The Quest for Power Nasah: Where are you coming up with the thesis that the editor of a newspaper cannot be hanged. Look at the facts: The guy was caught over two years ago (by a previous administration) with a car-load of drugs and disclosed whereabouts of other consignments (see BBC report I have posted some messages back). What on earth are you talking about...just `cause he was a newspaper editor does not qualify him to go murdering people on the streets! There is no connection with press freedom in this particlular case...the guy has been sitting in jail for over two years... only the court proceedings have concluded now! The guy got a trial..as fair as it gets in Pakistani courts. NS`s government had arrested him, the courts have now completed the proceedings. If he was innocent, there appears to be no link or motive for this government to sentence him unjustly. Just being the editor of a newspaper does not excuse him from heinous crimes or make him a victim of press-influence by the state, every time he is prosecuted. I understand that hhistory has been different...but look at the facts. The guy is clearly using his `profession` as a lever to put international/ journalistic pressure to overturn the judgement in the form of a presidential pardon. Though I have not read anything in the local newspapers that is recommending a pardon for him. The local news editors (the majority of whom are purely independent...and comfortably write against the government`s policies) would be up in arms if that were the case!

Today`s ``The News``: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/

Thursday, July 05, 2001

Pakistan`s second handers

by Nasim Zehra

Looking somewhat perplexed and having lunch at a New York restaurant she

said ``you must explain to me why my Pakistani journalist friends are willing

to believe the worst about Pakistan, in fact much sooner than anyone even

outside of Pakistan!`` She had spent many years as the South Asia

correspondent of New York`s largest daily newspaper. A week later in

Washington during a conversation a former State Department official leaned

towards me to say`` You know Pakistan should say this is the bottom-line,

people respect you when you draw the line and speak with confidence. Why

doesn`t Pakistan do it? Pakistanis too should say this is our national

interest.``

In Islamabad a western diplomat wonders why he doesn`t hear his Pakistani

friends say something good about Pakistan. ``They are remarkably comfortable

criticizing Pakistan with us, I have never seen this phenomenon in any of

the other seven countries I have served in.`` Less than a week ago at a

reception when a newly positioned development head of a western embassy was

customarily asked, ``how do you view the workings here `` he proceeded to talk

about the Agra summit. Politely he was told that that was a matter that we

could take care of ourselves but could you talk of issues closer to your own

job. Just then a very senior government official joined in to remind the

western official diplomat of the question he wanted him to answer. Happily

he repeated his question which was ``what is it that irritates you most about

Pakistan?`` Indeed a strange question for an official to ask of another about

your country.

Such anecdotes can be endless. In Pakistan we have become very comfortable

with embracing which is perhaps the most damaging trait that any nation can

develop. That of being derivative in our thought process, in our mind work.

A derivative thought process is an antidote to autonomous and contextually

linked thinking, reflection and analysis. A derivative mindset is one that

does not observe, collect and interpret facts and issues with reference to

the realities of its own context. For example the issue of aid, of gender,

of our Kashmir policy, etc are often not viewed primarily from our own

context. A derivative mind bases its functioning in the concerns,

perceptions and analysis of those it has unwittingly adopted as its patrons.

Reasons to adopt patrons can be numerous, being uncomfortable with ones

ownself, a sense of inadequacy, lack of self-confidence, lack of

self-respect, eagerness to please one from whom some advantages are sought,

etc. The main `hub` of mind work then is located outside our own reality. In

someone else`s reality.

Our facts, our information are then processed in another`s reality. The

story is our, the lessons are someone else`s. For example the violence and

intolerance is ours the statement of the problem and solution is someone

else`s, the madrassas are our own but the madrassa problem is someone

else`s, breakdown of law is our own crisis but the statement and the

solution of the problem is someone else`s. Kashmir is our own problem, we

are a party to the issue but we see it through someone else`s lens. For

Pakistan escaping this disease of the intellect could not have been easy. In

the post-seventies era Pakistan has found itself located centrally in the

ideological and strategic battles that many players have fought.

