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:: PAKISTAN |
The second coup
Even if we buy the official American argument that there are no attractive alternatives to Musharraf, what is the guarantee that a narrowly based political status-quo in Islamabad would continue to ensure stability and effectively tackle extremism and terrorism?
‘Suspension from Commonwealth isolating Pakistan’
Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto said on Saturday the suspension of Pakistan’s membership by the Commonwealth had demonstrated once again that President General Pervez Musharraf’s regime policies had led to increasing isolation of Pakistan in the international community and had harmed the vital interests of the country and its people.
Stacked court clears way for Musharraf to shed uniform
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's purged Supreme Court demolished the final hurdle to President Pervez Musharraf's re-election Thursday, paving the way for him to become a civilian leader after eight years of army rule.
Deposed CJ rebuts Musharraf's tirade
DUBAI: The deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, has laughed off General Musharraf's Sunday tirade against him, saying the recent assault on the judiciary was aimed at safeguarding the vested interests of the powerful and the mighty and paving the way for suspect elections in the country.
Benazir terms poll schedule a positive step
LAHORE: Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto here on Sunday said the announcement of election schedule by President Musharraf might fail to defuse the crisis because the government was sending out conflicting signals.
Polls before Jan 9, says Musharraf
ISLAMABAD -- President Gen Pervez Musharraf announced on Sunday that general elections would be held in the first week of January, but refused to give a date for lifting the emergency rule.
Hold poll, or no aid, Britain and US tell Musharraf
London, Nov 5 -- The United States and Britain have threatened to review the multi-million dollar aid the two countries provide to Pakistan following Gen Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose emergency in the country.
US "deeply disturbed" by Musharraf's emergency rule
Washington, Nov 4 -- The United States says it's "deeply disturbed" by its key ally Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's declaration of emergency rule in apparent defiance of Washington and asked him to hold elections by Jan 15 as promised.
Pakistani media gagged, even Internet not spared
Islamabad, Nov 4 -- Officials of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), backed by the police, raided the offices of the most vocal private TV Channel AAJ late Saturday night and seized its equipment.
Politicians, lawyers arrested across Pakistan
Islamabad, Nov 4 -- A large number of politicians, lawyers and rights activists have been arrested in overnight raids in different parts of Pakistan following the imposition of emergency.
Seven judges refuse to bow before Musharraf
Islamabad, Nov 4 -- The seven Supreme Court judges who refused allegiance to President Pervez Musharraf by not taking oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) remained steadfast against the imposition of emergency despite being under house arrest, a source close to them said Sunday.
Embattled Musharraf clamps emergency, suspends constitution
Islamabad, Nov 3 -- Citing growing militancy and judicial "interference" in government functioning, an embattled Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Saturday declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution, sacked 17 Supreme Court judges and told the nation his move was to "protect integrity of Pakistan".
Government erred in sending Sharif back in exile: Pakistan SC
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's Supreme Court Tuesday observed that the government had apparently violated its ruling by sending back former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when he arrived from exile on Sep 10 and spent several hours at the Islamabad airport.
Seven killed in terror strike near Musharraf's home
ISLAMABAD -- Seven people including three policemen were killed and at least 16 injured Tuesday in a suicide bomb attack near the military residence of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, the Interior Ministry said.
Exodus amid tenuous truce in Swat areas
SWAT -- Hundreds of people left their homes for relatively peaceful places amid a tenuous ceasefire between security forces and militants in the troubled areas around Mingora on Monday.
Pakistan's Oppn alliance on verge of split
The six-party Opposition Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) religious alliance in Pakistan is on the verge of a split with differences between two of its constituents widening by the day.
Pakistan's uncertain political future
President Pervez Musharraf has won the much-criticised presidential election with part of the opposition (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal and some smaller parties) resigning from the federal parliament and provincial assemblies and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) abstaining from voting.
Pakistan's internal problems slowed down peace process: PM
Linking prosperity in South Asia to Indo-Pak reconciliation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said peace process between the two countries had slowed down over the past few months because of internal problems in Pakistan.
US terms Pakistan Al Qaeda ‘safe haven’
The White House on Tuesday released a national strategy for combating terrorism, singling out Pakistan as an Al Qaeda ‘safe haven’, which can be used for launching another 9/11 like attack inside the United States.
Pakistan: State vs development
There has been an impassioned debate about President Pervez Musharraf seeking re-election in tomorrow’s presidential polls. The debate is not just about the president; it is also about the political leaders of Pakistan. Gen Musharraf as well as the former PMs who are jostling for position have all let the people of Pakistan down in the past. The real precondition for Pakistan’s survival is stability and economic progress.
