With or Without Musharraf – A Mohajir’s Perspective

Great Article Salimdost!!
Congratulations on breaking this barrier when your article got published on FP. Mine is still rotting in editor`s Inbox...sob...

I do have few questions about your article....

It seems that you take pride in being a Mohajir(Religious refugee as mentioned in sunnah too). Yet you affiliate with Secularism at the expense of theocratic state founded explcitly for Momins by Jinnah. Are you not denying the fact that founding the nation of Pakistan based on Religion was a mistake indirectly?

Also, I sincerely think that Pakistan has the potential to being a role model Islamic Country demonstrating pluralism by reversing the Fundoo-Jihani image of Talibanisation.

Good Luck!!

#33, HP {`` Despite major rigging, she still got more votes in East Pakistan than in West Pakistan. This is yet another example of a not well thought out logic in the article.

Mohajir in Karachi were mad because they lost the capital but Bengalis were actually voting for democracy in Pakistan.``}

HP,
More lies - no wonder the Indians want to take you to De Hague. :)

Fatima Jinnah was supported by Bengalis and actually carried Karachi. It was mainly Punjab and Sindh interior that provided Ayub with what passed for a victory. Mohajirs were in no position to support Baluchis, Pathans, Kashmiris, or even Bengalis. The army, the power structure, albeit with Mohajir (and Pathan and Baluchi and Sindhi and Bengali and Kashmiri) elements, always did Punjab`s bidding.

All your anecdotes are simply that - stories meant to demean Mohajirs and justify their suppression and eventual obliteration. Shame on you.

#39 Netizen {``salim:

it is very evident from the posts that many in pak dislike urdu-mohajirs for whatever reasons.
your mojahir goose, in karachi, is almost cooked! unless you bring in fresh recruits from up/bihar. there must be around 40 million of them there. ``}

Netty,
There are only a few million Israeli Jews and over a 100 million Arabs. :)
Yes, we want to bring our ``stranded`` Pakistanis from Bangladesh back home - if only to show the GoP that there is such a thing as honor, commitment, and justice.

Re: # 66

``It was mainly Punjab and Sindh interior that provided Ayub with what passed for a victory.``

One can say that but it is not true. The elections under Ayub Khan were not through universal suffrage but the only people who voted were the select 80K ABDO members. And even a Babban in Karachi knew that Ayub would get 2/3rd majority and Fatima would 1/3rd. It was kinda like the last election, when everybody knew that all assemblies would have opposition but no teeth.

Re: # 62

..Is it..

this is another TWIST in vogue these days.

where as the linguistic compostion of many of Lahore`s Market , for example the Famous Anarkali , refutes it.

by the way, else where I posted some links, just copying pasting them again...

Distoritions.......Again


Denials
Abuse
Rheotorics......and more rheotorics...

http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/publ.html

lists some interesting research papers..

Mohajir Demand

http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/moh-dem.html

Mohajir Population

http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/moh-pop.html

How Mohajirs became Rich


http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/moh-rich.html

Discrimination against sindhi language


http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/moh-sindhi.html

Who Ruled Whom by Paleejo

http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/who-ruled.html


Entho politcs and contending Elites

http://www.unrisd.org/unrisd/website/document.nsf/(httpPublications)/49E58DAD1F9390B680256B6500565470?OpenDocument

this is a United Nations Research Institute for Social Development Publication


But the relevant portion , was taken from

http://indus.usask.ca/~jamali/sindh/res/documents/moh-dem.html

which is a part of the Sindh Democrats Group Petition ``Sindh Case``, a petition filed by Sindh Democrats Group to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in response to the MQM Constitutional Petition No 46 of 1994, claiming discrimination from the federal and Sindh provincial governments. It discusses Muhajir complaints at some length.



The relevant portion Para 8 Gives some interesting figures

8. MQM leadership and its suporters are only representative of 22.64% population of Sindh and 5% population of pakistan. This ``electoral representation`` of people who hold far more jobs (78% Government and 67.7% non-Government) than their due share (22.64%), most of whom come and go whenever they like from India, most of whom are illegal immigrants, have the temerity to demand, and then to kill and burn when such absurd demands are not met, only because, perhaps, one of their grandfathers waved a Pakistani flag 50 years ago in the streets of Junagadh.



These were also corborated by the Paleejo`s article , link for which is already given.



the full case along with its Judgement can be downloaded from here..

http://www.sanalist.org/Acrobat/SDG-CASE.pdf


it shatters many a myths.



[ on a lighter note.... Bad spellers of the world Unite ]

Salim Bhai,

Its good to know we still have people with clarity of vision, sound knowledge of history and honest approach to life.

Army inspired (PPP+PML(N)) action against mohajirs of the nineties led to an exodus of many talented families from Karachi/Hyderabad. Hundreds and thousands of educated boys were forced to migrate, these families now feel secure in their current positions and have no desire to return, that leads to the impending problem with Karachi and Pakistan in general and that is loss of valuable human capital.

