[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]People the ultimate arbiters
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Malik Muhammad Ashraf

For the political forces who have been salivating to see democracy taking roots in the country and power transferred through ballot, the dream has come true with the nomination of the caretaker Prime Minister by the ECP as required under the constitution, removing any doubts about people finally exercising their right of franchise without any hindrance or intervention from any quarter.

A new tradition would have been set if the Prime Minister and the opposition leader had agreed on the name of the caretaker Prime Minister. Nevertheless it is encouraging and satisfying to note that the process has culminated without any hic-up.

As soon as the nomination of Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker Prime Minister was announced by the ECP by majority vote, the PPP, PML (N), PML (Q), MQM, JUI hailed the decision and expressed the confidence that he would make sure that free, fair and transparent elections are held in the country.
But it was really disappointing to see that these parties except PPP and ANP did not attend the oath taking ceremony of the care taker Prime Minister that again would have set yet another healthy democratic tradition in the country. PML (Q) and MQM have been allies of the PPP and the political observers believe that they probably did not attend because of their grievances against the latter. That behaviour is regrettable and unbecoming of the political entities practicing the art of politics at the national level. The PML (N) ostensibly did not participate because the oath was being administered by President Asif Ali Zardari. That is even more reproachable. Whether somebody likes it or not Asif Ali Zardari is the President of Pakistan and it was in this capacity that he was administering the oath as required under the constitution. If the PML (N) leadership had any personal grudge against him it should not have been allowed to cast its shadow on matters of national importance. The President deserves the protocol and respect that is attached to his august office and our political leaders must learn from leaders of other democratic countries to rise above narrow political or personal considerations. For democracy to function on healthy lines, it is imperative that politicians exhibit democratic behaviour. It would be unreasonable on any body’s part to expect high standards of morality and political behaviour by our politicians like in the established democracies but one can surely gravitate to see them making an auspicious beginning by doing small things like showing tolerance towards each other and participating in events of national importance.

Nonetheless, it is gratifying to note that the care taker Prime Minister enjoys the confidence of all the major political players on the chess board of Pakistani politics. Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has had an impeccable and unblemished career as a judge and enjoys good reputation. Another positive factor is that he belongs to Balochistan, that might help in placating the Baloch nationalists and tempt them to join the mainstream of the national politics by participating in the ensuing elections. The care taker Prime Minister, immediately after his nomination told the media that his first and foremost priority would be to support and help the ECP to ensure holding of free and fair elections in the country and that he would treat all the political parties alike. That indeed is very reassuring. The words of a savant like him can be safely taken at their face value. He also made it clear that the President did not have any role in the elections; an implied reference to the often repeated allegations by a political party that free and fair elections could not be held while Zardari was in the office. He is right, because the elections are to be held by the ECP with the support of the executive and the President does not figure in the scheme of things in this regard. With a neutral and honest man heading the executive, assertive ECP, pro-active judiciary and the ever vigilant media it would almost be impossible for any other entity or individual to influence the outcome of the elections in any unconstitutional manner taking advantage of his position.

Much will also depend on the way the political parties conduct themselves in regards to the efforts of the ECP and the caretaker set up in holding elections in a transparent manner. They need to behave in a responsible manner during their elections campaigns and focus more on selling their manifestoes instead of mud-slinging and launching personal attacks on their rivals because ultimately it is on the basis of their performance or the programmes for the future presented by them that the people have to make their choices. For the elections to be free and fair it is essential that they are held in a convivial atmosphere and the traditional hostility and animosity towards each other gives way to a healthy and productive competition among them.

Now that all is set to translate the dream of transition of power by reference to the people and consolidating the gains of democracy, all the stakeholders especially the political parties owe it to the masses not to do any thing which shatters their faith in democracy or provides any excuse to the forces inimical to democratic dispensation to make their move and drag the country back to the dark alleys again. The political parties and their leaders must also desist from statements or actions that could make the role of the care taker government or the ECP controversial. They should keep faith in the impartiality and the capability of these institutions to make these elections a significant milestone in our march towards a political polity envisioned by the founding father.

Another very important factor in this respect would be the acceptance of elections results with an open heart, the lack of which has been the bane of democracy in this country. The nation has suffered the consequences of this kind of behaviour and we surely need a break from this dreadful experience of the past. Merely paying lip service and making tall claims about their love for democracy is not enough. Political Parties will have to show their commitment through their actions. That is the only way forward. Any digression from this path may produce negative results. The media and intelligentsia also have a great responsibility in guiding and helping the people to understand what is at stake and reporting the unfolding events in an objective and impartial manner to play their contributory role in strengthening democracy.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]The political role of army in Pakistan
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Professor Ali Sukhanver

Do we really enjoy being in a state of oblivion or it is the result of some international medication that we have turned a blind eye to the realities around us; that is the question to which I very often try to find out an appropriate answer. Confusions and confusions; we, as a nation, have nothing else in our pockets. Be it the religion, the politics or our relationship with the neighbouring countries and even our strategy regarding the international affairs, we are always in a state of perplexity.