Pak pips India in arms-deal race
Pakistan, a country about a sixth of India in size, population, economy and several other metrics, has for the first time outstripped India in purchasing military hardware and software, notching up arms deals worth $5.1 billion in 2006, as compared to $3.5 billion by India, to be ranked the world’s largest arms shopper, according to a Congressional study released Monday.
Pakistan's Musharraf appoints successor as army chief
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday appointed a former intelligence chief to succeed him as head of the army in a move apparently aimed at ensuring his security if he becomes a civilian leader.
Pakistan MPs in mass resignation to scupper Musharraf re-election
More than 80 opposition members of Pakistan’s parliament resigned today in an attempt to undermine President Musharraf’s plans to be re-elected in a poll on Saturday.
US grapples for options as Musharraf fights for job
The United States appears caught in a bind as the fate of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, its pre-eminent ally in the "war on terror," hangs in the balance.
Pakistan Opposition plan comes under cloud
ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties in the All Party Democracy Movement announced on Friday that they would resign their seats in the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures on September 29, the day nomination papers for the October 6 presidential election will be scrutinised.
Political tangles
There seems to be no limit to the manoeuvring that is going into the effort to ensure that President Pervez Musharraf continues in his august office. Also transparency, at least of a certain kind, does not seem to be a problem anymore. Consider the latest statement to emanate from the hallowed halls of the presidency: The president has solemnly declared that he will forego the office of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) if he is re-elected as president and that he will take off his uniform only after he is elected. This is a remarkable, conditional, offer. It amounts to announcing the cost to those concerned of not electing him. There must be few attempts made in so straightforward a manner to divorce the exercise of elections from its spirit.
Facing Re-election Soon, Pakistan’s President Loses Public Support
For more than half of its 60 years, Pakistan has been under military rule. General Pervez Musharraf seized power in 1999 -- the latest in a series of military officers who replaced civilian leaders.
Pakistan election set for Oct 6
Election officials have set Oct. 6 for Pakistan’s presidential vote, as opponents of the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, continued to press their case before a Supreme Court panel that he should not run for re-election while still head of the army.
'Al-Qaeda training camp exists in Pakistan'
US authorities helped Danish security officials locate the terror suspects in an alleged bombing plot unearthed this month through an electronic intercept from Pakistan, where one of the men had received training at an al-Qaeda camp.
Why the Saudis got involved in Pakistan
At first glance, it might seem former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif goofed up by deciding to cut short his exile and return to his native land.
Bhutto Discloses Date for Return to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto will end eight years of exile Oct. 18 by flying home to Karachi, the nation's largest city, her party announced Friday, although it remains unclear whether she will come back as friend or foe of the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan's judiciary standing up to Musharraf
ISLAMABAD — The modernist edifice of the Supreme Court building in Islamabad has cast a much larger shadow over the future of the regime of General Pervez Musharraf than Pakistan's political opposition.
What Nawaz Sharif's return means for Pakistan
Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to end his seven-year exile as a wandering minstrel of democracy and go home has set the cat among the pigeons. Sharif has chosen the path of 'strategic defiance' of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. It is now make-or-break time for Musharraf. His 'deal' with another former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, threatens to unravel even before it becomes operational. Equally, the efficacy of the American blueprint for Pakistan's democratic transformation becomes doubtful.
Pakistan Edgy as Ex-Premier Is Exiled Again
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, faced the prospect of fresh clashes with a newly independent Supreme Court after deporting a former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, as he tried to return from exile on Monday.
'US would invade Pakistan to eradicate terror cells'
WASHINGTON: Criticising the Bush administration for its counter-terrorism policies, Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards said he would invade Pakistan to eradicate terror cells if there were actionable intelligence and the US-ally refuses to act.
Exiled leader plans return 8 years after coup
The lawns are newly mown, the fairy lights are hung and the walls are daubed with freshly painted slogans welcoming the return of Nawaz Sharif to his Punjab country residence.
The man out to oust a President
Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, aims to force President Musharraf to step down within the next six weeks.
'Pakistan still making nukes under Mush'
LONDON: The proliferation of nuclear weapons carried out by Pakistan has not come to an end, according to new intelligence assessments.
Give us the same deal, Pakistan writes to NSG
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 29: While the Manmohan Singh government continues its tedious search for an understanding with the Left on the nuclear deal to start the next stage of negotiations, Pakistan has formally approached key members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group seeking an exception from its rules on the lines being suggested for India.
