Nov 28

Monthly Sairbeen Quetta October 2008

There is no grouping in Q league: Marvi Memon

Govt should give timeframe on the implementation of resolution; people will teach them lesson in the next election if they will not fulfill their promise. Q league has established resolution implementation track system. Govt should not follow US dictation. Army should be allowed to counter border violations. Govt will have to take bold steps and decisions. Former President Musharraf has no plans to lead PML Q. Some people are using Musharraf’s name for their own interests. Govt must end the confusion and chaos present among the Pakistani nation by being true to them.

 

 

Nawa-i-waqt 22^nd November

Govt should take practical steps to stop US incursions: Marvi Memon

 

PML Q MNA Marvi Memon said that US should stop attacking tribal people. Practical steps must be taken in this regard not only condemning them will not work now otherwise tribal people’s hatred will spread all over country. She was talking to nawaiwaqt; she emphasized that tribal people should be provided with pens instead of weapons so that they play effective role in country’s development. Today’s youth can create a havoc in reaction to US attacks in future that is why it is very important to stop these attacks. Many conspiracies are going on against Pakistan they should be countered and the confidence of people pf Pakistan should be regained. The main reason of country current worse situation is due to increasing inflation and lawlessness. Next generation will have to face IMF loan’s result. If on international level prices are increased then they are also immediately increased in Pakistan but when the prices go down govt also slows down in lowering the prices. She said people are in difficult situation and democratic govt should take steps for their relief.

 

Jinnah 27^th November

Parliament should take practical steps for economic development by making the country’s environment peaceful: Marvi Memon

 

Economic progress needs to be promoted for peaceful environment. Every department of Environment should be made effective. These views were expressed after 8 month first environment committee meeting by Marvi Memon. In a special interview with Jinnah she told that she has given suggestion to make the environment peaceful so that economy can flourish. In next meeting of standing committee on environment approval will be given for the important suggestion for their practical implementation. She told that China trip was very productive and it was agreed that political leaders of Pak and china will collaborate and will close link with each other. She went directly to attend environment committee meeting after her arrival from China.

  

K2 28^th November

Chinese companies have assured to start new projects in Gilgit-Baltistan: Marvi Memon

 

PML Q Gilgit-Baltistan Incharge and MNA Marvi Memon said that China public and private organizations have assured their cooperation and assistance in the field of education, health, energy, agriculture, tourism and other areas in Gilgit-Baltistan. After 10 days China trip she was talking to KPN; she told that she has talked in detail in her first foreign official visit with high officials of China for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and investment in the respective areas. Chinese official have shown their strong will to assist in the construction of dams both financially and technically, introduction to modern techniques in agriculture, research work in the field of herbal medicine and giving training to local people in these fields. Chinese medical universities will cooperate in this regard. Projects on population planning and energy through waste material were also discussed. In the education field Chinese organizations intend to promote language of both countries among the students and other facilities to be given to them.  Delicious fruits of Gilgit-baltistan will be exported to China and more ways will be introduced to increase their production capacity. To provide people with clean drinking water and to curb health issues are also under consideration. Govt will also work on projects to promote local crafts and women will be given opportunity to benefit equally like men. She has hoped that China will actually start working and assisting on all these projects soon and people of Gilgit-baltistan will be empowered this way which will also help in reducing poverty and unemployment in these areas. She said she will continue to struggle for the development of this area.

 

 

Nov 28

Pakistan Will Help India With Investigation

November 28, 2008

By Habibullah Khan, ABC News Producer Islamabad

 

As news of the coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai spread, Pakistanis, like people around the world, closely watched as the events unfolded on their television screens. 

And then, as everyone was expecting, the finger of blame started pointing towards Pakistan. 

The Pakistani government was swift to condemn the gruesome attacks. Both the president and the prime minister called Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to condemn the violence, and they assured him of their cooperation with the investigation to follow.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said that “the government will cooperate with India in exposing and apprehending the culprits and the masterminds behind the attack.”

The chief of Pakistan’s powerful spy agency, ISI, is headed to India to help with the investigations after a request from the Indian government. Many here, however, see the move as a sign of weakness and say Pakistan should avoid such involvement.

After all the accusations, Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani met this morning to discuss the situation.

The terrorist incident came as both countries were inching toward a broader dialogue to ease tensions between the two countries. In a recent interaction with Indian media, Zardari proposed a no-first-nuclear-strike agreement and said the region must be denuclearized.

Pakistan wants to carry forward the peace process and help India with the the investigation but “not at the cost of our dignity,” said Marvi Memon, a member of Pakistan’s national assembly.

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who was in India before the Mumbai incident on a peace initiative, appealed for people “not to politicize” the incident and said “both countries face a common enemy which is terrorisn and they must fight it.”

However, tensions remain high on both sides of the border, and the blame game between the two countries has raised its ugly head once again. 

“Whenever we start making headway in our relationship, the evil hand strikes and takes us back to 1947,” Junaid Ali, a businessman from Islamabad, told ABC News, referring to the bloody partition of the British Indian empire.

