Shashi Tharoor has got to be one of the most prolific leaders India has ever produced. I thought this video was going to show the examples of soft power from several countries, but instead came off too much as an ad for his own country, India - one it really doesnt need! The points he makes, though, are well-suited to the audience: thought leaders and public intellectuals from all over the globe, gathered at a conference on technology, entertainment and design. Pakistan can clearly learn a lot from its neighbor.
Hope you enjoy Tharoor at his best!
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Friday, February 05, 2010
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Youthink! blog post on Future Leaders of Pakistan
Very excited about my recent contribution to the World Bank's Youthink! blog! It's about an amazing organization called the Future Leaders of Pakistan (FLP), or as I refer to them, the Current Leaders of Pakistan. They truly are inspirational and have given me new hope for a country that is in dire need of it.
Many thanks to Saadia Iqbal Leal, Youthink!'s editor, who is such a pleasure to work with.
Feedback appreciated!
Many thanks to Saadia Iqbal Leal, Youthink!'s editor, who is such a pleasure to work with.
Feedback appreciated!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
$100 million donation to UN Pakistan from Saudi Arabia
I couldnt believe I received this news just hours after it was announced! You all must be thinking, "hours? these days we can get news seconds after an event happens!" The reality, my friends, is that news like this gets buried in back pages of newspapers, broadcast media rarely reports this news and people, quite frankly, just think it's a publicity ploy and view the announcement with cynicism.
I recall last year's $500 million landmark donation by the Saudis to the World Food Programme in response to their appeal for assistance to those most affected by the food crisis. WFP issued the appeal for around $700 million, and with the Saudi donation, their appeal was officially closed. How amazing is that. I dont think the US has ever thought of demonstrating their multilateralism like that. Instead, when the Southeast Asia tsunami happened, their initial donation was $35 million which resulted in a huge outcry from the public and the then Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, Jan Egeland. In fact, Egeland went so far as to call the Americans "stingy". Go Europeans!
Anyway, I am excited to hear that the Saudis are opening up and truly making efforts to build bridges. In fact, King Abdullah expressed a similar sentiment when he inaugurated the newly established King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, one of the top 10 universities in the world according to financial endowment. That's quite an achievement for a university that just opened its doors!
The same article also mentions how the World Bank ranks Saudi Arabia 13th in terms of business friendliness in an annual review called "Doing Business". And not to forget - Saudi Arabia/King Abdullah has/have repeatedly opened their doors to interfaith and intercultural fora.
Seems like the Saudis are well on their way to shattering some stereotypes. We should pay close attention to those folks. Did anyone say Muslim renaissance?
I recall last year's $500 million landmark donation by the Saudis to the World Food Programme in response to their appeal for assistance to those most affected by the food crisis. WFP issued the appeal for around $700 million, and with the Saudi donation, their appeal was officially closed. How amazing is that. I dont think the US has ever thought of demonstrating their multilateralism like that. Instead, when the Southeast Asia tsunami happened, their initial donation was $35 million which resulted in a huge outcry from the public and the then Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, Jan Egeland. In fact, Egeland went so far as to call the Americans "stingy". Go Europeans!
Anyway, I am excited to hear that the Saudis are opening up and truly making efforts to build bridges. In fact, King Abdullah expressed a similar sentiment when he inaugurated the newly established King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, one of the top 10 universities in the world according to financial endowment. That's quite an achievement for a university that just opened its doors!
The same article also mentions how the World Bank ranks Saudi Arabia 13th in terms of business friendliness in an annual review called "Doing Business". And not to forget - Saudi Arabia/King Abdullah has/have repeatedly opened their doors to interfaith and intercultural fora.
Seems like the Saudis are well on their way to shattering some stereotypes. We should pay close attention to those folks. Did anyone say Muslim renaissance?
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
The Azad Kashmir trip
Can you believe the summer's nearly over? I could've sworn it was just last week that I was getting ready to spend the summer in Pakistan. And now I am already back!
While the post below can suffice for most of the activities in June, July and August warrant their own dedicated blog entry. But unfortunately, that too will have to wait! For now, please make do with an article I wrote about a short trip I took to Azad Kashmir in July.
Obviously, much more to follow. Pray I write it all soon!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Greetings from Pakistan! (And no, I havent gotten married)
I've been in Pakistan for nearly ten days now, and while most of the days were in Islamabad, relaxing with friends and family, I was reminded of how dire the situation is on a constant, day-to-day basis. There are police checkpoints everywhere. The checking would add at least 5 or 10 minutes to your commute, in a city that is pretty small - compared to Lahore at least.
While I was in Islamabad, the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar (the only 5 star hotel in the entire Northwest Frontier Province just an hour north of Islamabad) was bombed, in very much a similar style to the recent bombings at law enforcement agency offices in Lahore, as well as the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad of last year. Combine the two, and you have nothing but mayhem - a terrorist's dream come true. Many of my friends and colleagues reminded me to take good care when I visited Pakistan in January 2008. Lahore had just experienced its first major terrorist attack during my visit at the time, when the police contingent outside the Lahore High Court was attacked by a suicide bomber. Imagine the fear in our hearts when we realized this was a short distance away from my cousins' law offices.
My family and I went out to dinner to the now-renovated-and-open-for-business Marriott Hotel when I was in Islamabad last week. To call that place a fortress is an understatement. I wonder if Israelis live in as much fear of terrorists as we civilian Pakistanis do now? I mean, there was a checkpoint down the road from the hotel, then one in front of it. Cars are simply not allowed inside the hotel complex anymore (I wonder where the valet service took our car that night?). We walked through a 15 foot barrier of sand, water and concrete, through metal detectors and then finally down a newly constructed ramp that brought you right in front of the hotel doors. A lobby that once buzzed and hummed with energy was now a barren wasteland. I could even hear the silverware clanking, something impossible if you were ever there when the lobby restaurant's singer sang old film songs and the dozens of guests chatted while foreigners conducted business.
My father has solemn memories of the hotel from last year. He often went there for dinner or high tea and the staff recognized him - some of whom lost their lives in the tragic attack. One of the waiters serving us that night survived. What questions, or memories, must haunt them? I shudder to think and hesitate to ask. Needless to say, dinner is bittersweet. It might be a world class establishment, but unfortunately, its recent history will always guide its future.
I arrived in Lahore on the weekend and feel as if ive been stuffed inside a brick oven! It's so hot that I can honestly feel the heat seeping into my skin from the sofa, for example. Westerners cannot understand the lifestyle here, because they are so accustomed to air conditioning. Well, that's a joke here, since the electricity doesnt work half the day - literally! It's called loadshedding and happens in India as well, but it wreaks more havoc across the border, here in Pakistan, because of the dire economic situation.
Speaking of which, the budget was just announced and education accounts for barely one percent of GDP. Industrialized nations budget between three and five percent for education, so we have a long way to go, definitely. The World Bank came out with a report (or some sort of assessment) which I cant locate for now, but the two important conclusions from the article I read were that 1) Madrassah enrollment accounts for around one percent of student enrollment in educational institutions. ie, madrassah students should not be looked at as a credible threat to the country or international security, for that matter. And 2) Private schools are increasingly taking on the challenges that the public sector has shied away from. Private school students have shown superior performance and overall more "bang for the buck".
It should come as no surprise that there is yet another increase in defense spending. Power to the army! I can understand why we need to increase it (can we get some serious support to fight the Taliban, please?), but please, someone explain to me why the U.S. needs to do so? The military-industrial complex in the U.S. that a former U.S. President warned of (Truman? Eisenhower?) is very much a reality in Pakistan as well. Read Ayesha Siddiqa Agha's work for some fascinating insight on this topic, but meanwhile, i've become a staunch supporter of at least direct support to the Pakistani army. They're the ones on the frontlines, fighting this raging insurgency in the country's north. They, along with other law enforcement officers/officials, will always be prime targets. They need true and real assistance. A simple bullet proof vest will go far.
