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Tiger got to hunt, bird got to fly;
Man got to sit and wonder, ‘Why, why, why?’
Tiger got to sleep, bird got to land;
Man got to tell himself he understand.”
~ Cat’s Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut
When you come to the edge of all the light you have,
and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown,
believe that one of two things will happen.
Either there will be something solid to stand on –
or you will be taught how to fly.
Patrick Overton
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
You are free and that is why you are lost.
–Franz Kafka
On the interstate of life you rarely reach your destination. In rest-stop after rest-stop, you look for signs of God, or happiness, or just reason enough to get back on the road. But is it not right and fitting that you lose your way? Isn’t such failure itself evidence of the sublime? Granted, the bleary-eyed, caffeine-dazed monotony of the interstate of life may often feel like an endless bad dream. But the roadside wreckage that marks your journey–the discarded quarts of oil, the busted hub caps, the insect bodies splattered on your windshield, the coffee lids scattered at your feet–aren’t these signs that, in a certain way, you have already arrived?
It’s not whether I arrive; it’s how I lose my way.
Twenty-five years since the International Day of the Disappeared was launched on August 30,Pakistan has joined the list of nations practicing enforced disappearances as a direct consequence of its alliance with the US-led ‘war on terror.’
This particularly painful legacy of the Musharraf era has subjected hundreds, if not thousands, to enforced disappearances — the practice under which people are kidnapped, held in secret locations outside any judicial or legal system, and often tortured, sometimes to the point of death.
Pakistan not only helped fill the wire cages at Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray and CIA’s secret prisons by handing detainees to the US authorities but also incarcerated many secretly in Pakistan itself. Held out of sight and without charge, with no word to their families and loved ones (much less lawyers), the fate of many of them remains unknown to this day.
In September 2006, after Amnesty International published its first report on the disappeared in Pakistan, I wrote to President Musharraf and in January 2007 met the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to urge the government to investigate and end the appalling practice of abduction and secret detention. I did not receive a satisfactory response.
If the leaders of the ruling coalition want to demonstrate they are serious about changing Musharraf’s policies, they should immediately reveal details of where the hundreds of disappeared are being held. And then they must begin the process of establishing some control and accountability over the country’s notorious security agencies, chief among them the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), which, allegedly, carried out these enforced disappearances.
Amnesty International’s recent report ‘Denying the Undeniable: Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan’,used official court records and affidavits of victims and witnesses of enforced disappearances to show how government officials, especially from security and intelligence agencies, obstructed attempts to trace the disappeared. The report reveals a pattern of security or other forces arbitrarily detaining people (even children, in one case a nine-year-old boy), blindfolding them, and moving them around various detention centres so they become difficult to trace.
Take the case of Dr Imran Munir, a Malaysian citizen of Pakistani origin, who wasarrested in July 2006 and whose whereabouts remained unknown until Pakistan’s Supreme Court demanded information from Pakistani authorities. After the Supreme Court took up regular hearings of cases about the disappeared in late2006, around 100 disappeared persons were traced, having either been released or found in recognized detention centres. Dr Munir was among those lucky ones; during the course of hearings on his case, it became apparent that various security agencies had tried to hide him even after the Supreme Court had ordered his appearance in court.
The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry became impatient with such obfuscation and denial and announced in October 2007 that it would summon the heads of the intelligence agencies to explain their role in enforced disappearances and would initiate legal action against those found responsible.
Dr Munir was set to record his statement regarding his enforced disappearance, as well as information about others subjected to enforced disappearance, when the hearing was disrupted by Musharraf’s imposition of the state of emergency in November last year and the independent-minded judges were conveniently deposed.
Musharraf’s declaration of emergency expressed his indignation succinctly when it spoke of ‘judicial interference’ in the government’s fight against terrorism. The sacking of the judges, clearly and crucially in anticipation of a negative decision with respect to Musharraf’s eligibility to the office of the presidency, got rid of this irritant.
Not surprisingly, the new judges of the Supreme Court have not found it necessary —or opportune — to resume hearings about the hundreds of petitions relating to the missing. A confrontation with those responsible for enforced disappearances apparently takes more determination, grit and political will than one appears able to muster.
Thus the fate of the disappeared has become closely entwined with that of Pakistan’s higher judiciary. It seems unlikely that the disappeared will receive appropriate judicial scrutiny for the time being, given the controversy over the reinstatement of deposed judges.