 

Nov 27

Pakistan seeks Chinese cooperation for research on Herbs for us in medicines

URUMQI (China), Nov 27 (APP): Pakistan sought Chinese cooperation for research and development of herbs available in abundance in Northern areas for use in traditional medicines. The proposals to this effect were presented in a 4‑point plan by leader of the cross‑party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan during visit to Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The plan on health was presented by MNA Marvi Memon to the President of the Xinjiang Medical University for cooperation that included exchange between this university and one of ours, research and development of herbs from Northern Areas, setting up of similar facilities in Northern Areas, launching of Chinese herbal medicinal training programs. The plan was greatly appreciated by the Chinese side and the delegation was also briefed on expansion programme of the university including 1000 bed facility to be expanded to 2000 beds shortly. Marvi Memon told APP before leaving home after 2‑day stay here that the parliamentary delegation also attended a detailed briefing prepared by Xinjiang Ethnic Religious Affairs Committee of Xinjiang Autonomous Region on the ethnic and religious mix and how all of them were living in a peaceful manner mainly due to the harmonious policies of the CPC that emphasizing equality, tolerance and preferential subsidies. During interaction with the Chinese side, Marvi Memon said that she briefed them about the parliamentary form of government in Pakistan and also her country’s pivotal role to stem out terrorism and extremism from the region. “I explained how our goals were similar to bring down disparity between rich and poor”, she said and added that she emphasized to build an Asia free of disparities through coordinated effort. The basic objective to visit here she said was to set up coordination activities with Northern Areas in many fields. Describing her meeting with the Women Federation a very productive, Marvi Memon said that their organizational set up has impressed her in a big way. The delegation was informed that they were generating funds by them, while Central Government also providing their share for implementation of various projects. “It was a meeting of Asian women fully geared up to back their respective growing economies. We had so much to discuss. Our shared experiences, our successes, our challenges” she said. The Pakistani delegation proposed: joint collaboration on population planning, traditional crafts, rural cropping techniques of women doing businesses from their gardens and entrepreneur leaders’ exchanges, which was greatly appreciated by Chinese side. The delegation was also taken to the largest mosque and to the Grand bazaar which was a local souk of dry fruit and handicrafts. At a visit to the Chinese Academy of Science, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and geography, the delegation was briefed about the topography of the province with its desertification and glacier challenges. A grand banquet was also arranged by the members of the Standing Committee of Regional Party Committee where entire delegation was warmly received.

 

Nov 16-26 news items

APP Reports

China hails concept of “Strategic intertwining” from Pakistan’s parliamentary delegation       

SHANGHAI, Nov 22 (APP) China here Saturday hailed the concept of “Strategic intertwining” from Pakistani parliamentary delegation and expressed the need for the younger generation to set a new pace for Pak-China bilateral relations.The concept was presented by MNA Marvi Memon in her paper she read at the Shanghai Academy of International Studies.

Welcoming the concept, the President of the Institute Dr Yang Jiemaian said that it needed to move beyond diplomatic parleys to a dialogue between NGOs, businesses, and youth.

“Such thought production exercises between intelligentsia would complement the integration civilizations of the two regional countries”, he observed.

Marvi Memon who was heading a cross-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan highlighting the importance of bilateral ties between the two countries, said that the Chinese leadership’s believe in the Scientific Outlook because development needs to be a shared objective in the Pak-China bilateral relations. 

This ‘harmonious development’ is also the need of the region that can only be achieved by intertwining of economic and social interests of the two friendly countries of this part of the world.

Marvi Memon was of the view that an understanding of the demographic and resource profiling in 2020 of both China and Pakistan will help us arrive at a correct strategy for today, for next 5 years and beyond.

The requirements of food, natural resource, housing, water, education, infrastructure, Energy of both countries in 2020 needs to be planned right from today to get prepared for the future challenges that the world is confronted today.

She said that the ‘Strategic intertwining’ and success transfer needs to take place  on fast track on areas: hydro power projects including small and large dams, North South Trade Corridor for energy resource mobilization, Coal and mining projects, Water treatment, availability of clean drinking through installation of water filtration plants, use of modern means in agriculture sector specially in cropping projects for diversification of export strategy, high end technology and collaboration in telecom sector, active youth participation for cultural, language and multimedia cooperation, using Northern Areas of Pakistan and China’s adjoining province for promoting trade routes.

Earlier, on arrival the delegation was warmly received by the President of the Institute Dr Yang Jiemaian.

The delegation during its say in Shanghai also visited the birthplace of CPC, an electronic automobile company, a multi media company in an economic zone, the Suzhu Creek water treatment and environmental rehabilitation project.

A banquet for the delegation was also held by Mr Wang Zhongwei Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai.

The schedule of the delegation also included visiting Shanghai World Financial Centre, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition centre.

 

 

 

Pak-China Parliamentary caucus to enhance bilateral ties       

BEIJING, Nov 18 (APP)A Pak-China Parliamentary Caucus will be constituted with the objective  of further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The idea was put forward by the leader of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation, MNA Marvi Memon, at a meeting. The delegation is currently visiting China on the occasion of 30th year of celebrations of the country’s reforms.

