Current Projects
Panama Leaks Lesson: Judiciary Is the Bulwark Against Elites
The circumstances surrounding and events accompanying the Panama Papers remind me of two meetings I had with former premier Benazir Bhutto in March/April 1999 shortly before Ms Bhutto flew out into exile. One meeting took place in the presence of Barrister Masood Kausar and Rao Iqbal Sikandar. The other in the presence of a couple of journalists, including Talat Hussein and Ayaz Gul. Farhatullah Babar, the unflinching PPP support, may or may not remember but he was also present on both occasions. Only hours before that conversation, Bhutto had spoken to the press at the Marriott Hotel, where she vented her frustration with the Ehtesab Bureau Court (headed by a former Sharif henchman Saifur Rehman). As she was explaining the highhandedness of the government, I asked her a question related to the Surrey Rockwood Estate that Asif Ali Zardari had bought a few months earlier. Instead of responding on the spot, she asked me to meet her at the Zardari House in F-8/2 later that evening. Just for five minutes, she said, waving to Babar sahib. When I eventually met her in the presence of Barrister Kausar and Rao Sikandar that afternoon, we ended up interacting for nearly an hour. No admission of the Surrey estate though. “It’s all bullshit.” She also defended the news about millions of dollars in her foreign currency accounts. The law permits that, she said referring to the FOREX laws enacted by Nawaz Sharif. But is that fair for a public representative not to declare the source of income, I quipped. I am not supposed to declare those things... I have earnings from my lectures. May be that is a bad law. But did you ever attempt to amend a bad law, which has become a conduit for money laundering? No, may be we should have done it, she said. And then the climax when I turned the conversation again on the Surrey Mansion (which Zardari eventually claimed as his property shortly before the UK authorities were to put it to auction in 2004). Left with no plausible answer on the...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 6, 2017
Career Counseling for Students The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the importance of career counseling of Secondary School certificate (SSC) students, regarding which subjects they must opt for their better future. The SSC results of 2017 showed the poor performance of government schools mainly because illiterate parents don’t know about career counseling and how it helps students to choose subjects according to their interest and potential. Limited access of students to quality education and lack of facilities in government schools are the main reasons behind this dilemma. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of government and how they should reshape education policies and design them according to the existing needs and requirements. Dr. Raza Ullah, Educationist and Assistant Professor at Islamia College University, Peshawar, took part as studio guest in the show. Mr. Raza Ullah said: “Whatever you do, do with a commitment and there is no shame to opt for Art subjects. We should be committed to education and our profession as only through this we can become productive citizens of the society”. A radio report was made part of the radio program. The report highlighted the issues of the students after completing SSC exams and how they have no access to career counseling in their schools. Three listeners took part in the program through text messages. They shared their marks and asked the program guest to help them in selecting their career. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 5, 2017
Role of Welfare Organizations in our Society The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the role of welfare organization and its positive impact on the society. Social work for the betterment of society, eradication of poverty, Darmange welfare organization and its services, trying to get rid of load shedding by sensitizing public to pay the electricity bills. Furthermore, old traditions should be practiced on death and other occasions. Moreover, the program shed light on Darmange welfare organization that it also tries to patch up between two families in order to end their enmity. Shams-Ul-Bari, District Member and Head of Darmange Welfare and Development Organization and Roshan Khan, President of Darmange Welfare and Development Organization, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Shams said: “My message is to live in peace and educate your children. Fights and conflicts is not the solution to the problems. We should live in brotherhood as life is very short.” Mr. Khan: “I suggest that the youngsters must introduce such welfare organizations in other villages as well. It would not only decrease problems to a great extend but would solve them.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the activities and services of “Thinkers Association” which is founded by the youngsters of Bajur Agency and their prime focus is to educate children. Three callers took part in the program. The callers appreciated the services of welfare organizations and also urged the youngsters to take part in such activities. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 5, 2017
