نصرت جاوید نے اپنے زیر نظر کالم میں ‘مایا خان’ کے متنازعہ شو اور اس غیر زمہ دار خاتون کو نوکری سے فارغ کرنے کے بعد ہماری اورمیڈیا مالکان کی توجہ ‘قومی غیرت’ سے لبریز ان اینکرز کی طرف دلائ ہے جوپوری قوم کو اشتعال اورجوش دلا کر ‘ریٹنگ اور دولت کمانےمیں مصروف ہیں۔ مایا خان کا تو احتساب ہو گیا، اچھا ہوا، مگرجن غیر زمہ دار اینکرز نے چار ماہ تک ‘میمو’ کے نام سے پوری قوم کو ایک ہیجان میں مبتلہ رکھا، یا جب سے عوامی جمہوری حکومت آئ ہے، این آر او کے نام سے مسلسل سازشی مہم چالائ ہے۔ ان کا احتساب کون کے گا؟

عوام نے جن سیاست دانوں کو انتخابات اورضمنی انتخابات میں بری طرح رد کیا’ اور ان کی ضمانتیں تک ضبط ہوگئیں، ان کو سازش کے زریعے قوم پر مسلط کر دیاگیا۔ مقصد محض جمہور ی حکومت کو پروپیگینڈہ کرکے ختم کرنا تھا۔ آج یہ اینکرز’ریٹیگ بڑھانے کی سازش میں راولپنڈی کے ایک ‘سیاسی یتیم’ کا سہارا لے رہے ہیں۔

Source: Daily Express

اردو اور پنجابی کے معروف منفرد تیکھے لہجے اور بلند آہنگ شاعر اور ادیب نذیر قیصر روزنامہ مشرق کیلئے روزانہ قطعہ لِکھ رہے ہیں۔
ہم آج کا قطعہ قارئین کی خِدمت میں کراس پوسٹ کر رہے ہیں

اک تانگے، ایک سواری باقی اللہ اللہ

بےسمتی میں عمر گزاری باقی اللہ اللہ

نہ کوئ دائیں نہ کوئ بائیں جنگل سائیں
سائیں

بے ہتھیارا، ایک شکاری باقی اللہ اللہ

شاعر: نذیر قیصر

Source: Daily Mashriq(Page 3) January 20, 2012

این آر او سے مستفید ہونے والوں کی تعداد آٹھ ہزار سے زائد کی ہے۔ اس برائی کو جس کو آج آئین کی پامالی سے بھی ذیادہ اہمیت دی جارہی ہے، اسے قانونی شکل دینے میں جنرل پرویز مشرف کا مرکزی ہاتھ اوران کے فوجی اور سیاسی ساتھیوں کی تائید شامل تھی۔ یہ بھی حقیقت ہےکہ قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس بنانے والوں کے لئے اپنی سیاسی بقاء کی لۓ اسں کی اہمیت ذیادہ تھی۔

جنرل مشرف کو اپنے سیاسی مستقبل بچانے کے لئے پیپلز پارٹی کی ضرورت تھی۔ اس وقت آئی ایس ائی کے سربراہ لیفٹٹنٹ جنرل اشفاق پرویز کیانی جو اب چیف آف آرمی سٹاف ہیں ان کا مصالحتی کوششوں میں اہم کردار سب کو معلوم ہے۔ پھر سیکرٹری جنرل ق لیگ سینیٹر مشاہد حسین کے بقول چودھری شجاعت حسین نے قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس کے خاکے پر پیپلز پارٹی سے مذاکرات کی قیادت کی’ ق لیگ وزیر اعظم کی دو بار سے زائد کی ترمیم کے خلاف تھی، لہذا قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس کو بہتر جاناگیا۔ مشاہد حسین نے ایک پریس بریفنگ میں یہ بھی کہا کہ اس آرڈیننس سے انتقامی سیاست کا رجحان ختم ہوجائے گا۔

متحدہ قومی موومنٹ کے اصرار پر این آر او کا اطلاق انیس سو اٹھاسی کے بجائے یکم جنوری انیس سو چھیاسی سے کرنے کا مطالبہ بھی تسلیم کرلیا گیا۔ سابق وزیرِ اعظم شوکت عزیز نے ایک سرکاری ہینڈ آؤٹ میں این آر او کو رواداری اور ہم آہنگی کی علامت قرار دیا۔ سابق وزیرِ اطلاعات محمد علی درانی نے کہا این آر او وقت کی اہم ضرورت ہے۔ اور سابق وزیرِ مملکت برائے ریلوے شیخ رشید احمد ‘ جو آج ہر ٹی وی چینل پر بیٹھ کر جمہوریت کے خلاف سازش میں نمایاںہیں، انہوں نے کہا کہ قومی مصالحت تک پہنچنے کے لئے سیاستدانوں کو استثنیٰ دینے میں کوئی حرج نہیں۔

قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس سے ہی چھ اکتوبر دو ہزار سات کو پاکستان کی تاریخ میں پہلی مرتبہ حاضر سروس گریڈ بائیس کے چیف آف آرمی سٹاف جنرل پرویز مشرف کو منتخب
پارلیمنٹ نے دوسری بار صدر منتخب کرلیا۔

مگرافسوس آج این آر اوکو بنانے والوں، ثالثی کرنے والوں اور نافذ کرنے والے کو کوئ نہیں پوچھتا، اظہار وجوہ کا نوٹس جاری ہوتا ہے تو پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے اور پاکستان کے منتخب وزیراعظم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی کو، اور اس قانون کا بنیادی ہدف ہوتاہے آئینی طور پر منتخب صدرِ پاکستان آصف علی زرداری، جس کو آئین کی رو سے مکمل استثنٰی حاصل ہے اور جن کے خلاف مقدمات نہیں کھولے جاسکتے۔

