July 24, 2015

Normalcy on its Way to Karachi


Normalcy on its Way to Karachi
(TariqMJaved)

The paramilitary forces of Pakistan consist of various organizations charged with safeguarding Pakistan from external and internal threats as well as maintaining internal law and order. Their current strength is approximately over 420,000 personnel.[1] The said forces can be divided into three categories, performing three distinct roles: Firstly the armed security forces (the Rangers and Frontier Corps), secondly a reserve force (the National Guard), and thirdly the Maritime Security Agency. The Sindh Rangers consist of approximately 25,000 personnel whereas almost half of the total force is deployed to Karachi.

While kidnapping for ransom, extortion, threats to the business community were common in Karachi and industrialists were shifting their investment to Bangladesh and other countries, Chief of the Army Staff at the time, Gen Kayani took notice of the grave situation and on request of government and business community, the Rangers were deployed with special powers.[15]

Beyond doubt, the Rangers played a crucial role in maintaining peace and curbed law offenders indiscriminately regardless of political affiliations. Business community and the general public took sigh of relief and lauded the role of rangers in Sindh.[16] https://en.wikipedia.org/

Historically speaking, India was accused of having planted the seed of separatism in East Pakistan, and then it had played as a mid-wife for the birth of its own illegitimate child. Recently, the Indian government has confessed of having been actively participating in the fragmentation of Pakistan into two separate countries in 1971: this alone is enough proof to strengthen Pakistan’s assertion of India’s involvement in destabilizing Pakistan through supporting and funding the terrorist activities.

Indian active involvement in Baluchistan and Karachi through proxy is another dirty game. Irony is India always cries as victim of terrorism in front of the International Community.

Nonsense of muhajir card: The MQM originally came with anti feudalism slogan and could not achieve its target; instead it has turned into an anti Pakistan Party. (God Forbid)
This political party maintains a strong base of Mohajirs- people who have migrated from India to settle in Pakistan during the time of Partition. MQM has been always onboard with the ruling party.

Street power: When it calls for a strike, the whole city grinds to a halt.
Rhetoric and Threats: SSP Rao Anwar filed an application in Malir Cantt Police Station last Tuesday seeking registration of case against Altaf Hussain for allegedly threatening him, while addressing his supporters, has threatened to “blow him up with a canon.”

Recently, Altaf Hussain openly asked for help from RAW to aid them in avenging the slander of their party. He continues to give serious threats of destroying Pakistan if the Pakistan Army dared to go against the party. His appeal to the Indian RAW agents to support MQM against Pakistan and to prevent anyone from taking action against MQM reflects the secret confidence and connection between the two against Pakistan.

MQM and India are busy sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan.

The other day: Briefing the Interior minister about Karachi situation, DG Rangers Sindh Major General Bilal Akhter said that Rangers were effectively undertaking operation against the criminal elements in the mega city, which had resulted into bringing down crime rate significantly.
The interior minister said that it were the criminal elements versus the peaceful citizens in Karachi for which the operation was launched, which would continue till its logical conclusion. http://epaper.thefrontierpost.com/article/315086//

Govt trying to pre-empt attacks by Altaf

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-38682-Govt-trying-to-pre-empt-attacks-by-Altaf

Second Raid: “The Rangers’ raid at the Nine Zero last Friday was clearly a part of the drive to put an end to the ceaseless inciting addresses,” a federal minister told The News on condition of anonymity, and referred to a tweet of the chief of the paramilitary force Maj-Gen Bilal Akbar in which he said those detained from the MQM headquarters have been arranging and facilitating hate speeches against peace of Karachi.

British national Altaf’s addresses to his party gatherings in Pakistan are being blocked for targeting the security agencies. His Sunday speech was highly inflammatory against Pakistan.

It is due to his remarks that over 120 cases have been registered against Altaf Hussain all over Pakistan, which is the clear expression of deep ire and anger of the security establishment against him.

