tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70677092561613685002023-11-16T07:54:37.483-08:00ApnidunyaThis blog is for anyone and everyone to express their views anonymously related to Pakistan.apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-18055903723477698132008-08-18T02:35:00.000-07:002008-08-18T02:51:20.789-07:00What goes around, comes aroundAlmost nine years back, Musharraf had ousted all major politicians from the country charging them to cause corruption and mayham in the country. Nine years later, the same set of politicians have returned, and ousted him from power.<br /><br />General Musharraf's caused his own downfall by creating an environment of distrust, violence and chaos. Ever since <a href="http://apnidunya.blogspot.com/2007/12/beginning-of-struggle.html">December 2006</a>, and a peaceful protest against "Missing people" in Islamabad, his power has been waning and his popularity dropping. Musharraf's legacy would be as the president who:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illegal Abduction:</span> Caused the illegal abduction of Pakistani citizens without any charge against them.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illegal Arrests and Extradition: </span>Handing over hundreds of Pakistanis without trial to foreign powers in the name of "war against terror" without bringing any charges against them.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illegal NRO: </span>Creating an illegal NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) which takes back all cases against the political parties for their wrong doing. In essence sending a message that one can do as many wrongs as they want, they will be forgiven.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Talibanism in Pakistan: </span>There is more Talibanism in the country since his war on them began. All his policies have failed miserably to curb violence, terrorism and talibanism. It will probably take decades for the impact of his failed policies to be eliminated.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">National Accountablity Bureau: </span>A government instrument created to catch the culprits. So far, it has played a dubious role of going after Musharraf's enemies. NAB has also not really taken strict action against any army general who has been involved in corruption. Hence, a political institute for political parties to use to harrass their enemies.<br /></li></ul>The current crop of politicians will have to continue to deliver on the will of the people. The judges have to be restored and the economy has to be stablized and strenghthened. Otherwise, PPP and PML (N) will also be ousted from power.apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-73113070582327396692008-08-06T01:02:00.000-07:002008-08-06T01:06:07.486-07:00Prisoner 650 at Bagram Jail<a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/1045905-pakistan-afia">http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/1045905-pakistan-afia</a><br /><br />We must write to relavent authories and bring it to their notice for the human rights violation and abuses faced by Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Here is a sample letter to send out to all authorities.<br /><br />SAMPLE LETTER:<br /><br />Dear________,<br /><br />PAKISTAN/USA: A lady doctor is missing with her three children since five years after her arrest<br /><br />Name of victim: Ms. Dr. Afia Siddiqui and her three children<br />Block 7, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Sindh province<br />The units of the alleged perpetrators: Intelligence agencies of Pakistan and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI-US)<br /><br />I am shocked to know that Dr. Afia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen has been missing with her three children since April 2003, after her arrest by intelligence agencies of Pakistan. The whereabouts of children is also unknown, which is a serious act of negligence on the part of the government with regard to its responsibility to protect the citizen of the Pakistan.<br /><br />According to the information I have received Dr. Afia was picked-up by Pakistani intelligence agencies while on her way to the airport and initial reports suggested that she was handed over to the American FBI. A few days later an American news channel, NBC, reported that Afia had been arrested in Pakistan on suspicion of facilitating money transfers for terror networks of Osama Bin Laden.<br /><br />On April 1, 2003, a small news item was published in an Urdu daily with reference to a press conference of then Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat when, in reply to a question regarding the arrest of Dr. Siddiqui, he said she has not been arrested. But in another report the minister for interior said,"You will be astonished to know about the activities of Dr. Afia." A weekly English magazine in its special coverage on Dr. Afia reported that after one week of the incident, an intelligence agency official, a motor cyclist in plain clothes, came to the house of her mother and warned "We know that you are connected to higher-ups but do not make an issue out of her daughter's disappearance" and threatened her with dire consequences. After this development the whereabouts of Dr. Afia and her children are yet unknown.<br /><br />What is also of grave concern to me is that when she was arrested by Pakistani intelligence authorities she was handed over to American intelligence agencies without being tried in Pakistan, I do not find any rationale in sending her along with her children to other country when there are Pakistani laws to deal with the suspected terrorists. It is known that President Musharraf handed over 600 suspected terrorists to America.<br /><br />There are reports that in Afghanistan's prison of Bagram there is a woman prison known as Prisoner 650 and that she has been severely tortured. It is also widely suspected that Prisoner 650 is Dr. Afia Siddiqui. This prisoner has reportedly lost her mind due to constant rape and ill treatment.<br /><br />I remind you that this is the duty of coalition government under Prime Minister Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani to probe cases of those Pakistani suspected terrorists who have been handed over to foreign forces in the name of war on terror. The government should also inform Pakistani citizens about the whereabouts of Dr. Afia Siddiqui and her children. I also demand that government should also ensure the safety of her children.<br /><br />Yours sincerely,<br /><br />-------------<br />PLEASE SEND YOU LETTERS TO:<br /><br />1. The Chief<br />Allied Joint Force Command<br />Head Quarters Brunssum,<br />Public Affirs office, P.O. BOX 270<br />6440, AG, Brunssem<br />THE NETHERLANDS<br />Tel. No.: +31 45 526 2409<br />Email: pio@jfcbs.nato.intHeadquart<br /><br />2. Mr. George W. Bush<br />President of the United State of America (USA)<br />The White House<br />1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,<br />Washington, DC 20500<br />USA<br />Email: presidents@presidentsusa.net<br /><br />3. Mr. Hamid Karzai<br />President of Afghanistan<br />Gul Khana Palace<br />Presidential Palace<br />Kabul<br />AFGHANISTAN<br />Email: president@afghanistangov.org<br /><br />4. General Pervez Musharraf<br />President of Pakistan<br />President's Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 922 1422 / 4768; 920 1893 or 1835<br />E-mail: (please see: <a href="http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx</a>)<br /><br />5. Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani<br />Prime Minister<br />Prime Minister House, Islamabad,<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 922 1596<br />Tel: +92 51 920 6111<br />E-mail: webmaster@infopak.gov.pk or infominister@pak.gov.pk<br /><br />6. Mr. Farooq Naik<br />Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights<br />S Block Pakistan Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 920 2628<br />E-mail: minister@molaw.gov.pk<br /><br />7. Mr. Rehman Malik<br />Advisor for Ministry of Interior<br />Room No. 404, 4th Floor, R Block,<br />Pak Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 920 2624<br />Tel: +92 51 921 2026<br />E-mail: minister@interior.gov.pk<br /><br /><br />Thank you<br /><br />Urgent Appeals Programme<br />Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrchk.org)apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-55120452242782689042008-07-20T20:57:00.000-07:002008-07-20T21:03:12.116-07:00Pakistan, Porverty and ViolenceI have been following the reports by Sudhir from the tribal areas in Pakistan. I was struck by the intensity of the pictures, the powerful contrast between the ever so present violence and the suffering of the people strikes you. It is hard to grasp how the difficult the situation is in the area. <p>I collected some of the pictures into a short video clip, and will let the video speak for itself. The background music is a Swedish folklore. (<strong>You might need to turn up the volume a bit.</strong>)</p><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/userevents/863375-pakistan-poverty">http://www.allvoices.com/userevents/863375-pakistan-poverty</a><br /><p style="text-align: right;">Source, Erik Sundelof @ allvoices.com<br /></p><p><br /></p>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-31592845921427857352008-06-21T17:53:00.000-07:002008-06-21T17:55:56.602-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 15px 0pt; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" bg valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" cols="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#ffffff;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#990000;">APPJD & DFD Seminar at APPNA Summer Meeting Washington, D.C.</span></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(102, 153, 128);" rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" bgcolor="#669980" valign="top" width="100%"> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); width: 190px; padding-top: 15px;" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="left" bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top" width="175"> <br /></td> <td style="width: 410px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 15px;" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center" bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top" width="425"> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" bgcolor="#cccccc" width="100%"> <a name="11aa924010d191af_LETTER.BLOCK8"></a><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 153, 128); background-color: rgb(204, 204, 192); margin-bottom: 5px;color:#ccccc0;" bg border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="1" cols="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td style="color: rgb(70, 96, 121); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" align="left"><span style="color: rgb(70, 96, 121); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#466079;" ><span style="font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:100%;"> </span> </span><div><span style="color: rgb(70, 96, 121); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#466079;" ><span style="font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>An interactive forum with the heroes of the judiciary movement in Pakistan and senior politicians:</strong></span><br /><div> </div><span style="color:#990000;">Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008<br />Time: 12 Noon - 2 P.M.<br />Venue: Wardman Park Marriott, Washington D.C.<br /></span> <div> </div>Join the American Pakistani Physicians for Justice and Democracy and the Doctors for Democracy, NY in welcoming:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Aitzaz Ahsan,Esq.</strong> , President Supreme Court Bar Association Pak<br /><strong>Hon. Ahsan Iqbal,</strong> MNA PML-N and former federal minister<br /><strong>Hon. Justice (R) Wajihuddin Ahmed</strong>, eminent jurist & leader lawyers' movement<br /><strong>HE Mr. Hussain Haqqani</strong>, Pak Ambassador to the USA<br /><strong>APDM representatives</strong></span><br /><div> </div>We thank you for supporting the struggle for restoration of the superior judiciary in Pakistan; this is your opportunity to discuss with the leaders directly the future plan of action and to give them your feedback.