Sunday, December 24, 2017

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Music Video - Tum Zindagi Ko gham ka ..Benjamin Sisters

Pakistan - MALAYSIAN DAESH TERRORIST ARRESTED WITH WEAPONS AT KARACHI AIRPORT

A terrorist of Daesh (ISIS) group hailing from Malaysia was arrested at the Karachi Airport and weapons were recovered from his possession.

The Airport Security Force officials arrested him after Machine Detectors detected weapons in his luggage. The terrorist had concealed four pistols, 8 magazines and 70 rounds in an oven.
Daesh terrorists seemed to have plotted to attack people at airport or in flight.

http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/pakistan/item/32207-malaysian-daesh-terrorist-arrested-with-weapons-at-karachi-airport

Pakistan's Islamic schools plagued by sexual abuse of children

An Associated Press investigation has found scores of reported cases of sex abuse within a far-reaching system that teaches over two million children in Pakistan.

An investigation by the Associated Press has found that sexual abuse is a pervasive and longstanding problem at madrassas, religious schools, in Pakistan.

But in a culture where clerics are powerful and sexual abuse is a taboo subject, it is seldom discussed or even acknowledged in public, the report says.

The AP investigation found that sexual abuse is even more seldom prosecuted and that police are often paid off not to pursue justice against clerics, victims' families claim.

Cases rarely make it to the courts, because Pakistan's legal system allows the victim's family to "forgive" the offender and accept what is often referred to as "blood money," AP reported.

The AP investigation has found scores of reported cases of sex abuse within a far-reaching system that teaches more than two million children in Pakistan.

The investigation was based on police documents and dozens of interviews with victims, relatives, former and current ministers, aid groups and religious officials.

Kausar Parveen struggles through tears as she remembers the night her nine-year-old son was raped by a cleric, the report says.

"It is only because of Allah that my son is alive, what if he had died?" asked Parveen as quoted by the AP report.

The boy had studied for a year at a nearby madrassa in the town of Kehrore Pakka. In the blistering heat of late April, in the two-room Islamic school, he awoke one night to find his teacher lying beside him.

"I was crying, he was hurting me. He shoved my shirt in my mouth. I wept the whole night. In morning, my class-fellows received calls from their parents (after the boy told his classmates, some of whom were his cousins, what had happened. They then informed their parents). I told them, call my parents and tell my mother pull me out from here," the nine-year-old rape victim, son of Kausar Parveen (name withheld), was quoted as saying in the report.

The secrecy and shame around sexual abuse means that numbers are hard to come by. A tally of cases reported in newspapers over the past 10 years of sexual abuse by maulavis, or clerics and other religious officials, came to 359.

AP reported that the fear of clerics and militant religious organizations that sometimes support them, suppresses further reporting of abuse.

Pakistan's clerics close ranks when the madrassa system is too closely scrutinized, said one senior ministry official who wished to remain anonymous.

Among the weapons they use to frighten their critics is a controversial blasphemy law that carries a death penalty in the case of a conviction.

AP stated that the Interior Ministry, which oversees madrassas, refused repeated written and telephone requests for an interview.

The man accused of raping Parveen's nine-year-old son swore his innocence as he waited to go before a judge. "I am married for the last six to seven years. My wife is pretty," he said. "Why would I do this to a child?" He had withdrawn an earlier admission of guilt made to the police.

The victim's mother vowed that she would never give up the struggle, but in the end she did. According to police, she "forgave" the cleric, accepted the equivalent of $300 USD and he was set free.

There are more than 22,000 registered madrassas or Islamic schools in Pakistan. The students they teach are often among the country's poorest, who receive food and an education for free.

According to AP, there is no central religious authority that governs madrassas. There is also no central body that investigates or responds to allegations in religious schools.

“The big problem is here that the police don't help the poor. Police ask the victim, "give us money, then we will register your case,"" said Azam Hussain, a local councillor.

The family of a boy who says he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a cleric in a Punjab madrassa talks about their tussle with police.

AP reported that the boy isn't sure of his age. Maybe 10 or 11, he says. He says the cleric threatened him with death if he told anyone. "I was scared. He told me if I told anyone - my brother, my family - he would kill them all, he will hang me."

Local police deny charges that they favoured the cleric, or intimidated the family.

They say they have consulted a local Islamic scholar about the rape allegations, and that the madrassa has not come to their attention previously for any wrongdoing.

"Intent ingredients (elements) of the section of the law demand eyewitnesses", pointed out Sajjad Mohammed Khan, Vehari's deputy superintendent of police.