I was pleasantly surprised - and a bit taken aback - when I saw an ad in the local paper for a company that produced these and other vests and devices that might protect law enforcement officers. Great to see that the product is in the marketplace, but why must this company advertise these goods? Is it not logical that the army definitely needs these, no questions asked? I remember an episode of Larry King Live from last year when the American entertainer, Cher, was making the rounds in the media drumming up support for helmets that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan should use considering the roadside and suicide bombings they were fast becoming victims to. Well, now our soldiers need them too. I'm surprised no one is asking these logical questions and demanding these devices be mandatory. In due time, I truly hope.
And lastly, it's become customary for my South Asian friends to tease me about my age and marital status (i'll be 28 in September and am single). At about my age, South Asian men and their families embark on a journey to find a suitable spouse for the "candidate". Marriage is essentially a social contract in South Asia, as well as the Arab world in general. Spouses (or couples, by extension) are not just friends and companions but also agents of social change, in that, they build bridges and establish linkages among families. This was especially common in the Mughal/medieval times when marriages were almost solely done by virtue of family background. As long as there were similarities between prospective spouses, the rest could be worked on.
So alas, this brings me to my predicament. An eligible bachelor, on vacation for several weeks in his native hometown, yet no word of marriage, or even an engagement? Some of my South Asian friends inquired - half-jokingly - about my "plans" for this trip. My answer of "rest, relaxation and recreation" did not go far with them. For now, I am not letting this issue stress me out. I enjoy what independence I have and am hopeful for the future. A positive approach should do me well, I think!
On that upbeat note, I part ways. Since there is plenty to update you on, i'll try to write soon...
While I was in Islamabad, the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar (the only 5 star hotel in the entire Northwest Frontier Province just an hour north of Islamabad) was bombed, in very much a similar style to the recent bombings at law enforcement agency offices in Lahore, as well as the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad of last year. Combine the two, and you have nothing but mayhem - a terrorist's dream come true. Many of my friends and colleagues reminded me to take good care when I visited Pakistan in January 2008. Lahore had just experienced its first major terrorist attack during my visit at the time, when the police contingent outside the Lahore High Court was attacked by a suicide bomber. Imagine the fear in our hearts when we realized this was a short distance away from my cousins' law offices.
My family and I went out to dinner to the now-renovated-and-open-for-business Marriott Hotel when I was in Islamabad last week. To call that place a fortress is an understatement. I wonder if Israelis live in as much fear of terrorists as we civilian Pakistanis do now? I mean, there was a checkpoint down the road from the hotel, then one in front of it. Cars are simply not allowed inside the hotel complex anymore (I wonder where the valet service took our car that night?). We walked through a 15 foot barrier of sand, water and concrete, through metal detectors and then finally down a newly constructed ramp that brought you right in front of the hotel doors. A lobby that once buzzed and hummed with energy was now a barren wasteland. I could even hear the silverware clanking, something impossible if you were ever there when the lobby restaurant's singer sang old film songs and the dozens of guests chatted while foreigners conducted business.
My father has solemn memories of the hotel from last year. He often went there for dinner or high tea and the staff recognized him - some of whom lost their lives in the tragic attack. One of the waiters serving us that night survived. What questions, or memories, must haunt them? I shudder to think and hesitate to ask. Needless to say, dinner is bittersweet. It might be a world class establishment, but unfortunately, its recent history will always guide its future.
I arrived in Lahore on the weekend and feel as if ive been stuffed inside a brick oven! It's so hot that I can honestly feel the heat seeping into my skin from the sofa, for example. Westerners cannot understand the lifestyle here, because they are so accustomed to air conditioning. Well, that's a joke here, since the electricity doesnt work half the day - literally! It's called loadshedding and happens in India as well, but it wreaks more havoc across the border, here in Pakistan, because of the dire economic situation.
Speaking of which, the budget was just announced and education accounts for barely one percent of GDP. Industrialized nations budget between three and five percent for education, so we have a long way to go, definitely. The World Bank came out with a report (or some sort of assessment) which I cant locate for now, but the two important conclusions from the article I read were that 1) Madrassah enrollment accounts for around one percent of student enrollment in educational institutions. ie, madrassah students should not be looked at as a credible threat to the country or international security, for that matter. And 2) Private schools are increasingly taking on the challenges that the public sector has shied away from. Private school students have shown superior performance and overall more "bang for the buck".
It should come as no surprise that there is yet another increase in defense spending. Power to the army! I can understand why we need to increase it (can we get some serious support to fight the Taliban, please?), but please, someone explain to me why the U.S. needs to do so? The military-industrial complex in the U.S. that a former U.S. President warned of (Truman? Eisenhower?) is very much a reality in Pakistan as well. Read Ayesha Siddiqa Agha's work for some fascinating insight on this topic, but meanwhile, i've become a staunch supporter of at least direct support to the Pakistani army. They're the ones on the frontlines, fighting this raging insurgency in the country's north. They, along with other law enforcement officers/officials, will always be prime targets. They need true and real assistance. A simple bullet proof vest will go far.
I was pleasantly surprised - and a bit taken aback - when I saw an ad in the local paper for a company that produced these and other vests and devices that might protect law enforcement officers. Great to see that the product is in the marketplace, but why must this company advertise these goods? Is it not logical that the army definitely needs these, no questions asked? I remember an episode of Larry King Live from last year when the American entertainer, Cher, was making the rounds in the media drumming up support for helmets that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan should use considering the roadside and suicide bombings they were fast becoming victims to. Well, now our soldiers need them too. I'm surprised no one is asking these logical questions and demanding these devices be mandatory. In due time, I truly hope.
And lastly, it's become customary for my South Asian friends to tease me about my age and marital status (i'll be 28 in September and am single). At about my age, South Asian men and their families embark on a journey to find a suitable spouse for the "candidate". Marriage is essentially a social contract in South Asia, as well as the Arab world in general. Spouses (or couples, by extension) are not just friends and companions but also agents of social change, in that, they build bridges and establish linkages among families. This was especially common in the Mughal/medieval times when marriages were almost solely done by virtue of family background. As long as there were similarities between prospective spouses, the rest could be worked on.
So alas, this brings me to my predicament. An eligible bachelor, on vacation for several weeks in his native hometown, yet no word of marriage, or even an engagement? Some of my South Asian friends inquired - half-jokingly - about my "plans" for this trip. My answer of "rest, relaxation and recreation" did not go far with them. For now, I am not letting this issue stress me out. I enjoy what independence I have and am hopeful for the future. A positive approach should do me well, I think!
On that upbeat note, I part ways. Since there is plenty to update you on, i'll try to write soon...
Friday, February 27, 2009
"Class Dismissed" - Short documentary on Swat Valley, Pakistan
After watching this 14 minute documentary chronicling the last hours before an 11-year old girl's public school in Swat Valley, Pakistan, is closed, I must say, I am very saddened and depressed by the whole situation. I've been reading news about how schools are closing down, week after week, by the dozens, but it never really hits you until you see visuals. Thanks to the documentary, I now appreciate the struggle of women the world over who yearn to be educated.
Ziauddin is not your typical male, and his daughter - or family, in general - are not your typical family. He is a social activist who wants his daughter to be a politician. She, on the other hand, wants to be a doctor. And both dont want to leave Swat! I salute their courage. Not much is left of their once serene valley. I had the pleasure of visiting the northern areas of Pakistan, specifically Swat and some other cities nearby, in 2001, and was blown away. Such beauty! Those images will be eteched in my mind forever.
Tragically, Balakot - the city which is traditionally considered a gateway to the North - was destroyed nearly completely in the October 2005 earthquake. And Swat - well, we know what's happening there now.
My hope is that the New York Times and other media outlets continue to focus on this story. No one should ever live in fear. Please take a moment to thank the Times for this video. I dont agree with a lot of their journalistic viewpoints and policies, but when any one does good, a little encouragement goes a long way.
