"A Tribute to Courage"

Courage is doing what is right

Feeling that keeps you all tight

Without having to be told

Courage is manning up behold
When you've done something wrong

Or looking the enemy in the eye strong

And telling them to just bring it on

Courage is having fear for the unknown

But still staying hardy

Courage of facing adversity

But being able to overcome animosity

Courage is leaving  family in suavity

To defend the country you love

Being a soldier who rises above

In the greatest army of the world

Thank you for this courage Lord

Courage lets us live free

May the Divine bless you

Come home safely to your families

To cherish together future destinies.
Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited.. Awesome Inc. template. Template images by molotovcoketail. Powered by Blogger.

The poem was published in my book "Building Bridges" and on the following link::

http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/a-tribute-to-courage/

From USA, with Love!

The Predator Drone 

After the OBL operation in Pakistan on May 2^nd 2011 relations between the US and Pakistan have been worst in the history of these two nations. As the frontline ally of this “GWOT” Pakistan suffered mainly in terms of its repute ( by portraying it either an accomplice or incompetent to the world community), cost in expense and loss of lives. Pakistan’s territory has been violated not just in “Operation Geronimo” but innumerable times due to the unmanned aerial vehicles or UAV’s which have killed innocent civilians and angered the tribal people of that area. The country stood worth blaming despite the fact that arrest of all top Al-Qaeda leadership was only possible with the help and support of Pakistan army and the ISI. In this situation whether really the death of Osama has achieved the target of a more than a decade long war or not (it has lasted longer than WW1 & WW2), whose cost of sending troops in Afghanistan is more than 400 billion dollars.

The Bush Administration argued that 9/11 triggered the right of self-defense against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, sparking an armed conflict with those entities-- a ‘Global War on Terror’ (GWOT). The GWOT was conceptualized as a non-international armed conflict against non-state actors without any territorial boundaries.

After the Salala check-post attack on Pakistan by NATO forces in which two dozen Pakistan army jawans were martyred (November 2011), without due apologies US unleashes its wrath upon the citizens of Northern Pakistan with more Drone attacks with love! The Obama administration has let out the CIA to resume an aggressive campaign of drone strikes in Pakistani territory over the last few weeks, approving strikes that might have been vetoed in the past for fear of angering Islamabad.

 Lets forget the CIA's black prisons, rendition, water-boarding, and the torture of the innocents in the jails of our friendly dictators for a while. Technically, CIA individuals are not part of the U.S. armed forces, are not subject to military command structure, and do not wear uniforms.  Under international law, they are therefore civilians directly participating in hostilities, much like the very fighters whom they target! Under IHL, such individuals may be targeted as combatants; such persons lose immunity from prosecution for crimes under domestic laws—meaning Pakistan could prosecute them for murder.

With emphasis put by Mr. Panetta that Pakistan has not cracked down on local insurgents who carry out deadly attacks on U.S. troops and others in neighboring Afghanistan. “We are reaching the limits of our patience, and for that reason it’s extremely important that Pakistan take action” to crack down on armed groups based there that attack American and coalition forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said this on the 8^th June 2012 in Kabul.  The CIA  launched eight Predator drone attacks since Pakistan's president, Zardari, was invited to attend the May NATO summit in Chicago but refused to make a deal to reopen crucial routes used to supply US troops in Afghanistan, as the White House had hoped.

Pakistan blocked truck convoys hauling NATO war supplies. The U.S. initially halted all drone strikes for two months to ease Pakistani sensitivities, the attacks resumed only sporadically after mid-January. By May, Pakistani officials were signaling a willingness to reopen the supply route to resurrect relations. It is worth noting: The U.S. is withholding at least $3 billion in reimbursements for counterinsurgency operations and security-related funding, according to congressional aides and Pakistani officials. After the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Pakistan allowed NATO supplies to be transported through its territory at no charge. It later levied a $250 charge per truck. Islamabad now wants between: $2500-$5000 per truck to reopen the road, a toll US officials refuse to pay.