Pakistan president to quit as army chief
PAKISTAN'S weakened President Pervez Musharraf has agreed to resign as army chief in a power-sharing deal with exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
What Pakistan needs to become a truly democratic state
With Pakistan having recently celebrated 60 years of independence, the country finds itself embroiled in yet another seemingly intractable political crisis. The state, founded by one of the Indian subcontinent's most brilliant lawyers, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has spent more than half of its life under military rule.
US appears to adjust stance on Pakistan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - While still solidly behind Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, the United States appears to be bracing for the possibility that he might have to give up or share power, analysts said.
Bhutto wants power-sharing deal with Mush by August-end
WASHINGTON: Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Tuesday urged President Pervez Musharraf to present a power-sharing reform package by the end of August, saying her party was becoming jittery with approaching elections.
Musharraf in serious trouble, says South Asia expert
Washington, Aug 20 : Noted South Asia expert Teresita C Schaffer feels that Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, who has been the centrepiece of US policymaking in the region, is in "serious trouble" ahead of the elections in the country.
An attempt to create unnatural polarisation
THE US administration, in sheer desperation to contain what it sees as a rising tide of Islamic extremism in Pakistan, has started treading in a dangerous territory. The admission on Thursday by the White House deputy press secretary, and later by a spokesperson for the State Department, that they have been encouraging moderate parties to cobble together a grouping, led by President Pervez Musharraf, to take on the forces of extremism, shows how little the policy-makers in Washington know about Pakistani society, or for that matter about most of the Islamic world.
US Wants Moderate Rule in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The United States wants to see Pakistan's moderate and democratic politicians unite to fight Islamic extremism, but has no interest in picking sides ahead of upcoming elections, a top U.S. envoy said.
Pakistan yearns for 60-year merry-go-round to stop
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Sixty years old, Pakistan remains trapped in the same revolving door between civilian and military rule that it has known all its life.
Saving Pakistan
Pakistan’s Nobel winning particle physicist Abdus Salam (1926-1996) was, like Pakistan’s most eminent jurist Zafrullah Khan (1893-1985), treated badly by his country and compatriots merely because of his religious beliefs as an Ahmadiya/Qadiani. This itself may be an adequate reason for secular thinking when it comes to identifying Pakistan’s or any country’s interests.
Sex trafficking spreading HIV in South Asia: Study
Washington: Trafficking of women across South Asia to work as prostitutes is likely a key factor in the spread of HIV-AIDS across the region, according to a study released Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Pakistan becomes favourite US whipping boy
WASHINGTON: President Bush on Monday did not rule out direct military strikes against terrorists in Pakistan but indicated he was inclined to work with Islamabad on the matter. His nuanced comment kept the hot button issue that has agitated Pakistan on the boil.
Peace in South Asia lies in settlement of Kashmir dispute: PM
ISLAMABAD, July 26 (Online): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that peace in South Asia will be ensured with a settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people .
Musharraf the winner in Masjid game
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has a real opportunity to crack down hard on Islamist terrorists operating in his country following Tuesday's pre-dawn operation against militants holed up in Islamabad's Lal Masjid. The General, whose record in the battle against militancy is chequered, ordered his troops to take over the Masjid after efforts to secure a negotiated settlement with the clerics failed.
Pakistani nukes and global hazards
The word "nuclear" has a way of quickening people's pulse. The recent earthquake in Japan would have been just another earthquake, but the fact that it set off a fire at the world's most powerful nuclear reactor, which subsequently leaked radioactive material, grabbed the headlines.
Exorcist: Dictator’s cut
As news of further violence in Pakistan after the Lal Masjid storming by the Pakistan Security Force makes international headlines, it is very tempting to sound smug and say “Ah, but I told you so” and “You reap what you sow.” Killing of innocents, including those who died in the Lal Masjid incident, cannot be fobbed off in this manner. But the fact is that for decades Pakistan has sponsored international demons as an instrument of foreign policy. It must now tackle its own demons.
A defining moment
The events in Pakistan seem to be acquiring a dynamics of their own. Much depends on the nature of the security operation in the Lal Masjid, and the casualties. The storming of the mosque by troops is a defining moment.
For Musharraf, fighting jehadis is easier said than done
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has finally taken the jehadi bull by the horn by storming the Lal Masjid and confronting the jehadi mullahs holed up inside. Ironically, this happened in the month of the 30th anniversary of the ouster of the first elected prime minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, by the first mullah in khaki, General Zia-ul Haq.
Al Qaeda strongest since 2001: US report
Al Qaeda continues to build its base in the ungoverned areas of Pakistan and is as strong as it was in 2001 during the planning stage for the US terrorist attacks, according to a classified document cited by CNN and public testimony.