Ziauddin is not your typical male, and his daughter - or family, in general - are not your typical family. He is a social activist who wants his daughter to be a politician. She, on the other hand, wants to be a doctor. And both dont want to leave Swat! I salute their courage. Not much is left of their once serene valley. I had the pleasure of visiting the northern areas of Pakistan, specifically Swat and some other cities nearby, in 2001, and was blown away. Such beauty! Those images will be eteched in my mind forever.
Tragically, Balakot - the city which is traditionally considered a gateway to the North - was destroyed nearly completely in the October 2005 earthquake. And Swat - well, we know what's happening there now.
My hope is that the New York Times and other media outlets continue to focus on this story. No one should ever live in fear. Please take a moment to thank the Times for this video. I dont agree with a lot of their journalistic viewpoints and policies, but when any one does good, a little encouragement goes a long way.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fear of living here, fear of going back home
I just read this piece in the International Herald Tribune, and the violence back home in Pakistan has never hit home this close.
Thankfully, we dont live in Swat. Lahore is not in the northern areas of Pakistan and is not (as) violent, but I have often thought about hypothetical scenarios where I go back, and God forbid, am whisked away in the dark of night, never to be hard of again - only if my family paid a ransom large enough.
These are nightmare situations expats must think of. If this article is to be trusted, my vacations back home will be far from peaceful.
I still recall my last visit, in January 2008. Lahore was the last bastion of calm and serenity. This all changed when the Lahore High Court bombing took place, killing many police officers. My cousins were in the vicinity. Their law offices' glass windows were shattered. My "vacations" would never be the same.
I half-jokingly mentioned to someone recently how I would have to be careful speaking english in future visits to Pakistan. My American accent would invite unwanted listeners. But what to say of the fear in my heart? Would that invite unwanted paranoia? I leave that to you to decide.
Thankfully, we dont live in Swat. Lahore is not in the northern areas of Pakistan and is not (as) violent, but I have often thought about hypothetical scenarios where I go back, and God forbid, am whisked away in the dark of night, never to be hard of again - only if my family paid a ransom large enough.
These are nightmare situations expats must think of. If this article is to be trusted, my vacations back home will be far from peaceful.
I still recall my last visit, in January 2008. Lahore was the last bastion of calm and serenity. This all changed when the Lahore High Court bombing took place, killing many police officers. My cousins were in the vicinity. Their law offices' glass windows were shattered. My "vacations" would never be the same.
I half-jokingly mentioned to someone recently how I would have to be careful speaking english in future visits to Pakistan. My American accent would invite unwanted listeners. But what to say of the fear in my heart? Would that invite unwanted paranoia? I leave that to you to decide.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Jump into the deep end - i'm finally back!
Knowledge is power, and I always hope to empower those who visit my blog in the hope of quenching their thirst for knowledge. I offer my apologies for not updating the blog as regularly as I can/should, since so much has happened that is dear to me, yet I still relegated my duty to empower and let it slip to a lower priority. I am sorry.
But, the good news is that I am back! And with a bang, I hope? My good friend from the UN, Dalai Fazio, a capable, accomplished young graduate of Rutgers and Seton Hall's Whitehead School, has started a great blog on diplomacy and power, titled, quite aptly, "Conversations on Diplomacy and Power Politics". He was awfully kind in asking me to engage in a dialogue for a podcast on the current scenario in India-Pakistan relations, with a focus on relations in the aftermath of the Mumbai attack. Please visit the blog and listen/download, comment, and feel free to spread the word, if you deem it worthy.
Meanwhile, I will update my blog more regularly. Should you come across issues, articles, thoughts that deserve a wider audience, please let me know. Some voices deserve - and need - the greater amplification, and I am happy to provide an alternative platform.
But, the good news is that I am back! And with a bang, I hope? My good friend from the UN, Dalai Fazio, a capable, accomplished young graduate of Rutgers and Seton Hall's Whitehead School, has started a great blog on diplomacy and power, titled, quite aptly, "Conversations on Diplomacy and Power Politics". He was awfully kind in asking me to engage in a dialogue for a podcast on the current scenario in India-Pakistan relations, with a focus on relations in the aftermath of the Mumbai attack. Please visit the blog and listen/download, comment, and feel free to spread the word, if you deem it worthy.
Meanwhile, I will update my blog more regularly. Should you come across issues, articles, thoughts that deserve a wider audience, please let me know. Some voices deserve - and need - the greater amplification, and I am happy to provide an alternative platform.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Pictures of the Pakistan I know
Sometimes I look at photos capturing the sights and sceneries of countries that are foreign to me and that I know the media will never tell me about and that our schools will never teach about.
So, it comes as a welcome and pleasant surprise that people have taken it into their own hands to inform us about people and places in lands far away and hitherto undiscovered, or at least less widely known. My friend, Adeel Rahman, is always the ultimate discoverer of hidden treasures, so I dedicate this post to him - and thank him profusely!
Enjoy these pictures. They may not be of people, but at least show monuments and structures and landscapes of Pakistan in their true glory.
So, it comes as a welcome and pleasant surprise that people have taken it into their own hands to inform us about people and places in lands far away and hitherto undiscovered, or at least less widely known. My friend, Adeel Rahman, is always the ultimate discoverer of hidden treasures, so I dedicate this post to him - and thank him profusely!
Enjoy these pictures. They may not be of people, but at least show monuments and structures and landscapes of Pakistan in their true glory.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Back to the blogosphere!
Finally! Back after quite a hiatus!
I must say, it took me a good several days to get back in to the routine of things after returning from my hectic trip to Pakistan (first three weeks of this year). It was the mundane things which took the longest to get used to (cooking/preparing food, cleaning, laundry, groceries, etc.) - even though I was gone only three weeks! - because in Pakistan, it's all done for you by others! Many have commented on why I would ever want to live in New York when I left so much behind in Lahore. But, that's a story for another day.
For now, I will keep things short and post three great analytical pieces my friends Muntasir, Arif and Jumaina wrote on the post-elections situation in Pakistan. I have yet to write about my trip a few months ago, but will do so with some photos, very soon.
Until then, happy reading!
Muntasir's piece is on the South Asian Magazine for Action and Reflection's website, titled "From a Musharraf policy to a Pakistan policy".
Jumaina's piece is on the Henry Stimson Center's website (where she is a Research Associate with the Regional Voices: Transnational Challenges project), titled "Power of the ballot: political transition in Pakistan".
Arif's piece is on The Guardian's website (UK publication), titled "Partnerless in Pakistan".
I must say, it took me a good several days to get back in to the routine of things after returning from my hectic trip to Pakistan (first three weeks of this year). It was the mundane things which took the longest to get used to (cooking/preparing food, cleaning, laundry, groceries, etc.) - even though I was gone only three weeks! - because in Pakistan, it's all done for you by others! Many have commented on why I would ever want to live in New York when I left so much behind in Lahore. But, that's a story for another day.
For now, I will keep things short and post three great analytical pieces my friends Muntasir, Arif and Jumaina wrote on the post-elections situation in Pakistan. I have yet to write about my trip a few months ago, but will do so with some photos, very soon.
Until then, happy reading!
Muntasir's piece is on the South Asian Magazine for Action and Reflection's website, titled "From a Musharraf policy to a Pakistan policy".
Jumaina's piece is on the Henry Stimson Center's website (where she is a Research Associate with the Regional Voices: Transnational Challenges project), titled "Power of the ballot: political transition in Pakistan".
Arif's piece is on The Guardian's website (UK publication), titled "Partnerless in Pakistan".
Monday, January 07, 2008
Updates from Pakistan!
I just arrived in this magnificent city days ago and while it may have only been two years since my last visit, a lot has changed. And im not surprised! The story of our economic prosperity has yet to reach the Western media, so allow me to tell it :)
There are so many trade centers and shopping plazas here that parking has become a major issue. So are the countless cars on the streets of many of Pakistan's cities. The new money that's flooded homes and businesses is reflected most evidently in cars and clothing.