 

The delegation discussed further enhancement of Sino-Pak strategic relationship in a meeting with Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Ma Wenpu here Tuesday at the Great Peoples Hall.

Marvi Memon said both sides decided that a Pak-China Parliamentary caucus would serve the cause of regional stability.

“We are honoured to be guests of the Communist Party of China, and we consider China’s success our own success and their challenges our challenges”, she told APP in an interview.

She said parliamentarians have accepted the task of boosting Pak-China friendship to greater heights through an institutionalized mechanism.

The MNA said that the Pakistan side of the caucus will formulate a comprehensive five year strategy after due consultations with all stakeholders including the embassies of the two countries, business leaders, youth and parliamentarians. The plan will be submitted for approval to the Speaker of the National Assembly after which its implementation will be carried out through legislative branch and the committee system.

Language, history, and cultural training progammes for parliamentarians were also suggested at the meeting to develop closer people to people contacts.

The Vice Chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Ma Wenpu said  the setting up of the caucus was an important initiative for institutionalized linkages between the two parliaments.

 

The delegation also met with Vice Minister of the International department of CPC Central Committee Li Jinjun who explained in detail the ‘China model’ and also emphasized the CPC’s unique core leadership role in leading government towards reform process.

 

The Minister stated that the CPC being the largest party in the world with over 73 million workers believed in the need to build strong linkages with all parties in order to pursue mutually beneficial development. 

 

 

 

19^th November 2008

 

National Assembly admits bill to amend Fiscal Responsibility Act 2005 (Business Recorder)

 

The House adopted another bill to establish Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services in order to improve capacity building of parliamentarians regarding legislation. The bill ‘The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services Bill 2008′ moved by opposition member Marvi Memon has already been passed by the upper house of the parliament.

 

Babar Awan did not oppose the bill, saying he had discussed it with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and both of them have underlined the need for establishment of such an institute. Privatisation Minister Naveed Qamar also supported the bill and said there was need for capacity building of parliamentarians who make important national policies.

 

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill stated that law making is a technical subject and legislators require full data to contribute their output by enacting the pieces of legislation. They must be equipped with all the material on the subject of a bill and should have the facility of research and training. Under the bill, the institute shall be a corporate body by the name of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. The institute shall be located at Islamabad and may establish its branches in all provinces.

 

NA approves training institute for legislators (Daily Times)

By Muhammad Bilal

 

The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the establishment of a capacity-building institute for parliamentarians.

 

Opposition legislator Marvi Memon tabled the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services Bill, which the lower House passed unanimously.

 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Babar Awan said he had discussed the issue with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani who had stressed the need for such an institute. Privatisation Minister Naveed Qamar said legislators make important national policies and require capacity-building and training institutes like other professions.

 

“Lawmaking is a technical subject and legislators require full data to contribute their output by enacting the pieces of legislation. They must be equipped with all the material on the subject of a bill and should have the facility of research and training,” the bill states.

 

The institute will be set up in Islamabad and may establish branches in the provinces. It will be controlled by a board of governors with the Senate chairman or National Assembly speaker as president (by rotation for three years) and deputy chairman of Senate or deputy speaker of the National Assembly as vice-president. The president and the vice president will not be from the same House. Other members of the board will include the parliamentary affairs minister, the speakers of provincial assemblies, four senators nominated by the Senate chairman on the basis of party representation, and eight members of the National Assembly nominated by the speaker.

 

The institute will also have an executive director.

 

“No court or tribunal shall have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings, grant any injunction or make any order in relation to anything done in good faith or purported to have been done in good faith or intended to be done under this act,” says the bill.

 

Debt limitation bill: Opposition PML-Q legislator Humayun Saifullah tabled a motion to introduce a bill to amend the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act of 2005, restricting government borrowing from State Bank to four percent of GDP.

 

He said excessive borrowing from the central bank was one of the major reasons behind inflation. Saifullah said the four percent limit allows some fiscal room to deal with budgetary deficits.

 

Opposition members also introduced a bill to amend the Pakistan Penal Code to provide adequate penalties for the unsafe disposal of hazardous wastes, and another bill to amend the constitution to give representation to non-Muslims in the Senate.

 

The bills have been referred to standing committees.

 

Institute of Parliamentary Services to be set up (The News)

In a rare reconciliatory atmosphere in the National Assembly on a private members day, the members from both sides of the aisle stood up together to approve the bill regarding establishment of Institute of Parliamentary Services that aims to enhance capacity building of the parliamentarians and their training for parliamentary business.

 

It was a private members bill that originated in the Senate and was moved by Senator Anwar Bhinder and it was also passed unanimously in the upper house of the parliament. While in the National Assembly, Marvi Memon of the PML-Q was the mover of the bill that was passed unanimously. The bill will now be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for his assent after which the law about establishing Institute of Parliamentary Services will come into force.

 

The National Assembly referred the private members bill moved by Akram Masih Gill to amend the constitution to give representation to minorities in the Senate, to the relevant committee. Though law minister opposed the bill on the plea that the government intends to give representation to the minorities in the Senate in the proposed constitutional package, he agreed to refer it to the relevant standing committee for consideration.