Pakistan's sordid saga
The sordid tale of Pakistan's politics continues, unfolding in the same weird and bizarre fashion that has been its trademark for the past 60 years. With the Chief Justice (CJ) of Pakistan having become 'non-functional', another sordid chapter has been added to the judiciary's chequered history. Since the charges are sub judice and commenting on them would constitute 'contempt', one cannot but take note of the background against which the CJ was made 'non-functional' and the 'judicial activism' that came to be associated with his name since he became the CJ in June 2005.
New strategy of curbing militancy
A HIGH level meeting chaired by President Pervez Musharraf has discussed various political, administrative and other meaures to curb militancy and extremism from FATA and some settled areas of the NWFP following increasing incidents of terrorism. A new strategy has also been devised focusing on strengthening the law enforcing agencies with advanced equipment, involving tribal elders and moving at a fast pace with development projects to bring the people in the mainstream of national life in order to dry up the life line of the extremist elements.
Musharraf urges tribes to expel Al Qaeda
ISLAMABAD - President Pervez Musharraf told tribesmen from a troubled border region that they would cause international embarrassment for Pakistan if they failed to expel Al Qaeda 'terrorists', a report said.
Inequality & development
IF budgets are meant to deliver marginal changes in the established fiscal order, they don't deserve the hoopla that accompanies their announcement. With the private sector now playing the role which is unprecedented in Pakistan's history, much that happens to the economy is not the result of what Islamabad does but what thousands of entrepreneurs think and do.
Free & fair elections
General elections in 2007 are on the cards. But so far there is neither any sign nor any strategy to conduct free and fair elections. The history of elections in Pakistan is full of bitter experiences of winning polls through under the table means, frequent change of loyalties and political deals to safeguard vested interests. It is really tragic that only the elections of 1970 can be called transparent after the creation of Pakistan. But these elections were held under the aegis of a man in khaki, who had his own axe to grind. However, these impartial polls could not suit Pakistan's disputatious political atmosphere thick with tension, which tore the nation apart and led to the country's dismemberment.
Jinnah & his detractors
Pakistan appeared on the map of the World on August 14, 1947.It is mind-boggling to note, that even after sixty years of its coming into being, certain unscrupulous elements amongst us, at the behest of their local or foreign masters,are busy attributing wrong motives to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e- Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah in regard to his efforts at carving out of the Indian sub-continent,a separate Muslim State.The present generation of Pakistanis,who were mostly born after partition{1947},have not, unfortunately,been adequately acquainted with the genesis of Pakistan. This lapse has provided an opportunity to the fifth-columnists, to poision the minds of the younger generation by exposing them to their biased and misleading propaganda against Pakistan Movement and its founder.
Legitimacy of states
Based on our internal and external policies since many years, particularly after 9/11 one can see Pakistan falling between quasi and soft state lines. The two concepts of quasi and soft state are leading terminologies in political science being propounded by a number of scholars such as Robert Jackson, Gunner Myrdal, Samuel Huntington, Lipset and others.
Pemra amendments still a threat
OUR uniformed president has agreed to withdraw the sweeping media curbs contained in the recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance 2002. Apparently, he has linked the withdrawal of the draconian amendments to a code of conduct.
Nawaz Sharif reminds India that the peace process needs more than the Pakistan army's support
New Delhi's peace process with Islamabad has begun to run into an unexpected obstacle: the gathering movement for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Two recent developments confirm this turn of events. The first was the comment of the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, on NDTV's Walk the Talk, that his party would strongly oppose any agreement that India might arrive at with President Pervez Musharraf on the resolution of the Kashmir question.
Generals don't say goodbye
Pakistan has been consistent in one respect: military rulers up front have a limited shelf life. They can remain powers behind the throne after the first seizure of power by the Army sets the trend, but the people tire of the uniform as they tire of politicians. True, Pakistan has never had the luxury of a universally accepted Constitution after the Jinnah days, with the armed forces tinkering with it as they go along, but it has, over the years, built an idea of a fair Constitution.
An exit strategy for Pak military
Karachi: The history of military rule in Pakistan is not as gloomy as often painted. In its 60 years of independence, four of Pakistan's Presidents came while serving in the Army. Compared to this period, Nigeria has had more coups than Pakistan and none of its military rulers did as much for the country's economic development as the generals in Pakistan. In Argentina during 1930 to 1983 (a total of 53 years) 14 military Presidents governed the country. It is not unrealistic to expect that Pakistan will eventually move to a civilian democratic rule without military interference.
Read Ayub's diaries to disbelieve
Karachi: It is impossible to be both a diarist and a statesman. Each has a different focal length. One observes the minutiae of a day's activities while the other views the broad sweep of contemporary history, leaving its chronicling to others. The most successful and famous diarists have been those who have stood on the periphery of their times, involved and therefore informed, yet detached and perceptive.