“All those who are connected with organising the telephonic addresses of the MQM chief in Karachi and Hyderabad will be taken into custody so that this practice comes to an end once and for all,” the official said.

Both the anti-terror powers of Sindh Rangers and an extension of stay in the province in aid of the civil administration and police needed the Sindh Assembly’s endorsement under the Article-147 of the Constitution after the passage of the 18th Amendment.

The former president said that the role of the armed forces in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists was highly praiseworthy. He said both the civil and military administration working in support of each other could effectively tackle and fend off internal and external challenges facing the country.

The Home Department recommended that since the Rangers were assisting the police and civil administration, therefore, their requisition may be extended for another year.

The chief minister, keeping in view the requirement of the services of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, extended the requisition for one year w.e.f July 20 to assist the civil administration and the provincial police in combating crimes and improving law and order.

Now hunger strike drama): In order to malign Pakistan and its security forces, his Excellency Altaf Hussain has threatened to go on hunger strike till death after permission is granted by the 10 Dowing St administration.

Furthermore, the addicted MQM was partner in every government, civil or military: they ruled Karachi and Pakistan for decades; still they feel exploited, what is it- they exactly want? According to the MQM leader, his party would release more details about the protest as soon as it gets permission from British authorities to carry out the hunger strike.

BUT: If Altaf Hussain wants to serve his people in Pakistan, he should step down, sooner the better. This would save paramilitary operation expenses, and everyone will be happy.

Good news is the MQM leadership has begun to realize the dynamics of the high stakes involved. Amendment 21 for military courts and the determined Army chief to clean up Karachi at all cost are a ground reality.

Fortunately, the MQM leadership is not going for violent shutdowns of the metropolis, in the wake of recent clamp down.

Surely, good economic time is ahead.

July 11, 2015

What Does Eid al Fitr Teach Us?

(By Tariq MJaved)