Those eyewitnesses are unlikely to be forthcoming, reported AP.

http://timesofahmad.blogspot.com/2017/12/pakistans-islamic-schools-plagued-by.html

Pakistan - Benazir Bhutto - Legacy of the leader


Tyrants could physically remove her from this world but she continues to live in the hearts and minds of millions of Pakistanis.
Benazir Bhutto has left a rich legacy for Pakistan. Above all, she changed the political culture of the country and raised the level of tolerance in politics.
Throughout her political career her opponents ridiculed her, spread hurtful rumours about her and her family, and humiliated her in the most despicable manner. In return, she never stooped to their level and remained dignified. This won her many admirers but, sometimes, her refusal to attack her opponents in the same tone and manner was seen as a sign of weakness.
Her life experience was traumatic. Losing a father to the gallows can haunt anyone for life. Being imprisoned by a harsh dictator in her youth, especially when none of her family members was in the country, would have broken anyone’s will to pursue politics. But Benazir Bhutto was an extraordinary woman. She emerged stronger by the end of it.
Despite being a hardcore politician, Benazir Bhutto was a compassionate person. Perhaps very few people know that she was instrumental in getting scores, if not hundreds, of haris freed from bonded labour.
By the time she was exiled she was a hardcore political activist. She kept in touch with her party members who were either suffering under Zia or had fled into exile. At the same time she lobbied effectively with political and human rights groups abroad so that Zia could be tamed and some political space created for the restoration of democracy. Unlike most Pakistani politicians, Benazir Bhutto understood international politics as well. She also knew the value of empowering a progressive civil society in Pakistan.
A change from Zia to Benazir Bhutto in 1988 dramatically turned the atmosphere in a few weeks. Women became more visible and regained their lost confidence. The ordinary person did not benefit in material terms but they felt less insecure and there was generally a happier mood in Pakistan, though this was short-lived.
As soon as the PPP government came into power, Benazir outlawed public whipping. Pretrial prisoners who were women, children, and disabled prisoners were released. The message was clear: Benazir was a friend of the underdog. She valued the vulnerable.
Press clubs and bar associations were promised support to strengthen their institutions. Artistes were encouraged and placed in key government posts. Cultural activities, which were virtually banned by Zia, were encouraged. Women’s programmes were introduced on radio and television. Embargoes on those banned from appearing in the national media were lifted. A new set of faces and voices was heard nationwide. The ban on trade unions was lifted and censorship gradually disappeared.
PAKISTAN-PROTEST/BHUTTO
The PPP government took no revenge. Judges who were on the bench that confirmed her father’s hanging were left untouched. She did not go on a witch-hunt as was being predicted by a terrified elite that had supported Zia and his actions against the PPP. This was no relief to Bhutto haters as they realised that Benazir was not just a crowd puller but had also acquired political skills to win support at home and abroad. She had charmed world leaders and had reached out to those who had previously been victimised by the previous PPP government.
Benazir Bhutto was perceived to be arrogant but she could be very charming to those she wished to woe. I recall that members of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan met in Peshawar in the spring of 1987. Our host was Iftikhar Gillani, who was also a prominent PPP member. He hosted a dinner for us, and we were informed that Benazir Bhutto would also attend. Some members were not happy at the idea of associating a human rights body with a political party but were persuaded to accept the invitation with grace. Somehow Benazir got wind that some guests were reluctant to be associated closely with the PPP. Within an hour she had the same guests eating out of her hand. All of them returned mesmerised by Benazir Bhutto. Amongst the guests were Fakharuddin G Ebrahim, Justice (retd) Dorab Patel, Iqbal Haider and Late Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed.
I recall that after her second term in office when Benazir Bhutto was in Dubai, she had been sidelined effectively by the establishment and this had made her most unhappy. To reconnect, a few of us planned a meeting between her and Asfandyar Wali in Dubai. Once it was arranged, I called Benazir Bhutto to set up the appointment. The ANP member who arranged it was apprehensive as he had experienced some of Benazir Bhutto’s more arrogant moments. I reassured him and promised that the Khan would be welcomed. Asfandyar Wali, it was reported, returned fully impressed by her.
Benazir had the quality of taking timely decisions. She could look ahead. Nawaz Sharif announced his infamous Shariat Act while some of us from the Human Rights Commission were in Islamabad. Somehow we managed to get hold of the draft before it was made public. We made a desperate call to Benazir and she responded promptly by inviting us over to her house in Islamabad. We handed her the draft. She took one look at it and said, “It is all about him”. She got on the phone to journalists and other political leaders. In those days relations between her and MQM were tense but she realised that MQM would oppose Nawaz’s initiative so she encouraged us to get MQM support.
Within a few hours the draft law was international news and criticism poured in from across the country.
After Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, journalist Imtiaz Alam rightly commented that her murder was a tragedy for everyone but her party lost a leader, a worker, an activist, a strategist, a planner and a person who executed her own decisions. Benazir Bhutto was almost indispensable to her party.
Subsequently, Benazir and Nawaz mended fences and the historic Charter of Democracy was signed. Soon thereafter they fell apart over the National Reconciliation Ordinance. Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan in 2007 and was placed under house arrest at Latif Khosa’s house in Lahore. Once released, she called me to meet her at Khosa House. As usual, she was surrounded by a large number of people so we could not discuss the situation openly. Whilst I was leaving she decided to return the visit later in the evening.
As I had also been released from house arrest, I felt obliged to invite some of the people who had seen me through my lean moments. This was my last meeting with Benazir Bhutto. She was always pleased to meet people. This was a crowd of young and old journalists, lawyers and human rightists. She faced a few tough questions but by now Benazir Bhutto had mastered the art of dealing with criticism and her discussion that evening was candid and convincing. She had developed a deep understanding of the political realities of Pakistan and was determined to play a robust role in bringing back democracy and to challenge terrorism. She came across as the most promising hope for the country.
After the discussion she hinted to me that she would like to make contact with Nawaz Sharif. She only had his Jeddah phone number. I had an important errand to run for her and it could not fail. Eventually, through some safe phones, I reached Sharif and convinced him to speak to Benazir Bhutto and eventually they were able to do so. Their differences were put aside and they agreed to co-ordinate.
Despite being a hardcore politician, Benazir Bhutto was a compassionate person. Perhaps very few people know that she was instrumental in getting scores, if not hundreds, of harisfreed from bonded labour. She had sent direct instructions to all deputy commissioners in Sindh to support all efforts to free any bonded labourer in the province. A number of organisations moved in to take advantage of this most humane government policy. Hundreds of haris were released with minimal effort. This was an example of how support from the state can alleviate the miseries of hundreds of marginalised people.
It is widely believed that individuals are dispensable, therefore, institutions should be strengthened. This may be true to some extent as institutions are sustained while individuals have a life span and fade away with the passage of time. But, in some cases, it is the individual that is the strength of an institution. Benazir was one such person.
It is no wonder that her very existence was a real threat to all those who wanted to drive the country into isolation and towards Ziadom. Tyrants could physically remove her from this world but she constantly lives in the hearts and minds of millions of Pakistanis. Long live Benazir.

