Victimization of Kamran Tessori – Tessori family and business crunch is Pakistan

Sunday,09,11,08. APP KARACHI – Pakistan`s economy is facing huge crises at the present time and need to create favorable climate for the business families and investors to take Pakistan`s trouble economy out of this crunch.

But things are not going in the directions where it is suppose to go but are going in the wrong direction where business groups and families are continuously loosing confidence in the government.  The first bullet was fired on the confidence of business group was the arrest of the leading business Gold tycoon Kamran Tessori and harassment towards Tessori family and their businesses.

The pictures published by the police of kamran Tessori have created more uncertainty in the country and other business families have started removing their investment in different countries. Speaking  to another leading businessman who spoke to us  on this guarantee that his name will not be disclosed told us that after  this persecution  and injustice towards the leading business group of Pakistan the Tessori family other business Groups are reluctant and feel unsafe under this government to do business.

He appeals to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani to interfere and help business community to regain the confident. He also said who will come and do business in a country where a company who won several national and international awards and created an international name for Pakistani Jewelry has be victimize as if they are criminals.

Our correspondent tried to contact kamran Tessori in the jail but the police stopped him and threaten him of dire consequences(APP).

 

US expert urges Obama to quickly deal with Afghanistan, Kashmir

WASHINGTON, Nov 8 (APP): U.S. President-elect Barack Obama should move quickly to deal with Afghanistan and try to help resolve the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, a former senior American national security adviser says. “India has resisted U.S. mediation on Kashmir in the past, but the growing U.S.-India strategic relationship may now make American involvement possible,” Meghan O’Sullivan, former deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan, wrote in The Washington Post, which had invited proposals for President-elect Barack Obama’s priorities.

“One intriguing model for Kashmir is the 1998 Belfast agreement, which established a web of overlapping institutions that have allowed the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to, in effect, share sovereignty over Northern Ireland—and end decades of deep-seated violence,” he said.

In case of Kashmir, the United Nations Security Council has called for the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination under U.N.  auspicies, a verdict India has all along defied.

On the eve of Election Day, Obama made two significant statements on Kashmir. He

called for the United States to help resolve the decades-old Kashmir dispute, and

then indicated that he might consider appointing ex-president Bill Clinton as a special envoy on the issue.

In his opinionn piece, O’Sullivan, said, “President-elect Obama must deal quickly

and boldly with Afghanistan. But doing so will require an early initiative to help Pakistan and India settle their differences on Kashmir. The problems of Afghanistan and Pakistan are inseparable. But Pakistan’s ability to deal with Taliban and other extremists on its western border is hampered by its preoccupation with India, its traditional adversary to the east…”

Govt committed to provide basic amenities of life to people at their doorsteps: PM

RAHIM YAR KHAN, Nov 8 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said the government will provide all amenities of life to the masses. Addressing a big gathering at Jamaldin Wali, the Prime Minister said for the first time, the present government was providing development funds without any discrimination to all members of the assembly.

 

The Prime Minister said that the government has launched Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) with allocation of Rs 34 billion aimed at making housewives strong.

He said the government has fixed the support price of wheat at Rs 950/- per 40 kg to ensure due return to the farmers. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the government will take cognizant measures to boost the agriculture sector and well-being of the farmers community”, he added.

The Prime Minister said that all the decisions of national importance were being made after consultation with the Coalition Partners and all the segments of society.

He called upon the people to forge unity in their ranks and work collectively steering the country out of numerous internal and external challenges in a befitting manner.     

He said that government was taking concrete steps to provide all basic facilities to the people including health and education. Raising the living standards of the people was part of the manifesto of Pakistan People’s Party, he added.

Gilani said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was a leader of international stature adding the vacuum created by her death could never be filled. He said that she was well aware of masses’ problems.

The Prime Minister said he had faced jail for the sake of the people of Pakistan and added that PPP did not believe in politics of victimization. He said that PPP government would not tolerate injustice to any one.

He said the government would ensure security and safety of life and property of the people. He said that parliament is fully empowered and all vital decisions would be made by it.

The Prime Minister also announced the setting up of Degree College for Women and Degree College for Boys at Jamaludin Wali. Had the previous government done good work in its tenure, the people would have voted it to power in the February 18 election, he added. 

