ISLAMABAD: In order to accommodate the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in different areas of Pakistan, the “Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism” has been established. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with cellular mobile industry, has started the 1199 SMS Service for the welfare of these Internally Displaced Persons. Through this service, subscribers of all mobile operators would send an SMS to 1199 by writing FUND.

Each SMS would be charged @ Rs.10/- and the amount thus collected would be deposited in the “Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism” for Internally Displaced Persons. It is therefore appealed to people from all walks of life to come forward and contribute to this national cause by sending SMS to 1199 and thus contributing to the “Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism” for the Internally Displaced Persons. NNI

Hep Internationally Displaced people.. here are few source that are reliable … All overseas Pakistanis and people who are interested in helping these victims please send your donations here..

Edhi Foundation
Muslim Commercial Bank, Aabpara branch,
Aabpara, Islamabad.
Account No: 5626-2

http://www.edhifoundation.com/contact.asp

Alkhidmet Foundation
Soneri Bank Limited.
Peshawar Cantt.
Euro Account: 02200002329
Pak Rupees Account: 02011231535

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
Pak Rupees Account: 0008-103501- 001
Dollars Account: 0008-103501- 126
Swift Code: PLCOPKKA
KASB Bank Limited
90, West Razia Sharif Plaza, Jinnah Avenue,
Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
www.insaf.pk

Al-Khidmat Foundation NWFP-Pakistan
Shahid Iqbal
Senior Program Manager
29-B Street # 2C Shami Road Peshawar
Ph: +92-91-5262296, 5262297, Fax: +92-91-5262298
Email: alkhidmat_foundation@hotmail.com
Cell: +92-333-9062288

In order to accommodate the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in different areas of Pakistan, the “Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism” has been established. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with cellular mobile industry, has started the 1199 SMS Service for the welfare of these Internally Displaced Persons. Through this service, subscribers of all mobile operators would send an SMS to 1199 by writing FUND.

Few days back I and my mother were returning from market when we noticed a contented family riding on a Gadha Gari (Donkey Cart) along with their baggage including trunks, bales and few of kitchen utensils; for sure they were going for long stay. My mother appreciated and said in Punjabi “kuj v hovey, swari apni honi chahdeay aey”(Whatever the circumstances are; one should posses at least own conveyance). This sense of belonging- element of human instinct probably was the impetus behind the introduction of property rights in capitalism. Human beings are born to dream; dream about their own homes; their own businesses; their own properties; their futures; their writings and all the material they can proudly introduce as their belongings.

In my school days; I read a story subjected “Katba” (epitaph or plaque) in my Urdu Text Book. Writer elaborated the optimism of a man who bought a marble plaque from shop where old things were sold where second hand things were sold. He yearned for positioning it on the door of his house he; whole of his life endeavored to construct. But in end same plaque with his name engraved on placed on his grave for identifying him.
I watched 1 million people migrating to safe areas leaving their houses, their crops their animals and probably their future; vacating Malakand soon after prime Minister announced a decisive ascendency against the militants in this region. I felt dreams of these people were trampled on every step taken towards Lower districts including Mardan, Peshawar and rest of the country. Their houses were built by their forefathers with dreams of having generations dwelling and chirping in the courtyards. They were trudging with the burden of those dreams.

Every family traveling from Malakand division to the other parts of country has a distressing story to tell. Thousands of them probably have traveled for the first time in their lives. Regardless of individualistic quandaries; afflictions of leaving a complete civilization is becoming a dilemma. Besides re-habitation and rehabilitating these people is biggest issue; government is confronting these days. Moreover victims are not habituated with the hot weather of Punjab and other areas.

They repositioned themselves for saving their lives on the instructions of government to vacate Malakand division; where security forces are battling to curb militants and has been declared a War Zone. I do not want to discuss the reason of the militancy but I want t draw attention towards the upcoming liability of government towards these people. Who; though; are clear about this Military operation against the miscreants but long for safe returns to their homes.

