I love winning, says Shah Rukh Khan

Kolkata:After defeating Hyderabad's Deccan Chargers Sunday at the Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders and team owner Shah Rukh Khan were at the peak of their confidence about winning the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"I love winning - whether it's IPL matches or films or a game of carom with my kids or the entire world. I believe my victory is God's assurance that I really worked hard," the superstar said."We are the toughest competition for the other seven teams. Why one team at a time-put all the seven teams on one side and see how the Knight Riders battle it out against them," Shah Rukh told IANS on the sidelines of a press conference after Sunday's match.Does he not get nervous while his Knights are in action?"Kolkata Knight Riders is my dream personified. I always wanted to be a cricketer. Now it's through my team that I am fulfilling my dream. I am possessive about my team. When my boys are playing I am worried throughout about their comfort. It's like seeing Aryan (son) take part in a race and praying that he wins unhurt."Did he spend Rs. 2 billion on the team just to fulfil his dream, or has he already started calculating his profits?"Do I look so intelligent as to count my profit instead of shouting and cheering for my team?" he said with a smile."The team is divided into three sections - the cricket part is looked after by my Knights, I look after the entertainment section and my business partner Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta look after the administrative part. The latter will be the right people to comment on the profit."How was the experience of playing the first match at Eden Gardens?"It's fantastic. Only Kolkatans can feel the true spirit of cricket. It's their overwhelming support that no tough pitch and power failure could come in the way of the victory of the Knight Riders."What is beyond the team motto - "Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo" (Do, Fight, Win)?"The Kolkata Knight Riders are here to teach the world how to believe and win a dream that no one else dares to do. Discipline, dedication and dignity are the three powers that are combined at every stroke of our bat and every throw of our ball," he said.

Rice fails to clinch Arab commitments on Iraq

MANAMA - The United States met Sunni-led Arab allies on Monday to try to persuade them to back Iraq’s Shiite leadership but failed to clinch any concrete commitments on debt relief or diplomatic presence.
Speaking after the meeting in Bahrain with counterparts from eight Arab countries and Iraq, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the talks covered relieving Iraq of billions of dollars in debt and sending ambassadors to the war-torn nation, but she did not report any decision on either score.
“I do believe it’s a process which will move forward,” she told reporters after the meeting with the Arab diplomats, which came one day after she made a surprise visit to Baghdad.
“A number of countries around the table talked about their desire to havepermanent representatives” in Baghdad, she said.
“The terms of debt relief have long been known. It’s just a matter of getting the negotiations done,” Rice added.
Rice said she and the Arab ministers had agreed that Iraq should become a regular participant in the 6+2+1 meetings that have brought together the six oil-rich Gulf Arab states,plus Jordan, Egypt and the United States four times since January 2007.
“It is the view of the members of this group that Iraq should become a regular participant in its discussions ... I think that’s a very good step forward for the reintegration of Iraq into regional affairs,” she said at a joint news conference with Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad al-Khalifa.
“We’re now in the process of choosing our ambassador” to Baghdad, Sheikh Khaled said without giving a timeline.
The Bahrainis are “having discussions with Iraq on that matter,” he added.
The United States has been pressing Arab allies to send ambassadors to Baghdad and help restructure Iraq’s billions of dollars in debt, most of which dates back to the Saddam Hussein era.
Gulf states, especially OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, agreed several years ago to forgive a substantial part of Iraqi debt, estimated to total tens of billions of dollars. Iraq wants this to be translated into action.
Rice sought to persuade her counterparts from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as those of Egypt and Jordan, that Iraq’s Shiite leadership was now fighting for national interests, rather than sectarian ones, after it took on Shiite militias allegedly armed by Iran.
“I think adjustments are going to have to be made in the way Iraq’s neighbours think about it,” Rice said in Baghdad on Sunday, claiming that the Shiite-led government in Baghdad was now behaving in “a non-sectarian fashion.”
Since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Iraq’s Sunni leader Saddam Hussein, its Arab neighbours have been wary not only about violence there but also about backing a government tilted toward non-Arab Shiite Iran.
Bahrain’s foreign minister said the Arab diplomats had questions about “the ambiguity of the political picture” in Iraq, but received a “very good explanation” from Rice and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.
Zebari himself had earlier hailed his participation in the meeting as a “qualitative leap” that would help Iraq.
During her visit to Baghdad, Rice also said security had improved, though at least three explosions were heard during her talks there, including in the heavily fortified Green Zone where she met Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
Rice was due to head to Kuwait where she will pursue talks with Iraq’s neighbours as well as major powers on Tuesday.
According to the US State Department, Iraq’s debt has been reduced by 66.5 billion dollars over the past three years, including a total of 42.3 billion dollars cancelled by Paris Club members.
The United States cancelled 100 percent of Iraq’s debt to it of 4.1 billion dollars while other Paris Club members agreed to cancel 80 percent of the debt.
Last February, Russia’s Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin was quoted as saying that Moscow had forgiven nearly all the 12.9 billion dollar debt owed by Baghdad.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, attends a meeting of Arab foreign ministers on Monday, in Manama, Bahrain. Citing an overall improvement in the level of violence in Iraq, Rice encouraged Iraq's Arab neighbors to back statements of support for Baghdad with money and political capital.

61th Formation Commanders Conference

A view of 61st Formation Commanders Conference being presided by the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at General Headquarters on Monday. (21-4-2008)

Rawalpindi, April 21: 61th Formation Commanders Conference chaired by General Ashfaz Parvez Kayani, the Chief of Army Staff commenced at General Headquarters today. The conference is being attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers and Formation Commanders. After recitation from the Holy Quran, the Chief of Army Staff dwelt at length on the full spectrum of issues relating to the Army’s operational and training matters. He clearly stated that Army is and will remain fully prepared to meet the current and emerging external and internal threats, with the full support of the nation. The Chief of Army Staff also reviewed the progress with regards to de-induction of serving officers seconded to civil departments. Thereafter, the participants were given comprehensive briefings on security environment, training matters and administrative measures. The briefings were followed by an open and purposeful discussion. The Chief of Army Staff also awarded the Army’s sports Trophy to Karachi Corps. Day two of the conference (22 April) shall focus on remaining matters of professional importance. The next 3 days i.e. 23rd and 25th April shall be utilized for Selection Board 2008 for promotion of Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels / Brigadiers.

Britain assures Pakistan for its re-entry to Commonwealth

ISLAMABAD : The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband Monday said that his country fully supports Pakistan’s re-entry to the Commonwealth, besides adopting multi-pronged comprehensive strategy to deal with the menace of terrorism.He was talking to newsmen along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi after holding formal talks here at Foreign Office.
The British Foreign Secretary also praised Pakistan’s democratic transition and promised to push for Pakistan’s reinstatement to the Commonwealth.
David Miliband also reiterated support for the new civilian government’s plans to negotiate with militants who renounce violence.
Miliband who met with President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi today said democratic transition that Pakistan’s people have undergone over the last few months has been appreciated by the world.
He said, “I want Britain to be a leading voice calling for Pakistan’s re-entry into the Commonwealth.” He praised the courage of Pakistan’s new political leadership.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in his statement said that political engagements between the two countries would help further improving understanding on various issues and bring stability in the region.
He said there should be reconciliation with those who support peace and want to remain in the limits of law. He said reconciliation does not mean to create space for those who are engaged in violence.
Miliband said the UK also supports Pak India dialogue and hopes that with the installation of democratic government in Pakistan, this dialogue process would lead to resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir.
He said second visit of the Foreign Secretary in eight months is reflective of Britain’s close developing ties and UK’s close interest in regional stability and Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He said both the countries have common perceptions on various regional and international issues and he has held meaningful dialogue with his British counterpart during the visit.
The Foreign Minister said both the countries agreed to have multi-dimension approach to solve the problem of terrorism and they feel that there is growing realization in the world to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Answering question regarding dialogue with India, he said the 5th round would begin next month and hoped that both the countries will move forward to resolve all outstanding issues.
Replying to another question, Foreign Minister said Frontier Crimes Rules (FCR) are being reviewed and certain amendments would be made in it in consultation with stakeholders.
Answering another question, he said government is making all out efforts for the release of Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan, Tariq Azizuddin.