Today our problems overlap indeed with genuine problems that many other

nations face. But Pakistan`s solutions must be homegrown flowing not from a

derivative but a rooted intellect. One that can fully understand our own

realities. Hence the observing of an issue, negative that analyse and is not

located in our own realities, our own structures, sensitivities and dynamics

it cannot let us think independently. Without harbouring the point too much

the derivative mindset produces a derivative view of everything. It frames

our reality within someone else`s framework. In Pakistan those closer to our

reality reject the framing outright. We use for them the label that was

printed abroad: reactionaries and even fundamentalists. Others who accept

the externally framed reality can seldom evolve and successfully implement

any solution to our problems. Self-examination, criticism and the urge to

improve are the key to any reformation effort. Provided it is intellectually

rooted in one`s own context.

There is a critical level, the broad defining level which those with power

influence, at which we have not yet come `into our own.` We don`t allow

ourselves our own dreams, our own joys and our own sorrows. We don`t define

internal sources of pride and of prestige. Pitifully we stand and receive

what other capitals say about democracy, about Pak-India summit, about

political challenges, about our role in Afghanistan. Our datelines from

Washington tell us what Islamabad will discuss or not discuss at an

important meeting. A junior official in Washington often manages a

front-page headline for the most inane statement he makes. That`s the

reflection of how large the external reality looms in our minds. That we

have come to this pass is the collective responsibility of Pakistan`s ruling

elite and the English language opinion-makers.

The Chief Justice of our country funded by the Asia Foundation travels to

the United States, Islamabad-based junior embassy officials seek access to

none other than the head of the Foreign Office, opinion is sought of

ambassadors especially the US and other western ones, on how they view

Pakistan`s domestic dilemmas, ministers do not mind interacting with junior

diplomats, there is a constant keenness to please the `other` as if the

master. Servile mindsets produce bravado-packed statements and actions

steeped in meek behaviour. The problem is not with the `other`, it is with

us. The problem is the inability to root ourselves our own realities,

however difficult and hard. The origins of this problem can be traced back

to the Indian Muslim community`s response to the colonial experience.

Unfortunately since independence minimal effort has been made to cleanse

ourselves of the dependency syndrome that many of our ancestors may have

suffered from. Ironically for a country that was created through the power

of a principled dialogue and peoples support, its ruling elite has

perpetually sought - that of the only Muslim community since independence to

the author of such a problem is naturally the ruling elite supported to a

great extent by the English speaking opinion makers.

It will be a hard find. We, Pakistan`s English speaking elite, are perhaps

unique in its willingness to hear, repeat and accept the worst about

ourselves and by extension about our country. The issue is not about look at

our problems straight in the eye, acknowledge them and then develop the

resolve to solve them. It is in fact seeing us within the context of our own

realities, our own dynamics, and our own history to then build our own

vision about our future.

Perhaps what best illustrates the damage a derivative national intellect can

do to a nation`s growth is an excerpt from Ann Rynd`s book, The Fountain

Head. The hero moans the derivative mindset, which he calls second-hander,

of the novel`s tragic figure. He describes the pain and irony of the figure

that loses all his happiness and respect while living life according to

other`s standards.

The hero says, ``he`s paying the price and wondering for what sin and telling

himself that he`s been too selfish. In what act or thought of his has there

ever been a self? Greatness in other people`s eyes. Fame, admiration, and

envy - all that which comes from others. Other dictated his convictions,

which he did not hold, but he was satisfied that others believed he held

them. Others were his motive power and his prime concern. He didn`t want to

be great, but to be thought great. He borrowed from others in order to make

an impression on others. Isn`t that the root of every despicable action? Not

selfishness, but precisely the absence of a self.... This is the deadliness

of second-handers. They have no concern for facts,

ideas, work. They`re concerned only with people. They don`t ask: `Is this

true?` They ask: `Is this what others think is true?` Not to judge, but to

repeat. Not creation, but

show. Not merit, but pull. When you suspend your independent judgment, you

suspend consciousness. To stop consciousness is to stop life. Second-handers

have no sense of reality.``

Pakistan`s own `second-handers`, both inside and outside the power circles,

need to end suspension of independent judgment. We need to reject the deadly

derivative mindsets, which perpetuate the tragedies of all second-handers

collectively on the Pakistani state and society. Derivative thinking

strengthens the angry, bitter and the reactive within society shrinking

space available to the state to enforce rule of law.

