- Naeem Chisthi on Salman Taseer → Baithak discusses a little in depth information about the new controversial Gov of Punjab Salman Taseer #
- Sex in Depth: In Pakistan, a dark trade comes to light → A worrisome article which sheds light on the upswing of the prostitution dens in Pakistan - Could the ‘maulvis’ of Lal Masjid be there to highlight a deep rooted causes after all they were after these sex-dens #
Teeth Maestro v 4.0
Welcome to the new design of Teeth Maestro’s Blog, it is for the record the fourth major re-design of this blog since 2004 when I first started to blog on the world wide web..
The v3.0 had been running for almost an entire year and saw us through some serious political debates here in Pakistan but like Pakistan its time for a change and I now present you the v4.0 design. I personally had grown tired of cluttered and confusing layout of the old design, though the play with the two side bars was truly a geeks paradise on earth but it was just a bit too much. So in an attempt to change I finally took the plunge last week and pulled out a theme which appealed to me.
A few improvement are noted below
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When Justice does not prevail…..
Yesterday an Urdu daily Khabrian published this shocking image which showed three people being burnt alive whilst a large crowd stood watching. A Daily Times reporter wrote a story without the gruesome image. For the record I must fully condemn this incident and my sharing this story is only to highlight the failing morals of our society, when none of its people expect any form of justice they are inadvertenly (willingly or unwillingly) forced to take matters into their own hands.
A group of incensed residents of the Nishtar Road neighbourhood beat and burnt three robbers so badly on Wednesday that two died on the spot and another died at hospital.
The three men (according to some reports there was one more) were caught trying to escape after robbing flat No. 303 of Samia Kalam Building during which its resident Akbar was injured, said DSP Malik Mazar Hussain. There were reports that the men of the area got together to grab the men who were beaten with whatever they could lay their hands on, including sticks and blades. Some type of oil was sprinkled on them and a match was lit.
Muneer Malik and Aitzaz Ahsan accept the AHRC’s Human Rights Defender Award
The Asian Human Rights Commission wishes to inform you that at an award ceremony held at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club, Hong Kong , Mr. Muneer Malik accepted the Human Rights Defender Award on behalf of himself and his colleague, Mr. Aitaz Ahsan. Mr. John J. Clancey, the chairperson of the AHRC made the presentation speech on behalf of the AHRC and detailed the contribution of the lawyer’s movement of Pakistan to the cause of the rule of the law and the independence of the judiciary. He highlighted the importance of this movement and the courageous role played by about 3,000 lawyers who faced detention and the 60 judges who were dismissed from their positions. He also highlighted the important role played by the leading lawyers such as the two gentlemen who were honoured on this occasion who lead a whole generation of younger lawyers that went into the streets to defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. We reproduce below the acceptance speech of Mr. Muneer Malik on behalf of himself and his colleague, Mr. Aitaz Ahsan
The Asian Human Rights Commission wishes to inform you that at an award ceremony held at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club, Hong Kong , Mr. Muneer Malik accepted the Human Rights Defender Award on behalf of himself and his colleague, Mr. Aitaz Ahsan.
Mr. John J. Clancey, the chairperson of the AHRC made the presentation speech on behalf of the AHRC and detailed the contribution of the lawyer’s movement of Pakistan to the cause of the rule of the law and the independence of the judiciary. He highlighted the importance of this movement and the courageous role played by about 3,000 lawyers who faced detention and the 60 judges who were dismissed from their positions. He also highlighted the important role played by the leading lawyers such as the two gentlemen who were honoured on this occasion who lead a whole generation of younger lawyers that went into the streets to defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
We reproduce below the acceptance speech of Mr. Muneer Malik on behalf of himself and his colleague, Mr. Aitaz Ahsan
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Lawyers Marching to Islamabad for Justice
It seems there is a group of lawyers who are marching their way on foot from Lahore to Islamabad to save the Judiciary in Pakistan. Tired an drained last night they were reported to have reached Jehlum and would commence their journey towards Dina, Sohawa & Gujar Khan early today morning. A detailed report on Fast Rising Blog
Fast Rising Blog - March for justice and for honour
We just had a long chat with Mr. Warraich, one of the young lawyers marching from Lahore to Islamabad. The basic updates have been provided in our section on the the march, but this seemed like a good opportunity to share some of the details provided. They are a party of eight - six lawyers and two members of civil society.