کمپیوٹر کی صنعت کو غیر ضروری بوجھ سے آزاد کیا جائے۔حنیف عباسی ایم این اے

اسلام آباد . ایسوسی ایٹڈ پریس سروس

پاکستان مسلم لےگ (ن) کے رکن قومی اسمبلی حنےف عباسی نے کہا ہے کہ وہ پاکستان کمپےوٹر اےسوسی اےشن (پی سی اے) کے اس مطالبے کی مکمل حمائےت کرتے ہےں کہ کمپےوٹر کی صنعت کو غےر ضروری بوجھ سے آزاد کےا جائے جس کے نتےجے مےں نا صرف اس اہم صنعت کی ترقی پر مضر اثرات مرتب ہو رہے ہےں بلکہ قومی ترقی کےلئے بھی ےہ امر نقصان دہ ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ موجودہ حکومت ہر اس اقدام پر ےقےن رکھتی ہے جس سے عام آدمی کو فائدہ پہنچ سکتا ہے۔اس امر کا اظہار انہوں نے پاکستان کمپےوٹر اےسوسی اےشن (پی سی اے) کے وفد سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے کےا جو اےسوسی اےشن کے وائےس پرےزےڈنٹ جمال ےوسف، جنرل سےکرٹری ارشد جنجوعہ، سےکرٹری انفارمشن عبداللہ ملک اور ظفر شہزاد پر مشتمل تھا۔وفد نے مسلم لےگ (ن) کے رکن قومی اسمبلی کو آگاہ کےا کہ کمپےوٹر کی صنعت کے مسائل سے متعلق گزشتہ حکومت کو با ر ہا باور کرواےا گےا اور 15 فےصد سےلز ٹےکس کے منفی اثرات سے آگاہ کےا گےا لےکن بد قسمتی سے اس ضمن مےں ےقےن داہنےوں کے باوجود عمل طور پر کچھ نہ کےا گےا۔وفد کے اراکےن نے کہا کہ آئی ٹی کو معےشت کا چوتھا ستون کہا جاتا ہے اور ےہ معاشی ترقی کےلئے سر خےل ثابت ہو سکتا ہے بلکہ روزگار کے لاتعداد مواقع کے ساتھمعےشت کے دوسرے شعبوں کو بھی تقوےت دے سکتا ہے تاہم ےہ نوزائےدہ شعبہ بعض ضروری رعائےتوں کے بغےر اپنے پاوں پر کھڑا نہےں ہو سکتا۔وفد نے صنعت سے متعلق اعداد و شمار پےش کرتے ہوئے مطالبہ کےا کہ حکومت آئےندہ بجٹ مےں 15 فےصد سےلز ٹےکس واپس لےنے کا اعلان کرے کےونکہ کمپےوٹر اب عام آدمی اور طلاب و طالبات امےت سب کےلئے تعےش نہےں بلکہ بنےادی ضرورت بن چکا ہے۔حنےف عباسی نے وفد کو ےقےن دلاےا کہ کہ وہ ہر سطح پر اس معاملے کو اٹھائےں گے اور اس ضمن مےں وزےر خزانہ اسحق ڈار سے بھی درخواست کرےں گے کہ وہ ملک کی اس اہم صنعت کو رےلےف دےنے کےلئے ہر ممکن اقدام کرےں۔

SC strikes down BA condition for contesting election of Assemblies

ISLAMABAD : A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court on Monday struck down the condition of graduation for candidates to contest elections of the Senate and National Assembly and all the four Provincial Assemblies declaring the provision void to Articles 17 and 25 of the Constitution.
The case was heard by the bench comprising Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, Justice Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, Justice Ejaz-ul-Hassan, Justice Moosa K. Leghari, Justice Ch.Ijaz Yousaf, Justice Syed Zawwar Hussain Jaffery and Syed Sakhi Hussain Bukhari at length and announced short order by allowing the constitution petition.
In its short order announced by the bench after an interval of more than two hours, the bench said, “For reasons to be recorded later, this petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 is allowed. The provisions of Article 8A of the Conduct of General Election Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’s Order No. 7 of 2002) and clause (cc) of subsection (1) of section 99 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976, which lays down that a person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or a Provincial Assembly unless he is at least a graduate possessing a bachelor degree in any discipline or any degree recognized as equivalent by the University Grants Commission under the University Grants Commission Act, 1974 or any other law for the time being in force are declared to be void prospectively on account of their being inconsistent with Articles 17 and 25 of the Constitution.”
Muhammad Nasir Mehmood of Faisalabad and Shameer Ahmed of Zahir Peer, district Rahim Yar Khan filed the constitution petition under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution.
Kamran Murtaza advocate representing the petitioners said that condition of graduation was imposed through ordinance by amending the Representation of peoples Act was only for general elections held in October 2002. So, the order was not in the field after the general elections of 2002, he said.
Earlier, Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum on Friday informed the Supreme Court that about 97 per cent population of the country had been deprived of contesting elections which was contrary to the fundamental rights as guaranteed in various articles of the Constitution.
In his arguments, Malik Muhammad Qayyum opposed the condition of BA saying this restriction was a “discriminatory legislation” and gave various references in favour of the petition filed to strike down the restriction of BA for contesting election.
The condition of graduation will create a new class of rulers and “elite democracy” as a common voter who is not a graduate will not be able to take part in the election. Surprisingly he can cast vote but not contest election, the Attorney General said.
He pleaded that the condition will lead to an elite democracy and should be removed in the larger interest of the public.
The Chief Justice said that the condition of graduation was not included in Articles 62 and 63 which relates to the qualification and disqualification of a candidate to become member of the Parliament and provincial Assemblies.
Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum appeared in the court on notice.
Deputy Attorney General Niaz Ahmed Rathor representing the Federation appeared before the court and did not oppose the petition of Nasir Mehmood and pleaded against the restriction of graduation terming it an ultra vires law.
Muhammad Aslam Khaki opposed the petition of Nasir Mehmood and said this condition should stay in the constitution for candidates as every job or profession requires qualification may be BA or more but a Parliamentarian should also be qualified whose basic job is legislation.
He also submitted a number of suggestions before the court to introduce condition of BA, FA or Matriculation for various areas by categorizing areas of the country.
Petitioners have raised a number of questions about the graduation condition, especially whether it has served any purpose in the last five years. They have contended that the law was made with mala fide intention and ulterior motive.
Both the petitioners have pleaded that the provisions of Section 99 (1) (CC) of the Representation of People Act, 1976 as well as Article 8 A of the Chief Executive Order No.17 of 2002 may be declared ultra vires to the Constitution and set aside.

Akram Shaheedi appointed Acting Secretary Information

ISLAMABAD : The government on Monday transferred and posted Akram Shaheedi, a BS-21 Officer of Information Group as Additional Secretary with additional charge of Acting Secretary Information and Broadcasting.
According to a notification issued here by Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division, M. Akram Shaheedi, a BS-21 officer of Information Group, presently posted as Minister (Press), Washington DC, USA, is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary Information and Broadcasting Division and assigned additional charge of Acting Secretary of the Division with immediate effect and until further orders.

Britain to continue support Pakistan in fighting terrorism, extremism: Miliband

ISLAMABAD : British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth David Miliband on Monday said Britain is a strong partner of Pakistan and would continue to support it in confronting its challenges including extremism and terrorism.