The people enjoying a cup of tea at roadside tea-stalls, the passengers waiting for the bus at bus-stations and even the employees of the government and private offices; all feel pleasure in discussions on the things they don’t have even the basic knowledge of. Just a few days back, I was really stunned rather shocked when I overheard someone at a roadside restaurant convincing vehemently his fellows that the army would never let Mian Nawaz Sharif come into the power. I stopped there and asked the person why he thought so. He simply said he got the impression from the media.

It is something very strange that in spite of last five years’ complete indifference to the political affairs and all honest efforts of sheltering the democratic process, the army is still considered the strongest force which is eager to derail the democratic process in Pakistan. Particularly in the present scenario when the political parties failed in choosing the name of the care-taker prime minister and the matter had to be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan, rumors are there that it is the army which is behind all this complexity. In fact blaming army and defaming the intelligence agencies has become a fashion in Pakistan. From Imran Khan to Dr. Tahir-ul- Qadri, so many popular political leaders are portrayed as the puppets in the hands of the army and the intelligence agencies. They are blamed for helping out the army in constitution of a ‘hung parliament’. When we find no clues to the ground realities, we do nothing but point our fingers to the security forces. Unfortunately dragging the army into the irrelevant issues has become a culture in Pakistan.

Why could be army against Mian Nawaz Sharif; it is an important thing to be pondered. If in the past, the head of the Nawaz League had some difference of opinion with Gen.Pervez Musharraf, the Ex-Army Chief; it doesn’t mean he was against the whole army as an institution. We see that in the last sixty six years, it happened so many times that politicians had clashes of opinion with the persons heading the army but these clashes or differences were based on differences of point of view, not on liking or disliking of the institution. Moreover it is not the job of the army to look after the state of internal political affairs particularly in a scenario where the army is always engaged, or I would say over-engaged in fighting against the terrorists inside and along the borders. I don’t think that the army has such leisure to spend on the things like politics. Whoever comes into the power, it is certainly the duty and responsibility of the army to give him a helping hand of subordination. Just like the whole of nation, everyone from the army is also eagerly waiting for the upcoming general elections. Just like teachers, doctors, engineers, religious scholars and students, our soldiers are also keen to use their right of vote. Officially or un-officially, they are never guided or directed or forced by their superiors to vote for the PPP or not to vote for the Muslim League. They are as independent as the rest of the nation in using their democratic right of vote.

The Pakistan army must have been criticized if it were involved in any kind of moral or financial corruption as that of the Indian army. It must have been taken to task if there were officers like Col Ajay Chaudhry of the Indian army who was arrested for smuggling 24-crore worth of illegal drugs to Myanmar this year. It must have been trialed and tested if there were officers like Indian Air Chief Marshal Shashi P Tyagi who received massive bribes in Augusta Westland VVIP helicopter deal. For a prosperous today and a brighter tomorrow, we as a nation need strong defence but we can never strengthen our defence just by piling up arms and ammunitions. Strong defence needs unbeatable, undefeatable passions and passions are always thirsty for appreciation and moral encouragement. The matter of the fact is that an atmosphere of distrust and doubts is being created just to defame the army and the intelligence agencies at the desire of the international conspirators who are very well aware of the fact that unless as institution the army is deprived of its trust, repute and confidence, no one can defeat the Pakistani nation at any front.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]Aged interim prime minister
[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]
Mian Zahid Ghani

The newly named Caretaker Prime Minister, Mir Hazar Khan Khoso is 83 and half years old, he is former judge of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, humorously was elected by 87 years old Justice (R) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim leder election commission.

According to the census bureau report, Pakistan’s 66% population is under the age of 30 years. Now interesting and ironically the Caretaker Prime Minister will himself require caretakers, caregivers, like doctors and nursing staff to uphold his health in a high-quality and exceptional form to let him perform his gigantic task including holding of timely, fair, free and transparent general elections.

Earlier Meraj Khalid a 80 year old and Nurul Amin 78 years served Interim Prime Ministers. Khoso is the oldest ever to assume charge as head of the government. Muhammad Mian Soomro Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi Moeen Qureshi, and Balak Sher Mazari, were Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Ministers as well.
Caretaker usually refers to one who takes care of another in the general sense or in the sense of a caregiver or looks after someone who is severely physically disabled and/or mentally ill and is unable to care for themselves being having old age.