The day Prime Minister announced ascendancy against militants; he should have perceived the idea for the civilians residing in conflict area. Parliament was not consulted before announcing this operation; had this operation been delayed till these evacuees reach safe places where sufficient facilities could have been given to them; would have added laurels in government’s crown. However in wake of being a third world country; we once again have started begging alms from America, West and rest of the world to donate for these self-restraint victims who probably have never thought of having Sadqa (giving alms in the name of Allah) in their whole lives are now dependent upon the assistance from those who are responsible for their sufferings. Several NGOs and semi-governmental organizations, chambers of commerce and alliances UN agencies, Red Crescent and many others are collecting money and important things required to help IDPs. Relief activities are continued and similar touching scenes are being noticed that helped Pakistan and Pakistanis to cop up 2005 earth quake. I request overseas Pakistanis to help their suffering brothers and sisters rather than begging from others. Once again Pakistan is in dire need of support from inside. Regardless of what government is doing it is responsibility of every Pakistan inside or outside Pakistan to step forward to help kids, old aged people, women and displaced men. Today we need fortitude that was shown by Muharjreen-e-Makkah and congeniality and selflessness shown by the Ansaar. All political parties should forget their conflicts and should pay consideration to the major problem nation is facing.

Meanwhile Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved an amount of Rs. 508 million for rehabilitation, provision of shelter and 5000 ration packets for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of NWFP. Emergency Relief Cell (ERC) of Cabinet Division has released Rs. 500 million and cheque has been dispatched to Government of NwFP which has been received by the Provincial Government. In his addressed to nation he reiterated his commitment to help these people saying Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) would be supported under Benazir Income Support Program and a Cabinet Committees would soon be constituted for day to day monitoring of the IDPs issue and also for areas where action is being taken. The Prime Minister held out an assurance that there would be total transparency for utilization of the funds to be received for relief and rehabilitation of the IDPs, reconstruction of affected areas and capacity building of the law enforcing agencies. America has announced US $49 million for helping these IDPs. Similarly many other countries would come forward to help Pakistan including its friend countries.

It is difficult to hunch how long this war will last and what repercussions it is going to bring; but what I am sure is these victims have lost their identification and now labeled as IDPs Internally Displaced People. I agree challenge in front of government is big; but it is advisable for the government to deal with it as soon as possible because a long treatise of Muhajir coming from India and Bengali Muhajir are still Muhajirs. People from the Bajaur and Afghanistan are also Muhajirs. Pakistan cannot afford another muhajir community.

It is desirable that before the dreams of these people die; government should find a solution of this problem… otherwise a plaque might have been waiting for it to be placed on its grave.

No one can deny the fact that a big manmade human crisis was expected when Government decided ascendancy against Taliban in Malakand Division. The plight of the people displaced from their homes in Swat, Dir and Buner as a result of militants’ activities and the security forces’ operations against them is getting more and more serious day by day. The number according to provincial government is touching a mark of 5-6 lakhs. The circumstances have made it impossible for them to find succor on their own. Many among them lost their means of income weeks and months ago and are now in dire straits. Their needs for relief are both urgent and substantial.

Despite of tall claims of relief activities in conflict area by government; these pictures are revealing the truth. Leaving upon you to decide what a contradiction between the government officials on TV screens say and what ground realities are???

These innocent people including kids are waiting for whom??? where is government??? Where are relief camps?? Where are one thousand KG rice??? Where is Human Rights Organizations??? Where are billion rupees???

These pictures were taken in Palai Village on May 6, 2009… Where people are under sky without any basic facility of life including water and food. They dont have health facility. The dilemma goes on.. There are several other places in conflict area. This is one example that has disclosed a part of the story..

DG ISPE Maj Gen. Athar Abbas while talking to Private TV Channel said that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan has admitted the slitting of two of security forces men. While the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesperson Muslim Khan during conversation with TV Channel said that the those whose throats were slit; they deserved it.

Unfortunately enough propaganda videos being circulated by Taliban showing beheading of our soldiers by these barbarians. It is against the journalistic ethics to release such videos and tapes; however to reveal truth is very important. Maj. Gen Athar Abbas disclosed that militants unlawfully tried to occupy Buner and challenged the writ of state; therefore Pakistan security Forces took a military action against these militants. To stop this insurgency several top leaders of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed, and militants slitted soldiers in retaliation. Maj. gen Athar Abbas told that Army was waiting for the government to decide what line of action was needed to take.