Miliband, who called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here, said terrorism was not only a challenge for Pakistan but had become a global concern.
He said Pakistan faced a lot of difficulties due to its frontline role in war against terror and was still passing through a difficult phase.
Miliband appreciated the government’s new strategy to address the issue of terrorism through dialogue.
He said British government had agreed on the need to incorporate political and economic means besides security measures to confront the challenges of terrorism in Afghanistan.
Miliband expressed the desire to further enhance bilateral relations with Pakistan in all fields including economic and trade.
Britain would also encourage the European Union to strengthen its cooperation with Pakistan including trade benefits.
He also informed the Prime Minister that Britain would greatly welcome Pakistan back in the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan and Britain enjoy strong friendly relations which would open up new avenues in all spheres of life.
Gilani referred to numerous challenges confronted by the new democratic government and expressed his strong commitment to overcome these problems by implementing policies supported by the people.
He said that terrorism and extremism is a global phenomenon, and Pakistan being a frontline state has sacrificed a lot including the assassination of national leader Benazir Bhutto.
The Prime Minister said in order to curb the menace of terrorism and extremism, the world community needed to address its rootcauses which stem from socio-economic disparity and unresolved political disputes.
He said the new democratic government would adopt a multi-pronged strategy to fight terrorism as the previous strategy had failed to produce the desired results.
He said the new strategy would incorporate both long term and short term methods including political dialogue, socio-economic development and security measures in the areas bordering Afghanistan to address the issue effectively.
The Prime Minister said he had already announced initiation of a dialogue with those who abandoned violence and laid down their arms.
He said the government would improve the socio-economic conditions and extend democratic rights to the people of FATA.
The Prime Minister said one of the foremost challenge before the government was to improve law and order situation in the country as it directly relates with economic development.
Political stability and security are essential components of economic stability, he added.
Referring to the regional situation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours including Afghanistan.
He also mentioned that the meeting of small jirga would be held soon which would hopefully make headway for lasting peace in the area.
The Prime Minister said the government intends to ensure supremacy of the parliament, a free and vibrant media, independent judiciary and autonomous Election Commission in order to make these institutions strong and effective.
He said the 1973 constitution made by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was accepted by all the sections of society and can keep the federation intact as it was agreed upon by all the political parties.
Regarding Pakistan’s re-entry into the fold of Commonwealth, the Prime Minister said Pakistan would continue to play its role at the forum for the promotion of democracy as well as multi-lateral relations with the member states.

Pakistan - US to strengthen bilateral coop

RAWALPINDI : Pakistan and United States of America have expressed the desire to further consolidate and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interests.
This was discussed at a meeting between Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, and US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms.Anne W.Patterson who called on the Minister here Monday.
Both the sides exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance and underscored the need for building a strategic partnership so as to overcome the challenges being confronted by the international community.
Congratulating the Minister upon assuming the charge of the office, the Us Ambassador said that the United States was keen to build strategic partnership with Pakistan and further improve bilateral ties for the mutual benefits of the two sides.
The Minister briefed the envoy about the efforts made by Pakistan for the promotion of peace and stability in the region. He also highlighted the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan.
He informed the envoy that terrorism was threatening the global peace and stability and it was essential to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism so as to get rid of this menace once for all.
The American Ambassador deeply appreciated the contribution and the key role played by the security forces of Pakistan against the war on terror. The situation of Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) also came under discussion at the meeting.
The Minister said that the present environment over there was conducive and efforts were being made to seek the solution of the problem through negotiation and dialogue.
Ambassador of United Arab Emirates to Pakistan Ali Mohammed bin Hammad Al-Shamsi, also called on Minister for Defence and discussed with him matters of mutual interest.
The Minister told the envoy that Pakistan attached greater importance to its ties with UAE as the two countries enjoyed excellent relationship which is based on common faith, cultural values and commonality of perceptions on regional and international issues.
The Minister said that Pakistan was proud of its relationship with UAE which has always stood by Pakistan in critical times. The meeting emphasized the need for further broadening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, culture and defence.
The Ambassador said that efforts are being made by UAE to further increase investment in Pakistan in different sectors.

Business community should play its due role for development, prosperity: PM

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said the government is committed to resolve the problems being faced by common man on war footing despite numerous challenges which the previous government has left as its legacy.
He was talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI), which called on him here at the Prime Minister House this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that the people of Pakistan have given a clear mandate in favour of the moderate and democratic forces of the country and reposed their confidence on our programmes.
He said the government would do its level best to come up to the expectations of the people and all out efforts would be made to bring political and economic stability in the country.
The Prime Minister said the country is facing several serious challenges including power and wheat crises, adding, the government is preparing a strategy to deal with these issues and would take all stakeholders into confidence.
He said that food crisis could have been averted if timely decisions were taken by the previous government.
The Prime Minister said the government would provide a level-playing field to both local and foreign investors to enable them to take advantage of the economic opportunities which the country offers.
He said the government believes that the business community is an asset for the country which should play its due role towards development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister told the delegation that soon after assuming office he held meetings with business leaders in order to get first hand information about their problems which, he said, would be resolved on priority basis.
He said the government will pursue the strategy of enhancing trade and export volume.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of the problems being faced by the business community and assured their full support for the government’s 100-day austerity programme.
They informed the Prime Minister that the business community has unanimously decided to use energy savers instead of bulbs in addition to switching off neon signs at their businesses as a gesture of support towards the government’s energy conservation drive.
They also said that the business community of Islamabad considers it a social responsibility to contribute towards the education of youth and said that programmes will be initiated for imparting training and formal education to the employees’ children free of cost. They are also planning to start medical facility for the needy people.

Sherry sorrow over Nadim Malik mother death’

ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman expressed her profound sorrow over the sad demise of the mother of senior journalist Nadim Malik.
She prayed that may Allah Almighty bless the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude, says a press release here on Monday.

India using election dramas to legitimise occupation: Gilani

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

ISLAMABAD : In occupied Kashmir, senior Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani urging people to boycott the so-called elections has said that India is using these elections to malign the ongoing liberation movement in different international forums.
Syed Ali Gilani was addressing a seminar organized by the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and titled “Self-determination and elections under occupation”, KMS reported.
Attacking India for not being serious to resolve the Kashmir dispute, Syed Ali Gilani said, “India has signed almost eighteen resolutions in the United Nations about Kashmir but has failed to implement them,” adding, “It has used all means to crush the genuine demand of Kashmiri people.”
He further added that the root cause of the dispute was the conspiracy of British and the Indian National Congress at the time of division of the sub-continent into two dominions namely Pakistan and India.
Hurriyet leader said though according to the UN resolutions these elections in the occupied territory have no bearing on the Kashmir dispute, but India was using the elections to legitimise its illegal occupation of the disputed territory.
Coming hard at the pro-Indian parties, Syed Ali Gilani maintained that they were responsible for strengthening the Indian occupation of Kashmir and facilitating the implementation of draconian laws like Disturbed Area Act, which gives license to Indian troops to kill people on mere suspicion.
Enumerating scores of incidents including massacres,custodial killings, arson and arrests that have taken place during the rule of the pro-Indian parties, Syed Ali Gilani stressed that the leaders of these parties including Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad were involved in the genocide of Kashmiris and should be tried in the international court of justice.