#Pakistan - Govt must stop treating minorities and people of Balochistan as aliens: #PPP


Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman while expressing concern over federal government’s policy of neglect and ignorance after the Quetta Church attack said the government should stop treating people of Balochistan and minorities as aliens.
They need to be treated well and owned by the federal government.
In line with directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari a delegation of the party comprising Vice President PPPP Senator Sherry Rehman, Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and Senator Farhatullah Babar visited Quetta to express solidarity with the families of victims of the Quetta Church attack.
I am shocked and appalled that no one either from federal or provincial governments has visited the victims of the Sunday Quetta church blast.
The Methodist Church where the suicide bombers attacked is still spattered with blood and broken glass a silent testament to the tragedy that Sunday school congregation saw unfold with women and children caught in the crosshairs of this terrorist attack, said Sherry Rehman.
Talking to the locals Senator Rehman said we have come here to assure this community that they are neither alone nor without help. Quetta has witnessed repeated attacks on non-Muslims and Hazara population which live increasingly fragile lives in this border province with little protection or concern shown by the government.
The PPP leaders assured Bishop Sadiq Daniel and others that they will
help with rebuilding their lives taking care of the severely injured in Karachi if needed and that no citizen of Pakistan should have to suffer such heinous discrimination based on their faith or sect.
Provincial Senior Vice President PPP Minority Wing Chaudhry Shan Salamat, PPP Balochistan President Ali Madad Jattak and other provincial office bearers were also present on the occasion.

#PPP struggles to complete mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto: Bilawal Bhutto