Caretaker government is a type of government that rules for a stipulated period and caretaker are individuals who fill seats in government offices for a transaction period, without any ambitions to continue to hold office for longer time. Recently Pakistan and Greece have adopted this model to ensure fair and transparent elections and to overcome any political stalemate.

Mir Zafar-Ullah-Jamali was appointed Prime Minister but the local politics thrashed him out, President Zia-ul-haq wanted Shaukat Aziz to be Prime Minister so for a short term of one month Ch Shujaat got oath of Prime Minister and after Shaukat Aziz got elected and become a parliamentarian he got oath of Prime Minister.

The Chief Election Commissioner is a head of the Election Commission of Pakistan an independent and autonomous constitutional body tasked with the function of conducting transparent, free, fair and impartial elections to the National and Provincial Assemblies of Pakistan.

Further if the Parliamentary Committee fails to decide about the name of the caretaker prime minister it is the Election Commission that ultimately selects and decides. A person who is, or has been a judge of the Supreme Court or is, or has been, a judge of a High Court is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, can be appointed as CEC.

The President of Pakistan appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and four members of Election Commission of Pakistan. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly recommends three names for appointment of CEC & for each member to a parliamentary committee for hearing and confirmation of any one person against each post.
“The 85 years old Justice (R) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim is a 17th judge to head the Election Commission of Pakistan since June 25, 1956, when a bureaucrat Fakhruddin had first held the reins of this institution”

A parliamentary committee, tasked with reaching consensus over the selection of a caretaker prime minister has failed to reach a consensus in selecting a caretaker prime minister “For the first time politicians had the time to make a political decision, but have not been able to do that,” The committee wanted to take the decision themselves instead of letting the matter to slide into the election commission’s court. With the committee failing to decide on a name, the Chief Election Commission selected the caretaker prime minister.

The complex issue was referred to the ECP on Saturday March 23rd after the two sides had failed to reach a consensus during week-long consultations on who should take over control to run the country in the interim period and oversee the May 11 general elections.

Announcing Khoso’s nomination on Sunday March 24th, Chief Election Commissioner (retired) Justice Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim said the selection was made with majority as one out of five ECP members, justice Riaz Kayani, dissented and backed Nasir Aslam Zahid for the post. Justice Kiyano opposed Khoso only because of his old age.

Nearly every political party named a judge for this post but every party ignored that judges do not have experience of administrative controls.
We must be thankful that few left-over from our older generation to have some integrity intact. Pakistan’s population is 180 million and 30% population is if nationals less than 50 years of age. The politicians failed to find an honest person among 54 million nationals.

Just imagine if we have to name Gilani, Bilawal, Hamzah, Moonis, new young leaders, as PM. Will there be any Pakistan left, even with in their two month in power. The irony is, under the watchful eyes of such honest people the nation will once again elect looters and plunderers from parties who had the power two times (PML-N) or three times (PPP) or once (PML-Q) before. Kiya yeh khula tazad nahein?

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][SIZE="5"][SIZE="5"]Let us pledge to elect sincere leaders[/SIZE][/SIZE][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Shaukat Hayat Buneri

The political jugglers have come into action just after the announcement of the general elections on 11th May. All the nominated candidates of different political and religious parties are struggling hard to get the maximum support and sympathies of the poor voters by employing various tactic across the country specially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The leadership of both PPP and ANP have the firm belief and expectations to get upper hand in the election on the basis of their performance during the last five years. They believe this time again the people will vote them to power to complete and fulfill their remaining schemes and programs initiated by them during their rein.

It indicates that five years in office was not sufficient for the realization of their programs.. Perhaps both have failed to achieve their desired and actual goals and that is why they are flexing muscles to come into power again.
However, the results of the forthcoming election will ultimately decide the fate and future of both the major parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Apart from that PML-N, PML-Q, JUI-F, QWP, PTI and JI are also striving hard to score wins in the general elections. Each one of them is stuck to the stance that they will grab maximum seats by the dint of their clean and excellent track record.

Out of these the position of PML-N seems to be stable in Hazara division and people there seem to be unhappy with the performance of both the ruling PPP and ANP. Similarly the people of Peshawar are also not very much satisfied with them.

Because both kept the people and supporters of other parties in state of illusion and disarray and did nothing for them in reality. The QWP of Aftab Sher Pao is also expected to get some sets in the province. While JUI-F can snatch majority of seats in the southern district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Otherwise, its chances to get upper hand in Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Chasadda, Nowshera, Buner are not so bright.