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Princeless Moment for Pakistan
The Pakistani nation of 160 million awaiting justice & acountability: $ FREE
Cheap animal suits to celebrate the ’successful’ London talks: $30
Camera to share your priceless moment: $50
There are somethings that the establishment can buy,
For everything else there is the NRO card
Stale Mate
Guest Blog by: Amjad Malik
At last, it has happened what was feared for days by many here and abroad, that judges are not restored and Sharifs are out of cabinet. Nawaz Sharif has said good bye to PPP led cabinet preferring to sit and wait whilst lawyers and civil society is sorting out their armoury in a similar circumstance to that of 3 November position in order to raise their voice against the undesired acts of the government. This time they will have difficulty though as the opponent will be none other but a popular political party who came to revolutionise the state with their slogan of economic empowerment, education, employment and basic amenities by changing the system and taking revenge by installing true democracy. Instead, they are confused, back tracking and are toeing a line which is neither here nor there. A party which is alive because of bloodline of martyrs from Zulfiqar to Benazir is acting coercively with the ditto policies of the unpopular dictator despite their anti dictatorial slogans and claims upon which they grabbed votes in millions. We have seen the trailers in the form of possible forthcoming restrictions on the popular electronic network which is alarming especially in the reign of Bhuttoites whose claim for fame is media freedom, democracy & rule of law, instead, their die hard supporters who were whip lashed in the reign of Gen Zia in 70’s are speechless at this miraculous developments.
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May 12, 2007 - In remembrance
Pakistan stood stunned almost a year back on May 12th 2007 when the city of Karachi was held hostage in the hands of terrorists who went on a killing spree. The culprits were caught on tape and much was said about bringing these culprits to justice, but unfortunately nothing has come out, despite our repeated pleas for justice. Quite honestly how can any society, even imagine to dream about economic prosperity, when simple justice cannot prevail, there was ample video evidence to easily bring at least a few perpetrators behind bars, but unluckily they “knew the right people in the right places” to walk away scott-free as if no crime had ever occurred.
Dejected and helpless at the sad state of affairs surrounding our country, I simply share a few relevant posts made a year back. Read the anger and try to feel the frustration that besieged the citizens of Karachi that fateful day. Then take a moment and pray to God that Pakistan quickly comes out of the hands these ruthless above-the-law politicians and bring this country back to prosperity.
I must admit in the past few months the only shinning light I saw was through the resurrection of a strong and independent Judiciary, a dream which continues to evaporate into thin air. Innocent me, I dreamt of seeing Pakistan an embodiment of a fair and just society, where no body, not even me, is above the law and all are treated equally and with respect at least living in an Islamic state governed by the principles of the Quran and Sunnah, this should not be a dream, but an easy reality. Then why is it too hard for us to even live up to our name of ‘Islamic’ Republic of Pakistan. We might as well just become The Republic of Pakistan
- Karachi Witnesses an Organized Massacre
- 5/12
- A TT to my head & a press pass in my Pocket
- The 5/12 Massacre
- MQM threatens 20 journalists
- Eyewitness: Karachi, May 12, 2007
- Salman Ahmed speaks out against MQM
Restore Judges not Dogars, Peoples Resistance Rally in Karachi
Members of civil society in Karachi asked the democratically elected government to respect their anti-establishment and pro-judiciary mandate and not follow agenda of establishment by complicating the issue of reinstatement of judiciary.
These views were expressed after a walk was held to support the restoration of judiciary from Khadda Market to the residence of non-functional Chief Justice of Sind High Court, Justice Sabeehuddin’s residence. The walk comprising of over 100 people was organized by People’s Resistance, a loose coalition of individuals, students, teachers, professionals, human rights organizations and common citizens.
Justice (r) Fakhrudin G. Ebrahim who joined the walk said, “If one man’s blatant actions are validated indirectly, this would mean that tomorrow who ever holds power can do anything he pleases with the nation against its will”. He added that the atta crisis and every other issue facing the country today is tied to supremacy of law and only by upholding the constitution can anarchy be avoided.
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Soomro’s royal pilgrimage cost Pakistan $2.8m
The Nation published a news item highlighting the lavish spending done by the caretaker Prime Minster Muhammadmian Soomro when he took a few day sojourn to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The state visit damaged our national exchequer to the tune of over $2.8 Million / equivalent to Rs 196 Million, since a Boeing 777 was brought into the maintenance shop to convert the aircraft into executive settings which apparently took over two days, then his Majesty flew to Makkah while he performed his rituals and begged for forgiveness the aircraft stood parked for four days to finally bring the entourage back to Pakistan. I wonder if he may even be a little guilty of this wastage and to know that he will finally be answerable to God for this blatant wastage while his people remain starving due to the crushing economy, the Rs 196 million could have given an astronomical number of people food for an entire month, just the thought of such wastage warrants that these leaders be tried for high treason
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PR Protest on May 11 for the Restoration of Judiciary
People’s Resistance is organizing a walk from Khadda Market to Chief Justice Mr Sabihuddin’s house on May 11 at 6:15 pm. The participants will gather outside Rahat Milk Shop and start their walk from there. Prominent lawyers and civil society activists are joining the walk.