Syed Ali Shah Gilani
Syed Ali Geelani is one of the renowned leaders of the Islamic Movement and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. He is one of the few leaders of the held Kashmir who raised his voice effectively and forcefully against the Indian occupation. He has spent 14 years of his life in prison and has thus become one of the few public leaders to spend so long a period of his life in prison. He is one of the few persons who strengthened the Islamic Movement in Kashmir and is, again one of the few persons who have been leading the Islamic forces quite admirably. During the past 50 years he has manfully braved persecution and faced tremendous difficulties.Syed Ali Geelani commenced his struggle in 1950. Afterwards he associated himself with the Islami Movement which under the name of Jama'at-e-Islami had started its crusade against the Indian imperialism right from 1947 when India committed her ignominious military interference under the garb of a questionable Accession by the fugitive autocratic ruler of the State.It was on August 28, 1962, at the age of 30 years, that Syed Ali Geelani was for the first time arrested and imprisoned. He had to remain in prison for 13 months. During this imprisonment his father passed away but he was not allowed to participate in his obsequies.On 7th of March 1965 Mr. Syed Ali Geelani along with several of his companions was arrested and imprisoned on charges of having secret contacts with Pakistan. He was set free after one year and ten months.In between 1967 and 1977 he was several times alternately jailed and released.In the month of October, 1983, when a cricket match between India and West Indies was scheduled to be played in the State Capital, Srinagar, it was Mr Syed Ali Geelani who vociferously opposed the holding of the match on the plea that Kashmir, being a disputed territory and not a legitimate part of India, could not be a proper venue for the match. He was jailed and tried in the court of law at the behest of the government of India. Seeing that crowds of people would remain in and outside the court room during the proceedings. The government arranged to hold in-camera trial.Again. from 1983 to 1986 he was several times put behind the bars 20 months & 10 months.In 1972 Mr. Syed Ali Geelani returned to the State Legislative Assembly on the ticket of Jama'at-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir.For sometime i.e. from 1987 to 1989, he was actively associated with the combined of eleven parties namely, The Muslim United Front whose appearance had a far reaching effect on the politics of the State. It was after his release in 1986 from a fairly long incarceration that he started a campaign for attracting the Muslim youth towards jihad (holy war) against the continued occupation of Kashmir by India. Almost all his lectures and discourses were full of the powerful rhetoric in favour of this jihad. On 7th of September 1986 during his incarceration he experienced cardiac trouble and was kept under the Intensive Care. During the illness the rumour of his death brought his followers and well-wishers on to the streets in rallies and processions Upon the contradiction by the government broadcast over the radio the worried followers and admirers across the valley heaved a sigh of relief.From March 1987 to 1989 Syed Ali Geelani effectively led the Muslim United Front within the Legislative Assembly and kept on highlighting the Kashmir problem to the utter chagrin and discomfiture of Indian government and its local supporters. When in 1989 the armed resistance against the continued Indian presence in the State began he alongwith his colleagues in the Front resigned his seat in the Legislature to join the public in support of the said resistance. All the Pro-freedom parties joined in a new combine under the name of Tahreek-e-Hurriyat with the reputed advocated Miyaan Abdul Qayoom as its chairman. The Indian government responded with a ban on all the constituents of this combine and got the leaders of these constituents arrested. Mr. Syed Ali Geelani was among those arrested and shifted to torture centre before sending them to different prisons in India.By the end of 1991 Syed Ali Geelani along with the other jailed leaders were brought to the Indian capital, New Delhi where they were offered conditional release which they rejected vehehemently.To sum up, Syed Ali Geelani is a sincere, capable and courageous leader who has been constantly influencing the Kashmiri youth with his sincerity of purpose perseverance and steely determination. who has inspired by his indominatable fighting spirit which has kept the flame of the struggle for the Kashmiris right of self-determination burning in the hearts of the millions of the freedom-loving people of the State.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani - A Profile Name : Syed Ali Geelani S/o : Syed Peer Shah Geelani Place of birth : Zoori Munz, Tehsil Bandipora, District Baramullah Date of birth : 27-9-1929 (Twenty Seventh September, Nineteen Hundred and Twenty Nine) Educational Qualification: i) Adeeb-e-Aalim, Punjab Universityii) Adeeb-e-Faazil, University of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.iii) Munshi Faazil, University of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.Started his career in 1949 as a government teacher and taught in the following institutions during the brief tenure:* Primary School, Pather Masjid, Srinagar.* High School, Rainawari, Srinagar.* Middle School, Kani Kaddal, Srinagar.* Middle School, Bomai, Sopore* Intermediate College, Sopore.* Middle School, Dangarpora, Sopore.MIGRATED in 1950 from Zoori Munz to Duroo, Zainagear, Tehsil Sopore. Became member of Jama'at-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir in 1953.RESIGNED from the government service in 1959.Held the following offices in the Jama'at-e-Islami: Ameer-e-Halqa Sopore; Ameer District Baramulla; Qayim-e-Jama'at; Editor 'Azaan'- the Party's official organ; acting Ameere-Jama'at; Chairman Political Bureau; editor 'Tuloo'.Details of imprisonment spread over for 28th August 1962 to 9th June, 2002: Date of Arrest Detention Period 1st Imprisonment 28-08-1962 13 months2nd" 07-05-1965 22 months3rd " 05-07-1975 04 months4th" 07-12-1975 04 months5th" August 1980 04 months6th" 06-03-1984 10 months7th" 28-01-1985 20 months8th" 10-04-1990 24 months9th" 22-10-1993 12 months10th" 1995 03 months11th" 1999 07 months12" 09-06-2002 10 monthsSo many times house arrested by the Government. Especially on the occasion of Eid and Friday's Prayers.Details of participation in various elections to State Legislature: Year of Election Result 1972 Victory 1977 Victory 1987 Victory Resigned the Assembly seat on 30th August, 1989Books Authored: A Pamphlet in urdu titled "Vinoba Bhave Say Mulaqaat"Aulad-e-Ibraheem (Pamphlet)Ek Pahloo Yeh Bhi Hai Kashmir ki Tasweer Ka (Pamphlet)Qisa-e-Dard First EditionQisa-e-Dard Second EditionRoodad-e-Oafas IRoodad-e-Oafas IIRoodad-e-Oatas III (Script seized by the BSF on 09-03-1993) Muqadama IlhaqMalit-e-MazloomToo Baki NahienMera Payan aur HaiKargilTalakh HakayakEllan-e-JangbandiHijrat Aur ShadatKralkhud se Joidhpur TakQurbaniKari Jahan Bay SabatKuno AnsarullahRehrawani IshiqSahadat Gaye UlfatUmedi BaharWa Tasimu Bi Hablillahi JamiaIqbal Apni Paygam ki Roshni MainRasool-e-Rehmat(pbuh) Asri Hazir MainSadaie Dard -ISadaie Dard -IISadaie Dard -III11 September ka Bad "Paschi Bayad Karad"Shayad Ki Utar Jayay Tera Dil Main Meri BaatPayam-e-AkhreenMaqtal Se WapseeNawa-e-Hurriyat-e-KashmirA letter to V.P. Singh, an Ex-Prime Minister of India.A letter to Chandra Shekhar an Ex-Prime Minister of India.Qual-e-Faisal-Deposition addressed to the tribunal.Deed-u-ShaneedEid Paygam, 2004, 2005Present Public Positions. Chairman, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and KashmirChairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

AddressRehmatanbad Hyderpora Srinigar Kashmir 190014Telefax. 91-0194-2439774Mobile. E.Mail. geelanisyedali@yahoo.co.in

Head Office:Rehmatabad Hyderpora, Srinagar, occupied KashmirPhone: 0091-194-2432892, Fax: 0091-194-2439774

PTV’s Saraiki channel to promote area’s culture: PM

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said southern Punjab is rich in cultural heritage which needs to be promoted for next generations. In a message on the launch of Saraiki channel by Pakistan Television (PTV) in Multan, Prime Minister Gilani said the step would help promote the rich heritage of ‘Saraiki Belt’.
The Prime Minister said Multan’s land is fertile with unique cultural traditions which need to be preserved through proper projection.
He said the start of channel would not only project the widely spoken Saraiki language of the area, but also help local artistes find a platform to polish their mastery.
Gilani said his government would focus on preserving cultures of various areas in the country, which altogether formed a beautiful combination of civilization.
Saraiki also called Multani, is an Indo-Aryan language mostly spoken in Southern Punjab and northern Sindh by about 30 million people, according to a 1998 census.
Saraiki is widely spoken in southern Punjab in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Mailsi, Mianwali, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajan Pur and Bahawalpur. It is also spoken in NWFP areas specially in Dera Ismail Khan, Kulachi, Tank and Lakki Marwat.

Official's Issue Photos April 21, 2008

Pak forces alone authorize to take action in Pak territory: Musharraf

RAWALPINDI: British Foreign Minister, David Miliband currently on a visit to Pakistan today called on President Pervez Musharraf here, when the President reiterated that Pakistan forces were alone authorized to take action in the territory within Pakistan, while David Miliband said that the talks with the militants laying down arms would help in mellowing down terrorism. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Britain, boosting cooperation in different sectors, regional situation, terrorism and all other matters of mutual interests were discussed threadbare in the meeting between the British Foreign Minister, David Miliband and President Pervez Musharraf held at the Presidential Camp Office here. Sources told that President Musharraf on this occasion rubbished this impression given by the Western media that the allied forces have the permission to take action even in the Pakistan areas. President Musharraf said that the cooperation in war against terrorism would continue, as this war was in the interests of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for this war.Both the leaders agreed on boosting cooperation in the political, economic, industrial and other sectors. Sources told that David Miliband on this occasion said that Britain and the world community want peace in the tribal areas besides at the borders and for this all possible help would be extended. He said that Britain supports the policy of holding talks with the surrendering militants, as this would help control the terrorism. British foreign minister said that the Frontier people were being mostly hurt by terrorism, who would be helped getting rid off it by extending all out cooperation to Pakistan. He lauded the steps taken for the democratic dispensation and strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan and offered all possible support in this regard also.