The end of Ramadan is followed by the month of Shawaal which gives the gift of Eid ul Fitr to the Muslims. Having attained the wealth of Taqwa and spiritual correctness during the daily dawn to dusk “Fasting Work Out” of Ramadan, many practising Muslims fortunately manage to be successful in becoming self disciplined. The positive change makes them feel at peace; immediately next thing for them happens to be the most exciting festivity of Eid-ul-Fitr. In other words, upon successful completion of the month of Ramadan, the Eid day, in fact is a ‘Thanksgiving Day’ for having gone through a tough exercise towards “self-purification.” Allah o Akber.
The noble Qur’an has clearly expressed the act of Fasting as a blessing and not a calamity: “Allah desires ease for you, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the entire month, and that you may magnify Him for giving you His guidance, and that you may give thanks.” (Al-Baqarah 2:185).
Among other essential elements is paying Zakat (wealth tax) and Fitra to minimize the harsh impact of any prevailing misfortune, hunger or widespread poverty. Therefore, when it comes to this religious obligation, the Muslims are duty bound to help out the needy people before the Eid Prayer.
Charity: The Muslims are required to pay Zakat based on their wealth and financial ability. It consists of spending 2.5% of one’s wealth for the benefit of the needy people. The good thing is paying Zakat is considered to be the personal responsibility of all Muslims to eliminate inequality and ease economic hardship of others for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa taalaa.
Charity in the form of fitra (fitrana) is obligatory at the end of the Fasting month before the Eid prayer. This again means the real happiness of “EID” lies in sharing our happiness with “the have nots.”
Furthermore, while meditating and prostrating in congregation to God Almighty, the Muslim Ummah actually displays its real spirit of brotherhood and equality. So, on this happy occasion, we should always remember those who are afflicted with poverty, ignorance, disease, or are otherwise less fortunate.
The other beauty is Muslims on this very day are encouraged to erase their grudges or differences if any with others that might have occurred during the year.
Eid day schedule: After offering the regular Salat ul Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer), the Muslims head out shortly after the sun-rise to perform the obligatory prayer in congregation (slaat ul Eid) in open areas, community centres, or at masajid in some cases.
However, the important thing is Eid prayer is followed by special Khutba (Sermon) and supplication asking for God’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The Imam delivers khutba explaining to the Muslims about performing rituals of Eid, such as the compulsory Zakat or Sadaqat ul Fitr. It’s extremely important to listen to the obligatory Eid Khutba as well.
The Muslims are encouraged to stay away from worldly desires; they are advised to focus entirely on pleasing and thanking Allah for His merciful blessings. Indeed, it is a rejuvenation of the Deen of Islam, which creates stronger bonds between the Muslim person and his/her Lord.
Right after the Khutba is over, Muslims hug each other wishing Eid Mubarak, and then they visit their relatives and friends.
Also, The Eid gifts, known as Eidie, are frequently given on this precious occasion to children and immediate relatives. Children receive gifts in cash or kind; sweets and tasty dishes are served throughout the day.
Altogether, the caring Muslims donate money generously; they contribute to their local food banks for the less fortunate.
Beyond doubt, Eid is an opportunity for Muslims of different ethnic or cultural background to share together for prayers and celebrations.
Usually, the Canadian Muslims take time off from work to join prayers held in big-city mosques or Islamic centres, convention centres or sport grounds.
In the larger cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, congregational prayers may be offered at multiple times to accommodate the large number of worshipers.
In many Canadian communities, Muslim organizations and mosques also hold large Eid parties that are open to the entire Muslim community. Smaller Muslim communities, particularly in the rural areas, hold other communal gatherings in masajid or rented community halls.
Some groups reserve other activity centres for the full day of fun and celebration, while others may hold public Eid parties in mosques as a means of OUTREACH to the non-Muslim society.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually make long distance phone calls to greet dear ones.
The festival is aimed at promoting peace, strengthening the feeling of brotherhood and enabling the Muslims to move on with their lives normally as a refined Umma in the eyes of our Creator. Hence, the Eid and its celebration in Islam carry a distinctive meaning and spirit as they are totally different from the celebrations in non Muslim communities.
It’s commonly seen that holiday for non Muslims is a chance to indulge in worldly pleasures, or involve oneself sinfully or immorally and unlawfully. But for Muslims, there is zero tolerance in the eyes of Allah subhanahu wa talaa for committing forbidden acts.
In nutshell, the `EID’ is an occasion to increasingly go for good deeds only. The ‘EID’ doesn’t give an automatic ticket to take a vacation from Islamic responsibilities, and no wasting of time and money is permitted either, simply because our obedience and submission to the will of Allah cannot be compromised under any circumstance.
Furthermore, the ‘EID’ is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, by devoting for the sake of Allah SWT.
Most importantly, it’s the spirit of thanksgiving that make the Muslim Umma stronger all over the globe for the accomplishment of an act of dedication and submission to the total will of Allah, the Almighty.




July 1, 2015

Happy Birth Day 'O' Canada

Happy Birth Day ‘O’ Canada

With federal elections only a few months away,July 1st 2015 is going to mark Canada’s 148th anniversary with more excitement. ‘Canada Day’ being a federal statutory holiday, is celebrated throughout Canada with full fervour in recognition of the “July 1, 1867 enactment” of the British North Americas Act (BNA), also called “The Constitution Act, 1867.”

Historically speaking, the Canadian founders of confederation were the representatives of the British North America colonies who attended the three major conferences on Canadian confederation. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on that day. Not only was he the ‘father of confederation,’ but he also drafted two-thirds of the provisions of the BNA creating the ‘Dominion of Canada.’ As a result, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain.

The four provinces were created from the former British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.

Currently, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. This Canadian national holiday was enacted in 1879 under the name “Dominion Day.” In fact, the formation of the union of provinces under a new country is the basis of Canada’s July 1 celebration each year. However, the ‘Dominion Day’ changed into ‘Canada Day’ onOctober 27, 1982.

The official lyrics “O Canada” were finalized in 1968 by a special joint committee of the Senate and House of Commons. This day also marks the anniversary of the officially proclaimed “O Canada” as national anthem. The Royal anthem plays ‘God Save The Queen’ at some festive locations celebrating Canada Day.