اس سے قبل وزیراعظم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے پیر کو قومی اسمبلی میں اپنی تقریر کے دوران کہا تھا کہ وہ چار سال میں کبھی طیش میں نہیں آئے لیکن جب بے انصافی ہوگی تو پھر طیش بھی آتا ہے۔ انہوں نے عدلیہ کا نام لیے بغیر کہا کہ ’این آر او‘ جاری کرنے والوں کے خلاف کیوں کارروائی نہیں ہوتی؟

انہوں نے کہا ’میں ذوالفقار علی بھٹو اور بینظیر بھٹو کی نشست پر بیٹھا ہوں، انہوں نے جمہوریت کی خاطر جان دی، میں بھی جمہوریت کا دفاع کروں گا۔‘

زوالفقار علی بھٹو اور شہید بے نظیر بھٹو کے بعد پیپلز پارٹی کے ایک اور منتخب وزیر اعظم کو عدالت میں پیش ہونا ہوگا۔

مگر اب’یہ نہیں ہوسکتا عدلیہ یا فوج نظام کو ختم کردیں

پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی نے بھاری اکثریت سے منظور کردہ قرارداد میں کہا ہے کہ تمام ادارے اپنی آئینی حدود میں رہ کر کام کریں اور عوام کی خوشحالی جمہوری عمل کے تسلسل میں ہے۔
حکمران اتحاد کی جماعت عوامی نیشنل پارٹی کے سربراہ اسفند یار ولی کی جانب سے پیش کردہ قرارداد پیر کی رات دیر تک جاری رہنے والے اجلاس میں بھاری کثرت رائے سے منظور کی گئی۔

اسی قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس کی حقیقت کو وسعت اللہ خان اپنے بی بی سی اردو میں شائع ‘انہیں کون پوچھے گا?‘ آرٹیکل میں بیان کررہے ہیں۔

انہیں کون پوچھے گا

وسعت اللہ خان
بی بی سی اردو ڈاٹ کام، کراچی

جنرل مشرف نے اقتدار کو طوالت دینے کے لیے بینظیر بھٹو کے ساتھ ایک معاہدے کے بعد این آر او لایا تھا

بلاشبہ قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس مجریہ دو ہزار سات پاکستان میں نافذ ہونے والے سیاہ قوانین میں ایک نمایاں قانون تھا۔اسی لئے سپریم کورٹ کی جانب سے اسے کالعدم قرار دینے کو سب نے ہی اعلانیہ یا خاموشی سے سراہا یا برداشت کیا۔ یہ تو سب جانتے ہیں کہ اس قانون کی آڑ میں کن آٹھ ہزار سے زائد لوگوں نے بہتی گنگا میں ہاتھ دھونے کی کوشش کی۔ لیکن یہ کتنے لوگ جانتے ہیں کہ اس برائی کو قانونی شکل دینے میں کس کس کا ہاتھ یا تائید شامل تھی۔ اور قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس بنانے والوں کے لئے زیادہ ضروری تھا یافائدہ اٹھانے والوں کے لئے؟

سال دو ہزار سات ہے۔

صدرِ مملکت ، چیئرمین جوائنٹ چیفس آف سٹاف کمیٹی اور چیف آف آرمی سٹاف جنرل پرویز مشرف (حال چیئرمین آل پاکستان مسلم لیگ ) چین کی بنسی بجا رہے ہیں۔ ان کے وزیرِ اعظم شوکت عزیز کی حکومت بظاہر مستحکم ہے۔ ملک کے اقتصادی اعشاریے اوپر جا رہے ہیں۔

مبصرین کی اکثریت سمجھتی ہے کہ مشرف، عزیز، شجاعت تکون کو اگلے پانچ برس کے لیے بھی کوئی سیاسی چیلنج درپیش نہیں گا کہ اچانک نو مارچ کو جنرل پرویز مشرف چیف جسٹس افتخار محمد چودھری کو برطرف کرکے اپنے سر پر بیٹھے بٹھائے پتھر مار لیتے ہیں۔
ان کے اوپر جاتے ستارے نیچے کی جانب سفر شروع کردیتے ہیں۔مگر شوقِ طوالتِ اقتدار ہے کہ بڑھتا ہی جا رہا ہے۔ اکتوبر میں مدتِ صدارت اور نومبر کے وسط میں مدتِ پارلیمان ختم ہو رہی ہے۔ وکلا اور عوام سڑکوں پر ہیں۔ اسلام آباد کی لال مسجد گلے پڑ چکی ہے۔ نواز شریف سے ہاتھ ملانے کا سوال ہی پیدا نہیں ہوتا۔

رہ گئیں بینظیر بھٹو تو ان سے مشرف کا کوئی ذاتی جھگڑا یا انا کی لڑائی نہیں ہے۔ مشرف بھی اعتدال پسندی کے دعویدار ہیں۔ بینظیر بھٹو بھی دھشتگردی کے خلاف جنگ میں ان کی نظریاتی ہم پلہ ہیں۔ مشرف کو اپنی کشتی بچانے کے لئے پیپلز پارٹی کی ضرورت ہے اور پیپلز پارٹی کو پاکستان کے سیاسی و انتخابی تھیٹر میں باوقار انٹری درکار ہے۔ عالمی و علاقائی حالات کے تناظر میں امریکہ ، برطانیہ اور دوست خلیجی ممالک بھی دونوں قوتوں کی یکجائی کے حق میں ہیں۔

چنانچہ بلاواسطہ رابطہ کاری شروع ہو جاتی ہے۔ کبھی ریٹائرڈ بریگیڈیر نیاز نامی ایلچی کا نام میڈیا میں آتا ہے۔ کبھی آئی ایس ائی کے سربراہ لیفٹٹنٹ جنرل اشفاق پرویز کیانی (حال چیف آف آرمی سٹاف) کی خاموش مصالحتی کوششوں کے چرچے سنائی دیتے ہیں۔