He urged the people to fully support government’s good work and make positive criticism for improvement.

The Prime Minister said that the government was formulating investors-friendly policies in order to attract huge direct and indirect foreign investment in diversified fields of economy.

He said that Almighty Allah has blessed our country with vast potential of oil, gas, minerals, coal and other natural deposits and it was need of the time to exploit them at an accelerated pace for the strengthening of our economy.

The Prime Minister told that the government has launched a mega housing scheme which would provide one million houses/flats to the poor, needy, government employees and general public on affordable cost.

He said that construction of one million houses across the country would benefit to six million population.

Talking to mediapersons at Rahim Yar Khan, the Prime Minister said that he was indebted to the people of Rahim Yar Khan who elected his son unopposed in the election.

He said that the government was giving top priority to the speedy development of energy sector aimed at overcoming the electricity shortfall, which was severely affecting our output and disturbing our economy.

The Prime Minister said that to overcome the power deficit, dams would be built in the country.

President reiterates resolve to root out militancy,terrorism

ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday reiterated the resolve not to spare any effort to root out militancy and terrorism in the country. Talking to a seven-member delegation of MPAs from Swat at the President House, he said police and para military forces were being strengthened in Swat and other areas to enhance their capacity to fight the militants.

 

He said he will hold a meeting with MPAs and members of Parliament at a grand jirga from Swat that will also include the Chief Minister, notables and other stake holders from the area. The President said the militants had a definite political agenda and they wanted to capture state power through violent means. 

He termed the fight against extremists a common cause stating the nation stands united on the issue. He said that the militants will not be allowed to succeed in their designs.

The MPAs from Swat highlighted the problems of militancy in their area and reiterated their resolve to fight out the militancy.

The delegation included Miss Noor Sahar of PPPP, Provincial Ministers Muhammad Ayub Khan Ashari and Wajid Ali Khan from ANP and MPAs Jaffar Shah Waqar Ali Khan, Shamsher Ali Khan, Sher Shah Khan, all belonging to ANP.

Rehman Malik, Advisor on Interior and Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah were present in the meeting.

The Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik briefed the meeting on the situation and steps being taken by the government.

20 killed in attack by Allied forces’ gunship helicopters in Waziristan: Official

PESHAWAR, Sept 3 (APP): The Afghanistan based coalition gunship helicopters heavily shelled Angoor Adda, a border village of South Waziristan Agency, killing at least 20 innocent people, said an official statement issued by the Governor House here on Wednesday. The women and children were also martyred in the deadly assault carried out by three allied forces gunship choppers in a pre dawn attack, it said.

The official statement said that NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has strongly condemned the attack by three Afghanistan based coalition Gunship helicopters and commandos on a village in Birmal area close to Angoor Adda of South Waziristan.

The Governor said,” It is outrageous”, adding that as administrative head of FATA, he is responsible for the safety and security of the citizens of the country in that area.

The Governor further stated that this is a direct assault on the sovereignty of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan expect that the Armed Forces of Pakistan would rise to defend the sovereignty of the country and give a befitting reply to all such attacks.

The Governor has expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families and assured that the govt. would try its best to protect its citizens from such cowardly attacks in the days to come.

The eye-witnesses account also revealed that at least three gun-ships helicopters of the allied forces intruded into Pakistan territory and bombarded three houses in Jalalkhel killing 20 people including three women and four children.

Firing on PM motorcade; Investigation team to submit report within 24 hours

ISLAMABAD, Sep 3 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik has directed the Inspector General of Police Punjab to investigate into the firing incident on the motorcade of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. Meanwhile, he had constituted an investigation team headed by Director General National Police Bureau (NPB) Tariq Khosa and directed it to submit the report within 24 hours.

The Advisor said that it was a very serious incident and the perpetrators of this act would be booked and dealt with iron hands.

Meanwhile, the police apprehended more than three persons from the scene of incident and further investigation is underway.

The Prime Minister’s motorcade was on its way from Chaklala Air Base to the PM House when some unknown persons opened fire on.

PM safe after firing on his motorcade

ISLAMABAD, Sep 3 (APP): A spokesman of the Prime Minister Wednesday said Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and members of his entourage were safe after an incident of firing on his motorcade on the Islamabad Highway. “With God’s grace the Prime Minister is safe,” Press Secretary to Prime Minister Zahid Bashir told the Pakistan Television.

