Malalization – Read This Blog

Malala On 9th October 2012 was shot in head and neck when she was on her way to school in Mingora (Swat). Two other girls named Kainat & Shazia got injured too. Miraculously Malala survived and was rushed to military hospital in Peshawar but few days later she was taken to U.K through air ambulance for treatment where she is regaining health now. Ever since the attack happened, National & International media, Politicians, NGOs, Civil Society condemned the heinous crime and prayed for Malala’s health as well as bringing the culprits to justice. Already an iconic figure Malala since the attack has been turned into an icon of peace and bravery.

There is also another side of terrorism happening in same country.

Since October 2012 to November 2012, in only two months’ time around 540 civilians and 71 security forces personnel have been killed in as many as 9 suicide attacks and 107 bomb blasts. (Figures summarized from SATP portal). Moreover in two months 5 drone strikes were made in which 34 alleged militants were killed.

Here one question arises

Are all citizens equal in Pakistan as stated in below article 25 of the constitution:

Equality of citizens.

(1)          All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.

(2)          There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex.

If all citizens are supposed to be equal then why a special treatment is happening with only one citizen where rest of the nation is helpless. The above mentioned fatalities were only based on terrorist attacks. There are hundreds of cases of rape, murder happening daily but Media, Politicians and NGOs don’t raise voice against them. One event has been made so significant and everyone is in the grip of Malala incident. This clearly shows biased behavior of Media, Politicians, NGOs, Civil Society, Me and You.

Here I have few more questions to ask.

Are the lives of rest of citizens not important?

Shouldn’t rest of citizens be treated with best medical facilities?

Do they have different blood?

Do they breathe different Oxygen and drink different Water?

What is happening here is that one event has been made so significant that rest of events and atrocities have become meaningless. In last two months whether you switch on TV/Radio or pick up a newspaper, everywhere you will find news covering Malala. Every one of them is in race to cover Malala as much as they can whereas rest of the events held no importance for them. International and Local lobbies are making mockery of us through media. They want us to think in limited way dependent upon them. They want us to see what they show only, they want us to listen what they say only and hence we keep on getting away from truth.

No doubt Malala is an iconic figure but she has been used for vested political and security interests by everyone. Politicians are in run to earn fame and good name and hence every thing in this country is being named as Malala. Malala day has been celebrated and Malala schools are being built but what about soldiers who got martyred in Salala, Siachen and thousands of security personnel and civilians who got killed due to terrorism? A single day hasn’t been assigned to commemorate their bravery and sacrifices. Malala’s father has been offered job in Pakistani High Commission in Britain but what about hundreds of other sons, father, mothers, wives who have lost their breadwinner? United Nations was quick to pass resolution for Malala day and to denounce the incident but what about innocent civilians who are getting killed and injured in drone attacks, what about civilians and soldiers who are getting killed by other terrorist attacks? Our Media is in the race to have maximum TRP and revenue and hence their only focus is the issue through which they can have maximum revenue whether that issue holds any importance or not. NGOs always focus upon issues which provide them a chance to bag more donations. Hundreds of people burnt to death in Karachi factory fire but no NGO came forward to speak for their rights. On daily basis hundreds of girls get killed, raped or assaulted but you will never see them speaking for those and once an incident of even a lower scale but with more chances of getting fame happens they suddenly get up and come to streets. These are clearly double standards and world need to do away with them if they really treat and consider everyone equal.

Now let’s talk about Me and You. We are literate and wise people and we should develop our own opinion rather than blindly following what is being said or what is being shown. We have been blessed with eyes to see, ears to listen and mind to think and we should use each of them collectively and efficiently. Only then we will be able to get out of the grip of the conspirators.

Gangnam Style ( Official Video )

Facts and Myths About Pakistan Army

The army should not indulge in politics. Definitely not. The army should not be buying off politicians. No question about it. Every citizen of Pakistan, whether an army general or a civilian minister, should be punished if found guilty by a court of law. Absolutely no debate about that one either.

Yes, the army would have to learn that a unidimensional national security strategy singularly focused on ‘defence’ cannot guarantee the longevity of the Pakistani nation-state. Yes, our future really depends on three ‘Ds’, not one. And they are: defence, development and diplomacy. Let us now dissect some long-held myths:

Myth 1: Pakistan’s military eats up the largest chunk of our budget. Not true. The largest chunk goes for servicing domestic debt and the second largest chunk is eaten up by losses at public sector enterprises like the Pepco, PIA, Pakistan Steel and Pakistan Railways.

The third largest chunk is routinely allocated for the Public Sector Development Programme. In 2012-13, the fourth largest chunk, an amount of Rs545 billion, was allocated for ‘defence affairs and services’.

