will then refer to an astounding coincidence or a weird happenstance, but the reality is that the terror drill has been taken live or flipped live in the form of real killings.

The Norway events provide a very clear illustration of this principle. In Oslo, a powerful bomb went off in or near the building which houses the office of the Prime Minister. Exactly as we would expect, special anti-terror police had been drilling setting off bombs in a

nearby part of the Norwegian capital in advance, specifically during 2010.

The public had not been informed in advance, but found out what was happening when they began hearing bombs in the opera house district, less than a kilometer away from the prime minister’s office which was attacked.

Similar ‘coincidental’ drills occurred before 9/11 in New York and 7/7 in London.

Two Breiviks?

There are some who believe that there is a real Anders Breivik, and also a body double. This theory is even being discussed in the Norwegian press. Articles which show a number of different pictures of Breivik show that that there are some pictures where he clearly has a birthmark or

One commentator stated his belief that Breivik’s Facebook page is fake. Paul Joseph Watson notes two different Facebook profiles (before and after July 22). “The first one in Norwegian was deleted minutes after (his) identity became public.” A doctored English version replaced it, changing his profile to fit the crime. His stated “interest in Winston Churchill and (anti-Nazi resistance) leader Max Manus” was deleted... The Council of Conservative Citizens said none of his postings “are extreme or hint at a desire to commit violence.” He did say he supported “Hans Rustad, a former Jewish left-winger turned neoconservative.” The doctored Facebook profile turned a “socially liberal, proIsraeli neo-con (into) a Christian conservative, white supremacist.” The fact that his Facebook page could be changed after his arrest suggests at the very least, he did not act alone, and at worse, it was actually some sort of false flag operation.

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Saarc international I Thursday 04 August 2011

Prime Minister’s message for Ramadan Prime Minister David Cameron has sent his best wishes to all Muslim communities in Britain and around the world at the start of the month of Ramadan.

Mr Cameron said Ramadan was a time to remind us of our duties and responsibilities and the importance of charity.

The PM said: “To all Muslim communities in the United Kingdom and around the world, I send you my warmest wishes at this time of Ramadan.

“This is a time for Muslims all over the world to put aside thoughts of

themselves, and think of others.

The terrible scenes of famine and suffering in the Horn of Africa cry out to all of us. They remind us of our duties and responsibilities to those beyond our shores.

“The importance of charity at this time is clear and I am proud that many different communities in the United Kingdom continue to come together to support many thousands – indeed millions – in desperate need.

“As the holy month of Ramadan begins I wish you all peace and happiness.”

Ramadan in History

By Dr. ‘Abdullaah Hakim Quick All praises to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

He who revealed in His Glorious Qur’an, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa).” (2:185).

And may blessings and peace of Allah be upon His last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah, forever.

O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah’s presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that, “Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything.” (65:2) Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their

daylight hours in bad. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.

Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet,

`alaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan.

On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It was led by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000

Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything.” sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, passed through approximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah.

In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area.

The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid ad-Dirar). The Prophet, sallallahu

dinars. They were met, instead, by a wellequipped army of the nobility of Quraish, intent on putting out the light of Islam.

Despite being outnumbered three to one and appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with a burning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten.

In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Continued on page 20 >>

RAMADAN RECIPE Preparation time : 30 mins | Serves 6 persons This is typical (Indian and Pakistani ) chickpea recipe and is one of the main items in traditional hi-tea party. It is preferred to cook it in pressure cooker to reduce cooking time otherwise it would take hours to cook on slow cooker.

Ingredients: 1 cup chickpea or garbanzo beans (soaked in water for overnight) 1 medium size onion (cut into large pieces) 1 medium size tomato (cut into large pieces) 1 tbspn red chili powder 1 tbspn cumin powder 1 tspn black pepper powder Salt to taste Procedure: 1. In a blender, blend onion and tomato with very little water to make smooth paste.

2. Take a pressure cooker of best quality which cooks your food in quick time and for that I always prefer to use presto pressure cooker. Put chickpea, onion tomato paste, salt, red chili and 4 cup water or enough to cover all the chickpea. Cook them together in pressure cooker for 15 mins until chickpeas become tender and soft.

