Editor's Choice

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Post
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let us build Pakistan" has moved.
30 November 2009

All archives and posts have been transferred to the new location, which is: http://criticalppp.com

We encourage you to visit our new site. Please don't leave your comments here because this site is obsolete. You may also like to update your RSS feeds or Google Friend Connect (Follow the Blog) to the new location. Thank you.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 9 November 2008

Americans voted for Barack Hussein Obama, the rulers in Pakistan appointed Israrullah Zehri and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani as ministers.

Our patch of darkness
Sunday, November 09, 2008
by Ghazi Salahuddin

At a time when the world is illuminated by the miracle of democracy, manifested in the election of an Afro-American as president of the United States of America, we remain imprisoned in our own patch of darkness. And a fresh reminder of this bondage was quite timely. One day before Americans voted for Barack Hussein Obama, the rulers in Pakistan expanded the federal cabinet and appointed, among others, Israrullah Zehri and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani as ministers.

The contrast in the two unconnected events – one a monumental shift in global history and the other a typical aberration in an unfortunate land of sorrow – is remarkable. "Change we need" was the slogan of Obama's campaign. "Yes, we can," was its inspiring refrain. Obama has personified the realisation of a dream that had yet seemed impossible. In its time of troubles, America has been gifted with a charismatic leader who signifies hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty.

In our case, the rulers have effectively extinguished the hope that had heralded their assumption of power. In some ways, the yearning for change has been countered with a partial reassertion of primitive, tribal and feudal values. That is how the presence of someone like Israrullah Zehri in the cabinet becomes symbolic. What is truly incredible is that this choice has been made by the leadership of a party that had initially promised progressive social change and empowerment of the oppressed people of Pakistan.

Zehri, a senator from Balochistan, hit headlines some weeks ago when he defended the honour killing of women in his province. It related to an incident in which three women were reported to have been buried, either alive or after being killed, in the name of honour. Zehri had argued that "these are centuries-old traditions and I will continue to defend them." Irrespective of how such remarks can be explained, brutal killings of young women who cross boundaries that primitive customs have set for them remain frequent in the domain of the tribal and feudal lords who make it to the federal and provincial legislatures on tickets awarded by our major political parties.

There has been considerable comment this week on the expansion of the cabinet – 40 of them in one go – at a time when the country is in dire straits financially. Zehri's inclusion has rightly angered our social activists. One does not know if all this criticism can ruffle a few feathers in the corridors of power. Still, it is not possible that at least some stalwarts in the Pakistan People's Party, with their professed commitment to liberal and progressive values, are not privately troubled by these developments.

The party has a number of women leaders who have struggled for the emancipation of women and against such practices as honour killing. Why are they not able to raise their voice and defend the image that their party has had? This, perhaps, is another tragedy of how party politics has evolved in our present circumstances. It was also sad to see Makhdoom Amin Fahim finally falling in line, though he too belongs to the feudal sphere of the party's influence.

Now, the choice of Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, PPP MNA from Jacobabad, as the Minister of Education also deserves attention. It goes to Hamid Mir's credit that he highlighted the incongruity of this appointment in Geo's "Capital Talk" on Thursday. It so happens that Bijarani was allegedly involved in a jirga decision to hand over five minor girls to settle an old dispute. This issue, if you remember, was heard last year by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and he had ordered Bijarani's arrest.

Irrespective of the details of that case, and even if we accept Bijarani's argument that he had been cleared by a lower court, the fact that a feudal leader should be assigned to steer the educational policies of this government is in itself very instructive. Education, we know, is the seed of social change. It has been certified that educating the girls is the most effective and fruitful strategy for modernising a society.

Consider, also, how we are caught in a pincer movement from the religious militants on one side and the tribal and feudal leaders on the other. As a consequence, the majority of women in our country are generally considered less than human. This is a tragedy that our rulers are apparently not able to even comprehend. The irony is that the PPP is the only national party we would expect to make some decisive moves in this respect. Incidentally, a symbiotic relationship between suppression of old customs and the expansion of literacy and education was properly underlined in Thursday's "Capital Talk."

I suggest that the PPP should conduct an objective analysis of what its elected members have done in their own constituencies to promote education, social awareness and enforcement of human rights. If the level of corruption in the education departments of Sindh and Balochistan is any measure, the findings of this study should be unbearable for any leader who has a conscience and a sense of responsibility.

With this focus on how our present mode of governance is unmindful of the imperative for social change, I have been distracted from celebrating the phenomenal triumph of Barack Obama. We were lucky to be able to witness this emotionally overpowering event. Let me confess that I was almost in tears when I watched Obama making that acceptance speech in Chicago's Grant Park in front of hundreds of thousands of his jubilant supporters. It had come after a sleepless night when results from different states built up a scintillating climax.

It should take some time for us to fully absorb the significance and the meaning of the historic transformation that democracy has made possible in America. One point that I want to stress is that in a deep crisis, the task of a leader is to inspire hope. This is only possible when the people from across the national spectrum, particularly the young, are mobilised into social action, to participate in the political process.

Can this irrationally bloated federal cabinet of ours generate hope and confidence in our people? Alas, the state of affairs is so grim that our loss of hope is deepening by the day. Every conversation you make with friends or acquaintances – or even with complete strangers in the bazaar or a restaurant – is infused with deep anxiety and apprehension. On the face of it, the challenges that we face are also an opportunity for our rulers, if only they have the courage to creatively respond to the needs and aspirations of our people. And they can begin with decisive action against primitive, inhuman customs that have suppressed our women.

The writer is a staff member. Email: ghazi_salahuddin@hotmail.com

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bijarani’s conquer Jacobabad.

Pakistan: Aug,2001.The ADP led by former federal minister’s Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani and Mir Imran Khan Bijarani have captured four Nazim seats of Taluka Kandhkot, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Garhi Khairo against the loss of a single seat in Thul which is won by Awami Ittehad, led by Sardar Muqim Khan Khoso, a pro-Musharraf politician. The main fight between Sardar Muqim Khan Khoso of Awami Ittehad and Shabbir Bijarani, son of Mir Hazar Bijarani, remained undecided for the office of district Nazim Jacobabad as both could not achieve the required 51 per cent votes. Political pundits believe that the extent of success in Jacobabad is down to the truce between the two bijaranis, who were daggers drawn in the past.
There will be a run-off election now for the district Nazim, which Bijarani’s could easily win now. The re- election will be held on Aug 8. According to the un-official results, Shabbir Ali Bijarani captured 695 votes while Sardar Muqim Khan Khoso obtained 673 votes. Awam Dost Panel candidate Haji Abdul Rauf Khoso and Zahid Chachar elected Nazim and Naib Nazim for Kashmor Taluka, they captured 143 votes while their rival Asghar Panhwer and Liaquat Lashari of the Awami Ittehad has taken 116 votes.
In Kandhkot Taluka, Mir Imran Khan Bijarani of the Awam Dost Panel won comfortably and elected Nazim by securing 210 votes and his rival Mir Tahir Hussain Khoso of the Awami Ittehad captured only 16 votes. In Jacobabad Taluka, Sardar Mumtaz Jakhrani and Munir Pathan of the Awam Dost Panel declared successful as Nazim and Naib Nazim by securing 143 votes, while Awam Dost Panel candidate got only 16 votes.
Pervaiz Musharaf backed Awami Ittehad has not only been humiliated in the district of Jacobabad but throughout Sindh, the home province of Benazir Bhutto.

Anonymous said...