In Malakand division too some interesting and neck on neck contests are expected specially in Swat and Dir. The forth coming elections will be a real test for the major parties of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stay relevant. In Buner the actual contenders will be ANP and JI. While in Swat the PML N or PTI can get upper hand in the election. Similarly in Dir upper and lower tougher competition is expected between the arch rivals PPP and JI.

In shangla district only a wise political strategy can create problems for PML N, otherwise, it will emerge victorious. So it is now a very clear indication that the results of the forth coming general election may be very surprising and uncertain and no party will be in position to get majority seats single. If the same situation arises, then a coalition government comprising of 3 to 4 political parties will likely emerge in the province.

PTI, this time too, has initiated its election campaign with modern style and renewed vigor. The advertisement campaign running on private channels is very costly for most parties. So the actual political scenario of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is easily predictable in this back drop. Each and every political party is the claimant to get maximum seats in the election. Only the results of the election will decide their actual position and popularity in the masses.
The fact of the matter is that that every time the people were heard by saying that they will in reality vote to power only those people who have the capability and guts to resolve their genuine problems. But unfortunately after being grabbing the votes of the poor masses, they turn a deaf year and blind eyes to redress their problems.

The problems and miseries of the poor masses have remained intact and unresolved while those in power cling to the luxuries of power at the helm of the state and least bother to get their problems resolved. This time too, the political jugglers have intensified their efforts to get access to the power corridors on the back of the poor masses. But the question arises that has any one dared to ask them that what did they do during their stay in power. Corruption, nepotism, unemployment, loads shedding, violence and terror ruled at all aspects of our lives.

The miseries of the poor people have of course increased manifold. It is the art of the politicians to make fool of the poor people. But the people should also realized in principle to ask them why were they being made fool of by the successive rulers. Let us promise ourselves to elect able and sincere rulers to steer us from the ongoing war and terror.

[email]asfahanbuneri@gmail.com[/email]

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]The heroes of Pakistan[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Usman Murslin Khan Khalil

The political history of Pakistan is very long and it saw many political leaders and parties in six decades but very few came up to the expectations of the people and majority of these political leaders did nothing, except lip services and serving their own selves, families and friends, instead of serving and facilitating the common people of this country. They facilitated only their own kith and kens in the name of democracy rather than serving the poor people of this country. But there are some who really served this country in their respected area, fields and parties in, which the name of Nawaz Sharif and his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif are on the top of that list. They believe in serving the masses of this country.

They also made some mistakes in the past, however, no human being is above mistakes and sins, except God Almighty, His angles and messengers.
The Sharif tendered their apologies for their mistakes when they were in exile, which have enhanced their image in public The PML-N leaders have many credits to their work. The first one is the atomic explosions in the response to Indian atomic explosions, despite heavy pressures from Europe and America but Nawaz did not bow his head before this enormous pressure and proved practically that he has caliber to combat any force for the safety for this country and its people.

Motor way is another glaring milestone and big achievement of his first tenure and now the people of Pakistan are using this facility, it has not only shortened the distance between of different cities and provinces but also brought together the hearts of Pakistanis.

The performance of PML(N) in Punjab is remarkable under its capable chief minister Shahbaz, who did a lot of work in the fields of health, education and in a numbers of development works such as flyovers, bridges, roads etc, if we thoroughly analyze and compare the performance of reaming three provinces with Punjab government, it will reveal on all of us, that other governments did nothing for their people, except lip services, which shame full.

They did not even tackle the most sensitive issue of terrorism and proved that they are only the CMS and governors of their respected areas, instead of the whole provinces. Corruption was the hall mark of their governments. Jobs were on sale, especially in KP, which was an open secret to everyone living in that province. Like the MMA which came to power in this province in the name of Shariat but practically did nothing in that direction.. Instead of acquiring army land for themselves for their kith and ken, they extended their support to the than military dictator one way or other.

The ANP will meet the same fate in upcoming general election because they also utterly failed to address the issue of joblessness in KP and deprived the poor people of this province. Currently the PML-N leadership is the only one which can steer the country out of its present crises like unemployment, terrorism etc. The people of Pakistan expect that if the PML-N will give metro bus like projects to every big city if it comes to power.

At the moment PML (N) has an edge over its all political opponents, including PTI, in this regard. That it has a brilliant record of quick execution of mega projects of common interest.

This party is also believed to have an economic savvy team. The bad luck of this country is that democracy is always derailed and hijacked by the black sheep’s the army with the help of so called and opportunist politicians of this country like the leaders of PML(Q).