3. After that add cumin and black pepper powder and cook on high heat to dry all the extra water.

Serving: Serve the hot spicy chickpea with dahi vada and sprinkle some chaat masala on top.

Preparation time : 30 min. | Serves 6-8 persons This recipe of baked potatoes is mainly

prepared with garlic and herbs. If

you want strong garlic flavor then you can add roasted garlic or green chopped garlic which also gives good taste. These garlic potatoes are usually served with spicy sweet and sour sauce of any kind.

Ingredients: 1 kg red potatoes (cut into large pieces) ¼ cup margarine (melted) 2 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp dried parsley 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme

Preparation time : 15 mins. | Serves 4 persons Its

very different juice and hardly anyone knows about it.

Its very healthy and nutritious because of mint and fennel and good for those who has some gastric and heart burning problems.

Ingredients: 1 bunch of mint leaves ½ cup fennel seeds (saunf) 3-4 green cardamom Sugar to taste 2 glass Procedure: 1. Blend all of the above ingredients in the blender.

2. Using drainer or soft cotton piece drain out all the blended liquid so that no particles are in the liquid.

3. Mix 1 glass of more water in it and sugar (if required).

Serving: Serve in glass with sprinkle icing sugar and mint leaves over on top of it.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

The city of Dubai built on foundations that are steeped in history and tradition. From the evocative Dubai Museum to the spectacular Jumeirah Mosque, and from the breathtaking Bastakiya to the imperious Heritage Village. There are many mysteries waiting to be unravelled. Explore Dubai at your pace and relive great traditions from day gone by.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

RAMADAN TIMETABLE London 1 Aug 2011 - 30 Aug 2011

Ramadan July/August Day * 31st Jul 01 1st Aug 02 02 03 03 04 04 05 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 09 09 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

Fasting starts 03.37 03.38 03.40 03.42 03.44 03.46 03.48 03.49 03.51 03.53 03.55 03.57 03.59 04.01 04.02 04.04 04.06 04.08 04.10 04.12 04.14 04.15 04.17 04.19 04.21 04.23 04.25 04.27 04.28 04.30 04.32

Fajr Starts Fasting Ends/Iftar Magrib Isha (Taraweeh) 03.37 03.38 03.40 03.42 03.44 03.46 03.48 03.49 03.51 03.53 03.55 03.57 03.59 04.01 04.02 04.04 04.06 04.08 04.10 04.12 04.14 04.15 04.17 04.19 04.21 04.23 04.25 04.27 04.28 04.30 4.32

20.52 20.50 20.49 20.47 20.45 20.43 20.42 20.40 20.38 20.36 20.34 20.32 20.30 20.28 20.26 20.24 20.22 20.20 20.18 20.16 20.14 20.12 20.10 20.08 20.06 20.04 20.01 19.59 19.57 19.55 19.53

20.52 20:50 20:49 20:47 20:45 20:43 20:42 20:40 20:38 20:36 20:34 20:32 20:30 20:28 20:26 20:24 20:22 20:20 20:18 20:16 20:14 20:12 20:10 20:08 20:06 20:04 20:01 19:59 19:57 19:55 19:53

22.20 22:20 22:20 22:20 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45 21:45

Ramadan in History << Continued from page 18 Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the most protected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. She was killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan.

By Ramadan of 8 A.H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the north. Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer the city of Mecca.

Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity.

Now the time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination.

The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam set out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army’s ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols of Makkah, detachments were sent to the

the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm and Allah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief.

Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years.

In the year 582 A.H., Salahuddin AlAyyubi, after battling with the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges.

In the seventh century A.H. the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself “the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins”. In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive.

In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction.

Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the surviving Muslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts.

Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan (call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with

Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one’s life and wealth. other major centers of polytheism and alLat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed.

Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one’s life and wealth.

After the death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, Muslims carried on this tradition and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history. Ramadan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events.

Ninety-two years after the Hijrah, Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted with a combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules.