I am still trying to fathom how Islamabad, the capitol, is getting the world's first 7 star hotel. It's actually 5 stars for technical reasons but how is this possible in Pakistan, and why Islamabad of all cities?
Anyway, on to some socio-political issues. Benazir's assassination has caused obvious political turmoil, but what the Western media has yet to report is that this time around, a lot more has been affected. With the rioting and violence that ensued shortly thereafter, many people have experienced a tremendous loss in amount of gas, water and electricity to their homes. Pipes carrying either of these commodities were damaged in the riots (yes, they are above ground, not underground like in many other parts of the world), so even doing a simple thing like writing an email has been troublesome. Wedding season is in full swing and people have had to rent alternative power supplies which run on petrol. Prices of candles have gone up nearly 300%. Wheat is in shortage, so bread is expensive too. People are basically waiting and hoping and praying for rain so the dams produce something, anything.
And this is the story for everyone. The rich can minimize it because their money can afford them that level of comfort, but even they are affected. My aunt's husband is now retired, but was the highest-ranking official in the federal government's law department/ministry, and they have barely had hot water to cook, bathe, etc. for the past month.
The general sentiment in the public has been overwhelmingly consistent regarding Benazir's death: She may not have been the country's best leader, but she was extraordinarily brave, courageous and very charismatic. She was at least one option for the masses. Scotland Yard is investigating but everyone knows it's a farce. Elections have been delayed. People are trying to get by.
I have been taking lots of pictures, so I will try to upload those as well, but the portrait I can paint without over-generalizing is that poverty still affects so many people. Most of the aid from the West has gone straight to the army with nearly zero accountability. Testimony to the enrichment and consolidation of the army in civilian life is the presence of grandiose housing societies/colonies for senior army officers. Their presence in NGOs cannot be underscored either. What work does an armed forces person have in civil society? Stay on the borders, please! Standing at a traffic light makes one realize how fortunate those of us are who have the means to lead a decent life. If only others were given that chance too.
I will try to update soon, and might add minor addendums to previous posts in future posts.
As always, please pray.
There are so many trade centers and shopping plazas here that parking has become a major issue. So are the countless cars on the streets of many of Pakistan's cities. The new money that's flooded homes and businesses is reflected most evidently in cars and clothing.
I am still trying to fathom how Islamabad, the capitol, is getting the world's first 7 star hotel. It's actually 5 stars for technical reasons but how is this possible in Pakistan, and why Islamabad of all cities?
Anyway, on to some socio-political issues. Benazir's assassination has caused obvious political turmoil, but what the Western media has yet to report is that this time around, a lot more has been affected. With the rioting and violence that ensued shortly thereafter, many people have experienced a tremendous loss in amount of gas, water and electricity to their homes. Pipes carrying either of these commodities were damaged in the riots (yes, they are above ground, not underground like in many other parts of the world), so even doing a simple thing like writing an email has been troublesome. Wedding season is in full swing and people have had to rent alternative power supplies which run on petrol. Prices of candles have gone up nearly 300%. Wheat is in shortage, so bread is expensive too. People are basically waiting and hoping and praying for rain so the dams produce something, anything.
And this is the story for everyone. The rich can minimize it because their money can afford them that level of comfort, but even they are affected. My aunt's husband is now retired, but was the highest-ranking official in the federal government's law department/ministry, and they have barely had hot water to cook, bathe, etc. for the past month.
The general sentiment in the public has been overwhelmingly consistent regarding Benazir's death: She may not have been the country's best leader, but she was extraordinarily brave, courageous and very charismatic. She was at least one option for the masses. Scotland Yard is investigating but everyone knows it's a farce. Elections have been delayed. People are trying to get by.
I have been taking lots of pictures, so I will try to upload those as well, but the portrait I can paint without over-generalizing is that poverty still affects so many people. Most of the aid from the West has gone straight to the army with nearly zero accountability. Testimony to the enrichment and consolidation of the army in civilian life is the presence of grandiose housing societies/colonies for senior army officers. Their presence in NGOs cannot be underscored either. What work does an armed forces person have in civil society? Stay on the borders, please! Standing at a traffic light makes one realize how fortunate those of us are who have the means to lead a decent life. If only others were given that chance too.
I will try to update soon, and might add minor addendums to previous posts in future posts.
As always, please pray.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Views on Post-Bhutto Pakistan
Many friends have messaged me (through all means! phone, facebook, email...) inquiring what my thoughts were on the current socio-political situation Pakistan finds itself in. Thanks so much for your concern amidst this chaos and turbulence.
The fact is, my views are not too different from the views the majority of Pakistanis (around the world) hold - that this event inspires shock, awe, disgust, pessimism and fear. Just when we thought the end of the "State of Emergency" would bring some stability with the prospects of elections just around the corner, things actually took a turn for the worse.
My question, though, is why should Pakistanis be surprised by this twist of fate? Bhutto never had a good reputation to begin with. After being ousted in 1990, she returned in 1993 - only to wreak more havoc. If she did finally return, why didnt she "pay her dues" (literally; no pun intended...) and start afresh, with a clean slate?
Instead, the masses remember her as the woman who looted, raped and pillaged the country. I remember her time in power, and was in awe of her persona. She was charismatic. If one looks at pictures of her from her college and young adult days, you can foresee that she was destined to do great things; not necessarily positive things, but great nonetheless.
And so, today, I am baffled again as to how the Western media is celebrating Bhutto's life. Why, I ask? Yes, she's liberal, progressive, a smart female and the scion of a major political family, but she's also corrupt, greedy, hypocritical, and power hungry. She is one person whose thirst for power and wealth rivals only that of General Pervez Musharraf. I looked to both of them for hope - Bhutto in the 1990's and Musharraf post-9/11 - yet neither stepped up to the plate.
So, I would like to make a humble request. Two, perhaps. For those of you affiliated with the media, please refrain from celebrating her life. It was not worth it. Can anyone recall any of her achievements? At least Nawaz Sharif connected the entire country with a network of highways and beautified the cities of Punjab in his quest to make them the "Paris of the East". Bhutto effectively created an elite class that is politically and socially so secluded from the masses, she could very well be christened Marie Antoinette.
Did Bhutto really intend on coming back to her homeland to "serve" her people? I consider such an action to be highly dubious. If her track record is any indication, she was all set to take the country by storm again. I'm sure she slept so peacefully at night knowing that her largely illiterate voters were to be taken advantage of again. When will my countrymen learn?
My second request is that we pray for her soul. I dont care what political stance one may have, such an event is not only reprehensible and worthy of our highest condemnation, but has led to the breaking of a family and the loss of a mother for three teenage children. No one should ever have to go through this agony. This violence that has emerged in the past few years in Pakistani politics has frightened me beyond words. It is amazing how dissent and divergent opinions can do so much harm to someone. Disappearing people, drive-by shootings, kidnappings are all accepted forms of treatment meted out to people who question authority. It's as if we've forgotten the nature of democracy - yet we yearn for it so intensely?
With Bhutto's passing, we have lost a major battle in the war our masses are fighting to gain democratic control of the country. She was a beacon, maybe not of hope, but a beacon and a trailblazer nonetheless. I will make no predictions about the upcoming elections and instead, am hoping against hope that we finally see some fresh leadership emerge from somewhere, somehow.
It is this very leadership deficit that has brought us to where we are today. In an article I wrote just weeks ago for The Epoch Times when Musharraf declared the State of Emergency, I mentioned in it how many of my generation never even considered a career in public service. So strong was the social stigma against politics; those who pursue it as a profession are probably either illiterate or wealthy, effectively excluding countless people from creating a better future for the country. Clearly, this most harmful trend must be reversed, lest we see the country's law and order situation spiral so out of control that we never see it regain a stable footing.