People’s Resistance, a coalition of concerned citizens, students, teachers, NGOs, trade unions and political parties, has been demanding Restoration of Pre-Nov 3 Judiciary, Independence of Media and Restoration of 1973 Constitution. People’s Resistance has organized street protests around Karachi against the illegal steps of November 3rd, 2007, against brutal killings and damage to lawyers’ properties on April 9, 2008 and against delay in the restoration by the
new government.
The elected political parties have failed to respect people’s mandate and have twice refused to follow the deadline given by themselves for the restoration of judiciary. The political parties are complicating the issue of restoration of Pre-Nov 3 judiciary by protecting the PCO judges.
Pakistan Hood’winked
It was back in April when Moin Ansari of the Rupee News Blog trumped us with the news that the Commandant of Guantanamo Bay Prison, Maj Gen Jay W. Hood had been sent to Pakistan. It does not take a genius to figure out that Guantanamo Bay was a major goof-up by the American forces, there were reports of desecration of the Holy Quran, Human Rights Violation and reports of blatant prisoner abuse. Apparently General Hood is lauded for his efforts at Gitmo, I wonder if this is the level of treatment that deserved a standing ovation in Washington I fear for the worst when he comes to Pakistan and tries to excersise his control over us.
An article written by Ishtiaq Baig on April 16th 2008 expressed similar sentiments
It is sad for Pakistan that America has nominated such a controversial person as its defence representative, one whose uniform is stained with the blood of Muslims. Under international law, Pakistan has the right to refuse the appointment of such a controversial person. Now that the new democratic government has come into office, perhaps Islamabad should request Washington to review its decision and in fact should tell it that it will not accept General Hood. We may not have been able to stop General Hood from desecrating the Holy Quran but we can at least stop him from coming to our country.
While Moin Ansari also reacted with some truly heart felt emotional words
It is disgusting to hear that General Jay Hood, the monster of Gitmo would be in the US Embassy in Islamabad. Was he the proposed person to take charge of the Nuclear Command of Pakistan? Will he monitor the renditions and transfer of prisoners. Whose idea was it ot put a lightning rod in the diplomatic enclave with “ah bail mujhe maar” (Bull come and hit me). Was it necessary to put General Hood in a sensitive areas. Does Hood no tknow how much people hate what went on in Gitmo? This was the worst blunder the new government made. It has since been rectified and the General’s appointment in Paksitan has been rejected
Two Supreme Courts being considered to Resolve Judges issue
An article written by Rauf Klasra published in The News today, is an eye opener, for the democratically elected forces actually contemplating to split the Supreme Court into two functioning bodies is almost akin to the mockery made by Pervaiz Musharraf when he created an Islamabad High Court in an attempt to protect his illegal actions. I doubt this proposal was afoot in the Dubai talks and may have truly surfaced when Zardari came rushing back to seek the blessings of the Presidency. Musharraf in his conspiring way could have easily coughed up this proposal (possibly in conjunction of the Jadogar of Jeddah). The division of the Supreme Court will be the biggest crime ever conceived.
Nawaz Sharif might indeed be toeing along simply to make the best out of the situation, but I feel if such a proposal is afoot one must act swiftly & quickly to nip the idea in the bud well before it takes a serious turn. Its about time PML-N quit the honeymoon coalition government and join the lawyers on the street in the ongoing struggle for the restoration of Judiciary in Pakistan. At the same time an evil genius (!!) within me might suggest Nawaz Sharif to hold on for just a bit longer, ensure that PPP is publicly committed on this concept and then pull the plug. Quite instantly the PPP bubble will fizzle like a balloon let free, even the PPP stalwarts might find it difficult to hold on even for their dear lives. All said, I truly hope that the suggestion of the bifurcation of the Supreme is unfounded, for the sake of Pakistan, I definitely hope its just another rumor floating around
Two Supreme Courts being considered to resolve judges issue
The News: Saturday, May 10, 2008
By Rauf Klasra - website
Two parallel Supreme Courts are being quietly discussed in Pakistan as part of a draft constitutional package to resolve the complex issue of the deposed judges’ restoration.