But the new government need not await judicial pressure to shed light on the fate of the disappeared. The government can use its executive authority to demand that the ISI and other security agencies provide information about those subjected to enforced disappearance. As a first step, the government should immediately gather and publicize a list of all those in government detention. It’s good record-keeping; it’s basic law enforcement; it’s also the law.
In April 2008, shortly after the elections, Law Minister Farooq Naek stated that the government was collecting details of disappeared persons and pledged that all would be released. Now is the time to go public with that information.
Providing information about the fate of the disappeared would bring some solace to hundreds of families — thousands of people — who continue to fear for the lives of their loved ones; aware that torture and other ill-treatment are routine in Pakistani places of detention.
By abducting and detaining terrorist suspects in secret hiding places, or failing to investigate and reveal the fate of the disappeared, the government violates human rights and does little to counter terrorism. Only by arresting and prosecuting suspected terrorists in accordance with the rule of law can the government show its commitment to both human rights and fighting terrorism.
It would also send a clear, immediate signal of a radical break with the Musharraf era, and at very little cost — something very important to the fractious new government as it faces the many woes besetting the country such as a slumping economy, high fuel costs and a growing Taliban insurgency in the areas bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s new government has a clear choice: it can continue the bankrupt and brutal anti-human rights practices of the Musharraf regime or it can counter terror with justice and put the country on the path to the rule of law and human rights.
By Irene Khan, Secretary General Amnesty International
Total Number of National Assembly seats: 342
PPP: 142 seats
PML-N: 91
PML-Q: 54
MQM: 25
ANP: 13
MMA: 7
Independent & Baloch Nationalist: 17
PPP ’s candidate: Asif Zardari
PML-N’s candidate: Retired Chief Justice of Pakistan, Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui
Seats required to win presidency: 172
This means Zardari needs 47 seats over and above all of PPP’s seats to secure the spot. MQM has already pledged its allegiance to Zardari. +25 ANP has said they wont hinder Zardari’s rise to power. +13. Plus the spineless MMA…
If we minus those from PPP who arent too happy with Zardari and hold grudges against him ‘for holding the Bhutto legacy hostage’; such as Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Aitezaz Ahsan…And those from MQM, MMA and ANP who still have an iota of sanity in them; then we just might be able to avert this disaster…
As published in The Nation, April 01, 1998, the properties of Asif Ali Zardar include:
LOCAL ASSETS:
Plot no. 121, Phase VIII, DHA Karachi.
Agricultural land situated in Deh Dali Wadi, Taluka, Tando Allah Yar.
Agricultural property located in Deh Tahooki Taluka, District Hyderabad (65.15 acres).
Agricultural land falling in Deh 76-Nusrat, Taluka, District Nawabshah (827.14 acres)
Agricultural land situated in Deh 76-Nusrat, Taluka, District Nawabshah (293.18 acres)
Residential plot No 3 (Now House) Block No B-I, City Survey No 2268 Ward-A Nawabshah
Huma Heights (Asif Apartments) 133, Depot Lines, Commissariat Road, Karachi
Trade Tower Building 3/CL/V Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi
House No 8, St 19, F-8/2, Islamabad
Agricultural land in Deh 42 Dad Taluka/ District Nawabshah
Agricultural land in Deh 51 Dad Taluka Distt Nawabshah
Plot No 3 & 4 Sikni (residential) Near Housing Society Ltd. Nawabshah
CafT Sheraz (C.S No. 2231/2 & 2231/3) Nawabshah
Agricultural land in Deh 23-Deh Taluka & District Nawabshah
Agricultural property in Deh 72-A, Nusrat Taluka, Nawabshah
Agricultural land in Deh 76-Nusrat Taluka, Nawabshah