PPP, MQM to start fresh talks for power-sharing in Sindh

KARACHI — Fresh talks for reconciliation and a possible power-sharing between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Sindh are likely to resume in the next few days on the insistence of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The prime minister who was in Karachi on Saturday and met members of Sindh cabinet clearly stated that his government would pursue an integrated policy in all provinces and would prefer all parties to play their role for the progress and stability of the country that was passing through the most critical phase in the history.
During the meeting the prime minister emphasised that “it is his government’s desire that all political forces join hands on an issue-to-issue basis in Sindh” — remarks many political observers believe are a clear signal from Islamabad for resumption of talks with the MQM. During the meeting participants agreed that the MQM was a reality and could not be ignored and its sitting on the opposition benches could prove detrimental to peace efforts in the province.
The meeting was of the opinion that it would be in the best interest of the country and the province that all possible efforts should be made for accommodating the MQM in the democratic set-up. Efforts for a possible power-sharing in Sindh ended last week when the MQM decided to sit on opposition benches citing PPP’s ‘non-serious’ attitude and the large-scale postings of law enforcement personnel including the controversial Dr Shoaib Suddle as the reasons for its decision.
However, majority of the Sindh PPP leaders believe that the ‘non-serious attitude’ charge and postings of law enforcement personnel in the province were just mere excuses and the real reason behind talks breakdown was MQM’s insistence on having certain ministries in the province as well as governorship.
Although talks between the two parties are apparently over, some second-tier PPP leaders claim through Press statements that there is no deadlock and both sides are still in contact to find ways to remove misgivings.
Other issues discussed at the prime minister’s meeting with Sindh ministers were provincial autonomy, NFC award, water distribution and supply of wheat. The prime minister assured the meeting that provincial autonomy was a serious issue and would be decided to everyone’s satisfaction.

‘Aitzaz will not be allowed to contest by-elections’

ISLAMABAD — A senior PPP Senator and member of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Latif Khosa has said that Aitzaz Ahsan would not be allowed by the lawyer community to take part in the coming by-elections.
Talking to reporters after a meeting of the Pakistan Bar Council, Senator Khosa said hundreds of lawyers were stopped from contesting elections due to his (Aitzaz Ahsan’s) decision of boycotting the general elections 2008. Senator Khosa said the council took serious note of the decision of Aitzaz Ahsan for taking part in the by-elections and issued notice to him for explaining the matter.
He said a person who boycotted the general elections despite requests by colleagues not to do so has no moral authority to take part in the by-elections.
Aitzaz has applied for PPP ticket to contest by-election from the Rawalpindi seat where PML-N leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi defeated Shaikh Rashid Ahmed. Aitzaz says he has been assured support by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif but insisted that he would contest only if the PPP awarded him the ticket.
Aitzaz withdrew from elections in December last year in response to a decision by lawyers’ movement to boycott the elections. But he maintains that personally he had opposed the boycott but submitted to the collective decision of the movement.
Khosa said Aitzaz Ahsan should tender an apology to the lawyers community for depriving hundreds of lawyers from contesting elections and even the PPP lost a number of seats due to the boycott decision. “We will put this matter on the agenda of the PBC at its next meeting,” he said.
In an oblique reference to Aitzaz’s campaign for restoration of judges, Khosa said parliament as the sovereign forum would decide the issue and ‘no one can dictate parliament’.
Khosa’s claim about notice to Aitzaz was challenged by many PBC members. Law Minister Farooq Naek said the meeting only elected a vice-chairman and did not discuss any other issue.

Parliament may adopt resolution on judges this week

ISLAMABAD — A parliamentary resolution promised by top leaders of the PPP and the PML-N in the Murree Declaration for restoration of deposed judges is likely to be adopted this week, reliable sources here said.
The resolution would be moved in the National Assembly which is currently in session. It was due to be prorogued last Friday but was extended till April 25. The resolution would be moved before the session concludes, a PPP source here said.
PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif met in Islamabad last week amid growing doubts about the restoration of sacked judges, in particular Iftikhar Chaudhry.
There were speculations that the PPP is dragging its feet on the issue under pressure from the United States and a desire to avoid direct confrontation with President Pervez Musharraf at this stage. Media reports said that Musharraf may invoke the Article 52 (b) of the constitution to dissolve the National Assembly.
But the two leaders reaffirmed their pledge to implement the Murree Declaration that promised restoration of judges within 30 days after formation of the federal government. PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar later said the judges would be reinstated “whatever the consequences”.
Law Minister Farooq Naek in the meantime said the coalition government is committed to restoring deposed judges according to the Murree Declaration. “There should be no confusion about it,” he said.

Ouster of Musharraf will solve many problems:Sharif

LAHORE — The deposed judges of superior courts will stand restored as a result of a resolution to be passed by the National Assembly and an executive order to be issued by the government, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif says.
He told reporters here that most of the country’s problems would be solved when the judiciary got independent and President Pervez Musharraf quit.
He said if the democratic system had to sustain, the president would have to step down.
Answering a question, he said the ouster of the president was getting closer by the day.
In case he did not resign, the PML-N leader said, the coalition would have to go for his impeachment. “There will be no other way out.” He told a questioner that now all decisions would be taken by parliament.
In a related development, senior minister of the Punjab cabinet, Raja Riaz said the PPP was working with President Musharraf and had also no objection to working with Governor Khalid Maqbool.
He told reporters that the PPP had no problem working with the president and the governor within the limits set by the constitution.
Meanwhile, a JUI-F leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed says ousting the president is not an easy task as he is wearing a ‘suicide bomber’s jacket’.
He said either the president or the perpetrators of those planning to dislodge him would have to go.
He regretted that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had invited an unconstitutional president to address parliament. He proposed that the 17th amendment should be annulled by a new amendment to the basic law.

Zardari says he will become prime minister ‘if needed’

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has said that the ‘Establishment’ that brought Gen. Pervez Musharraf to power was now involved in ‘palace intrigues’ against the new democratic government.
‘The same forces’ had asked Benazir Bhutto to boycott the 2007 elections, he said.
“When she refused to do so, they threatened to restrict her to the province of Sindh,” Zardari said in an interview with foreign urdu service.
He said he would contest the June 3 by-elections and might assume the office of prime minister ‘if needed’. Zardari was persistently questioned if he could guarantee that he would not become the prime minister.
He refused and said he would assume the office if it were needed.
He said people had voted for the new government so that it would change the system and the coalition was committed to this.
The PPP co-chairman said the government will restore all judges sacked on November 3.
He said a constitutional judicial reforms package was also likely to be moved in parliament. He said he wanted to strengthen the judiciary so that it would not succumb to the executive’s pressure.
Zardari said the foreign minister would formally write to the United Nations within two weeks to ask for a UN-led probe into Benazir’s killing. He said his sister Faryal Talpur and he would file nomination papers for the by-elections from the National Assembly seat Benazir contested from.
He said Benazir Bhutto had not nominated him, but his sister Faryal Talpur, as the guardian of her children in her will.
Agencies add: Zardari said the new government is avoiding a showdown with President Pervez Musharraf for now because it lacks the support needed to impeach him.
He said the new government would only confront the president if it can muster the two-thirds majority in parliament needed to impeach him.
“The parliament and the president have a formal relationship. For the time being, we are not breaking up that status quo. We don’t have that power,” Zardari added.
“For the sake of the country, we don’t want confrontation. But this doesn’t mean we accept him (Musharraf). If we get the two-thirds majority we will think about making him accountable,” Zardari said.
In this context, he noted that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had secured a confidence vote by more than a two-thirds majority “but some members might not vote for the president’s accountability”.
According to Zardari, the people had voted for a new dispensation in the general elections that had seen a coalition comprising the PPP and the PML-N come to power and that the new government was committed to taking the process forward.
“People have voted for us to bring about change ... changing the system. We will bring change, but its timing depends on circumstances,” he added.
On the coalition’s relations with Musharraf, Zardari said the status quo would be maintained.
Zardari also brushed aside suggestions of a love-hate relationship with the president, saying he neither loved nor hated Musharraf.
The coalition partners, he said, were sitting in an assembly that was not the president’s ‘personal fief’ but ‘their own assembly’. Musharraf too had a role to play in the new set-up and ‘we want to maintain the status quo’.
Asked whether he and his party had accepted Musharraf because of political expediency, Zardari replied: “No. We have done so because of our wish to get the requisite political support.”

