Tsunama Seems To Disappear In Budha Ravi ??

                     Tsunama Seems To Disappear In Budha Ravi??

Imran Khan PTI promised to blow everything by bringing "Tsunama" to Lahore on 23rd March  in his 10th March Pehsawar rally, he predicted the biggest ever rally in the history of Pakistan, where a million would attend the rally. As it turned out, yes Imran Khan PTI was able to attract 100 to 200 thousand crowd on 23rd March Lahore rally but he fell way short of his claim of  a million attending the rally. The notion behind these claims were that in recently concluded PTI intra-party elections  close to 80 thousand office bearers were elected, Imran Khan PTI was of the view even 4- 5 people accompanying these 80 thousand elected members would make the number touch  half a million, secondly as his previous Minar-e-Pakistan  rally was attended by a large number of Lahories so the number would easily go up and touch the magic figure of a million.

For  last one month, people of Pakistan have witnessed unprecedented and massive advertisement campaign both in print and electronic media, literally every major channel giving good portion of prime time to Imran Khan PTI Lahore jalsa campaign, the ads. were pretty impressive too, showing  recently elected office bearers  belonging to lower middle class and few lower class as well. Major news papers were publishing front page ads. prime time TV commercials costing hundred of thousands per advertisement,  all the major cities of Pakistan particularly Punjab and KPK  were decorated with massive hoardings of Imran Khan PTI Lahore rally. Imran himself campaigned vigorously for Lahore Jalsa, but unfortunately compaign limited to print and electronic madia. Sources claim that 700 million to one billion were spent on one Rally.

Now let us analyze why  Imran Khan PTI went  to such an extent and put huge and untiring effort, while General Election is still two months away. Recently concluded "Gallup-Pildat" survey gave Imran Khan PTI very low scores of 14%, which is even lower than PPP which caused historic damage to Pakistan Economy never witnessed in the past. So falling ratings even below PPP alarmed PTI and forced them to hold an impressive show to dispel that image that PTI is losing its charm.

Secondly PTI arch rival PMLN is galloping ahead in "Gallup-Pildat" poll, running away with unassailable lead in coming GE, so holding a rally in PMLN den Lahore would mean to send a strong signal to his rival that PTI is still in the game and can upset their plans.

But as according to Independent pundits, yes the crowd was impressive but not more than 150 thousand on average, almost at par with 30th October 2011 Lahore rally. Secondly, it was not a Lahore jalsa as newly elected office bearers from all over Pakistan attended the rally, alarmingly only 15 to 20% of Lahories attended the rally. The difference between this rally and October 30th 2011 rally was, Imran Khan PTI prepared for that rally for  over two to three months, carried a door to door campaign in Lahore, holding countless corner meetings, big jalsas in different cities of Punjab before the main event in Lahore, he gathered momentum slowly and gradually, this time round PTI concentrated on spending hundred of millions on print and electronic media, a very placid approach before the rally, may be thinking that those 80 thousand elected office bearer would do the job automatically. Imran Khan PTI forgetting the fact completely that only few thousands voters elected those 80 thousand office bearers, an alarming fact indeed. Secondly, Gallup-Pildat Poll showed that Imran Khan as a leader is popular but when it comes to voting intentions there is a huge difference between Voting and Popularity index. Thirdly "Shahbaz Shahrif" massive developmental work and untiring efforts for the people of Punjab were under-estimated by Imran Khan PTI, who is completely missing the new emerging ground realities, as few years back PMLN missed the trick when Imran Khan PTI emerged as a force. But PMLN had the time on their side and Shahbaz Sharif massive infrastructure development and huge investment in youth paid rich dividends and "Mian Nawaz Sharif" came out of slumber and held countless rallies in different parts of Pakistan and formed alliances with different parties, which makes PMLN the front runner, unfortunately for Imran Khan , time is not on his side as General Election is only 41 days away.

Imran Khan PTI made a tactical error as well, by holding a rally in Lahore so early in Election campaign while Election campaign has not kick started yet, parties are busy in choosing their candidates, giving his arch rival PMLN a chance to hold such a rally near the General Election with all the momentum on their side

Finally PMLN held a rally in Mansehra on 25th March two days after Imran Khan Lahore rally, Mansehra is a city of a million people compared to Lahore which brims with more than10 million people. Nawaz Sharif PMLN attracted a massive crowd of 100 to 150 thousand almost equal to Imran Khan Lahore rally, has stunned many political pundits and  has sent shock waves among his political opponents that without massive advertisement and spending almost pennies, PMLN was able to hold such an impressive show in Mansehra, which according to observers had become an Achilles heal for PMLN after "Hazara Soba" debacle and PMLN had become venerable in Hazara. But such a big show actually worked wonders for PMLN, kick starting their campaign and securing their strong hold Hazara as well. Secondly giving them hell of a confidence going into Election Campaign.