Myth 2: The military consumes a very high percentage of government expenditures. Not true. In 2012-13, ‘Defence Affairs and Services’ consumed a meagre 17 percent of all government expenditures. What that means is that a full 83 percent of all government expenditures are non-defence related.

Myth 3: Over time, our expenditures on the military have been on an increase. Not true. In the 90s, our defence budget used to be 3.6 percent of the GDP. Since then there has been a steady decline. In 2012-13, allocation for defence was under 2.5 percent of the GDP – a 33 percent decline over a decade.

Myth 4: We spend a very high percentage of our GDP on defence. Not true. There are at least fifty countries that spend a higher percentage of their GDP on defence. They include: India, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Eritrea, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Liberia, Brunei, Syria, Kuwait, Yemen, Angola, Singapore, Greece, Iran, Bahrain, Djibouti, Morocco, Chile, Lebanon, Russia, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Namibia, Guinea, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria, Serbia and Montenegro, Armenia, Botswana, Ukraine, Uganda, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Lesotho and Sudan.

Myth 5: The Pakistan Army has received billions of dollars in the form of coalition support funds. Not true. Of the $10 billion that the US claims to have reimbursed to the government of Pakistan, the army has received a total of $1.8 billion (presumably the rest has gone into filling the deficit). Remember; the $1.8 billion is not additional funds for the army but mere reimbursements for expenses already incurred under the ‘war on terror’.

Myth 6: Commercial undertakings by the military are a burden on our economy. Not true. To begin with, commercial undertakings have literally nothing to do with active duty personnel – and everything to do with the welfare of retired soldiers. Defence Housing Societies are self-financing and popular both among investors and residents (because of superior management and security of title). Fauji Fertilizer, a public limited company, for instance, contributed a wholesome Rs91 billion to the tax kitty.

And now some facts:

Fact 1: Current losses at our public sector enterprises can pay for 100 percent of our defence budget.

Fact 2: Pakistan’s armed forces are the sixth largest but our expenses per soldier are the lowest. America spends nearly $400,000 per soldier, India $25,000 and Pakistan $10,000.

Fact 3: Pakistan’s armed forces undertook successful operations like Operation Rah-e-Haq (Swat), Operation Sherdil (Bajaur), Operation Zalzala (Spinkai) and Operation Rah-e-Nijat (SWA) without any significant additional financial allocation.

Fact 4: Of all the armies in the world, Pak Army is the largest contributor of troops to the UN peacekeeping missions. Of all the armies in the world, Pak Army has received the highest number of UN medals.

Malala And Media Role

Malala Yousafzai, a young peace activist, was attacked on 9th October 2012 in SWAT valley as she was going back to home from school. She is known to the world for raising the voice against the Taliban and also raised the voices for education of girls in tribal areas. Currently, she is in United Kingdom and her treatment is going on.

As soon as she was attacked, whole world condemned the attack on her as they were ready to give the condemnation for Malala. Malala gets international fame within seconds. She was the attention of everyone. Everyone was speaking against the attack. International media gave so much coverage to this incident.

But who exactly is Malala Yousafzai to attract so much international attention? What about the two other girls that were injured in the same attack? Even their names are not widely known, much less information about their parents. Apart from the fact that they are out of danger, there is little that we know about their plight. Are they not worthy of attention and sympathy? Within days of the assault on Malala, American troops killed three Afghan children on October 14 in an aerial attack in the Nawa district of Helmand Province in Afghanistan. It may not be adjoining Swat Valley but is not very far either from where Malala was attacked and injured.

As is customary, the US military initially described the bombing as a "precision strike," that was reportedly aimed at several Taliban fighters who were allegedly planting an IED in the road. The attack, however, killed three children. Does anybody know the names of those three innocent Afghan children, all members of the same family collecting dung for fuel in the grinding poverty of Afghanistan despite 11 years of America's showering the country with cruise missiles and trillions of dollars in "aid"? For the record, the three children were Borjan, 12; Sardar Wali, 10; and Khan Bibi, 8 but do not expect Obama, Clinton or any other Western official to rush to the microphone to name these children or condemn the cowardly attack that snuffed the life out of three innocent children. That would not serve America's "national interest" nor would keeping statistics of the hundreds of children murdered by American drones in Pakistan's tribal region since 2004. On October 20, American forces killed four more children in Afghanistan. There is no mention of their names; it is safe to assume we will never learn their names. Another batch of Afghan children has been slaughtered for the sake of protecting and projecting "US interests." Besides this, there are many children who die in drone attacks. There is no one in the world to speak and raise voice against the drone victims. There is not any kind of condemnation from any country in the world against the drone killings. Is Malala the only innocent girl in Pakistan?

