Maulana Fazl attacked again, escapes unhurt

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

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Islamabad, Mar 31: The chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Chairman All Parties Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman on Thursday escaped unhurt when a suicide bomber blew him-self up near his cavalcade at Charsada some 30 kilometres away from Peshawar the capital of Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa.

At least 12 persons including two cops were killed and dozens others injured in the suicide blast, which occurred near District Coordination Officer (DCO) office where JUI-F chief was supposed to address a public rally.  Besides other party leaders Fazl was accompanied by former provincial chief minister Muhammad Akram Durrani and recently sacked federal minister senator Azam Swati.

Later talking to a private news channel, Moulana Fazal said that he was fine but some of the soldiers of his security squad were injured”. When asked as who was behind these attacks he said that there were different actors involved in the game but the motive behind these was to foment trouble and mayhem amongst the masses.

Pertinently, Moulana had a narrow escape a day before when a bomber riding on motor-cycle set off his explosive-laden vest near a police check post in Swabi district, killing at least seven people- including a policeman- on the spot.

Kashmiri American Council Reiterates Its Statement of Objectives: Dr. Fai

Washington, D.C. March 31, 2011. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council (KAC) said that once again, Kashmir is living proof that it is not going to compromise, far less abandon, its demand for Azaadi (freedom) which is its birthright and for which it has paid a price in blood and suffering which has not been exacted from any other people of the South Asian subcontinent. Fai said that the Board of Directors of the KAC in its 3-days meeting agreed to the following 18-points “Policy Statement” to be pursued during the fiscal year of 2011.

1.  The Board clarified that the Kashmir dispute is simply this: the people of a large territory which is not part of any existing sovereign state were assured by the entire international community represented by the United States that they would be given the right of self-determination to decide their future by a free vote. Until now this assurance has not been honored;
2. The Board explained that there must be an early, just and durable resolution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir;
3. The Board noted with satisfaction the reiteration of President Obama on November 7, 2010 that “Kashmir is a longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan” and  resolution of Kashmir is, “in the interests of the region; it is in the interests of the two countries involved and it is in the interests of the United States of America;”
4. The Board remains convinced that the people of Jammu and Kashmir constitute the principle stakeholders and should be an integral component of the ongoing peace process. Therefore, the talks must be tripartite between all parties concerned: i.e., the Governments of India & Pakistan and the legitimate leadership of the people of Jammu and Kashmir;
5. The Board voiced its continuing belief that India and Pakistan alone cannot solve the 64-year-old Kashmir conflict, it requires the deeper engagement of the United States with both these neighboring countries;
6. The Board reiterated that durable peace and development of harmonious relations and friendly cooperation between India and Pakistan would serve the vital interests of the peoples of both nations, enabling them to devote their energies for a better future;
7. The Board  stressed that ‘Cricket Diplomacy’ and more trade between India and Pakistan will create a conducive atmosphere and must be appreciated but history testifies that it will do nothing to end the indigenous Kashmiri resistance against occupation, which is fueled by the denial of self-determination for more than 64 years;
8. The Board believes that moral suasion, not military force or violence, should be employed to resolve the Kashmir conflict. There cannot be a military solution of the problem; any such solution is bound to invite challenge.  The Board rules out war as an option and calls upon all the parties to the dispute to work for a comprehensive cease-fire and bring every form of violence to an end to improve the environment for a constructive and progressive dialogue;
9. The Board made it clear that the Kashmir conflict is not about autonomy, nor is it about converting the ‘Ceasefire Line’ into an international border. It is about honoring the political and human rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in accord with international law, international treaties, international covenants, justice and morality;
10. The Board appeals to both India and Pakistan to negotiate a treaty to create a nuclear weapons-free zone in all of Jammu and Kashmir because Kashmir being the only country in the world that shares borders with three nuclear powers –  India, Pakistan & China;
11.  The Board calls for an intensive and comprehensive inter and intra Kashmiri dialogue outside Sub-Continent between different opinions and regions of the state on both the sides of the Ceasefire line including Kashmiri Diaspora. This interaction will improve the level of trust and confidence, as it will also help to develop a consensus in the conflict resolution. The governments of India and Pakistan must facilitate the dialogue by issuing the travel documents to the participants;
12.  The Board resolves that all internally and externally displaced people of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947 including Kashmiri Pandits, should be facilitated to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
13. The Board expresses grave concern over the conditions of militarization and inhumanity endured by the people of Kashmir, and the violation of their inalienable right to self-determination. The militarization has induced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detentions, torture, phenomenon of half-widows, orphans, displacement, migrations, and mass graves;
14. The Board expressed its disbelief that non-violent, civil disobedience, including the prolific agitation that began in 2007 and is sustained until today, enacted by the people of Kashmir has been repeatedly met with brutal force and collective punishment by the Indian state.
15. The Board decided to continue to draw the attention of the international community toward the gross human rights atrocities committed by 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir;
16.  The Board decided to pursue the case of Rt. Major Avtar Singh of  Rashtriya Rifles (Indian paramilitary force deployed in Jammu & Kashmir), accused of brutally killing Jalil Andrabi, Chairman, Kashmir Commission of Jurists on March 27, 1996 in Srinagar, Kashmir.
17.   The Board recommended that following steps need to be taken by the Government of India to make the peace process meaningful, i.e.,