The Quest for Power Nasah: Where are you coming up with the thesis that the editor of a newspaper cannot be hanged. Look at the facts: The guy was caught over two years ago (by a previous administration) with a car-load of drugs and disclosed whereabouts of other consignments (see BBC report I have posted some messages back). What on earth are you talking about...just `cause he was a newspaper editor does not qualify him to go murdering people on the streets! There is no connection with press freedom in this particlular case...the guy has been sitting in jail for over two years... only the court proceedings have concluded now! The guy got a trial..as fair as it gets in Pakistani courts. NS`s government had arrested him, the courts have now completed the proceedings. If he was innocent, there appears to be no link or motive for this government to sentence him unjustly. Just being the editor of a newspaper does not excuse him from heinous crimes or make him a victim of press-influence by the state, every time he is prosecuted. I understand that hhistory has been different...but look at the facts. The guy is clearly using his `profession` as a lever to put international/ journalistic pressure to overturn the judgement in the form of a presidential pardon. Though I have not read anything in the local newspapers that is recommending a pardon for him. The local news editors (the majority of whom are purely independent...and comfortably write against the government`s policies) would be up in arms if that were the case!

Source: Today`s ``The News``: Thursday, July 05, 2001

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/

Nation with low self-esteem

by Shireen M Mazari

The author is Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies,

Islamabad

Perhaps because the forthcoming Musharraf-Vajpayee Summit has absorbed

everyone`s attention, we have tended to ignore the abuse heaped upon

Pakistan by all manner of external sources, at various levels. At least one

hopes this is the reason for a lack of a strong response, and not because we

have now been reduced to having zero self-esteem.

Surely a muted reaction - if there was even that - to US Ambassador Milam`s

speech in Lahore on June 27 can only be a case of being preoccupied

elsewhere. Otherwise how could any self-respecting Pakistani swallow the

vice-regal tone of his farewell diatribe against present day Pakistan.

Trying to equate tolerance with

secularism, he asserted that the religious elements in Pakistan were the

ones who had led Pakistan away from Jinnah`s vision. Of course, he chose to

ignore the reality that it has been the successive leaders of the country

and the rampant corruption that has dimmed the Quaid`s vision - and so far

no religious party has ruled this country!

Also, why Milam should find it a contradiction to Jinnah`s vision to project

Pakistan as a beacon for the Muslim Ummah. In fact, if Pakistan gets closer

to its founder`s vision, then Pakistan will and should see itself as a

beacon for the Muslim Ummah - a state that protects the democratic and human

rights of all citizens regardless of caste or creed, and the only Muslim

state that is there in the select group of nuclear states despite all odds.

And Pakistan has and should, rightfully, oppose the repression of Muslims

anywhere in the world. After all, the Christian bias in the policies of the

West does not preclude their assertion of their ``secular`` identity! In any

event, it is for the people of Pakistan to decide whether, once the

electoral process is restored, they wish to bring to power religious groups

or the mainstream heterogeneous parties. Equally, it is for the people of

Pakistan to decide how they wish to deal with the issue of populist Islam

and the problems brought about by obscurantism and sectarianism.

It would have served Milam better if he had stuck to the theme of how states

like the US have strayed from the vision of their founding fathers as he

laid it out - since we would not presume to tell his country that the

founding fathers built a state on the blood of the native Indians! As for

the notion of Manifest Destiny, it continues to dominate US global policies,

albeit by different names. But that is not our concern except where it

impacts directly on us - as in cases where there is intervention in our

internal affairs, or where it results in the murder of members of the Ummah

- as happened in the unprovoked shooting down of the Iranian civilian

airliner by the US naval cruiser Vincennes in 1988 in the port of Bandar

Abbas. No wonder the US refuses to support the International Criminal Court

- after all, such acts of murder would surely be cases for an international

tribunal to adjudicate!

If, as we are led to believe, that the world is now interlinked and

interdependent and no state can function in isolation, then it is

inexplicable why we as a nation have failed to protest to the US over the

use of US-supplied weapons by Israel in the massacre of innocent

Palestinians. Equally surprising and disappointing has been the silence of

our religious parties and human rights activists over the persecution of

Muslims in Europe. Just last month a mosque was burned in France, a Muslim

teacher was denied her right to wear a headscarf in Germany and the Serbs

continued to prevent the Bosnian Muslims from rebuilding a mosque destroyed

by Serbs in the Bosnian Serb republic - Republika Srpska. Nor have we been

vocal on the issue of the race riots in Britain.