Lastly, an update from the ground: I have been in conversation with my family back in Pakistan including my father in Islamabad and my mother and sister in Lahore, and both parties basically paint a picture of a barren wasteland. These cities are large, vibrant and dynamic and so to hear of them as being devoid of cars on their streets, with no gas stations or convenience/general stores open is quite odd. Not a soul can be seen apparently. Till yesterday, phones and internet were not functioning.
A friend in Karachi said that the evening following Bhutto's death, there was a wedding in the family that was canceled at the last minute. When news broke of the attack in Rawalpindi, people in Karachi closed businesses immediately and run for dear life. My sister told of another wedding she attended where the groom's procession only included seven people - even close relatives were not present!
The three day mourning period ends Sunday and I imagine that by the time I arrive in Islamabad Monday afternoon, things should be heading back to "normal". I have never heard of nor seen such a day in Pakistani history. This one event will have reverberations across coming generations, let alone mine.
I think this might be my last blog entry till departure (Sunday morning, 12/30), but I will try and update with relevant articles and other resources as and when possible. I return three weeks from now, God willing.
Again, many thanks to all those who've communicated their thoughts and concerns. You've all been like a pillar of support to me in these trying times. As if it's not enough that I am going back to my homeland for a three week vacation (which is crazy in itself!), I now am under this constant tension. The burden, I fear, will not be lifted soon.
Prayers for peace,
Zeeshan
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Bhutto killed in attack
Pakistanis around the world are still trying to make sense of this horrific situation. Thanks to all those who have expressed concern and thanks even more for the prayers. Surely, they will not go un-answered.
I travel to Pakistan this weekend and arrive in Islamabad, amid tight security, I assume. Keep me in your prayers as well!
I was never a fan of Benazir and, in fact, thought she did more harm to Pakistan than good, but under no circumstances should such treatment be meted out to any individual.
"From Him do we come, and to Him shall we return..."
I travel to Pakistan this weekend and arrive in Islamabad, amid tight security, I assume. Keep me in your prayers as well!
I was never a fan of Benazir and, in fact, thought she did more harm to Pakistan than good, but under no circumstances should such treatment be meted out to any individual.
"From Him do we come, and to Him shall we return..."
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
My article on Pakistan's current state of affairs in The Epoch Times
Can't write in detail now, but as always, comments and feedback gratefully accepted! Hopefully, it should appear in the hard copy version of the paper in a few days. Please pick up a copy if you can!
The article is here.
Many thanks to National Editor for Epoch, Genevieve Long, whose passion for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan will go far in helping bridge gaps and build bridges in US-Pakistan relations.
Happy reading!
The article is here.
Many thanks to National Editor for Epoch, Genevieve Long, whose passion for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan will go far in helping bridge gaps and build bridges in US-Pakistan relations.
Happy reading!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Resources on State of Emergency in Pakistan
My email inbox has been overflowing with different resources on the State of Emergency in Pakistan, declared last weekend by General Musharraf. It would be a great travesty if I didnt share them. Please do feel free to leave comments with more resources and I can update later. And also please feel free to give any feedback - constructive and/or destructive! - and it will be accepted with gratitude.
Long live the voice of the people!
=====
From my friend Salman Ahmed Usman:
=====
NYT blog entry comparing Musharraf and Abe Lincoln: http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/musharraf-and-lincoln-in-their-own-words/
=====
Petitions being circulated:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/15064.html
http://www.avaaz.org/en/emergency_pakistan
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/legalcourts/
=====
Some anti-Musharraf articles in the Columbia Spectator (Columbia University newspaper):
Pakistan and the U.S.: a Devious Relationship
Some blogs with regular updates:
http://pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com/
http://emergepakistan.blogspot.com/
www.PakistanPolicy.com
======
For those of you based in New York, you can sign on to a google group for regular updates at: http://groups.google.com/group/emergency_newyork?hl=en
Long live the voice of the people!
=====
From my friend Salman Ahmed Usman:
Some internet news sources on Pakistan :
www.pkpolitics.com is updated almost round the clock with latest news and videos of news bulletins and political talk shows. The website is currently also providing full coverage of Emergency Plus in Pakistan in audio format at pkpolitics.com/audio/emergency/ . This includes latest analysis of various hosts from Geo and ARY, including Dr. Shahid Masood and Kashif Abbasi. Also check sister website http://pklatest.com/
Live Geo news (audio only) on www.geo.tv
A number of Pakistani channels at www.jpjc.de. After registering, scroll down to the 'Live TV Channels' section.
Geo TV/ ARY live streaming at www.pakistanvision.com. Click 'Live stream 1' or 'Live stream 2' link on the left hand side.
Geo News live streaming at: http://watchgeotv.info/
Live streaming of Aljazeera English at: http://english.aljazeera.net
DawnNews live streaming link on their website www.dawn.com
=====
NYT blog entry comparing Musharraf and Abe Lincoln: http://thelede.blogs.nytimes
=====
Petitions being circulated:
http://www.gopetition.com
http://www.avaaz.org/en
http://www.ipetitions.com
=====
Some anti-Musharraf articles in the Columbia Spectator (Columbia University newspaper):
Pakistan and the U.S.: a Devious Relationship
Pakistan and the American Dream
=====Some blogs with regular updates:
http://pakistanmartiallaw
http://emergepakistan.blogspot
www.PakistanPolicy.com
======
For those of you based in New York, you can sign on to a google group for regular updates at: http://groups.google.com/group/emergency_newyork?hl=en
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Updates on State of Emergency in Pakistan
I just wanted to thank everyone who has expressed concern over the recent disappointing development in Pakistan.
Things seem to be calm; internet and phone are okay for now, though all TV and media seem to be shut down. No unrest as such. At least this is what i've heard.
I can only point to one authoritative source of information and that is the blog page set up by the folks at the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA). Check out more info here, which is thankfully being updated as well.
Please keep Pakistan and Pakistanis in your prayers.
Things seem to be calm; internet and phone are okay for now, though all TV and media seem to be shut down. No unrest as such. At least this is what i've heard.
I can only point to one authoritative source of information and that is the blog page set up by the folks at the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA). Check out more info here, which is thankfully being updated as well.
Please keep Pakistan and Pakistanis in your prayers.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Pakistan: 60 years on...
I'm excited to announce that an article I just wrote on the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's founding has just been published by one of Pakistan's most respected newspapers: The Nation. I'm thrilled!
I've copied it below and the webpage is here.
As always, comments appreciated and always sought after!
Pakistan: 60 years on
Zeeshan Suhail
Six long decades have passed since Muhammad Ali Jinnah saw his dream come true when Pakistan was created on August 14th, 1947. We had so much to be proud of when the country was founded: a secular homeland for South Asia’s Muslims, where those from minority backgrounds could also live in peace and harmony; a country whose economy grew to be self-reliant and resilient; a nation whose people were prosperous and content.
Yet a cursory perusal of Pakistan’s state of affairs in the 21st century reveals anything but what I’ve mentioned above. Our people are victims of inter- and intra-religious conflict. Our economy has been spurred by Western aid, grants and loans. And lastly, our people are demoralized and distraught. It is evident we do not have much to be proud of.
It is in such dire straits that I cannot help but think of what Pakistanis can do - particularly members of the Diaspora - in these trying times. The task at hand is difficult, but it requires broad vision, strategic thinking and boundless ambition. I outline some of the more important issues at hand below. God knows there is so much more to be done. We must start somewhere. I hope this article is a good place to begin.
The rule of law is the single most important pillar of any society where citizens of the state can look to for redress of their grievances and for the upholding of sacred values such as equality among all citizens. No one is above the law. It is because of this reason that we should not fear law enforcers, but demand their assistance as and when it is needed. To know that the integrity of Pakistan’s Constitution could have been compromised severely this past spring when the Chief Justice was sacked was more of a plausible fear for me than the number of lives that could have been lost in subsequent protests demanding justice. Knowing that the whole fiasco was carried out by higher authorities angers me even more so.