 

Another private members bill of Dr Doniya Aziz, who introduced it to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, that envisages enhancing the punishment for non-disposal of hazardous waste, was sent to the relevant standing committee.

 

The government also did not oppose the bill to further amend the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act 2005, which was moved by Humayun Saifullah Khan, Mian Riaz Hussain Peerzada, Nausheen Saeed, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and Marvi Memon. Meanwhile, speaking on the passage of the bill for establishment of Institute of Parliamentary Services, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan said it was first time that the institute was being constituted for the parliament that will enhance the capacity building of the parliamentarians. He said the government would always welcome and support legislation by the opposition members for supremacy of the parliament.

 

He said that the president and prime minister while acknowledging the need for such an institute asked him to get the bill passed at the earliest. He added that the institute would be one of its kind in the country. Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Senator Raza Rabbani said the passage of the private members bill exhibits the government’s commitment to the supremacy of the parliament.

 

He said it was first time since long that a bill moved by an opposition member had been passed without any opposition, adding that earlier it was also done in Benazir Bhutto’s government. “It reveals that PPP government believes in supremacy of parliament and will always welcome legislation moved by the opposition members.”

 

According to the bill the overall control, direction and the superintendence of the affairs of the institute shall vest in the board of governors which may exercise all powers, perform all functions and do all acts which may be necessary for its smooth functioning.

 

Chairman Senate or speaker National Assembly will be president of the institute by rotation for a period of three years, while deputy chairman Senate or deputy speaker NA will be vice president by rotation for a period of three years but the president and vice president shall not be from the same house at a time.

 

The members of the board shall include, minister for parliamentary affairs, speakers of all provincial assemblies, and in case of absence deputy speaker of the provincial assembly concerned, four members from the Senate and eight members of the National Assembly while secretaries of Senate and National Assembly would be the ex-officio members of the board.

 

Pakistan gives importance to enhanced and accentuated relationship with China. (Daily K2)

 

A Pak-China Parliamentary Caucus will be constituted with the objective of further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

 

The idea was put forward by the leader of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation, MNA Marvi Memon, at a meeting. The delegation is currently visiting China on the occasion of 30th year of celebrations of the country’s reforms.

 

The delegation discussed further enhancement of Sino-Pak strategic relationship in a meeting with ViceChairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Ma Wenpu here Tuesday at the Great Peoples Hall.

 

Marvi Memon said both sides decided that a Pak-China Parliamentary caucus would serve the cause of regional stability.

 

“We are honored to be guests of the Communist Party of China, and we consider China’s success our own success and their challenges our challenges”, she told APP in an interview.

 

She said parliamentarians have accepted the task of boosting Pak-China friendship to greater heights through an institutionalized mechanism.

 

The MNA said that the Pakistan side of the caucus will formulate a comprehensive five year strategy after due consultations with all stakeholders including the embassies of the two countries, business leaders, youth and parliamentarians. The plan will be submitted for approval to the Speaker of the National Assembly after which its implementation will be carried out through legislative branch and the committee system.

 

 

 

Marvi Memon pledges support for pro-women bill

ISLAMABAD: PML-Q MNA Marvi Memon on Monday pledged support for proposed bill for protection of women at work, however, she stressed the need for deliberations over the issue in the Parliament. “The treasury benches should discuss and debate the matter in the Parliament to build consensus and get a unanimous legislation passed,” Marvi Memon told newsmen. She said her party; during its government, had brought about significant improvement for women empowerment while it would, continue to support all such legislation which was pro-women in letter and spirit, as long as it is formally consulted. “The consultations over the issue in the House would also ensure and uphold supremacy of the Parliament,” Marvi said adding,” especially the fact must be considered that women legislators from PML had also proposed legislation on similar subject.”—Agencies

 

Nov 15-16

Political parties criticise govt for going to IMF

* PML-N, PML-Q, ANP want government to take parliament into confidence regarding loan programme
* PML-N urges government to set up parliamentary committee to oversee loan utilisation

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Some of the main political parties in the country have criticised the government for approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek financial assistance and called for parliamentary oversight on the proposed $7.6 billion loan programme.

Reacting to the government’s formal request to the IMF for a loan, political parties said the decision would once again plunge the country into the shackles of international monetary institutions.

PML-N: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Information Secretary Ahsan Iqbal said the request for an IMF loan proved that the failure of the government’s alternative plans had forced the country to take the ‘bitter pill’.

He said the friendly countries had preferred to support Pakistan through the IMF instead of directly offering a loan facility. He demanded the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government immediately bring all the terms and conditions of the loan package into parliament.

Iqbal said the government’s irresponsible attitude towards the country’s economic crisis was evident from the appointment of a large cabinet and President Zardari’s visit to Saudi Arabia with an entourage of more than 200 members.

He urged the government to set up a special parliamentary committee for overseeing the utilisation of the IMF loan.

PML-Q: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) MNA Marvi Memon said the ‘economic tsunami’ produced by the dysfunctional PPP-led government was highly regrettable.

Memon criticised the government for agreeing on the IMF loan package without first tabling its terms and conditions before parliament. “The government has undermined the supremacy of parliament,” she added.