"MALALA DAY" was being observed on 10 November 2012 in the whole world. This is un-justice to the other children who died in drone attacks. They are also innocent, they are also children. No one in the world has observed "DRONE ATTACKS DAY". Is Malala better than all the children? Is she so much special?

The whole world must open its eyes and must look at other children as well. Besides this, Malala is not the only youth icon in Pakistan. There are many other talented youngsters in Pakistan as well who have done so much for Pakistan. They also deserve to be in the news as well.

Pakistan Army ”fully equipped” to combat any aggressor: Gen Wynne

Islamabad :   The armed forces of Pakistan are vigilant and fully equipped to combat any war front whenever imposed internally and externally, said General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). “We must prove to the world that we are a resilient nation and cannot be undermined by extremists,” the Daily Times quoted Gen Wynne, as saying. He added that Pakistan is a peace loving country and “we want to promote international peace as it is an assurance of our own internal stability”. Gen Wynne further said that Pakistan has been subjected to a new form of war with dangerous consequence for its liberty and independence.

He said Pakistan Army”s brave officers and soldiers have given their best in the line of duty to ensure the defence of motherland and expressed confidence that this trust has been reposed in able hand. “We are living in an era of rapid technological advancement and future military leadership will find itself at a loss if they fail to keep pace with evolving trends,” he said. Gen Wynne said that despite lack of economic resources, the Pakistan Army was seriously taking part to root out terrorism, adding that cadets were being trained with the best latest technology system.

Taliban Ideology Exposed: Malala

The National Peace Award winner, Malala Yousafzai, who was attacked in Swat, is currently under treatment in CMH Peshawar. Later, Malala were taken to Peshawar via helicopter and admitted in CMH Peshawar. It is important to mention that Malala had been receiving threats to her life, after which she was provided with a special car and unarmed security personnel. According to the electronic media reports, Taliban (TTP) have accepted the responsibilities.

 

Malala Yousaf zai is one of the best-known schoolgirls in the country. Young as she is, she has dared to do what many others do not – publicly criticise the Taliban. According to BBC, Malala’s confident, articulate campaign for girls’ education has won her admirers – and recognition – at home and abroad. She has appeared on national and international television, and spoken of her dream of a future Pakistan where education would prevail. Even by the standards of blood-soaked Pakistan, there has been shock at the shooting. It has been condemned by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf, who sent a helicopter to transfer Malala to hospital in Peshawar. The head of Pakistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission, Zohra Yusuf, said “this tragic attack on this courageous child” sends a very disturbing message to all those working for women and girls.

All segments of society are praying for her health and are condemning activists, those desire to enforce their own agenda against the will of general public. Notably, the said terrorism occurred just after the long march of Imran Khan.

There could be the possibility that firing on courageous Malala has been carried out by Afghanistan sponsored anti Pakistan Taliban. CIA and her allied agencies quite notorious in using dirty tricks for completion of their own designed agenda against Pakistan and in other countries. Notably, PTI Chief Imran Khan through a peaceful conduct of “Long March” in tribal belt of Waziristan gave positive message that people of Pakistan demand that their sovereignty should be respected and killing of innocent people through drones be stopped. Thus, targeting Malala through anti Pakistan Taliban could be one of the episodes of jeopardizing local peace efforts and pressurizing Pakistan to carry out operation North Waziristan. In this connection, there are reports that for implementation of hidden aims, especially, RAW has hired the services of many Afghan Muslims of Northern Afghanistan. Posing themselves as militants, they have joined the ranks and files of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist outfits.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit of Islamabad in 2011, agreed with Pakistan’s stance, saying, “Now US is realising that launching new military operation in North Waziristan does not suit Pakistan’s situation.” Replying to a question that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was involved an assault on the US embassy in Kabul on September 13, 2011, she categorically pointed out, “We have no evidence.” She also requested for Pakistan’s help to “encourage Taliban to enter negotiations in good faith” including the Haqqani militants. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik and top civil and military officials have repeatedly disclosed that training camps are presence in Afghanistan, and supply of arms and ammunition to the Baloch separatists and Pakistani Taliban keeps on going by the external elements as part of a conspiracy against Pakistan.

The internal dynamics of Pakistan, however, dictate that a detailed and comprehensive strategy be formulated to cleanse areas infected by terrorism through shrewd corrective measures and judicious action with least collateral damage. Such strategy has to be indigenous one with blend of native society.

In short, we must get up to support security forces in elimination of all type of militancy whether foreign or locally sponsored activists. We must salute to courageous daughter of Pakistan “Malala yapusaf Zai” and pray for her health, safety and completion of her innocent but beautiful dreams regarding girls’ education.

Pakistan Army Constructs Park For Children in Liberia

The outgoing Pakistani Contingent has constructed a children’s park in Voinjama, Lofa County, for the kids of the city at Liberia. 