Comment from Allahdad Sheikh
January 28, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Asghar Bijarani betrays JUI

After spending his life serving the nationalist parties Jeay Sindh of G.M.Syed and Sindh National Front of Mumtaz Ali Bhutto and denouncing the federation of Pakistan, today Gul Mohammad Khan Jakhrani has been elected as a member of the National Assembly, thanks to the President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party, the symbol of federation. Rumours are that Mr Jakhrani will soon be inducted in the Federal Cabinet and take oath to protect and serve the federation of Pakistan.

The constituency from where Mr Jakhrani has been elected is one of the two National Assembly constituencies NA-209 and NA-210,which are considered to be the fortresses of Bijarani family. In the past, Mir Mehran Khan Bijarani has been elected five times from NA-210, after his retirement from politics in 1997, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto nominated his son Mir Imran Khan Bijarani as PPP candidate in 1997, 2002 general elections, 2005, 2006 by-elections and again in 2008 general elections. However, after the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto PPP issued party ticket to Shehryar Mazari for no apparent reason. Imran Bijarani accepted the decision of his party and opted not to contest though he was offered nomination from PML(Q). Shehryar Mazari was defeated by Nasrullah Bijarani a PML(Q) candidate.

After the death of Nasrullah Bijarani in October,2008 schedule for by-election in the constituency was announced. Imran Bijarani applied for the party ticket but instead Mr Jakhrani was nominated as the party candidate. This time Mr Bijarani decided to contest election as an independent candidate and instructed his lawyer to submit nomination forms on his behalf since he was accompanying his father-in law for treatment in UK.

The Returning Officer refused to accept Mr Bijaranis nomination forms on the basis of a notification issued by Election Commission of Pakistan stating that the presence of the candidate has been made mandatory when filing nominations. Mr Bijarani resigned from the membership of the Federal Council of Pakistan Peoples Party as well as the basic membership saying “this notification is Imran Bijarani specific to keep me out of the election process. I stood by the party during tough times but it seems that now there is no place for me in the party. I am glad that I am leaving the party while in government and not opposition”

Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman came to Kashmore in support of his candidate Asghar Ali Bijarani, the Jalsa was attended by thousands of JUI supporters. After the jalsa Maulana met some influentials of the area and they assured him that they will never vote for Jakhrani, the situation took a turn. Intelligence Agencies reported back to the President that Jakhrani will lose the election, it is worth mentioning that the sardar of Jakhrani tribe Sher Ali Jakhrani could not manage to win a single election in his entire life, he could hardly secure couple of thousand votes and Gul Mohammad is an ordianary subject of Sher Ali. Maulana had dinner with Asghar Bijarani and left for Sukkur airport. As soon as Maulana left Zulfiqar Mirza, Minister Interior, Sindh arrived at Asghar Bijarani’s house and stayed with him for three hours. Next morning JUI candidate appeared before the Returning Officer and withdrew his candidature without informing his party leadership.

Maulana is a veteran politician of Pakistan and this is the first instance in the history of JUI that their candidate ditched them. Being a Sindhi I too am ashamed of Asghar Bijaranis action whether it may be under duress or fifty million. None of the political parties will trust him in future. Those office bearers of the party who supported and recommended Asghar as a candidate are the black sheep of JUI and well known in the district. Asghar has insulted not only his leader and party but also the Sindhi people as a nation. The Party leadership must take serious notice of this and take necessary action against all responsible to ensure that such shameless incidents do not take place in the future.

Mir Irfan Ali Khan Bijarani had also applied for the party ticket and was assured by the central leadership regarding his candidature, Mir Irfan has far more influence in this constituency, he is known as a man of character and integrity, he would have preferred to face the might of the ruling party rather than being intimidated or purchased by the likes of Zulfi Mirza.

Mir Mehran Khan Bijarani is a veteran politician and commands respect and influence in the district, he is the most loved politician of the area as he believed in the politics of the masses and served his constituents and the constituency with commitment. Though he belongs to a feudal family but he has fought for the rights of the oppressed and suppressed masses of the area, this is why he never got along with his cousin Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani. Mir Mehran Khan Bijarani’s Son’s Mir Imran Khan Bijarani and Mir Irfan Ali Khan Bijarani are following the footsteps of their father and serving the people of the constituency, they are equally loved and respected in the area.

Anonymous said...

Comment from Senator Safdar Abbassi
February 20, 2009 at 6:01 PM

PPP condemns rigging in bye-elections

Islamabad, 15 December 2005: Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Dr. Safdar Abbasi has condemned the wide spread rigging that took place during the recent bye elections.

He said that in this context, the example of the By-Election in NA-210, Jacobabad 111 was one example. The civil administration and police used brutal force against PPP MNA’s, MPA’s and workers. Ballot boxes were stuffed by police the night before the polls.

The PPP calls upon the Chief Election Commissioner to register a criminal case against Police involved in stuffing of the ballot boxes and send them to prison to give a warning to other Police officials to desist from breaking the law by stuffing ballot boxes, he said.

PPP polling agents were abducted, assaulted and arrested by Kashmore police, criminal cases were lodged against them. Candidate Imran Bijjerani’s chief election agent, Aijaz Jakhrani, was detained at 12:00 and released after poll hours.

Ballot stuffing took place at such extravagant levels that the ruling candidates un-official results came to 156000 votes. Even the Election Commission found this hard to accept and it was rejected by the Chief Election Commissioner on press and electronic media.

Dr Safdar Abbasi said that the ballot stuffing was so great that according to it sixty percent of the people voted when even in Karachi, a large metropolis with easy transport, polling was was not more than 12%. Thus there was no question of polling in Jacobabad being more than twelve percent and in all likelihood, given the rugged terrain and difficulty of transport, even lower.

He further said that despite the massive stamping of ballots, the PPP candidate won on 114 polling stations. The ruling candidate was wrongly shown to “win” on 17 polling stations. Winning on 114 stations was shown as 16,400 votes whereas so called “winning” on 147 polling stations was shown as a mammoth 156000 votes. On polling station Ali Sher Sarki 650 votes had been Precast in the night before the polling began.

Senator Dr. Safdar Abbasi said that the PPP demands action against the presiding officer who admitted ballot stuffing to the Assistant Returning Officer. He said that when the Police and the Presiding Officers are the ones to fill the ballot boxes and rig elections, then no election can ever be fair. It therefore demanded from the Election Commission that it order the arrest and removal from government service of the Police and the Presiding Officers involved in rigging to prevent them breaking the law with impunity. For example, PPP candidate visited this polling station Ali Sher Sarki With Assistant Returning Officer Kandhkot. Upon questioning By ARO, the presiding officer admitted that three officials, namely Additional Secretary to Chief Minister Sindh, Ghulam Sarwar Sarki, DSP and SHO forced him to stuff ballot box. Media persons representing Kawish Television Network and Sindh Television were also present. The confession of the concerned presiding Officer was telecast on TV.

He said that every single polling station had one ballot box missing as per material invoice. This could not happen without collusion of presiding officers. The pattern of using Police and Presiding Officers to rig elections will be used in the General Elections unless the Election Commission makes an example of those Police and Presiding Officials caught rigging in the bye elections. PPP polling agents were prevented entry to polling stations by police in a minimum of 150 polling stations.

Senator Safdar Abbasi said that the violation of the Constitution through orders to rig the elections amount to treason. Chief Minister Sindh visited Guddu on 08th December, 2005 and directed civil administration and police to secure victory of the ruling party candidate by hook or crook. Based on the reports filed during the Bye election, the PPP has called for declaring the bye election null and void and for re-election, he concluded.

Anonymous said...