Government has adopted a policy of maximum reconciliation and for this very purpose Government made an accord for development of peace in Malakand region named under the Nizam-e-Adle Regulation. This deal was brokered by Sufi Muhammad. However this peace deal was ended soon after Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) rejected Dar-ul -Qaza and appointment of Qazis in Malakand by Provincial Government. Despite establishment of Dar-ul-Qaza under Nizam-e-Adl regulation in accordance with the demand of TNSM, the situation remained tense in Swat. Even Sufi Muhammad said that his faction believes in Shariah rather than the democracy. He completely refused to work under elected democratic government.

Situation in Swat is worsened and Curfew has been imposed; indigenous people are migrating from there; after three days electricity was provided in the area. Mengora was surrounded by Taliban. Intermediate exams are being taken under the shadow of hand grenades and guns. Civilians are being killed along with security officers.

What are we heading towards and where would this militancy lead Pakistan to? We need to realize the depth of the issue. What these Taliban are? Everyone wonders why government is silent and not speaking anything against them. It is commendable that government waited and negotiated to resolve issue but at the same time candid policy from government was missing and is still missing. However whenever writ of the state is being challenged; government apparatus along with available resources including Military should be implied to kill insurgency.

Segments of people in Pakistan believe Military alone can not take action; therefore it is important for the Government to take the charge in this regard and evolve a unanimous National policy to kill this militancy.

Pakistan Zindabad

These are self defining pictures taken before Curfew imposed in Swat first week of April; where these kids are given fake Rocket launchers and missiles just to make them accustomed with these hi-tech ammunition. These kids have been camouflaged in Taliban get-up. These pictures indicate that Taliban training these innocent kids who have been roaming in the streets of Swat and asking Army to leave the place and chanting slogans “Taliban ZindaBad”. What Future we are aspiring when our kids are being groomed this way; Talibans are redefining and reshaping the worrier-ship on their own terms. Unfortunately they have not spared these kids. They are maligning these innocent minds for their purposes and parents are coerced to throw their kids in fire. Books in hands develop an educated nation; guns in hands bring destruction. Militants are already destroying Schools in Swat regardless of girls and boys.

In wake of Taliban’s extension in Northern Areas of Pakistan including Swat; where turbulence has increased so much that Military had to launch an operation against Taliban. Despite the fact Government tried to negotiate with Tehrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi and deal was brokered by Sufi Muhammad for peace in the region. However this peace deal was ended soon after Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) rejected Dar-ul -Qaza and appointment of Qazis in Malakand by Provincial Government. Despite establishment of Dar-ul-Qaza under Nizam-e-Adl regulation in accordance with the demand of TNSM, the situation remained tense in Swat.

Pictures received from Swat

Karachi has been volatile city and this fresh wave of ethnic violence in different part of the Karachi has made worried every Pakistani. All political leaders along with civil society have strongly condemned the incidents of violence that resulted in loss of precious lives, property and disrupting peace in the city. Everyone feared over the conflicts between ANP and MQM on Nizam-e-Adl issue and it is evident that any incident in Karachi can be an attempt to weaken the country and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the city.

Whole Pakistan are concerned and call for a probe to know the hidden designs of the perpetrators and law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice. Besides grief over loss of precious lives and sympathized with the families of the victims it is important appeal to make that in this crucial time people need to shun their difference, forge unity among their ranks and remain peaceful.

After the Wednesday violence Karachi remained tense on Thursday, however Rangers were on the patrol on Thursday and shoot-at-sight orders were in place in the city. Tension and panic gripped parts of the city as unidentified attackers went on a shooting spree, killing most of the victims at point-blank range.

In this regard Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah chaired a high level meeting to review the terror incidents and law and order situation in Karachi sources told Pakistan Times. The representative of Muttahida Qaumi Movement(MQM), Awami National Party(ANP), Peoples Party and law enforcement agencies attended the meeting. Provincial Interior Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, IG Police Sindh, DG Rangers and officers of other law enforcement agencies were also present in the meeting.