Role of Welfare Organizations in our Society The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the role of welfare organization and its positive impact on the society. Social work for the betterment of society, eradication of poverty, Darmange welfare organization and its services, trying to get rid of load shedding by sensitizing public to pay the electricity bills. Furthermore, old traditions should be practiced on death and other occasions. Moreover, the program shed light on Darmange welfare organization that it also tries to patch up between two families in order to end their enmity. Shams-Ul-Bari, District Member and Head of Darmange Welfare and Development Organization and Roshan Khan, President of Darmange Welfare and Development Organization, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Shams said: “My message is to live in peace and educate your children. Fights and conflicts is not the solution to the problems. We should live in brotherhood as life is very short.” Mr. Khan: “I suggest that the youngsters must introduce such welfare organizations in other villages as well. It would not only decrease problems to a great extend but would solve them.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the activities and services of “Thinkers Association” which is founded by the youngsters of Bajur Agency and their prime focus is to educate children. Three callers took part in the program. The callers appreciated the services of welfare organizations and also urged the youngsters to take part in such activities. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 4, 2017
Regional Review on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Simay Jaaj (regional review) discussed several public issues, such as health, education, security, CNIC and tourism in the region. The first report highlighted the raised ratio of unsafe bathing and swimming in rivers. Assistant Commissioner Charsadda, Mr. Inayat ullah Khan spoke as a telephonic guest and insisted that parents of teenage boys should control them from this dangerous and unsafe activity. He informed the listeners that there are several life guards and boats in the river side tourist point (Sardaryab) in District Charsadda, and every one can avail their services in case of emergency. In the second report, we discussed the importance of clean drinking water and drainage system in district Kohat, the lack of funds and staff was also highlighted in the report. Moreover, the program discussed the unavailability of NADRA office in Central Kurram Agency. Ex MNA Kurram agency, Mr. Muneer Aurakzay spoke as a telephonic guest in the show and demanded the opening of Passport office in Lower Kurram Sada area and also NADRA office in Central Kurram (Bagan) area to overcome the hurdles of the public. The fourth report discussed the issue of 25 disputed villages of Mohmand Agency, where the educational and health institutions are handed over to District Charsadda for better functioning and reconstruction. In the last report, it was mentioned that in the current tourist season, nine hundred thousand tourists visited Swat valley till July, although it is a very good sign for the economy of the local public, but the infrastructure of the roads is badly affecting the tourism in the area. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry....
CHINA WATCH [JULY 11 – 17] INDIA REJECTS CHINA’S ROLE IN KASHMIR ISSUE
India rejected China’s offer to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest country report of Pakistan has discussed the likely impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on country’s economy. Experts and officials from China and Pakistan have discussed the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the CEPC. Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa has emphasised on the civilian institutions to play their respective role in the successful implementation of the CPEC. Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCOSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat has said that Pakistan was aware of the Indian designs to sabotage CPEC project. Iran has sought that Quetta-Taftan railway line be given extra attention by Pakistan under the CPEC. India Rejects China’s Role in Kashmir Conflict India rejected China’s offer to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay told media “[W]e are ready to have a dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir under a bilateral framework”.[i] He also said that cross-border terrorism supported by the neighbouring country (i.e. Pakistan) was at the heart of the matter. The statement from New Delhi came in response to an earlier statement by Beijing offering to play “a constructive” role in improving relations between India and Pakistan. Spokesman for Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang had said “[T]he conflict is occurring near the Line of Control in Kashmir. This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries but also peace and tranquility of the region.”[ii] He pointed out that “[T]he situation in Kashmir has attracted attention of the international community. Both India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia and we hope that relevant sides can do more things that are conducive to peace and stability in the region and avoid escalating the tensions.”...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 3, 2017
Law & Order situation in the region-Fear and Expectation. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the current situation of law and order in the region. In the past one month, the peace situation in the KP and FATA has not been satisfactory once again. The focus points in the show are as following: What are the reasons behind this negative shift? How government and security agencies can control the situation? What will be the role of public in this regard? Senior journalists and analysts, Zahir Shah Sherazi and Aziz Buniry were the studio guests. Zahir Shah Sherazi claimed that even though Pakistan has won the war on terror, it still requires careful monitoring and attention related to the changes in the region. A radio report was made part of the program, in which the public talked about Parachinar blast victims protest and complaint against government response to the victims’ family. We received four live calls during the show, in which the public expressed their views regarding the situation and proposed strict action against terrorists. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