After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning them that victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and

the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate, Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 25th of Ramadan, 658 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.

This was the spirit of Ramadan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.

May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings and peace to him forever.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

Opening Ceremony of Shimala Restaurant

Shimala Restaurant had a grand-opening ceremony on 28 July .The restaurant is located in north London. The opening event featured a ribbon-cutting , with attendees from around the London business community.

UK mosques raise security Extra security will be put up at mosques around the UK in the wake of the deadly attacks in Norway, British Muslim leaders said on Sunday.

Mohammed Shafiq, the leader of Ramadhan Foundation, one of Britain’s largest Muslim groups, says mosques are being extra vigilant as it emerges that the suspect blamed for the Norway attacks opposed Muslim immigration to Europe. The Ramadhan Foundation has issued advice and guidance to over 1500 Mosques and Islamic Centres in the UK alerting them to the increased threat from right wing extremism and in light of Norway attacks. Mohammad Shafique said The Ramadhan

Foundation has been consistent in saying that both UK and European Governments have failed to address the ever increasing threats posed by right wing and Nazi groups.

“We have discovered as a result of media reports that there were links between the EDL and this terrorist in Norway which deeply concerns our community as we are at the forefront of their vicious, racist, and vile attacks. As the holy month of Ramadhan will begin this weekend, we have urged all Mosques in the United Kingdom to increase security and ensure that they are more vigilant about suspicious packages that may be left near Mosques.

David Cameron: Stop terrorism from UK << Continued from page 3 of summary killings, torture, and other abuses.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement routinely denied involvement in violence.

We all know the people and the parties involves in Target killings in Karachi. It started in 90’s and MQM was the pioneer of not only Target killing where they killed the top brass of various other student political leaders like Najeeb Ahmed of PSF and high profile killings like Raees Amrouhi, Hakeem Saeed, Azeem Tariq and various police officials like “Bhadur Ali, Zeeshan Kazmi. They were also the one who invented the “Boree” culture. They are also the pioneer in torture where they introduced the drilling and chopping of limbs. They have killed more Muhajirs then other ethnic groups but even now karachi has been controlled by them via Nazims and MPA’s and their goons of sector in-charges.

Army, Govt. everyone knows that but for some unknown reason are still silent. It’s strange that Army is ever ready to conduct their deadly operations in Baluchistan, FATA, Pukhtoonkhwa but they are reluctant to start an operation clean up against the MQM - The largest known terrorist group of Pakistan.

Born to a Muhajir family in Karachi, Najib Ahmed was a PSF leader in Karachi and president of PSF, Karachi division On April 6 1990, Najeeb Ahmed was allegedly gunned down by MQM . He died a few days later at the hospital. MQM- leader Altaf Hussein fled in 1992 to Britain, where he received delayed for some years asylum in 1999. Altaf Hussain application for asylum was delayed as Back in 1992 during British Prime Minister John Major Government Najeeb Ahmed Family filed a petition signed by many British Citizens to extradite Altaf Hussain as he is a terrorist and directly involved in killing of Najeeb Ahmed who gave his statement FIR

, before dying that Altaf Hussain was behind the attack , also named as attacker was Khalid bin waleed a MPA of MQM who was also killed on 16 Feb. 2003 . Altaf Hussain was again blamed for the killing of Khalid bin waleed.

On the birthday of Altaf Hussain 16th Sept 2010 Dr Imran Farooq was killed outside his home The New Scotland Yard would be able, in due course, to unravel the assassins of the founder member, former convener, and deputy convener of MQM, Dr. Imran Farooq . Security sources told the Daily Telegraph UK the murder inquiry into the death of Imran Farooq, a founder member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), had been taken over by Scotland Yard’s Counter-Terrorism Command which investigates political assassinations. MI5 is also likely to be called in to help with the hunt for the killers.

Many blame its a sequence of killing agenda of Altaf Hussain as he was involved in alleged killing of MQM Chairman Azeem Ahmed Tariq.