For Imran Khan, lesson to be learned complacency would cause irreparable damage to PTI because with PPP touching its historic lows, Imran Khan PTI can easily secure more seats than PPP if he plays his cards smartly and avoid hiccups, for PPP and PMLQ to win seats from Punjab and KPK is beginning to look an up-hill task and at the same time for PTI to beat PMLN looks more and more unlikely but miracles do happen. As for now "Tsunama seems to have disappeared in Budha Ravi".

Zardari, A Political Wizard and Maestro ??

                                        Zardari, A Political Wizard and A Maestro??

President Zardari has been given the credit  of Parliament completing it's tenure by so many people, declaring him "Political Maestro and Wizard", despite not having clear cut majority in National Assembly, completed their term by making coalition and keeping their coalition partner's happy, while many in past despite having 2/3 Majority were not  able to do that. It  is really baffling, either they are naive or speaking their Master's voice or completely unaware of the destruction Zardari regime has caused to Pakistan in last five years. Worst thing that happened to Pakistan in recent history was Benazir assassination, followed by Zardari producing that will?? and taking over PPP, side lining hard core PPP jiyala's, who worked with BB in nineties, had the experience to run the Government and went through thick and thin during Mush Era, unfortunately Zardari introduced league of his own, notoriously known  as his Jail time companions, who so ever  had given him a slightest favour  , while he was in Jail became Billionaire. Finally, became President, by playing a master stroke, deceiving and lying on Oath.

 Let us revisit the last five years of Zardari regime,  try to find out the damage inflicted by his government to Pakistan economy, should Zardari really be credited for completing his tenure or other players also need some mention.

The biggest crime committed by Zardari regime was that they weren't able to catch the murderers of "Moutarama Benazair Bhatto", rather joined hands with the forces which BB had mentioned in her FIR. Pervaiz Mushraf was given Guard Of Honour and Pervaiz Ellahi elevated to the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Zardari Sahib on numerous public appearances admitted that he knows who were the BB killers but unfortunately, was not able to arrest them or even name them.

When "Yousaf Raza Gillani" took over as Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2007-08, total debt and liabilities of Pakistan were hovering around 6.4 trillion rupees, now in 2012-13 total debt and liabilities of Pakistan have crossed to a staggering figure of 15 trillion rupees and every Pakistani owes a debt of over 70 thousand rupees, irony of the matter is that even  new born suffer the same fate. Things do not stop here, Dollar is touching new highs, breaching 100 rupees barrier and is all set to touch new highs as IMF payments are looming around, back in 2007-08 it was 62-63 rupees a Dollar. FDI plunged to new lows, falling to meagar 850 million dollar from 8.5 billion dollar in 2008 -2013, stock investors lost 24% of their capital in Dollar term during  PPP tenure, economic experts are of the view, PPP government failed to create a single job during last five years in Private sector. Foreign reserve are all set to a nose dive, unless another bail out package from IMF is given. So in all fairness, PPP did a good job by printing currency to the tune of 1.5 billion to 3 billion rupees daily, taking loans from Private Bank to run their day to day affairs and pay mark up on their loans, eating away the money for Business Community to run their business and establishing new ones and they were left with nothing. During these achievements, Pakistan economy has been brought to near halt, growth touched new lows of 2 to 3%, which in real terms is negative , if we insert population growth in it  but of course Zardari is a "political wizard and maestro".

Pakistan ranked 33rd most corrupt country in 2012, TIP corruption index, declaring that 7-8 billion were looted and plundered on daily basis , which accumulates to over 85,00 billion rupees in last four years. Nab Chairman went a step further by declaring that close to 13 trillion  were looted  in last four years, remember  Nab Chairman is a hand picked man of Zardari, but of course Zardari is a "Political wizard and maestro".

Pakistan Public sector organisation's under Zardari Regime have gone from bad to worse, even bank-rupted if not bailed out  by packages they receive quarterly. In Government organisation's new history of mass loot and plunder has been written. 

Power Sector, the back bone of economy,  is in tatters, running in massive deficit of 792 billion rupees, the whole Nation has been pushed into dark ages, with power outages exceeding 12 hours a day have become a routine, making life miserable. Business Community packing their bags and shifting their businesses to other countries and public at large suffering from psychiatric break down. Matters do not end here, electricity theft causing a loss of 90 billion to National Exchequer and most of this has been reported in provisional Governments where Zardari regime and it's coalition partners are in power. Yes Zardari regime inherited that circular debt and power shortages from Mushraf Regime, but Zardari  lacked the political will and intention to get rid of this menace rather  took it as an opportunity for more rum-running, floated the idea of Rental Power, which was later challenged in Supreme Court by Khawja Asif and Faisal Saleh, saving Pakistan 5 billion Dollars. Similarly "Chicho Ki Malyan" and "Nandi Pur" power projects were delayed intentionally for kick backs in Law Ministry, which was later established by Rehmat Hussain Jafry commission, causing a loss of 113 billion rupees to National Exchequer. OGRA was another big scam in energy sector, causing a loss of 82 billion rupees. Similarly Import of 3.5 million tons of LNG was awarded to a French company, ignoring the lowest bidder Fauji Foundation and VITOL, causing a loss of 1 Billion Dollar to National Exchequer as confirmed by then Finance Minister Shoukat Aziz. All this plunder caused the GDP irreparable damage, almost to a tune of 1-1.5% annually.