فیصلہ کن موڑ ستمبر میں آتا ہے۔جب نواز شریف کا لاہور میں اترنے والا طیارہ جبراً سعودی عرب بھیج دیا جاتا ہے۔ پیپلز پارٹی کو اندازہ ہوچکا ہے کہ مشرف کا اونٹ پہاڑ تلے آچکا ہے۔ لہذا مطالبہ ہوتا ہے کہ پہلے مقدمات ختم کرو، وردی اتارنے کی تاریخ دو ، تیسری دفعہ وزیر اعظم نہ بننے کی شرط ہٹاؤ تب شراکتِ اقتدار پر غور ہوگا۔

مشرف کو اس بات کی جلدی ہے کہ پارلیمنٹ کی مدت ختم ہونے سے پہلے پہلے خود کو منتخب کرانے کے لئے اگر بازو بھی کاٹ کر دینا پڑے تو سودا مہنگا نہیں ۔

سیکرٹری جنرل ق لیگ سینیٹر مشاہد حسین کے بقول چودھری شجاعت حسین نے قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس کے خاکے پر پیپلز پارٹی سے مذاکرات کی قیادت کی۔ سرکاری ٹیم میں مشاہد حسین، پارلیمانی کمیٹی برائے کشمیر کے چیئرمین حامد ناصر چٹھہ ، وزیرِ قانون حامد زاہد ( حال مسلم لیگ نواز ) اور وزیرِ اطلاعات محمد علی درانی ( حال بہاولپور صوبہ تحریک) شامل تھے۔ اس ٹیم نے چوبیس سے چھبیس ستمبر تک پیپلز پارٹی کی ٹیم سے لگ بھگ بارہ گھنٹے بات چیت کی۔ پیپلز پارٹی کی ٹیم میں مخدوم امین فہیم ( حال وزیرِ تجارت) ، راجہ پرویز اشرف ، سینیٹر صفدر عباسی اور سینیٹر فاروق نائیک (حال چیرمین سینٹ ) شامل تھے۔ مشاہد حسین نے ایک پریس بریفنگ میں یہ بھی کہا کہ اس آرڈیننس سے انتقامی سیاست کا رجحان ختم ہوجائے گا۔

این آر او کے حتمی مسودے کو شکل دینے کے لئے چار اکتوبر کی صبح تین بجے تک صدر مشرف ، وزیرِ اعظم شوکت عزیز اور اٹارنی جنرل ملک قیوم کی پیپلز پارٹی کی جانب سے رحمان ملک ، محذوم امین فہیم اور فاروق نائیک سے بات چیت ہوتی رہی۔

متحدہ قومی موومنٹ کے اصرار پر این آر او کا اطلاق انیس سو اٹھاسی کے بجائے یکم جنوری انیس سو چھیاسی سے کرنے کا مطالبہ تسلیم کرلیا گیا۔اسی شام ایم کیو ایم نے اعلان کیا کہ وہ چھ اکتوبر کے صدارتی انتخابات میں پرویز مشرف کو ووٹ دے گی۔

چار اکتوبر کی شام لندن میں بینظیر بھٹو نے ایک پرہجوم پریس کانفرنس میں اعلان کیا کہ قومی مصالحتی آرڈیننس غالباً آج رات تک نافذ ہوجائے گا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ فوجی حکومت سے ایک برس تک بات چیت ہوتی رہی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پیپلز پارٹی کے ارکان آل پارٹیز ڈیموکریٹک موومنٹ کے ارکان کی طرح پارلیمنٹ سے استعفیٰ نہیں دیں گے۔ اس پریس کانفرنس میں محترمہ کے ایک جانب سیکرٹری اطلاعات شیری رحمان ( حال سفیرِ پاکستان برائے امریکہ) اور دوسری جانب پیپلز پارٹی پنجاب کے صدر شاہ محمود قریشی ( حال نائب صدر تحریکِ انصاف) تشریف فرما تھے۔

پانچ اکتوبر کو شوکت عزیز کابینہ نے این آر او کی منظوری دے دی۔اس کابینہ میں وزیرِ دفاع راؤ سکندر اقبال ( مرحوم) ، وزیرِ تجارت ہمایوں اختر خان ، وزیر تعلیم جنرل ریٹائرڈ جاوید اشرف قاضی، وزیرِ ماحولیات فیصل صالح حیات ( حال وزیرِ ہاؤسنگ) ، وزیرِ زراعت سکندر بوسن ، وزیرِ خارجہ خورشید محمود قصوری ( حال تحریکِ انصاف) ، وزیرِ صنعت جہانگیر ترین ( حال تحریکِ انصاف )، وزیرِ انفارمیشن ٹیکنالوجی اویس احمد لغاری ( حال تحریکِ انصاف) ، وزیرِ داخلہ آفتاب شیرپاؤ ، وزیرِ صوبائی رابطہ سلیم سیف اللہ خان ، وزیرِ محنت غلام سرور خان ( حال تحریک انصاف) اور وزیرِ مذہبی امور اعجاز الحق سمیت بیس وفاقی وزرا شامل تھے۔