In fact, one recent instance of our low self-esteem was the manner in which

we all indulged in self-flagellation over the sports hooliganism witnessed

in England during the cricket matches involving Pakistan. While the British

barely need an opportunity to launch their vitriol against Pakistan, it was

distressing to see the Pakistanis accuse themselves of a display of

hooliganism. The fact of the matter is that the hooligans were British -

perhaps primarily of Asian descent - citizens and were reflecting what is

now an integral part of British sports culture. Football all over Europe has

been plagued by threats of British hooligans as is football in Britain

itself. So it was only a matter of time before this British disease reached

other sports also. Additionally, these Asian youth are alienated and

disgruntled because the British state has marginalised them. That is why

Britain is also beset with race riots these days. So, while no one wishes to

condone hooliganism, let us be clear about the identity of those who

perpetrate such acts. That some British citizens of Asian descent choose to

support Pakistan does not strip them of their legal identity!

However, coming back to the main issue, of course our own human rights

record is dismal, but so is that of many other states including Russia - and

all pass vocal judgments on events and incidences in countries like ours.

Neither is the record of the US and Europe on religious tolerance and human

rights without large blemishes so the self-righteous tone of their leaders

is unwarranted - especially when they are so selective in their

condemnations. For instance, the Chechens and Kashmiris in Indian-held

Kashmir have all but been forgotten in the context of genocide and human

rights. And Mr Milam knows that if the Pakistani leadership accommodated

India and disowned the Taliban, all protests about human rights and

democracy would be forgotten! After all, the US has historically had much

better relations with non-democratic states in the non-white world and Mr

Bush`s militaristic global agenda - which, apart from NMD, also seeks the

right to rapidly deploy American forces anywhere in the world that the US

sees fit - hardly reflects a democratic or global consensual spirit. America

is all prepared to ``go-it-alone`` - it already does not subscribe to the

spirit of international UN peacekeeping because it does not allow its

military personnel to serve under foreign commanders. Such an example is a

threat to the interdependent world that is emerging - but the threat is

especially grave for the resurgence of populist Islam since the US needs a

new bogey to keep sustaining its military forces as well as its military

alliances like NATO. In such a scenario, Pakistan needs to serve as a beacon

for the rest of the Muslim Ummah - which is why it needs to set its own

house in order, based upon national compulsions not international

histrionics.

The Quest for Power Re Urstruly #89:

If you consider an average 45% and in some cases (such as Lahore city district) over 50% turnout `pathetic`, some serious re-evaluation is needed. My conclusion of the same figures was positive...compared to the 13% voter turnout in previous elections...this jump appears to be substantial. When NS won a 2/3 majority...the average voter turnout across the country was supposed to be below 20%.

Draw your own conclusions about what is pathetic and what constitutes people`s confidence. Though even if you look at the average 45% figure as negative (by no accounts can it be considered pathetic)...what do you expect...a people that have been looted of their rights for as long as many of their concsciences have existed, cannot be expected to blindly follow a `plan` that has not even taken root or shown results.

People`s cyncisim however (if you want to look at the glass half-empty through the remaining 5%`s perspectives) is understandable at this juncture, but not necessarily justified. This plan really makes an effort to reach out to the common man... to date most rational human beings that take the time out to research the plan, do not speak against it (other than minor criticism of adjustments that should be made or doofus politicians/ feudals whom such a plan does not suit). I have also not read any counter-argument as to a better alternate option for empowering people in such a direct manner. I highly suggest visiting the nrb.org website to better undertand what the plan entails. I was thoroughly shocked to read the details, as someone else had finally penned down thoughts and discussion one has grown up with or conclusions one had personally drawn, on what changes are essential for Pakistan to move forward.

If you want to look at the glass half-full, however, the same 45% turnout figure looks positive...especially if you compare it with previous voter turnout ratios or even turnout rates of more developed democracies of the world. Also, look at the thousands of candidates that have participated from far-flung areas (including women), many of whom are not politically connected/ backed... how are you drawing your conclusions? Try to fill your half empty glass with some encouraging facts.