Similarly other organisations like PIA suffered a loss of Rs. 119 billion,  SC is already hearing a case on its incompetence. Steel Mill which was running in profits, is in ruins , SC is hearing a case of 26.5 billion rupees plunder, how long we are  going to drag SC in every matter. NICL scam, Hajj Corruption, Ephedrine , Punjab Bank , Urea , Federal Board Housing , PCB 7 billion embezzlement, New Murrre Project etc scam, scam and scams, ears drum shattering, it's a never ending list. Rs.400 billion  cases are still  in SC and roughly 170 billion pending in NAB, but off course, Zardari is a "political wizard and maestro".

 It was not mere bad governance but  rather a very committed intention of looting the country, making rampage and havoc, placing his jail maids and cronies to important posts, violating the merit, long list of such examples, Adnan Khwaja, Tauqir Sadiq, Ayaz Niazi etc. Placing their hand picked puppets on important posts making them head of institutions who were supposed to check this loot and plunder,  who were suppose to hold other accountable. These institutions infect became a tool to protect the masters and let the culprits run from the country or carried out investigations that would make the whole case very weak, but of course Zardari is a "political wizard and maestro".

 let us glance over an argument given in favour of PPP led government that they were able to make important constitutional reforms and successfully completed their tenure of five years, with shrewd politics of Zardari Sahib that he was able to make coalitions and was able to satisfy every coalition partner by hook or  crook. Yes, partly credit goes to PPP but three main stake holders who massively took part in the stability of this system were Army, Independent Judiciary and Mian Nawaz Sharif PMLN. "Wisdom comes from experience, which is the bitterest".

Army under General Kiyani  has matured a lot, he as a Head of an institution acted and performed way better than his predecessors,  we all remember  Mush era, Army was literally locked in their barracks, the worst nightmare of a soldier that his country-men don't trust them any more. Kiyani brought that see saw change back to normal once he took over, there were  some glitches during his tenure as well, like Memo Gate etc but on the whole things went well. May be Zardari Sahib had given them the freedom  in foreign policy and deep state doctrine and they didn't want to interfere in Zardari Sahib domain.

CJ Iftikhar Choudhry once restored after historic Long March, became a torch bearer against corruption, took count less suo motos when needed, saved hundreds of Billion rupees but at the same time remained committed to the Democracy, sent packing a sitting Prime Minister but never gave a chance to hidden forces to come up with any agenda. Categorically announced in many Public appearance, his commitment to Democracy and warned he will be standing like a wall if some body tried to derail  Democracy. Showed immense restrain, some time took very hard decisions but never deviating from his commitment to Constitution of Pakistan.

Finally, main opposition Party PMLN and his Leader who were often taunted by many and labelled as friendly opposition,  do not have any knowledge of Western Democracies, where once you vote some one to Power then you have moral obligation to wait for his tenure to end. Nawaz Sharif not only risked his popularity by standing with Democracy, but also shunned countless opportunities to come in power.  NS seems to have learned a lot from nineties where he and BB remained engaged in ugly politics and destabilising each others Government. That is why, despite leading that historic movement for Judges restoration, he ended his Long March in Gujranwala once demands were met. Gave a Comprehensive 10 point agenda to  PPP led coalition government to lead Pakistan out of this mess. His brother Shabaz Sharif led Punjab Government out paced other provinces with his  performance  and set an example for the rest to follow.  Nawaz Sharif commitment to Democracy proved many critics wrong, and he has been rewarded with highest Poll ratings in recent Gallup-Pildat survey after a brief dip in his popularity due to his support  to Democratic Pakistan.  It is a World wide phenomenon that  slogans which make the masses happy for a short time give you instant popularity but those are not sustainable. Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

Zardari Sahib, who won the hearts of Pakistani people when he raised that slogan of his "Pakistan Khapey", but unfortunately, his style of Governance disappointed the whole Nation, where an Army of cronies  headed by "Business Tycoon", who to many is a de-facto Prime Minister. Yes Zardari Sahib brought historic amendments in Constitution but also flouted the sacred document, like it had  never been before,  and interpreted it to his heart content. People of Pakistan were burdened with  two digit inflation, unending Load shedding, long ques on gas stations, factories getting 4 to 5 day gas holidays in a week, no job creation, count-less closures of factories, poor health and education facilities. Situation is worse in PPP controlled provinces, Karachi handed over to Land mafia, Bhatta Mafia and target killers ( more than 5,000 people were murdered in target killing ), Baluchistan left at the mercy of Allah, countless achievements for Zardari Sahib and his Governments but for apologists ,  yet Zardari Sahb is a political wizard and maestro.