Turning over the Pakistan-Liberia Friendship Park to the local county authorities, UNMIL force commander Major General Muhammad Khalid said the initiative by the Pakistani peacekeepers will afford the children of Voinjama an opportunity to play in a clean environment.

The Children’s Park is a gift from Pakistani Contingent as they are preparing to end their tour of duty in Lofa County, the force commander said.

A large number of local elders, community members, children and UN officials witnessed the hand-over ceremony. Local community members thanked for this beautiful piece of work and expressed their gratitude by singing Pakistani songs. During their tour of duty, Pakistani Contingent undertook several programmes and projects outside their peacekeeping duties, providing training for several youths in various skills including auto mechanics, electricity, and basic computer training, among others.

Rabbani says handful of elements fanning terror

WANA: Corps Commander Peshawar Lt General Khalid Rabbani said the Pakistan Army would not withdraw from the tribal areas till the elimination of the terror networks.

Talking to elders of Mahsud and Bhittanitribes at the opening ceremony of the Jandola Bridge, he said a handful of anti-state elements were involved in fanning terrorism in the region and efforts were underway to eliminate them. He said the tribal people were the victims of militancy.

The corps commander said tribesmen were peace-loving and had rendered matchless sacrifices for the country since its establishment. The elders appreciated the Pakistan Army for initiating development projects including roads in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Ameerzak and Ahmad Jan Mahsud said the local people were facing problems due to the dilapidated conditions of roads. They lauded the Pakistan Army for constructing the roads.

Drone Attacks: US Duplicity Exposed

Quoting some top US officials, the Wall Street Journal reported on September 26, this year that the US has Pakistan’s tacit consent for the CIA-operated drone strikes. While showing contradiction, the Journal elaborated that over these strikes, Pakistan “government’s silence and clearing of airspace interprets acquiescence as a green light.” 

The Journal added, “Top legal adviser Harold Koh believes this rationale can be considered permission, and the programe is legal.” At the same time, the Journal allegedly pointed out that about once a month; the CIA sent a fax to a general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) outlining broad areas where the US intends to conduct drone strikes.”

Notably, in the past too some American officials have raised false allegations against ISI and Pak Army regarding permission of predator strikes on Pakistan’s tribal areas. In fact, Pakistan’s military and civil leadership has repeatedly opposed the strikes by the US spy planes as violation of country’s sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter.

In this regard, addressing the UN General Assembly on September 25, President Asif Ali Zardari said, “Drone strikes and civilian casualties on our territory add to the complexity of our battle for hearts and minds through this epic struggle” against terrorism.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar who has repeatedly opposed the US aerial attacks on the country’s tribal areas has once again raised the issue during her meeting with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on September 21 in Washington. After the meeting, Khar stated that drone attacks are counterproductive. She disclosed that in 352 terrorist attacks in Pakistan, how many of those killed were Pakistanis as opposed to foreigners.

Particularly in August, this year, DG ISI Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam who visited America, emphatically told CIA Director David Petraeus on August 4 that predator strikes which are violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty must be stopped. He pointed out that these strikes are giving a greater incentive to the fundamentalist and extremist elements in Pakistan, and are increasing anti-US sentiment among the people.

In order to distort the image of ISI and Pak Army, initially, false reports had already been started by the US and foreign media including some American officials just after the meeting of DG ISI with his CIA counterpart. In this context, the Wall Street Journal said that on August 4, “the two spy chiefs agreed on joint counter terrorism campaigns and operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan…the campaigns would target the sanctuaries of Haqqani militant group in North Waziristan.” The Journal explained, “Pakistanis have named the planned offensive in North Waziristan as Operation, Tight Screw.”

On August 15, US State Department spokeswoman also stated that the US was in talks with Pakistan and Afghanistan on joint action against Haqqani group. Besides, a recent report of The Telegraph, quoting the US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta reported that “Pakistan military is planning to start an operation against militants in North Waziristan.”

Taking note of US duplicity and baseless media reports, after his meeting with Gen. James N. Mattis, Commander US CENTCOM, on August 17, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani categorically dispelled the speculative reporting in foreign media regarding joint operations in North Waziristan. He reiterated, “We might, if necessary, undertake operations in NWA, in the timeframe of our choosing and requirements” as “determined only by our political and military requirements. It will never be a result of any outside pressure.”

It is regrettable that in lines of foreign elements, leaders of political and religious parties of the country, who also rejected the Pak-US reconciliation process, have been propagating about ‘secret agreement’ between Pakistan and America. In this regard, Chairman Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf who earlier stated that his party would resist the military operation in North Waziristan, recently remarked that there is a understanding between ISI and US about drone attacks.