Mir Imran Khan Bijarani
PPPP candidate from National Assembly Constiuency NA-210, Jacobabad 111.
His father Mir Mehran Khan is a veteran politician and a founder member of PPP and emerged as a returned candidate 5 times from this constituency.
Since 1997 Mir Imran Khan Bijarani has been contesting as PPPP candidate, he is a former Tehsil Nazim Kandhkot.
Mir Imran Khan Bijarani was nominated by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairperson PPP as a Member of Federal Council PPP, Islamabad Co-ordination Committee PPP and Global Watch Committee PPP.
A graduate and agriculturist by profession, Mir Imran Khan Bijarani is married with one son and four daughters, he has travelled to the USA, UK, Germany, Italy and China.
Area's of Legislative Interest:Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Health and Human Rights

Anonymous said...

Non-Graduate Parliamentarians.

Graduation Clause may hit heavy weights.

KARACHI, Jan 25: The condition of graduation for contesting in the national and provincial assemblies' elections will put a large number of politicians in Sindh out of the political arena.

Although the decision has been welcomed by people from all walks of life, except the urban-based political parties including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Jamaat-i-Islami, almost all the leading political parties, including the PPP and the PML, have criticized the government's decision.

According to the PPP, there is no guarantee that a graduate member of the parliament will be a sincere representative of the masses than a non-graduate.

A spokesman for the party, citing examples of the well-known social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi, asked how could he be a member of the assemblies after imposition of the condition, despite his being a renowned sympathizer of the people.

A Jamaat-i-Islami spokesman welcomed the decision but opined that the minorities would be the ultimate looser due to the restoration of joint electoral system and because of the condition of graduation to be a criterion for contesting the polls. However, lauding the decision, the spokesman said it should have been taken much earlier, as there must be some set standards for the public representatives.

"There is no match between the two members - the under-matriculate and the highly qualified one," he added.

A survey shows that besides the PPP stalwarts, the graduation condition will put a large number of independent politicians in Sindh in an awkward situation.

The political bigwigs of Thatta - Eijaz Ali Sherazi and the incumbent Nazim of Thatta, Shafqat Ali Shah Sherazi, more than two-time elected MNAs Babu Ghulam Hussain Memon and Ghulam Qadir Malkani - will not qualify the condition, while the heavyweight and the ever-winning candidate from Dadu, Kotri and Sehwan, Malik Asad Sikandar is also a non-graduate.

According to observers, Malik Asad Sikandar will suffer more as his brothers are so young that he will have to place his friend Pir Bux Khaskheli in the forefront.

Twice-elected MNA from Dadu, Haji Mohammad Bux Jamali, is too a non- graduate politician.

Sardar Babul Khan Jakhrani, Agha Ghulam Ali Buledi, Sardar Sher Mohammad Bijarani, Hakim Ali Sundarani, Sundar Khan Sundarani,Mir Mehran Khan Bijarani Sardar Manzoor Khan Panhwar, Sardar Saleem Jan Mazari and Ali Nawaz Shehlani - the heavyweights of Jacobabad district - are also non-graduates, leaving the political field open for , Naseer Khoso, Muqeem Khoso, Mir Imran Khan Bijarani, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Eijaz Jakhrani, Sudham Chand and Mir Hassan Khoso to show their muscles.

The political field in Shikarpur district is also open for the new-comers as the bigwigs of the district, Sardar Himmat Kumario, Babul Khan Bhayyo, Moulana Abdullah Pahor and Siraj Shah Amroti, are reportedly non-graduates. The linchpin of election politics of Ghotki district, Sardar Ali Gohar Khan Mahar, is also a non-graduate, while Ahmed Yar Shar, Raheem Bux Bozdar and Mian Mitho also do not qualify the new condition.

A similar situation is being witnessed in district Sukkur as Ghulam Mustafa Bozadar, Maulana Murad Halejvi also fall in the list of non-graduates.

Come to the Khairpur district, where Abdul Qadir Jeelani, Bashir Bhaban, Faqir Bakht Heesbani, Mohammad Ali Bhaban and Pir Gul Shah also fall in the category of non-graduates, clearing the way for Qaim Ali Shah, Ghous Ali Shah, Zafar Bilal, Javed Shah, Pervez Ali Shah, Naeem Kharal, Manzoor Wassan, Sadruddin Shah and Raja Sain to continue their politics without any hurdles.

The hard-boiled and time-tested politicians of Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar districts - Noor Mohammad Shah Jeelani, Mir Hayyat Talpur, Khair Mohammad Bhurgari, Ghulam Mohammad Khaskheli, Ghulam Mohammad Lat, Gul Mohammad Memon, Jadam Mangrio, Arbab Amir Hassan, Arbab Ataullah, Syed Mardan Shah - also do not qualify the condition.

The Jatoi family of Naushehro Feroze seems to be lucky as all the active political figures of the area, including Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, his sons and nephew are educated. Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Murad Ali are also highly-educated personalities of their constituencies, while Rahmatullah Beehan and Raza Mohammad Dahri are reportedly non-graduates.

Ghafoor Nizamani, Bashir Halepoto and Mir Allah Bux Talpur of Badin district also fall in the list of non-graduates, paving the way for Fahmida Mirza and other new-comers, while Abdus Sattar Bachani and Latif Mangrio are also non-graduates.-PPI

Anonymous said...

-Lurid Crime Tales-
....Legislators or Hustlers......


=============================

"Degree's of Deceit
Online Degree's "
"Its a Scam"

International University of America,London
"Beware".
I was shocked to learn that anyone can purchase a degree, Bachelor’s or Master’s from online dubious universities without having to complete the course of study for as much as 3000 pound sterlings.

Some of our unscruplous politicians grabbed this golden opportunity and bought their way into the august house such as National Assembly of Pakistan.

Corruption is always linked to third world countries like Pakistan. however, In this "SCAM" of selling fake degrees, entities belonging to countries like USA, Canada, UK & Great Britain are involved.

International University of America is one of such dubious online universities conferring degrees to individuals without verifying their previous record of education. IUA has issued Bachelor's degrees to people who have not even finished high school.

IUA claims that they are operating in Australia, Great Britain, Canada and USA, it is further claimed by this university that degrees awarded by them are recognised/accredited by the departments of education in all of the above mentioned countries, which is totally misleading and incorrect.

Some of the Parliamentarians have alreday been disqualified for producing dubious/fake degrees acquired from such universities and cases of others are being heared in the Election Tribunals constituted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

IUA does not exist in the United States of America, Canada or Australia. It was operating from a flat in London but since the official inquiry has begun, IUA has shut down their operation and moved from their previous address. IUA has also closed their web site to avoid legal repercussions.

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan does not recognise this university or qualifications awarded by them.
This article is purely in public interest so that innocent education seekers are not robbed and fraudsters brought to the book.

[Defs,uk, deus and Australia]

Anonymous said...

Saleem Jan Mazari’s degree challenged

By our correspondent

SUKKUR: A Pakistan People’s Party-Parliamentarian (PPPP) leader on Friday challenged the graduation degree of Saleem Jan Mazari, an MNA from Kashmore in Jacobabad district.
Mir Imran Khan Bijarani, a member of the PPPP’s central committee, said that he had sent a memorandum to the Election Commission of Pakistan, in this regard. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, he said that along with the memorandum, he had also sent a letter from the concerned authorities in the USA, UK, and Australia that there was no university named the International University was registered in the education sector in the USA, UK or Australia; therefore it could not issue any degree.

He said that it was also verified from all the cities and the education department of Pakistan that such a university had been never registered with the education department. He said that after such verification, Saleem Jan Mazari, who claimed himself a graduate of that university, had no right to sit in the national assembly. Mir Imran Khan Bijarani demanded of the Election Commission of Pakistan to cancel the membership of Mazari and conduct by-election for the seat.