Imran Khan Promise Of Tsunami: A Reality Check

                            Imran Khan Promise Of Tsunama: A Reality Check

Imran Khan PTI has kick started his Election Campaign from Peshawar, by holding  a big successful Jalsa, with thousands participating in the rally. It was a much needed boost for PTI as their Poll ratings are nose-diving with every passing day, they find themselves below PPP, which is definitely alarming for PTI, as a year ago they were riding on a wave of popularity, when in Liaqat Bagh Imran Khan very proudly congratulated his supporters, after topping the Poll ratings.

                                                        Imran Khan PTI in Peshawar 

But what is frustrating to see that Imran Khan PTI didn't learn anything from his dipping approval ratings, bashed  political opponents in his usual arrogant tone, declaring them looters and plunderers, holding them responsible for Pakistan down fall in last 65 years, declaring his Peshawar rally a historic one, never witnessed before, promised to bring "Tsunama" at Lahore.  Summing up his Peshawar rally, Imaran Khan missed a golden opportunity to give a road map rather stuck to his rhetoric's of PMLN bashing. Irony of the matter is, he was holding a rally in Peshawar, where PMLN last ruled 14 years back for a period of 30 months,  uttered  not a single word against ANP and collation Government of KPK, infect praised ANP led KPK Government for awarding Prime land in Peshawar for his Shoukat Khanam Cancer Hospital , while we often see him criticizing PMLN, when asked that Nawaz Sharif gave you Lahore Land for SKMH, as usual his answer is,  he didn't give it to me from his pocket.  Either ANP led collation Government is performing wonderfully well, he is too much obsessed with PMLN or he doesn't want to contest from KPK???.

                                                        Nawaz Sharif PMLN in Mardan

A recent "Pildat-Gallup" Poll showed PMLN front runner in coming GE with 41% voting Intentions, PPP distance second with 17% and Imran Khan PTI lagging further behind with 14% approval rating. These poll show one thing very interesting, that people of Pakistan like Imran Khan PTI as an individual and Star commodity but not willing to vote for him,  even in popularity index his popularity declined and he is close Second to Nawaz Sharif PMLN. PTI leaders are ready to accept the Popularity index of the Poll but not the Voting Intention Index, every body coming up with his own logic and few very funny ones as well. But the very fact remains, they aren't able to comprehend that popularity is a different phenomenon altogether that comes with Star Status, and Imran Khan  no doubt is a Star turned politician.

This Gallup-Pildat survey is actually unique of its kind, 10,000 people participated in it, key and pretty straight forward Question were asked , whom would you like to vote if Elections were held next week, it covered Cities, towns, even small union councils. Divided Pakistan in different zones, presented a comparison of voting intentions in different zones for last twenty years,  most importantly, this was carried out by two very credible organisations in Pakistan, particularly Pildat

As PTI is rejoicing their pesahwar Jalsa success declaring it historic, Statements started to pour in from different PTI quarters that PTI will sweep these Elections, these surveys and Polls are nothing, what we displayed in Peshawar was the real Poll, so on and so forth. "Rahim Ullah Yousaf Zai", very upright and honest KPK based political analyst declared Peshawar PTI Jalsa , a very good one but not the first one and not the historic one as well.  According to him it was not a Peshawar Vally jalsa but rather was a KPK jalsa.

 Yes, it was a good start to a very tough GE for PTI, glorifieng a Jalsa and declaring it as bench mark for their success in next GE is not wise and good for their political future, because  a day earlier Nawaz Sharif PMLN held a huge rally in Mardan, which in comparison to Peshawar is much smaller district  with less population. Pesahwar consists of 13 NA seats and roughly 36-37 million population, if we go by this standard. then Tahir-Ul-Qadri  rallies were much bigger across the country. JUI-F and JI had similar rallies in Pesahwar and according to Political pundits bigger than PTI rally.

Infect I honestly believe Imran Khan PTI missed a huge opportunity post 30 October, bashing and targeting just one party ( PMLN), criticising them in almost every public appearance, while PMLN played their cards very smartly, convincing people that if you vote for PTI that means  you are voting for PPP and Zardari Regime, secondly Shahbaz Sharif performance looks exceptional when compared to other Provinces and Federal Government.  Criticism and bashing of PMLN by IK didn't actually go well with people of Punjab, infect the more IK bashes them, the more people realize that why he is just targeting one party and acting as a spoiler rather than a winner. IK clearly showed his political immaturity, still going on with same old rhetoric's, nothing new coming out of his Public appearances, hurting PTI big time.

While IK held a successful rally in Peshawar, promised the audience a much bigger show in Lahore on 23 March, hence sweep the coming GE. PTI Imran Khan must understand if Jalsas and rallies are bench-mark and litmus test in winning the GE, then PMLN very quietly but shrewdly kick-started their Election campaign when Historic Metro Bus Service was launched in Lahore on 10 Feb, where millions watched the event on TV and thousands gathered on every Metro Station, while Shahbaz Sharif and other dignitaries passed by. PMLN made that event humongous. Followed by Shahbaz Sharif cress crossing Punjab, held  huge public meetings and rallies in Central, Northern and Southern Punjab.