The army of Pakistan is one of the best, if it did not interfere into politics and stayed on the boarders to safeguard frontiers and of our country and nothing else, it would have been respected even more. It is also the bad luck of country that in the past one institution interfered into the ambit of other institution, which multiplied the problems, instead of solving.

The Qarz uthero, mulk Savaro was an excellent effort of the PML (N) in the past to free the country of foreign debits, which was a huge burden at that time and curse.

The Punjab government provided items of daily use at lower prices in the holy month of fasting. It susti roti scheme was also a great support to the poor who live under the poverty level.

Therefore, the people of Pakistan should get united in the next coming general elections for the better cause of this country and its people under the leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif. If PML-N comes to power it will create about 3 million new jobs, says the party’s manifesto and it seems believable because not only is Nawaz Sharif a very astute politicians has economic expertise as well.

The second important point of its manifesto is the making of three new provinces. The name of Khyber Pakhunkhwa is a controversial name, since its start because it does not project all the different ethnicities living in the provinces.

A better and more agreed upon name could have been chosen but the ANP and PPP’s lack of foresightedness the name estranged the people of Hazara. The administration is better in Punjab than in any other province because PML-N is in power there. Corruption was falling under. Nawaz Sharif has the reputation of fulfilling his promises. If he promises to create new provinces of Hazara, Bahawalpur and southern Punjab then he will.

Another main features of the manifesto is the promise to end load shedding in two years time, which is also a good omen. For the sake of democracy the Sharif brothers showed so much patience with the corrupt PPP-led government that they were taunted as friendly opposition.

On foreign front the PML (N) leadership can also bridge the distance between Pakistan and its arch rival India for durable peace in South Asia which is the main obstacle in way of prosperity of both countries because a huge amount of budget is spent on defense. For achieving all these goals, the PML (N) leaders should also give tickets to only those who are dedicated and want o serve our country. They should prefer qualified people with clear record.
Recently Nawaz Sharif also urged the PPP government to hold talks with TTP in order to end the menace of terrorism because talks are the only solution for lasting peace in this country.

Pakistan is passing through a critical period of its his history and the unabated killing in Karachi and Quetta must be stopped by the coming government which is a daunting challenge, however, many in Pakistan expect that PML-N lead by Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif will restore peace not only in Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta but in the whole country like they did in their previous governments. Let’s hope for a better future of Pakistan from God Almighty.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][SIZE="5"][FONT="Georgia"]Return of Musharraf[/FONT][/SIZE][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

I find it perplexing to fathom any reason for the return of Musharraf at this juncture of our political commotion. No sane person in his or her senses will;return from the safe havens of Dubai and London to face three murder trials: He is accused of murdering Benazir, Akbar Bugti and massacre at Large Masjid; a number of high treason petitions and violation of article 6 charges, a host of hostile political parties and civil society organizations, an army with a no nonsense and an indifferent attitude towards him and on the top of it all with no political future.

Agreed, he is not that brilliant but he is not that stupid also to return to a starving lion’s den waiting excitedly for its prey (lion in the literal sense and not the symbolic MLN- N lion). Does he have a hope to win a seat or two for his APML party other than probably his own? Would he be just content to be an MNA and listen to the speeches of the ones whom he once never considered his equals? Is he made of the material that would let him play what to talk of the proverbial second fiddle the third, fourth or the more likely umpteenth fiddle? If not, what is he doing and at this time of the history in Pakistan? I asked my more knowledgeable friends and some of their answers baffled me further. Gen Hamid Gul said that Musharraf was a fool and one could expect anything from him. To reinforce his assessment he added, “Had he not been one he would not have ventured Kargil”. Well … fool he might be when others’ skin is involved but I don’t think he is that fool to put his own neck under the guillotine that willingly! Another confidante of Musharraf who had served under him for long, his name withheld on request, opined that having been a near emperor for nearly 10 years he had become “power drunk” and you know power is an addiction that one can’t get rid of easily.

Power? I thought, with two or three seats? Does Musharraf think he could manage or maneuver a coalition of any sorts? NO, he certainly has some brains somewhere though with plenty of grass around!! Well, well, why has he come was the question which kept coming back to my mind again and again till it suddenly struck me that could it be that be he has been sent! But again, sent? What use is anyone without power? Wait a minute … power? How does one get it?