<br /><div> </div>Our gratitude to Dr.Mehmud Alam, President APPNA , Dr. Rashid Piracha, Chairman Advocacy committee.<br /><div> </div><strong>Organizers:</strong> Drs. Abdul Majeed, Zahid Imran, Kamal Haider, Fahim Butt, Shahid Sheikh,<br />Ashraf Toor, Shahid Latif, Ghazala Kazi, Nasir Gondal,Aijaz Turk, M. Taqi<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Contact:</span></strong> PH: 269-420-5656 & 516-655-4134<br /><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bXspmXKo3IYes0L1LSRKuhIATeM5GDpy-1pWtWnhXzyV6us1ozOLPtxFXayeWn65a3yq1KDnlUVzmJefmNT3WWX-1TiRTk4b2X2F-0DVpzQ=" target="_blank"><span style="color:#990000;">www.appjd.org</span></a> </span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-77082474716958217902008-06-12T05:17:00.000-07:002008-06-12T05:19:52.432-07:00Long March, Restoration of Judiciary and PPP<p style="font-family: arial;">So it is official. Aitzaz Ahsan, an old time PPP stalwart led long march will be culminating in Islamabad on Friday in support of restoration or judges. It seems, PML (N) faction will also support them along with other smaller political forces.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Yet, what is amazing is that PPP, the democratically elected party, keeping its distance from the long march and in fact has put up all sorts of barricades and police checkposts to keep the protestors from reaching them. The security cordon is not much dissimilar to what Musharaf used to put up against the protestors not long ago.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">In this scenario to expect anything good to come out is pretty remote. It is quite evident that PPP will probably restore the judges, but will also not remove the current ones, thus increasing the bench from 16 to 29. Already, they have presented this bill in the parliament for the increase in supreme court judges.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">If such a thing happens, it is a sure sign that PPP has made a backdoor deal with the President where he keeps his judges while the old ones are also restored. Hence, ensuring that the judges will never have the majority to remove him or any of his cronies.</p><p style="text-align: right; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">source Allvoices.com</span><br /></p>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-54116262164103676552008-01-03T03:30:00.000-08:002008-01-03T03:41:53.376-08:00One man against a nationHere is a wonderful video that we found that depicts the feelings of Pakistanis and how they have stood up against one man who is struggling to hang on to power.<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/khA-_Mc3Fjk&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/khA-_Mc3Fjk&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />We dedicate this video to all the people who are struggling for democracy and freedom from oppression in Pakistan.apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-4762347871454317252007-12-31T07:04:00.001-08:002007-12-31T07:06:20.285-08:00Sign Petition: Let there be Peace<div style="text-align: justify;">An important action alert - read below for more info, and take action at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/503288150" target="_blank">http://www.thepetitionsite.com<wbr>/takeaction/503288150</a><br /><br />Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's opposition leader, has been assassinated at a political rally. As violence escalates, the Pakistani people continue to be at great risk of further human rights abuses. Sign this petition and call for an immediate end to violence in Pakistan.<br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-12803585714303129492007-12-27T11:09:00.000-08:002007-12-27T11:32:26.156-08:00Benazir Bhutto - A Tragic Day<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso4mYfZG-91mcYHBY38bQKvznG4HoC-i8qAFioBIcti-nM1vv19-BNzPNNfMZbnDhC1h10zaO6AX4XOeMDPs58xIbe7EBELh41vOCD9fCbulzrDxr7WNlMbw_3-Iim9T19etfHfSKruuJ/s1600-h/bb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso4mYfZG-91mcYHBY38bQKvznG4HoC-i8qAFioBIcti-nM1vv19-BNzPNNfMZbnDhC1h10zaO6AX4XOeMDPs58xIbe7EBELh41vOCD9fCbulzrDxr7WNlMbw_3-Iim9T19etfHfSKruuJ/s400/bb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148732628225767906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Many Pakistanis did not agree with her political agendas, her views and may not necessarily have voted for her in the upcoming elections, but the majority feels the sorrow and share in the grief with her family on this tragic day. She was a mother to her kids, a wife to her husband and former Prime Minister of the people of Pakistan. Her legacy will live for a long time in the country of her birth.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"><br />Today, is truly a sad day in the history of Pakistan. The whole nation is in a state of shock and in mourning one of her own. People are huddling in front of television screens, FM radios, and glued to the Internet in hope of trying to figure out and piece together what has happened today in Rawalpindi. A single suicide attack has changed the way politics and quite possibly the political future of the country.<br /><br />It remains to be seen if Pakistan can recover amicably from the current crisis and move on. This young nation has seen many devastations and horrible political instabilities in the past sixty years. Will this be the defining moment for the citizens or will it further create chaos and tragedy? As Pakistanis, we can only hope and plead for peace and calmness. It is time for the nation to come together and find a meaning out of this tragic moment.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jeo Pakistan, Jeenay Doe Pakistan ko! (Live Pakistan, Let live Pakistan)<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span>For more information:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/benazir-bhutto-is-dead">http://www.allvoices.com/benazir-bhutto-is-dead</a><br /><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/people/Benazir-Bhutto">http://www.allvoices.com/people/Benazir-Bhutto</a><br /></span></span></span></span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-36444502944355764072007-12-08T00:50:00.000-08:002007-12-08T00:51:56.909-08:00A SIT-IN AND HUNGER STRIKE<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">THE STUDENTS ACTION COMMITTEE (SAC) IS HOLDING A SIT-IN AND HUNGER STRIKE FOR RELEASE OF THE 10 STUDENTS AND CIVIL SOCIETY MEMBERS ('THE GOR 10') ARRESTED OUTSIDE JUSTICE SHAHID SIDDIQUI'S HOUSE IN GOR LAHORE - </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">THE PROTEST IS OUTSIDE THE LAHORE PRESS CLUB 11 AM ONWARDS TODAY (SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">PLEASE ADD YOUR STRENGTH TO THIS SIT-IN. THE MOVEMENT WILL GET TOUGHER, AND OUR ONLY WAY TO SUCCESS IS THROUGH COORDINATION, UNITY AND COMPLETE SOLIDARITY. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In Complete Solidarity, </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">CCP Team</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2. On December 6, Tighe Barry, a CODEPINK activist who along with Medea Benjamin was deported from Pakistan at gunpoint for supporting pro-democracy forces, was arrested at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on US Assistance to Pakistan. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Barry and Benjamin, deported on December 5, flew directly to Washington DC to attend this hearing. They had asked for the opportunity to testify about their firsthand experience with the heroism of Pakistan’s civil society and the brutality of the government, but were told that the witnesses had already been selected. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The first to testify was Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. His testimony was infuriating to Barry, Benjamin and the 10 other CODEPINK activists who were in attendance and holding up signs saying “No Money To Musarraf”.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Boucher gave the impression that Pakistan was on the path to democracy and that our billions of dollars in assistance was being well used. He called the state of emergency a mere “bump in the road.” The travesty of sacking the independent Supreme Court judges and replacing them with Musharraf allies was called a “Supreme Court reshuffling.” While admitting that the elections would not be “perfect,” he asserted that the State Department was working closely with Pakistani officials to ensure that the elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He went on to say that democracy also requires accountable government institutions, including an independent judiciary, protection of individual human rights, a free and dynamic press, an atmosphere promoting open debate, and a vibrant civil society. “Pakistan is making progress toward those goals,” he claimed,</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Having just witnessed firsthand the thuggery of Musharraf’s regime, Barry could not believe his ears. He stood up in protest, saying that the Assistant Secretary’s testimony was full of lies. “Musharraf has beaten lawyers and students, destroyed the judiciary, and censored the press,” said Barry. “The U.S. must freeze all funding to this military government until emergency rule is lifted, the independent judiciary is reinstated, the censorship of the media is lifted, and all judges, lawyers, students and human rights defenders are released.”</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Barry was pulled out of the room, handcuffed, and put in a paddywagon. “I felt compelled to do this for the sake of my friends in Pakistan,” he said as they took him away. “Pakistanis risk their lives standing up to their government; I have to stand up to mine.”</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Barry was cited and released, and must appear in Court on December 27 to face charges of Disorderly Conduct.</span><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Courtesy - EM</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">CPSP Team</span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-24428148768718458412007-12-06T13:03:00.000-08:002007-12-06T13:05:12.076-08:00Black Day to be observed on 10th December<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan calls upon all members of civil society to observe the Universal Human Rights Day as a "black day". The worst human rights abuses, in the history of the country, were recorded in 2007. The rights of ordinary people have been violated by the government with impunity. More than 400 people have been picked up by security forces and many remain missing. The Musharraf regime obstructed the Supreme Court in providing justice to those who remain disappeared, as well as those who recorded their statements of having suffered extreme forms of torture at the hands of the security forces. Reports of torture, threats, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests run into thousands. Incidents of extrajudicial killings continue to be reported but never investigated.<br /><br />The situation has now reached alarming proportions. The coercive apparatus of the State are being blatantly used against all sections of civil society. The media is chained and free expression censured. Thousands of lawyers, journalists, students, teachers and human rights activists were arrested. A number of them remain incarcerated under deplorable conditions. Lawyers and others have been accused of offences falling under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Thirty-five judges of superior courts have been put under house arrest. The family of the Chief Justice of Pakistan is also confined to their residence. This is unprecedented.<br /><br />The rights of the people are being usurped on the pretext of curbing terrorism. It is the people who are suffering terrorism; both at the hands of non-state militants and state agents. The government has failed to bring militants to justice or to disarm them. On the contrary, at several occasions, the government and its agents have patronized or in the least, ignored criminal acts carried out by militants acting in the name of Islam.