Plot No. A/136 Survey No 2346 Ward A Government Employee’s Cooperative Housing Society Ltd, Nawabshah
Agricultural land in Deh Jaryoon Taluka Tando Allah Yar, Distt. Hyderabad
Agricultural land in Deh Aroro Taluka Tando Allah Yar “ “
Agricultural land in Deh Nondani Taluka Tando Allah Yar “ “
Agricultural land in Deh Lotko Taluka Tando Allah Yar “ “
Agricultural land in Deh Jhol Taluka Tando Allah Yar “ “
Agricultural land in Deh Kandari Taluka Tando Allah Yar “ “
Agricultural land in Deh Deghi Taluka Tando Mohammad Khan
Agricultural land in Deh Rahooki Taluka, Hyderabad
Property in Deh Charo Taluka, Badin
Agricultural property in Deh Dali Wadi Taluka, Hyderabad
Five acres prime land allotted by DG KDA in 1995/96
4,000 kanals on Simli Dam
80 acres of land at Hawkes Bay
13 acres of land at Maj Gulradi (KPT Land)
One acre plot, GCI, Clifton
One acre of land, State Life (Internationa l Center, Sadar)
FEBCs worth Rs. 4 million
SHARES IN SUGAR MILLS INCLUDE:
Sakrand Sugar Mills Nawabshah
Ansari Sugar Mills Hyderabad
Mirza Sugar Mills Badin
Pangrio Sugar Mills Thatta
Bachani Sugar Mills SangharFRONT COMPANIES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES:
Bomer Fiannce Inc, British Virgin Islands
Mariston Securities Inc, “ “ “
Marleton Business S A, “ “ “
Capricorn Trading S A, “ “ “
Fagarita Consulting INc, “ “ “
Marvil Associated Inc, , “ “ “
Pawnbury Finance Ltd, “ “ “
Oxton Trading Limited, “ “ “
Brinslen Invest S A, “ “ “
Chimitex Holding S A, “ “ “
Elkins Holding S A, “ “ “
Minister Invest Ltd, “ “ “
Silvernut Investment Inc, “ “ “
Tacolen Investment Ltd, “ “ “
Marlcrdon Invest S A, “ “ “
Dustan Trading Inc, “ “ “
Reconstruction and Development Finance Inc, “ “ “
Nassam Alexander Inc.
Westminster Securities Inc.
Laptworth Investment Inc 202, Saint Martin Drive, West Jacksonville
Intra Foods Inc. 3376, Lomrel Grove, Jacksonville , Florida
Dynatel Trading Co, Florida
A.S Realty Inc. Palm Beach Gardens Florida
Bon Voyage Travel Consultancy Inc, FloridaPROPERTIES IN UK ARE:
355 acre Rockwood Estate, Surrey (Now stands admitted)
Flat 6, 11 Queensgate Terrace, London SW7
26 Palace Mansions, Hammersmith Road, London W14
27 Pont Street , London, SW1
20 Wilton Crescent, London SW1
23 Lord Chancellor Walk, Coombe Hill, Kingston, Surrey
The Mansion, Warren Lane, West Hampstead, London
A flat at Queensgate Terrace, London
Houses at Hammersmith Road, Wilton Crescen t, Kingston and in Hampstead.PROPERTIES IN BELGIUM ARE:
12-3 Boulevard De-Nieuport, 1000, Brussels, (Building containing 4 shops and 2 large apartments)
Chausee De-Mons, 1670, BrusselsPROPERTIES IN FRANCE ARE:
La Manoir De La Reine Blanche and property in CannesPROPERTIES IN USA – in the name of Asif Zardari and managed by Shimmy Qureshi are:
Stud farm in Texas
Wellington Club East, West Palm Beach
12165 West Forest Hills , Florida
Escue Farm 13,524 India Mound, West Palm Beach
3,220 Santa Barbara Drive, Wellington Florida
13,254 Polo Club Road, West Palm Beach Florida
3,000 North Ocean Drive, Singer Islands, Florida
525 South Flager Driver, West Palm Beach, Florida
Holiday Inn Houston Owned by Asif Ali Zardari, Iqbal Memon and Sadar-ud-Din HashwaniBANK ACCOUNTS IN FOREGN COMPANIES ARE:
Union Bank of Switzerland (Account No. 552.343, 257.556.60Q, 433.142.60V, 216.393.60T)
Citibank Private Limited (SWZ) (Account No. 342034)
Citibank N A Dubai (Account No. 818097)
Barclays Bank (Suisse) (Account No. 62290209)
Barclays Bank (Suisse) (Account No. 62274400)
Banque Centrade Ormard Burrus S A
Banque Pache S A
Banque Pictet & Cie
Banque La Henin, Paris (Account No. 00101953552)
Bank Natinede Paris in Geneva (Account NO. 563.726.9)
Swiss Bank Corporation
Chase Manhattan Bank Switzerland
American Express Bank Switzerland
Societe De Banque Swissee
Barclays Bank (Knightsbridge Branch) (Account No. 90991473)
Barclays Bank, Kingston and Chelsea Branch, (Sort Code 20-47-34135)
National Westminster Bank, Alwych Branch (Account No. 9683230)
Habib Bank (Pall Mall Branch).