Sources said meeting have reviewed the killings in terror incidents, property losses and different proposals to restore law and order in the city. The meeting suggested MQM, PPP and ANP to organize a rally for the restoration of harmony. He has ordered to take stern action against the miscreants. He further directed the police and rangers to go after the elements taking law into their hand and show no leniency to those disturbing the peace of the city.

Meanwhile Federal Minister for Interior Affairs Rehman Malik has directed the concerned authorities to submit report on the loss of lives in Wednesday’s unrest in Karachi. According to the spokesman of Interior Ministry, Rehman Malik has ordered DG Rangers Sindh to deploy additional force in those parts of the city which are most affected by violence. The Minister also said that strict action will be taken against the alleged land mafia for what it was said the involvement in the violent incidents.

Situation is deteriorating as day is passing; earlier this day aerial firing by unknown miscreants near a funeral procession of two political workers created rampage and tension in Karachi, according to sources. However, no loss of lives or injuries were reported. Incident fueled panic and tension among the attendees of the funeral and area residents.The incident occurred at Khwaja Ajmer Nagri area where hundreds of people were gathered for the funeral of two Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers, killed in yesterday’s deadly violence in the metropolis that claimed 31 lives.

Everyone in Pakistan shares the same point of view that Nation could ill afford violence in Karachi at a time when Pakistan is already dealing with the militants in northern parts of the country. The on-going fight against militants called for a national consensus and for all political parties to join hands. Hopes are still alive; Prime Minister and President have themselves taken the notice of recent violence. President Asif Ali Zardari has said that The violence as witnessed in Karachi on Wednesday would only give space to the militants and distract from the national effort aimed at defeating the extremists. He was determined

“We will foil the designs of those who want to exploit the situation by creating and promoting political and ethnic differences”.

Along with all Pakistanis it is dire wish of Karachiites to arrive at early national unity because National unity at this hour is the best way to demonstrate our will to keep Pakistan as moderate, modern and democratic state where the rights of all citizens are protected.

It was amazing to see the number of audience present on launching ceremony of exclusive media products by Iqbal Academy Pakistan in coordination with the Government of Pakistan, The Norwegian Foreign Ministry, British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the National Bank of Pakistan. One of my friend was wondering on noticing huge presence of people from all walks of life if people “STILL LOVE IQBAL”. I replied Yes; Pakistanis still love Iqbal.

Public Relation Manager Mr. Haroon Akram Gill introduced me with Mr. Muhammad Suheyl Umar, Director Iqbal Academy Pakistan before starting this ceremony. First impression that i developed after seeing him was “Yes he could be right man to be the Director of this Academy” and his oration over Iqbal seconded my opinion and i was thanking to Allah that at least there is some organization that yet can be declared away from corruption.

I stayed there for several hours and watched the attitude  of people towards Illama Iqbal; the man he envisioned Pakistan as his DREAM. After six decades we along with Iqbal Academy Pakistan decided to keep him alive. It was matter of elation that Iqbal Academy Pakistan was able to diffuse the misconception that Pakistani Nation has forgotten its Heroes.

Many people do not like the ideologies of Illama Iqbal he coined in his poetry; i heard Director saying his poetry is interpretation of Quran. The way Iqbal Academy Pakistan presented the documentry was surprised me because in Pakistan i did not see any of the organization presenting their products this way. I noticed this kind of introductory presentataion in every department i visited iN USA.

While addressing the audience on occasion  Mr. Muhammad Suheyl Umar, Director Iqbal Academy Pakistan said that;

at this time of impatience amongst the peoples, the message of Iqbal is vital to spread inter cultural peace and harmony. This was stressed by the speakers on the occasion of launching ceremony of exclusive media products by Iqbal Academy Pakistan. The event was graced with the presence of personalities from different walks of life.

He said that Academy aimed at inspiring the youth in the life, times & works of Iqbal we have taken the initiative to use modern techniques. Established in February, 2007, Media & Communication Department, in a relatively short span of time, is effectively disseminating Iqbal’s universal message through modern modes of communication, he added.