<br /><br />HRCP warns that the claim made by Musharraf of moving towards a transition to democracy is a total farce. The assertion is yet another smack on the face of the people of Pakistan. Amendments to the Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Act as well as the Army Act are only a few examples of the government's grand plan to subjugate the spirit of peaceful members of civil society. Much more is to follow.<br /><br />HRCP, along with other civil society groups, will organize a black day on the 10th of December. Black flags and bands should be displayed on this unworthy occasion. In order to record the laudable struggle of the legal fraternity of Pakistan HRCP will award the best documentary film made on this movement. All entries are to be submitted by 30 June 2008.<br /><br />Asma Jahangir<br />Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan</div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-62753520221131467042007-12-06T12:56:00.000-08:002007-12-06T13:01:16.310-08:00Open letter by Aitzaz Ahsan<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">Aitzaz Ahsan<br />M.A. Cantab<br />Barrister-at-Law<br />Senior Advocate Supreme Court<br />President Supreme Court Bar Association.<br /><br />My dear colleagues, December 05, 2007<br />Asalam o alaikum.<br /><br />As I write this from a sub-Jail, let me tell you how proud I am of each one of you and of myself to be part of the community that is writing the present chapter in the history of our unfortunate country. As you are all aware we the lawyers are the vanguard in this long over due mammoth battle for civil rights and democracy in our country.<br /><br />As for myself, jail is not new to me. I was first arrested as a one-year old in the arms of my mother when she courted arrest in 1946 after my father and grandfather had already done so in the Pakistan movement. During the Martial Law imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq I was arrested and detained without trial several times for long terms only because I pursued, even then, the ideals of democracy and an independent judiciary.<br /><br />Let me assure you that the sacrifices that you have given and the selfless courage that you have shown for a completely selfless cause of an independent judiciary and civilian rule have no parallel anywhere in the world, even in countries from which we have borrowed the concepts of the rule of law and judicial independence. By seeking the restoration of the Chief Justices and Judges of all provinces we are in fact seeking to the save and strengthen the Federation. Ours is a noble cause.<br /><br />You know that Muneer Malik, Tariq Mahmmod, Ali Ahmed Kurd and I have never wielded any weapons. We have never broken any law. We are no terrorists. We are men of peace. Yet we have treated worst than terrorists while were in jails.<br /><br />In fact, when arrested, I was only seeking to persuade, through cogent and respectful arguments, 11 senior most judges of the country that an Army General's attempt to contest elections for the office of President was completely in breach of his own oath under the Constitution. And then what happened? Just because that Bench seemed likely to give a verdict according to the express language of the Constitution, he sacked the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other judges of Supreme Court and of the four High Courts. Only the judges who were willing to legitimize him were retained.<br /><br />What happened thus was unthinkable in today's world. It brought disgrace to the country. No such step was ever taken even in any "banana republic". Yet because of us lawyers and the support we are getting from our kindred in the media, the general public and the students, no one can write off this country as a failed nation. However, for the first time since 1947 we are in the middle of a fresh struggle for independence: independence of civil society and civilian institutions.<br /><br />It is in the context of ultimately achieving our one point goal of restoring the pre-November 3 status quo and the fact of a form of elections being upon us, that I propose the following:<br /><br />ONE, Our stand for boycott would be vindicated if ALL major parties also boycott.<br />TWO, Our stand would also be vindicated if even one of the two major political alliances (ARD or APDM), decides to boycott.<br />THREE, IF however ALL major parties decide TO CONTEST elections, we must devise a strategy to use the momentum to our own advantage. How? My proposal is that:<br /><br />In situation THREE the hustle and bustle of the nation-wide election campaign may suck in all politically active persons within a few days. Local issues, of roads, water, sewage, schools and other services, may begin to engage people seeking promises of redress of their immediate miseries. Our one demand may go onto the back-burner of the public mind. People will become pre-occupied with other issues. That is what the regime is counting upon.<br /><br />What then must be done in situation THREE (and ONLY in situation THREE)?<br /><br />We have to keep the issue of the "deposed" judges alive. We have to keep the spotlight on our demand. To that purpose I propose the following:<br /><br /><span>The Supreme Court Bar Association, while continuing to deny validity to this election prescribes its own OATH to be taken and signed by all CANDIDATES. The oath will require each deponent to swear that, if elected, he/she will move the necessary motion/resolution/law/amen</span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;" class="post_message"><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>dment required to ensure the restoration of the "ousted" judges, to pursue such motion etc, to speak in its favour, and finally to vote for it. (I suggest below the contents of THE OATH).<br />The contents of the oath will be widely publicized by representatives of the Bar at all levels through press-conferences and media reports.<br /><br />It will be made clear that no candidate who does not take this oath is approved by the Bar as deserving the vote of the people irrespective of the Party he belongs to. If more than one candidate in any one constituency takes the oath, then these alone will be declared as the "pre-qualified" candidates disqualifying others from the support and vote of the people.<br />The oath alone is not enough. It is the MANNER IT IS TAKEN that is also vital. To involve the people and the Bar Associations nation-wide, the SCBA and the PBC must give a call that all OATH-TAKING CEREMONIES:<br /><ol><li>Will be held in District Bar Association premises before the General House; </li><li>The oath will be taken by a senior Office-bearer of the DBA and recorded by the electronic media and the press. </li><li>Records will be maintained at the District, Provincial and Central level by the Bar Associations of the oaths.</li><li>Daily press conferences and press-releases at the respective District and Central levels will announce the names of pre-qualified candidates issuing the names to the press.</li></ol>Keeping members involved in this most engaging activity will also make the boycott of the courts (wherever prescribed) more viable and effective for a longer period.<br /><br />Since all this activity will be WITHIN THE PREMISES of the Bars there will be no premature confrontation and this activity will be entirely lawful and sustainable. Yet it will become the most prominent activity in public eye, nationally and internationally. In fact I expect the electronic media to run strips of the names of candidates who have or have not taken oath.<br /><br />Each ceremony will involve a maximum number of lawyers and political workers across the country. We will also thus cause a synchonised nation-wide activity with the Bars themselves playing the lead role while highlighting our own primary demand. At the end of the day we may have create a large lobby (perhaps even a majority) committed to our demand as we begin to ride the "judicial bus" that may yet be necessary by late January, 2008. You may even today propose a tentative date for that event.<br /><br />The proposal above is in respect ONLY of situation THREE. In that event, where ALL major political parties are participating in the elections, a mere placid boycott called by lawyers may not work. We have to be realistic. The electorate in that situation will get involved, distracted, indeed consumed by electoral activity. We, and our one demand may be sidelined. And if it is sidestepped during the elections it is unlikely to be of very high priority after the elections. We have to make it the PRIMARY ISSUE IN THE ELECTIONS.<br /><br />We have a nation-wide network of District Bars. We can make it worth their while for candidates to adhere to our aspiration of restoration of judges. In the process we can, across the country, create a significant and vibrant political activity. And we will also keep the initiative with us. I am sure that within days candidates of parties already committed to the restoration of judges and independent candidates will be jostling for time to take the oath before the full blaze of the media. I can see them printing photos of the oath-taking ceremony on their posters and publicity material to assure the voters that they are committed to us. It will keep the issue of the "deposed" judges right up-front, and may be make it the most inescapable electoral issue.<br /><br />We are today contesting the most unique case in the history of the world. In this case, our professional fee as lawyers is whatever this country has given each of us to date and our client are 160 million people. But our clients' interest, our nation's interest, we must, safeguard at all costs. If one unarmed lawyer could win the independence of this country, I do not see any reason why we, thousands of lawyers, should not be able to achieve victory.<br /><br />If we put out hearts and souls into this perfectly legitimate and peaceful enterprise we will prevail. We shall overcome.<br /><br />Yours truly,<br /><br /><br />AITZAZ AHSAN.<br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-21823434970218568062007-12-05T06:26:00.001-08:002007-12-05T06:27:32.398-08:00Protests in Islamabad<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the call of the Student Action Committee (Islamabad) over a 1000 protesters gathered at Aabpara Chowk in Islamabad today. The rally consisted mostly of students from many different universities of Islamabad and surrounding areas. Lawyers, NGOs, Human Rights workers, journalists and members of civil society also joined in to show their support to the students. They were holding flags, banners, placards, posters and flags and were demanding an end to all the draconian policies post Nov-3 and an immediate restoration of the deposed judges and lifting on all curbs on media. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The protest started peacefully at 3 pm. Participants showed their extreme hate towards inhumane ordinances with slogans such as "Rule of Guns and batons, will not work", "The policies of terror, are unacceptable". There was a specially prepared car with a loudspeaker on top that played national anthems and songs in praise of the brave Pakistanis who were fighting for their right for a normal democratic country. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As the protest started moving towards the police club, the police surrounded the protesters threatening dire consequences if they continued to move on. The protesters had made their mind that they will use their fundamental right to protest peacefully and non-violently and resisted to police intimidation. After a few rounds of negotiation the police allowed the protesters to proceed in "groups of 4" for "security reasons". Apparently, students are the new terrorists to them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Female students proceeded initially but when police stopped all men from joining the proceedings they returned and refused to move till their male counterparts were also allowed to proceed. Someone had heard a few policemen talking about arresting the male protesters under Section 114 which suspends the fundamental human right of organizing a group meeting or rally and no one was willing to risk an arrest of any of their fellows. It was really heartening to see much solidarity amongst students who had all come from different schools, colleges and universities and from diverse backgrounds to come to the help of each other. We can find solace in the fact that the future leaders of Pakistan are united in their demand to save Pakistan and have forgotten their personal differences. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">After the first cordon-off, the police surrounded the students another time this time hoping to intimidate them again to stop the protest. The indiscriminately hit a few students in a cowardly attempt to shatter their morale and stop their peaceful struggle. The students did not resist but more importantly did not give up. They sat down in front of the police and again after negotiations they were allowed to move forward but this time one at a time. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The students regrouped again and started moving together as one body. Many had received threats from bullies sitting in government offices to stop speaking up against tyranny and so were really particular in not moving ahead alone. Given thousands have 'disappeared' without charges or ever being brought before a court, it hardly came as a surprise. They wanted to be safe. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This time the police stooped to a new low and started targeting women. Ghazala Minallah sustained injuries on her face. Other prominent human rights activists were also targetted. Farzana Bari, Hajra Ahmad, Alia and Asha Amir Ali also got hit with batons. After watching such police brutality the students of Pakistan could not hold themselves any longer. The retaliated in self-defence and to protect the innocent women who were being specifically targeted. Many came forward to protect the women and put themselves as shields. Some were brave enough to pull batons away from the policemen. Some used their own flags to prevent the police from hitting women. In the struggle that followed many students got beaten up while a significant proportion of policemen also suffering some beating. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">A few helmets of the Riot police fell to the ground, many of their batons were taken by the students and it adequately depicted the future to come: students will resist illegal authority, protect their fellow citizens of Pakistan and of course topple a draconian regime the same way they forced the police to withdraw. Forthwith the procession went ahead to the press club uninterrupted to show solidarity with the journalists. Many prominent speakers ranging from Iqbal Haider from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Marvi Samad, an activist spoke to this reinvigorated crowd that was louder than before. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The Students of Pakistan are not dead. They are coming out numbers to take back their Pakistan! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Call for condemning this inhumane targeted beating of women by Policemen. The police today was from a section of Capital Police. The Additional SP in today's protest was Nasir Aftab (who was also responsible for ordering baton charge on students and arresting 48 juveniles.) You can call him at 0300-8505563 to show your disgust as this level of indecency shown today. The Magistrate for today's protest was Kamran Cheema who is the same Magistrate who has repeatedly claimed that the CJ and the other honorable judges are allowed to move freely and who also suggested that Benazir was free to move about when police had barricaded her house. He can be reached at 9261163 (between 9-5). Please do convey your sentiments to these "defenders of the people of Pakistan" and anyone relevant.</span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-90779333849944340692007-12-04T08:38:00.000-08:002007-12-04T08:41:58.295-08:00Sit-in at Justice Shahid Siddiqui's House<div style="text-align: justify;">There is a successful sit-in continuing outside Justice Shahid Siddiqui's House (the Punjab government is trying to forcibly evict him because he didn't take oath under the PCO - this is in violation to their own rules, which state that even on forced retirement an employee is given six months notice to find alternate acommodation). Asma Jehangir, Hina Jilani and others spent the night, and around 40 protesters are still outside the house forming a human wall to prevent any eviction. If you're in the area, drop by and join in this great cause- 14 tollington road, GOR I, Lahore.<br /><br /><br />CONTEMPT NOTICE ISSUED BY MR. JUSTICE M. A. SHAHID SIDDIQI TO REGISTRAR LAHORE HIGH COURT LAHORE.<br />ORDER<br /><br />30. 11. 2007<br /><br />The Registrar of this Court through letter dated 16th November 2007 has requested me to vacate my official residence i.e. 14 – Tollinton Road, GOR – 1, Lahore.<br /><br />It has been written after the issuance of Proclamation of Emergency and the Provincial Constitution Order 2007. This communication is wholly illegal, totally in defiance to constitutional provisions and even against the normative values of decency.<br /><br />1. I am clear in my mind that Lahore High Court holds its very existence to the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 which embodies the will of the people. Needless to say that the Constitution of a country is always considered as the supreme and sacred law of the land. It cannot be allowed to be abrogated, held in abeyance or violated under any pretext specially by those who have taken the oath to preserve, protect and defend it.<br /><br />2. In view of the above, the Proclamation of Emergency and the Provincial Constitutional Order 2007 being in sheer abuse of powers are of no legal consequence as had been declared immediately after its promulgation by the Supreme Court of Pakistan existing under the Constitution. The mandate is binding upon the Judges of all the High Courts and all officials performing their functions under the law. Any infraction, violation or deviation from that order will amount to serious contempt of Court for which a deviant official will be liable and likely to be punished. The issuance of above letter appears to be an attempt to intimidate and overawe the Judges who have not surrendered to the Chief of Army Staff. I, therefore, as a sitting Judge of the Lahore High Court direct the Registrar of this Court to explain as to why and at whose instance he issued this letter asking me to vacate my official residence. The reply shall be submitted within a month.</div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-24743305009138541742007-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:002007-12-03T11:10:55.601-08:00An open letter to Benazir Bhutto from Ghazallah Minallah<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms BHUTTO, A FREE JUDICIARY BUT DETAINED JUDGES???</span><br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I was absolutely shocked and amazed at your latest statement regarding the judiciary. How could you, of all people, say that you believed in an independent judiciary BUT that personalities did not matter? If personalities did not matter then why was Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry removed? Why were some judges locked up whereas others were not? If personalities did not matter then why is Musharraf waging a personal war against the CJ? You do not have to be a genius to figure out the reason. How can you separate the personalities from the institution? What you have on Constitution Avenue right now is a besieged and helpless building. The unfortunate but harsh truth is that right now we are a besieged nation as well.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms. Bhutto, I am writing to you because your statement has shocked and disturbed me to the extent that I feel I have no option but to reach out to you in this manner. I would like to remind you, since you seem to have forgotten, that you too were the victim of a corrupt judiciary. If Justice Iftikhar had been the CJ of the Supreme Court at that time then perhaps your father would never have been hanged. Had the entire bench been like the present one then there would have been a unanimous judgment. But the judgment was not unanimous - it was a 4 to 3 split – just one judge too many on the wrong side. One more upright personality on the right side and our history would have been different. So yes, personalities certainly do matter.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms. Bhutto, I am writing to you in desperation because I am the daughter of Late Justice Safdar Shah, who was one of the three dissenting judges. When Mr., Bhutto was the Prime Minister my father was CJ of the Peshawar High Court. Both these headstrong personalities did not get on with each other, and because of Safdar Shah’s constant criticism and disagreement regarding the reforms and policies being introduced by the PM, the latter had him prematurely retired by introducing the 5th Amendment. After the coup, when Gen. Zia took over, and Mr. Bhutto was charged and convicted of Conspiracy to murder by the Lahore High Court, he appealed to the Supreme Court. Gen. Zia wanted Mr. Bhutto dead and he did his best to manipulate the bench. It soon became obvious as to WHY Safdar Shah had recently been appointed as judge of the Supreme Court . Having the typical mind-set of a dictator, Zia was sure that he would be vindictive and take revenge. But, he was wrong and the rest is history. WHY? Because three of the judges had the courage to say NO, and did not give in to the threats and pressure exerted on them. So yes Ms Bhutto, personalities do matter. Had Justice (retd) Wajiuddin’s father , the late Hon.Waheeduddin not been prematurely retired on extremely dubious medical grounds , history could have been different, No one can dispute the fact that the judgment was wrong since Justice (retd) Nasim Hassan Shah confessed on a talk show on TV a few years ago that the judges were threatened and pressurized into giving that judgment. Yes Ms. Bhutto, they were, and I am a witness to that fact.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms. Bhutto, our paths crossed briefly and both of us were victims of a corrupt judiciary which colluded with a Military Dictator. But I am not writing this letter to lament about our plight, since nothing we went through can possibly compare to the torture and torment you and your family went through .Have you forgotten the times when you visited your father in prison? Have you forgotten the humiliating tactics those heartless tyrants subjected you and your family to? Have you forgotten the last time you went to visit him in prison and were not able to hug him? Whenever I think about that grave injustice, which was nothing but a judicial murder, my heart goes out to you and what you suffered then and have suffered since. That is precisely why I am at my wits end and cannot understand WHY you cannot value the importance of independent judges.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms.Bhutto, do you think you are invincible? Are you so blinded that you cannot or will not acknowledge the truth? Does it never occur to you that some day you might have to face those judges in the present Supreme Court.? Well let me please spell it out. With independent judges you get a verdict you deserve, whereas with the present kind of farce you get a judgment dictated by the intelligence agencies or the dictator himself. Do you honestly not know or are you honestly not aware of the grave injustice going on? Does it not send a chill up your spine that if the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court can be tossed around by Musharraf it could very well be you as well ?For God’s sake Ms. Bhutto , WAKE UP .You owe it to your father as well as to the nation to defend the judiciary and fight for its independence.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My father continued to be persecuted even after the judgment and we were forced to leave the country. But I will never forgive or forget those responsible for the torment my father went through during his last years. He died an unhappy man and was never able to get over the fact that he was not able to prevent the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man. And that innocent person was your father for God’s sake! I have vowed that I will continue to fight for the independence of the judiciary come what may! I was confident and certain that once you were back you would definitely take up this battle and lead the nation towards sanity.