More exciting is the fact that Ottawa always welcomes Canadians from all across Canada who go to the national Capital to enjoy the specifically tailored festivities. This year again, thousands of Canadians are expected to congregate on the Parliament Hill to mark their country’s birthday.

The celebrations will be all over Canada; similarly, Surrey, BC has its own celebration features that include the world-class entertainment, great food, games and amusement rides, and indeed a spectacular fireworks finale.

Some people would celebrate the special day by joining BBQ parties and enjoying the fireworks all over the country.

Indeed, the event serves as a good bridge to facilitate Muslims to build ties with Canadians of other faiths. The international “mouth watering” food and dishes from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, and Turkey would be made available. However, this year again the Canadian Muslims would have to wait till sunset to enjoy food. Adjusting a little is in respect of the sacred month of “pre-dawn to dusk” fasting.

Despite the insurmountable difficulty, a tolerance level among the members of multi-cultural society is a real blessing, as it has been playing a big role in promoting diversity in schools, work places, businesses and academic institutions. Of course, the credit goes to millions of motivated immigrants who kept building this nation to make Canada an attractive country to live peacefully.

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians celebrate Canada Day in grand style in the nation’s capital flocking to Parliament Hill to join with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Of course, the Canadians are entitled to celebrate their legacy, pride and opportunities.

Certainly, Canada Day unites all Canadians regardless of creed, culture or ethnicity; it help us understand the significance of the Canadian life.

Also, the celebrations take place in all other parts of the country. And, the 148th Happy Canada Day celebration in Surrey BC features: world class entertainment, great food, games & amusement rides, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

As the Canadian history reflects the wonderful diverse cultural races, the importance of celebrating Canada Day means a lot to all Canadians, certainly.

Beyond doubt, it brings us together, strengthens our communities, and helps us understand the significance of the Canadian life.

On the other hand, many people wonder if the government is really protecting the celebrating and the non celebrating Canadians:

Yes, Government is committed to protect Canadians at all costs, yet there are many unanswered questions:

For example, a new Ontario controversial curriculum regarding the sex education to the innocent minor children is unacceptable to people belonging to many faiths and the Muslim community is hardly hit indeed. What kind of protection is it?

Then, there are a couple of federal legislations that some Canadians are concerned about.

The bill C-24 has positives and negatives and “once a citizen always a citizen” is not true any longer, yet at the same time it will curb the abusers using consular services while living out of Canada;  this practice by the abusers is burdening heavily on the Canadian tax payers.

Next is bill C 51 which has already been made law, and the Liberals were on board as well.

Nevertheless, Mr Justin Trudeau (LIB) now maintains that he would seek changes in the act once in power. The Liberals would try to insert the sunset clause and the expiration date. No surety, let’s wait and see.

It boils down to one thing: The Canadians must be vigilant at election time to bring only honest candidates to the Parliament who are able to deliver and they would sincerely represent the Canadians. The voters need to come out and go to the polling stations with seriousness.

For happy “Canada Day” celebrations, Canadians and the government must be on one page, and the media should play its role without bias to promote love and affection among all.

Canada needs to protect its genuine citizens indiscriminately nationally while keeping its peace keeping role internationally. Long Live Canada!




Happy Birth Day ‘O’ Canada

With federal elections only a few months away,July 1st 2015 is going to mark Canada’s 148th anniversary with more excitement. ‘Canada Day’ being a federal statutory holiday, is celebrated throughout Canada with full fervour in recognition of the “July 1, 1867 enactment” of the British North Americas Act (BNA), also called “The Constitution Act, 1867.”

Historically speaking, the Canadian founders of confederation were the representatives of the British North America colonies who attended the three major conferences on Canadian confederation. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on that day. Not only was he the ‘father of confederation,’ but he also drafted two-thirds of the provisions of the BNA creating the ‘Dominion of Canada.’ As a result, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain.