The White House has authorized an expansion of the C.I.A.’s drone program in Pakistan’s tribal areas, officials said this week, to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. American officials are talking with Pakistan about the possibility of striking in Baluchistan for the first time: A controversial move since it is outside the tribal areas as that is where Afghan Taliban leaders are believed to hide.

More C.I.A. drone attacks have been conducted under President Obama than under President George W. Bush. The political consensus in support of the drone program shows how radical it is. For the first time in human history, a civilian intelligence agency is using robots to carry out a military mission, selecting people for killing in a country where the United States is not officially at war!

 U.S. drones have struck targets in Pakistan an estimated 140 times since 2004, from 2004 to 2007, the C.I.A. carried out only a handful of strikes. But pressure from the Congressional intelligence committees, greater confidence in the technology and reduced resistance from Pakistan led to a sharp increase starting in the summer of 2008.

The U.S. is not at war with Pakistan, yet conducts air strikes in its territory on a near daily basis. Both the US-Air Force & CIA have conducted operations in Pakistani air space, with some missions originating in Afghanistan & others from inside Pakistan. In 2006, images of Predator drones stationed at Shamsi Air Base in Pakistan were found on Google Earth. In 2009, The New York Times reported that operatives from Xe Services (the Blackwater), had taken over the task of arming Predator drones at the CIA’s hidden bases in Pakistan & Afghanistan. According to the Guardian UK, "It is easy to understand how the CIA slaughtered innocent victims. Those who press the Hellfire buttons are 8,000 miles away in Nevada and are dependent on local "intelligence". Just as with Guantánamo Bay, the CIA is paying bounties to those who will identify "terrorists". Five thousand dollars is an enormous sum for a Waziri informant, translating to perhaps £250,000 in London terms. The informant has a calculation to make: is it safer to place a GPS tag on the car of a truly dangerous terrorist, or to call down death on a Nobody (with the beginnings of a beard), reporting that he is a militant? Too many "militants" are just young men with stubble. At least 174 have been children.”

With Osama’s death, Obama declared that, “world has been saved’ but he was wrong in his thinking, because “Pakistan became more insecure’ with extremism rising at record high in the country & abroad. Therefore, those who think that Pakistan’s significance have been elevated, they are perhaps wrong, because America has defamed Pakistan in this so-called “operation”. If it was not a planned drama, and carries any truth, America and NATO forces must leave Afghanistan and Pakistan as they have achieved for whom they were fighting a decade long senseless war.

 This article got published on the following links:
 http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=160973

 http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/from-usa-with-love/

 http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/wp-content/uploads/2012/June/19/p15.jpg

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.

"Burnt Infants want Shahbaz Sharif!"

In Pakistan everyday unfolds a new crisis for the people of this country. Thursday 7^th June 2012 was one particular day when parents of 7 dead infants and 25 critically burnt infants faced the wrath of devastation. This incident of fire happened in the capital of Punjab, Lahore, at Services Hospital, one of the main Government owned hospital. Right under the nose and rule of Shahbaz Shareef the Chief Minister and Health portfolio holder, who was playing the emotional stand with the people of Punjab under a tent at the time, staged on Minar-e-Pakistan.

At 3:15pm Thursday afternoon, fire erupted due to short-circuiting and spread so rapidly that it engulfed the entire Nursery Unit. The clouds of smoke covered the entire unit, while the leakage of oxygen gas also increased the intensity of the fire. The staff on duty, medics all ran out of the fire stricken place where there were helpless infants. No heed was paid to move the babies out of that area, parents, relatives (of infants), one guard from the hospital, Rescue 1122 personnel and Edhi officials, (who reached 15 minutes after the incident), broke glass windows in the heavily smoked area and retrieved the infants & shifted the babies to other hospitals. With 7 burned to death, the rest of the 25 who were retrieved were critically burnt who have been placed at the CCU ward. The Rescue 1122 officials who did turn up were untrained fire fighters who sprayed water, without caring the babies trapped there, as carelessly as one of the babies fell from the bed due to the intensity of the shower. Those babies who have been saved too stand a little chance in survival since 40 per cent body of an adult is burnt, while a baby cannot sustain even minor heat due to the fire or sizzling hot weather.Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister on Health, Khawaja Salman Rafique confirmed six deaths. He told reporters that the bodies of two babies had been handed over to their families, adding that the remaining four babies were completely burnt; therefore, they would be handed over to the aggrieved families after conducting the DNA tests.