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms. Bhutto, is it not obvious to you WHY Musharraf wants Justice Iftikhar out of the way? Ask the families of the ‘missing persons’, who for the first time were being heard and for the first time they could see a light at the end of the tunnel. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Everyone knows who is responsible but no one before this CJ had the courage to take up the matter. Ask the countless downtrodden people who had discovered that they could have direct access to the CJ through Suo Moto notices. Ask 2 and 3 yr old Aneela and Tasleem from Naudero Feroze in Sindh , ask 4 yr old Shaneela or 6yr old Munni or 8 yr old Marina from Mardan what this Chief Justice has done for them. These innocent little girls were the victims of jirga decisions according to which they were to be handed over to the enemy as a symbol of truce .It was Justice Iftikhar who took serious notice of this barbaric custom and passed strict orders to the local authorities to prevent this atrocity from carrying on. It was during the tenure of this CJ that serious environmental disasters were averted .Who took notice of the New Muree Project? Who took action in the Dungi ground case? Who prevented Shah Sharabeel from converting a public park in sector F-7 Islamabad into a multi-million commercial project? Ask the poor people living in the adjacent Christian colony what that decision meant to them. Sharabeel has taken up arms against the CJ since this decision because for that class of people the slum dwellers are a low life who do not deserve any special attention. I can go on and on about the cases in which the SILENT CRIES OF THE DOWNTRODDEN of our society were being heard by a sympathetic judge for the first time. Ms. Bhutto, these are the Suo Moto notices which Musharraf said were a waste of time in his speech justifying the emergency. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If personalities did not matter then why is Musharraf so threatened by this man? On any and every occasion he gets he attacks and tries to malign the CJ with a vengeance. His abnormal hatred for the man has exposed the truth. He knows very well that this man was the biggest hurdle in his plans to destroy what is left of our country. The coup was against the judiciary, the ‘emergency’ was created to sack the CJ and the other conscientious judges. Musharraf needs to be told that we are not a nation of imbeciles and that everyone is aware of the truth and the depth of the situation. We all know that the ‘crisis ‘ in Swat or the threat of terrorism had NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with the sacking of the CJ and the locking up of him and the other judges.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Once again Ms Bhutto, I beg you to think very carefully about where you are heading. I beg you not to betray your father or the nation. I beg you not to fall into Musharraf’s trap and to boycott the elections. The rigging has already taken place, so why are you allowing yourself to become a party to this farce? I beg you to realize that you are the one holding the trump card right now. If you boycott the election, THEY lose face. But if YOU participate, you not only lose face, you lose the confidence and the faith the people of Pakistan have in you. Last but not least, you owe it to Bilawal, Bakhtawar, Aseefa and all future generations of our beloved country. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours sincerely, </span><br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ghazala Minallah</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">D/O Late Justice Safdar Shah</span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-24482756033546693572007-12-02T01:41:00.000-08:002007-12-02T01:43:36.494-08:00Fazlur Rehman refuses to support Judiciary<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US">ISLAMABAD</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US">: MMA Secretary General and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Saturday, refused to support the reinstatement of deposed judges of the Supreme Court and high courts including sacked chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.<br /><br />At a ceremony hosted by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Fazl said that he supported the independence of judiciary, but would not favor the reinstatement of the deposed CJP and other judges, as they had taken oath under a PCO in 1999. His remarks created uproar in the hall, with a large number of participants shouting “Shame! Shame!”<br /><br />Replying to an angry participant’s comments that he wanted to become deputy prime minister, Fazl’s reply was, “I want to become the prime minister! What do you mean by deputy prime minister?”</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /><span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"> <span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US">(If anyone wishes to relay their polite feedback regarding this stand to the honorable Maulana, his numbers, as mentioned in yesterday’s issue as well, are 0345-8506684, 0345-9872244 and 0333-5279999.)<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="body1">Source: <a href="http://pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com/2007/12/fazlur-rehman-refuses-to-support.html">The Emergency Times</a><span style="" lang="EN-US"></span></span><br /><span class="body1"><span style="" lang="EN-US"></span></span></div></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-70559169945172237142007-12-01T20:34:00.000-08:002007-12-02T01:53:33.202-08:00Beginning of a Struggle<div style="text-align: justify;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2007/09/flwrc58.html?&c=3wm">http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2007/09/flwrc58.html?&c=3wm</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a PBS report on the struggle to find the missing persons in Pakistan who have disappeared without a trace within government detention. These people, numbered in hundreds, have been missing since the General Musharraf's government conceded to partner President George W Bush in his so called, "war on terror". Families of these missing individuals are concerned and have not heard back from the government of their whereabouts, health and charges against them. They are treated far worse than Guantanamo inmates (held by US Government) and so far none of them have been tried or charged with any wrong doing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The struggle between judiciary and General Musharraf began when the supreme court began investigating the illegal detention of such individuals by the government. In subsequent move, Justice Chaudhary was removed in March, 2007, to stop such investigation. However, the lawyer community stood up and challenged this decision by the General and suddenly it turned into a movement to over throw the pro-US General Musharraf.<br /><br />The president may like to call himself "moderate", but his polices are nothing of that sort. It is quite common to find NAB (National Accountability Bureau), Police, FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) and ISI (Inter Services Intelligence) to kidnap individuals without charges and keep them hidden form weeks. And this is just a prime example of things that have gone awry under his regime. It is quite unfortunate that he still wants to hang on to power (by any means) even though the tide has turned against him. It is just a matter of time before the army, which is also quite frustrated by his policies, will stop supporting him.<br /><br />It was December 2006, when the first protest against the missing persons was organized. Today, it is now almost a year from the incident and the struggle for justice has taken on a national flavor. From students to professionals to women, it seems everyone is now standing up to defend their rights.<br /></span><br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-23460469234856490582007-12-01T06:54:00.001-08:002007-12-01T07:02:21.077-08:00Persuade MMA to Boycott Farce Elections<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear All,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The mass contact campaign seems to be working very effectively. We would like all of you to continue with this campaign and request you all to go crazy with your phone-calls and SMSes again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">MMA is to make a final decision soon on their unified election strategy. It is clear that Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman will be try to persuade everyone to participate in the "farce" elections. Therefore, we must use our powers of persuation and call MMA leaders at the numbers given below to voice our opinion and solidarity in the boycott and try to persuade Fazl-ur-Rehman to join the rest of the APDM. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our stance: no elections till the judiciary is restored to pre-Nov 3 position. There will be NO compromise on this.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple of words of advice:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- SMSes might not be as effective as with PML-N. Please try to use a simpler version of English or write in Roman Urdu. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Please do not call during the Jama'at timings of Fajr, Zuhur, Asar, Maghrab and Isha. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- MMA leadership may avoid talking to women. Please don't take this personally. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Rickshaws JUI-F: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Moulana Fazal ur Rehman </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0345-8506684</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0345-9872244</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-5279999</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hafiz Hussain Ahmed JUI </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-6487832</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-8569363</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-6487832</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-7806545 , 0320-4936933</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Haji Gul Muhammad Dumar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-8653141</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Amanullah Khan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-9133421 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0320-4291938</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Khalil Ahmad</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-9143080</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-9139136</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Muhammad Qasim</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0320-5284799</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Nasib Ali Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-9433250</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulana Rehmat Ullah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-9125148</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maulvi Muhammad Khan Sherani</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-9383921</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Molvi Noor Muhammad </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0320-4789343</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Molvi Abdul Haleem</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(missing)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Moulvi Rehmatullah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-3811575</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Mufti Ibrar Sultan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-5156979</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Qari Abdul Baees Saddiqui</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-5748355 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-9481888</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Qari Fayazur Rehman Alvi </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-5907294 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0320-495591</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Qari Muhammad Yousaf</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-5175706</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Qazi Hameedullah Khan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-6422324</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Shujaul Mulk</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-9175954</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-5164666</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Liaqat Ali Bangulzai </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-5224210</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Akhunzada Mohammad Sadiq</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-5179142</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro. (JUI)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-3411651, </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0300-2242521</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Kamran Murtaza. (JUI)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0320-4782598</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Muhammad Talha Mahmood Aryan. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">0333-5116995</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">--------------------------</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="text"><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>--------------------------</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>--------------------------</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-------<br /><br />Other Important MMA leaders:<br /><br />Liaquat Balouch <br />0300-8456292<br /><br /><br />Qazi Hussian <br />0300-8449313<br />0333 4132833<br /><br />Saifullah Gondal <br />MMA Parlimentry Affair <br />0301-8567951<br /><br />Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan.<br />03339102413<br /><br /><br />Rehmatullah Kaker<br />0300-9383920,<br />0333-5221218<br /><br /><br />Sahibzada Khalid Jan<br />0320-5212864<br /><br /><br />Muhammad Hanif Abbasi <br />0300-8550132<br /><br /><br />Mr. Farid Ahmed Paracha<br />042-5414239<br /><br /><br />Most probable location of tomorrow's MMA meeting:<br />House of Mian Muhammad Aslam<br />H. No.7, St. No.49, F-8/4, Islamabad.<br />051-2856760-1<br /><br />Courtesy - EM</div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-39038449127049284272007-11-29T07:05:00.000-08:002007-12-01T07:08:52.185-08:00Persuade PPP & PML to boycott Elections<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear All,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our campaign to contact the leaders of PPP and PML-N has been a great success. We would like to continue with your enthusiasm and continue to contact the leaders of PPP and PML-N telling them to boycott these elections without the restoration of the judiciary to pre-Nov 3 position. APDM is meeting in a few hours and we would like you to continue calling, smsing and emailing them. SMS are VERY effective in particular. Please contact these people ASAP so they know that you are not going to support elections unless the judiciary is restored. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This call is being made on Honorable Chief Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar who has urged the whole nation to boycott these elections (for details read:<br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/11/ousted-pakistan-cj-calls-for-election.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://jurist.law.pitt.edu</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>/paperchase/2007/11/ousted</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>-pakistan-cj-calls-for-ele</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ction.php</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> PML-N</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2823475</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Makhdoom Javed Hashmi</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-9630740</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 92-61511553 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Muhammad Ali Khan Hoti</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0937-862049 (off)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0937-863159 (R)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Mr. Saranjam Zamindar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-9591094</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 091-824444-824222</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2280033</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0303-6902811</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0931-66666-63333</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0931-64444</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Begum Tehmina </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5725894-5721780</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 03008465139</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0693-648000</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Syed Zafar Ali Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0333-5202949</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2872299</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0320-4502949</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ahsan Iqbal</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2213017</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-5012345</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-4860059</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-4860058 (fax) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Muhammad Pervez Malik</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8440280</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9221577 (lodges)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9207477 (279)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5878201</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5878202</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5710332 (o)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5710333 (o)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Iqbal Zafar Jhagra</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 091-262675-263336</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-9590653 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8595225</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 091-2651234</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ch. Mohammad Jafar Iqbal</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2856501 R</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2651000 (O)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8678844</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Khawaja Muhammad Asif</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2262478</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5720478</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0432-261478-262478</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8440640 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Sardar Rahim</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0333-2200696</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 021-5896589</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 021-5380212</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Shahid Khaqan Abbasi</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2823035</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-9501569</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Raja Ashfaq Sarwar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2296982</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8501313</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Khurram Dastgir Khan </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 055-257935</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 055-3845465</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8643864</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-6402926</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2872046</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0992-382323</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8505510</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-5006061</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0593-558222</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ch. Nisar Ali Khan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-4413535 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-5794229</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ghulam Dastgir Khan</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2250020-1</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300/8641479</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0431-710721</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ch. Abdul Ghafoor</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5883179-5855740</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-111888333</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Begum Najma Hameed</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-4411995</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-5117531 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Safdar Rehman</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-9208555</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 041-545888</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 03008662444</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Sartaj Aziz</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2281593</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5730988</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0641-462000-465000</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8451217</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Khawaja Saad Rafique </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-6653286-6653386</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300/9455669</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Syed Ghous Ali Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 021-5841606-5855591</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Pir Sabir Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 091-814446</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0995-661250</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8594557</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Iqbal Zafar Jhagra</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 091-262675-263336</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-9590653 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-8595225</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2275891</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 081-834118</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-2122300</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Syed Zafar Ali Shah</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2872299</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 03204502949</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Begum Ishrat Ashraf</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-2279944</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Raja Nadir Pervez Khan </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 051-5571484-5</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 0300-6608644</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Khawaja Saad Rafique</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 03009455669</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-5894666</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 042-7658457</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">--------------------------</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="text"><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>--------------------------</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>--------------------------</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>--------------------<br />PPP<br /><br /><br />Ms Sherry Rehman<br />Information Secretary<br />49-Old Clifton, Karachi051-9224129, 021-5834663-4, 0300-8222881,<br />Personal Mobile: 0300-5001420 E-mail:<br /><span>centralinformationsecretar</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>y@gmail.com<br /><br />Mr. Babar Awan<br />Treasurer<br />27-E, Ali Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad. 051-2823778,<br />2276540,0320-4265000, Personal Mobile: 0300-5000161 E-mail:<br />drbabarawan@hotmail.com<br /><br />Mr. Farhatullah Babar<br />Assistant to Mohtarma<br />Personal Mobile 0300-8552543<br /><br />Senator Mohammad Enver Baig<br />House No. 5, Street 55, F-7/4, Islamabad Tel: 2206778, Mobile:<br />0300-8542308; Fax: 2201107<br /><span>E-mail: manpower@isb.apollo.net.pk</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>mebaig@hotmail.com<br /><br />Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto<br />Chairperson<br />H. No. 8, St. 19, F-8/2, Islamabad. 