Is judicial crisis moving towards its logical end?
LAHORE: Judicial crisis has certainly changed the political dimensions. Opposition and government have been compelled to change their priorities and strategies in the prevailing judicial crisis. It has become the centre of focus.
Gilgit Baltistan: A saga of Pakistani colonisation
Gilgit-Baltistan, also called Federally Administered Northern Areas, was once a part of Jammu and Kashmir. But since 1947, when India and Pakistan achieved independence, the unfortunate territory is facing the wrath of colonisation.
Musharraf at the Exit
In the rapidly unfolding crisis in Pakistan, no matter what happens to President Pervez Musharraf -- whether he survives politically or not -- he is a lame duck. He is unable to rein in Talibanization in Pakistan or guide the country toward a more democratic future.
Pakistan: US ally, US dilemma
Ever since the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has doggedly made the case to Washington that he is the finger in the dike holding back a wave of Islamic extremism that could again reach America's shores.
What hurts is the rich-poor divide
POVERTY, an area of profound concern for economists in the Third World, has acquired enormous political connotations. It has come to be used as the yardstick to measure the performance of a government. It is therefore not surprising that policymakers make exaggerated claims about poverty reduction.
Pakistan's Silent Majority Is Not to Be Feared
London--I WAS one of the few Pakistanis who actually voted for Gen. Pervez Musharraf in the rigged referendum of 2002. I recall walking into a polling station in Islamabad and not seeing any other voter. When I took the time required to read the convoluted ballot, I was accosted by a man who had the overbearing attitude of a soldier although he was in civilian clothes.
Civil society awakened
Since last Friday the country has been gripped with an energy which has not been seen in the public sphere for a long time now. The way General Musharraf first suspended Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, then sent the reference against him to the Supreme Judicial Council and appointed an acting chief justice, all this while Justice Chaudhry kept waiting for the president, has unleashed an unprecedented resistance.
Is it military versus judiciary?
Feeling over-confident and convinced that he is not accountable to anyone, President General Pervez Musharraf was apparently unable to gauge the level of opposition to his controversial move to suspend Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and send a reference against him to the Supreme Judicial Council.
All the makings of a police state
The events since Friday make extremely depressing reading for anyone remotely concerned about the state of the nation.
Pakistan girds for blowback on al Qaeda intelligence
It has been an extraordinarily bloody start to 2007 in Pakistan, and analysts, intelligence officials and ordinary Pakistanis fear it is likely to get worse.
Changing perceptions
America's perception that Pakistan's tribal belt along the Afghanistan border is providing safe haven for Taliban and al-Qaeda elements is getting stronger every day. America's National Director of Intelligence, John Negroponte, recently said that Pakistan's tribal areas were a "major source of Islamic extremism and a refuge for terrorist leaders".
Pakistan accused of backing Taliban
QUETTA, Pakistan: The most explosive question about the Taliban resurgence
here along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is this: Have
Pakistani intelligence agencies been promoting the Islamic insurgency?
Will Pakistan's fence plan work?
Many doubt that any barricade will curb the Taleban's activities
Few people expect Pakistan's proposal to control militant infiltration into Afghanistan by fencing and mining their joint border to be a workable solution.
Northern Areas: a tale of neglect, denial?
New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Rebellion and resentment that have been brewing among people of the Northern Areas, part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, is fast reaching a crescendo against persecution by the Pakistani armed forces, the continuing denial of legal and political rights, and devious attempts at demographic engineering in this strategic region.
In Pakistan, an unusual court ruling
The case of Neelam Ludhani sends out hope to women.
IT HAD all the elements of a mega TV serial — love, a runaway marriage, a first wife, parents with connections in high places, and to top it all, a religious divide and a courtroom drama.
Shadow of bin Laden irritates Pakistani village
CHITRAL, Pakistan This quiet mountain resort, better known for its polo games and mountain treks, has become the latest site of interest in the hunt for Osama bin Laden, much to the outrage and bemusement of its inhabitants.
Deciphering Taliban's message to India
There is no dishonour in exploring the flexibility and leeway provided in the Constitution to The greatest threat to India is the non-liberal ideology prevalent in Afghanistan. The killing on Sunday of K Suryanarayana, the Indian engineer, is a result of Islamic terrorism, in which Pakistan has also been involved for many years.
Who is afraid of peace with Pakistan?
There is no dishonour in exploring the flexibility and leeway provided in the Constitution to satisfy the demand for self-governance in Kashmir.