اسی کابینہ میں وزیرِ مملکت برائے اقتصادی امور حنا ربانی کھر ( حال وزیرِ خارجہ ) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے سمندر پار پاکستانی رضا حیات ہراج ( حال وزیرِ مملکت برائے ہاؤسنگ)، وزیرِ مملکت برائے اطلاعات طارق عظیم ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے مواصلات اسحاق خاکوانی ( حال تحریکِ انصاف) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے داخلہ ظفر اقبال وڑائچ ( حال تحریکِ انصاف) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے قانون شاہد اکرم بھنڈر ( حال تحریکِ انصاف) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے پارلیمانی امور کامل علی آغا ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے نارکوٹکس کنٹرول غوث بخش مہر ( حال وفاقی وزیرِ برائے نجکاری ) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے پٹرولیم امان اللہ جدون ، وزیر مملکت برائے سیاسی امور امیر مقام ، وزیرِ آبادی چوہدری شہباز حسین ( حال مشرف مسلم لیگ) ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے جہاز رانی بابر غوری ( ایم کیو ایم ) ، وزیرِ نجکاری وصی ظفر ، وزیرِ مملکت برائے سرحدی امور سردار یار محمد رند ( حال قائدِ حزبِ اختلاف بلوچستان اسمبلی ) اور وزیرِ مملکت برائے پانی و بجلی لیاقت جتوئی سمیت چھتیس وزرائے مملکت شامل تھے۔

مسلم لیگ ق کے صرف چار ارکانِ اسمبلی ایسے تھے جنہوں نے کھل کر این آر او پر اپنے تحفظات ظاہر کیے۔ ان میں تسنیم نواز گردیزی ( حال نواز لیگ) ، علی اکبر وینس ، صفدر شاکر اور کیپٹن حلیم صدیقی شامل ہیں۔

وزیرِ اعظم شوکت عزیز نے ایک سرکاری ہینڈ آؤٹ میں این آر او کو رواداری اور ہم آہنگی کی علامت قرار دیا۔
وزیرِ اطلاعات محمد علی درانی نے کہا این آر او وقت کی اہم ضرورت ہے۔
وزیرِ مملکت برائے ریلوے شیخ رشید احمد ( حال صدر عوامی مسلم لیگ) نے کہا کہ قومی مصالحت تک پہنچنے کے لئے سیاستدانوں کو استثنیٰ دینے میں کوئی حرج نہیں۔

چھ اکتوبر دو ہزار سات کو پاکستان کی تاریخ میں پہلی مرتبہ حاضر سروس گریڈ بائیس کے چیف آف آرمی سٹاف کو منتخب پارلیمنٹ نے دوسری بار صدر منتخب کرلیا۔

پیپلز پارٹی نے اپنے صدارتی امیدوار مخدوم امین فہیم سمیت ووٹنگ سے غیر حاضری اختیار کی۔اور صدارتی امیدوار جسٹس ریٹائرڈ وجیہہ الدین احمد کو پانچ ووٹ ملے۔این آر او نافذ کرنے والے بھی خوش فائدہ اٹھانے والے بھی خوش۔
ایک حدیث ہے کہ رشوت دینے اور لینے والا دونوں جہنمی ہیں۔ اس اصول کے تحت جنہوں نے این آر او کا قانون منظور اور نافذ کیا انہیں کوئی کیا ، کیوں ، کب اور کون پوچھے گا ؟

Source: Daily Express

PML-N alliance with Musharraf League: Tariq Azeem to meet Nawaz In London

Nawaz Sharif’s alliance with Musharraf League: Where are the principles now?

IJI style game plan

IJI style game plan: phase two

“Politics makes strange bed-fellows”. The reunification of all Muslim Leagues, once again all the turn coats getting together.

One day after the formation of the Muttahida Muslim League alliance, a group from within voiced its concerns over the nomination for the head of the steering committee. The move for the grand alliance suffered a major setback by the PML-Q, which kept itself a distance from merger move, Although the Chaudhrys of Gujrat were initially agreeable-but now it’s leadership set conditions that they would be on board only if those who left them first, came back.

“We believe that there are only three factions of Muslim Leagues… PML-N, PML-Q and PML-F…we have asked Pir Pagara to ask the leaders of PML-Q break away factions to first come back to the party fold, before moving ahead for any alliance or merger,” said Kamil Ali Aga information secretary of PML-Q. He added that Sheikh Rashid, Ijaz ul Haq, Jamali, Hamid Nasir Chatta and Saleem Saifullah all betrayed the PML-Q and made their own factions.

Reacting to the formation of  MML,  Syed Ahmed Saeed Kirmani on Saturday said the alliance of four Muslim League factions has yet to explore its justification, as alliances are always based upon ideas and principles. The Muttahida Muslim League (MML) that has emerged from illusory forces efforts is a merger of four factions of the League — PML(F), PML(Zia), PML(Like-minded) and Awami Muslim League, -mostly one-man-show parties -and  the broken away “like minded” group of PML-Q.

The group within MML also complained that it was not taken into confidence over the nomination of the committee members.

Chairman Muttahida Muslim League (MML), Pir Pagara, who enjoys the reputation as the GHQ’s cognomen, has sacked the coordinator of steering committee Imtiaz Sheikh after objections were raised on the formulation of steering committee by PML-(Likeminded) faction. Differences emerged in the newly formatted alliance of MML.

Sources said that Chief of MML, Pir Pagara to address the objections of PML-Likeminded and remain unifying the alliance decided to increase the members of steering committee. Sources said that the decision regarding the new coordinator of steering committee will be taken in next meeting scheduled on November 04 with the consultation of all factions.(Online international news network)

All military dictators ranging from Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf have all used the Muslim League banner to cobble together a willing coalition of political disgruntled, opportunists and turncoats that could offer a democratic smoke screen, obliteration, obscuration, and camouflage to their authoritarian adventurism.

Pir Pagara and his special friends living in Pindi want, that  all Muslim leagues ranging from A-Z to join MML as  member parties, in order to create IJI style[anti PPP]alliance, but in present circumstances, it seems, PML- N and Q can have a political alliance with MML but will not merge into MML to lose their identity and sans Sharifs and Chaudharys MML  not significant enough to make any difference in present political scenario or derail democratic system.

But hope still alive for the new MML dreamers; the PML-N leadership is ready for talks with the leaders of Muttahida Muslim League- and former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali is expected to meet PML-N leaders next week to formally invite the PML-N to join the Muttahida Muslim League to develop once again anti PPP alliance especially in Sindh.