The director Iqbal Academy Pakistan told that reaching out to all the segments and age groups of society, Iqbal Academy Pakistan have undertaken initiatives through enterprising programs. For serious audiences there are documentaries on issues confronting the world and humanity, as well as programs engaging scholars and academics highlighting Iqbal’s message and poetic idealism. Suheyl Umar added.

An exhibition of these products was also arranged on this occasion, a large number of people visited and appreciated. Especially
1. Iqbal: an approach to Pakistan and An Inspiring Legacy,
2. A wonderful encyclopedic resource in the form of an interactive multimedia DVD were praised.

Similarly, engaging children’s interest through a rich combination of animation and music, a multimedia CD provides education through entertainment. Apart from these ventures, there are products ranging from television dramas, quality publications and audio renditions of Iqbal’s poetry.

Huge presence of young school children, College girls, Old men and youth was a matter of satisfaction that Pakistanis still view Iqbal’s ideology for the solutions of their Problems even today’s world.

I do not want to be termed as pessimist writer who are known for spreading pessimism among the masses. But still there are few things that not only worry me but everyone in Pakistan is concerned over these issues including the record wheat crop this year is not being properly taken up by the government. Every year there is a “wheat scandal” captures our breath and whole year a Pandora box of ”sasti roti”, “flour mills mafia” ,“Middle man scams”, “corrupt bureaucracy” “Formers right”, “Private storage”, “exports or import” etc etc

Despite the fact Government announced supporting price of Rs 950 per 40 kg before harvesting of wheat crop comparing with prices of Rs 425 per 40 kg in 2006-07; and last year supporting price was announced for Middle man was Rs 640 per 40 KG. Government announced the supporting price late and ultimate sufferer was farmer.

This year besides increasing supporting price of wheat per 40kg; Punjab Agriculture Department set a target of 17.9 million tons of wheat production this year. However department expects production can hit the figure of 18.3 to 18.5 million tons. A good sign is that encouraged by government’s timely announcement of Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) of Rs. 950 per 40kg and other facilities the farmers this year (2008 09) have increased the area under wheat cultivation by 16 percent as compared to the last fiscal year. Agriculture Development Commissioner, Qadir Bux Baloch said that

“this year total area under wheat crop cultivation was increased by 16 percent due to early announcement of Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) up to Rs. 950 per 40kg.”

He added that wheat was sown in a total area of 8.610 million hectares in the year 2008 09 in the country and a wheat target of 25 million tons has been set for the current year. About Sindh and NWFP province, he said that 1.027 million hectares and 0.745 million hectares land, wheat was sown respectively, while in Balochistan .371 million hectares was set for wheat production for the year 2008 09.

Punjab Province has produced a very healthy wheat crop this year due to favorable weather conditions on final stage as estimated by the department’s Crop Reporting Wing. The governmental optimism was based on early sowing, timely rain and extended use of pesticides. Use of pesticides remained exceptionally high at 69 per cent, which has saved the crop from many diseases to bring it to a successful conclusion. Though urea crisis plagued the better part of the season, its final off-take did not show any substantial decrease. The only negative factor during the entire season was the low consumption of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). But with so many positive factors, this single factor would not make much of the dent. Arif Nadeem, Agriculture Secretary revealed that for the first time 71 per cent crop was sown from Oct 25 to Nov 30 –this time is considered ideal for sowing; He was expected to have positive impact on the yield.

However like government’s several other failed policies; if we believe that wheat crop was exponentially high; this year wheat croppers once more are expected to suffer. According to one of the most known principle of supply and demand; when supply increase demand decreases. Government announced this increased supporting price and expected a heavy crop too; but unfortunately did not plan [intentionally or unintentionally] to manage this crop due to lake of honesty and sincerity towards farmers. Most of the farmers grew wheat in wake of higher profits out of their production; reports disclose that many farmers who used to sow potato or onion have preferred to cultivate wheat. However Private capitalist minded mafia seems to be in action for depriving croppers from their right to have profit once again.