“PPP struggles to complete the mission of the slain PPP chairperson Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and people to extend full support for completion of mission of the martyred” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP said while addressing through Hologram technology to a party workers, supporters, office bearers at Gym Khana Badin on Saturday in connection with the observance of the 10th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to be held at Garhi Khuda Bux, Larkana on December 27.
While addressing the public gathering here, Chairman PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that leaders of the party have serve the nation even facing several threats to their lives by the dictators of the era and sacrificed their lives for the rights of peoples and routes of democracy.
Despite grave conspiracies hatched by dictators and opponent and threats Bibi Shaheed returned back to home land and carried out her efforts and struggles for the rights of the common people, he added.
Bibi Shaheed never forgotten those words which were sent by Z .A. Bhutto to her through a letter that you couldn’t defend your land when you familiar with aroma of your land. Bibi Shaheed either she was in power or in opposition she defend the democracy, he added.Adding he maintained that Bibi Shaheed is no more with us but her reminiscences always alive in the hearts of the people of the country.
“I have carried on the mission of martyrs and will not rest until we complete their mission,” he added. He hoped that PPP workers and supporters and common people from all over the country would gather at Garhi Khuda Bux to pay their huge honor and homage to martyrs of Garhi Khuda Bux and Bibi Shaheed on Dec 27.Chairman PPP said that Bibi Shaheed was quite aware of the fact that she was striving for the rights of downtrodden and oppressed people who suffered poverty and exploitation.
At the end of his speech, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari raised slogans that “Ya Allah Ya Rasool, Benazir Bequsoor”
On the occasion, a large number of the workers, supporters and office bearers including Haji Ramzan Chandio, President, PPP Badin, Haji Sain Bux Jamali, General Secretary, PPP, Fida Hussain Mandhro, Info Sec PPP, Abdul Ghafoor Nizamani, Nawaz Chandio, Dr. Aziz Memon, Taj Muhammad Mallah and others were also present.
http://www.thesindhtimes.com/sindh/ppp-struggles-complete-mission-shaheed-benazir-bhutto-bilawal-bhutto/

Video Report - Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari addresses inaugural ceremony of NICVD in Hyderabad.

#Pakistan - Bilawal Bhutto extends #Christmas greetings to #Christians

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended heartiest felicitations to the Christian community in Pakistan and the world over on the auspicious occasion of Christmas being celebrated on Monday.

 In a felicitation message on the eve of Christmas, the PPP Chairman said that his Party has always fought for the downtrodden and the marginalized.

The PPP always treated non-Muslims, including the Christian brothers and sisters as equal citizenry, he added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that PPP was true ideological heir of the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the Party stands as the torch-bearer of his principles as the statesman and father of Pakistani nation. He pointed out that PPP gave representation to non-Muslims including Christians in the Senate of Pakistan for the first time and elected more than two dozen non-Muslim PPP workers as Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of District Councils, Municipal and Town Committees.

 PPP Chairman said that recent terrorist attack on a Quetta Church was strongly condemnable act and PPP leaders will always stand in solidarity with the victims besides taking all possible steps to protect them. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the Christian community to offer special prayers for the peace, prosperity, and harmony in the country.

https://mediacellppp.wordpress.com/

#PPP following guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam for strong democracy, prosperous nation, and progressive, tolerant society: Bilawal Bhutto

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid rich tributes to the Founder of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on his 141stBirthday anniversary being celebrated on Monday (tomorrow). In his message on the eve of birth anniversary, the PPP Chairman said that Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for future Pakistan had been dented by the dictatorial regimes and elements infesting Kalashnikov culture, ethnic hatred and extremism in the society.

However, the PPP continues to be strong citadel of the vision and mission of the founder of the nation for making Pakistan an egalitarian, democratic and progressive state, he added. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto accomplished the dream of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah by gifting first-ever unanimous Constitution to the nation in 1973, a democratic order based on equal rights for every individual and laying the foundations for an invincible defence.

Having lost her father, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto fought valiantly for democracy and the downtrodden people eventually laying down her life for the cause, he added. PPP Chairman said that his Party was fully committed to the pledge by the founding fathers to achieve their every dream to make Pakistan a role-model democratic Muslim state, which is at peace within and with its neighbours.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promised that his Party will always follow the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam in its quest for strong democracy, prosperous nation, and progressive tolerant society.


https://mediacellppp.wordpress.com/

Pakistan - No room for theocracy says former President Asif Ali Zardari

“There is no room for theocracy in Pakistan which was envisioned by founding Fathers as a progressive, modern and egalitarian state where in the words of Quaid religion will have nothing to do with the business of the state.

This has been stated by former President Asif Ali Zardari in a message on the eve of the 141st birth anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah on Monday December 25. Democracy, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience and rule of law are the guiding principles behind the creation of Pakistan, he said.

 ‘We cannot permit a few to control the thoughts and actions of people in the name of religion or in any other name’. Ideology and religion are being increasingly misused to stifle dissent and free expression, he said adding ” there is need for course correction”.

 The Pakistan People’s Party reiterates its resolve to defend the founding principles of Pakistan. On this occasion we pay homage to the founding fathers and to all those laid down their lives and suffered grievously for the cause of an independent homeland . We also pay homage to all those in the armed forces, the police, the civilian law enforcing agencies and the people who have made huge sacrifices in the fight against extremists and militants, Asif Zardari said.

 https://mediacellppp.wordpress.com/2017/12/24/no-room-for-theocracy-says-former-president-asif-ali-zardari/