What is astonishing in this case is the fact: On how the medics ran out of the Nursery. How the fire extinguishers if they were placed did no good at a time like that. How the crying babies were left mercilessly. How is it that the Punjab Government Blatantly refuses to accept the deteriorating conditions of Public Hospitals? Why is it that the Electric wiring which is being referred to being the sole cause of this incident, when it was last updated and repaired in 1987? Witnesses there said the hospital administration fled from the ward soon after it caught fire leaving the babies inside. On the other hand, the hospital spokesman said they ran away to save their lives.

The Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif reached the hospital at 5:30pm at which he launched an enquiry to the incident and a report is handed to him in 24 hours. What will he do now? Give Rs. Five lakh each to the bereaved parents? Terminate a few negligent Hospital staff? Or will he after doing both the above still defend that the health conditions, the services provided were all A-Okay according to his standards? And what are his standards by the way? Has he taken ANY formal training in hospital and health management which he is maintaining the portfolio of, that he audaciously holds close to his chest? Retaining provincial health ministry among others, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has relinquished eight ministries which he has devolved to other cabinet members, assistants and advisors without appointing any new minister. The chief minister has also changed portfolios of the ministers. Shahbaz has retained provincial Health Ministry defying a strong demand of the Opposition to hand it over to anyone else after over 100 lives were lost to faulty medicines supplied by a Karachi-based company. That incident happened only some months back, not so long ago when innocent people then too paid through their lives.

It was only a year ago when hundreds died due to Dengue outbreak, then too innocent people paid through their lives. Does Shahbaz Sharif realize there are too many mishaps happening in his time and era of rule? Is it too much to ask an incompetent person to stop what he is not good at doing? Or is it too much to ask the CM: To quit playing with the lives of people of Punjab since this portfolio he dearly holds on to is no doubts bringing him millions to plunder from but is opening hell on innocent lives. That: His incompetence is now evident from the attitudes of the junior staff too. When reports and enquiries bear no significance and bring out NOT ONE person accountable; Then the one person in all the mishaps relating to Health, accountable is the one who holds this portfolio, either he should leave it or pay the price. The parents of these infants should file a suit against the CM for incompetence, mismanagement, gross misuse of health funds and demand justice only from the SC. The CM should realize those innocent babies died in pain, a suffering they were not looking forward to when they came to this world two days ago, because of his negligence, his greed, innocent blood wants justice, from the court of this land or the Court of Allah!
Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger. 

The above article was published on the following links::
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=160380
http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/wp-content/uploads/2012/June/12/p15.jpg

"The Three R's"

Liaquat Bagh, the historical venue set for this Jalsa at Rawalpindi on 27^th May 2012 by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf marked a new chapter in the city’s political culture. Thousands swarmed on the streets of Rawalpindi to gather at the site, the visual extravaganza was worth watching, experiencing and remembering for a long time. Pindiites proved to the rest of Pakistan that they are politically vibrant, aware and very much in the center of changing the chronicles of governmental influence on this city which stays otherwise quiet compared to Lahore and Karachi.

Formerly known as the Municipal Park in the heart of Rawalpindi this venue went through a name change after the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951. Later Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (an ex-Prime Minster then) too was assassinated on the same ground. Thus the repute of this place has had a political significance as well as that of a “bloody” ground. A place that took away: Two Pakistani Heads of State were lost in the name of extremism.