Anonymous said...

SUKKUR: Tribal rivalry enlivens pre-poll activities




By Shamim Shamsi

SUKKUR, Oct 1: The electioneering in Jacobabad is more lively as lack of political interest is compensated there by efforts of different tribes to maintain their hegemony on their areas through the electoral victory of their chieftains.

The tribal temperament of this district has also led to a tense situation in a particular constituency of the National Assembly, where violence is feared if a powerful candidate tried to rig the election.

The graduation condition has ousted several local heavyweights — like Mehran Khan Bijarani, Babul Khan Jakhrani, Sardar Sher Mohammad Bijarani and Mir Hakim Khan Sundrani — from the election arena. However, most of them have been replaced by their sons and close relatives.

Out of the three National Assembly and six Sindh Assembly constituencies of the district, the most important contest is in NA-208 (Jacobabad), where a tough contest is expected between former National Assembly speaker Illahi Bux Soomro of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q and Aijaz Jakhrani of the People’s Party Parliamentarians.

Since the PPP has put its full weight on this seat, it will be a tough fight for Soomro, as compared to the past when he grabbed this seat easily.

However, the recent transfer of the DCO, on the obvious wish of Soomro, makes observers believe that he may get clandestine official support.

Apart from different tribes, who are lending support to the one or the other candidate, the local sizable Hindu community is divided into two groups. However, most of the minority voters are backing Soomro because they see the Jakhranis behind the murder of a leading figure of their community, Sadham Chawla.

In NA-209 (Jacobabad-Kandhkot), former federal minister Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani of the PPP is facing Raja Abdul Rahim Khoso, the son of the sitting Sindh Minister Muqeem Khan Khoso, who holds the PML-Q ticket.

In the elections for the district Nazim, Hazar’s son Shabbeer Bijarani had defeated Muqeem. Through the general elections, Rahim is seeking a revenge for his father’s defeat. Therefore there would be an interesting contest between the two, the outcome of which can not be predicted.

In NA-210 (Kashmor-Kandhkot), the National Alliance has fielded a heavyweight politician, Saleem Jan Mazari, against Mir Imran Khan Bijarani of the PPP. From this constituency Mir Imran Khan Bijarani's father emerged as a returned candidate five times.

In the last general election, Hazar Bijarani had been instrumental in the defeat of Imran Bijarani (his nephew) by helping Saleem Mazari. But under the new delimitation, Hazar’s area, including Karampur and Ghouspur, has been excluded from this constituency.

The duel between the Mazari and the Bijaranis is likely to be an interesting one. Political pundits believe that this time round Imran Bijarani will easily defeat Mazari.

The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal candidate, Abdul Hafeez Bijarani, is expected to secure around four thousand votes because of MMA.

The PML-N has fielded Mohammad Murad Chachar and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Abdul Rauf Khoso, but both of them are seen as extremely weak candidates.

In PS-13 (Garhi Khairo), Raja Rahim Khoso of the PML-Q is facing Mir Manzoor Panhwer of the PPP.

There is a general feeling in the constituency that there will be an interesting fight between the two if official support does not rescue Rahim.

In PS-14 (Jacobabad city), there is a straight fight between Nasir Khan Khoso of the PPP and Raja Rahim Khoso of the PML-Q.

The less powerful candidates include Raja Khan Jakhrani of the MMA, Nadeem Qureshi of the PPP-SB, and Akram Abro.

A straight fight is also expected in PS-15 (Thul) between Dr Sohrab Sarki of the PPP and Tahir Hussain Khoso of the Sindh Democratic Alliance.

In PS-16 (Kandhkot-Tangwani) the major candidates are Mehboob Ali Bijarani of the PPP, Mir Irfan Ali Khan Bijarani who is the younger brother of Mir Imran Khan Bijarani, Independant and Nazir Ahmed Khoso of the MMA. One of the Bijarani will win this seat.

In PS-17 (Kandhkot), PPP nominee Iqbal Sundrani is pitched against MMA candidate Ghulam Abid Sundrani.

The candidates from PS-18 (Kashmor) include Saleem Jan Mazari of the NA, Ghalib Hussain Dombki of the PPP, Hafiz Nasrullah of the MMA and Abdul Rauf Khoso of the MQM. The contest will be between Dombki and Mazari.

Anonymous said...

Nazim urges quality in development work.

SUKKUR, Feb 7: Kandhkot Taluka Nazim Mir Imran Khan Bijarani has urged the officials of executive agencies to ensure quality and required standard of work in various development schemes of the city.

He was speaking at a meeting of the officials of Education, Health, Public health & engineering, Highways and other departments in his office on Wednesday, to review the progress of the development schemes.

Mr Bijarani said that he would personally monitor the schemes to ensure quality standards.

Bijarani warned all officials that sub-standard works and negligence on part of the government officials will not be tolerated.

Later, the Taluka Nazim, accompanied by officials inspected various sites and met members of the public.

-APP-

Anonymous said...

EU observers meet candidates in Jacobabad.

By Mukesh Ropeta.

JACOBABAD: A four-member European Union delegation visited Jacobabad and heard complaints of PPPP candidates and minority leaders.



PPPP N-A 210 candidate Mir Imran Ali Khan Bijarani accused the government of supporting PML-QA candidate Saleem Jan Mazari. Bijarani complained that in his constituency, the rules and regulations of the Election Commission of Pakistan are being violated.

It is clearly defined in an election commission order that private people cannot man the polling stations but the government, just to facilitate the PML-QA candidate, had appointed 79 private members of the public as presiding officers, he said.

Bijarani also complained that Grade-17 officers are being made polling agents while Grade-11 officials are being appointed as presiding officers, in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Bijarani said display of weapons in the election campaign is prohibited but PML-QA candidate for NA-210 has been showing total disregard to the rules and despite repeated complaints to ECP no action has been initiated against pro-Musharaf candidate.

Independent candidate of minority for PS-14, Sirichand Bhawnani also met the European Union observers.

Anonymous said...

PPP faces yet another split.
Staff reporter.


Pakistan:Former premier Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party could be set for another wave of defections from its ranks as the establishment tries to unite dissidents under the banner of a united party.

Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, PPP member of the National Assembly, is openly campaigning to quit the ranks of the party's parliamentary group, while several other key leaders have pledged their support to the government.

Another defector is Syed Naveed Qamar former chairman privatisation Commission, Fauzia Wahab, a lawmaker elected from Karachi on the women's seat and Nayyar Bari from Punjab, sources said.


"There are several others whose loyalties are doubtful," a PPP official said. The change of heart among some key PPP members has come after the government began moves to merge the two dissident factions of the PPP led by Aftab Sherpao , Rao Sikandar and Faisal Saleh Hayat under the banner of the PPP.

The dissident groups, are fighting over the leadership claim with both Aftab Ahmed Sherpao and Rao Sikander wanting to head the party. Sikander leads the PPP Patriots, with 21 members. Sherpao has two members in the National Assembly. Sherpao's group is more organised at the grass roots level in NWFP.

Sources say that the establishment has also tried hard to win over Nabeel Gabol, an MNA from PPP's Karachi stronghold of Layari. So far he has stuck to his guns despite his serious reservations with the party over joining hands with the MMA and PML-N.

"His association with the Bhutto family goes back to his grandfather's time," a PPP source said. "He is not likely to quit the Bhuttos despite his differences."

Insiders say that the members from Bhutto's Parliamentarian Group, are under pressure to quit her. The Swiss Court conviction of Bhutto and her spouse Asif Ali Zardari for receiving kickbacks have jolted them. Many do not see a role for the PPP leader for a while.