Then again, the biggest threat today in Pakistan is the talibanization of society which will practice selected prejuidices as we have seen back in Karachi University where JI supported their Punjabi/pukhtoon candidates in hostel elections and preached Islamic credentials when dealing with mohajirs. Nothing has changed as we observe current state of affairs. It is not easy to shoot at Punjabi Hafsa students/clerics whereas Balochi tribal chiefs and other nationalists are expendable.

#60 by hasanmahmood on April 11, 2007 12:52pm PT
{``Great article – Being a mohajir growing up in Karachi I totally related to everything you said. But I also know that every Punjabi on this website will shout against it and try to prove it wrong. You can actually read the responses and see who is a Punjabi and who is not. ``}

Hasan Bhai,
Thank you for finally showing up and sharing actual and personal experiences with all of us. I was beginning to wonder about Karachi and Mohajirs. :) Are things going that well economically, that no Mohajir has time for Chowk and for rebutting the falsehoods and allegation being heaped on this article by one Pakistani Punjabi after another - in fact, even the Injuns have joined Gen. Custer on this forum. :)

It is bad enough for our people to have suffered murder, arson, looting, and beatings at the hands of Punjabi Rangers. It is worse when we are not allowed to complain about our treatment and present possible solutions for our own future. We are told that we had it so good and that we are dominating things completely - the Pres and PM are Mohajirs - what else do you Mohajirs want? Heck, forget Modi, the Prez is Muslim, the PM is a Sikh, and the leader of the majority party is an Italian - as if all that justifies Gujarat 2002 and Delhi 1984.

While the Punjabis are engaged in cross-border cultural kumbaya and hug a Punju a day, may I remind all those talking about Mohajirs being anti-Hindu of a very important fact. Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh Punjabis engaged in the WORST of the WORST atrocities committed by human beings against other human beings - possibly in ALL of human history, not necessarily in numbers, but certainly in deeds. I can give you specific references for your reading pleasure if you dispute this fact.

Once again, thanks Hasan Bhai. I wish that more Mohajirs would speak up and be counted - it`s good to let people know how you feel sometimes. :)

Frankly, it is absolutely unimaginable to watch the hordes singing “dil, dil, Pakistan…” from one side of the mouth while refusing to accept the sad byproduct of the suffering individuals resulting from the subcontinental divide which gave birth to that country!

However, I see no civil war looming. To fight a war, people need some energy. The average Pakistani citizen is too enervated to fight, except for the khakis who are simply too cowardly!

The ninja ladies are no fighters – they are counting on the khaki wink – and really expect no retaliation for their recent circus!

Therefore, forget civil war!

I do not know the numerical strength of the mohajir population, but probably it is too small to make a difference anyway.

I agree that Kashmir is not a mohajir problem. In fact, Kashmir is not now and never legitimately was a problem. Kashmir was never even an illegitimate problem till the Pakistanis – in the heated rush of the clandestine nuke acquisition – decided to make it one.

The state of Pakistan made that baby in the heat of the moment - but clearly lacks the ability to carry it full-term - and probably now regrets it intensely - yet is simply too cowardly to admit it openly and to abort it openly!

Musharraf is made from the same cloth that the rest of the khaki troublemakers are – however, he seems to have come to his senses – so as long as he is around, it is unlikely that there will be a war - internal or external (or we would have had one in 2002)!

A state of peace is good for everybody – especially the mohajirs!

I think the mohajirs have paid a heavy price for the mistake of some of their leaders (but mostly for the mistake of other leaders) and continue to pay it to this day through such outrages as the blasts on the Majboori Express (mislabeled Samjhauta express (thanks, Zainab))!

The mohajir future will be better if the mohajirs – instead of causing strife – become a part of the land that they have adopted – even though segments of the Pakistani population refuse to accept them as their own. Like all immigrant groups elsewhere in the world, the mohajirs need to adapt, advance and thrive! That is the only sensible way forward!

They can only hope that the rest of their countrymen will be able to do the same.

``We can look to Singapore as a model for our evolution. I mention Singapore, not because it resembles Lahore as someone has written before, but because it symbolizes progress, diversity, confidence, discipline, coexistence, and modernity. ``

HAHAHA. you bastard!! oh well...I think you have a flair for marshalling facts and your rhetorical build up is good. Regardless of our existing animosity, on a moral plane I have always agreed with your point on the Bihari - Mohajir issue. Regardless of my recent statements which were specific to you, I think your memory is long nough to remember where I have truly stood.

Fundamentally, this is the crux of my disagreement..Pakistan is the future of the Mohajirs. They live there. Be it the victory of the Mullahs or the secularists, the impact will be felt by all regardless of ethnicity or location. Hence, it is up to the conscience of Mohajirs or any other individuals to take a stand. Your Turkey example remains valid only because Turkey was outside of the theatre of war. If either the Allies or the Axis had chosen to invade Turkey and make it a theatre of war, the Turks would not have had a choice. Hence, your Turkish analogy is more apt forsay Indian Muslims or Afghans..who may feel an emotional pull to one side or the other..but can choose to sit it out. Since Mohajirs are part and parcel of the Pakistani population, they are already in the game. They cannot back out as they will be impacted by whatever changes are brought about.

aquaris #69, {``These were also corborated by the Paleejo`s article``}

Aquaris,
Was this Paleejo the same guy who rode in that Pajero? :) You can see why I am suspicious. :)

Salim:

I am sort of reeling. First, I see a serious Jang in uncle Hari`s interact club and now I see you with a FP article! Good job. The piece was a very smooth read too. So, congratulations!