With thousands swarming the venue and outside on the streets that day the mood was jubilant, vividly marking a victory over the otherwise thought of “HUB” of PML(n) league. This was the first time such a humongous gathering had taken place other than the PML(n). Major seats for National and Provincial Assembly in the past have been secured by the N league from this area. It was a total white-wash day for PML (n) which should now think of serious pragmatic strategy to win the lost hearts of Rawalpindi.
With elaborate speeches from the Rawalpindi District PTI members to top leadership the emphasis was laid down upon a complete rejection by the participants of the venue on corruption by the ruling parties, they were one voice on the agenda to finish off nepotism, unemployment, price hikes, load-shedding, misuse of public funds by stake holders and stood united on all to fetch a change on this.
The budget speech that was delivered days later by Mr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, the federal finance minister of the ruling party PPP, further justified the presence of thousands on the streets when PTI held its Jalsa in Rawalpindi. With no relief to the masses (as expected) the fifth budget of this Government has proved again to be “personal friendly” to those in power and “less friendly” for the people of this country, of whom pay through their sweat and blood for all those perks and benefits the Government enjoys. Therefore, proving the point that PTI, the third major party of this country at the moment was rational in all its demands it made on the Jalsa day, before that and after that.

The post budget press conference by Khan sb in Islamabad reflected that the parties of status-quo will never let each other down in maintaining power, neither the opposition of today that has friendly alliance with PPP will ever step down nor will they bring any valid improvement in the condition of the country and its people. The price hikes in daily commodities and worsening economy of the country is a clear cut indication of mismanagement in Governance and administration by the Government. Chairman PTI stressed that once in power he will reduce the spending of Armed forces and the rest of the institutions. He rejected the possibility of any alliance with PPP or PML (n) since he pointed out that if the two were sincere to the country, they would bring back all that money that is being kept off shore for the welfare of Pakistani nation. He said that according to a survey conducted by Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), in the last four years; about 2.8 million air conditioners were bought, while bills for only 185,000 were being paid.

Figures presented in the fiscal budget 2012-2013, revealed an extortionate addition of funds to maintain the President house, the PM secretariat, the upper and lower house of Parliament. The huge abode of President Zardari has been allocated Rs.617 million this budget year, an increase of 27.8% as compared to the previous figure of Rs. 483 Million. The PM Secretariat this year was allocated Rs. 702.83 Million, an increase of 28% this year compared to Rs. 546.58 Million. Salaries of government employees have also been increased by 20%. The Prime Minister House will be converted into an institute for advanced studies and the prime minister will live in a small house (hard to believe!).

“For the progress and development of solar tube-wells, subsidy will be given to them, so that the energy crisis can be curbed… No matter how much money is needed to curb the energy crisis, we will provide it,” said finance minister. An allocation of: Rs.183 billion to deal with the energy crisis. APP reported that the government had apportioned Rs.22, 877 million for 37 development projects of the Pakistan Railways in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2012-13. “All items which have a GST tax of more than 16%, efforts are being done to bring their tax down to 16%.” Rs. 70 billion for BISP (Benazir Income Support Program) and Only Rs.47.8 billion allocated for education. According to the budget, the government will open up to 2,000 new utility stores, in an effort to provide relief to around 300,000 families.

 “The government made a sacrifice of Rs70 billion to relieve people from the rising petroleum prices,” Shaikh points out.

It must be understood clearly that an eye wash for Pakistani’s today of any sort in the 21^st century cannot work for the rulers of this country. People of this country are very much aware of what is being done for them; they are in dire need of reforms, relief & recovery from the perk enjoyers. Unless there is a solid thing done for the masses, people will keep supporting and joining PTI which has covered all the three R’s mentioned above. Instead of ridiculing this party, the Succession of Inheritance bunch parties should understand the new dynamics of getting people’s confidence otherwise they should say goodbye to their beloved perks and privileges and head home!

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.

  The above article has been published on the following links::

 http://www.siasat.pk/forum/showthread.php?115664-quot-The-Three-R-s-quot-by-Ayesha-Zee-Khan-The-Saarc-Literary-award-2012-Winner
                                                              
http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/the-three-rs/

http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/2012/06/07/page/15/

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=159770

"Heaven in my Mind"

This poem has been added to my book "Building Bridges" which was published in October 2011. I wrote this poem in the summer of 2009 after I woke up from a dream, the contents of which I explained in the poem later.