i.          Immediate and complete cessation of military and paramilitary actions;

ii.         gradual withdrawal of the military presence from the towns and villages;

iii.        dismantling of bunkers, watch towers and barricades;

iv.        release of political prisoners languishing in jails, interrogation centers and detained under emergency laws, like Mian Abdul Qayyum, Ghulam Nabi Sumjee, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, Musarat Alam, and many others;

v.         annulling of various special repressive laws, like the Indian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSAPA), the Jammu & Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act; and

vi.        restoring the right of peaceful association, assembly and demonstrations;

The board proposed that an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir by the United Nations or the European Parliament or President Obama will hasten the process of peace and stability in the region of South Asia.

'Gilani-Singh meet golden opportunity'

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Rawalpindi, Mar 28: The Prime Minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan on Monday said the forthcoming meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, to be held on the sidelines of Pakistan-India cricket match at  Mohali, could pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region. 

“This is indeed a golden opportunity and there is urgent need to have serious threadbare discussions on all issues that have been hampering relations since a long time” Khan told Greater Kashmir. Referring to the checkered history of Indo-Pak relationship Khan said the two nations should forget the hostile past and usher a new era where all issues confronted by both the states could be discussed and debated in a very congenial atmosphere. “Problems faced by the two countries should be solved forthwith,” he said.  Describing Kashmir dispute as “atomic fire-ball” he said that the resolution of the dispute cannot be deferred. “Owing to its vulnerability” he said, “Kashmir issue should be given top-priority during the negotiations.” 

Khan said that reciprocity on the part of both nations was need of the hour. Instead of following or getting swayed by the public sentiments, he said that leadership of India and Pakistan should demonstrate wisdom, magnanimity and political resolve to thrash out solution of all problems through peaceful means.

Regarding the cricket diplomacy, he said, “It was in mid 80s when General Zia-ul-Haq introduced cricket-diplomacy and now it is an essential part of back-door diplomacy, I think in the follow-up of the forthcoming mega-event (cricket semi-final) some sort of events should be created in Pakistan wherein Indian premier can accordingly participate on the invitation of PM Gilani.” 

As a reciprocal gesture, he said that India should immediately send its cricket team to play a friendly match in Pakistan. Such an initiative he said would certainly help to bridge the trust deficit within the masses on both sides.

The PaK premier said that he was ready to host a friendly One Day International (ODI)  between India and Pakistan anywhere in PaK preferably at Quad-e-Azam cricket Stadium at Mirpur.  

Responding to another query he said, “Tripartite negotiations can be effectively helpful to further peace in the region”. Highlighting the importance of K-solution he concluded that the settlement of the long-outstanding issue can’t be delayed to an indefinite period of time.

Commenting on the high-profile engagement the convener of APHC-M Pak chapter Mehmood Ahmed Saghar termed it as a positive development and expressed the optimism that the meeting would provide an impetus to the dialogue process between the two countries.

He however maintained that without recognizing the centrality of Kashmir dispute bilateral negotiations between India and Pakistan were bound to fail. “Kashmiris have always supported dialogue between the two countries”, he said adding that it was very unfortunate that Indiaused it (dialogue) as a tool to hoodwink world community besides befooling Kashmiris.