I, however, am a bit disturbed by your call for exclusion. For example, suppose a Punjabi believes in all your stated ideals. Would you exclude her? Suppose there is a movement, fighting for your ideals, but is dominated by Punjabis. Would you want Mohajirs not to join the movement? (I know, I know, you are a smart guy. So do not come up with ``but there has never been such a movement``).

I think I am starting to get Romair`s point. Pakistanis in general do not care about religion in the public domain because, well all of them are Muslims. They care about mundane economic matters and at times may be pissed at their daughters showing a bit too much of leg. But there are groups who see political/economic power through Islam. They have a tough job going about convincing people that somehow Islam is in danger in Pakistan, inspite of the support of Hamid`s coffee-party-aunties and their bearded sons (though George`s policy helps). Nevertheless, they have street visibility and with a bit of luck be able to increase their political clout. IF it is the case that their increasing influence will retard movements towards democracy (as Raw_Dust believes) THEN every liberal (Punjabi or Mohajir) should work towards checking the influence of these religious parties. Splitting people up along ethnic lines will not help. Sitting by the side and watching the fun is also dangerous. For, as they say - tomorrow they will come after you.

In any case, your piece was an interesting read. Thanks.

#65 Delhiwalla {``seems that you take pride in being a Mohajir(Religious refugee as mentioned in sunnah too). Yet you affiliate with Secularism at the expense of theocratic state founded explcitly for Momins by Jinnah. Are you not denying the fact that founding the nation of Pakistan based on Religion was a mistake indirectly?
Also, I sincerely think that Pakistan has the potential to being a role model Islamic Country demonstrating pluralism by reversing the Fundoo-Jihani image of Talibanisation. ``}

Dillidost,
Thanks for your kind compliment. Yes, I am a Mohajir (being descended from an Urdu-speaking person who came from Hindustan). Yes, I am a deeply religious person who believes passionately in secularism. I consider religion and worship of God a very personal and serious concept and not something for mass public mayhem - not even nation-building.

I agree that the founding of Pakistan and the partition of Hindustan were grave mistakes and cost the lives of millions of innocent people. I agree with your hope of reversing the pernicious Tally Ban trend.

HP:

``He is a reasonably intelligent person but lacks the knowledge of issues and grabs pieces of information out of the blue from different sources of media and builds his case like Alan Dershavitz does.``

He has the knowledge but picks and chooses to build a case. Same goes for Manto. Basically, their articles tend to be more legal briefs (presenting an agenda) rather than acadamic inquiry (present hypothesis, examine all facts, leave conclusion to reader)

Re: # 70

That Baloch SARDAR, which played a very instrumental Role , in the Grand Jirga in convincing the balochs to join Pakistan, was killed for the EGO of a MOHAJIR COAS.......Period.
where as the Min Min Choudery/ along with another Paki Panju Mushahid Hussain
on the reconciliaty Parliamentary Mission were the hated Paki Panjoos.

..... ... Pakistan Brusting as seams, and they are preparing grounds to create yet another Paki Punjoo Escape Goat......!!

in 1947 Pakistan was a Dream,

in 2007 its becoming a Nightmare.

... it has to sort itself out on many front, from idealogical to legal, its place in the polity of civil socieity,...etc ..etc..etc.....and most important, ....what left of its orignal vision. ..whatever that it is supposed to be...

[seems unfair to flood another`s article with personal info]

But it is perfectly kosher as long as two-bit useless riff-raffs do it on one`s behalf through remote control!

Ask any of those nine hunderd mice in the tummy...

#59 by Salim_Chauhan
“If Mohajirs are only 48% of Karachi`s population, why does MQM carry the overwhelming bulk of the seats allocated to that area? Either you are lying or your people ain`t voting or maybe Mohajirs are voting early and voting often. :)”


According to the 1998 census, the linguistic breakdown of the city was :

Urdu-speaking (Mohajir) 48.52 per cent;
Punjabi13.94 per cent;
Sindhi 7.22 per cent;
Pashto 11.42 per cent;
Balochi 4.34 per cent;
Seraiki 2.11 per cent;

Others 12.4 percent, including Balochi, Kashmiri, Bengali, Gujarati, Memon, and Burmese.

There has been a considerable influx of Pashtun and Punjabi migrants since that census but there is no recent reliable statistical data.


Now go and check out the Pakistan census site….Oh! I forgot, you don’t believe in research.

Now to answer why MQM wins the elections:

1. How the constituencies are created geographically or in other words gerrymanding.
2. Most of the Punjabi and pathan don’t vote on community bases. In mohajir dominated areas they don’t vote at all.
3. In sindhi and Blaoch areas you will never see a MQM guy winning the elections.
4. The MQM has a simple majority in Karachi city council.

More to come...