Shahbaz Sharif In Narowal

                                                                 Metro Bus Inaugration

                                                     Shahbaz Sharif In Toba-tek Singh

                                                           Shahbaz Sharif In Okara

                                                    Shahbaz Sharif In Burewala(Vehari)

Above are Glimpse's of few events by PMLN carried out in last one month or so, (many not Pasted),  huge amount of effort PMLN is putting in and  IK has  lot of work load in weeks to come. For Imran Khan to catch PMLN looks very difficult and remote as well, a recent Gallup-Pildat survey, showed PMLN approval ratings in Punjab at 63%, PTI 14% and PPP 10%,  considering the fact Punjab contains bulk of National Assembly Seats, close to 150, the real battle ground in next GE, who so ever wins this front would be able to form Federal Government comfortably.

From here on, it really looks an up hill task for Imran Khan PTI to topple PMLN, because not much time is left in GE, as PTI must understand if they are going to hold rallies, PMLN is going to match them inch by inch, with PMLN having an advantage in GE that Shahbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif both are going to hold rallies, even Hamza Shahbaz is attracting big crowds in Punjab, while one can not find any one in PTI except Imran Khan to attract a sizable crowd and make a meaningful impact.

Badami Bagh Fiasco and Key Role Of Executive

                       Badami Bagh Fiasco and Key Role Of Executive

As wounds of "Hazara Carnage" and "Abbas Town Massacre" were still fresh, where Shia minority were targeted and  hundreds of them were martyred in brutal attacks by LEJ, Muslims killing Muslims on  religious differences. We were struck with a devastating blow, this time Christian community was targeted, as some one from their community made blasphemies remarks, in return the whole locality was punished, burning  their shelters and destroying their belongings, close to 170 houses burnt down to ashes, their belongings were either looted or burnt with the houses, hurting many individuals in the process but fortunately no causality was reported.

Mob Torching Houses and belongings

But there is glaring difference between these atrocities, Alamdar Road martyrs and their families had to sit in freezing temperatures for days to get the justice, but even after sit-ins across Pakistan and Suo Moto by Honourable Chief Justice, there was no progress in providing them justice, irony is the Chief executive of the Province never visited the victims families, rather fled to UK, reportedly for admission of his close relative to the University, after reassurance and implementation of Governors rule they ended their sit-in, but unfortunately they had to bear another horrible blast , almost after a month. they again went for sit-in across the country, Another Suo Moto hearing, reassured again, delegations sent to them by Federal and provisional Governments, Prime Minister also visited them, many promises were made, many give and takes, assurance of operation against banned out-fits, in consequence sit-in were called off again and martyrs were buried.

As Hazara Carnage was not enough , Shia community met with another devastation, this time destination was Karachi, site was Abbas Town, literally demolishing the whole locality, grounding their flats and shops , hundreds of flats and shops turned into a rubble. Each flat estimated to be 40 to 50 lac and  shops were even more costlier,  billions of rupees lost in one Bomb Blast besides taking close to hundred lives and injuring hundreds. This time Shia Community met the same fate, respected rulers of the Province abandoned them and left them to Allah's  mercy. Same old episode was repeated, sit-in, protests, followed by burial of martyrs, assurances of compensation and operation against banned out-fit.

Now let us come to "Badami Bagh", where an individual committed a crime, supposedly making derogatory remarks against Holy Prophet (PBHM), while drinking liquor with his Muslim barber friend,  irony of the matter is, case was registered against him under 295-C on the complaint of the friend on Wednesday night and issue was settled, but next day, a mob  arriving early morning from no where, chanting slogans against the Christian community, according to sources, situation went bad to worse when Police on guard wielded batons to disperse the crowd. But what matters most is, close to 150 houses were set to fire with their belongings inside, injuring few as well. But during that chaos, they caused irreparable damage to Islam and Muslim Community, as the whole World Media once again  focused on Pakistan  for wrong reasons, insanity of few sick minds, giving a black spot to the whole Nation and unfortunately bringing bad name to Islam.

Response of Police was pathetic, as they let the mob have their say and didn't intervene to stop the riot, rather facilitated the chaos. Police infect, had given warning to Joseph Colony residents a day earlier to vacate their houses, and go to some place safe, because people of the locality were very angry and anything could happen and it was better to leave the place for few days,  they were reassured that their houses and belongings will be protected. Punjab Police and Civil Administration should have learned from Gojra Riots and Tribunal recommendation's regarding that incidence, because they had 24 to 36 hours to respond.

 Let us talk about the role of "Executive of the Province", unlike two other provinces Which I discussed earlier, Shahbaz Sharif responded immediately, suspending Local SSP, SP, DSP and concerned SHO of the Police Station, held emergency meeting and asked for the arrest of the culprits, announced a 5 lac compensation for each of the family (distribution has already started) and building of the their houses on the same location within four days, (construction work already started), visiting the site himself next day and doing ground breaking of house construction with his own hands, calling a high level meeting of Christian Community assuring them his full support and freedom of expression under Pakistan Law, most importantly more than 150 miscreants were held, FIR was launched, ( Blasphemous case under 295-A, deals with insulting someone religious beliefs, punishable up to ten years),  with commitment that trial will be held in Anti Terror Courts, all these actions were taken within 24 hours of incidence.