A trip to heaven in my mind
Was to leave all the love behind
 I just wanted to see
Just how beautiful Heaven could be

The most beautiful pearly gates of white
Behind the shimmering radiant light
The cool flowing rivers of milk
And the lush green grass of satin silk

I saw the things which I had read about
What an experience to me it brought
With an angel passing me by
So ethereal that a tear fell from my eye

I walked the cool of evening along the meadows
Breezy wind; the streams of crystal water flows
Tall lush trees swaying with the beat
Gently lifting me off the ground as it caresses my feet

It became evident to me the world’s deception
And why this Heaven was called an exception
For those who showed their utter humble and devotion
Lie here in the Paradise’s intoxicating potion!

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.

Published on the following link also:

http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/heaven-in-my-mind/

  

"Gilani's Extravagance"

Mr. Jinnah, our founding father 

Wisdom tells us leaders depict the present and carve the future of a country’s destiny. Sensibly, acting as those who “lead” when they know all their stakes lie in their country of birth they take the reins of bandwagon in their hands and try to steer it clear of puddles, bumps, speed-breakers etc. so that the journey in their time of delivery is as smooth for the passengers as possible. If such is the case then Pakistan seems to be in the hands of very incompetent, highly irresponsible, extravagant, greedy people who call themselves “leaders” of this nation. For the ride they have given to the citizens of this country has been rocky, bumpy, and steep with rash turns speedy curves which are now coming to a complete breakdown!

With the crumbling economy, national treasury on aid, almost a shutdown of major public organizations in the country, price hikes, widespread poverty, industrial units almost shut, electricity shortage, gas inadequate, unemployment, zero incentives, no foresight, corruption at its record high since the birth of Pakistan, favoritism of nincompoops at its peak; a common Pakistani wonders at the blatant audacity with which the rulers thump their chests and claim they have the peoples vote, they are doing “justice” to those who gave them their years of honor and swimming in perks. Claims of this Government in achievements have been a mile high, with PM’s previous speeches that depict he does not keep his word, the end result has been disastrous. With tax payers money they flaunt all the benefits of their offices, misusing their trust and power confided to them and yet claim to be people friendly!!

Our Prime Minister who is dearly known in his home town Multan as “Murshad Paak” (the pious guide) has been convicted by the highest court in the land and yet he made a maiden trip after the honor was bestowed upon him by the Supreme Court. The entourage accompanying the condemned premier was (70-90) people. From visa to plane fuel to boarding lodging at London’s most expensive hotel; “Churchill” to hiring of 30 limousines and rest of the paraphernalia is being paid by sweat & blood of people of Pakistan. An estimate of this tour is approximately 600,000 pounds or 8.7 Crore rupees. One wonders if they have any feelings left in their chests!

A brief look at history as it was:: When Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan made his first trip to the United States in May of 1950, he took an entourage of 5/6 people, with his wife Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan accompanying him, stopping at New York, Washington, Houston and Kansas City. President Harry Truman and our PM gave a joint press conference. He addressed the House of Representatives or the lower house of Parliament, a parade was held in honor of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan's visit to New York City marching by City Hall. Begum Liaquat Ali Khan, wife of Prime Minister, addressed Washington's Junior League which was women’s charitable organization in the U.S.  PM visited the home of “America’s Quaid-i-Azam,” George Washington, located in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Columbia University's Head Dwight D. Eisenhower conferred a degree upon Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, of Pakistan. Columbia University is New York’s oldest institution of higher education, founded as King’s College in 1754. Eisenhower later became the first American President to visit Pakistan. This was a rare accolade afforded to very few visiting foreign leaders. It was a trip that signified simplicity, austerity, sophistication and at the same time pride in representing a free state.

Similar was the case with President Ayub Khan’s trip in July 1961 to the United States. His daughter, Begum Nasir Akhtar Aurangzeb accompanied him along with 6 people in the entourage. The President took the national airline for the visit and never bothered to Charter a plane for himself and his daughter. His activities included: A state dinner at Mt. Vernon, a visit to the Islamic Center of Washington, a parade in New York City. President Ayub’s visit also included a trip to San Antonio where he toured and laid wreath at The Alamo, followed by a barbeque hosted by Vice President Johnson at his ranch in Stonewall, TX. Mind you, those were days when Pakistan’s economy was termed as “the Decade of Development” which was at its way up according to the graph indicators.