It also seems, that  Pir  Pagara or his bosses are ignorant about the actual facts and figures and they are unable to understand present democratic realities and harsh conditions;  Pakistan is facing tough time of its history, flood crises is still not over, also facing a horrible insurgency, terrorism, extremism, and thousand of people killed in suicide attacks.

According to Daily Times Editorial, ” Historically, the unification of Muslim League only comes about when some shadowy forces are at work. Otherwise, their practice has been to ‘unite later, split first’.”

Déjà vu all over again

Another bid to ‘unify’ the different factions of the Muslim League is being witnessed these days under the patronage of Pir Pagara. The Muttahida Muslim League (MML) that has emerged from these efforts is a merger of four factions of the League — PML(F), PML(Zia), PML(Like-minded) and Awami Muslim League. Historically, the unification of Muslim League only comes about when some shadowy forces are at work. Otherwise, their practice has been to ‘unite later, split first’. The Muslim League has very often been the handmaiden of dictators and part of anti-democratic manoeuvres in our history. Under newly appointed president Pir Pagara, PML-Q’s dissident group who like to call themselves ‘like-minded’ have joined the MML bandwagon in yet another opportunistic move, perhaps encouraged by the ‘invisible angel’ friends of the Pir. It is ironic that Allama Iqbal and Jinnah’s Muslim League has remained hijacked by opportunists for the most part of our history as an independent country. These ‘men for all seasons’ waste no time in hopping from one party to another, depending on in which direction the favourable wind is blowing, just to remain close to the powers-that-be. The PML-Q and the PML-N have not yet shown any interest in joining the MML while it is not yet clear why Musharraf’s All Party Muslim League (APML) has not been given a seat at the new table.

Despite that, PML-N spokesperson Ahsan Iqbal dubbed the MML as Musharraf’s “alumni club” and said that “various alliances and individuals are being fielded with a plan to divide the PML-N vote bank in the next elections” in a bid to obstruct its success in the future. On the other hand, the PPP’s moves to woo the PML-Q, and the latter’s opening a channel to Shahbaz Sharif might be among the reasons why the Chaudhry brothers have not yet become a part of the MML, preferring an enigmatic silence so far. The PPP’s government is surviving by default as there is no other alternative in sight and no other party is willing to take responsibility for the multiple crises in the country. Even those who want to see the back of the PPP are in a bind as there is no other option available to bring a change of government through the electoral/democratic process. Thus, it must be asked if unifying the Muslim League is a political move to create some ripples in the ‘stagnant’ political landscape. Everyone is trying to explore some new options these days. Therefore, it is possible that the four factions that have joined the MML platform having become virtually irrelevant politically, have now come together to gain some political mileage. It is no secret that Pir Pagara is the blue-eyed boy (read old hand) of the GHQ and the MML’s inspirational roots therefore seemingly trail back to Rawalpindi. If indeed this is the case and these manoeuvres are afoot to create new possibilities, its implications are serious. Some powerful forces want an end to this government.

Under these circumstances, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s overconfidence in his government should be taken with a pinch of salt. Mr Gilani may not be afraid of the unification of the Muslim League, but if those lurking in the shadows succeed in their aims, the PPP should be worried. The MML’s chances of becoming a powerful political entity are quite dim, yet we never know what conspiracies are being hatched behind closed doors. There are indeed no permanent friends or enemies in politics, and certainly not in Pakistani politics. *

Some more interesting developments are in the offing, as General Musharaf’s Party could not attract much attention of the organizers, due to Nawaz factor, so now APML, has decided to issue a 20-point charge sheet against Mian Nawaz Sharif. And the relationship between PML-N and PML-Q has been so tense in the past that theoretically there are very dim chances of an alliance between the Sharifs and Chaudharys. Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said on Saturday Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif habitually blamed others for his follies and took credit for others’ good work. He criticised the performance of the incumbent chief minister and blamed him for Punjab’s current ‘dismal’ situation. He said on the one hand Sharif failed to launch even a single mega project in the province and on the other he was removing plaques of his (Elahi’s) name from the projects initiated or completed by his government.

Nobody is safe anymore in Punjab, he said, advising Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to stop calling himself “Khadim-i-Ala (servant of the people).”

So, we  can say that right now present political situation is not very much favorable for the grand anti PPP alliance.

A low IQ, desperate journalist!

This is the latest from from Ansar Abbasi’s bag. His report titled “Benazir, Musharraf joined hands to keep Nawaz out” was published in The News on October 17, 2010. He has referred Shaikh Rashid for this revelation. These ten points are so ridiculous that I have serious doubts about his IQ. There is no doubt that BB wanted to get FABRICATED cases against her dropped and I think it was her RIGHT. All points from 1 to 6 are of common cause except of course the withdrawal of cases specifically pertaining to BB.

Point No. 7 pertains both for BB and NS. Both had been PM twice. How could continuity of “BAR ON THIRD TIME” block PML-N and not the PPP from making the next government as it applied to both BB and NS. Ansar Abbasi does not tell the nation what magic the PML-N-MMA could do to gain seats for formation of next government but PPP-PML-Q could not if the bar would have been removed before elections. The 2002 assembly position was that PPP+PML-Q+MQM+ANP was far ahead of PML-N+MMA combine)

Also note that even after the elimination of BB, PML-N which had full opportunities could not get a single seat from two provinces. I shudder to think what may have happened had elections taken place on the original date of January 8, 2008. Because of the postponement by 40 days, we saw Nawaz Sharif traveling from one city to another, doing corner meetings and even speaking from the sun roof of his vehicles. Had the elections taken place as planned on the original date, PML-N may not have won even 50% of the seats won.

Point No. 8 relates to amendment President Powers which all parties wanted.

