Posts tagged army

Exit Strategy? Zardari may resign due to ill-health

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When I heard Zardari had flown out of the country in an air-ambulance to Dubai in a rush, I decided to call a friend close to the political big-wigs in Islamabad. I was told that the President’s “Pace-Maker” had developed problems and that his situation was indeed “critical”.

I was also informed that his children, those who weren’t in UAE, were also asked to reach the country.

That said, our media is abuzz with rumour that the President may resign on ill-health grounds, which is a perfect exit-strategy for a scandal-hit President who has weathered out extreme pressures over the past 4 years but this time, it all seems to be melting down for him as charges of treason are thrown at him.

Some quarters believe the President will not return to Pakistan after calls for a joint-session of parliament on the memo-gate issue were shunned by opposition parties and the military leadership.

He may be genuinely ill, however, let us all pray for the safety and well being of Pakistan.

US Ambassador Patterson MUST be EXPELLED

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anne_patterson-thumb-260xauto-395‘You cannot tolerate vipers in your bosom without getting bitten,’ Ambassador Patterson said. ‘Our concern is whether Pakistan really controls its territory. There are people who do not threaten Pakistan but who are extremely important to us.’’

After controlled media leaks about US concerns of a Taliban ‘safe-haven’ in Quetta, the US Ambassador in Pakistan has come out and spoken to the media about it. Instead of a denial of reports that the US might attack the provincial capital of Baluchistan with drones, she says the US will have to do what it has to do to take out terrorists. (more…)

Parachinar weeps again

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Parachinar 8

As the Pakistan military strengthens its position in Swat and Waziristan, the Kurram agency is in the spotlight once again. Fighting has erupted and reportedly, the Taliban fleeing from Waziristan and Swat are wrecking havoc in Parachinar. They are fuelling sectarian tensions and finding refuge as locals from different sectarian groups, particularly the Shi’ites, are targeted.

Amidst fierce clashes that left 33 dead and over 65 injured in a single day, the residents of Parachinar have renewed their call for a military operation. A call they have been issuing for almost 28 months now. The government, the previous and the present, seem to pay no heed to this despearate appeal. (more…)

Captain Bilal Zafar Shaheed

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capt_bilal_shaheed“Think not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord; They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah. And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (martyr’s) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.”

Al-Quran  (3: 169-170)

Captain Bilal Zafar, a commando of the Pakistan army SSG (the world’s best elite force), embraced martyrdom on the 17th of May, 2009 – fighting terrorists and militants in the embattled valley of Swat.

He always used to say “Bullets can’t harm me”, and thus it proved true. He was hit on the arm by a bullet but he carried on until he was hit by an RPG (Rocket propelled grenade) where he embraced martyrdom on the spot.

His last message has been circulated widely on print and electronic media. This is what he had to say:

“In the volleys of fire…in the thunder of bombs, there are a few who just do not stop…knowing that they are surrounded by death…knowing that they could leave their wives widows and children orphans…but they just keep on moving because something is pumping in their hearts…and flowing through their veins known as honour, devotion and motivation…death over surrender…that is why they say death before disgrace…Pakistan Army Zindabad”.

We Salute your courage, Sir! This sacrifice of your’s for this nation will never be forgotten. At least not by us: the people of Pakistan. Let this martyrdom also dispel the notion that the army lacks any motivation to defeat these extremist militants, it is obvious that their spirits are very high.

We stand by you! Long Live Pakistan!

Photograph courtesy: CaptainBilalShaheed.Com

Report: Humanitarian Crisis in Pakistan

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I’ve compiled a report on the humanitarian crisis that Pakistan faces today. The report has been published at Global Voices Online, a community of more than 200 bloggers around the world who work together to bring you translations and reports from blogs and citizen media everywhere, with emphasis on voices that are not ordinarily heard in international mainstream media.

The report highlights how the Pakistani Blogosphere has reacted to the crisis and gives you an in-sight to cyber activism in Pakistan.

Pakistan has been hit by a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of the military onslaught against the Taliban insurgency. The valley of Swat is in Pakistan’s Malakand division, a beautiful valley often dubbed as another heaven on planet earth. It used to be a prominent tourist resort before it was struck by militancy and extremism of the local Taliban.

It is being reported that over one million (some reports even suggest that figure stands at near 2 million) people have fled their homes from various areas in the Malakand division and FATA including Buner, Dir and Swat. These “Internally Displaced People” (IDPs) are seeking refuge in other areas of Pakistan. Temporary camps have been established in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) where registered IDPs are provided food and shelter.

The crisis is huge. The problems seem impossible to overcome. But Pakistan as a nation has always proved its resilience and unity in testing times. In this regard, a massive relief effort has been launched by many organizations and individuals. The Pakistani Blogosphere is also taking a leading role to provide relief to our Pakistani brothers and sisters in distress.

Read the Full Report at: http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/21/pakistan-a-humanitarian-crisis/

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