Pakistan has seen most of the past six decades of its political history dominated by martial law administrators. For any country that was founded on the ideals that Pakistan was founded on, this fact serves as a rude awakening every day of its citizens lives. To see such talent, such potential go to waste every day because the masses must act at the whim of an un-elected, un-democratic leader is extremely distressing. Those Pakistanis who lived under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime can testify to the suffocation one could feel simply trying to survive in the country.
Accountability is the hallmark of any democratic entity, and Pakistan’s government should be no different. For most of the 1990’s, Pakistanis watched in horror as politician after politician squandered billions after billions from the national exchequer, only to leave the country yearning for sustenance. Everywhere one looked, one could not find a suitable leader. Such was the absence of oases in this barren desert that stretched for thousands of miles.
As Pakistanis look forward to a future where they are equal stakeholders in the future progress of the country, they realize the road is bumpy and may even be laden with landmines. But six decades of hardship has taught us much. We have been shoved to the side, and pushed to the floor - but not for long. An Arab proverb says it aptly: The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
But before we march henceforth, we must make an assessment of the changes that need to take place. On my list, transition to a democratically-elected government features prominently at the top. My cynical friends would laugh at this proposition. That’s how tragic our state of affairs is. What we in the West take for granted every moment of our lives, the concerned Pakistani citizen fights for every moment of her/his life.
The first step in this transition should include the return of some Pakistanis living abroad who have skills, expertise and experience as well as the language and cultural affiliation to assist in a smooth transition from a western lifestyle to an eastern one. This is not a novel concept; Indian professionals with degrees from top western schools are heading back to India to take advantage of the economic boom. I’m sure they are also looking at such an opportunity to provide some sort of service to their country.
Pakistanis should do the same. With growth rates averaging over seven percent annually for the past few years, what time other than this would anyone consider going back? Multinational enterprises scout out those with English language proficiency, and the social service sector is thriving. Pakistanis are volunteering and donating to charities in record numbers as well.
A close second to a reverse brain drain phenomenon, is the stepping down of General Pervez Musharraf. While Musharraf’s initial expedited and progressive action on various issues such as women’s rights and media liberalization was much appreciated, his recent crackdown on independent media and the judiciary have been anything but appreciated. Pakistani civil society has become so deeply entrenched with personnel from the military that it seems as if it is an extension of the government itself! It disgusts me to even think what sort of work must be done to cleanse this sector of society from the residue of the military and/or government.
I often ponder over General Musharraf’s doctrine of “enlightened moderation”. It is remarkable how rhetoric and semantics can go so far in developing the policies of a country which damage it so badly beyond repair, that the country’s citizenry can only sit and watch in horror. While this ideology is nothing but words, Musharraf’s actions - or inactions - have spoken much louder than them. His inaction when it comes to the disappearances and killings of media personnel speak volumes, as does the state-sanctioned violence targeting media outlets. The media assault on his power trips are intentional and will only increase until and unless he steps down to make way for leaders who have what it takes to lead us out of harm’s way.
In my work on an initiative called “Hope not Hate” with an NGO called Americans for Informed Democracy, I often refer to the glorious past Muslims enjoyed - along with Jews and Christians and those of other faiths. Despite all our present day problems - from political instability to religious extremism - we can find solutions. Pakistanis would be better off revisiting their past before stepping in to the deep, dark recesses of an, as yet, unknown future. I hope we can do this with the help of the global community, for Pakistan cannot live in isolation and will be better served if it used its time-tested friends.
Much as this seems unrealistic, Pakistan must set a precedent in the geo-political realm as a state that values democratic ideals, women and religious/ethnic minorities, and true vision for a prosperous future. This means Pakistanis must formulate ways of working cooperatively with neighbors like Iran, China, Afghanistan, and of course, India. In a globalized world, we have much to gain from our allies, and also much to learn. And as we become more and more globalized, we must devise steps of reducing inequality within a socio-economic context. This should be a high priority for both policy-makers and those who are affected by the policies that are set.
I feel as if this is the time in my life where I want to stand on a podium and yell to a crowd of millions that I have a dream, much like Martin Luther King. But the fact is, this dream has come - and gone. I am actually beginning to realize it. While many of my Pakistani brethren have disappointed me in years past, I will not hold any grudges. I need their support as I help a sharply divided country begin to heal its wounds. We can’t do it alone, but we can surely try. It’s worth the effort.
The writer is a Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy
I've copied it below and the webpage is here.
As always, comments appreciated and always sought after!
Pakistan: 60 years on
Zeeshan Suhail
Six long decades have passed since Muhammad Ali Jinnah saw his dream come true when Pakistan was created on August 14th, 1947. We had so much to be proud of when the country was founded: a secular homeland for South Asia’s Muslims, where those from minority backgrounds could also live in peace and harmony; a country whose economy grew to be self-reliant and resilient; a nation whose people were prosperous and content.
Yet a cursory perusal of Pakistan’s state of affairs in the 21st century reveals anything but what I’ve mentioned above. Our people are victims of inter- and intra-religious conflict. Our economy has been spurred by Western aid, grants and loans. And lastly, our people are demoralized and distraught. It is evident we do not have much to be proud of.
It is in such dire straits that I cannot help but think of what Pakistanis can do - particularly members of the Diaspora - in these trying times. The task at hand is difficult, but it requires broad vision, strategic thinking and boundless ambition. I outline some of the more important issues at hand below. God knows there is so much more to be done. We must start somewhere. I hope this article is a good place to begin.
The rule of law is the single most important pillar of any society where citizens of the state can look to for redress of their grievances and for the upholding of sacred values such as equality among all citizens. No one is above the law. It is because of this reason that we should not fear law enforcers, but demand their assistance as and when it is needed. To know that the integrity of Pakistan’s Constitution could have been compromised severely this past spring when the Chief Justice was sacked was more of a plausible fear for me than the number of lives that could have been lost in subsequent protests demanding justice. Knowing that the whole fiasco was carried out by higher authorities angers me even more so.
Pakistan has seen most of the past six decades of its political history dominated by martial law administrators. For any country that was founded on the ideals that Pakistan was founded on, this fact serves as a rude awakening every day of its citizens lives. To see such talent, such potential go to waste every day because the masses must act at the whim of an un-elected, un-democratic leader is extremely distressing. Those Pakistanis who lived under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime can testify to the suffocation one could feel simply trying to survive in the country.
Accountability is the hallmark of any democratic entity, and Pakistan’s government should be no different. For most of the 1990’s, Pakistanis watched in horror as politician after politician squandered billions after billions from the national exchequer, only to leave the country yearning for sustenance. Everywhere one looked, one could not find a suitable leader. Such was the absence of oases in this barren desert that stretched for thousands of miles.
As Pakistanis look forward to a future where they are equal stakeholders in the future progress of the country, they realize the road is bumpy and may even be laden with landmines. But six decades of hardship has taught us much. We have been shoved to the side, and pushed to the floor - but not for long. An Arab proverb says it aptly: The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
But before we march henceforth, we must make an assessment of the changes that need to take place. On my list, transition to a democratically-elected government features prominently at the top. My cynical friends would laugh at this proposition. That’s how tragic our state of affairs is. What we in the West take for granted every moment of our lives, the concerned Pakistani citizen fights for every moment of her/his life.
The first step in this transition should include the return of some Pakistanis living abroad who have skills, expertise and experience as well as the language and cultural affiliation to assist in a smooth transition from a western lifestyle to an eastern one. This is not a novel concept; Indian professionals with degrees from top western schools are heading back to India to take advantage of the economic boom. I’m sure they are also looking at such an opportunity to provide some sort of service to their country.
Pakistanis should do the same. With growth rates averaging over seven percent annually for the past few years, what time other than this would anyone consider going back? Multinational enterprises scout out those with English language proficiency, and the social service sector is thriving. Pakistanis are volunteering and donating to charities in record numbers as well.