Point No. 9 says” As per existing agreement, BB will return to Pakistan by the end of the year, however, if NS makes an early return, she too will be welcomed “.

This points threatens the IQ of Ansar Abbasi, read carefully BB’s return was made conditional i.e “if NS returns”. It means BB would

After having campaigned to ensure Sheikh Rashid loses elections, Ansar Abbasi misuses him for a story!

return after NS. This point makes the so called agreement as between Musharraf and NS instead of between Musharraf and BB.

The alliance between PPP and PML-Q could not reach during the whole tenure of 2002 elections so this point is as ridiculous as all others.

Even otherwise the actual facts and turn of the events negate this agreement, BB returned before the elections and was assassinated. The wave of sympathy was neutralized by “the powers that be” through loadshedding of electricity and shortfall of flour in the Punjab and thus bringing PML-Q in direct confrontation with PML-N and the results of Punjab were manipulated to block PPP Govt. in the Punjab.

Benazir, Musharraf joined hands to keep Nawaz out
The News, October 17, 2010
http://www.thenews.com.pk/17-10-2010/Top-Story/1368.htm
By Ansar Abbasi
 ISLAMABAD: Once the blue-eyed boy of General (R) Musharraf, Rawalpindi’s Shaikh Rashid Ahmad has shared with The News an unsigned 10-point agreement, which he claims was reached between the former dictator and Benazir Bhutto in July 2007 and led to the promulgation of the controversial NRO.
The document reveals far more than what is in the public knowledge and says that the Mush-BB deal was meant to keep Nawaz Sharif out of power and pave the way for a future PPP-PML-Q coalition government.
The Shaikh’s secret, which he insists is true, shows BB and Musharraf felt threatened by a possible alliance between Nawaz League and the religious alliance MMA.
The document talks of withdrawal of cases against Benazir Bhutto, assurance of the PPP to get Musharraf re-elected as president without uniform, fair and free elections, removal of third-term restriction after the elections to block Nawaz Sharif from coming into power and many other conditions.
Later, however, things changed. Shaikh Rashid said that the unsigned document he possessed was titled “Understanding between President and BB”, and contained the following 10 points:
1) Cases related to BB will be withdrawn around 30th August 2007.
2) The PPP will support the government for legislation/constitutional amendments to remove difficulties, if any, for the president’s election without uniform for the second term in September/October, 2007.
3) The president will remove the uniform before this election subject to a firm commitment by the PPP to vote for him or abstain.
4) Government will ensure free and fair elections through a neutral Election Commission. Voters list is being rectified to the satisfaction of all parties.
5) An interim government in consultation with the political parties will be formed before the general elections to ensure neutrality.
6) All the cases of the NAB against the politicians to be frozen till elections are held. The NAB Act will be reviewed by a commission to make the law balanced.
7) Third term restriction on election of prime ministers will be removed after the elections. It needs to continue for the time being to block possibility of formation of PML-N-MMA alliance government headed by NS (Nawaz Sharif).
BB desires that Article 58 2(b) of the constitution, which allows the president to dissolve the assemblies, should be amended.
9) As per existing agreement, BB will return to Pakistan by the end of the year, however, if NS makes an early return, she too will be welcomed.
10) PPP and PML-Q will form an alliance after the elections.
 

Tahir Sarwar Mir’s column on Sheikh Rashid and Ansar Abbasi (Express, 18 Oct 2010):

Talking to media at Kingri House here along with Sheikh Rashid after meeting with him, Pir Pagara, while commenting on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s statement regarding martial law, said Altaf Hussain harbours evil intentions in his mind.

Feudal lords and jagirdar are lying in their graves; now, thought should be given to their children, he said adding Altaf Hussain would ‘go up’ if returned home.

Commenting on former President Gen. (rtd) Pervez Musharraf’s homecoming, the PML-F chief said no Pakistani president, who went abroad, ever traced his steps back home.

All Muslim Leagues are going to be merged in one entity to be led by a chief given thumbs-up by the council, Pir Pagara informed.

The future of Sheikh Rashid and Shahbaz Sharif is bright; while, the Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have dark future, Pir Pagara remarked adding Nawaz did not receive two-third majority; instead, it was a forced incident.

According to Daily Times:

PML-Q and PML-F merge

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief Pir Sahab Pagaro on Saturday announced the merger of his party with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), saying the development would pave the way for the formation of the All-Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

Talking to reporters along with PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Secretary General Mushahid Hussain at Kingri House, Pagaro said, “It is not unification, but assimilation of the Muslim League.”

“Efforts are being made for the unification of the Pakistan Muslim League and I am in contact with other leaders to bring all on one platform,” he added. “We have settled all of our differences (the PML-Q) through talks and meetings,” he said, adding that his doors were open for anyone who was willing to contact him.

To a question, Pagaro said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf had not contacted him so far. “We will welcome Nawaz Sharif in case he contacts us for forming the APML,” he added.

Pagaro also invited other political parties to merge with the APML, so that “we can make efforts to save the country and serve the nation”. “PTI chief Imran Khan will be left alone if he decides not to join us,” he claimed.

Responding to a question about the role of Ejazul Haq in the APML, Pagaro said Haq’s role would be no different from “what one can expect from the son of a dictator”. Chaudhry Shujaat said he had asked Pir Pagaro to assume the role of his patron. “The country is heading towards a crucial situation and if patriotic people do not come out to take the lead, then God knows what will happen,” Shujaat said. staff report

Realpolitik

The recently concluded by-election in Rawalpindi’s NA-55 constituency, the interest and voter turnout it generated, was a healthy sign for the democratic process. It clearly reflected the fact that democracy is alive and kicking. Much has been said about the contest, but whereas the media’s focus remained on the main contestants — PML-N’s Shakeel Awan and former PML-N heavyweight, Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed — a look at the performances of some other contestants went missing.