Sources say the government is aiming for a two-third majority in the parliament. It has already united the five factions of the PML. Also, the government is hoping defections within the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal.

Bhutto, who has already written a memo to her party members forbidding them from meeting government officials without her consent, has to perform a high-wire act to save the flagging fortunes of her party.

"It is a make or break phase of her political career, " a loyalist said, who complained that instructions were conveyed through the "unpopular" Naheed Khan.

Anonymous said...

PPPP Turncoats Extraordianaire.
By Aijaz Mahar

Pakistan:The Pakistan People?s Party Parliamentarians is fearing another jolt to its unity following widespread speculations that at least two MPAs and three MNAs in Sindh will join the forward bloc.

However, PPPP denies such reports. Party?s Sindh president Nisar Khuhro told Daily Times that the party was intact and there was no threat to its unity as far as Sindh was concerned.

But rumours had it that MPAs Jam Saifullah Dharejo and Jam Mehtab Dahar, MNAs Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Ejaz Jakhrani and Qurban Ali Shah were joining the forward bloc any moment.

In case these three MNAs join the renegades? camp headed by Faisal Saleh Hayat of Jhang, the number of dissident MNAs from Sindh will go up to four as Sardar Khalid Lund from Ghotki has already joined the forward bloc.

Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, PPP leader who was elected from Jacobabad as MNA has a record of changing parties. He quit the party as provincial president. He remained a part of caretaker cabinets in the past. He Joined Nawaz Shareef and then during power struggle between Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Nawaz Sharif, Bijarani was the first cabinet minister of Nawaz Shareef to defect and join Ghulam Ishaq Khans camp. He joined Pir Pagara and left PPP in return he was nominated for Senate. He won 1997 elections by securing 37200 votes as PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) candidate against 24700 votes of Mir Imarn Khan Bijarani (his nephew) fielded by Pakistan Peoples Party. Mir Hazar was introduced in the mainstream politics by the veteran politician and his cousin, Mir Mehran Khan Bijarani, a founder member of PPP but Mir Hazar Khan turned against his benefactor. Mir Hazar Khan re-joined PPPP and since been proposing the PPPP leadership to form the government instead of sitting on the opposition benches. He is known to be on the payroll of the establishment. Rumour is that Islamabad has given him the assignment to create pro-musharaf bloc within PPPP.

Anonymous said...

November 20, 2003 Thursday Ramazan 24, 1424




Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).






PPP wants MNA disqualified




By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: A leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Mir Imran Khan Bijarani, has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (EC) to disqualify MNA Salim Jan Mazari for possessing a “fake educational degree”.

Talking to newsmen at the PPP Central Secretariat here on Wednesday, Mr Bijarani said the National Alliance (NA) MNA from Jacobabad, Salim Jan Mazari, had no justification to attend the National Assembly session after declaration by the government itself that he possessed a degree, obtained from a “non- chartered” and unrecognised institution.

Mr Mazari had submitted a B.A. degree, issued by the International University of America (IUA), London, to the EC during the October elections. “This university is even not recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC),” said Mr Bijarani while distributing a letter of the Higher Education Commission. Mr Bijarani had contested the election against Mr Mazari.

The letter, issued by the HEC on November 14, states: “The International University of America, London, is a non-chartered and non-accredited institution of the UK. Therefore, the degrees awarded by the IUA are not recognized by the Government of Pakistan.”

Mr Bijarani said he himself visited the UK to collect proofs that Mr Mazari had a fake degree. The PPP leader said the officials of the “bogus” university had gone underground after closing their office in London fearing action by the government.

He said the governments of the UK, the US and Australia had also disowned the university. He also distributed copies of the letters written to him by higher education departments of the US, UK and Australia.

He said he had submitted all these proofs to the chief election commissioner and the chief justice of Pakistan. He said these proofs and the whole record had also been submitted to the Commonwealth, European Parliament, Amnesty International, Human Rights Commission and embassies of several countries in Islamabad.

Mr Bijarani had already filed an election petition against Mr Mazari soon after the elections.

Anonymous said...

October 24, 2002 Thursday Sha’aban 17,1423




Journalists condemn colleague’s murder




Bureau Report

HYDERABAD, Oct 23: The journalists of Hyderabad held a protest meeting here on Wednesday to condemn the gruesome murder of the Kawish correspondent, Shahid Soomro, in Kandhkot, Jacobabad district.

The News editor of daily Kawish, Niaz Panwhar, briefed the meeting about the background of the journalist and the stories filed by him.

Condemning the civil society’s insensitivity, they said that normally the journalists’ murders went unhonoured, unwept and unsung.

They said that no responsible member of the society came forward to console with the family, consequently leaving it with no option but to strike a deal with the accused party or face the consequences.

Roundly condemning the cold-blooded murder of Soomro, the journalists demanded to punish the killers under the anti- terrorism laws.

A journalist suggested to entrust a team, comprising investigative journalists, to prepare its report to see if the facts matched with those of the police investigating officer.

The journalists, most of whom were of the view that the feudal lords were very powerful, called upon the human rights bodies to work in areas like Jacobabad and Kandhkot, to let them know that there were people who do not subscribe to their Sardari system.

The journalists deplored the fact that despite banning of the Jirga system in the upper Sindh, the tribal chiefs continued to rule over the hapless people.

The meeting decided that journalists from all over Sindh would gather in Kandhkot on Oct 27.

The meeting appealed to newsmen all over Pakistan to observe a ‘black day’ on Oct 27.

The participants of the meeting decided that the journalists would boycott all news concerning the Bijaranis till the registration of a case under the Anti-terrorism Act and arrest of all the attackers.

They also appealed to the newspapers not to give coverage to the Bijaranis.

The meeting decided to hire the services of lawyers after consultation with the heirs of the deceased.

The meeting also called upon the journalists all over the country to donate one-day salary to the bereaved family.

The meeting took serious notice of the reports that the police and the elements involved in the murder were trying to give it a different colour to save the culprits.

The journalists later held a protest demonstration outside the press club.

The meeting was presided over by the convener of the Sindh Journalists Organisation, Ali Hassan. Those, who spoke on the occasion, included Saleem Qureshi, Aziz Malik, Iqbal Mallah, Sarfaraz Vistro, Hamid Sheikh and others.

Our Dadu correspondent adds: Journalists of Dadu took out a procession from the press club to the New Chowk on Wednesday, condemning Soomro’s murder.

The journalists also observed a token hunger strike, demanding exemplary punishment to the killers.

Anonymous said...

Other new names included Mir Israrullah Zehri

Fahim among 40 new ministers By Ahmed Hassan


http://www.dawn.com/2008/11/04/top2.htm


I wonder what is the difference between the Martial Law Cabinets of General Musharraf [2002-2007 i.e. PM Zafarullah Jamali, PM Shujaat Hussain, and PM Shaukat Aziz] and the present so-called 'elected' and [democratic too] government of present day Nizam Saqqa [read Mr Zardari]. When there is no Revenue to support the subsidies which the governement has revoked that resulted in sky rocketing prices for the basic Utilities [Electricity, Fuel, etc.etc.] then how the hell this Juggernaut Cabinet can be afforded? We [170 Million Pakistanis] will be bearing the weight of this latest Human Rights Violation i.e. Expansion in the Cabinet. Why not include the whole National Assembly and Senate and GHQ as well in the Federal Cabinet [Pakistan Ka Janaza Hai Zara Dhoom Say Niklay].