A close second to a reverse brain drain phenomenon, is the stepping down of General Pervez Musharraf. While Musharraf’s initial expedited and progressive action on various issues such as women’s rights and media liberalization was much appreciated, his recent crackdown on independent media and the judiciary have been anything but appreciated. Pakistani civil society has become so deeply entrenched with personnel from the military that it seems as if it is an extension of the government itself! It disgusts me to even think what sort of work must be done to cleanse this sector of society from the residue of the military and/or government.
I often ponder over General Musharraf’s doctrine of “enlightened moderation”. It is remarkable how rhetoric and semantics can go so far in developing the policies of a country which damage it so badly beyond repair, that the country’s citizenry can only sit and watch in horror. While this ideology is nothing but words, Musharraf’s actions - or inactions - have spoken much louder than them. His inaction when it comes to the disappearances and killings of media personnel speak volumes, as does the state-sanctioned violence targeting media outlets. The media assault on his power trips are intentional and will only increase until and unless he steps down to make way for leaders who have what it takes to lead us out of harm’s way.
In my work on an initiative called “Hope not Hate” with an NGO called Americans for Informed Democracy, I often refer to the glorious past Muslims enjoyed - along with Jews and Christians and those of other faiths. Despite all our present day problems - from political instability to religious extremism - we can find solutions. Pakistanis would be better off revisiting their past before stepping in to the deep, dark recesses of an, as yet, unknown future. I hope we can do this with the help of the global community, for Pakistan cannot live in isolation and will be better served if it used its time-tested friends.
Much as this seems unrealistic, Pakistan must set a precedent in the geo-political realm as a state that values democratic ideals, women and religious/ethnic minorities, and true vision for a prosperous future. This means Pakistanis must formulate ways of working cooperatively with neighbors like Iran, China, Afghanistan, and of course, India. In a globalized world, we have much to gain from our allies, and also much to learn. And as we become more and more globalized, we must devise steps of reducing inequality within a socio-economic context. This should be a high priority for both policy-makers and those who are affected by the policies that are set.
I feel as if this is the time in my life where I want to stand on a podium and yell to a crowd of millions that I have a dream, much like Martin Luther King. But the fact is, this dream has come - and gone. I am actually beginning to realize it. While many of my Pakistani brethren have disappointed me in years past, I will not hold any grudges. I need their support as I help a sharply divided country begin to heal its wounds. We can’t do it alone, but we can surely try. It’s worth the effort.
The writer is a Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Barack Obama is scaring me
Many of my friends would never forgive me if I told them I am starting to strongly dislike the democratic candidates for president, but what am I to do? They are turning a new leaf - every week!
I am especially concerned for Barack Obama. This man has set records for campaign fundraising and has become a beacon of hope for millions all over the country, and world. Yet for me, he has become nothing but a puppet in the hands of some newly-appointed neocon staffers or donors. I saw Hillary Clinton as a sellout to interest groups who helped her become the political titan she is today, and I look at Obama with the same disdain - and pity. How tragic to see such a shiny and rising star, already set the stage for his political fall.
His recent stance on Pakistan and its handling of internal and external terrorism is the cause of this rant and change in personal views. One would think that after you make controversial statements about foreign policy goals, you might want to make a critical re-assessment. After all, you're running for president - it's no joke! But Obama goes ahead and plays with semantics. One of my previous blog postings drew another blogger's ire after he completely misconstrued my critique, so I will state explicitly here that whatever I am stating here is a critique on the language Obama has used in the article.
Take, for example, the way many people thought that in his initial comments from a few days ago, he was referring to an invasion of Pakistan if Pakistan didnt crackdown on terrorists or extremists, when in fact, he was really advocating military action in Pakistan - not necessarily invasion. Fine. He's entitled to his thoughts.
Then he publishes this piece, days later, coming clean about what he actually meant: military action in the country. I've copied a salient para from the article below, to give a brief idea of his thoughts:
I have never called for an invasion of Pakistan. You don’t need thousands of American troops to take out a meeting of high-level terrorists. Any student of the American military knows that we have many options to target terrorists with limited force, many of which involve no American boots on the ground. To suggest that targeting terrorists in Pakistan would be tantamount to an invasion is to misunderstand the capabilities of the U.S. military or to misrepresent my position.
Now, he goes into decent detail outlining some methodology, so clearly, he is serious about these actions. This is no joke for him. Which compels me to ask: if he can use military force in one country to root out terror, what makes us safe to think he wont use it in other countries? Perhaps pre-emptively? If one notices the language he uses, he has not once mentioned diplomatic dialogue as a first step in rooting out this evil he has constructed quite simply for us.
This is a whole other discussion, because frankly, Americans should be much more worried about public school shootings and sexual abuse as potential creators of violent citizenry as opposed to "Islamic terrorism" (a very misleading term). If America still valued and held in high esteem what is at its core, we would never need to worry about our security. But today, it is our insecurity that forces us to amass weapons of mass destruction as we single-handedly spearhead an arms race as millions more all over the world vie for peace and security.
Obama's prospects may be good politically, but his statements and bearings have faltered - for the worse. I am fearful of a not-so-pleasant future with all these loonies in the race. Is it too much to ask for a balanced, well-rounded candidate that is on top of the game and doesnt worry about ratings?
Alas, my greed gets the best of me.
I am especially concerned for Barack Obama. This man has set records for campaign fundraising and has become a beacon of hope for millions all over the country, and world. Yet for me, he has become nothing but a puppet in the hands of some newly-appointed neocon staffers or donors. I saw Hillary Clinton as a sellout to interest groups who helped her become the political titan she is today, and I look at Obama with the same disdain - and pity. How tragic to see such a shiny and rising star, already set the stage for his political fall.
His recent stance on Pakistan and its handling of internal and external terrorism is the cause of this rant and change in personal views. One would think that after you make controversial statements about foreign policy goals, you might want to make a critical re-assessment. After all, you're running for president - it's no joke! But Obama goes ahead and plays with semantics. One of my previous blog postings drew another blogger's ire after he completely misconstrued my critique, so I will state explicitly here that whatever I am stating here is a critique on the language Obama has used in the article.
Take, for example, the way many people thought that in his initial comments from a few days ago, he was referring to an invasion of Pakistan if Pakistan didnt crackdown on terrorists or extremists, when in fact, he was really advocating military action in Pakistan - not necessarily invasion. Fine. He's entitled to his thoughts.
Then he publishes this piece, days later, coming clean about what he actually meant: military action in the country. I've copied a salient para from the article below, to give a brief idea of his thoughts:
I have never called for an invasion of Pakistan. You don’t need thousands of American troops to take out a meeting of high-level terrorists. Any student of the American military knows that we have many options to target terrorists with limited force, many of which involve no American boots on the ground. To suggest that targeting terrorists in Pakistan would be tantamount to an invasion is to misunderstand the capabilities of the U.S. military or to misrepresent my position.
Now, he goes into decent detail outlining some methodology, so clearly, he is serious about these actions. This is no joke for him. Which compels me to ask: if he can use military force in one country to root out terror, what makes us safe to think he wont use it in other countries? Perhaps pre-emptively? If one notices the language he uses, he has not once mentioned diplomatic dialogue as a first step in rooting out this evil he has constructed quite simply for us.
This is a whole other discussion, because frankly, Americans should be much more worried about public school shootings and sexual abuse as potential creators of violent citizenry as opposed to "Islamic terrorism" (a very misleading term). If America still valued and held in high esteem what is at its core, we would never need to worry about our security. But today, it is our insecurity that forces us to amass weapons of mass destruction as we single-handedly spearhead an arms race as millions more all over the world vie for peace and security.
Obama's prospects may be good politically, but his statements and bearings have faltered - for the worse. I am fearful of a not-so-pleasant future with all these loonies in the race. Is it too much to ask for a balanced, well-rounded candidate that is on top of the game and doesnt worry about ratings?