There were a total of 22 contestants in the constituency, a contest that was left wide open when the country’s largest political party, the PPP, opted to stay out. Apart from the two main contenders here, the participation of two other men is also of some interest. These were the candidates put forward by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf and the Jamat-i-Islami respectively.

Both the parties belong on the rightist side of the ideological divide, with the JI representing the old strain of political Islam and the PTI characterising the ideology’s newer strains. Both have been mainstays in the popular electronic media, being the most vocal in condemning the US and Pakistan’s ‘war on terror,’ the army’s operation against extremist groups in Paktunkhwa, and the presence of some shady western security personnel in the country.

Along with a popular TV channel [Geo TV], these two parties have also been highly critical of the present coalition government headed by the PPP. In fact, both these parties have been declaring the coming of some sort of a revolution that will make Pakistan a ‘true Islamic state.’

Well, the results of the Rawalpindi by-election in which the candidate of the more moderate conservative party, the PML-N, bagged over 70,000 votes and the fact that the country’s leading secular social democratic party, the PPP, was not contesting, the JI and the PTI’s dismal performance should put a much deserved spanner in the demagogic rhetoric they have been indulging in. Both the parties’ candidates combined could not garner more than a mere five per cent of the vote. So what happened to the revolution?

The JI is well aware of its electoral weaknesses. On its own it has always failed to gather more than two to three per cent of the total votes cast across each and every election since 1970. Only when it has been part of an alliance has it been able to get a few of its candidates elected; for example, when it became part of the anti-PPP, PNA in 1977; the anti-PPP, IJI in 1988 and 1990; and the MMA in 2002. On its own, the JI remains an elitist bourgeois party representing a hybrid ideology based on puritanical Islamic strains, hyperbolic anti-Americanism and a sympathetic sentimentality towards the Taliban.

Though ideology does matter to the Pakistani voter, it has been proved over and again that the people first and foremost look for a candidate who is resourceful enough to address their issues, like unemployment, crime, violence and development in their constituency.

Despite the cynicism (especially among the chattering classes) prevalent in regard to the major parties, there is on-ground evidence to suggest that parties such as the PPP, PML-N, MQM, and the ANP do enough work on the constituency level to keep the voters interested in them.

This fact is lost to the JI, which always tries to rouse people’s interest in abstract and ideological issues that, ultimately, do not seem to count for much when it comes to election. The same is the case with Imran Khan’s PTI, a party that has had as its mentors controversial right-wing ideologues such as the former ISI chief, Hamid Gul. What’s more, Imran Khan has failed to carve out a convincing political position for himself, in spite of the fact that he was able to create a powerful launching pad for his party with his brilliant cricketing career and his tremendous efforts to construct a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Lahore.

Instead, he chose to retain his obvious naiveté about the rugged and Machiavellian dynamics of realpolitik, and got carried away by the kind of ‘noble’ dyed-in-wool drawing-room idealism that can get him thousands of TV viewers and internet fans, but only a handful of votes.

And anyway, as regards the two parties’ loud stand on assumed corruption of politicians, the supremacy of an independent judiciary and the oh-so-dreadful war on the poor Taliban, a string of TV anchors do a better job of it. But can they win an election? Nope.

The JI is old news. But, on the other hand, if Imran Khan wants to lift his party from the fringes and propel it into electoral politics, he will have to carve out a political identity for himself instead of mimicking the demagoguery of the JI and assorted TV show hosts. As a politician, he only comes out looking more like a glamorous and modern face of the JI rather than one with his own vote-able identity.

Source: Dawn

The recently concluded NA-55 by-elections in the heart of Rawalpindi were highly capricious in many ways- it was the finale political Armageddon of the shrewd Sheikh of Potohar in which he tried to play all his tricks but to no avail, Punjab government wanted to win it at every cost, as victory was important for the ruling PMLN to redo its political morale after losing the Haripur National Assembly seat, and the Patriarch of the House of Sharifs – Muhammad Nawaz Sharif wanted to win it too, but for personal reasons.

By-elections had a special importance for him and he wanted to see the antediluvian progenitor of AKA Sheikh Rashid Ahmad get defeated for his past sins of betrayal, disloyalty and dishonoring of voters confidence by siding with the dictator Musharraf. The fact that this is the third consecutive victory of PML-N candidates from NA-55, since the general elections of 2008, shows that its strong vote-bank is still intact.

The victory has another dimension as well- the victor is an ordinary political worker who has defeated a lethal political giant. On the whole, administrative steps for the smooth holding of by-elections were satisfactory except the firing incident.

The election results proved immediate magnum opus for the Punjab government vis-à-vis the federal government. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while terming opponent Sheikh Rashid as a Zardari candidate, thanked Rawalpindiites. PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif said after the results that the victory of N-League candidate Shakil Awan would usher in a new era of development and it would harbinger change in the country. He added that he would bring about a revolution of change through his team.

NA-55 results show that federal government is also not a loser, rather it can claim some stakes in the victory as PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Zardari has taken revenge from once arch political rival who used to utter foul ranting against late Benazir Bhutto in 80s and 90s.

Zardari also succeeded in unnerving the Punjab government, for its candidate’s defeat would be a major point scoring by the Q-League chief Ch. Pervaiz Elahi. Only the loud mouth Sheikh from the North is a sure loser as he has proved himself to be a bad player of the game in which he is involved since the 1970s.

After the announcement of unofficial results, the PMLN workers came
out to the streets to rejoice their victory against their once defamatory kingpin in the national assembly. They chanted slogans in the support of their candidate. On the other hand, chief of his own naiveté Awami Muslim League, Sheikh Rashid moaned of rigging but failed to present any conspicuous example. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Kamal expressed his satisfaction on the election process and advised Mr. Rashid to come forward with the proof of the alleged rigging, if there is any. The Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif went to Rawalpindi constituency to congratulate the winning candidate Malik Shakil Awan.