The culture of expensive and large entourages were started by Mr. Bhutto, followed by General Zia-ul-Haq which has now increased in spending and number of people travelling with a Pakistani head of state. One is left to wonder: If the two premiers Liaquat Ali Khan and Ayub Khan could carry out their state visits to the US in austerity, where they were greeted twice with open arms, warmth, and affection by the host country, couldn’t our present day premier do the same? Gilani’s lavish expenditure, taking free loaders to the UK wouldn’t have made any difference to the British dignitaries or people of that country; In fact, if PM Gilani had some anguish in using the public funds he would have been given higher pedestals of respect by UK, anyhow, this excursion has made another dent into the ailing treasury of Pakistan. One wishes the PM’s mammoth ego can understand that the Lordship behavior applies to rich monarchs and flourishing economies and not to a poor country’s representative. That wastage of funds by him only deepens the misery and deprivation people of Pakistan face.

Another point of shameful agony was faced by citizens of this country after watching a horrendous interview given by our Premier to CNN. The interviewer Becky Anderson asked many questions among them a few gave jolts of embarrassment for any Pakistani with a logical mind. She referred to the other countries and pointed out that if corruption charges were put up on any minister they leave the office on Moral grounds, what credibility does he have to stay in the office till the last straw snaps? Then she gave the Gallup Poll survey which was released during the last year it indicated: “Less than one third of Pakistani’s have confidence in the national Government, local police and honesty of elections. 81% see the Government rife with corruption, only 20% that one in five people approve of their national leaders. A Damning Indictment! A Dysfunctional Society!”  Our Premier’s reply was: Either you say democracy or you say dictatorship. (What democracy Mr. Prime Minister? Sir, this is more like Plunderocracy!) Then she preceded to the last question which revealed the true face of our leader when she announced; “A third of Pakistani’s want to leave the country, this is what the latest Gallup Poll says,” Lo and behold, the premier replies, “And why don’t they leave? Who is stopping them?” The smile on his face was enough to silent the interviewer, & the ones who watched later. What a Shame! Mr. Prime Minister, you are in the office because of people, and this is the attitude you carry? What incentives, reforms have you given to the masses? With excessive borrowings that equal the amount of the rest of country’s history what makes you credible to remain in seat?

Unfortunately, Mr. Jinnah our founding father who lovingly brought people to this country in 1947 must have tossed and turned in his grave or would have quivered with disgust today if he was alive. Mr. Jinnah was also a man who minced no words, stood no humbug, and called a spade a spade. His golden quote: “Faith, Unity, and Discipline” has been twisted today by the likes of our premier to: “Money, Clan, and Swindling.”

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.

Published on the following links:
http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/2012/05/17/page/15/

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=155705

http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/gilanis-extravagance/ 

" Youth Collaborate"

In every society we see youth taking part in the developments that happen around them. Their contribution always come in as a solution to grave problems. They say: When a youth of a nation mobilizes itself that is where changes start to happen for better. The energy, brightness and Vibrancies of young minds act as torch bearer for a nation. On the contrary, countries that fail to realize the importance of this lag behind in every department of life. This is one of the reasons Pakistan is backward; the youth lacks proper patronage. Developed countries are totally aware of this treasure’s worth; that is why they emphasize on Education, Employment, Welfare activities and Social Awareness programs etc.