‘Through elections, stupid.’ Oh, what if elections are not held? WHAT? elections not held? Are you in your senses? Yes, but look at the chain of the recent events. And it was here that a vista of different scenarios started unfolding themselves; whirl wind Qadri comes out of nowhere … articles 62, 63, 215 & 218 hereto unknown become a common language …. an independent ECP supported by the SCP …. Unexpected Caretakers at the national and provincial levels …. Reopening of cases of NRO, fake degrees, Asghar Khan petition regarding government servants funding politicians for elections, bank defaulters etc. all aimed at disqualifying the bulk of the stalwarts of all political parties. But, wait, if 62/63 are implemented strictly would the huge number of the disqualified bigwigs take it lying down? I don’t think so. Then what? Of course agitations, strikes, forcefully shutter downs, idle public and private transport, even stoning and burning of vehicles and bloody clashes. MQM has already announced lack of trust in the Election Commission of Pakistan. Others affected parties may follow suit. Punjab caretaker CM has said in a press conference that he can’t guarantee full implementation of 62/63!! What does it all boil down to: Chaos and confusion; near anarchy and the law and order situation at the time of the polls. The man in the street is already crying hoarse that Musharraf’s period was thousand times better than that of these democratically elected ones!! So, why hold elections?! Would you, therefore, be surprised if the nation is given’ again to the Musharraf to assuage its miseries! Now don’t ask me how and who could hand us over MusharrafWho gave us Sethi? Who was incidentally in London the day he was short-listed and that too without his consent! So he did say in his press conference. Don’t they have to pull out of Afghanistan next year with almost 600 billion dollars of war machinery and equipment? Would they not need an assured safe passage for that? Will not all that be easy if Musharraf rules Pakistan.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]BNP-M makes a bold decision[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s Balchistan National Party has taken a bold and welcome step by declaring that his party is taking part in the next parliamentary elections and ultimately re-enter political mainstream. At a meeting of his party the other day, Mengal also constituted a five-member committee to prepare election manifesto of his party.

Taking such a decision in the wake of warnings hurled at him by Baloch separatist and radical nationalist groups must be understood in terms of the firm resolve by a politician hailing from the volatile and excessively exploited federating unit. Mengal, who believes in the constitutional scheme of things, has the courage and conviction for fighting for the rights of the people of Balochistan within the federation. This will no doubt embolden the people to stand up against exploitation struggle politically to end it..

The BNP-M boycotted the 2008 parliamentary elections under a tense situation when the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti by the forces of dictator Pervez Musharraf and the ensuing environment held a strong sway over nationalist forces in particular. The abstaining of the BNP-M from the electoral process was, therefore and probably the most pragmatic decision at that time. When the previous election were completed, the province saw a jester Raisani at the helm of affairs and he added salt to injuries of the people for five years by his inappropriate remarks amply demonstrating that he was least interested in the affairs of the most sensitive province of Pakistan.

By taking the decision of contesting the coming polls, the BNP-M in general and Akhtar Mengal in particular has chosen a thorny path of striking a balance between the constitutional scheme and hardcore nationalist groups. The murder of Balchistan’s deputy provincial election commissioner earlier this month shows how some groups will not hesitate to use violence to express their rejection of the polls. This should be taken a stern warning by these groups.

All these accounts spell out the difficulty in going into electioneering even for other parties and perils in the way of BNP-M which took a strong stance against federal policies by coining a six-point charter of demands when Akhtar Mengal returned home in September last year. Mengal also claimed on Tuesday that his party was under threat from the establishment and his will be a perilous election campaign. This fear provides all the more reason for the need to appreciate his nationalist credentials by focusing on the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people while, at the same time, not going so far that he risks disruption to his campaign by those who would rather uphold the status quo.

Such a situation makes it obligatory for the Election Commission of Pakistan to play its constitutional role more vigilantly in Balchistan. The commission must also allay the fears of the BNP-M and its leadership making them believe that they will not be left at the mercy of the elements who are working on an alien agenda against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of that province.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/46/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]MQM’s reprehensible act[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]

No self-respecting party and by extension respecting the sovereignty of its country would invite outside interference in the affairs of its nation, Muttahida Qaumi Movement did exactly that when it approached the United Nations request it to play its role to ensure free and fair elections in Pakistan scheduled for May 11. According to a private TV channel, the MQM’s US Chapter central organizer submitted a memorandum to the UN against the Election Commission’s decision for delimitation of some constituencies in Karachi. It is a case of contempt of the highest court of the land as the Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered for delimitation in Karachi. But it is a far bigger crime than that. As such the government should proceed against the MQM and its head honcho Altaf Hussain for trying to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan. The Election Commission of Pakistan carried out delimitations in three national and eight in provincial constituencies though there are 20 national and 42 provincial constitutions in Karachi. The MQM had filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision for delimitation of a number of constituencies in Karachi.