These internal entities which misguide the general masses to increase their vote bank need to grasp reality. In this context, during his visit to India and Afghanistan, while reviving US old blame game, on June 7, this year, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta allegedly singled out the Haqqani network, based in North Waziristan for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan. He also said that the US would continue drone attacks on the safe havens Pakistan offered to insurgents in Afghanistan.

While, both Hillary Clinton and Panetta repeatedly stated that Pakistan’s cooperation was critical to US efforts to stabilise Afghanistan before most foreign combat troops leave at the end of 2014.” During her visit to Islamabad in October, 2011, Ms. Clinton agreed with Pakistan’s stance, saying, “Now US is realising that launching new military operation in North Waziristan does not suit Pakistan’s situation.” Recently, Hillary Clinton has also remarked that international community should realise Paksitan’s sacrifices for war against terrorism. In fact, it shows US double game with Islamabad.

Recently, counterterrorism advisor to Obama, John Brennan has defended the drone attacks on Pakistan’s tribal areas under the pretext of North Waziristan-based Haqqani militants whom he blamed for several assaults on Americans in Afghanistan. On the other hand, US-led coalition forces have failed in stopping incursions of heavily-armed insurgents in Pakistan from Afghanistan’s side, who have killed more than 100 personnel of the Pakistan’s security forces in the last two years. In fact, US seeks to make North Waziristan, a scapegoat of NATO’s defeat in Afghanistan by continuing predator strikes.

Since 2004, the strikes by the unmanned aircraft which continued intermittently on Pakistan’s tribal areas, accelerated under the Obama era. In one of such attacks, more than 40 civilians and policemen were killed on March 18, 2011 in North Waziristan.

As regards the civilian casualties by the US spy planes, on August 11, 2011, a report of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism said, “As many as 168 children have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan during the past seven years.” While rejecting CIA’s false claim in this respect, the report disclosed, “It is a bleak view: more people killed than previously thought.”

Details collected by the Pakistani journalists show that civilian casualties through drone strikes are higher as indicated by the US officials. In the last four years, more than 800 innocent civilians and only 20 Al-Qaeda commanders have been killed by these strikes.

Regarding strikes by the spy planes, the former commander of the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal had rightly stated, “For every innocent person you kill, you create ten new enemies.”

The New York Time revealed on May 26, 2011, “By waging a secret war, President Obama has become personally involved in the process” and “has normalised extrajudicial killings from the Oval Office, taking advantage of America’s temporary advantage in drone technology. Without the scrutiny of the legislature and the courts, and outside the public eye, Obama is authorising murder on a weekly basis.”

US duplicity through predator attacks contain a number of hidden designs. The fresh wave of strikes by the pilotless aircraft has thwarted the offer of militants and Pakistani government for peace talks. And, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has intensified subversive activities in the country. Now, America seeks to incite the Haqqani network as in the past 12 months, most of these strikes have targeted North Waziristan. So, these aerial attacks are provoking the tribal people against Pakistan’s security forces, and increasing recruitment of insurgents. Besides, Pakistan is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. Hence, US India and Israel seem determined to weaken it.

A latest report, “Living Under Drones,” prepared by experts from Stanford Law School and the New York University School of Law disclosed on September 25, that the US campaign of drone “strikes in Pakistan’s northwestern tribal belt is terrorising civilians 24 hours a day and breeding bitter anti-American sentiment…have killed thousands of people…even stopping their children going to school for fear of being targeted.” Based on research, the report urged Washington to rethink its drone strategy, arguing it was counterproductive and undermined international law.

No doubt, US duplicity with Pakistan has been exposed, but US warrior President Obama remains intransigent to continue extrajudicial killings through these drone attacks.

Hundreds of Baloch Youths Join Pakistan Army

A passing out parade of Pakistan Army’s Baloch Regiment was held in Quetta on Saturday where a group of another 350 Baloch youths were sworn in.

 

Brigadier Khushnud Hussain was the chief guest of the event. He conferred shields and swords on the Jawans. Speaking to media after the passing out ceremony, the brigadier said that Baloch youth were being given extraordinary exemptions in age and education as part of efforts to address sense of deprivation among them. The youth belonged to different parts of restive provinces, including Mastaung, Quetta, Loralai, etc.

The Balochs took oath of loyalty for Pakistan and expressed their resolve to sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. Some of them spoke to private television channels who covered the event that they wanted to serve their motherland Pakistan.

Last year thousands of Baloch youth joined the Pakistan’s powerful military. Balochistan has been witnessing a low-level insurgency waged by nationalist elements, demanding more provincial autonomy while some of them fighting for independence.