The Quest for Power FYI Ras Siddiqui

Re: Rehmat Shah Afridi

I appreciate your effort to clarify what was behind the news item on BBC. I just went to the BBC website and did a search on the Afridi sentence, as it was appalling to have heard that he may possibly have been framed by the current regime. As it turns out...he was NOT framed by the current regime (I find BBC`s alarmist tendencies with incomplete reporting highly obnoxious and almost deliberate). The guy was arrested much before the coup and only the court proceedings have concluded now (please see link and posting below). He had been in custody for over two years.

It`s actually funny the spin BBC tried to give in the recent article posted by Ras Siddiqui on the sentence...it seemed as if he has been framed and picked up by the military recently rather than putting it in the context of his arrest before the coup and the concluding court proceedings.



I think people still have a hard time actually realizing that the press is infact free in Pakistan. This military establishment is almost playing with people`s imaginations and perceptions of military regimes...especially internationally. It`s almost amusing sometimes to see westerners react strongly and then retract in a confused manner...even in personal interactions.

Also, the Ahmed Faraz interview with Times of India is an eye-opener in many respects (also posted in one of the replies below).

BBC April 1999 article on Afridi`s arrest



http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/south_asia/newsid_310000/310727.stm#top

Saturday, April 3, 1999 Published at 16:28 GMT 17:28 UK

World: South Asia

Protests at arrest of Pakistani newspaper owner

Protestors have been demonstrating in the Pakistani city of Peshawar against the arrest yesterday of the prominent newspaper owner, Rehmat Shah Afridi.

Police say Mr Afridi who owns the Frontier Post, an English language newspaper was arrested in Lahore after twenty kilos of hashish were found in his possession.

They say Mr Afridi later revealed the whereabouts of another consignment of more than six hundred kilos of the drug in Faisalabad.

The protestors - who included journalists and newspaper employees - said the charges against Mr Afridi were without foundation, and his arrest was part of the government`s attempt to gag the press.

The authorities have denied the accusations.

Motherland Tales Enjoyable read. Much as I`d like to lean away from comparison (for the two are very different) I found the Aisha Sarwari piece very intelligent with a distinct passion and style. This piece on the other hand flows beautifully and is perfectly simple. I found the readers too harsh on Aisha.

Loved the description of the suitor with the house in the foothills.... and the suitor with Machiavelian charm who `even used gods as if they were his plaything`....well put!

Could someone explain the meaning of the statement: `khas kum, jahaaN paak’?

Verdict in Pakistan Vicki: You`ve thrown a good bait and I feel the need to respond. Since you take a jab at one`s desire for democracy... my ego doesn`t allow me to sit taut and appear to be one against this truly noble concept.

I do rebel however, against the antagonistic tone with which most Indians (on this forum in particular) address issues in Pakistan. Oh you wretched Pakistanis, you don`t know any better, you have no foresight. Oh you wretched Pakistanis, we know what you need, how can you not understand your own problems.

If there is any hope for improvement of the worsening conditions in the region, we the people, have to be sympathetic towards each other`s problems and at times point of views, even if they`re not in unison. I concede that my sympathies are with Pakistan (by virtue of being Pakistani) but I truly try my hardest to understand India`s concerns and POV. As a result of reading head-banging Indo-Pak exchanges on Chowk, in the past, one has liked to disengage oneself from redundant exchanges with the Indians that claim a higher ground against Pakistan(is) every chance they get...I suppose one succumbs to a remark or two every once in a while. But if it`s worth anything I`ll spend some extra energy to atleast attempt to show you once again why cliches like `the key to democracy is more democracy` etc. are not absolute truths in all circumstances and certainly were not, in the way the Pakistani democracy was working. I`ll try to explain once again, though I feel enough people have addressed the reason why Pakistanis feel the need for a systemic change.

Before proceeding however, we should accept that there is a fundamental disagreement in the statement that ``the key to democracy is more democracy`` rather ``the key to a good democracy is an improved and truly representative democracy.`` There is no doubt to say the least, that it is the right of the people to govern themselves or to choose people representing their needs...but do you have any idea about democracy in Pakistan the way it existed? ...and the bureaucracy and the landed and feudal power mafias? It is just not sane to speak of returning to the same structure of democracy, if you`d had a taste of it.