Back in 2007 The head of the Quebec branch of MQM was facing deportation after the Federal Court of Canada ruled he belonged to an organization that committed terrorism. The judge upheld the deportation of Mohammed Kashif Omer, a resident of Montreal, on the grounds he is a member of the Mothaidda Quami Movement, or MQM. It was the second time that year Canadian courts have ruled the MQM party meets the legal definition of a terrorist organization.

So question is why Pakistan Government is protecting an organisation who Controls from its International secretariat based in London , situation in Karachi and the UK authorities also knows well Altaf Hussain and his Objectionable activities yet there is no action.

Some sources claim the current Pakistani government used its diplomacy to stop possible Ban on MQM activities in UK and it was decided to ask Altaf Hussain to leave UK. Altaf Hussain also enjoys his links and support from Ahmediya or Qadyani sect .

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Pakistan Trade Show High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK WajidShamsulHasan has opened a trade show for Pakistani business abroad.

The Pakistan Trade Show finished in London on Saturday after running successfully for two days. President Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (President (UKPCCI) ) SyedQamarRaza,Vice President Ikram Khan and senior officials of the High Commission were present among a large number of visitors.

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South Asia Tribune I Thursday 04 August 2011

Comment

A

Oslo Tragedy : Religious fanaticism at its extreme

country with barely five million population and relatively low crime rate, with majority of the Norwegian population following the Lutheran Church as named after Martin Luther (10 Nov1483-18 Feb 1546).

Luther, as the history tells us, was a German priest and professor of theology who digressed and created his own group within Christianity as against the Roman Catholicism.

This group reformed many of the views and ideals held by Roman Catholicism at the time. Norway in the modern time definition seems a peaceful country steering clear of playing a dominant role in the present volatile state of world affairs.

However, in recent times, Norway emerged on the world scene neither for its peace loving characteristics nor for the respect and love to follow the philosophy of Martin Luther, owing to two very recent incidents that created ripples especially in the Muslim world. Not in very distant past, t ere was an iniquitous case of blasphemy which was not taken

Dr Tahir Saeed

Tribune Comment very well among people who believed in the injunctions of Quran and Islam. The currents of this malicious and spiteful incident had not fully subsided when yet another sinful act was committed in Oslo that took away the precious lives of 77 people. The perpetrator of this heinous and dreadful crime, Anders Behring Breivik, bombed a building and opened fire on dozens of teens and young adults.

His callous justification for this ‘unholy’ massacre was to protest the incursions of Muslims into Norway, which makes only 3% of the entire population. This would remind one of Luther’s anti Semitic

writings towards the end of his life in which he incited his followers against Jews by asking them to destroy their homes, Synagogues, confiscate money and to curtail their liberty.

Almost five centuries have passed since then, people holding extreme views are still deeply immersed with that false belief that one day they will successfully eliminate the outer-groups. To achieve their ‘evil’ designs these forces do not inhibit in using brutal force to eradicate their rivals as was witnessed in the classic examples of anti-Semitism, Apartheid, Ethnic cleansing, etc.

Even the most developed countries such as America, UK, etc., were until very recently practicing apartheid either directly or through the involvement of their puppet governments.

And ultimately they had to surrender to the will of the people by giving them equal rights. This proves to one a vital point that force can never be considered as a weapon in achieving success in changing one’s belief system.

Quite unlikely, the use of force produces an equal and opposite

reaction, and hence people try to become much more steadfast and reactionary in their beliefs. The outcome of this extreme force is quite evident in the shape of AlQaida and Taliban.

The Oslo incident is an offshoot of this mentality of discrimination, looking down upon others on the basis of class, colour, ethnicity and religion. Psychologically speaking, these extreme views come with underlying serious unresolved issues.

A person who tries to impose their will on someone else by exerting force is not considered to be using his mental faculties in a way that can be described as within the normal remits. The analogy could be made with a person experiencing paranoia in which the cognitive processes are distorted to a degree where the person starts imagining and experiencing feelings of persecution or grandiosity. This feeling of insecurity basically originates as the person considers other people are out there, to plan against the being.

There is a loss of hope in

oneself and in the passions he/she keeps very close to his/her heart.