Muslims in Bangladesh torch Buddhist temples over Facebook image

AMRITSAR, India -- Hundreds of angry Muslims in southeast Bangladesh torched at least 10 Buddhist temples and dozens of homes Sunday after alleging that a Buddhist man insulted Islam on his Facebook page, authorities said. 

The protest gained momentum late Saturday in the area of Cox’s Bazar about 200 miles from the capital of Dhaka when Muslims, claiming that a Facebook page showed a burned copy of the Quran, headed to several Buddhist villages in the area. Although there have been periodic clashes between the majority Muslim population and Hindus, tension is relatively rare with Buddhists, who make up less than 1% of Bangladesh’s 150 million people. Authorities said extra security forces were called in to restore order after the mob burned and vandalized more than 100 homes. "We brought the situation under control before dawn and imposed restrictions on public gatherings," Salim Mohammad Jahangir, Cox's Bazar district police superintendent, told local media. 

Tensions have increased in recent months, however, over a crisis in neighboring Myanmar involving clashes between the majority Buddhist population and members of the minority stateless Rohingya Muslim community, in some ways a mirror image of Sunday’s attacks. Many people in predominantly Muslim Bangladesh also have been angered recently by a low-budget film called "Innocence of Muslims" that was made in California and mocks the prophet Muhammad. It has sparked protests across the Islamic world. 

“Generally, there is extra sensitivity at this moment, not just in Bangladesh, but in other countries,” Hasan said. “We see people taking advantage of this, and there are copy-cat tendencies. The population as a whole needs to be far more vigilant in protecting minorities.…We all need to be a bit more careful and circumspect so we don’t incite sensitivities.” Bangladesh's English-language Daily Star newspaper reported that the Buddhist who allegedly posted the offensive image on Facebook mistakenly tagged it on his Facebook profile and that his account was closed soon after violence erupted even as police escorted him and his mother to safety.

Continued Public Support and Development of the Area is as Important as Military Operations in FATA

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited South Waziristan. COAS interacted with commanding officers of formations and units deployed in the area. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the importance of sustaining the successes achieved in recent years against terrorism, until the menace is completely subdued. 

For this purpose, he said, continued support of the public and development of the area is as important as military operations against the miscreants. He lauded the sacrifices and efforts of Army in the fight against terror. Earlier, on arrival at Dera Ismail Khan, COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps, Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani.

US Drone Strikes in Pakistan Miss Militant Targets And "Terrorize" Civilians

A new report on the secret U.S. drone war in Pakistan says the attacks have killed far more civilians than acknowledged, traumatized a nation and undermined international law. In "Living Under Drones," researchers conclude the drone strikes "terrorize men, women, and children, giving rise to anxiety and psychological trauma among civilian communities." 

The study concludes that most of the militants killed in the strikes have been low-level targets whose deaths have failed to make the United States any safer. Just 2 percent of drone attack victims are said to be top militant leaders. We’re joined by report authors James Cavallaro, director of the International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic at Stanford University, and Sarah Knuckey, professor at New York University School of Law and former adviser to the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions.

Army Rescues Over 8,000 Stranded Affectees Sufferers Seek Accelerated Relief Steps

Quetta\Rawalpindi—A large number of people have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rains in Jaffarabad, Naseerabad and Jhal Magsi districts of Balochistan, which need more steps by relevant stakeholders to provide relief to the flood-stricken people.

This was said by Provincial Minister for Zakaat Saleem Khoso in the the Balochistan Assembly, which met here on Saturday with Deputy Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha in the chair.

Speaking on point of order, Saleem Khoso said that the flash floods caused by hill torrents of Dera Bugti and Sui after the heavy downpours lashed the region, had played havoc at a large scale in Naseerabad, Jaffarabad and Jhal Magsi districts. He said that less number of deaths was being reported which in fact were high.

Khoso said that the flash floods caused destruction in the whole Jaffarabad district as four feet deep water was still standing in Dera Allahyar, its headquarters.

He said that the most land area of Naseerabad district was also inundated by the flash flood that had caused widespread destruction.

He alleged that had the Irrigation Department seriously strengthened the embankments of canals flowing in eastern Balochistan after the 2010 floods, the losses caused by the recent floods would have been much lesser.

All the canals have developed several breaches and irrigation system of the region is badly damaged, he added.

During the ongoing rescue and relief operation in flood hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh, the Pakistan Army troops have rescued more than 8000 stranded people from Jampur, Rajanpur, Rojhan, Kandhkot, Jacobabad and Dera Murad Jamali.

According to ISPR, the Pakistan Army has employed 1200 troops, 72 boats and 54 de-watering pumps and heavy machinery in the flood affected areas.

Army troops are working along with local civil administration round the clock to provide relief to their brethren in distress and established relief camps at Jampur, Rajanpur and Rojhan. Over 150 ton dry ration have also been distributed through MI-17 and trucks among the affected people of Sindh and Balochistan.