LAST MONDAY, voters in four Assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. The average turnout in the four by-elections is reported to be more than 50 per cent, highest since the insurgency broke out in the late 1980s, despite a boycott call by separatist outfits.
Varanasi and the puppet masters of terror
Investigation into the Varanasi bombings has led to the Harkat ul-Jihad Islami, accentuating concerns about the emergence of Bangladesh as a base for Islamist terror groups.
WE NOW know who planted the bombs that went off in Varanasi last month, killing 20 persons. But the puppet masters, it turns out, sat in cities hundreds of kilometres away: in Dhaka, Karachi, and Kandahar.
In Remote Pakistan Province, a Civil War Festers
DERA BUGTI, Pakistan - Explosions at gas pipelines and railroad tracks are common in this remote desert region. Now, roadside bombs and artillery shells are, too. More than 100 civilians have been killed in recent months,along with dozens of government security forces, local residents and Pakistan's Human Rights Commission say.
Serious threat to Pakistan's civil society
Last week's terror bombing in Karachi points to one of the least-examined faultlines in Pakistan: the war for power between Barelvi and Deobandi clerics.
PAKISTAN'S RELIGIOUS right is at war with itself, with clerics locked in a mortal combat that could have more fateful consequences for the future of the nation than any of the several crises that have enveloped it since 2001.
Dialogue needs a common language
When Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke recently of a “treaty of peace, security and friendship” with Pakistan, he inadvertently highlighted the different visions of India-Pakistan relations prevailing in Delhi and Islamabad. India sees normalization as a means of addressing disputes and issues that have proved intractable over more than five decades. Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to insist that normalization would be the end result, rather than the means, of resolving disputes, especially the Kashmir question.
Will agreements follow the buses?
Now is the time for a resolution of key disputes with Pakistan.
SHOULD PRIME Minister Manmohan Singh have gone all the way to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the new bus from Amritsar on March 24? Or should a visit to Pakistan be linked to some tangible progress in the bilateral relationship?
What is it about Pakistan?
It speaks of the enormous self-confidence of Pakistani diplomats that they were willing to disclose to their Public Accounts Committee that they bribed members of the 911 Commission, to get drastic changes made in its final report. Not only that. The story was leaked to the Friday Times to be published on the day President Bush was in Islamabad.
In each other we trust
Amidst the celebrations that have followed President George W. Bush’s decision to clinch a nuclear accord with India yesterday, it would be unwise to forget how close the UPA government came to squandering a historic opportunity to break out of the nuclear isolation promised by the nuclear pact signed last July.
BETWEEN FRIENDS
- India cannot ignore the link between Pakistan and the US
The delightful double entendre of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari’s comment as Union home minister to a visiting Afghan premier in January 1951 could be repeated next week to George W. Bush. “It is no secret that our foreign policy holds Indo-Afghan friendship to be essential; and when we two are bound in friendship we will squeeze anyone in between in the same embrace of affection — a pincer movement for peace, so to speak,” Rajaji said wickedly.
How much longer can General Musharraf last?
A key ally of Washington in the "war on terror", Pakistan appears to
be headed by a benign modernizer who stands as a bulwark against
religious extremism in this strategically vital region. In the sprawling
capital, Islamabad, the institutions of state sit in white marble
palaces, the wheels of government appear to function, boys
play cricket in every available green space.
Pakistan I: Musharraf on a tightrope
ISLAMABAD The strategic importance of Pakistan is obvious, but it is not exactly a blessing on the land. In an interview here this week, President Pervez Musharraf said the country lies at the nexus of five world concerns: terrorism, democracy, human rights, narcotics and nuclear nonproliferation.
Another winter of discontent
RESTORING the writ of the government is one of the oldest and deadliest cliches in the Pakistani dictionary. We have been establishing and restoring this writ since independence. The results are there for all to see.
Third time rebellious in Baluchistan
India’s expression of concern Tuesday over Pakistan’s military crack-down in Baluchistan brought a swift and entirely expected condemnation from the foreign office in Islamabad which rejected New Delhi’s “meddling” in its “internal affairs”.
Pakistani elite not ready to embrace India: Haqqani
New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) India and Pakistan may be talking peace but the ruling elite in Islamabad is not ready to strike genuine friendship with New Delhi, visiting scholar and former prime ministerial adviser Hussain Haqqani said Wednesday.
No breakthrough in Pakistan, India aviation talks
Islamabad, Sep 28: Talks between Pakistan and India on air services between the two countries and cooperation in civil aviation concluded Wednesday without any breakthrough, Online news agency reports.