Democracy is meant to give power to the people not to take power away from them. More democracy (of the old kind) would only mean more money in the coffers of the corrupt and already powerful and more burden on the powerless. The flaw does not lie with democracy, it lies with the way it was being delivered...hopelessly. (This all sounds redundant and things that other people in the forum have already reiterated). There is a dire...desperate need for a systemic overhaul in Pakistan. And when you are 50 years behind the rest of the world you can accept 2-3 (as is foreseen about the current state of affairs) years of a rule that carries hope of changing the filth engrained in the existing systems. Before passing judgements and jumping to conclusions, just have a closer look at the local bodies plan. I`ve taken some time out to study it and it is reason for hope.

I don`t want to dabble into India and it`s internal problems (where I see plenty) to avoid pointless confrontation but there are concerns that I`d like clarified at some point or another...and I refrain from

passing judgements till I hear what you have to say on these issues. I am willing to learn from you guys, granted you take a slightly more realistic stance towards our concerns.

Concerned: Totally didn`t get the pun about the ten-dhoti walas equalling 1 man? I will try to take your advice and try to be more of a man in the future (though that might be pretty difficult). I confess my previous response was impulsive. My remarks were not meant to shun Indians from the website...that was not my intention atleast...by all means write your point of views, that is what makes exchanges wholesome. However, like I said before...the exchanges can hardly be constructive when taking on an antagonistic tone.

Also...rest-assured that for every 1 ``unwelcomed non-dhotiwalla`` in India, there is an unwelcome dhoti-wala in Pakistan.

Verdict in Pakistan Sadhna,

If you come from India, which I think you do, you can`t quite rant and rave about political assertiveness. The size of the electorate in India barely stands at 30%, a majority of the people struggle below the poverty line, and the minorities remain at the mercy of their `elected` fanatic BJP-type heads (who are now raking credit for Nehru`s groundwork).

Your mathematical model is off the mark. Please concentrate your political assertiveness on problems within India (where there are plenty), let us worry about our own issues.

Famous Last Words or a Messiah in Khakis? Re: rehanhasanansari # 1

Although Mr. Ayaz Amir holds his own every so often (since cynicism always hits home in the case of Pakistani politics), more lately he seems to be tied in a complex a web of thoughts. His articles unnecessarily complicate issues and he spins in circles trying hard to find, in every situation, his personal niche as a journalist i.e. “absolute cynicism”....whether the situation warrants it or not.

Two glaring contradictions within the same article:

“As for the takeover, for a brief moment after October 12 it was seen both here and abroad as an opportunity for national renewal. Not any more. If the men on horseback had trimmed their reaction to fit Nawaz Sharif`s provocation (his attempt to remove the army chief in a cavalier manner), if instead of digging in their heels they had unfurled a quick plan for civilian restoration, they would have earned the nation`s thanks and been hailed as heroes “

(Further down)

“The internal political scene is dismal. The Muslim League faces a gender crisis. There are more women than men in its upper councils. The only men are Kulsoom Nawaz and Tehmina Daultana. The rest are women. The PPP does not count. The religious parties have pipe-dreams of their own. They cannot come to power (and long may it remain that way) but they are capable of exercising a negative influence. Let us not forget that Talibanism is more a mental than a physical phenomenon and the religious parties are helping to warp national thinking by reducing national debate and discussion to a primitive level.

The chances of any democratic movement arising are therefore nil. If the army returns to barracks it will do so on its own and not because anyone tells it to. So if things must change and Pakistan is to get out of its present abnormal situation, the army has to be a party to democratic restoration. But at the moment the present crop of military riders are in a conquering mood. They do not like being reminded of the past or being told that dark clouds line the horizon. “

Mr. Amir first proposes that the army should have returned to the barracks immediately after Octover 12th (implying no changes in the political structure). He follows soon afterwards by running down the political structure in Pakistan and lamenting over no chance of change through a democratic movement. So does he feel the need for change or not. I for one feel the need for drastic changes in the existing political structures and can’t see what his version of the perfect realistic scenario would be.

If one examines the LB elections plan in more detail, it actually is a reasonable start...