If burying/killing daughters and mothers alive is Baluch culture then why we should protest against the Military Operation in Baluchistan [it is the culture of establishment] because if we accept the logic of Senator Zehri then there will be no need of National Assembly and Parliament. A Senator from Baluchistan (Pakistan) Israrullah Zehri and Caretaker Chariman Senate Jan Mohammad Jamali [An Important Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Q i.e. General Musharraf League and Former Ally of Musharraf and MQM too] and acting Chairman Senate, Sardar Jan Muhammad Jamali [negotiating with Nawaz Sharif of PML-N for bringing forward a joint candidate for the Post of President of Pakistan on 6 Sept 2008]. By the way both the Senators i.e. Israrullah and Jamali strongly defended the Barbaric Act of Burying 5 Women alive in the Name of Honour and Baluch Tradition [mentioned above in Asian Human Rights Commission Report]. If these Senseless Baloch Leaders justify this act then Barbaric Acts of Military are also justified in Baluchistan e.g. Killing of Sardar Akbar Bugti.

Now back to Senator Israrullah Zehri from Baluchistan:

Read the shameless Sentaor in the 21st Century.

’عورتوں کوزندہ دفن کرنا روایات کی پاسداری‘

شہزاد ملک
بی بی سی اردو ڈاٹ کام، اسلام آباد

http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/story/2008/08/080829_baloch_women_senator.shtml


Friday, 29 August, 2008, 09:06 GMT 14:06 PST

PAKISTAN: Five women buried alive, allegedly by the brother of a minister


ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME


http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2008/2969/


DAUGHTERS IN QURAN AND HADITH [HEARSAY]:


وَإِذَا الْمَوْؤُودَةُ سُئِلَتْ

بِأَيِّ ذَنبٍ قُتِلَتْ


Interpretation of the Meaning:

And when the girl-child that was buried alive is asked For what sin she was slain, [AT-TAKWIR (THE OVERTHROWING) Chapter 81 - Verse 8 and 9]


The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Resurrection Day like this; and he joined his fingers.{Muslim}.


The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: He who is involved (in the responsibility) of (bringing up) daughters, and he accords benevolent treatment towards them, there would be protection for him against Hell-Fire.{Agreed Upon Hadith}.


The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: Allah, I declare that it is a sin if anyone fails to safeguard the rights of two weakones; orphans and women.{Nisa'i}.


The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives. {Tirmidhi}.

Anonymous said...

Comment from Asim Yasin
March 17, 2009 at 8:12 PM

WAF seeks ouster of Zehri & Bijarani from Federal Cabinet

Friday, November 14, 2008

By Asim Yasin

ISLAMABAD: The appointment of Senator Mir Israrullah Zehri (federal minister for postal services) and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani (federal minister for education) has come under severe criticism from the Woman Action Forum, which has demanded that these two should be dropped from the federal cabinet.

In an open letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, the Women Action Forum has said that the induction of these two, known for their anti-women role, into the federal cabinet negates the legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. “We request you to recall the legacy of Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and her tireless efforts to improve the lot of Pakistani women, towards the goal of women’s empowerment and gender equality.”

At the same time, the women rights activists praised the government for inducting progressive, forward-looking women including Ms Sherry Rahman, Ms Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ms Shazia Marri, Ms Sassui Palejo, Ms Tauqir Fatima Bhutto, Ms Farzana Raja and others.

When this correspondent tried to contact ministers Israrullah Zehri and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani for their comments, they were not available as they were busy in meetings. However, their close associates rejected the allegations saying that the ministers were enlightened, progressive and liberal-minded politicians having deep regard and respect for women.

Criticising the appointment of Senator Israrullah Zehri and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani as federal ministers, the WAF said it was shocked, horrified and outraged at the appointment of Senator Mir Israrullah Zehri as federal minister.

“This is the man who is on record as having defended the barbaric and inhuman crime of burying women alive as “a traditional custom.” The WAF stated that Zehri also threatened, on the floor of the Senate, Senator Yasmin Shah, who had spoken against the heinous crime. “WAF is of the opinion that such beliefs reflect a blatant flouting with impunity of Pakistani law, according to which this heinous crime is murder with premeditated intent - a cognisable and non-bailable offence, which carries strong punishments. It is also a violation of the 1973 Constitution and the teachings of Islam.”

WAF Pakistan stated that it is outraged that despite evidence of involvement of Sattar Umrani and Fateh Muhammad Umrani (Balochistan PPP leaders) in these killings, the acting chairman of the Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali refused to condemn the killings, and the police investigating this case appears to have reached unsatisfactory conclusions.

The letter stated that the WAF salutes the brave local reporters who brought this news to public attention, as well as the national media and the civil society activists for following it up. “We are extremely concerned to note that they are now receiving open threats, and we call upon you and your government to provide them effective protection,” the letter stated.

The WAF Pakistan also condemns the appointment of Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani as federal minister for education. “Please, recall that Mr Bijarani is the MNA who headed a jirga in 2006, which made the decision to give as compensation 5 little girls (aged 2-5 years) to settle a feud between two warring tribes. Despite assertions to the contrary, WAF is in factual possession of documentary evidence about it,” the letter stated.

The WAF in its letter to President Zardari stated: “Such person is not fit to head the ministry of education, as he cannot understand the need to ensure equal educational opportunities for girls, or to develop and implement progressive education policies and programmes or forward-looking curricula.”

The WAF lamented that a minister for women’s development has not yet been appointed. It said it is strongly opposed to the idea of appointment of a JUI-F candidate or any other conservative individual for such a sensitive portfolio. “You have a number of good options for this post and there are many committed and progressive individuals, such as Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, and MNAs Ms. Fauzia Habib, Ms. Nafisa Shah, Ms. Bushra Gohar, who understand, subscribe to and advocate gender justice, equality and women’s human rights,” the WAF letter stated.

The letter said: “Mr. President, we recommend that you kindly re-read the PPP and the JUI-F election manifestos, particularly the sections on women, before you decide to allocate the ministry of women’s development to JUI-F or any other conservative party or individual. Just to quote some relevant sections from the PPP manifesto: “We promise to give high priority to empowerment of women and ensure their equal rights; the PPP commits to its sons and daughters of Pakistan an education system that enables a brighter future than that of their parents; the party will take institutional initiatives to prevent crimes against women in the name of tribalism, such as honour-killings and forced marriages.”

Anonymous said...

Asif Ali Zardari's Letter to SG, United Nations.

The Honorable Ban Ki Moon
Secretary-General of the United Nations
United Nations Headquarters

REQUEST FOR THE FORMATION OF A UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATION COMMISSION INTO THE ASSASSINATION OF MS BENAZIR BHUTTO TO BE KNOWN AS THE “MS. BENAZIR BHUTTO INQUIRY COMMISSION”

(a) The Security Council of the United Nations condemned the bomb attacks on Ms Benazir Bhutto on 18 October 2007 in Karachi.

In its meeting held on 22 October 2007 Security Council of the United Nations condemned the bomb attacks on Ms Benazir Bhutto on 18 October 2007 in Karachi. The statement of President of the Security Council reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the bomb attacks that occurred in Karachi, Pakistan, on 18 October 2007, causing numerous deaths and injuries, and expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to
the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and their families, and to the people and the Government of Pakistan.

“The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001) and consistent with resolution 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Pakistani authorities in this regard.

“The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

“The Security Council further reaffirms the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Council reminds States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

“The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.”

(b) The Security Council of the United Nations condemned assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 2007 in Rawalpindi.

In its meeting held on 27 December 2007 Security Council of the United Nations condemned the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 2007 in Rawalpindi. The statement of President of the Security Council reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist suicide attack by extremists that occurred in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on 27 December 2007, causing the death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and numerous other casualties, and expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and their families, and to the people and the Government of Pakistan. The Security Council pays tribute to former Prime Minister Bhutto.