Lahore-Amritsar bus in November, Nankana Sahib bus soon
New Delhi, Sep 28: In yet another boost to their reconciliation process, India and Pakistan Wednesday decided to start a bus service between Amritsar and Lahore in November and agreed to begin soon another bus to Nankana Sahib - home to some of the holiest Sikh shrines.
Pakistan test-fires maiden cruise missile
Islamabad, Aug 11: Pakistan Thursday successfully test-fired its maiden ground-launched cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, an official announcement said.
India hopes for more military CBMs soon
New Delhi, Aug 8: India Monday expressed satisfaction at daylong talks with Pakistan that led to a decision to upgrade the hotline between top military officials but rued that some of its proposals like the holding of seminars between academics could not be agreed on.
India, Pak likely to clinch deal on missile testing
New Delhi, Aug 4: India and Pakistan are likely to formalize an agreement on advance notification of missile tests and cement understanding on other confidence building measures (CBMs) to deal with nuclear emergencies when the two sides meet for two-day talks beginning here Friday.
Pakistani judge banks on people's power for better ties
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) A Pakistani Supreme Court judge says it is only the power of the common people in both countries that can change the course of India-Pakistan relations.
Kashmir shuts down to protest killing of students
Srinagar, July 27: Shops, offices and schools were closed Wednesday in all major towns in Kashmir Valley in response to a strike call to protest the killing of three students in an Indian Army ambush.
India expresses concern at terror activity across LoC
New Delhi, July 19: India's concerns about an increase in attempts by guerrillas to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir and terrorist activity across the Line of Control (LoC) were conveyed to Pakistan Tuesday during an interaction between senior military officials.
India, Pakistan announce schedule for talks
New Delhi, July 19: India and Pakistan Tuesday announced they would hold their next round of talks under their composite dialogue process on issues like nuclear confidence-building measures, economic cooperation and terrorism over the next two months.
Seventh peace bus leaves for LoC
Srinagar, July 14: The seventh Srinagar-Muzaffarabad peace bus left here Thursday morning under heavy armed escort on its way to the Kaman Bridge on the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.
Terror will affect peace process: India
New Delhi, July 13: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's first official visit to the US next week is likely to see a breakthrough in the crucial area of energy cooperation and will deepen strategic partnership with the two countries coming together to strengthen democracy in the world.
Pakistan team to visit Baglihar site
Islamabad, July 10: A high-level Pakistani delegation will later this month visit New Delhi and the site of Baglihar hydropower project on the river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir, a media report Sunday said.
Amritsar-Lahore bus on course, trials soon
New Delhi, July 10: Despite the terror attack in Ayodhya, India and Pakistan have decided to push the ongoing peace process by focussing their energies on starting the proposed trans-border Amritsar-Lahore bus.
Baglihar project does not violate treaty: India
Jammu, June 17: The Indian government Friday reiterated that the 450-MW Baglihar hydroelectric project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir did not violate a water sharing treaty with Pakistan.
Pakistan visit evokes mixed reactions
Srinagar, June 17: It appears to be a mixed bag for Jammu and Kashmir's separatist leaders as they start unpacking after a fortnight in Pakistan. While the moderate Hurriyat section is upbeat, the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) seems distinctly dejected.
US may not impose sanctions despite Iran pipeline
Washington, June 17: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has indicated that the US may not impose sanctions on India and Pakistan even if they go ahead with the gas pipeline project with Iran.
'Rashid should quit before visiting Indian Kashmir'
Islamabad, June 9: The opposition Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) Thursday asked Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad to resign before going ahead with his plans to visit Jammu and Kashmir, Online news agency reports.
New options being mulled on Kashmir, claims Hurriyat
Karachi, June 9: All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Thursday said new ideas and options were being mulled to settle the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, reports Online news agency.
Manmohan to become first PM to visit Siachen
New Delhi, June 9: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will Friday begin a visit to Jammu and Kashmir to boost the state's economic development and to acquaint himself with the situation on the Siachen glacier, the world's highest battlefield.
China ready to talk border trade in Kashmir
Beijing, June 9: As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh heads to Jammu and Kashmir again, the third time in less than a year, China is signaling willingness to restore historic trade links between J&K and the neighbouring Chinese provinces.
In Siachen, PM will thank Army
Beijing, June 9: As the first Prime Minister to visit the troops maintaining an impossible vigil at the Siachen glacier, Manmohan Singh will get a sense of the extraordinary fortitude of the Indian Army.
Ex minister disputes Gohar Ayub's claims
Peshawar, June 6 (IANS) Former Pakistan interior minister, Major General (retd) Naseerullah Babar, has disputed ex-foreign minister Gohar Ayub Khan's claim that an Indian brigadier had sold India's operational plans for the 1965 war for Rs.20,000.