The election results have intuited a number of factors which will continue to affect the national political scene in the days to come. Results show that voters prefer principled politics over personalities and past of parliamentarians can pay them in either way. Now, the politics of parliament is different from the local government level as Sheikh Rashid has a definite edge over his rival. He has famous for his development work in the constituency and around the city, where he is active since 1985. Had developmental work alone or the mega advertising campaigns work then why it did not benefited to the Q-League in 2008 elections?

Now, voters are influenced by many other factors like party position on issues like Pak-USA relations, war against terror, corruption, Talibanization, Balochistan imbroglio, water problem, inter-provincial relations and service delivery to the masses are some of the issues that affect the public mind. Pakistan’s nascent electronic channels have come a long way to definitely mould public opinion and this is what happened in NA-55. Rawalpindi media and TV channels have played their role in deciding the election results. However, raconteur Sheikh of Lal Haveli failed to judge the public mood in wake of Lal Masjid fiasco shows Mush remnants’ disrespect of public mood. Had the Lal Haveli Sheikh won the election, PML (N) would have been in an embarrassing situation vis-à-vis the Q-League. For that reason, it has also weakened the bargaining position of Ch. Pervaiz Elahi.

The PML (N) has succeeded in rejuvenating its energies and this victory has given necessary strengths to its leaders to yet again challenge rival Zardari and the PPP policies. The 0.334 million voters proved that past dictator’s lanky minions can no longer befool the masses and now the democratic forces should also learn that the voters cannot be influenced by hollow political jargons. Therefore, they should also be able to deliver well to the people as democracy means equal distribution for all.

Political observers claim that Punjab government set up is the best ending of the 2008’s elections where Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is single-handedly trying hard to deliver. He can boast of maintaining corruption-free government machinery and the mantra of good governance is loud and clear to the satisfaction of the ordinary people. He has set up many examples of merit, transparency and rule of law in the province. This is what we were waiting for in the past. However, he
should hire highly professional and dedicated team of experts in different fields like health, agriculture, education, C&W, industry, commerce and I.T etc to deliver at people’s doorsteps. Constitution of a well-disciplined public service delivery system would be his biggest contribution to democracy and the people of Pakistan.

Our fellow bloggers at Cafe Pyala have recently exposed the shameful role of Geo TV and Hamid Mir in the recent by-elections in NA-55. Nadeem Paracha too has written an article on this topic, an excerpt from which is being provided below.

Tele vs. Tulli
By Nadeem Paracha

During the Musharraf dictatorship, the country’s leading private news channel clearly became a hybrid of confused ideological notions when it openly gave vent to the reactionary and violent gestures exhibited by the Lal Masjid terrorists as well as to the more democratic manoeuvres of the anti-Musharraf lawyers movement.

Though roundly criticised by the liberal circles for helping trigger anger among extremist organisations incensed by the army’s action against the Lal Masjid culprits, the channel knew it had hit upon the same lucrative and populist model first pioneered by such right-wing TV networks as North America’s FOX News.

Spite sells

Apart from continuing to give prominent exposure to some of the crankiest conspiracy theorists and hate-mongering televangelists, this channel recently let loose a constant barrage of spite against Zardari – all in the name of ‘democracy’ and ‘accountability.’

There are very few Pakistanis who would be willing to defend some of Zaradri’s recent decisions, but the channel in question seemed to have crossed some vital limits while commenting on these decisions.

What causes more concern is the emerging perception that this channel has started to sound more like PMLN’s official channel. Many observers believe that the channel’s two favourites, Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Justice, are actually setting the structure and tone of their rhetoric according to the dictates and perceptions being peddled by the channel.

During the recently concluded by-election in Rawalpindi, the channel gloated that its opinion poll predicted Sheikh Rasheed’s defeat. I overheard a senior producer of the channel at the Karachi Press Club boasting that it was now his channel that was determining the electoral fate of the politicians.

Though there is nothing hidden about this channel’s both pragmatic and maybe even ideological fascination with PMLN, I wanted to tell the same gentleman that his channel has been equally smitten by characters like Imran Khan and Munawar Hussain (of the Jamaat-i-islami). Meaning, if this channel now considers itself to be a king-making machine, then why, in spite of it giving Khan and Hussain so much coverage and vent, did both the men’s parties fare so badly in the Pindi by-elections?

Both Khan and the Jamat, which have been given a tremendous run on this channel to constantly air their anti-Zaradri, anti-America, and (some would even suggest), ‘pro-Taliban’ tirades, together received a mere four per cent of the votes in the by-elections.

So, is the gloating by the channel a case of sheer delusion? Was this also why the same channel suddenly went on a rampage against Sheikh Rasheed the night before the important by-elections, maybe believing the PMLN wouldn’t be able to win without the channel’s help?

This was by far the most blatant and distasteful exhibition of partial and biased journalism, where the host of a popular talk show and his guests made sure to make Rasheed seem like the most unprincipled and dubious politician on the face of the Earth.

The guests also included established journalists, two of whom made not even a pretentious attempt to sound impartial. The worst was when the host, still unsatisfied with the circus he had enacted, invited a controversial mullah of the Lal Masjid, Maulana Aziz, to deliver a sort of fatwa against Mr. Tulli’s politics. (Aziz, if you remember, is the same brave soul who faced the army’s action against the Lal Masjid clerics and extremists by actually trying to escape from the mosque in a black burqa!)

But all was not lost on the show. At the fag end, famous newspaper columnist, Humayun Gohar, seemed to have had enough of all the ‘objective analysis’ ringing around him and was man enough to castigate the host and the channel of committing ‘target killing against the personality of Sheikh Rasheed.’

As to how much this show affected Rasheed’s performance in the election cannot be gauged, but there is no doubt about what the real idea behind the whole façade of ‘objectivity’ enacted by the show was about.

Source: Dawn