“The Security Council calls on all Pakistanis to exercise restraint and maintain stability in the country.

“The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001) and consistent with resolution 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Pakistani authorities in this regard.

“The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

“The Security Council further reaffirms the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Council reminds States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

“The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.”

(c) Return of Ms Bhutto to Pakistan on 18 October 2007

1. Ms Benazir Bhutto, “Daughter of the East” was Prime Minister of Pakistan and was the Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the largest and most popular political party of Pakistan.

2. Ms Bhutto after living in self imposed exile in Dubai, UAE decided to return to Pakistan on 18th October 2007 to lead her Party in the forthcoming General Elections.

3. On 16th October 2007 (2 days prior to her return to Pakistan) Ms Bhutto wrote to President Musharraf that “I have been informed by the Government that certain militant groups wanted to attack me. As such I wish to inform you of my grave concern regarding my security and I am specifying the sources and persons behind them whom I suspected were likely to harm me physically”.

4. Prior to her arrival in Pakistan Ms Bhutto through her lawyer Senator Farooq H Naek wrote many letters to the Government informing them of the need to provide security to Ms Bhutto bearing in mind the “very precarious and bad law and order situation in the country”.

5. Ms Bhutto wanted to import a bullet proof vehicle for her protection to be used by her when she arrives in Pakistan. No response was given by the Government to the request made by Ms Bhutto’s lawyer Senator Farooq H. Naek on her behalf in this regard. Consequently Ms Bhutto was forced to move the Sindh High Court in order to compel the Government of Sindh to grant such a request.

6. Human Safety Foundation concerned about the threats made against the life of Ms Bhutto on her return to Pakistan requested the Sindh High Court to direct that fool proof security be provided to Ms Bhutto on her return. This request was granted by Sindh High Court vide order dated 11October 2007 and directed both the Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure security as prayed for, namely fool proof security and protection for Ms Bhutto.

7. On 16th October 2007 Ms Bhutto sent an e-mail to her publicist in New York Mr Mark Siegal expressing her apprehension for her security.

8. However the authorities failed and neglected to make adequate and proper arrangements for Ms Bhutto’s security on her return to Pakistan. This was notwithstanding the fact that as a former Prime Minister Ms Bhutto was entitled to be provided by the State with adequate and fool proof security. The security requested was that considered appropriate in the circumstances of a returning exile of the major popular political party in Pakistan, committed to eradicating terrorism and promoting a secular mandate.

(d) Ms Bhutto narrowly escapes assassination on the day she returns to Pakistan on October 18th

1. The very day Ms Bhutto returned to Pakistan on 18th October 2007, she was subject to an assassination attempt through bomb attacks on the vehicle in which she was traveling killing 179 people and wounding hundreds of others.

2. Ms Bhutto narrowly escaped being killed in this assassination attempt.

3. Under Pakistani law a criminal investigation is launched after the registration of a complaint known as a First Information Report (FIR).

4. Following the failed assassination attempt Ms Bhutto approached the relevant police station in order to register her FIR so that an inquiry could be started in connection with the attempt to murder her which had already left hundreds dead and wounded.

5. In her proposed FIR Ms Bhutto reiterated what she wrote in her letter dated 16th October 2007, namely, that she had informed him of the forces and persons behind the militant groups which she suspected were likely to harm her physically.

6. Instead of assisting Ms Bhutto by registering and investigating under Ms Bhutto’s FIR the Police refused to register Ms Bhutto’s FIR as they claimed that an FIR in respect of the incident had already been registered. The already registered FIR did not contain the names of the organizations and persons who Ms Bhutto believed were behind elements out to cause her physical harm.

7. Under Pakistani law it is possible to register more than one FIR in respect of the same incident. Ms Bhutto was therefore forced to approach the Court to permit her FIR to be registered so that her suspicions regarding her would be assassins would be fully investigated.

8. On 5th November 2007 the District and Sessions Judge Karachi East on Ms Bhutto’s application ordered that her FIR be registered.

9. Notwithstanding the Court order the authorities again, rather than assisting Ms Bhutto, went out of their way to ensure that her version of events would not be investigated by obtaining an ex parte order from the Sindh High Court staying the earlier Court order allowing the registration of Ms Bhutto’s FIR an event both perverse and extraordinary. The reaction indicates the politicised environment, making objective analysis by the government an impossibility.

10. To date no one has been apprehended in respect of this failed assassination attempt on Ms Bhutto and the authorities investigation has been unhelpful.

11. Had the persons and organizations whom Ms Bhutto suspected were behind those persons who wanted to cause her physical harm and her FIR been registered and investigated then it is extremely unlikely that Ms Bhutto would have been assassinated only 9 weeks later. The reasoning is simple; had the investigations been effective, the prospect of detaining those complicit would have reduced or even prevented the second unfortunate attempt.

(e) Continuation of Inadequate security arrangements after 18th October assassination attempt.

1. Despite Ms Bhutto’s narrow escape on 18th October 2007 and the Court order to both the Federal and Provincial authorities to provide Ms Bhutto with “fool proof” security Ms Bhutto’s security remained inadequate.

2. Senator Joseph Biden Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee along with 2 other Senators on Ms Bhutto’s request wrote to Government of Pakistan shortly after the failed 18th October 2007 assassination attempt on Ms Bhutto urging the Government to give Ms Bhutto the full level of security support afforded to any former Prime Minister including bomb proof vehicles and jamming devices.

3. On 23rd October 2007 Ms Bhutto’s lawyer Senator Farooq H. Naek received a letter posted from Rawalpindi on 11th October 2007 written by
Head of Suicide Bombers and friend of Al-Qaida threatening to assassinate Ms Bhutto. This letter was made public but the Government failed to pay any attention to it and took no proper or further steps to increase the quality and level of the security team. The position was that:

a. The protection was not controlled by an effective security team.

b. Any sensible government determined to protect a politically vulnerable leader would have immediately introduced close protection and the exclusion of direct ability for the public to approach the vehicle which took the leader to and from political meetings.

c. Equally there was no security protection by way of cordoning off the access for any potential assassin.

d. The PPP had requested the jamming of mobile phone and other electronic equipment so as to hamper any potential bomber; that request
was not acceded to by the government without any adequate reason.

e. It is of concern that the scene of the crime was hosed down by government operatives, which prevents a proper investigation of the circumstances and lends suspicion as to the motives for the destruction of evidence.

f. The government indicated at first, that Ms Bhutto was not shot but apparently died as the result of banging the head upon the sun roof of the vehicle. That contradicted the evidence of those within the vehicle and television footage which shows a pistol shooting at Ms Bhutto and reeling from the impact of the shots. The Government itself recanted from such assertion, lending even more confusion.

4. On 23rd October 2007 Ms Bhutto’s Lawyer Senator Farooq H. Naek sent a letter to the Government of Sindh with copy endorsed to Federal Secretary Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan requesting that fool proof security may be provided to Ms Bhutto and she may be allowed to travel with her personal guards armed with licensed weapons in vehicles with colored/tinted glasses. The government vide letter dated 23rd October 2007 acknowledged the security concerns but failed and neglected to provide security as demanded. The provision for private security was pivotal and there is no obvious reason why it should not have been allowed.

5. On 24th October 2007 Ms Bhutto’s lawyer Senator Farooq H. Naek informed the Chief Justice of Pakistan about the letter which he had received threatening to attack Ms Bhutto and the other lapses of the Government in providing security to Ms Bhutto and asked him to take suo moto notice and thereby direct the Government of Pakistan to provide fool proof security to Ms Bhutto. The Chief Justice of Pakistan failed to act on the request.