The great Allama Iqbal in his philosophical thought stressed in his expression to leave an impact on youngsters of the nation. In October 1937 issuing a message to a gathering of Muslim Students Federation held at Calcutta he spoke the following words that are applicable in today’s Pakistan, “I hope the young generation is fully aware of the delicate political situation through which the Indian Muslims are passing. Be not afraid of the opposing forces. Continue your struggle. In struggle lies hidden; the secret of life.”
This secret of life, the struggle, has been realized by Pakistani youth after seeing multiple failures in the corrupted society that they live in. For melioration of surroundings the Insaf Students Federation organized a Membership Campaign Drive which was officially held at the Royal Palm Country Club on the 5^th May 2012 for youth to become volunteers, they gather on just one SMS, get registered, no age limit, participate and make history in the change for better. With 10^th May as launch of door to door campaigning to start the youth were urged to fight for the future survival of Pakistan. Showing passion these young people are motivated to participate in the PTI inner party elections in which they give choice to a candidate from with in the party. PTI is thus the only party which has asked its young to determine who fits. It also becomes the only party which will have leaders from the middle class, it is the only party that wants to give a chance to the deserving on merit only. President ISF, Farukh Habib commended his Lahore team for their fine efforts in strengthening the ground work in circulating awareness amongst youth. The crisis management will need a lot of hard work and that can only be poured in by young, strong, valiant persons of this country. 

With 3.7 Million bogus votes registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan, people who had died 18 years ago have voted thrice in the previous elections! In such severe odds, casting ones vote is not just a right it’s an obligation that every individual must take. Not casting a vote is a crime! Problems of this country are grave, but they can be solved with positivity of achieving results, for it is ones approach to determine either you want to stand a winner or a looser in a social system. Governance that is dependent on YOUR vote. Leaders are chosen by people, those whom you chose will have your fate in their hands. Always remember, leaders are not greater than your country. So chose that you can entrust the future of this country with confidence for this boundary of four provinces is your home, it has been given a death sentence by looters, criminals, plunderers who have made a market-place or mandi of “wheel & deal”, “scams”, scandals and money laundering. They will take an exit from here when conditions become unfavorable for them.

If one compares Monarchy with Succession of Inheritance: Monarchs that become King/Queen are the best from the family, most able, most trust worthy, have the highest capability of running the affairs of the state. Whereas the Succession of Inheritance parties in Pakistan, anybody or a nobody can become the head of State! This is a dicey situation for Pakistan, if one takes a casual glace at inherited faces that are waiting in line. None of the political parties in power today will ever have elections within their parties; never will it be that middle class people become the Chairman or Chairperson. That role will always be taken by Inherited Gene pool (able or not it is Pakistan’s fate). Citizens of this country must understand this difference and then decide who best deserves to be their Rescuer.

 Organizers’ & Speakers of this event were: Rafi Khan, Farrukh Habib, Muhammad Usman, Zubair Sabir, Ibrar-ul-Haq, Mubasher Lucman and Hassan Nisar sb. To accentuate this occasion one must understand that: Man is the only creature on which the Almighty bestowed the gift to prosper and develop. Angels, who top in piety and pray day/night, were not given this ability. If one throws a cursory glance on the chronicles of mankind, one observes that whoever contributed to the development was trained and prepared to do that in his/her youth. After all, it is the foundations which determine the rigidity and strength of edifice to be built on them. Likewise, if youth is not prepared or groomed well in time, the nation is destined to doom. It is youth that holds the reigns of a country and steers it to stellar heights.

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.
Published on the following links:
http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/2012/05/18/page/15/

http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/youth-collaborate/

                                                

"Viva Balochistan"

Much has been seen, heard and written about the state of affairs in Balochistan post Sardar Akbar Bugti’s death on (26^th August 2006). The whole nation grieved over that mishap, to this day no one can still come to terms as to why such a mammoth personality had to suffer in the name of terrorism! The sadness of that incident multiply to neglect of  Baloch people at the hands of Central and Provincial Government  especially post-Musharraf, who deserted the province; where army and ISI had an overwhelming role, because of which the insurgency/mistrust is now getting out of Islamabad's control. The behavior of the powerful political parties and the center of Islamabad remind one of the captain and crew of the RMS Titanic sailing into the night, heading straight towards an iceberg! The civilian, military and judicial authorities are locked up in a tussle colored by political positions and personal egos. And there is a dangerous disconnect between Islamabad and the enormous problems that loom on the Pakistani horizon. 