   

Intervention in Libya

Source Link:http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=37863&Cat=11

Intervention by the western forces in Libya will not solve the problem. Besides widening the gulf between the Muslim world and the West, the invasion will also jeopardise the prospects of peace in the Arab world. It is strange that the UN can see human rights violations in Libya but cannot see the maimed and mutilated bodies of Palestinian men, women and children. The western world will have to change this policy if it wants to see peace and interfaith harmony in the world. 

Instead of adopting the policy of coercion against Libya, the UN should seek a peaceful solution by engaging the Arab League and Muslim countries like Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arab. These countries can play a vital role in settling the issue amicably without any further bloodshed.

Nisar Ahmed Thakur

Islamabad

Want Kashmir solution: Zardari

Islamabad, Mar 22: Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday called for just settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the United Nations Resolutions and respecting the aspirations of Kashmiris.

Addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament, the President said that Pakistan’s foreign policy was aimed at advancing national security, promoting peace and economic agenda while safeguarding “national dignity, sovereignty and independence.”

He said a full spectrum dialogue process had been resumed with India while the relations with Iran and Japan had improved.

Recounting the PPP led coalition government’s achievements on the diplomatic front he said that building a long-term partnership with United States, EU countries and other regional countries has been the primary objective of the incumbent regime. He said that full spectrum dialogue process has been resumed with India to seek solution of all issues.

He said Pakistan remained committed to building a long-term partnership with Untied States, based on mutual respect, mutual interest and sovereign equality. With China, he said the strategic cooperation continued to grow from strength to strength. He said relations with Afghanistan had undergone a sea change.

Zardari vowed to uphold supremacy of the Constitution saying that no one would be allowed to usurp the powers of parliament. He also congratulated the parliamentarians for passing 18th and 19th amendments.

“We believe in reconciliation, and not confrontation.” Zardari said while commending Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani for pursuing the policy of reconciliation and consensus.

“We have achieved consensus on constitutional reforms,” the President said and stressed the need for building consensus amongst all the political stake-holders on resolving the most pressing issues like energy shortage, debts, taxation reforms, restructuring of public sector entities and documentation of the economy.

President also denounced the killing of Governor Salman Taseer and federal minister late Shahbaz Bhatti.

It may be recalled here that the opposition parties boycotted the address and staged a walkout after registering the protest.

Separatists welcome AI report

Report eyeopener for world: Saghar

Islamabad, March 22: Separatists have hailed the Amnesty International report calling for an end to arbitrary arrest revocation of Public Safety Act.

Appreciating Amnesty’s report, APHC-M Pak chapter, convenor, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar has termed it as an eye-opener for the world community. “The report serves as an eye opener for the international community that has unfortunately maintained criminal negligence over deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir”, Saghar said in a statement from Islamabad.

“It is high time that the international community should come forward and impress upon the GoI to stop killing of innocent civilians”, he added. JKLF leader Rafique Ahmed Dar said, “The report vindicated our stand on human rights violations being inflicted on innocent Kashmiris by armed forces”.

WELCOME DEV: HIZB
 Hizbul Mujahideen has welcomed the Amnesty report, describing it a welcome development.
“Though late, some international institution has taken cognizance of Kashmir and issued a factual report,” said the outfit chief spokesman, Ahsan Illahi in a statement from Pakistan Administered Kashmir.
Illahi said, “The outfit will welcome every individual and institution that highlights human rights violations being perpetrated in Jammu Kashmir for the past 63 years and draw the attention of international community to the Kashmir issue. The Government of India has deployed 10 lakh armed forces in the State to suppress the freedom struggle.”
Illahi hoped that the United Nations would take cognizance of the AI report and fulfill its responsibilities in stopping rights abuses in J&K and take steps to make India implement its resolutions to resolve Kashmir.
 

Karachi Agreement

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For Aman, resolution of conflicts is must

Source Link: http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=36633&Cat=11&dt=7/12/2011&title=For-%E2%80%98Aman%E2%80%99

I would like to congratulate the initiators and co-sponsors of the series of seminars being held under the aegis of the Aman ki asha campaign. Holding such seminars and symposiums will certainly help to create better understanding and consensus on both sides to settle the key issues that have marred the socio-economic development in the subcontinent. In the changing scenario of the world, civic bodies, intelligentsia and the media have assumed an important role and have been contributing immensely in seeking solutions to contentious issues through dialogue and reconciliation. I hope the most vibrant media groups of India and Pakistan -the Jang Group and the Times of India Group – will work together for long to push forward the peace process.