Alongside this belief, it is also considered by the person to be as the chosen one and the most blessed one, which would be equivalent to ‘feelings of grandiosity’.

These feelings of grandiosity make the person believe as superior than the outer group. With the mergence of these two feelings, i.e., the feelings of grandiosity and persecution, the beholder of these extreme views do not experience any qualm or guilt to plan and eliminate the rival group(s) physically.

If that was not the case, then Mr Breivik would have never considered 3% Muslim population as a threat to 97% of the Norwegian population. However, Mr Breivik is not alone, he has many Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and many political leaders on board, who hold and eulogize similar extreme views.

These people need to understand that we need to respect and regard the value of human life irrespective of their religion, cast, colour and nationality. We all share the same human body mechanisms.

Oslo: Blame it on Israel?

S

ince the massacre in Norway, some have blamed the Israeli government for being behind the attacks. Needless to say, Hizbollah has been a vocal proponent of this idea, but there are others who have termed the killing, “state-sponsored terrorism.”

The 32-year-old Norwegian, who murdered more than 70 people in twin attacks, espoused an anti-Islam, anti-feminist but supposedly pro-Zionist credo.

A statement released by Hizbollah said: “The terrorist act committed by a right-wing extremist, who supports Zionists in Norway, is additional proof that the culture stemming from the Zionist enemy, or ideas that support it, is deeply tied to the racism of its leadership.”

Israeli musician Gilad Atzmon, an antisemite, was one of the first to suggest Israel might have been

behind Breivik’s actions, because of Norwegian society’s pro-Palestinian leanings. He wrote: “I am not in a position at present to firmly point a finger at Israel, its agents, or its sayanim [helpers] but … considering all possibilities, [it] may suggest that Anders Behring Breivik might indeed have been a ‘Sabbath Goy’(a non-Jew who is paid to come to the home on the Sabbath and perform duties that the observant Jew is for-

bidden to do).

There are other, and perhaps more credible discussions circulating about the connection with Israel and the Mossad. An interesting commentary appears on the website of Dr. Webster Tarpley. He points out a few reasons why Israel can’t be discounted in the attacks.

First of all, the targets of the Norwegian terror attacks were all political. It means that the kill-

ers weren’t trying to send a message to Muslims or other, nonethnically Norwegian people.

They were targeting members of the ruling party, who have been cultivating a pro-Arab foreign policy. They sponsored the Oslo peace accords between Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the mid-1990s. The Norwegian government also announced that it intends to grant diplomatic recognition to a Palestinian state in the near future. Furthermore, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Labor Party warned Norway’s partners in the NATO alliance against getting involved in the bombing of Libya. Norway gave in to pressure from the U.S. and agreed to participate in the NATO bombing of Libya for three months. Coincidentally, July was the month when Norway reduced its contingent of planes and announced it would withdraw from the NATO bombing coalition by August 1.

There are other commentators who claim that Mossad’s fingerprints are all over the recent killing in Oslo, Norway, pointing to their long track record of false flag terrorism. It has been said that they have everything to gain by attacking Norway and teaching it a lesson.

23

Hashim Amla and his Islamist views

H

ashim Amla, the backbone of the South African batting line, is a man who follows his religion. Not just the observance, but the spirit of compassion and charity. He has been known to give away his test match fee to charity, and recently, refused to wear the logo of one of the team sponsors, a company that makes beer. He was fined for not wearing a shirt with the logo of the Castle company, and pays a penalty of five hundred dollars

per month because he won’t wear the logo.

Aside from being an incredible cricket batsman, he is a man of his convictions. Islam is concerned with man’s well-being in both body and soul. It encourages all kinds of sports which strengthen the body and maintain good health. Sport is also encouraged for its relaxation and leisure aspects. In modern times, it has be-

come a challenge to be a Muslim and play sports, because among many high-profile athletes, things like alcohol consumption are the norm, making it difficult for an observant person of any religion to make his way in those circles.

Amla showed great athletic ability at a young age and captained for the under-19 South African team. He was selected for the Proteas at the young age of 21, but was dropped from the squad after playing in only two test matches. Amla said, “Although it was disappointing for me not to do as well as I wanted to, it was taqdeer. I had worked hard to get there, but Allah knows best.