To resolve issues like gunny bags (Baar Dana); Middle man disorders; transportation of wheat to the Markets; Food Department (which is responsible to purchase whole crop from farmers) on being consulted told that problem in attainment of gunny bags (Bar-daana) has been solved by allowing the farmers to bring their own bags furthermore Punjab Government will pay 40/- Rs for each bag. Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has ensured croppers and farmers that single grain of the wheat would be purchased from them. In a surprised visit to different procurement centers of Bahawalpur and Lodhran he directed the administration to remove the labour charges and to double the duty staff for facilitating the farmers at procurement centers. He also gave his cell number to farmers and said that they can contact him any time in case of any problem. He said on receiving any complaint against official; strict action would be taken against them. As per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Food department has kicked off its wheat procurement campaign at its 389 different centres set up for this purpose on April 16, 2009. Punjab has to produce 3.5 Milliom Tons wheat total from Southern belt, central Punjab and rest of the Punjab.

Many large scale growers are satisfied with these announcements but small growers and farmers are still suffering and hot disputes are being noticed in the Mandis and procurements centers. According to sources in Wahari two of the people have been fired from their duties who found to be involved in corruption. Keeping in view the CM who calls himself KHAADim-e-AALA; past track of resolving issues of people in Punjab; small land owners and croppers seemed to be optimist. However where government is to be appreciated it should be but such face saving acts are not going to favor anyone. Lacuna in government planning are preparing ways for Mafias to play their games.

Interestingly Private Wheat buyers have disappeared from the market; Food department who is responsible for procuring whole wheat is facing difficulties. There are authentic evidences available where Farmers are ready to sell their crop on lower rates of 800 to 850/- Rs to those who will store the wheat. In a survey conducted by AgriForum, 10 districts in the southern part where price ranged from Rs860 to Rs890, with no where price touching official Rs950 per 40kg. It looks Government’s delay in buying wheat would help these mafias who are waiting for Market to crash; where wheat price automatically will show a substantial descending order and end in 600-650/- Rs. Furthermore weather conditions; if do not favor the peasants in coming few days; wind storm or rain might damage the crop that is yet to be cut.

In central executive committee meeting of AgriForum it was also disclosed that it was impossible to meet the highly targets set for wheat crop by the government this year while a drop of 75 % in di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), according to them a cut in urea consumption by 16 per cent was also noticed, even potash fertilizer was reduced by 40 per cent, water shortage of 35% and diesel selling at Rs70 per litre, no one knows how the official sources can claim a record crop in the province. ‘The country had set a target of 25 million tons, and Punjab, a producer of 80 per cent of the crop, had to produce over 19 million tons to meet the national target,’ was revealed in meeting. But, Punjab could not go beyond 18 million tons. The country thus faced a shortfall of two million tons as far as its own target was concerned and at least one million tons as far as its national consumption was concerned.

Ruthlessness in Food department is visible when they call these farmers in hurry to sell crop who are forced to sell on low rate. Cultivation is a process and farmers are supposed to prepare lands as soon as possible for next crop of Rice. Once they get free from selling wheat they can prepare land for next crop. However public sector i.e. PASCO and food department are apparently do not seem to be in position to get hold of all the wheat coming into market. Thus farmer is forced to sell his crop on lower rates. Yesterday Punjab government has removed the hurdle of Middle man who will hardly be letting farmer to reach to government.

Most of the farmers are illiterate and can hardly understand the policies thus they are compelled to sell their crop on lower rates. My question here is if government is not buying on lower rates; there must be some Middle man who is buying and storing. Resultantly once Market completely will crash and Farmer would be left with no option to sell his crop of lower rates of 600-650/- Rs; this crop would be purchased by Mafia on lower rates and then notorious Food department will purchase wheat in back dates to benefit Mafia.
My request to all those farmers who are forced to sell their crop on lower rates is; make a call to Chief Minister and disclose this Bureaucratic rip-off. Lets not make Farmers cry this year and make those cry who made Farmers cry.

Since deal named Nizam-e-Adal Regulation between Sufi Muhammad reached aiming at ending Taliban violence in a northwestern region. Other than MQM no one opposed directly this agreement; however an opposition has been witnessed soon after Sufi Muhammad has addressed a gathering of over 30,000 people in Swat, (don’t buy that all were his followers). He declared that only Shariah legal system was Islamic and existing Sessions, High Courts and Supreme Court were un-Islamic. And Talibans challenged democratic rule and started taking over new areas including Buneer district.