The minister alleged that flash flood water from Jacobabad had been diverted to Jaffarabad district. He opined that the wrong designing of Jaffarabad Bypass was the main reason for devastation as the several feet high bypass stopped the flash floods from draining out to barren land from populated areas.

He said that tens of thousands of flood-hit people were deprived of food and potable drinking water and falling pray to epidemics.

Later, after completion of other proceedings, the session was adjourned till September 24.—APP

Pak Army Relief Operation In Flood-Hit Areas Continues

During ongoing rescue and relief operation in flood hit areas of Baluchistan and Sindh, Pakistan Army troops have rescued more than 8000 stranded people from Jampur, Rajanpur, Rojhan, Kandhkot, Jacobabad and Dera Murad Jamali.

Till now Pakistan Army has employed 1200 troops, 72 boats and 54 de-watering pumps and heavy machinery in flood affected areas. Army troops are working along with local civil administration round the clock to provide relief to their brethren in distress and established Relief Camps at Jampur, Rajanpur, Rojhan.

While over 150 ton of dry rations have also been distributed through MI-17 and trucks among distress people of Sindh and Baluchistan. Army Medical Corps have treated over 17000 patients in flood affected areas and set up Two Field Hospitals at Jacobabad.

Pakistan Blocks YouTube on Anti-Islam Film Available On The Internet

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was forced to block the video sharing site YouTube completely on Monday after the authorities realised that the government has not installed a filtration system and does not have a treaty with Google that would block objectionable videos.

The prime minister ordered the blockage of YouTube after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other relevant agencies recommended that the government as well as the Supreme Court should completely block YouTube for a few days to prevent access from Pakistan of the latest anti-Islam film available on the internet.

While countries like India and Indonesia have successfully got such blasphemous sites blocked through the intervention of the Google/YouTube administration, Pakistan was helpless because of the incompetence of the IT authorities as it has neither any such treaty with Google nor has the filtration system installed to block the blasphemous and pornographic sites.

In an inter-ministerial meeting attended by officials of the Interior Ministry, Information Technology, PTA, FIA and other agencies here on Monday, it was unanimously recommended that as a short term measure YouTube should be blocked altogether with immediate effect. The long-term solution is to enter into a treaty with Google (which owns YouTube now) that will enable the signatory state to get any objectionable site blocked from Google.

In the absence of any such treaty with Pakistan, Google, despite earning a profit of almost Rs50 million from Pakistani internet users in just one year, is not there to cooperate with the local authorities. The Pakistani authorities had approached Google but to no avail.

The inter-ministerial meeting was told by the experts of the PTA that in the absence of the treaty, which Pakistan has never thought of signing in the past, and owing to the fact that Pakistan does not have any filtration system installed like China, Saudi Arab, Iran and several other countries have, it is not possible to block the anti-Islam film without completely blocking YouTube.

The PTA chairman, when approached, said the only immediate solution was the complete blockage of YouTube as chasing objectionable sites in ones and twos would not solve the problem. He said hundreds of sites, where the film was accessible, were blocked but the blasphemous material continues to appear on innumerable other sites.

The chairman told The News that he was writing to the apex court that there was no solution to this immediate challenge, but to completely block YouTube for a few days. The long-term solution, the PTA chairman confirmed, is a treaty to be signed between government of Pakistan and Google administration that would take some time.

According to sources, the issue badly exposes the Pakistani IT authorities as they had not even signed a treaty with the Google administration in line with the initiative taken by India four years ago. Unlike Pakistan, the sources said Indian has already blocked the blasphemous film by taking up the matter with Google in time under the terms of the treaty signed between them.

The sources said Malaysia also has the same treaty with the Google/YouTube administration. Pakistan is, however, so inefficient and indifferent to such issues that it does not even have a filtration system installed that can effectively help check blasphemous and pornographic sites. Interestingly, the incumbent prime minister during his tenure as the minister for IT in May this year had got a notification issued for the installation of the filtration system to check blasphemous and pornographic material, but nothing has been done as yet.

On Monday, the Supreme Court said the PTA is under legal obligation to control such material but it has failed to perform its statutory duties. Therefore, directions are issued to the PTA to block the anti-Islam film on YouTube and refrain in future as well from allowing such material to be displayed.

Pakistan Army Test Fires Nuclear-Capable Hatf-VII 'Babur' Cruise Missile

Pakistan today conducted a successful test fire of the indigenously developed multi tube Cruise Missile Hatf-VII (Babur), having a range of 700 kilometers. The Babur cruise missile is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which can strike targets both at Land and Sea with pinpoint accuracy.