Energy on agenda for Ahmadinejad India visit

NEW DELHI - Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will stop in New Delhi next week on a brief "working visit" to be topped by talks on two multi-billion dollar energy deals, an official said on Monday.
Ahmadinejad will arrive here on April 29 after a two-day state visit to India's southern neighbour Sri Lanka, and leave later that day, the foreign ministry official said.
During his stay, Ahmadinejad's first to India, he will meet his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the official said.
"Energy issues are on the agenda for talks," said the official, who declined to give more details.
Energy-hungry India, which imports more than 70 percent of its energy needs, has been racing to secure new supplies of oil and gas from abroad besides ramping up domestic production to sustain its booming economic growth.
New Delhi has been in talks with Iran, which has the world's second largest known gas reserves after Russia, on two major projects.
Talks on supplying gas to India via Pakistan through a 2,600-kilometre (1,615-mile) pipeline, which began in 1994, have been stalled by tensions between India and Pakistan as well as disagreements over pricing and transit fees.
India has also been under pressure from the United States not to do business with Iran, viewed in Washington as a state sponsor of terrorism and seen as bent on acquiring nuclear weapons.
Another deal with Tehran, signed in 2005 for the supply of five million tonnes of gas per year for 25 years, has also stalled over price disputes.
On the diplomatic front, Tehran has been angered by India's votes against it at the International Atomic Energy Agency and its commercial launch of an Israeli spy satellite in January.

IAEA official arrives in Teheran to probe N weapons claims

TEHERAN - Deputy head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Olli Heinonen arrived in Teheran early on Monday to talk with Iranian officials about nuclear weapons claims provided to the agency.
During his two-day stay in Iran, Heinonen, who is the head of an IAEA unit that investigates whether countries have secret nuclear programmes, will probe whether the Islamic country has special weapons studies.
IAEA General Secretary Mohammed ElBaradei said on Thursday a delegation from the UN nuclear watchdog would viecial weapons system.
An unnamed Iranian official, in an interview with state news agency IRNA on Monday, did not rule out talks over the weapons claims and said holding such negotiations shows Iran's good will in its nuclear row with the West.
But Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini on Sunday played down the claims about alleged 'weaponisation studies' and said Heinonen's visit was within the framework of Tehran-IAEA cooperation.
'These are baseless and unfounded allegations. We have presented our evaluation to the agency regarding the alleged studies,' Hosseini said in a news conference in Tehran.
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei circulated a progress report on an the investigation into Iran's nuclear programme last February, saying that open questions remained on alleged weaponization studies, including high explosives testing, the uranium refining processing stage known as 'green salt,' and the design of a missile re-entry vehicle.
The West fears that Iran seeks atomic weapons. Tehran denies this, saying its nuclear programme is peaceful and aimed at generating electricity.
The United Nations Security Council has already issued three resolutions against Iran, including sanctions, for defying the suspension of its nuclear programmes, especially the uranium enrichment process.

Summer of love

The Hollywood 'A' list couple has shunned a big celebrity-packed affair for an intimate and non-religious ceremony at their retreat in Santa Barbara
BRAD PITT and Angelina Jolie are planning a secret summer wedding - and the event could lead to a reconciliation between Angelina and her estranged actor father Jon Voight.
A famously private couple, Brad and Angelina have shunned a big celebrity-packed affair for an intimate and non-religious ceremony at their retreat in Santa Barbara in early June, with only close family and friends present.
Angelina - who has been estranged from Voight since 2002 after a family rift - has handed her father an olive branch and asked him to walk her down the aisle.
'Since they started talking by phone in January, Angie has thought about asking Jon to give her away,' a friend says.
'When Angie and Brad started seriously discussing a wedding, the issue of Angie reconciling with her dad came up again and again.
'Angie came around after her brother intervened and strongly urged her to bury the hatchet.'
Although a quiet wedding is planned, there will be a smattering of stars. 'George Clooney and Matt Damon will be going, but other than a few film executive friends, it will be a Hollywood-free zone,' adds the friend.
'Angelina and Brad want a low-key ceremony. No one will know it's a wedding until they arrive. 'Instead, they are billing it as a summer barbecue and joint birthday party for Angie and daughter Shiloh.
'Brad is picking out cases of his favourite drinks from nearby Santa Maria and Paso Robles and Angelina is busy organising the cake.'

Punjab Assembly speaker vows to conduct house with impartiality

SANGLAHILL: Speaker Punjab Assembly, Rana Iqbal Khan has said that new policies to expedite progress in the country and address common man’s needs will be shaped out by the coalition government. He was was talking to a delegation, led by JUI’s senior vice president Punjab Sahibzada Ghulam Murtaza, which called on him on Monday.
The Speaker said that he will conduct the house with utmost impartiality to facilitate provincial legislature dispense its important obligations.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of Mohammed Nawaz Sharif PML-N Chief and party president Shahbaz Sharif and hoped that the new government would soon be able to control the multiple crisis it has inherited from the previous regime.

Pakistan conducts long range ballistic missile Hatf VI launch

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Monday successfully conducted the first training launch of long range ballistic missile Hatf VI, (Shaheen-II) weapon system. The launch was conducted by Army Strategic Force Command and marked the culmination of a field training exercise.
According to ISPR, it validated the operational readiness of a strategic missile group equipped with Shaheen-II missile.
Shaheen-II is Pakistan’s longest range ballistic missile system with a range of 2000km. It is a two stage solid fuel missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Today’s launch exercise was witnessed by the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir and a large number of senior military officers, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.
The Chief of Naval Staff congratulated all ranks of the Army Strategic Forces on the high standards achieved during training which was reflected in the successful launch and the accuracy of the missile at the target.
He said Pakistan can be justifiably proud of its defence capability and the reliability of its nuclear deterrence.
The Chief of Naval Staff appreciated the efforts of all personnel, civilian and military, whose dedication and professionalism had made it possible for Pakistan to fully consolidate and operationalize its nuclear capability.
The capability, he said formed the bedrock of Pakistan’s security policy and will continue to be enhanced.