The MQM took the plea that delimitation of constituencies was illegal after the announcement of the election schedule; and secondly delimitation could not be done unless census is conducted across the country. In fact, all political parties had demanded delimitations in Karachi because the MQM had got the bogus votes included in voters’ lists and there were widespread allegations of gerrymandering to favour that party during Musharraf era. It has invoked the UN to perpetuate that fraud. Hearing the petition filed by the party against the delimitations, notified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the SHC had issued notices to the attorney general, ECP, Secretary Statistics Division and the Census Commissioner among others. Other than coming up with new objections, the MQM raised issues that had already been set aside by the Supreme Court. For instance, its insistence that the process of delimitation could only be undertaken after a fresh census is conducted in the country did not cut any ice with the apex court when the matter was raised before it by the ECP.

The court had then observed that there is no pre-condition to wait for holding of fresh census in the whole country for carrying out the delimitation of constituencies. The MQM has also been objecting to the singling out of Karachi for the delimitation exercise and terms it as victimization of the party and its voters. Its stance overlooks the fact that all major parties contesting elections from Karachi had approached the court against the blatant redrawing of constituencies in Karachi that was done in the name of delimitation under General Musharaf. The MQM had come up with new objections in its petition against the delimitation of eleven constituencies notified by the ECP. Its counsel submitted that any order of delimitation issued after the commencement of election schedule is against the spirit of the Constitution. The counsel also said that the Supreme Court did not direct how and in what manner and extent the delimitation of constituencies was to be effected.

The MQM counsel had told the court that due to the delimitation notified by the ECP on 22 March, persons from a particular origin have been facilitated and clubbed together, creating more ethnic-based constituencies in violation of the Supreme Court judgment. While the court will decide on the issues raised, by moving the petition at this stage, the MQM has added to the long list of challenges that the ECP is faced with in Karachi. The law and order situation in the city has consistently worsened in recent years. Terrorism, targeted killing of political workers and leaders, extortion and an assortment of mafia wars have created an environment that is hardly conducive to the participation of voters and holding of free and fair elections. The police is politicized and it is no longer a secret that political parties in the city have been patronizing armed groups. To conduct credible elections in Pakistan’s largest city, the Sindh caretakers and ECP need all the help they can get from Islamabad. It is clearly a case where the government needs the assistance of the security forces that have both the muscle and credentials of neutrality needed for the task.

[url]http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/46/[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]The feel-good factor[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Tallat Azim 1



One may or may not be a fan of the news analysis that Najam Sethi (NS) has done for many years in both the print and electronic media, but seeing him in the position of the Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister’s slot, and that too as the consensus candidate, is a feel-good factor.

He has been giving his opinions with aplomb, quite unafraid to state what he thought was the right position to take, whatever the issue. It is, indeed, creditable that politicians on all sides think that he will do justice to the responsibility given to him because he is perceived to be unbiased.

There are several examples of how some of our good journalists have crossed over to powerful positions, but then have chosen to stay there. In Najam Sethi’s case, one hopes he will revert to journalism and the watchdog position as compared to being the one that needs watching.

This is a first, however, of a journalist being nominated by politicians for one of the most important positions and all those who indulge in the same profession can sit back and be happy for this moment. As in the Virginia Slims advertisement, which has a tall and slender woman taking a puff with the words “you have come a long way baby” written under, the feeling for us about NS being caretaker Chief Minister is much the same!

The mere fact that a journalist and anchorperson has been considered, along with retired judges and bureaucrats, for such a position points to the change in times and thinking. Finally, we seem to be moving in the right direction, with a particular reference to preparing for the electoral process. These few weeks will be a test case for the caretaker CM to practice all that he would have advised, had someone else been selected in his place.

Najam Sethi, a well educated and well exposed person, also embodies the Lahori spirit for whom humour and the ability to laugh are extremely important and which fact should help in keeping him grounded. Failing which, the very same media of which he is part, will be doing the watchdog on him.

The nominations are in full swing and the pace of electioneering is going to pick up speed as April unfolds. It is, probably, extremely irritating to some of the players in the arena to abide by the new rules for contesting and to prove that their credentials are squeaky clean, on all major counts.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finally toughened its stance and given very clear directives on all that can and cannot be done. They will only be able to hold free and fair elections if they also ensure that their directives are implemented.

It is at election time that one feels the absence of Benazir Bhutto even more. Her party does not appear to be together. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has flown the nest at this most crucial juncture because his dad has been explicitly forbidden by the ECP to visit constituencies and indulge in politics.
This is, indeed, a great setback to the plans that were laid out. As the poet has said: “Takia tha jin pai, wohi pattey hawwa dainey lage.”