This belief helped me overcome the disappointment.” His strong belief and commitment is remarkable, and

sey. Amla asked to be excused from this, and he pays a monthly fine of $500 as a result.

We should stick to our principles and pay whatever price we are asked for it. If we have guts and capabilities we can respectfully live without compromising with anyone. Islam is for every walk of life and a Muslim can be a sportsman, but he has to be within the limits of Islam. May it be wearing T-shirts to promote an alcohol brand or wearing skirts while playing tennis to follow the international guidelines. We need to stand by for what is true rather than falling prey to the financial benefit. He refused to play in the IPL because of immodesty, indecency, unethical, ungentlemanly behavoir, cheer girls and late night IPL parties. IPL

he serves as a role model for those who are trying to strike a balance between their faith and their responsibility in today’s society. He has shown that it is possible to be observant in daily life and practice.

When Amla was selected for the South African squad, he asked that he be excused from wearing the logo of a team sponsor, a beer company.

The company, Castle, has the right to put their logo on each player’s jer-

is nothing but the combination of women exploitation, promotion of alcohol and huge betting. Today alcohol has become such an integral part of sports especially cricket that, no victory celebration is complete without a toast of victory, without opening up, drinking, spilling and bathing in champagne. Hashim Amla’s wife Sumaiyah follows him around the world like wives of other international cricketers.

Khan to help Pakistani boxers WBA champion Amir Khan has announced that he is ready to assist Pakistani boxers, especially in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics. Khan, who defeated Zad Judah of the US on Saturday night in Las Vegas, said he was in talks with Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan about the prospect of hosting five boxers in Bolton, England.

He said he had a special place in his heart for Pakistan and was ready to assist the sport in the country. “I’ll do whatever I can to help Pakistan boxing,” said Khan. “I’m in touch with the PBF President Doda

Khan and I’m ready to provide any assistance,” he said while adding that the Pakistan boxers will be trained at his academy in UK ahead of the London Olympics qualifiers. “We’ll be extending our boxing facility to Pakistan during the camp.”

The boxer also hinted at visiting the Pakistan during the second edition of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing event in October. “I’d like to visit Pakistan every year or twice a year and this time I’m likely to come after Ramazan.”

‘King Khan’ added that he felt proud

over representing England and Pakistan. “Along with England, I also represent Pakistan and it is a great achievement for me. People ask me and I say I am a British Pakistani and that’s a great feeling.”

His wife wears full hijab.

Most of the time, she is spotted in the stands with the wives and girlfriends of other teammates. Even after such huge success he still has a humble and polite attitude, whereas some other Muslim cricketers have participated in many kinds of unlawful activities just after get-

ting a little fame and popularity.

Questions about Islam and its practices might have been raised and thus, on and off the field, Amla might have got excellent opportunities for Dawah work. Over the years, he has met with many curious enquiries, specifically from his teammates. Amla remarks, “My teammates have begun to understand what Islam is, what Muslims do and how we lead our lives.” Praying five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan despite the heat, even when playing, has gained him great respect from both Muslims and nonMuslims. Once in an interview he said, “The importance of my religion has increased as I have got older. I couldn’t put a time frame on it but I have found that following the Islam-

ic way of life has a lot of beauty to it. Although I was born into a Muslim family I wasn’t always practicing. The more I have understood the differences in the various faiths, I have adopted as much of Islam as possible. I’m certainly no saint b u t t h e disci-

pline of the Islamic way of life has helped my cricket without a doubt. I don’t drink and I pray five times a day, which gives stability to my daily routine.” Hashim Amla epitomizes a rare breed in today’s times, a young man with excellent character.

He is a man who is not afraid of what the society will say but is afraid of what will Allah think? For Amla, success comes from balancing worldly activities with deen. Amla is surely a role model for Muslim youths and the sports personalities across the globe.

Today, many Muslim youths are apologetic about their faith, but it is not the case with Hashim Amla.

24

Sports

I

ndia captain MS Dhoni blamed the absence of key players and the team’s batting failures for the latest heavy defeat at Trent Bridge on Monday.