Is the new CE any different? Calling Ms. Zeejah:

Dawn- March 09, 2000

ISLAMABAD, March 8: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday announced the setting up of a permanent commission for the uplift of the status of women in the country and also incorporated a judicial body which will supply supervisory mechanism for checking violations against implementation of future recommendations.

The permanent commission on women will be an independent agency which will work out a comprehensive policy for women`s emancipation, recommending safeguards under the Constitution and other laws, and the apex body will be supported by a judicial committee, Gen Musharraf said.

The chief executive was speaking at the national convention for women to mark the International Women`s Day on March 8 at the State Life Building auditorium. Various members of the National Security Council, members of the cabinet, foreign diplomats, representatives from various donor agencies, NGOs, etc, were present on the occasion.

Assuring his government`s commitment to equalizing the opportunities for men and women in all fields, the chief executive said they would work for eliminating all forces of discrimination against women.

He said measures would be adopted to expand, enhance and sustain the best possible results from political sphere to education, health, skills and housing for women. Only an earnest and collective effort could radically transform society and rectify the imbalances through a carefully considered strategy, he added.

However, the CE agreed that the traditional practices, rigid attitudes and the lack of equal representation had compounded the problems for women. ``How we can make progress with half the population being socially, economically backward,`` he said, and added that they fully recognized the women`s rights as human rights.

He said the 10-point proposal submitted by Zubeida Jalal, minister for women, social welfare and special education, would be given some form within the next three weeks.

Presenting the keynote address, Zubeida Jalal hoped that the government would take landmark decisions to raise the status of women, restore their dignity and place them alongside men in equal opportunities to work for development and peace.

While the 10-point proposal was being announced, the recommendation for treating ``honour killing`` as outright murder was received with huge applause by those present at the convention.

The minister said efforts to strengthen institutions, as well as to amend legislation, could help curb violence against women, but stressed it was also necessary to bring succour to the victims of violence.

She maintained that the centrality of women`s issues to all global issues was no longer under debate - it was a universally-recognized and there was common recognition that no agenda of human rights and development was complete without focusing on the condition of women.

Addressing the convention, Dr Attiya Inayatullah, member of the National Security Council, said it was no accident that at the start of the third millennium the UN had chosen ``Women uniting for peace`` as the women`s day theme. ``I say so because it is well-known truth that in conflictual situation women are the first to be harmed and last to be heard.``

Dr Attiya said women could not continue to be prisoners of gender, and added that confronting the violence of economic and social deprivation was the centrepiece of Pakistan`s security policy.

While referring to the early 20th century publication ``Sultanas dream`` which is Robeya Hussain`s utopia described in ``Ladyland``, she said she was not romanticizing the peacefulness of women. ``Women have given the lead that you cannot have peace without justice and truth.``

The speech by Munir Ahmed, secretary, women division, defined the work done so far. He said efforts had been made to improve the quality of life for women by influencing government decisions on their behalf, preparing policies and programmes to prevent discrimination against them and protecting their rights according to the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

At the convention, seven girl-child representatives from remote parts of the country were also given an opportunity to speak about the absence of basic necessities and the treatment given to them for being females. Their small stories narrated the helplessness present in society.

The CE announced a sum of Rs5,000 each for the child representatives and Rs200,000 for the girl-child programme.

Proposals

Education Minister Zubaida Jalal presented following proposals at the convention:

The 10-point proposal says: amnesty may be given to all women prisoners for offences other than murder, dacoity, terrorism and drug trafficking; separate jails for women and juvenile prisoners may be set up in each province; police should not arrest or detain any woman or girl child without a warrant issued by the district magistrate, except in the case of cognizable offences of murder, dacoity, terrorism and drug trafficking; honour killing should be considered outright murder and should be treated as Qatl-i-Amd; ordinance may be issued to ban un-Islamic practices relating to marriage among Muslims and to discourage child marriage; action may be initiated for amendment to or repeal of all laws discriminatory to women; under-trial cases against women may be finalized expeditiously; 33 per cent recruitment vacancies in the public sector departments and corporations may be reserved for women; access of women to micro-credit may be increased for their economic empowerment and mainstreaming in society; representation may be given to women at the highest policy and execution levels.