051-2282781, 2255264, Fax<br />2282741Personal Mobile (old number) 0300-5000001 (might not be<br />available onthis but her secretary Awan will probably be.)E-mail:<br />ppp@comsats.net.pk<br /><br />Makhdoom Amin Fahim<br />Vice Chairman<br />11-A, 2nd Sun Set Street, DHA, Karachi, 021-5842140, 0228-31199,<br />051-2840588,0300-9221234 E-mail: csppp@comsats.net.pk<br /><br />Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani<br />Vice Chairman<br />Gilani House, Ghaus-al-Azam Road, Multan, 155-B, Phase-I, Defence,<br />Lahore061-542424, 0300-8448141, 8730662; 042-5723234.E-mail :<br /><span>makhdoomyrgillani@hotmail.</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>com<br /><br />Mr. Jehangir Bader<br />Secretary General<br />140/107 Karim Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore.<br /><span>042-5414990-1,0300-8470402</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>; 051-2276014, Fax 051-2276016. E-mail:<br />bader@brain.net.pk<br /><br />Mian Raza Rabbani<br />Deputy Secretary General<br />H. No. 14/II, St. 31, Phase-V, Ext. DHA, Karachi:021-5865841-2,<br />0300-9291624, 051-9223854. E-mail: rrabbani@cyber.net.pk<br /><br />Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi<br />Deputy Secretary General and President PPP Punjab<br />H. No.445, Bab-ul-Quresh, Muhallah Daulat Gate, Multan061-4514666,<br />042-5712289, 0300-8634453, E-mail: smhq148@hotmail.com<br /><br />Mr. Sajjad Bokhari<br />Deputy Information Secretary<br />8 - Davis Road, LahoreTele: 042-63714559, 0300-8446754, E-mail:<br />pppintl@lhr.paknet.com.pk<br /><br />Mr. Babar Awan<br />Treasurer<br />27-E, Ali Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad. 051-2823778,<br />2276540,0320-4265000 Personal Mobile: 0300-5000141E-mail:<br />drbabarawan@hotmail.com<br /><br />Central Secretariat Pakistan Peoples Party<br />House No. 1, Street 85, Sector G-6/4, IslamabadE-mail:<br />csppp@comsats.net.pk Tel: (92-51) 2276014-5<br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-92015459415330278622007-11-26T13:43:00.001-08:002007-11-26T13:56:31.881-08:00Prominent lawyer tortured & poisoned in detention<div face="arial" style="text-align: justify;" class="post_message">------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />To support this appeal, and send automated letters click here:<br /><a href="http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UA-331-2007" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/s</span><wbr>upport.php?ua=UA-331-2007</a><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has been informed that the physical condition and health of a prominent lawyer, Mr. Munir A. Malik, former president of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Bar Association, whom we reported to have traces of blood in his urine due to severe torture while in custody, continues to deteriorate. Mr. Malik told his physicians after regaining consciousness that his health worsened after he was forced to drink the juices and food rations given to him whom he believed could have contained poison. No action has been taken against those involved in arresting, detaining and torturing him. Though the government claimed they had already released him, the security forces deployed at the hospital admitted that this is not the case.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CASE DETAILS:</span><br />In our previous appeal UP-150-2007, the AHRC has mentioned that Mr. Munir A. Malik was taken to a government hospital after he fainted. Traces of blood were found in his urine after the severe beatings he suffered while in detention at the Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi and subsequently in Attock Jail, a remote jail in a mountainous area in the north western frontier province.<br /><br />Mr. Malik had been kept incommunicado detention for a week while being held at the Attock Jail. His cell measures just four feet wide and five feet high which makes it extremely difficult if not impossible for him to move comfortably. He was taken out shortly only once in a day to breathe some fresh air. At day time, his detention cell was completely dark but at night a powerful bulb was put on, therefore making it extremely difficult for him to sleep. He was not allowed any visitors to ascertain his condition inside the jail following his arrest, particularly his family.<br /><br />In one instance, the superintendent of the Attock jail, told Mr. Malik soon after he was taken in detention that he was the first victim of Chief Justice Choudhry. This superintendent told him that he would take revenge against all those persons who had worked to restore the ousted Chief Justice.<br /><br />Only after Mr. Malik's urine started to emit traces of blood was he taken to a government hospital for treatment. But despite having not recovered fully, after few days of being at the hospital he was again taken back to the Attock Jail.<br /><br />On November 22, Mr. Malik was taken to the Islamabad, PIMS hospital (Pakistan Institute of Science Management) but his condition has since worsened. This time, he was admitted to the hospital's Intensive Care Institute (ICU) after the physicians examining him discovered the severity of his condition. However, despite these findings by his physicians, the policemen who took him to the hospital at first refused to admit him for immediate treatment.<br /><br />But after the alarming news of his condition spread out, the authorities withdrew the policemen deployed outside the ICU where Mr. Malik was finally admitted. When Mr. Malik regained consciousness he told his physicians that while he was in jail the jail authorities gave him liquid to drink, or juice, as he was told, forcing him to take them. It happened after he was taken back to jail from the hospital. Mr. Malik told the doctors that the drink and food ration that the jail officers have given him might have contain poison. While in detention, the jail guard also deprived him of any regular medication. Since then his condition continues to deteriorate.<br /><br />The medical examination performed on Mr. Malik disclosed that both his kidneys and liver are no longer functioning properly and that his urine continues to emit traces of blood. He has now received dialysis twice in order for him to gain immediate relief from his condition. On November 25, the physicians examining Mr. Malik informed him that the next two days would be critical.<br /><br />The government has already claimed it already released Mr. Malik from detention following pressure by the legal community. However, security forces attached to the government's anti-terrorist squad have not been pulled out from the hospital where he is admitted. In Pakistan, this squad is reported to have more power than the police.<br /><br />Mr. Malik is reported to be one of the lawyers known to have suffered brutal and inhumane treatment following their arrest on November 3 after the emergency rule was imposed.<br /><br />Another prominent lawyer, Mr. Ali Hamed Kurd and a retired justice, Mr. Tariq Mehmood, who were at the forefront of lawyer's movement, have also not been released. Mr. Kurd is the former President of the Pakistan Bar Council while Mr. Mehmood was also a former president of Supreme Court Bar Association. They are reported to have been kept incommunicado detention in different jails but their present condition could not be ascertained. Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd was reported to have been tortured by the security forces who took him into custody, the Inter Service Intelligence Agency, known as the I.S.I.<br /><br />Furthermore, as mentioned in our previous appeal UP-153-2007, several days after Mr. Syed Hassan Tariq, a prominent human rights lawyer was arrested on November 8 and also tortured by the security forces. He was also taken to a hospital due to serious injuries. Mr. Tariq has suffered internal bleeding to his lungs and two ribs were fractured. He also had marks of beatings on his back. His physician said that his condition was severe.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BACKGROUND INFORMATION:</span><br />Mr. Munir A. Malik is the key person who started the movement for the restoration of Mr. Ifekhar Choudhry, Chief Justice of Pakistan, who was suspended on March 9 by General Pervez Musharraf. The government of President Musharraf has since been dismissive of him. In October 2006, when Mr. Malik was elected as president of the Supreme Court of Bar Association (SCBA), the government refused to acknowledge his leadership.<br /><br />Mr. Malik's election to the bar association was also challenged by Mr. Malik Qayyum, the present Attorney General. In refusing to acknowledge his leadership, the government appointed Mr. Qayyum as the SCBA's parallel president which led to the division in the bar association. However, Mr. Malik challenged Mr. Qayyum's legitimacy. He was later acknowledged by the bench of Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Chowdhry, as the duly elected president of the SCBA.<br /><br />In the past few days, the government has announced that it has released thousand of detainees, including lawyers, judges, journalist, political activist, human rights workers and others. However, it is reported that over 1,000 lawyers have remained in jail. The names, place of detention and reasons as to why they are continuously detained have not been made public by the government.<br /><br />In the press release the issued by the AHRC AHRC-PL-051-2007, serious concerns were raised with regard to the great risk that persons remaining in jail face of being tortured, maltreated, killed or disappeared, unless they are fully accounted for and their families are allowed access to visit them to ascertain their condition. The government has continuously failed to provide basic information regarding the condition of these detainees, particularly their names and their places of detention. It is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact number of person in jail and those who could have disappeared because of this condition.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUGGESTED ACTION:</span><br />Please write letters to the concerned authorities below requesting their immediate intervention to ensure that remedies are afforded to Mr. Munir Malik. Action must be taken against those responsible in arresting, detaining and torturing him in custody. Please also urge that immediate action must be taken to ensure that those who remained in detention are properly treated and that they are released without further delay. The AHRC is also writing a separate letter to United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Torture and Independence of Judges and Lawyers for their intervention in this case.