JIT Report and other Murmurings
The JIT report is damning and damaging to the lives and careers of the Sharif family. Commentators and analysts are all actively giving their analysis. But there are a few key things that we should not overlook in the resultant cacophony. First, the public should not and must not forget the vociferous and vehement manner in which the party’s media strategy was contorted and refocused to defend and obfuscate the actions of the Sharif clan. With the report out, the big guns of PML-N have shifted to discrediting and disowning the JIT and the investigation it has conducted. The interior minister made a statement claiming the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is involved in money laundering and corruption at the highest echelons. With apologies Mr. Minister, the sins of your rivals do not wash away your misdeeds. Ironically, when the April split decision concluded there was insufficient evidence to remove the PM, Nisar had asked parties to “respect the verdict”. The same court’s JIT’s report has now been summarily labelled a “piece of trash”, and emphatically rejected by PML-N. It is a major turning point for Pakistan, one where the cycle of economic self-destruction is mitigated by prosecuting and jailing money launderers and corrupt officials. A turning point where rule of law and national interest take centre stage To summarize, the PML-N doctrine is: accept everything that supports us, trash everything against us (even if the two are from the same source). Second, the PML-N will have us believe that this is a conspiracy, designed to dismantle the party, attack democracy, destabilise the parliament, and throw the country into chaos. This grandiose and almost juvenile claim is false for several reasons. The party is not under investigation, the Sharif clan is. All too often, political parties equate any action against them as an attack on democracy. You do not singlehandedly represent democracy, and part of the consolidation of the democratic process is ensuring...
Panamagate: Time to Face Up The Reality?
If the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) finding about two declarations submitted by Maryam Nawaz is correct, she will be facing criminal prosecution on account of forgery. For many, this finding has affirmed apprehensions regarding our ruling elite’s propensity to lie, cheat and obfuscate facts. These apprehensions stands in contrast to the way Maryam Nawaz had conducted herself a few days ago after her deposition before the JIT. “What is the charge against us,” she had then asked emphatically. The JIT’s findings come as a direct response to her question. With evidence on forgery of documents in front of them, the JIT may have been left with little doubt to conclude that Maryam Nawaz submitted fake documents and misled the Supreme Court on the matter of ownership of London flats. This is a moment to ponder for all those who had started fancying her as the future prime minister candidate. Regardless of whether or not she holds a public office, she bears responsibility if forgery has really been committed insofar as she had a media advisory role at the Prime Minister’s Office. The second lesson Pakistanis should draw from the JIT report concerns what now seems to be fiction woven around the letter attributed to the Qatari prince. The account of the letter now seems to be a trick played on the Pakistani nation. How can conscientious Pakistanis live with such elites? Ayan Ali's arrest had just exposed a tiny tip of the iceberg of money laundered out of Pakistan. We've have also heard about a former Prime Minister using his nephews under the cover of official protocol to smuggle dollars out of Pakistan. The third lesson worth considering relates to the oft-hurled charge of the military establishment's long hand behind the country's political crises. The JIT findings have discredited allegations and insinuations made by PML-N leaders that the establishment was worked against the ruling Sharif family. For too long have Pakistani politicians hidden behind the 'over-reach'...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 22, 2017
Prevention of Aerial Firing The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the prevention of aerial firing, its negative impact and role of police in eradicating this issue. In the current situation of aerial firing in different areas, 37 people sustained injuries when Pakistan won the final match of Champion’s Trophy against India, one child also died after sustaining injuries. Government’s ban on aerial firing on “Chand Raat”, civil society’s role in awareness campaigns and demonstrations in the aftermath of aerial firing were promoted. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of police and their strategies against the culprits of aerial firing on “Chand Raat”. Mr. Tahir Dawar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Peshawar, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Dawar said: “KP Police is instructed by the higher officials to strictly implement section 144 and punish people under section 188 and 337H (2). Under this section, there will be no bail out for the person involved in celebratory firing and he will have to spend six months in jail. I request the public that instead of aerial firing, support the poor families financially.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the impacts of celebratory firing and respondents also stressed that government must introduce strict punishment against aerial firing. Five callers took part in the program. The callers stated that the parents must keep their children away from toy guns and elders of the community, also help the police in identifying the wrong doers. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.