India, losing the second Test by 319 runs, are now 2-0 down in the series and looked far from the world’s number one-ranked team, a status now at stake if England win the series by two clear Tests.

India have missed Virender Sehwag in both Tests because of a shoulder injury, their senior pace bowler Zaheer Khan, who was injured at Lord’s, and opener Gautam Gambhir who missed the second Test with a bruised arm.

“It’s been tough because of the circumstances,” said Dhoni.

“Missing Zaheer in the first Test and Harbhajan Singh in the second and not having our specialist opener also made it tough.”

Dhoni, however, was pleased with the way his pace attack of Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar and Sreesanth sustained their effort in Nottingham but felt the team’s failures were more to do with the batsmen failing.

“It’s important to put runs on the board and we’re slightly lacking that.

Right from the last series we played, we haven’t scored consistently so that’s also a bit of a concern.”

Sehwag flies in for final two Tests Sehwag will join his teammates today, boosting the tourists’ hopes of fielding their regular openers for the remaining two Tests.

Sehwag has been out of action since undergoing shoulder surgery in May and missed the tour of West Indies the first two tests against England.

In Sehwag’s absence, Abhinav Mukund opened with Gambhir and added 63 runs in the first-innings at Lord’s but the latter could not open in the second-innings after a Matt Prior sweep shot struck his elbow.

Harbhajan faces wrath

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India’s morale-sapping humiliation has triggered a desperate wave of soul-searching back home with some former players questioning spinner Harbhajan’s place in the side and the appointment of coach Duncan Fletcher.

“There’s no point discussing his lack of flight or lack of spin or his action because we have been doing that for years,” said Bishan Bedi of the offspinner who conceded 218 runs for a single wicket at Lord’s. “He lacks guile, and that’s a great handicap for a spinner. The right areas to bowl lie not on the 22 yards but in between your ears, in the mind.”

England resilience delights Strauss Meanwhile, England captain Andrew Strauss praised his team’s resolve following the win that was achieved with more than a day to spare.

“To be 120-odd for eight you’re behind the eight-ball, but Broad and Graeme Swann have done that sort of stuff for us a few times before and it’s hard for captains to set fields for,” Strauss told Sky Sports.

“Then Broad came with the second new ball to get us back in the game.

I’m proud of what we did this week, we’ve played some great cricket and come back at important times.

“Bresnan was unlucky not to play in the first Test and he was outstanding with bat and ball in this Test.”

England ‘hunger’ impresses Warne Shane Warne has likened England to the successful Australia side of which he was a key member after seeing Strauss’ men thrash India.

“England are improving and have a hunger for victory,” Warne, 41, wrote in The Daily Telegraph.

“They have a good team spirit and, as Strauss says, they can still improve. When Australia were on top and dominating world cricket, the things we wanted to do were score fast, take the game away from the opposition and intimidate the tail.”

Sri Lanka and Pakistan match under discussion Sri Lanka has made it clear that they have not yet agreed to play the forthcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE as constantly reported in the international media.

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Interim Committee Chairman Upali Dharmadasa pointed out that “several international media have been reporting and confirming the venue of the series as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and even speculating about Sharjah also”.

Dharmadasa told media that, “We have not been informed about the venues of the Jaffer Bilgrami series as yet.” He said all his information about the series is based on the newspaper Special Correspondent for South Asia Tribune and Saarc International reports. The Chairman said he will discuss Reporting from Colombo, Sri Lanka the matter a meeting of the Interim Com-

mittee and only then can he communicate with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the finalization of the venues.

Dharmadasa assumed the office with the new interim committee only two weeks ago. He said that first he will try to convince Pakistan to let Sri Lanka host the series. PCB had however rejected a similar offer made earlier from the previous interim committee of Sri Lanka and opted for the UAE on the grounds of home advantage and better profits. Pakistan cricket administration said last month that the decision to host matches of the two overseas teams in the UAE was taken after consultation with the Dubai and Abu Dhabi cricket authorities, mainly because they offered a good package, making the series more profitable.

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