<br /><br />To support this appeal, and send automated letters click here:<br /><a href="http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UA-331-2007" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/s</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>upport.php?ua=UA-331-2007</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:</span><br /><br />1. General Pervez Musharraf<br />President<br />President's Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 922 1422, 4768/ 920 1893 or 1835<br />Email: (please see-> <a href="http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://www.presidentofpaki</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>stan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMes</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>sage.aspx</a>)<br /><br />2. Mr. Afzal Haider<br />Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights<br />S Block Pakistan Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Fax: +92 51 920 2628<br />Email: minister@molaw.gov.pk<br /><br />3. Federal Minister of Interior<br />Room#404, 4th Floor, R Block,<br />Pak Secretariat<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Tel: + 92 51 9212026<br />Fax: + 92 51 9202624<br />Email: minister@interior.gov.pk<br /><br />4. Secretary<br />(Criminal Prosecution) SGA &CD Department<br />Government of Sindh<br />Sindh Secretariat,<br />Karachi, Sindh Province<br />PAKISTAN<br />Tel: +92 21 9213327-6<br />Fax: +92 21 9213873<br />Email: secy.cpsd@sindh.gov.pk<br /><br />5. Dr. Faqir Hussain<br />Registrar<br />Supreme Court of Pakistan<br />Supreme Court Building<br />Islamabad<br />PAKISTAN<br />Tel: +92 51 9213770<br />Fax: +92 51 9213452<br /><span>E-mail: registrar@supremecourt.gov</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>.pk<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />Urgent Appeals Programme<br />Asian Human Rights Commission ( ua@ahrchk.org)<br /><br />To support this appeal, and send automated letters click here:<br /><a href="http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UA-331-2007" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/s</span><wbr>upport.php?ua=UA-331-2007</a><br /><br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-88797043202856010132007-11-24T00:50:00.001-08:002007-11-24T00:58:50.710-08:00Poetry: Ae Watan ke Nasheelay Jawano<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-J7_OP9SuaDYnCNVreL73Y_2jrevhmEZv9Rc71CM7jDNqTWI3zQswOd1roByg_ICtFnnPDDBkZb8di8S1UiJc1dHL6uCo59U3HBBcaNHuN04CDCZqCwECPtcuaPrzc_VAd2fHJxm3feR/s1600-h/ae+watan+ke+nasheelay+jawano+-+cropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-J7_OP9SuaDYnCNVreL73Y_2jrevhmEZv9Rc71CM7jDNqTWI3zQswOd1roByg_ICtFnnPDDBkZb8di8S1UiJc1dHL6uCo59U3HBBcaNHuN04CDCZqCwECPtcuaPrzc_VAd2fHJxm3feR/s400/ae+watan+ke+nasheelay+jawano+-+cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136328541175514226" border="0" /></a>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-7474083609763847692007-11-22T13:27:00.000-08:002007-11-22T13:30:07.604-08:00Political debate banned in colleges<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The federal government on Tuesday imposed a ban on open debate on media curbs, suspension of judges and emergency in all colleges and universities in the country.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Well-placed sources said students of various universities and colleges in Islamabad, had been strongly protesting against emergency rule, curbs on the media and suspension of judges, for the last few days to express solidarity with the electronic media.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Taking notice of the situation, the federal government has banned debate in all colleges and universities and warned of strict action against violators.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Students, civil society activists and others have been continuously protesting against the imposition of emergency for the last 12 days.�Online</span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-52120030657829753162007-11-22T01:51:00.000-08:002007-11-22T01:54:17.085-08:00Countrywide media protests against curbs, torture<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Journalists throughout Pakistan on Wednesday protested against the recent media curbs, the closure of television news channels and arrests and torture of journalists in Karachi, Hyderabad and other areas of the country and called for a free media.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=82220"><span style="font-family: arial;">http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=82220</span></a><br /><br /><br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-34346914991492692712007-11-21T19:49:00.000-08:002007-11-22T01:55:20.145-08:00Imran Khan Released from Prison<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"></span></span><span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"><p>DERA ISMAIL KHAN: <span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal">Hunger-striking cricket legend</span></span> and PTI Chief Imran Khan has been released from prison on Wednesday Nov 21, 2007</p></span></span>Khan was detained last week while trying to lead a protest in at Punjab University, Lahore against a state of emergency imposed by President Pervez Musharraf. He began a hunger strike on Monday. <span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"><br /><br />Meanwhile, his student supporters staged a massive rally in his support. The video of the rally can be seen below.</span></span><br /><span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"></span></span><br /><span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FLV23dtotMc&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FLV23dtotMc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></span></span><br /><span id="dnn_ctr423_ContentPane" class="DNNAlignleft"><span class="Normal"></span></span></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-24353388459096590962007-11-19T13:10:00.000-08:002007-11-24T00:34:36.632-08:00Bloggers Fight Pakistan EmergencyHere are some news items recently published discussing the shift in technology usage by protesters against Gen Musharraf and his "emergency".<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br /><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071118/tc_afp/pakistanpoliticsitinternetfacebook">Facebookers, bloggers fight Pakistan emergency</a><br /></span></li><br /><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://axcessnews.com/index.php/articles/show/id/12993">With news banned from TV, Pakistanis find it on the Web</a></span></li><br /><li> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7109839.stm">Pakistan students fight emergency</a></span></li></ul>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7067709256161368500.post-24690867503984138842007-11-19T12:28:00.000-08:002007-11-19T13:37:45.913-08:00Beginning of Something Different<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">It was a typical march afternoon in Islamabad. A few of us friends had gathered at a local popular restaurant for our lunch. We were a mixed lot. With education degrees from abroad and working for the development, private and government sectors, we were pondering on the future of the country. Just recently, the chief justice, Chaudhary Iftikhar had been deposed from his position by Gen Musharraf and there seemed an instant uprising by the lawyers.<br /><br />As it is, I had the most pessimistic view among them. I believed, at that time, that Musharraf is powerful enough and will prevail over the agitators who will be locked up before the end of the month. However, my friends, especially those hailing from the government sectors, had a completely different point of view. They believed, and rightly so, that if lawyers prevailed and if the courts turned the ruling in favor of the Chief Justice, it will be the beginning of something different.<br /><br />A few weeks later, with Chief Justice rallying the whole nation behind him, the first of the many TV censorships were imposed in the country by the military regime. The rallies that Chaudhary Iftikhar led in various cities of Pakistan were composed of thousands of supporters who came to greet and meet the person who had decided to stand up to Musharraf. These rallies, were sadly, banned altogether from live TV coverage. The noose on the media was beginning to tighten signalling once again the weakness of the government. In the midst of all this, the Chief Justice's rally in Karachi was met by Musharraf's supporters, aka MQM. And before the end of the day, 28 innocent people lay dead on the streets of Karachi. Once again, the message was clear. Support Musharraf or die. A few weeks later, bomb blast in Islamabad was to further flay the movement. But it had no effect on millions of people from standing up. Nor did the arrest of hundreds of lawyers nationwide who were supporting justice over dictatorship. It seemed that the masses had been mobilized and no ban, bomb or murders could stop this movement from spreading now.<br /><br />It truly seemed the beginning of something different.<br /><br />In the middle of all this, another tragic incident stirred the nerves of many in the country. The Lal Masjid debacle. That fateful day, when the incident began, I was in the neighborhood of the ill fated mosque. Rather, when I went to a nearby building for a meeting, everything seemed normal. But when I came out, a few hours later, the whole area was deserted. The shops that were buzzing with customers now had shutters down. The only activity on the street were Police vehicles. I had to walk quite a distance before I could find transport to take me away. All the while, that I walked through the area, I was worried if a stray bullet would pierce me from somewhere or some agitated mob might begin ransacking the area. Fortunately, I escaped to safety in good time.<br /><br />The siege of the mosque lasted a while and it was telecast live on almost all televisions, including CNN and BBC. We even got a chance to hear the story of those inside the mosque through Geo, ARY and other local TV stations. At the same time, we listened to the daily press briefings by the government (initially) and later by the military which were never really telling us the real story. The heart of Islamabad shook with the bombs and rocket fires for weeks as the two sides fought it out to the grim end. The siege finally ended with the military might triumphaning over the hapless teenagers and defenseless females being massacared by army's automatic weapons and gun ship helicopters. A few who did have weapons within the mosque fared even worse, as they were hunted down and killed off one by one. Almost instantly, there was a change. While the government of Musharraf and military declared complete success in "Operation Silence", their compounds came under severe attacks from the forces that were loyal to Taliban. For the first time, it seemed, that Taliban had declared an all out war against the men in uniform. Never had the army been under siege from its own people.<br /><br />It truly seemed the beginning of something different.<br /><br />But the worst was yet to come. Chaudhary Iftikhar was not only reinstated by the subsequent court ruling in his favor, but he began questioning every single decision that the military dictator and his regime was making within the country. This brought us to where we are today. The emergency was declared, and all semblance of democracy and people power was taken away. Media was not only censored, but GEO and ARY were initially banned and later shut down for good. Thousands of protesters, including politicians, lawyers, students, intellectuals and human rights activists were rounded up and locked up into prisons. Musharraf once again made it very clear to his subjects. Stand up against me and you will perish. The masses got the message. They are beginning to stand up and had one goal in mind; "Perish Musharraf"<br /><br />The movement today is a million strong. It encompasses students from high school and leading colleges and universities of the country. It includes, lawyers, businessmen and even women from all walks of life. It includes religious right and even Benazir Bhutto's pro Musharraf party. In short, it is no longer a movement led by any political party, but a movement led by the educated and elite class of people against the military regime of General Pervaiz Musharraf.<br /><br />And in the end, it is truly the beginning of something different. It is definitely the birth of a revolution. One for which the country has waited 60 long years.<br /><br /></div>apnidunyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001355884692725334noreply@blogger.com0