“The previous PML-Q government brought Pakistan out of the clutches of the IMF but the current government has decided to go back to it,” she said.

ANP: Awami National Party (ANP) spokesman Zahid Khan said it would have been better if the government had not requested assistance from the IMF. He said the people were already struggling due to skyrocketing inflation and could not afford tough conditions set by the IMF.

He said the PPP should take parliament into confidence regarding the loan package.

JI: Senior Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Liaqat Baloch said, “The government has compromised the country’s sovereignty and integrity by going back to the IMF. It has taken a step even more dangerous than any military dictator took in the past.”

JUI-F: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the government should neither seek an IMF loan nor privatise its profitable institutions like Qadirpur Gas Field.

—–

PM blocks supply as per my point of order but not permanently – only for security reasons- wrong!

———

Pakistan suspends NATO supplies

* Supplies will resume after security fears are addressed

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Political authorities suspended supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan via Torkham Border on Saturday due to security concerns on the Pak-Afghan Highway, a private TV channel reported.

According to the channel, hundreds of trucks and containers had been stopped in Peshawar after the suspension of the supply on Saturday.

Khyber Agency Political Agent Tariq Hayat told the channel that supplies had been suspended following incidents of looting of trucks and containers carrying oil and other supplies for the NATO forces battling Taliban in Afghanistan.

He said the NWFP additional secretary had sent a proposal to the federal government on November 11 asking for the suspension of the supplies because of the volatile security situation on the restive Pak-Afghan border.

“But some transporters are transporting supplies on their own responsibility,” the political agent told the TV channel.

Quoting authorities, the channel said the supplies would not be resumed until effective security measures were put in place.

Another TV channel quoted FC officials as saying that the authorities had decided to set up security checkposts in Jamrud tehsil to protect the Pak-Afghan Highway and supplies to Afghanistan.

———

Express News

“Without economic empowerment and stability Pakistan cannot free itself from US slavery”. Marvi Memon

Federal Minister for Human Rights Syed Mumtaz Ali Gillani said that President Statement: “we are not US slaves” is not acceptable by an sane person. Pakistan first P.M accepted US slavery. Pakistan is in its initial stages of democracy. He was talking in Express current affairs program “Kal Tak”. Talking in the program Hanif Abbassi PML N MNA said that there is no difference between PPP policies and previous government policies. PML Q MNA Marvi Memon said that we should cut suppy lines in reaction to US attacks and border violations. Few Pakisatni leaders can be slave to US but not the whole Pakistani nation. We have to be economically strong and stable other wise we will not be able to free ourselves from US slavery.

—–

The government on Friday told the National Assembly (NA) that 166 people died and 357 were injured in the earthquake that hit parts of Balochistan province last month.

It said that between 1,000 and 2,000 houses were destroyed in the earthquake.

Responding to a point of order by Marvi Memon, Abdul Waseem, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and others, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan assured the NA that the government would ensure transparency in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Babar said the government would accommodate suggestions of parliamentarians regarding the role of local representatives in the distribution of aid.

He said various countries had pledged monetary assistance for the earthquake victims, but the commitments have not been met until now, adding that relief goods were being distributed by the Red Crescent and Pakistan Army to ensure transparency.

The minister said the survey of devastated areas had been completed and the data was being compiled.

 

Nov 8-12

Media Reports (8^{th November} – 12^{th November})

12^th November 2008

Pakistan will not allow US attacks on its territory, says Gilani (Daily Times)

Pakistan will not allow the United States to launch ground or air strikes on targets inside its territory and will take up the issue with the new US administration, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the National Assembly on Tuesday.

He was responding to concerns raised by opposition legislator Marvi Memon, who asked the government what ‘dignified’ measure it had taken to stop the increasing attacks that violate Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty. “There is a transitional period in the United States, where the Obama-led government is soon going to take charge. We will talk to them about the predator attacks,” he said.

US attacks now intolerable: PM (The Nation)

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that the whole nation was concerned about the US and NATO drones attacks inside Pakistan and explained the government’s stand that these attacks were not doing any service to the ongoing war against terrorists, rather adding to their problems in tackling the situation in the troubled areas. He also said that these attacks are now intolerable.

Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MNA Marvi Memon Premier Gilani informed the National Assembly that he had met the US Ambassador and their intelligence officials and conveyed to them Pakistan’s concern over these attacks.

The Prime Minister said that President Asif Ali Zardari would have a chance to take up the issue with the US administration where he had proceeded to attend a conference on interfaith harmony.

Concerns over drone attacks conveyed to US, Gilani tells NA (The News)

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday told the National Assembly that Pakistan would not tolerate violation of its territorial and aerial limits and the sovereignty and integrity of the country would be safeguarded at all costs.

“We have told the United States that the nation has serious concerns over drone attacks in the tribal areas and the government has taken up the matter in various forums,” he said while speaking on a point of order raised by PML-Q legislator Marvi Memon regarding continuous drone attacks in the tribal areas.