The Prime Minister’s motorcade came under fire on the Islamabad Highway Wednesday afternoon. The PTV footage showed two bullet marks on the front right window of his black armoured Mercedez.

A press release issued from the PM House said; “Unknown assailants attacked the motorcade of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on the Islamabad Highway this afternoon.

Of the multiple sniper shots fired on the Prime Minister’s vehicle, two hit the window on the driver side. However, because of the robust and comprehensive security measures, the Prime Minister and all the member of his motorcade remained unharmed.

High-level inquiry has been initiated into the matter and all the law enforcement agencies are collaborating to work on the case and apprehend the culprits. Experts are reviewing the security arrangements,” the statement from the PM Media Office said.

Police and intelligence agencies have started investigation the matter.

Lawmakers, experts urge UN, US to help resolve Kashmir dispute

WASHINGTON, Sept 3 (APP): India’s brutal repression of Kashmiris’ peaceful political dissent in the occupied territory belies its democratic claims and the United Nations and the United States must help resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute in a just manner, lawmakers and South Asian experts said at a seminar. Entitled ‘Kashmir Dispute: Setting a Stage for a Settlement’, the seminar was attended by Congressman Dan Burton, Republican from Indiana; Lord Nazir Ahmed, Member, British House of Lords; Ambassador Yusuf Buch, former Senior Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General; Mr.  Harsh Mander, Country Director, Action Aid, India; Dr. Ghulam N. Mir, President, world Kashmir Freedom Movement and Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director Kashmiri American Council. Congressman Burton, in his address, referred to the 1949 U.N.  cease-fire agreement, and U.N. Resolution of April 21, 1948, August 13, 1948, January 5, 1949 on Kashmir dispute and said all these rejected India’s claim of accession of the region to India, declaring that Kashmir’s future would be determined by its citizens through a free and impartial plebiscite. India claims to be the world’s largest democracy, and like any other great democracy, its soldiers should be and must be held to a higher standard of conduct, he noted at the moot held in Columbus, Ohio. Yet, India’s insistence on resolving a political problem by force has dragged it down in to a campaign of essentially lawless state terrorism, Burton added.  The legislator regretted that the United Nations has not lived up to its responsibilities and urged the world body and the U.S. Administration to become involved in the Kashmir dispute so as to resolve it to the satisfaction of the people. Lord Nazir Ahmed said Kashmir is an international issue and the UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir recognize Kashmiri peoples’ right to self-determination. He said that UN resolutions on Kashmir are the constitutional base for the solution of Kashmir, as Kashmiris will not accept the solution of lingering dispute without UN resolutions. He called for tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership for an early and peaceful solution of Kashmir issue.  He said the British Labor Party always stressed for the settlement of the Kashmir issue through objective and meaningful talks and it was also the part of the party’s manifesto, he added. “What I really want to see (in the Occupied Kashmir) is reduction in Indian Army, I want to see release of political prisoners, I want to see some demilitarized zones.” In his remarks, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai said “certainly, terrorists cannot compose the entire populations of the major towns, villages and city of Indian-Occupied Kashmir. And more than one million people cannot be instigated and provoked by a remote control”. “The presence of over a million people at Martyr’s Cemetery on August 22, 2008 reflected the true nature of the peaceful Kashmiri resistance movement and not a movement of terrorism,” he added. Dr. Fai said if all the people of the Vale of Kashmir are the agents of ‘Azadi’, then that by itself removes the ground from India’s claim to the territory. Ambassador Yusuf Buch lamented that the “posture of admitting no wrong, which remains habitually Indian, is receiving much encouragement from the very world powers that loudly swear a commitment to human rights.” “This respectful protection provided to the occupation regime vin Kashmir by governments and media is a most depressing example of the double standards that are maintained in upholding the values which were enshrined in the United Nations Charter”. These values, though entirely secular, had enough resonance in them to turn them into a reliable counter-force against the irrational extremism which does not originate in religion.  However, they have now been robbed of their appeal, turned into mere tools of policy by the world powers, invoked in one situation and completely forgotten in another, even if closely comparable. “You cannot successfully fight a war against extremism while fertilizing the sense of injustice that is one of the roots of extremism. You cannot overcome the religious extremism if you keep supplying them proof that, for redressing injustice, peaceful secular processes are but a pretence or a trap,” Buch stated. In his speech, Dr. Ghulam N. Mir said that Indian armed forces have committed unprecedented atrocities on people of Jammu and Kashmir but failed to break the morale of the people. Dr. Mir noted that although the composite dialogue began four years ago, there has been little progress because of India’s intransigence. New Delhi is not sincere on this issue and aims at prolonging the negotiations. He called upon all civilized nations to stand by just cause of Kashmir.