(http://www.dawn.com/2000/03/09/top2.htm)

What is it that Pakistanis want? Ms/Mr. Roohi AD,

``I am a Pakistani and i know what i want. I want rule of law and the constitution of Pakistan reinstated. I also want that true and momin persons rule my country and NOT `mutterwas` like general `Mutterraf` alais Mutter forced on us.:``

First of all, kindly refrain from using the words you use because you`re only lowering the level of interaction on this website. Opposition and criticism of what`s happening is important so we can all contribute in our own ways towards building the future...but criticism should be constructive not destructive. I think most people avoid indulging in discussion with you despite your inciteful remarks because they`re to no avail. It`s possible you have plausible reasons, so please argue them out in a civil manner.

You dearly want the Constitution re-instated...that`s valid. I`d like to know how well you understand the history of the 1973 Constitution, and our past constitutions first though. It`s a very serious issue. You shouldn`t use that as a random reason simply for the sake of opposition. If you truly have conviction in what you say, give a history of the Constitution and details as to why in particular, it`s temporary suspension (as a means of instituting reforms that all Pakistanis feel is needed) is making you resort to low name-calling. One is willing to listen to your arguments but only if you use logic and reason.

As for your linking the current CE with the PPP, I certainly don`t see any evidence of such a link. If you`re speculating that`s fine...I`d personally disagree with you on that since I see evidence otherwise. I`d read in a Newsweek interview with Benazir that her attempts at contacting the administration have been ignored, following which an ISPR release said that Benzir was at liberty to return to Pakistan, but she would HAVE to face the charges pending against her. I see across the board accountability written all over. And inshallah it`ll take place to avenge all us Pakistanis who have been usurped by these politicians and bureaucrats.

He had no Choice!

Re: RoohiAD, Zeemax in particular

Is Chowk Staff managing this website?

The guideline declares the following:

Please keep your interaction relevant to the article and its primary theme

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It is time for Chowk Staff to intervene!

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf There has been very insightful and heartening interaction on this forum. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the sincere and civil manner some of you of have addressed concerns.

Re: hiba-sameen

You both sound like very thought out and logical young girls, I wish you both the best of luck in your futures and hope you continue to grow intellectually and become individuals that will contribute to Pakistan. I`m sure you will.

Re: Mr. Bilal Ahmed

I have been reading your responses for a very long time now and really respect your knowledge and manner of tackling various issues. I may not always agree with you on all issues but connect with most what you have to say. Kindly continue to post your thoughts, I`m sure you`ve touched many readers. I thought your idea of a Constitutional Commission was exceptionally good. There are needs for fundamental changes even within the Constitution, that should be throughly debated and scrutinized by `intellectuals` and the not-so-`intellectual` at all levels...so most aspects can be clearly debated. We should have a practical yet visionary Constitution that is IRREVOCABLE in the future. But it should be one that the people have contributed towards...and your idea ensures that. Please pursue it.

We all need to take part, in our own limited capacities, to pave the path for Pakistan`s future.

Compilation of Opinions on the Military Takeover in Pakistan Chowk staff:

Interesting articles and thanks for compiling different articles in one archive.

I would like to make a request/ suggestion. Somehow you should have a mechanism of checking the integrity of the articles you receive. The final article called, ``Khalifah for Pakistan`` does not sound very authentic. It sounds planted and I don`t want to point fingers to any group too obviously...but it really does not sound like it`s coming from a Muslim. Whoever took the painstaking time to write it and project a certain image, has done injustice to her/ himself for it is very obviously fake. It`s unfortunate that you decided to give it weight...I understand that the author has left contact information but it sounds like too much of an effort to sound authentic.

Anyway, just an observation.

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf Re: FH #18

The same speech was also delivered in Urdu immediately afterwards. Intelligent move in my opinion, because if it had been in Urdu only then the western/ international media would have put their own words in during translation. The nuances are also important(not traslatable) to understand issues better.

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf Re: libra #10

If you found out that he delivered the speech in Urdu as well would that somewhat restore faith?

If so, your faith should partly be restored.(Read my earlier reply for why it`s better that it was delivered in both languages).

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf Re: libra #10

If you found out that he delivered the speech in Urdu as well, would that somewhat restore faith?

If so, your faith should partly be restored.(Read my earlier reply for why it`s better that it was delivered in both languages).