People of Gilgit Baltistan will never forget the work done by PML Q. (K2)

People of Gilgit Baltistan are the most deserving people for the BIS cards as it is the most underdeveloped region of Pakistan. MNA Marvi Memon has won the hearts of the people of Northern Areas by presenting a bill for their constitutional rights. Member Northern Areas Assembly Muzzaffar Relay said. He said that we can never forget the valuable services by MNA Marvi Memon. By distributing BIS cards she has practically shown her concern for the people of this region. He was talking to journalists after he collected BIS cards from PML Q regional President Abdul Wahid. Unemployment and poverty makes this region and its people more worthy of BIS cards.PML Q served the people of Baltistan when they were in govt and now they are in opposition but even then they are taking initiatives which is a practical proof of their services for the poor people of this region. Muzaffar Relay further said that MNA Marvi Memon has been struggling on the two points agenda of development and constitutional rights for a long time and for this people of Baltistan and Gilgit admire her a lot.

Govt can cut the supply line if U.S violates our borders. Marvi Memon (Khabrain)

There should be a debate in parliament on IMF tough conditions. India should be strictly countered on the water issue. US senator Ridel is India centric, Govt should start lobbying, Why Govt didn’t talk with Obama on Kashmir issue? We will loose 62% shares if Qadir pur gas field is privatized so it should be stopped.

MNA Marvi Memon said that if extremists will going to cut the supply lines then it will be a wrong act. Statement by the govt that extremists can obtain state powers is similar to inviting US and other foreign powers to come and operate on their own in Pakistan. Why dint Kashmir issue was talked about on phone with Obama? US senator Ridel pro-Indian. He will do lobbying from Indian side on the issue of Kashmir there fore govt of Pakistan should also start their lobbying. There should be a debate in parliament on the conditions given by IF and after that parliament will look into those conditions and will decide if they are not going against our country. She was talking to channel 5; she said that need of the time is that govt should counter NATO led US attacks; Govt should stop their supply lines in Afghanistan. Govt is doing nothing on the continuous US violations of our borders. Solid steps should be taken instead of going on in dialogues at this time. 5.6 m acre land got affected due to blockage of water by India. India will be tougher if Pakistan will not take steps to resolve water issue. On meetings by Friends of Pakistan she commented that our growth rate has decreased to 3.5 from 7.5%. There should a high level meeting between Friends of Pakistan. Pakistan is facing severe economic crisis. IMF conditions should be discussed in the Parliament. Privatization of Qadir pur gas field is open violation of clause 12, there should be no haste in selling it. 75% gas is present in Qadirpur Gas field so it would be very unfair with the people of Pakistan to sell it only in 2 billion rupees. Govt should immediately start program to take the gas out of that place. According to govt 37% shares are being sold rest 38% will remain with OGDCL after privatization 62% shares will be sold and OGDCL will loose its control over it. Govt should tell the number of violations and US drone attcks, Report of special committee should not be veiled but be presented in the parliament and nation should be told of what govt plans to do. She demanded that govt should tell the steps taken by govt for the recovery of missing Chinese, polish and Afghanis people. She objected that why we should cooperate with US more when US is not stopping its attacks on the territory of Pakistan. She strongly protested over the statement of Defence minister that hsows as he has accepted defeat in front of Superpower.

10^th November 2008

Marvi for urgent measures for quake-hit people. (The News)

Questioning the capability of the government to cope with the impact of the October 29 earthquake in Ziarat and Pishin, member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Eenvironment and Women Development Marvi Memon on Sunday stressed the need for quick rehabilitation of the quake-affected people.

“Time is running out for the quake victims, especially in Ziarat, as winter has approached the area and it is going to be very hard for them to survive,” stated Ms Memon while talking to newsmen here.

Marvi Memon visited the worst-hit areas in Ziarat, including Wam, Warchoom, Kawas and Pishin. Marvi, who is going to submit a calling attention notice in the National Assembly urging the house to discuss the ongoing and future plans of the government for relief and rehabilitation in the quake-hit areas of Balochistan, said the government should come up with plans for permanent rehabilitation of the quake-hit areas in view of the harsh weather.

She was especially concerned about the situation of women and children, who are prone to harsh weather effects. The affected people need winterized tents to survive, as she shared with this scribe her experience of being in Ziarat till midnight where the mercury had dropped below the freezing point.

9^th November 2008

K2

Provincial president of PML Northern Areas Abdul Wahid handed over 400 registration farms of Benazir Bhutto Income Support Program to the President PML Ghizer Ashraf Ali and Shahzada Jalal. He asked them to distribute these forms among poor people. Mr. Abdul Wahid said every MNA has been given 6000 forms; MNA Marvi Memon gave away her half of cards to the needy people of Northern Areas. He said the way Marvi Memon has tried to help the poor people of the Northern Area there is no precedent of it. He said by sharing her quota of BBISP forms with Northern Areas she has giving them hope and proved that she is the most sincere well-wisher of this area. Abdul Wahid also said that Marvi Memon has promised to send people abroad on her quota and also she has allotted one hundred thousand rupees to Northern Areas from her quota of Development Funds. He said this money will be distributed among most deserving people after party consultation.