The four provinces were created from the former British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.

Currently, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. This Canadian national holiday was enacted in 1879 under the name “Dominion Day.” In fact, the formation of the union of provinces under a new country is the basis of Canada’s July 1 celebration each year. However, the ‘Dominion Day’ changed into ‘Canada Day’ onOctober 27, 1982.

The official lyrics “O Canada” were finalized in 1968 by a special joint committee of the Senate and House of Commons. This day also marks the anniversary of the officially proclaimed “O Canada” as national anthem. The Royal anthem plays ‘God Save The Queen’ at some festive locations celebrating Canada Day.

More exciting is the fact that Ottawa always welcomes Canadians from all across Canada who go to the national Capital to enjoy the specifically tailored festivities. This year again, thousands of Canadians are expected to congregate on the Parliament Hill to mark their country’s birthday.

The celebrations will be all over Canada; similarly, Surrey, BC has its own celebration features that include the world-class entertainment, great food, games and amusement rides, and indeed a spectacular fireworks finale.

Some people would celebrate the special day by joining BBQ parties and enjoying the fireworks all over the country.

Indeed, the event serves as a good bridge to facilitate Muslims to build ties with Canadians of other faiths. The international “mouth watering” food and dishes from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, and Turkey would be made available. However, this year again the Canadian Muslims would have to wait till sunset to enjoy food. Adjusting a little is in respect of the sacred month of “pre-dawn to dusk” fasting.

Despite the insurmountable difficulty, a tolerance level among the members of multi-cultural society is a real blessing, as it has been playing a big role in promoting diversity in schools, work places, businesses and academic institutions. Of course, the credit goes to millions of motivated immigrants who kept building this nation to make Canada an attractive country to live peacefully.

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians celebrate Canada Day in grand style in the nation’s capital flocking to Parliament Hill to join with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Of course, the Canadians are entitled to celebrate their legacy, pride and opportunities.

Certainly, Canada Day unites all Canadians regardless of creed, culture or ethnicity; it help us understand the significance of the Canadian life.

Also, the celebrations take place in all other parts of the country. And, the 149th Happy Canada Day celebration in Surrey BC features: world class entertainment, great food, games & amusement rides, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

As the Canadian history reflects the wonderful diverse cultural races, the importance of celebrating Canada Day means a lot to all Canadians, certainly.

Beyond doubt, it brings us together, strengthens our communities, and helps us understand the significance of the Canadian life.

On the other hand, many people wonder if the government is really protecting the celebrating and the non celebrating Canadians:

Yes, Government is committed to protect Canadians at all costs, yet there are many unanswered questions:

For example, a new Ontario controversial curriculum regarding the sex education to the innocent minor children is unacceptable to people belonging to many faiths and the Muslim community is hardly hit indeed. What kind of protection is it?

Then, there are a couple of federal legislations that some Canadians are concerned about.

The bill C-24 has positives and negatives and “once a citizen always a citizen” is not true any longer, yet at the same time it will curb the abusers using consular services while living out of Canada;  this practice by the abusers is burdening heavily on the Canadian tax payers.

Next is bill C 51 which has already been made law, and the Liberals were on board as well.

Nevertheless, Mr Justin Trudeau (LIB) now maintains that he would seek changes in the act once in power. The Liberals would try to insert the sunset clause and the expiration date. No surety, let’s wait and see.

It boils down to one thing: The Canadians must be vigilant at election time to bring only honest candidates to the Parliament who are able to deliver and they would sincerely represent the Canadians. The voters need to come out and go to the polling stations with seriousness.

For happy “Canada Day” celebrations, Canadians and the government must be on one page, and the media should play its role without bias to promote love and affection among all.

Canada needs to protect its genuine citizens indiscriminately nationally while keeping its peace keeping role internationally. Long Live Canada!




Pakistan celebrates 72nd Independence Day: Prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan

Mr Jinnah envisioned Pakistan to be a democracy, not a theocracy. He said, “In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State t...