The proposal envisages one Supreme Court to be headed by the deposed chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry dealing only with criminal and civil cases and the other by the incumbent Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, which would be looking after the constitutional matters. It will also have all the suo motu powers.
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Rumor Mill: Salman Farooqi wants PNSC to send a special ship to the US
I have just received this update via email, I try to be very careful on what get published on my blog, and do not necessarily react to rumors unless I can personally verify it from a trusted source. Truly this email simply amused me, it seems according to this unnamed source that Salman Farooqi has left his personal belongings in the US and has suggested to the Chairman PNSC to run a special cargo ship out to the United States to fetch his personal belongings and bring them to Pakistan
You may like to know that the famous ex-Federal Secretary Salman Farouqi called Chairman PNSC (Sikandar Viqar Naqvi) and asked him to arrange transportation of his personal belongings from USA to Pakistan. However, Chairman PNSC politely told him that PNSC ships do not visit USA.
On hearing this do you know what outrageous proposal was given by Mr. Salman Farouqi? He proposed that, “Can PNSC send a special ship to USA to pick up his personal belongings?”
You can now draw your own conclusions about what to expect during the next five years of PPP rule.
It could be just a funny joke but when I see a reference of Salman Farooqi it instantly shuttles back into his powerful reign in the 90’s when everything such as this was very much possible. As a disclaimer, please treat this post at face value, I personally cannot confirm this rumor and share it only to maybe forewarn us to our new found liberated future.
It is said that a leopard never changes his spots — has the PPP returned into power for the 3rd time all baptized to do no sin? or do we sit and wait for the actual fireworks to begin, I sadly expect them to be better then before.
Was MQM involved in a Rs 450 bln Real Estate scam?
A news report surfaced 6th May in The News titled Rs450b real estate scam leaves MQM red-faced which outlined how Former Minister for Housing Syed Safwanullah, who belonged to the MQM, allegedly issued 3,281 eligibility certificates for government properties and accommodations in Karachi estimated to be worth Rs450 billion among favored individuals, few retired government officials and ordinary public.
The news report went on to explain ‘When the scam first came to light MQM leaders vehemently denied any wrongdoing by the former minister and tried to hush up the matter. The matter became so that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had to intervene and announced cancellation of all allotments and ordered all those who were occupying the properties to be ejected immediately’. It may definitely appear that the new PPP led government may have leveraged this scam to test the waters on its fragile love-hate relationship with the MQM.
What surprised everyone of us was the following day The News reports Master file of Karachi real estate scam disappears where a few credible sources say that the specific file pertaining to the secret official record and copies of 3,128 eligibility certificates of government properties sold in Karachi in open market and the official correspondence of former housing minister Safwanullah, has been stolen from the housing ministry
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The Establishment’s B team: the PPP
By Samad Khurram and Aqil Sajjad
5/9/2008
PPP sympathisers complain about the mysterious “Establishment” and their alleged role in destroying democracy in Pakistan for decades now. The Establishment, as defined by them, is a collection of dark, mystifying hands that apparently have many vested interests in upholding the status quo. This inexplicable group comprises rich army officers, the intelligence agencies and foreign hands who scheme together for their own economic and geo-strategic interests. To support this argument, examples of the Mullah-Military Alliance from the 1980s are repeated. The Establishment supposedly destroys institutions, murders politicians, blackmails judges and leaders, and sustains the Military Inc.
One major threat to the Establishment’s hold would be an independent judiciary – a judiciary that will not bow down to pressure, sticks or carrots. Historically, many verdicts of our courts were not independent but extorted by threats and intimidation. Judges had regularly fallen victim to blackmail and “sex tapes” and received dictations from the Establishment. Judges who were bold enough not to obey the whims of the Establishment were conveniently removed.
Things changed considerably when Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry took charge and reoriented the judiciary’s direction in favour of the people. He was becoming increasingly independent and was beginning to check the excesses of the establishment. Among the most noted examples in this regard were the attempted loot privatisation of the Steel Mills well below their real worth and the case of the missing people illegally abducted and detained by the intelligence agencies.
As he became a growing threat to the Establishment, Iftikhar Chaudhry was summoned to General Musharraf’s camp office in the presence of serving military officers and the infamous Brig (r) Ejaz Shah on March 9, 2007. When he refused to resign, the nation stood up in his defence. This was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan and soon Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry became a national hero, arguably the most popular Pakistani alive today.
After his reinstatement with the support of lawyers, students and civil society the judiciary was able to exercise its powers with increasing independence. Naturally, the Establishment could not allow such a judiciary to flourish, as their dirty games could now be brought to justice before an independent tribunal.
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