In this highly volatile region peace is desperately needed for the well-being of the millions of people living below the poverty line. Instead of wasting time, India and Pakistan will have to take some bold initiatives and build a solid foundation to move towards conflict resolution. I wish all the best to Aman ki Asha and hope this initiative will really bring a pleasant change in the region.

Nisar Ahmed Thakur

Islamabad

China’s Kashmir policy unchanged: Envoy

‘Beijing For Negotiated Settlement Of The Issue’

 NISAR AHMED THOKAR

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Islamabad, Mar 15: Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Liu Jian, on Tuesday said that Beijing was in favour of negotiated settlement of the Kashmir issue, “but the policy of issuing stapled visa to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir will continue.”
“Kashmir issue has a history between Pakistan and India. China always holds that it should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultation between the two countries. China’s visa policy towards Kashmir is consistent and will remain unchanged,” he said at a seminar on “"Evolving Global and Regional Scenario: Chinese Experience of Reform and Development and Pak-China Relations” in Islamabad.

Terming India and Pakistan as important countries of the region he hoped that both the nations will continue to improve relations.

About the use of nuclear technology the ambassador said the peaceful use of nuclear technology was a right of every nation and there should be no double standards in this regard. “China certainly opposes double standards regarding nuclear non proliferation”, he added.

Highlighting the significant achievements of his country in various fields he said that it was the sheer commitment and dedication of the Chinese people and the leadership that the country was deemed as a successful model of comprehensive, harmonious development by the world.

He said that China was the second largest trading country of the world and a leading contributor to international growth.

Ambassador Liu Jian also discussed the principles of China’s foreign policy, based upon mutual trust and respect saying that foreign policy of his country was aimed at building a peaceful harmonious international community where all states and peoples enjoy equal status and respect.

About Pak-China relations, he said that both countries had already signed a number of MOUs in almost all areas of mutual interest and it was ripe time that they are put into practice. The envoy also said that his government was offering 500 scholarships for Pakistani students to study in China.

The seminar was organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) as part of the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Jian expressed the hope that being important countries of the region, India and Pakistan will continue to improve their relations.
Regarding Pak-China relations, Jian said that his country wishes to enhance its cooperation with Islamabad and in this regard it had already suggested that leadership of both countries should sit together to explore the ways in which China could contribute more effectively to energy sector in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion IPS Director and former senator Prof Khurshid said that China had shown a path of progress in which innovations could be made while being loyal to the vision and values of the native culture.
Hurriyat Conference leaders Ghulam Muhammad Safi and Faiz Naqashbandi were also present at the seminar.

Kashmiris participation will lend credence to Indo-Pak talks: Dr Fai

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Islamabad, Mar 1: Kashmiri American Council, Executive Director, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai has said the Kashmiris’ representation in the Indo-Pak dialogue would lead to a just and equitable solution of the dispute besides lending credence to the ongoing peace talks.

Mar 01,11:Dr. Fai addressing a function organised by NDU

“Bilateral approach to resolve the Kashmir dispute has totally failed,” Dr Fai said while addressing a function organised by National Defence University here on Tuesday. He maintained that India and Pakistan had more than 158 rounds of talks so far and there had been no progress regarding the settlement of long-outstanding Kashmir issue that happens to be the bone of contention between the two countries.

“Kashmiri Hurriyat leadership has always supported the dialogue process, but the only thing they demand was the empowerment of the people of J&K,” he said adding a mechanism should be evolved whereby Kashmiris could be made an essential component of the process.

Referring to the changes sweeping across the globe he said, the civil society in India and Pakistan must undertake the responsibility and pursue their governments to address Kashmir dispute in its historical perspective.

Highlighting different aspects of Kashmir movement being spearheaded by the youth of Kashmir, Dr. Fai said Kashmiris were not asking for any materialistic support, but they were longing for Pakistan’s all out support at diplomatic front.

He said it was high time for the international community to shun its policy of ‘indifference’ towards Kashmir and play their role to settle the dispute to the satisfaction all the stakeholders.

Besides NDU students, the seminar was attended by varsity director, Lieutenant General Aga, Prof. Muhammad Khan, faculty members, journalists of print and electronic media
.