National Westminster Bank, Barking Branch, (Account No. 28558999).
Habib Bank AG, Moorgate, London EC2
National Westminster Bank, Edgware Road, London
Banque Financiei E Dela Citee, Credit Suisse
Habib Bank AG Zurich, Switzerland
Pictet Et Cie, Geneva
Credit Agricole, Paris
Credit Agridolf, Branch 11, Place Brevier, 76440, Forges Les Faux
Credit Agricole, Branch Haute – Normandie, 76230, Boise Chillaume
Known foreign assets of Benazir
According to an information released by a foreign source, the foreign assets of Benazir Bhutto include the following:
Her properties in the UK include:
Rockwood Estate, Haslemere Road, Brooke, Surrey,
Flats 6,11, Queens Gate Terrace London SW7;
26 Palace Mansion, Hammussmilch Road, London W14;
27 Pont Street London SW1; 20, Wilton Crescent, London SW1.
Her properties in France include:La Manoir Della La Reine Branch Mormon Ville, Hameau, (Near Forges);
France 76780,5 Acre +2 attached properties (4.8 million French Francs in 1990);
Property in Cannes France.
Her properties in the USA include:Stud Farm in Texas; Wellington Club East, West Palm Beach,
Escue Farm, 13524, India Mound, West Palm Beach, Florida,
417 Acres; 3220 Santa Barba Drive Wellington, Florida;
13254, Polo Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida;
3000, North Ocean Drive, Singer Islands, Florida;
525, South Flager Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Based upon the available data and recent evaluations, the total estimated value of the above stated assets amount to 1.5 billion dollars. The information can be further authenticated through property evaluators and agents.
Even if we discount this list and disregard accusations by local authorities as political assassination of the couple; Polish, Swiss and French Courts provided evidence of the alleged corruption back in 1998.
Now this man is contesting for Presidency. God Bless our collective wisdom
The Greeks, as we all know, used to compete in the original Olympic games stark naked and smothered in olive oil. That’s no longer the fashion – because we have different cultural ideas about what parts of the body are suitable for public display – and, in fact, some women have taken the trend for Olympic modesty one stage further. This year, several women, including Egyptian fencer Shaimaa El Gammal and Bahraini sprinter Rakia Al Gassra, will be competing wearing the hijab.
I suppose that as a good liberal feminist I ought to be appalled by this, seeing it as a symbol of patriarchal oppression. In fact, I find I rather admire these women.
I am appalled by the fact that some countries, including Saudi Arabia, have sent male-only teams to the games. But for these women, combining their religious beliefs with their athletic ambitions, I have nothing but respect.
A lot of rubbish is talked about the hijab. Since France banned girls from wearing them in schools in 2004, there has been a steady stream of media stories and comment suggesting that Britain should do the same. Feminist friends tell me that the headscarves are a symbol of female subjugation, a way to deal with male lust by forcing women to cover up, and that as such, they should not be tolerated in a gender-equal society. The women who wear them, they say, have been pressured into it by their communities.
Well, yes and no. We all wear the kind of clothes we wear partly because of social pressure – and our own culture still says, for example, that it is more acceptable, and less sexual, for men to walk down the street topless than it is for women. Many patriarchal religions do indeed hold highly disturbing views about women, which should be challenged, but we should confront those ideas via education and debate, not by forcing young women to reveal parts of their bodies they would rather keep covered. If women say that they want to wear a headscarf, I’m afraid we have to take them at their word. What could be more anti-feminist than telling women that they don’t really know what they think?
Some might say that this is a matter of principle: removing religion from public life. That may well be a laudable aim, but if we want to pursue it we really ought to begin not by forcing schoolgirls to display their hair but by disestablishing the Church of England. In any case, surely the removal of religion from public life means that public bodies should have no religious preference, not that individuals should be banned from quietly practising their own faiths in public spaces.
The Guardian, Thursday August 14 2008
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal
-Byron