پاکستان کا المیہ اور سیاستدانوں کا کردار تحریر سلطان محمود شاہین

حالیہ انتخابات کے بعد پاکستان میں مرکز اور صوبوں کی سطح پر نئی حکومتیں وجود میں آچکی ہیں ۔ اور انہوں نے اپنی اپنی ترجیحات کے مطابق اپنا کام شروع کر دیا ہے ۔ آئیے ذرا ہم اپنے آغازِ جمہوریت پر ایک نظر دوڑاتے ہیں ۔ جناب لیاقت بلوچ نے فرمایا کہ مشرف کے خلاف لوگوں کی نفرت ، شدت اور انتہا پسندی میں تبدیل ہو چکی ہے ۔ وکلاءکی قیادت بھی لوگوں کے جذبات کو قابو میں نہیں رکھ پا رہی کسی بڑے حادثے سے بچنے کے لئے افتخار چوہدری سمیت دیگر ججز کو بحال کر کے مشرف اقتدار چھوڑ دیں ۔ جناب عمران خان نے فرمایا کہ معزول ججز کی بحالی میں رکاوٹ ڈالنے کی اجازت نہیں دی جائے گی ۔ ججز کی عدم بحالی پر حکومت چند مہینے بھی نہ چل سکے گی ۔ اقتدار بچانے کے لئے پرویز مشرف کے ساتھ چلنے والی جماعت سیاسی خود کشی اور عوام سے غداری کرے گی ۔ جناب اعتزاز احسن نے فرمایا کہ شیر افگن پر تشدد کی سازش ایوانِ صدر میں تیار کی گئی ۔ جناب جاوید ہاشمی نے فرما یا کہ ایوانِ صدر میں وکلاءتحریک کو بدنام اور تقسیم کرنے کی سازش ہو رہی ہے ۔ ڈاکٹر شیر افگن سے بد سلوکی اس سازش کا حصہ ہے ۔ ان پر تشدد لال مسجد سے بڑا واقعہ نہیں ۔ مائنس ون کا فارمولا اب پرویز مشرف پر لاگو ہونا چاہیے ۔ ملک کے مسائل اس وقت تک حل نہیں ہو سکتے جب تک صدر پرویز مشرف صدارت کے عہدے سے الگ نہیں ہو جاتے ۔ ملک میں ایسی طاقت موجود ہے جو جمہوریت کے سارے عمل کو سبو تاژ کر نا چاہتی ہے ۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ ڈاکٹر شیر افگن کو گورنر اپنے ساتھ لیکر کیوں گئے ۔ میاں شہباز شریف نے رائے ونڈ میں خطاب کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ سابق وفاقی وزیر ڈاکٹر شیرافگن پر تشدد کی سازش ایوانِ صدر میں تیار کی گئی۔ کراچی میں ہنگامے بھی اسی سازش کا حصہ ہیں ۔ جناب سعد رفیق اور صدیق الفاروق نے کہا کہ متحدہ نے اصل چہرہ دکھا دیا واقعات کی عدالتی تحقیقات کروائی جائیں ۔انہوں نے حکومت میں شمولیت کے لئے سخت پیغام دیا ۔ ہمیں پہلے ہی ان سے تحفظات تھے ۔متحدہ مجلس عمل کے رہنما حافظ حسین احمد نے کہا ہے کہ ابھی انتخاب ہوا ہے انتقالِ اقتدار نہیں۔ کیوں کہ کبھی کسی آمر نے اپنے انتقالِ پُرملال سے پہلے انتقالِ اقتدار نہیں کیا ۔ اس لئے خدشہ ہے کہ ڈاکٹر ارباب رحیم اور ڈاکٹر شیر افگن کے مارپیٹ کے شارٹ کورسز کے بعد نئی نویلی جمہوریت کے راستے مسدُود ہو سکتے ہیں ان کا کہنا تھا کہ منتخب لوگوں کی بجائے غیر منتخب کرداروں رحمن ملک، حسین حقانی اور سلمان فاروقی جیسے افراد کو مُسلط کیا جارہا ہے یہ سلسلہ جاری رہا تو پھر اسمبلی پانچ سال پورے کرتی نظر نہیں آتی ۔ راجہ پرویز اشرف کا بیا ن ہے کہ کالا باغ ڈیم یا وفاق میں سے کسی ایک کو چُننا پڑا تو وفاق کو ترجیح دیں گے ۔ وزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب جناب دوست محمد کھوسہ نے اپنے حلف کے بعد فرمایا کہ وزیر اعلیٰ ہائوس کو خواتین کی انفارمیشن ٹیکنالوجی یونیورسٹی بنانے کا اعلان شہباز شریف نے 8کلب روڈ پرکیا تھا میں باقاعدہ اعلان کرتا ہوں کہ وزیر اعلیٰ ہائوس کو خواتین کی انفارمیشن ٹیکنالوجی یونیورسٹی میں تبدیل کیا جارہا ہے ۔ سابق وزیر اعلیٰ کی بُلّٹ پروف گاڑیاں نیلام کر کے رقم پبلک ٹرانسپورٹ پر خرچ کریں گے ۔ عوام پر ظلم کرنے والے جمہوریت دشمن سابق حکمران جلد انجام کو پہنچنے والے ہیں ۔آمریت کے مکمل خاتمہ تک احتجاج جاری رکھیں گے ۔ ان بیانات کی روشنی میں یہی ظاہر ہوتا ہے کہ جو بھی نئی حکومت آتی ہے اسے موجودہ تمام بحران ورثے میں ملتے ہیں ۔ لیکن وہ انھیں حل کرنے کی بجائے اس کا ملبہ سابقہ حکمرانوں پر ڈال کر خود کو ایڈہاک ازم پر چلانا شروع کر دیتی ہے۔ آخر یہ سلسلہ کہاں تک جا کر رکے گا ۔ خواتین یونیورسٹی کا قیام ایک مستحسن فیصلہ ہے لیکن اس کے لئے مخصوص کردہ وزیر اعلیٰ سیکرٹریٹ بلڈنگ بہت ہی ناکافی ہے ۔ اس کے لئے ایک وسیع و عریض رقبے کی ضرورت ہے ۔ کہیں ایسا تو نہیں کہ اس فیصلہ کے ذریعے وزیر اعلیٰ سیکرٹریٹ پر غیر ضروری اخراجات کے الزامات عائد کر کے سابقہ حکمرانوں کو سیاسی انتقام کی بھینٹ چڑھانا مقصود ہو ۔ بہر حال ایسے اقدامات کے لئے اس کے دور رس مضمرات کو پیش نظر رکھنا نہایت ضروری ہے ۔ وزیر اعلیٰ سندھ سید قائم علی شاہ نے کہا کہ کالا باغ ڈیم نہیں بننے دیں گے سانحہ کراچی کی تحقیقات ہونی چاہیے ۔درج بالا امو ر کو پیشِ نظر رکھتے ہوئے کیا یہ پاکستان اور اس کے غریب عوام کے لئے المیہ نہیں ہے کہ انہیں کے نام پر مُلک میں سیاست کھیلی جاتی ہے جب کہ عوام کا اس میں ذرا برابر ہاتھ نہیں ہوتا ۔ اور اس سے بڑا ظلمِ عظیم یہ ہے کہ قوم ، ملک ، فوج اور سیاستدانوں کی تقدیر کے فیصلے بھی ایسے لوگوں کے ہاتھ میں آجاتے ہیں جو فی الحال پارلیمنٹ سے باہر ہوتے ہیں ۔ کیا یہ حقیقت نہیں ہے کہ ہم ججز کی بحالی کے سلسلے میں ابھی تک عوام الناس اور سیاستدانوں کو بھی قائل نہیں کر سکے اور یہ تحریک تا حال وکلاءتک ہی پوری جانفشانی سے چل رہی ہے ورنہ کیا مجا ل تھی کہ ابھی تک معزول ججز بحال نہ ہوتے ۔ آخر اس رکاوٹ کی وجوہات تلاش کر کے اُنہیں دور کیوں نہیں کیا جاتا ۔ جناب جسٹس (ر) وجیہہ الدین کا بیان ہے کہ پیپلز پارٹی کو بے نظیر بھٹو کی شہادت اور نواز شریف کو ججز کی بحالی کے نعرے پر ووٹ ملے انہیں ہر صورت عوامی مینڈیٹ کا احترام کرنا چاہیے ۔ جناب علی احمد کرد کا بیا ن ہے کہ وکلاءسے ٹکرانے کی صور ت میں دما دم مست قلندر ہو گا ۔ عوامی انقلاب کی قوت ایٹم بم سے بھی زیادہ ہے ۔ ایم کیو ایم سمیت کسی سیاسی جماعت سے نہیں ڈرتے ۔ معزول ججز کی بحالی کا کائونٹ ڈائون 31مارچ سے شروع ہو چکا ہے ۔ ان بیانا ت کی روشنی میں یہی عرض ہے کہ عوام کو تو فی الحال اپنے روٹی ،دال اور بجلی کی آنکھ مچولی سے جان چھڑانے کی پڑی ہوئی ہے ۔ ملتان کے حالیہ واقعات اس کا منہ بولتا ثبوت ہیں ۔ ججز کے معاملات کی سطح تک ان کے پہنچ ہی نہیں ہے ۔، ہماری وکلاءبرادری میں بھی صرف چند قانون دان ایسے ہیں جو دھونس ، دھمکیوں اور بلیک میلنگ کی سیاست کے ذریعے حکومت سے عدلیہ کا بحران حل کرانا چاہتے ہیں ۔اور ایسے لگتا ہے جیسے یہ لوگ صبر کا دامن ہاتھ سے چھوڑ کر ہر صورت میں مرنے مارنے پر تیار ہو گئے ہیں ۔یہ ہمارے لئے لمحہ فکریہ ہے ۔ کیا ہمارے ضمیر مردہ ہوگئے ہیں کیا ہم صرف نام نہاد مسلمان رہ گئےہیں جو صرف اپنی مرضی کے فیصلے چاہتے ہیں لیکن فکرو سوچ کے میدان میں کوئی تخلیقی کوئی تعمیری کام نہیں کرنا چاہتے ۔ اور سابقہ زیر تعمیر ڈھانچے کو بھی گرا کر اس کے ملبے پر اپنی سیاست کی نئی عمارت تعمیر کرنا چاہتے ہیں ۔ افسوس ہے ایسی زندگی پر جسے ہم نے خود غرضی کی بھینٹ چڑھا کر دُنیا کی دُھول میں گم کر دیا اور آخرت کی ہمیشہ کی ناکامی خود پر مسلط کر لی ۔ قرآن کریم میں اللہ تعالیٰ کا ارشاد ہے "کل فی فلک "جس کا ترجمہ ہے ہر شے اپنے محور پر تیرتی ہے محور ایک ایسی چیز ہے کہ اگر غور کیا جائے تو مذکورہ آیت مبارک اپنے معنی و مفہوم کے ساتھ ساتھ حروف کے اعتبار سے بھی اپنے محور پر تیر رہی ہے یا گردش کر رہی ہے ۔ اس سے یہ نتیجہ اخذ ہوتا ہے کہ دُنیا کا ہر شخص اور ہر شے اپنے محور کے گرد عمل و کردار کا سرکل مکمل کر کے واپس اُسی نکتے پر آن ٹھہرتا ہے ۔قرآن حکیم ایک ایسی محکم کتا ب ہے جس کی حفاظت کا ذمہ خود اللہ تعالیٰ نے لیا ہے دنیا کے بیشتر کلام جھوٹ ہو سکتے ہیں بڑے سے بڑے سربراہ یا دانشور کا قول بھی جھوٹ ہو سکتا ہے لیکن فرمانِ باری تعالیٰ میں کسی قسم کا کوئی شک و شبہ نہیں کیا جا سکتا ۔ یہ ہمارا اجتماعی قومی المیہ ہے کہ ہم اپنے سابقہ کردارو عمل سے سبق حاصل کرنے کی بجائے پھر سے وہی غلطیاں دہرانی شروع کر دیتے ہیں جن کی بنا پر اللہ تعالیٰ نے اپنی رسی کھنچ کر ہمیں کچھ وقت کے لئے پسِ منظر میں دھکیل دیا تھا ۔ جب ہمیں دوبارہ وہی غلطیاں دہرانے کی پاداش میں سخت سزا ملتی ہے تو پھر ہم ضبط و تحمل اور قرارو اطیمنان کے تمام دائروں سے باہر نکل جاتے ہیں ۔ جبکہ بنظر خلوص و محبت دیکھا جا ے تو ملک کے تمام ادارے پارلیمنٹ، فوج، عدلیہ ، سول سرونٹس ، صحافت ،ایوان صدر۔ ایوان وزیر آعظم اور اہم شخصیات نہایت ہی محترم و مکرم ہوتے ہیں صرف ان اداروں اور انہیں چلانے والوں کی آبرومندانہ اصلاح کر کے ملک کو ترقی کی راہ پر گامزن کیا جا سکتا ہے ۔ قدرت جب ہمیں موقع دے تو کیا ہم خود اپنا احتساب نہیں کر سکتے کہ ماضی میں کن وجوہات کی بنا پر ہم اللہ تعالیٰ کی بے آوازلا ٹھی کی زد میں آگئے ۔ کیا ہم نہیں سوچ سکتے کہ جب ہم بے بسی کی حالت میں ہوتے ہیں تو ہمارا تمام غرور و تکبر اور شان و شوکت خاک میں مِل جاتے ہیں اور ہم دوبارہ سے بر سر اقتدار آنے کے لئے ہر حربہ استعمال کرتے ہیں عوام کو بے وقوف بناتے ہیں ۔ دوسرے ممالک کے بڑے بڑوں سے مدد کی بھیک مانگتے ہیں ۔ اور دوبارہ بر سر اقتدار آکر اپنا پُرانا کھیل دوبارہ شروع کر دیتے ہیں ہم اپنے اللہ اور رسول کا نام رسماً یا مجبوراً لیتے ہیں لیکن حقیقتاً ہم اُن کو بھول چکے ہوتے ہیں ۔ اور پھر اپنے مُردہ ضمیروں کے ساتھ اپنے عمل و کردار کے ذریعہ اپنے ملک اور اس کی عوام کو صدیوں کی پستی میں دھکیل دیتے ہیں اور اس طرح اپنے مکافاتِ عمل کا پھل چکھنا پڑتا ہے ۔ صدیوں سے کائنات کا نظام ایک خاص حکمت کے تحت اپنے محور پر روں دواں ہے ۔ آخر ہم کیوں غور و فکر سے کام نہیں لیتے ۔ کیا یہ ایک حقیققت نہیں ہے کہ ہم نے ساٹھ سال میں ملک و قوم کو ترقی کے بام عروج پر لے جانے کی بجائے اسے آمریت اور مارشل لاءکے تحفے دیئے ہیں ۔ کون فیصلہ کرے گا کہ فو ج کو خود آنے یا لانے میں کس کا قصور ہے ۔ کیا ہمارے سیاست دانوں نے اپنی غلطیوں کی بنا پر اس کے لئے راستہ فراہم نہیں کیا ۔ کیا اس میں ہماری اپنی خود غرضیاں ، اقربا پروری ، لاقانونیت ، عدم برداشت اور مخالفین کو اوچھے ہتھکنڈوں سے کچلنے کا عنصر شامل نہیں تھا ۔ آخر کیا وجہ ہے ہر نئی آنے والی حکومت اپنے پیش رو کے تمام اچھے منصوبوں اور کاموں میں بھی سو طرح کے کیڑے نکا ل کر اُنہیں بہ یک جنبش قلم لپیٹ کر ایک طرف رکھ دیتی ہے ۔ اور سابقہ حکومت پر خزانے کے ضیاع کا ڈھنڈورا پیٹنا شروع کر دیتی ہے ۔ پھر نئے پانچ سالہ ، دس سالہ اور بیس سالہ کاغذی منصوبے بنائے جاتے ہیں اور ان پر اپنے ناموں کی تختیاں لگا کر نئے سرے سے خزانے کو خرچ کر نا شروع کر دیتے ہیں ۔ آخرقوم و ملک کے ساتھ یہ آنکھ مچولی کب ختم ہو گی ۔ جب ہم برسراقتدار آکر اپنے پیش رو کے ساتھ اہانت آمیز سلوک کرتے ہیں اور جانے والی حکومت کی غلطیوں سے سبق حاصل کرنے کی بجائے انہیں ہر فورم پر ذلیل و رسوا کرتے ہیں تو کیا ہم دنیا میں اپنے ملک اور قوم کانام روشن کر رہے ہوتے ہیں ۔ جب ہم اپنے ہر سابقہ حکمران سے بُرا سلوک کرتے ہیں تو دنیا والے ہمارے بارے میں کیا رائے قائم کرتے ہیں ۔ کیا ہم نے اتنا عرصہ گزر جانے کے بعد ابھی بھی سبق نہیں سیکھا ۔ کیا ہم ابھی بھی جمہوریت کو توانا کرنے کی بجائے آمریت کے راستے ہموار کریں گے کیا ہمارے اندر جوشِ انتقام ٹھنڈا نہیں ہو سکتا کیا ہم برسر اقتدار آکر دوبارہ سے پھر خدا بن گئے ہیں کیا ہمارے اندر برداشت اور معاف کر دینے کا عنصر مفقود ہو چکا ہے یاد رکھو حکمرانو ، سیاست دانو اور قانون دانو عوام کے مینڈیٹ کا صحیح استعمال کرو۔ اگر ابھی بھی آپس میں لڑتے رہے اور ملک و قوم کا کچھ نہ سوچا اور اسی طرح اپنی انا ،غروراورتکبر میں سب کچھ تہس نہس کر دیا تودوبارہ تمہیں موقع نہیں دیا جائیگا اور تمہاری داستاں تک بھی نہ ہو گی داستانو ں میں ۔ (sms786bs@gmail.com)