8^th November 2008

“Marvi Memon has distributed from her own BIS cards quota among the poor of Northern Areas which is a historic victory for PML Q”. K2

Provincial president of PML Northern Areas Abdul Wahid said that distribution of BISP forms among poor people of Northern Areas has added another chapter of historic success in the political struggle of PML. He said PPP Northern Areas worker are hiding their faces in after failure to get BISP cards for the people of this area. He said all this while handing out BISP cards to Northern Areas districts. Distribution of BISP cards among people of Northern Areas by PML has proved that PML is the true representative of Northern Areas. He said besides PPP tall claims for the welfare of the people of Northern Areas it had done nothing in 9 months if PPP govt is committed to the people of Northern Areas it would not have created hindrances in the new district development of Hunza nagar which started during PML time. PML Q took revolutionary step for the people of Northern Areas but PPP govt halted all the projects that make their intentions clear of being insincere. Advisor Finance Miza Hussain said that hey are thankful to MNA Marvi Memon for distributing the cards from her quota and we hope that she will in future also represent people of Northern Areas at all levels. It was also expressed by different people that these cards will be distributed fairly among the people.

 

Nov 1

Government should form an Action Committee to relieve Bajaur People: Marvi Memon

ISLAMABAD: Member parliament Marvi Memon has urged on Government to form an Action Committee for relief activities to address the difficulties faced by the Bajaur peoples.

While talking at the inaugural ceremony of a movie “Bajaur’ s flower” organized by an NGO related to the difficulties being faced by the homeless peoples of Bajaur, she said that the people of Bajaur were being coerced to lead a refugee’s life in their own country.

She stressed on incumbents to form an Action Committee to address the difficulties of war-affected peoples of Bajaur instead of indulging in useless and time-consuming discussions and discourses.

Meanwhile notable social worker Tahira Abdullah said that, “if these war affected Bajaur refugees could not be relieved of their difficulties and rehabilitation activities could not be set in, they might become cat’s paw in the hands of terrorist elements in future”.

The documentary “Bajaur’s flower” interpreted the difficulties faced by children and women in Bajaur in context of residence and health problems owing to ongoing military action and the documentary stresses, that if their difficulties could not be addressed, they could readily become a cause of large-scale devastation in the hands of extremist elements

 

Nov 1

Talking in the wilderness?