Zardari improving after angioplasty
Islamabad, June 6: Asif Ali Zardari, husband of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, is in stable condition after undergoing angioplasty in a Dubai hospital following a heart attack, according to reports here.
No India-Pakistan merger, confederation possible: Advani
Karachi, June 6: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L.K. Advani has ruled out the possibility of a future merger between India and Pakistan but said a confederation of the two countries could be a probability.
Advani prepared for debate on Jinnah remarks
New Delhi, June 6: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L.K. Advani Monday described his visit to Pakistan as "an unforgettable week in my life" and said he would welcome a debate on his remarks praising Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah that have irked Hindu hardliners.
Advani meets Musharraf
Islamabad, May 31 (IANS) India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L. K. Advani Tuesday met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and had a "free and frank" exchange of views on all bilateral issues, an official said.
Pakistan downgrades reception for Hurriyat team
Islamabad, May 31: With Hurriyat chief Syed Ali Geelani refusing to visit Pakistan, the government has downgraded the reception ceremony for the other leaders of the group who will arrive by the Kashmir bus June 2.
Advani grabs front pages, called 'son of soil'
Islamabad, May 31: In a clear admission that he matters in India, the Pakistani media Tuesday gave prominent coverage to the visit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karachi-born L.K. Advani.
There's a caravan of peace in South Asia: Advani
Islamabad, May 31: Peace in South Asia is the key to the region's development and so India wants to resolve all issues, including Kashmir, with Pakistan, visiting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L.K. Advani said.
Musharraf to stay beyond 2007: minister
Lahore, May 18: President Pervez Musharraf will remain in office even after the 2007 general elections, a Pakistani minister has said.
Musharraf was targeted to derail India-Pakistan peace
Islamabad, May 18: Abu al-Faraj al-Libbi, said to be the number three man in the Al Qaeda network, has confessed to masterminding two assassination attempts against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to derail his peace moves with India, a media report Tuesday said.
Opposition questions Musharraf chairing PML meeting
Islamabad, May 18: Opposition parties have slammed President Pervez Musharraf for chairing a meeting of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML), saying the constitution did not permit an army chief to play politics.
Widespread protests in Pakistan against Quran desecration
Islamabad, May 14: Pakistan is seeing widespread protests over the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in Guantanamo Bay, with the National Assembly too adopting a resolution asking the US to apologise for it, reports Online news agency.
Washington Times apologises for Pakistan cartoon
Washington, May 14: The American daily Washington Times has tendered an apology for publishing a cartoon ridiculing Pakistan's role in the US-led war on terror, reports Online news agency.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka free trade pact from June
Islamabad, May 14: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka allowing them preferential market access will be operational from June 12, reports Xinhua.
Clear proliferation charges: France to Pakistan
Islamabad, May 14: Pakistan must clear itself of proliferation charges before it can hope to receive civilian nuclear technology from France, the country's envoy has said.
Pakistan's ruling party in turmoil
Islamabad, May 14: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) is in turmoil with two former prime ministers ranged against each other - one claiming he is in control and the other calling for an end to "dictatorship" in the organisation.
Pakistani, Indian coast guards to establish communication links
Rawalpindi, May 11: Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and India's Coast Guard have decided to establish a communication link to exchange information on violation of their territorial waters and other issues of common interest, a communiqué issued here Wednesday said.
India marks Pokhran anniversary on quiet, confident note
New Delhi, May 11: India, which stunned the world with a series of atomic tests seven years ago, marked the anniversary Wednesday quietly but confidently and convinced that the events since then have vindicated the country's decision to cross the nuclear Rubicon.
Swiss engineer named neutral expert on Baglihar
Washington, May 11 (IANS) The World Bank has named a Swiss civil engineer, Raymond Lafitte, as neutral expert to address differences between Pakistan and India over the Baglihar hydropower scheme in Kashmir.
Kashmir's women councillors raring to go
New Delhi, May 11: Of diverse backgrounds and ages but articulate, assertive, educated - they are the new women councillors of Jammu and Kashmir who defied the gun to enter public life, determined to change things for the better.
Pakistan policy isolates Indian Muslims: cleric
Islamabad, May 11: An Indian Muslim cleric has blasted Pakistan's policy of promoting violence in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it has isolated Indian Muslims within the country.
India, Pakistan agree on Lahore-Amritsar bus, coast guard links
Islamabad, May 10: Pakistan and India took two steps forward Tuesday in their rapidly warming ties, agreeing to start a Lahore-Amritsar bus service and establish a communication link between their coast guards.
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