 

Pakistan coalition to pursue Musharraf impeachment

“The coalition reaffirmed the resolve of democracy and democratic forces will work jointly to make a transition to genuine democracy,” the head of Pakistan People’s Party Asif Ali Zardari said, reading a joint communique with his coalition partners.

Before pursuing impeachment proceedings, Pakistani lawmakers will demand Musharraf take a vote of confidence in the newly elected parliament, which he had vowed to do last year, Zardari said.

“The people of Pakistan gave a clear mandate in favor of democracy and democratic forces and voted for the change to oust Gen. Musharraf by defeating his … party,” Zardari added.

“In spite of his clear commitment that if his party was defeated in the election he would resign, he continues to cling to the office of the president.”

If Musharraf does not request a vote of confidence, the National Assembly will meet on Monday to consider impeachment proceedings, PPP spokesman Capt. Wasif Syed told CNN. Speaking a short time before Thursday’s announcement, Syed said there are enough votes in parliament right now to impeach the president.

But Musharraf may still have one card up his sleeve: he could move to dissolve parliament and dismiss the prime minister.

Amid the political upheaval, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani will replace Musharraf at the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday in Beijing, Pakistan’s state-run news agency reported.

Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 bloodless military coup, has seen his power erode significantly since he stepped down as the country’s military ruler last year and since the opposition parties’ victory in February’s parliamentary elections.

The new civilian government is under a lot of pressure to control Taliban and al Qaeda militants in its tribal region along the Afghan border. The CIA recently accused Pakistan’s intelligence service of providing support for the militants who bombed India’s embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan last month.

Fighting on Thursday between Pakistani paramilitary troops and Taliban forces killed 25 Taliban and five soldiers along the Afghan border, an army spokesman told CNN.

Asked about the situation, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad — an Islamabad-based political analyst — told CNN on Wednesday that he believes Musharraf “will fight back” against any attempt to remove him from power.

“Before they impeach the president, he might pre-empt them by using article 58(2b),” he said, referring to the constitutional article that gives the president power to dissolve parliament and dismiss the prime minister.

Pakistan embassy asks US to ensure Aafia gets treatment, no humiliation

WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (APP): The Pakistani embassy in Washington has asked the United States to provide immediate medical treatment to Dr Aafia Siddiqui and ensure that she is not subjected to any humiliation on the pretext of body searches before and after visits by her lawyers.

On the instructions of Ambassador Husain Haqqani, the embassy asked the State Department that Ms Siddiqui, who is suffering from bullet wounds, be provided proper medical treatment.

The embassy sought the State Department’s intervention in ensuring that Ms Siddiqui is not subjected to any humiliation or degradation on the pretext of body searches before and after visits by her attorneys, as such a practice is unacceptable in Islamic culture.

Ms Aafia Siddiqui, a 36-year old neuroscientist who studied at a U.S. university before her return to Pakistan in 2003, is under detention in New York on charges of attempted attack on U.S. officials. Her lawyers have rejected the charge as ‘absurd’ and Monday complained that she had not received medical treatment since her arrival last week following which the judge ordered immediate medical attention for her.

Meanwhile, the embassy has detailed a diplomat at the Pakistani consulate in New York, Saqib Rauf, to stay in contact over the issue.

On Monday, a frail looking Ms Siddiqui appeared before a district court judge in New York City in a wheelchair for a bail hearing, which has been postponed to September 3.

Two Pakistani diplomats met with Ms Siddiqui Sunday in the Brooklyn detention centre after Washington acceded to a request for consular access made by the Pakistani embassy. A mother of three children, Ms Siddiqui requested a fair trial, respect for her rights as a prisoner, medical treatment, a copy of the holy Quran and halal food. The diplomats asked the U.S. authorities to extend all possible assistance in response to her demands.