Shahbaz Sharif Visiting Joseph Colony

Things do not end here, a Religious Conference was held in CM Secretariat, agreeing unanimously on religious freedom and establishing committees at gross root level to deal with such issues and to create religious harmony. Sunni Ihthad Counsil issuing Fatwa, declaring it in-human and non-Muslim act.

 Chaos that had started early morning of 9th of March, was taken care of  within 36 hours of  its eruption, culprits were  apprehended, affected accommodated and measures were taken that such eruptions and incidences should not happen in future.

Finally, We need to understand, that in third world countries like Pakistan, such incidences might happen in future as well, with literacy rate hovering in mid-fifties, where there are few Religious scholars whom we can trust, where Liberals and Religious Leaders are polls apart, both have their own interpretation of Islam, A country where there is a rat race for rating  in Media Groups ( which hardly follows any rules when it comes to their rating). While in other Provinces even Murderers are able to flee from country with the help of State agencies (ShahZab Case), where hundreds of families with hundreds of their martyrs had to sit-in in freezing temperatures for days, where stories of corruption surface every-day, billions looted every-day, where target killers rule the roast, Bhatta taken with the help of State organs, extortion's etc. etc.

Punjab is lucky to have such an Executive, who responds to situation, act even against his own family members (Bakery Incidence, where CM son in law, arrested and presented in court hand cuffed), where CM himself visits houses of rape victims and makes sure that justice has been served (Gujranwala,Shiekhpura,Vehari etc), where blast victims and families don't have to sit in freezing temperatures to demand justice (Moon Market Blast, victims families compensated and rehabilitated), where sectarian killings do not go un noticed ( Dr Haider and his Sons personally being consoled by CM and his elder brother and justice promised), there are hundreds of such example in last five years where justice being served to victims families.

 We must all shun our political bigotries, give credit where it is due, rather than settling our political score, because it leads to chaos and proves counter productive as riots erupted in Lahore and Karachi a day after the Lahore incidence, damaging properties, a metro Station was damaged in Lahore and incidences of shops looting , burning of vehicles were reported

Questions  arises, why all parties are ganged up against PMLN using religion as weapon when such tragedies happen in Punjab, whether its dengue, floods, sectarian violence,  fake medicines case, Doctors Strike, irony of the matter is that  even Public welfare projects are being criticised, like Metro Bus System, Bridges, Road infrastructure, Danish School System, On-line Education System, Laptops and unfortunately the list goes on ???.

I often hear, politicians from different parties criticise deteriorating Law and Order situation in Punjab, talk of Dacoties, kidnappings for Ransom, Murders etc, yes I do agree things are not honky dowry in Punjab, tons of efforts and hard-work needs to be poured in from all quarters,  for years to come ( not three months or 1-2 years), as far as CM is concerned he has introduced "comprehensive reforms" to tackle corruption menace in Police and enhance their Investigative skills the day after he took over as CM of Punjab, raised the salaries of Police ( salary of simple Constable is more than handsome ), made a wilful effort to change the Thana Culture, ( previous Government led by Pervaiz Ellahi, had left the institution in tatters, Political appointments of ASI, SHO even Constable level, literally brought the whole institution to a stand still and in ruins ), Modern Police Station introduced across Punjab,  have already started  to work in few Districts, State of the Art Forensic Laboratory built in Lahore to improve Criminal Justice System, ( one of its kind in South Asia, already a bench mark for  investigation in Pakistan), Citizen feed back System introduced to check the corruption, regular visits of CM to different Police Stations by himself and Open Hearing by IG in different districts on regular basis, induction of DSP and SHO through PCS exams, strict mechanism introduced for internal enquiries, punishment served to hundreds of officers and demoted many.  Question arises, if other Provinces can claim such reforms ??.

Finally, huge responsibility rest on the shoulders of our Religious Scholars, Political elite and Media Houses, to come to a broader consensus to prevent such kind of incidences in future, if they do occur, must be dealt  carefully and wisely by our Media, because initially when that incidence happened, reports were circulating that the Individual who had committed the crime was a minor (16 Year), some were declaring it a war by Muslims on Christian Community, some as local politics in Badami Bagh Elections, some giving it a color of Land Grabbing etc. Initial Investigation of the incidence, proved every body wrong, as it was  a religious argument which turned ugly between a Muslim and Christian friend, in which latter passed derogatory remarks against Holly Prophet (PBHM), while drinking liquor, which was latter hijacked by Badami Bagh traders as their  election slogan.  
    
Look at Modern societies, such insanities and brutalities do occur there as well  in different forms, like School killings in USA etc. but there is no blame game. What we must understand such insanities keep on surfacing in different forms and shapes, but what matters is, how we respond as a Nation and how we take measures prevent them in future. Change does not come overnight, it needs years of sustained hard work and efforts. Even rich oil states with all their wealth and huge money have taken decades to develop and  still have tremendous work to do. Our media and parties must stop showing golden dreams and promises which can not be fulfilled overnight.  Examples of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia etc. are there to be seen, how they have come up with years of hard work and efforts.