Alas, my greed gets the best of me.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
My article: For whom the bell tolls
I dont know how much my readers/visitors have been keeping up with their current affairs and general knowledge, but Pakistan is in dire straits these days because of a blunder on a grand scale committed by our very "moderately enlightened" President, General Pervez Musharraf. He sacked the country's Chief Justice and didnt defer to any higher authority or rule of law while doing so, naturally causing an uproar in the country's legal community, which has now spread to every corner. All are asking for his resignation.
The question then becomes, how many of us here in the West are cognizant of what's going on in Pakistan, a key "ally" of the U.S.? The fact of the matter is, the mass media has yet again proven that it is unreliable and so we are compelled to go to alternative sources for our information. Thank God!
Copied below is an article I wrote for my column, published last week. Apologies for the delay in posting this, but I look forward to comments.
For whom the bell tolls
It was the fall of 1999 when General Pervez Musharraf took the reins of government in Pakistan after a bloodless coup. I was at a friend’s place and as I was leaving, his mother informed us of this tragic change in the country’s political climate. She was worried and sullen and I decided it was in my best interest to head straight home, lest I should worry my family.
At that point, and in the following days – which I frankly cannot remember – we did not see many changes. Same politics, different day. We embraced it and hoped Musharraf’s liberal reform agenda would work wonders. Who were we kidding?
Now over seven years later, we have a competitive economy, a vibrant media, and at least more prosperity than under the Bhutto and Sharif regimes in the 1990s. But it was not until the sacking of Chief Justice Chaudhry that it all hit home for me: this was all an illusion; an army general will always remain a general. His place is on the country’s border. His job? To protect. Not to govern civil society.
When I found out about the public outcry over the way CJ Chaudhry was dismissed, my heart yearned to be with my countrymen. For once, the people who I least expected to take to the streets – were actually first to be seen on them. For once, our civil society could boast of a peaceful protest. I was going to say bloodless, but then I recalled the images of the dozens who were beaten for defending the rule of law, for defending the interests of the masses, for keeping the layman in mind when they fought for that which was taken from them: justice.
Today, Musharraf’s empire is slowly crumbling, eroding at the peripheries, and we all know that what erodes from the borders, slowly but steadily makes its way to the centre. Is this the start of a revolution? God knows we do not need one of those! But I do sincerely hope, for our people’s sake, that change does come. Just like Muslims need reform – not the religion, but those who interpret it – this process must begin from the inside and must remain true to the cause. Collective action must not turn into personal struggle. The struggle will always be one.
In the process, though, I fear that my greatest fear will see its realisation: that Pakistanis will lose heart if they do not see their desired needs met and requirements fulfilled. I hope through this column I can explain to them, that they have already proved whatever they needed to prove, that their voices have come out strong and resilient and that they will not live in fear anymore.
GEO TV’s station may have been vandalised and almost destroyed, but Pakistanis are smart enough to know that intimidation is the first of many tactics a state employs to silence and repress its public. Years ago it happened to Najam Sethi of The Friday Times, and today it happens under Musharraf. He will not remain king forever, but when the next one comes around, we must remain bonded and hold our heads high.
Musharraf wanted so badly that his countrymen adopt the idea of “enlightened moderation”. Today, many more have instead become entranced by violent fanaticism, while many more never even paid heed to his theories to begin with. He was a good talker, but those who talk the talk, do not always walk the walk. Musharraf’s gait should now show us a hint of hesitance and tremor, instead of the arrogance we are accustomed to seeing. He has shaken our world for too long; soon, the quaking will stop.
I can see it in the twinkle of a young child’s eye.
“Hum dekhain gay…Laazim hai ke hum bhi dekhain gay…Woh din ke jis ka waadah hai…Jo Loh-e-Azl pe likha hai…Hum dekhain gay” (We shall see…It is necessary that we shall also see…That day which has been promised…Which is written with God’s ink…We shall see) – Poetry by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, translation by Ayesha Kaljuvee.
The question then becomes, how many of us here in the West are cognizant of what's going on in Pakistan, a key "ally" of the U.S.? The fact of the matter is, the mass media has yet again proven that it is unreliable and so we are compelled to go to alternative sources for our information. Thank God!
Copied below is an article I wrote for my column, published last week. Apologies for the delay in posting this, but I look forward to comments.
For whom the bell tolls
It was the fall of 1999 when General Pervez Musharraf took the reins of government in Pakistan after a bloodless coup. I was at a friend’s place and as I was leaving, his mother informed us of this tragic change in the country’s political climate. She was worried and sullen and I decided it was in my best interest to head straight home, lest I should worry my family.
At that point, and in the following days – which I frankly cannot remember – we did not see many changes. Same politics, different day. We embraced it and hoped Musharraf’s liberal reform agenda would work wonders. Who were we kidding?
Now over seven years later, we have a competitive economy, a vibrant media, and at least more prosperity than under the Bhutto and Sharif regimes in the 1990s. But it was not until the sacking of Chief Justice Chaudhry that it all hit home for me: this was all an illusion; an army general will always remain a general. His place is on the country’s border. His job? To protect. Not to govern civil society.
When I found out about the public outcry over the way CJ Chaudhry was dismissed, my heart yearned to be with my countrymen. For once, the people who I least expected to take to the streets – were actually first to be seen on them. For once, our civil society could boast of a peaceful protest. I was going to say bloodless, but then I recalled the images of the dozens who were beaten for defending the rule of law, for defending the interests of the masses, for keeping the layman in mind when they fought for that which was taken from them: justice.
Today, Musharraf’s empire is slowly crumbling, eroding at the peripheries, and we all know that what erodes from the borders, slowly but steadily makes its way to the centre. Is this the start of a revolution? God knows we do not need one of those! But I do sincerely hope, for our people’s sake, that change does come. Just like Muslims need reform – not the religion, but those who interpret it – this process must begin from the inside and must remain true to the cause. Collective action must not turn into personal struggle. The struggle will always be one.
In the process, though, I fear that my greatest fear will see its realisation: that Pakistanis will lose heart if they do not see their desired needs met and requirements fulfilled. I hope through this column I can explain to them, that they have already proved whatever they needed to prove, that their voices have come out strong and resilient and that they will not live in fear anymore.
GEO TV’s station may have been vandalised and almost destroyed, but Pakistanis are smart enough to know that intimidation is the first of many tactics a state employs to silence and repress its public. Years ago it happened to Najam Sethi of The Friday Times, and today it happens under Musharraf. He will not remain king forever, but when the next one comes around, we must remain bonded and hold our heads high.
Musharraf wanted so badly that his countrymen adopt the idea of “enlightened moderation”. Today, many more have instead become entranced by violent fanaticism, while many more never even paid heed to his theories to begin with. He was a good talker, but those who talk the talk, do not always walk the walk. Musharraf’s gait should now show us a hint of hesitance and tremor, instead of the arrogance we are accustomed to seeing. He has shaken our world for too long; soon, the quaking will stop.
I can see it in the twinkle of a young child’s eye.
“Hum dekhain gay…Laazim hai ke hum bhi dekhain gay…Woh din ke jis ka waadah hai…Jo Loh-e-Azl pe likha hai…Hum dekhain gay” (We shall see…It is necessary that we shall also see…That day which has been promised…Which is written with God’s ink…We shall see) – Poetry by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, translation by Ayesha Kaljuvee.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
"South Asian Cooperation and the Role of the Punjabs" by Tridivesh Singh Maini
(Photo of Singh with Ambassador John McDonald)
I recently came across some information about a fascinating book written by an Indian Punjabi fellow by the name of Tridivesh Singh Maini. Singh has studied in England and the US and has worked all over the world in diverse sectors and organizations, and is using his experiences constructively to talk about the role of the two Punjabs - Indian and Pakistani (that were torn apart during the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947) - in South Asian cooperation.
I have yet to get my hands on it, but will leave you with some resources that show you how much of a must-read this book is for anyone remotely interested in South Asia, especially cooperation and peace in that region.
Happy reading!
Links to coverage in Pakistani papers:
Coverage in Indian Papers:
The book is available from the following website;
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