M. Aftab

Rather than getting even the first hint of a ray of hope for the solution of their problems, 164 million harried, hungry, and emaciated people of Pakistan are receiving extensive and repeated doses of double or triple talk. A talk in wilderness! It does no good to the nerves of the peoples of Pakistan who have suffered because of what allegedly was their brave fight for the Islamic ‘jihad’ in Afghanistan. The thriller had started in December 1979. Twenty-nine years down the line, there is no respite as it many years ago turned into the most destructive war Pakistan has suffered since its independence. Alongside the entire nation, in fact the whole region, I have, personally, tasted the war for years. It all started during a dark, December night in 1979 when I received a phone call from a colleague, alerting me to the start of a suspected Red Army attack on Afghanistan. As I was still trying to struggle out of the deep sleep in which I was at the moment, minutes later the colleague rang me up again. “It’s official, now.” “The Red Army has invaded and occupied Afghanistan,” he told me in a sombre tone. “I will reach the office in a couple of minutes,” I told my colleague, and off I went. There has been no stopping since that bleak, dark December night 29 years ago. I try to forget my personal suffering all these years, but every bomb that blasts in a Pakistani city, every man, woman and child who receives a blood bath anywhere in Pakistan, and every American drone, missile, or bullet that bombs my cities and villages, killing my innocent fellow citizens does not let me forget it. In fact, it freshens up my own wounds. It happens because my entire nation is bleeding. That dark December night was followed by an exodus of more than four million Afghans to Pakistan. The professionals, doctors, engineers, and University Professors, several of them come from my relatives migrated abroad through Pakistan. Some of them stopped at my house in transit. Now back to the bombing. While this goes on daily – often more than once – what our popular and elected leadership with a big mandate is doing or saying? Don’t they sound like talking in wilderness? The signals from the government at best are confused and at worst contradictory. The nation should go back to what Bush had reportedly asked Musharraf hours after 9/11. “Are you with us or against us?” Musharraf had collapsed and, obediently, said to Bush “with you”. Hell has broken loose on the entire nation since then. Naturally, now people are asking “is the government “involved” with US in the continuing bombing, missile attacks and drone raids on Pakistani territory, or a “victim” of US raids? This point was succinctly put forward by PML(Q) MNA Marvi Memon. The government is either ‘mazloom’ or ‘mullavis’. The government, as such, owes a very clear, candid, and open explanation. Three latest reports from Washington this week indicate that the US is willing to hold direct talks with elements of the Taliban in an effort to quell unrest in Afghanistan. Taliban leader Mullah Omar has shown “openness to the idea of repudiating al Qaeda, which encouraged the Bush administration to explore the possibility of holding direct talks with the militia. The Taliban, reports says, have “conveyed this message to representatives of the Afghan government during a series of meetings in Saudi Arabia last month”. Pakistan has yet to comment on these moves. The urgency of a clear explanation is linked, too, with the passage of the 14-point consensus resolution adopted by the Parliament last week on the war on terror and the havoc it has played on Pakistan. The Speaker is taking time in appointing the monitoring committee that will oversee implementation of the resolution. But the blood bath continues unabated as a result of the US raids. It underscores the need for the committee’s appointment and an immediate start of an effective and meaningful the monitoring process. The Committee or the government will also have to decide whether or not the policy of establishing ‘lashkars’ will work. The considered opinion of experienced Afghan-NWFP hands and leaders from the troubled areas and is against it. “Pathans never surrender, they never give up arms, nor do they agree to a ceasefire.” They recommend formation of ‘jirgas’ which are joined by the relevant people. The formation of a ‘jirga’ for a common purpose and cause brings a ceasefire in place. They point out to recent instances of success in this line of approach. These were ‘jirgas’ in troubled Dir and Buner. Buner is one of the districts of volatile Swat. This proposal is supported, among others, by two leaders: Federal Minister Najmuddin Khan from Dir and ANP’s Senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilore. In the two instances, all local leaders along with all political parties agreed to bring peace to their areas and told the Taliban to leave. It worked. The two cases to bring peace should be replicated elsewhere. Now these are important matters to go about, and in a manner which is effective, relevant, according to the local tradition, and tried and tested over centuries. But no one should try to minimise the gravity of the matter or under estimate the tough decision and actions the government is burdened with. Take what happened last Sunday. Two US missiles hit South Waziristan killing ten people. It was the twelfth strike in the past 10 weeks. All were undertaken by US-led forces and Afghanistan-based CIA drones. That Sunday was significant as Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani spoke the same day. US attacks in the tribal areas are “harming the government’s efforts to isolate the extremists and mobilise people against militancy,” he said. “These are attacks on our national sovereignty, when thousands of people cross over from the border to attack our army, all accords are automatically broken.” “Such attacks will not be tolerated. The government will take all possible measures to stop them.” Gillani was speaking to the press after returning from China. He said, “I have also raised the matter in Asia-Europe Summit. The Summit supported our stance in this regard and expressed solidarity with Pakistan.” He informed the Summit delegates regarding the unanimous resolution and Pakistan’s stand on the war on terror. “The delegates commended this resolution.” The premier says. In his talk, Gillani also referred to the Army Chief saying that “the armed forces are working to “quell internal and external threats to national security and will ensure implementation of the Parliament’s resolution.” Gillani said the government and the armed forces are working in tandem to restore normality to the tribal areas. Gillani stays upbeat over the government policy on terror. The government is successfully working to de-link the militants from the tribes. The local tribesmen are taking action against these elements. “The terrorists follow no religion. They are the cancer for the nation.” The Senate, at the same time, has called for “more effective measures by the government to stop US drone attacks on tribal areas of Pakistan”. These attacks are most unfortunate and constitute a gross violation of our national sovereignty and territory”. “Continued incursions into Pakistani territory are harming the government’s efforts to seek a political solution through dialogue,” said the senate. While the US showers hell daily on Pakistan, Washington is trying to sound ‘meharban’ on us, saying it has “stopped” ground raids by American commandos in Pakistan, and instead, increased the frequency of drone and missile attacks. Is that the best choice Pakistanis, the most aligned of all allies, which they must cherish or suffer? A US report says, the attacks by remote-piloted Predator aircraft have increased “sharply” “in frequency and scope over the past three months”. Until last Sunday, US undertook at least 18 Predator strikes since the start of August, some of which were deep inside the tribal areas. It compares with five strikes made during the first seven months of this year. Americans also claim they have Islamabad’s permission to strike up to six miles deep into the Pakistani territory. Which government? Musharraf’s? The present government has no comment on it. The US decision to rely more heavily on Predator attacks using Hellfire missiles seems to reflect “dwindling options on the part of the White House for striking a blow against al Qaeda in the Bush administration’s last days in office. Bush had given his permission for ground intrusions into Pakistani territory and to conduct ground attacks as back as July this year, after what the report described as “frustration over Pakistan’s reluctance to carry out more aggressive operations.” Such a special operation at Angoor Adda on September 3, killing more than two dozen people, was the outcome of this policy. But Washington was surprised over the intensity of the Pakistani anger over it. It followed a visit to Washington by National Security Adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani who lodged a strong protest and registered Pakistan’s anger with top White House Officials. While the US has increased frequency and scope of its Predator attacks on Pakistan “no tacit agreement has been reached to allow increased Predator strikes in exchange for a backing off from additional American ground raids – an option that remains on the table”. The most unfortunate thing is that Pakistanis learn about what Islamabad has given out and handed over to Americans in the name of the war on terror, only through US officials and sources. Our government and the mighty but ignorant Foreign Office, whether it knows about these matters or not, stays mum. I fail to understand why this is happening even now by this elected civilian government – after Musharraf is gone? Are the government big-wigs just talking in the wilderness over the continued US aggression against Pakistan? The government’s present stance to deny information to its own people will quickly bring drown its popularity graph. If that happens, will there be a single mourners in case something “untoward” happens to the government – as it has often happened at the hands of the past military and civilian dictators and Presidents?