 Pakistan's people must be saluted and respected,  whole Nation stood with our Christian brothers as they stood with Shia Community, as long as we are united, such incidences will make our resolve and belief in Pakistan more stronger. Our executives and administrators did not learn any lesson from Gojra Judicial enquiry  and paid no heed to their recommendations, The responsibility of Badami Bagh incident squarely lies on the shoulders of Police and administrators. Political parties also should be careful not to play power politics in such matters as it infuses more hatred among different religious communities. Lastly we have pushed "Islam" (simple religion) into dark ages, courtesy our religious  leadership.

Pakistan: Looking For A Saviour

                                               Pakistan : Looking For A Saviour

The images coming out of "Abbas Town Karachi", are not only heart wrenching but also soul tearing, it is  frustrating how we as Muslims can kill people on Ethnic and religious bases, what is frustrating to see Muslims killing Muslims, on the bases of assumptions and ethnic differences. For last one year or so, the target is Shia Community, continuously being targeted across Pakistan, whether its Quetta, Karachi, Gilgat-Bilgistan. Punjab, KPK, infect their life purposely has been made miserable and Pakistan fast becoming a alien territory for them, what hurts you even more, the whole humanitarian issue being politicised from different quarters, some politicising it to gain political mileage, some to hide their incompetence and miss-governance of last five years, but no body seem to take interest and focus to solve this issue, rather fuelling it with conspiracy theories emerging literally every day, from different quarters.

Rescuers evacuate the victims at blast site 

Lets dissect it step by step, start from ruling PPP and allies in these provinces, Quetta and Sindh. PPP and allies after shattering economy and bringing this country  to a status of failed state , achieving historically low numbers in economy and has pushed this country into a Sectarian anarchy. Rehman Malik, the Interior Minister comes on Media after every blast, putting responsibility Solly on Punjab Government, declares Taliban as Zaliman, then in same breath tells the Nation he has literally broken the back of Taliban, finishes the Media talk with the news that more blasts coming in days and weeks to come. Pakistan being very unlucky in last five years, that these rulers are not just Financially corrupt but touching new lows in moral bankruptcy. My question to federal and provisional governments ruled by PPP led collision, who on is earth stopping you to take strict actions against these butchers, whether they are taliban, lashker e jhangvi, SSP etc. Who stopped you to chalk out a comprehensive strategy, make necessary legislation in the Parliament for these barbaric acts and terrorist, who is stopping you to make Counter terrorism Force to tackle these groups head on. Blaming others for your incompetence and lethargy wouldn't  help, PPP seems desperate to put blame of their inept 5 year rule on Punjab Government, because historically, "Shia Community" always voted for PPP and allies in Karachi and Quetta, even other parts of Pakistan, so their desperation is pretty much obvious. Some PPP apologists blaming Army for these attacks, trying to bail out these heartless rulers, I partly do agree with their point of view  but the way Police being politicised in these two provinces, their main focus to protect the elite, protect the bhatta mafia, inability to stop target killings, taking more lives than those killed in Bomb-Blasts and terrorism, the glaring example was seen after Abbas Town tragedy, when police was busy in protecting the elite at some reception.

Similarly Imran Khan PTI, a great advocate of talks  was very vocal about it , in fact among few renowned political leaders advocating talks with Taliban for last 12 years and so. Suddenly shifting his position a bit, when ANP had a round table followed by JUI-F, talking almost on the same lines as Imran Khan doing for last 12 years. Because some body else taking the initiative, Imran Khan rejected them out-rightly and declaring it a political gimmick. Imran Khan PTI must understand it is ANP who has suffered the most at the hands of Taliban, many of their notable political leaders got Shadat in last few years. Secondly this War on terror starting in Mush Era, when Imran Khan was part of Mush lead collision, infect more than 50 thousands Air Strikes carried out by USA led forces on Afghanistan from 9/11 to famous Mush referendum, in which Imran took an active part and canvassed for Mush through out Pakistan. What Imran Khan PTI needs to tell to the public, is there any difference between Taliban and lashker e Jhangvi. There is another twist to it, some reports link these organisations to Al Quaida, an effort on their part to start Iraq like Sectarian wave. So technically negotiating with one means negotiating with all??.

Another Party which is trying to cash in on "Shia Massacre" is MQM, ruling Karachi for almost 22 years but in last 10 to 12 years, ruled with absolute power. Just two Weeks before care-taker set-up, chooses to sit in on opposition benches, threatening to shut down the 'city of  lights for indefinite period'. What a tragedy, first thousands of lives taken in their rule by target killers, people has to pay Bhatta to run their businesses, street crimes at their peak in history of Karachi, extortion's, land grabbing etc. Know these heartless and soulless leaders threatening to ruin already fragile Country's economy, in the name of Shia Community. Know it's upto the people of Karachi and Shia Community to say no to these hypocrite's and once for all get rid of such opportunists.