It carries stealth features. Equipped with modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. The missile was launched from a state of the art Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV), which significantly enhances the targeting and deployment options of Babur Weapon system.

The test was witnessed by Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutunent General (R) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Chairman National Engineering and  Scientific Commission (NESCOM) Mr. Muhammad Irfan Burney, senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organizations. 

In today’s test, the National Command Authority’s fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS) was once again employed. It enables robust Command and Control capability of all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network centric environment to decision makers at National Command Centre (NCC). The system has the added capability of real-time remote monitoring of missile flight path. The test consolidates and strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence capability and National security.

The successful test has also been warmly appreciated by the President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, who have congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding success.  

Army Medical College Gets World Recognition

ISLAMABAD: In recognition of its meritorious reputation as a leading institution in medical education, Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), has been included in the international directory of medical colleges. Foundation for Advancement in Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) has issued a notification in this connection. 

Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has congratulated the NUST management, faculty and students for the praiseworthy achievement. In his remarks, NUST Rector Muhammad Asghar termed the accomplishment a fruit of commitment of the college faculty and students. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council also awarded Army Medical College, NUST, the status to supervise PhD Chemical Pathology in addition to Biochemistry. pr

Pak Army: SWA Returnees Assured Of Early Rehabilitation

WANA: The Pakistan Army along with the political administration will make all-out efforts to ensure all basic facilities to the people who have returned to native areas in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA).

The assurance was given by the Pakistan Army operational commander for South Waziristan Major-General Ahmad Mehmood Hayat during a chat with reporters at Sararogha where the political administration and army had arranged a welcome for the returning families on Thursday.

He said the militancy incurred heavy losses on the property and lives of tribal people during last one decade, but Pakistan Army and the political authorities would leave no stone unturned to mitigate the miseries of the militancy-stricken tribal people by providing them all basic necessities of life in their natives areas.

South Waziristan Political Agent Shahidullah Khan told reporters that efforts were being made to approve a development package for the displaced families so that normalcy could return to the tribal region.

Earlier, the officials of the armed forces and political administration garlanded the returnees while local youth danced to the drumbeats to accord them a warm welcome.It may be recalled here that some 4,874 families comprising 1,118 members returned to native towns in South Waziristan during the three-day repatriation process that ended on July 18.

Peace Jirga To Support Pak Army In Fight Against Terrorism

MINGORA: Nepki Khel Peace Jirga has decided to form new strategy for combating terrorism in Swat district and expressed the resolve to stand side by side Pakistan Army for the maintenance of peace.

  

This was stated by head of the peace jirga Saifullah Khan while addressing a jirga at Kabal. He maintained the peace jirga had no political motive and its prime objective was to eliminate terrorism and establishment of peace in the district. He said their Jihad against terrorism would continue.

Rescue Operation In Gayari Sector Siachen Continues Round The Clock At Its Full Swing

The PRIDE of Pakistan Six Northern Light Infantry Regiment (NLI) which was on duty of our protection on the world’s highest battle ground and operating in temperatures as low as -60 C (-76 F), vicious winds and altitude sickness. The region is just east of the world’s second-highest peak, K-2. A battalion headquarters size Pakistani post working since last 20 years in Gayari sector of Siachen came under avalanche 80 feet deep.

The left over soldiers covered beneath an enormous snow slide in the Gayari sector of Siachen on April 7, have been affirmed as “Shuhada” (martyrs). The nation mourns its 138 sons including 11 civilians trapped deep under the snow after a massive landslide hit the Army base-camp at the height of 20,700 feet. Rescue operation is continuously going on despite bad weather and other difficulties from day 1 at five priority points and 450 people are taking part in this operation. SPD teams, Army Search & Rescue Teams, using heavy equipment are participating in the rescue efforts.

124 days have passed since the tragic incident of Gayari, search operations, excavation work is taking time due to constraints imposed by terrain and weather. Through their untiring efforts, bodies of 79 Shuhada have been recovered, so far. Nature and magnitude of the calamity is suggestive of no probability of recovering any person alive. The army has vowed to continue the operation until all the bodies are recovered.

Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said all-out efforts are being made to retrieve the trapped soldiers under an avalanche in the Gayari Sector. Talking to media at Skardu, he appealed the nation to pray to recover the trapped soldiers under the ice. He said Army men are discharging their duties despite all the hardships in Siachen and our thoughts and prayers are with the stranded soldiers and with their families in this most terrible and trying time. We salute the spirit of more than 450 rescue workers braving the hostile weather conditions to retrieve the missing sons of the soil.

The entire nation salutes the Gayari martyrs for their supreme sacrifice who laid their lives for our safety and security while performing sacred duties of defending their motherland on the world’s highest war zone “Siachen”. As a nation we are united and stand with them and we all pray for them and their family.