The rumour is that Bilawal had a falling-out with his Aunt Faryal Talpur (who plays a leading part in the party affairs). The bright side is that this one fact has taken Bilawal’s personal popularity up by several notches.

BB’s son was the trump card the party was going to use and his leaving the country now does not really leave anybody from the party to fill that gap. The selection of the two tainted ex-Prime Ministers leading the PPP election campaign is such an insult to the people of the country. They embody all that one is trying to change.

The fact that the last Prime Minister has deputed a huge police contingent for himself for the rest of his life speaks volumes for his insensitivity to what people think. When there is just no love lost on either side, how can the ex-Prime Ministers inspire people to vote for their party and for more of the same? Some questions are just mind-boggling.

Postscript: Between the Chief Election Commissioner and the new caretaker Prime Minister the concept of being redundant in your eighties has gone flying out of the window. In India, they have a lot of wise old men in active politics, but it is not so common here - barring, perhaps, the example of the last Pir Sahib Pagaro, who had some magic potion that arrested aging and the unforgettable Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan. The caretaker Prime Minister seems simple and straightforward enough with the added bonus of being from Balochistan and will, probably, be just right for the job. There is one extra wish that many of us would like him to fulfil, apart from sticking to the straight and narrow of assisting the Election Commission. That is to order the restoration of YouTube. We not only miss it, we need it too. So Mr Khosa Sir, please consider this request sympathetically before it is time to go back again and we are left with no option, but to sing to ourselves in melancholy with a YouTube less existence

“Ulfat ki nai manzil ko chala,
Tu daal kai baanhain
baanhon mai,
Dil thorhney waley dekh
kai chal,
Hum bhi tau parhien
hain raahon mai.”

The writer is a public relations and event management professional based in Islamabad. Email: [email]tallatazim@yahoo.com[/email] Twitter: @tallatazim.

[url]http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/columns/31-Mar-2013/the-feel-good-factor[/url]

[CENTER][U][B][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="5"]Caretakers set for trial[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U][/CENTER]

Ikramullah 0

The fate of the 2013 elections till early this year was uncertain. The law and order situation in Balochistan, Karachi and KPK, the Lahore Badami Bagh inferno, threat of terrorism and failure of the law enforcement agencies had created an alarming situation suggestive of government’s imminent collapse.

It goes to the credit of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan which relentlessly pursued their constitutional role with the full support of the people with a view to holding the general elections on schedule. Without going into conspiracy theories that are making the rounds, the people, who believe in democratic process so that the roots of democracy are strengthened, seem to have won.

The caretaker Prime Minister and Chief Ministers are in place. The final selection has not been easy. Ultimately, rumour mongers dreaming of destabilising Pakistan by delaying caretakers decisions and then elections, were disappointed. There were tense moments till a senior journalist Najam Sethi was chosen as caretaker CM Punjab. For the first time a media person became a Chief Minister with the support of both the ruling party and the opposition. He very wisely said, “I have no friends and no foes.”

For the first time in Pakistan the electoral process has swung into motion in a peaceful and constitutional manner as a result. This is a remarkable achievement on which all the stakeholders and the nation deserve to be congratulated. This momentum must be maintained. Let me point to some recent indicators to prove that this nation can meet any challenge in a moment of crisis.

i President Zardari ends dual office in compliance with LHC orders, affirming in a way the supremacy of the constitution.

i The Supreme Court orders punishment for obstructers of voting by overseas Pakistanis.

i All caretakers meet in Islamabad vowing commitment to fair, free and transparent elections. They warn bureaucracy against partiality.

i Top level administrative changes.

i ECP vows to jail fake voters and disqualify those not meeting the constitutional requirements.

i Caretakers admit their biggest challenge is to deal with terror and law
and order situation.

i Army’s roadmap for assistance during elections planned.

i Election schedule announced and nomination papers filed at national level.

i Directives of SC and ECP’s firm resolve to enforce the electoral code
of conduct.

i SC’s orders to eliminate no-go areas in Karachi by April 4.
While the nation has reasons to hope that the general elections will take place on schedule, there is lurking fear that unforeseen an unpredictable events may upset the election plan.

We are in a state of covert war in which internal and external forces are set to pursue their unholy agenda. The threat is, indeed, alarming. Hence, the need for extra-vigilance by all of us Pakistanis!

I close this column by warning the nation that it is passing through a defining period in history and, thus, we cannot afford to falter.

The writer is president of the Pakistan National Forum. Email: [email]ikramullahkhan1@yahoo.com[/email]

[url]http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/columns/01-Apr-2013/caretakers-set-for-trial[/url]