(f) Assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007

1. On 27th December, 2007 Ms Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi.

2. Security arrangements were so inadequate that one of Ms Bhutto’s killers was able to get within feet of Ms Bhutto. According to a Russian newspaper report it is possible that multiple sniper teams were used to kill Ms Bhutto using long range sniper rifles with laser guidance followed by rocket propelled grenades to destroy evidence of assassination as no evidence was found of a suicide bomber.

3. The Government of Pakistan in order to conceal their failure to protect Ms Bhutto came up with the implausible explanation that the death of Ms Bhutto was caused on account of her hitting her head on the lever of the sunroof of her vehicle. Such an implausible explanation is contrary to both video evidence of the assassination and eyewitness accounts.

4. Immediately after the incident the Government quickly washed the crime scene with water and blamed Al-Qaida and Baitullah Masood for the assassination of Ms Bhutto and relayed a conversation of 2 men discussing the assassination of Ms Bhutto.

5. The fact that the crime scene was also not preserved is highly suspicious. It should be noted that when assassination attempts were made on other high-profile persons crime scenes were preserved with the material being professionally investigated.

6. President Musharaff has expressed his dissatisfaction at the current investigation into Ms Bhutto’s assassination. Furthermore in an interview with the US television network CBS President Musharraf admitted that Ms Bhutto could have been shot. The disparity of good reason in itself demands an explanation.

THE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY COMMISSION

1. The tragic murder of Ms Bhutto is a national and international loss and leaves behind an indelible legacy, a pall of gloom and grief and a wave of anger both inside and outside Pakistan. Ms Bhutto gave her life for democracy and to save Pakistan which is in danger of becoming a failed state riddled with extremists.

2. Ms Bhutto’s assassination has led to political instability in Pakistan. There is no leader in Pakistan who can be termed as a leader of National standing having vast political and public support in the four provinces of Pakistan. Ms Bhutto’s assassination is a great set back to the unity of federation.

3. The Government of Pakistan has already stated that Al-Qaida is involved in the assassination of Ms Bhutto and allegedly have intercepts in support of this. According to Government of Pakistan Al-Qaida has bases and it operates from Afghanistan which is a neighboring country and other countries of the world.

4. It is imperative to discover the truth behind Ms Bhutto’s assassination. For instance, who planned it, in which countries such plans were made, who financed and carried out the assassination?

5. The investigation process in Pakistan suffers from serious flaws and interference from powerful figures in the establishment. Further more they have neither the capacity nor the commitment to reach a satisfactory and credible conclusion which is evident from the fact that the security services of Pakistan failed to provide adequate protection to Ms Benazir Bhutto otherwise it would not have led to her assassination on 27 December 2007. Thus it is not possible for the security services of Pakistan to carry out either an impartial or credible investigation into the assassination of Ms Bhutto which will lead to the truth being uncovered and bring the people who are behind this heinous crime to justice. Even detectives from Scotland Yard would not be able to reach any definite and credible conclusion as they are working with limited powers under the control, guidance and supervision of the Pakistani authorities. and with inability to effectively access all of the evidence.

6. The family members of Ms Bhutto and the people of Pakistan want to know the truth about her assassination so that the criminals, perpetrators, financiers and sponsors of this heinous crime are exposed and brought to justice as a mark of respect to the departed soul so that the sentiments and feelings of those concerned is given solace which under the prevailing political situation in Pakistan can only be achieved through the findings of an international investigation commission which is both impartial and whose findings will be credible to the family members of Ms Bhutto and the people of Pakistan.

ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL APPOINTED INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE COMMISSION

1. Such an Inquiry Commission will not be under the control of the Pakistani authorities and will report directly to the UN. As such its findings will be credible in the eyes of the Pakistani people who want to know the truth behind the assassination of Ms Bhutto.

2. Such an independent inquiry is likely to help stabilize the precarious political situation in both Pakistan and the region as both the people of Pakistan and the region will have confidence in such an Independent Inquiry.

THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL IS THEREFORE CALLED UPON TO CONSTITUTE AN INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION COMMISSION

A call for constitution of such commission has also been made by the International Crisis Group a Brussels based HR think tank and so also by Senator Arlen Specter of USA to the Secretary General of the United Nations.

The UN itself has condemned the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto, underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this heinous crime to justice and has also confirmed its willingness to assist in the investigation of the assassination of Ms Bhutto if requested by the Government of Pakistan.

The Inquiry commission should be mandated to investigate the circumstances leading up to the assassination of Ms Bhutto and identify the perpetrators, financiers, conspirators, sponsors and/or organizations involved in the assassination of Ms Bhutto with a view to bringing them to Justice.

On the failure of the Government of Pakistan to make a request to the UN
Security Council for establishing an international investigative commission the Security Council is hereby requested to invoke its suo moto powers to form an International Investigative Commission to be known as “Ms Benazir Bhutto Inquiry Commission”, or any other termed name.

In such circumstances, especially in the light of aforementioned two Resolutions of the Security Council of The United Nations, we humbly request that an International Investigation controlled by the United Nations be constituted forthwith so as to independently investigate the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto and “bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice”.

ASIF ALI ZARDARI
CO-CHAIRMAN
Pakistan Peoples Party

Annexure Attached: List of Documents with Annexures A to R

CC to:

Other Permanent Representatives of Security Council

1. H.E. Mr. Wang Guangya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations 350 East 35th Street, New York, NY 10016.

2. H.E. Mr. Vitaly I. Churkin, Ambassador Extraordinary Russian Federation, Permanent Mission of the Russain Federation to the United Nations 136 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10021, U.S.A.

3. H.E. Sir Emyr Jones Parry, KCMG, Ambassador, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 885 Second
Avenue, New York, NY 10017, U.S.A.

4. H.E Mr. Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 245 East 47th Street, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10017, U.S.A.

5. H.E. Mr. Zalmay Khalizad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations 140 East 45th Street, New York, NY 10017, U.S.A.

AND

Senator Arlen Specter, 711 Hart Building, Washington, DC 20510, U.S.A.

With the request to assist in the formation of International Independent Commission to be known on “Ms Benazir Bhutto Inquiry Commission”.

Daily Dawn Karachi said...

KARACHI: POLL PETITION

KARACHI, Feb 14: A division bench of Sindh High Court, comprising Justice Ghulam Rabbani and Justice Zia Pervez, on Tuesday adjourned a constitutional petition filed by Mir Ghalib Khan Domki till Feb 21 with the orders that the petition would be heard and decided on the said date.

The petitioner challenged an impugned order of the Election Commission which declared his election from NA-210, Sukkur-III as null and void after rigging was alleged.

When the petition came up for hearing, Mir Imran Khan Bijarani of PPPP appeared before the bench and said that he was not aware of the proceedings before this court and came to know of it only previous night. He sought time to engage a counsel.

The bench inquired from Barrister Raza Hashmi, counsel for petitioner, about the date of by-elections.

He informed the bench that re-polling was ordered to be held on Feb 25th, 2006. He also requested the court to decide the petition before the scheduled date of polling.

The bench, allowing the request of the main respondent Mir Imran Khan Bijarani, asked him to engage a counsel and come prepared for arguments so that the petition be heard and decided on the same day.

Post a Comment

1. You are very welcome to comment, more so if you do not agree with the opinion expressed through this post.

2. If you wish to hide your identity, post with a pseudonym but don't select the 'anonymous' option.

3. Copying the text of your comment may save you the trouble of re-writing if there is an error in posting.