It shows why reconciliation efforts, like the 18th Amendment and the NFC awards, have been unable to stop the Baloch from pursuing what they call a nationalist movement. The HRCP’s statement in December 2011: This land of extra judicial killings, disappearances, Security forces (SF) high handedness, and repression, as well as a playground for terrorists operating. The Province witnessed 711 fatalities, including 542 civilians, 122 SF personnel and 47 militants in 2011, as against 347 fatalities, comprising of 274 civilians, 59 SF personnel and 14 militants in 2010, Overall fatalities in 2011 thus increased by 104.89 per cent over the preceding year. Incidents of killing rose by 116 per cent, from 150 in 2010 to 321 in 2011. The number of major incidents (each involving three or more fatalities) increased by 152.17 percent, with 58 such incidents recorded in 2011, as against 23 in 2010. Bodies of: At least 225 ‘missing persons’ recovered from various parts of the Province since July 2010. Situation is particularly a grave one, for non-Muslims, minority Muslim sects, like the Hazara group. As many as 80 members of the Shia community have been killed in the Province in 2011 alone, for no reason other than their religious belief.HRCP also has serious concern at targeted killing of teachers, intellectuals and non-Baloch ‘settlers’ in Balochistan. The murder of two HRCP activists and three journalists in the Province in 2011 signifies the dangers that those highlighting human rights violations face on a daily basis. It is a matter of grave alarm that 107 new cases of enforced disappearance have been reported in Balochistan in 2011, and the ‘missing persons’ are increasingly turning up dead. It is scandalous that not a single person has been held accountable for these disappearances and killings.

To top all the above atrocities: With lack of education, no jobs, health facilities, water shortage the people of Balochistan have faced deprivation and have endured much at the hands of the rulers of Pakistan. Mistrust and alienation had been built on the center since the demise of Nawab Bugti, with no amenities provided to the common people. The mainstream political parties too never showed a helping hand or their presence in that area. They never tried to even address the symptoms of the Baloch insurgency let alone the causes. At the end of the year 2011, all political parties in power were at the same spot where they were found in the beginning of the 2010 as far as the Balochistan issue is concerned. Though Nawaz Sharif belatedly tried to display some solidarity with the marginalized people of the restive province, those too were just a few tribals and with that too, he could not go beyond rhetoric!

The brave people of that province showed their love, support and a will of co-existence with Pakistan when Imran Khan visited Quetta on the 20^th April 2012. It was as if a new contact was being established between Balochistan the province and its citizens in that historic visit. Khan Sb’s gallant move in such a scenario to see the Baloch integrated into the mainstream of Pakistani social, political, and economic life, and to ensure that democracy is a fixed element of Baloch society to achieve Baloch consolidation with the rest of Pakistan. His reiteration that:  The center should work with Baloch Sardars rather than fighting with them by encouraging a dialogue between the center and the periphery. An ending of fighting be it military or separatist, because this approach consistently failed in bringing progress to the common people. A fair share for Baloch in royalties for the natural resources extracted from Balochistan so that the economic base of the province could be fortified.

To change the environment of fear and insecurity in the province, assuring the people that their grievances would be addressed by PTI when they take power by peoples vote and pledging to alter the fate of the province once and for all. With the National Anthem of Pakistan, the crowds sang and cheered Khan Sb when he pledged to resolve the issue of Balochistan through dialogue involving all concerned stakeholders by taking them on board to alter the fate of the province. He regretted that at least three military operations had been carried out in the province in the past, and urged the Baloch leadership to talk to the PTI, assuring them that he would not deviate from the promises he would make to them.    
Chairman Imran Khan, Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Balochistan President Qasim Suri and other PTI leadership met Hazara Community at Imam Bargah Nachari Alamdar Road Quetta and offered Fateha, condolences and condemned the killing of innocent Shia people who had been targeted for being a religious minority in the province. He stressed that: The frequent occurrence of sectarian violence under the present regime is a clear indicator that the President and Prime Minister with their top leadership are disconnected with the occurrences/killings in the province, and that no security was being provided to vulnerable communities deliberately.

Copyright ©2011-2050 Ayesha Zee Khan. Reproduction: Poetry/articles/stories strictly prohibited. Watermark template. Template images bymicheldenijs. Powered by Blogger.

Published on the following links:

http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/viva-balochistan/

http://dailyausaf.com/epaper/page/15/

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=153881