The real villain according to ruling parties and their stooges in these Provinces is "PMLN led Punjab Government" demanding immediate operation in Punjab, where according to Rehman Malik, Head-Quarter of Lashker e Jhangvi exists, (which to me, a very immature and childish) but not  a single raid on their  hide-outs was carried  by Rehman Malik led Federal Agency. Don't get me wrong here, I am not trying to bail out Punjab Government  here, but at the same time I am not going to ignore, the incompetence and ineptness of the federal governoment. If we look into the history, it was "Shahbaz Sharif" led Punjab and his brother "Nawaz Sharif" led Federal Government in Center back in 1997-98, carried a comprehensive crack-down on these groups, killing many of their key figures and arresting others, literally breaking their back. But after October 1999 coup, Mush eased many of them into main stream to gain political mileage and up-held the strategic depth doctrine. Similarly key figures of Lashkre e Jhnagvi were able to flee from Quetta jail under dubious circumstances which is still a mystery to many. To be fair to Punjab Government, its very difficult to start an operation in Punjab alone, when you know that terrorists sanctuaries exists somewhere else, but every political opponent is trying to bring them down by hook or crook and take political mileage. To clear the air regarding Punjab Government intensions, Shahbaz Sharif offered the custody of "Malik Ishaq" to Federal Government. But their is no doubt in my mind that  Shahbaz Sharif led Punjab Government from 2007-13, is somewhat  lenient on these groups, couldn't up-hold the tradition of their previous Government, as these banned out-fits continue to work under different names and umbrella in different cities of Punjab as "charitable organisations". Punjab Government is facing severe criticism from every corner, it remains to be seen, how much they are willing to pay for it in coming GE, because traditionally Shia vote were never their strength but urban, educated Middle-class non-ethnic voter, who is observing these events very closely may come to haunt them in next GE, which is round the corner. I don't see Shahbaz Shahrif can do any thing now, because their rule in Punjab is going to end in couple of Weeks.

Pakistan Army, another stake-holder should get rid of their Strategic depth doctrine, because with Nuclear weapons in our arsenal. we hardly need more security and reassurances. They should put aside their ego and sit together with civilian Government to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to counter these terrorists, before its too late. In fact both Civilian and Military Leadership should lock themselves in a room, come up with new strategic doctrine to counter terrorism, they should include judiciary as well, then legislate it through Parliament. Because negotiating with these groups from position of weakness is not a good bet, rather it can back fire, we must remember almost ten written and numerous verbal agreement with Taliban have already failed. Lets give them a chance to lay down their arms and then negotiate, if not then full fledged operation is a must, starting from Wazirstan extending it  down stream, with no ifs and buts. Because in recent APC in KPK, there was no mention of asking Taliban to lay down their arms, even they were reluctant to call these out-fits as terrorists, which in my opinion gives them a lot of leverage and space to manoeuvre.

Pakistan is stuck in a terrible mess, some demanding an out-right full throttle operation, while others completely opposing it, we need to strike  a right balance. Here comes the role of media, start a wide spread debate among different ethnic, civilised and learned groups of the society, avoid this sectarian war looming on our country, which is already eating hundreds of our brothers, sisters, children, old and young ones. It is  not differentiating between Shia's and Sunni, targeting everyone, timing and place is different for different set of people,  no doubt, Shia's  are facing the brunt of it.

A piece of advice to those spreading sectarian hatred, we all are Pakistanis, yes I admit, right now our Shia brothers are suffering more, but remember many shrines in Punjab and KPK were targeted by these butchers killing  hundreds of innocent, we as Pakistani know, they are friend of no one, we must stay united and focused against these butchers, yes road is tough and bumpy but Insha"llah we will win if we stay together. We must thwart any efforts to erupt ethnic divide because that's what our enemy wants.

Summing up, Pakistan need a serious re-visit of their Civil Military relations, Military need to understand it is 2013, there is hardly a role for them in running day to day affairs of country, yes they can give their inputs, can chip in with ideas, their sincere thoughts on foreign as well as internal relations should be entertained, but abandon the idea to rule from now on. While Civilian must take a leaf out of Tayyab Urdagan book, where with his Governance and delivery to the masses, was able to rule peoples heart, otherwise masses are left with no other choice but  to call for a "saviour", which in Pakistan is none other than Military Establishment. There are many conspiracies theories circulating like foreign hand, Raw, Proxy war, funding of terrorist groups etc. these stories only surface when we are internally weak, no doubt enemy takes advantage of soft spots, but once we are united and stand like a rock, conspiracies theories die their own death.

Finally, as predicted in my previous read, PMLN is the front runner in coming GE, vindicated by recent Gallup Poll as well,  Nawaz Sharif once again need to take the lead with his leadership, give a comprehensive stratigy on Counter terrorism and Ecnomic Uplift to get Pakistan out of this mess. Can Nawaz Sharif be that "Saviour", only time will tell. Supreme Court and Election Commision also has to play thier role and become a gaurdian to this system.