He said:

High Courts and Supreme Court were ‘Ghair Sharia’ institutions and going for appeal in ‘Ghair Sharia’ institutions was ‘Haram’. And if some disagrees he is Kafir(infidel)

What an amazing statement coming from a man who is acting a de-facto ruler of MalaKand division. Since this Nizam-e-adal Regulation was signed and statement came from Sufi Muhammad had perturbed everyone to high levels. Despite the criticism from Western governments President Asif Ali Zardari last week approved enforcement of Islamic sharia law in the Swat valley and adjoining areas after getting it approved from Parliament. West fears that nuclear armed state will fall into hands of Islamic extremists who can use this nuclear capability against them. Today Israel has after long time gave a statement about threats from Pakistan to its existence.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday that Nuclear-armed Pakistan is becoming a “mortal threat” to the world. She said:

“(We) cannot underscore the seriousness of the existential threat posed to the state of Pakistan by the continuing advances now within hours of Islamabad that are being made by a loosely confederated group of terrorists and others who are seeking the overthrow of the Pakistani state,”
“I don’t hear that kind of outrage or concern coming from enough people that would reverberate back within the highest echelons of the civilian and military leadership of Pakistan,”

Meanwhile Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warning has created a threatening environment that Margalla hills would be the only buffer between Islamabad and Taliban if the later reached Tarbela dam. Expressing his views at the National Assembly session today (Wednesday), Fazlur Rehman said that terrorism would swallow up the entire country if war against terror policy continued. He said after Buner militants are moving closer to Tarbela Dam from Hazara. However Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani in an interview with US TV has ruled out the possibility of any immediate threats from Taliban to takeover Islamabad overnight. Husain was of the view the Taliban were isolated in mountainous regions and were not as close to Islamabad as is being portrayed.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned that “What kind of a message was given to the world by singing deal with a banned militant outfit,”. An impression is coming that Pakistani Government itself providing West an chance to bomb Pakistan like it did in Afghanistan.

Critics said the approval of sharia law in the valley, 125 km (80 miles) northwest of Islamabad, was parallel to comforting the militants. Yesterday Pakistan Muslim League (N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern n an interview with American newspaper about this peace deal with Islamist militants; that have been challenged in Supreme Court. He said that Militants are now threatening to take other areas into their control. Adding that any deal with militants should include commitments that “democracy will not be allowed to deteriorate and the writ of the government will be honored.

Commenting on the statement of Sufi Muhammad regarding un-islamic nature of Present Judical system and high-jacking of democratic situation; Jamat-e-Islami Amir Syed Munawar Hassan has asked Sufi Muhammad the chief of banned Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi, to avoid issuing his decrees. He advised Sufi Muhammad to contact with Ulema and not to issue decrees by himself.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani refused to comment on Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat’s leader’s termfor country’s superior courts as “un-Islamic”, He said that “Sufi Muhammad’s views are of an individual”. I wonder if it is Sufi Muhammad’s democratic right to say and he can have his individual opinion; that’s what he denied that present system was not Islamic and democracy is against Islam thus whole of the Pakistan is Kafir. Prime Minister or others who are thinking to give these Talibans time for restoration of peace; are either faint or feint. Had they been the people to bring peace; they would not have disrupted it.

I heard many of the critics saying including Zaid Hamid a defense analyst that this agreement is in favour of government and; they should be given time to restore peace in region as to this Adl system was the demand of the indigenous Swatis. He uttered that if our enemies want to bring this Adl Nizam to an end; we must pull socks to protect it. I wonder if he is Faint or Feint? In his statement only thing worth mentioning is; he was of the point that it is important to segregate Nizam-e-Adl from the Sharia Nizam.

Swatis want peace only; they are the most innocent people but suffering because of Government’s loose policies. Many eye brows were raised as if it was right to give your own people in hands of Talibans who seldom respect the sanctity of human rights; and are responsible for disruption of peace in every part of Pakistan. Need is to sit together and devise a National strategy to curb such elements.