Sep
18
Dr Imran Farooq – life & death! by Nadia Khan
September 18, 2010 | | 3 Comments
by Dr Nadia Khan
Finally, Dr. Imran Farooq has met with his fate! Each one has to die but few people leave everlasting marks on history pages for their remembrance whereas late Imran Farooq has ended up this world with broken heart, very few MQM workers know that!
Altaf Hussain, in his most emotional & dramatic appearance in front of media men, condemning the murder of Imran Farooq, cried and presented his sentiments showing his ‘love’ for a man once he was his loyalist and called him ‘Martyr of Revolution.’ Though he has received this title but no one knows what efforts late Imran Farooq has on his credit for revolution! As few days before, Altaf Hussain, in one of his most controversial speech, had invited Army Generals to bring the country back on corruption-free path to avoid People’s Revolution. He hinted that he was ‘gifted’ with his lieutenant murder as he has started the talk of revolution. One could conclude that in his speech he had spared Army or ISI, so it is somebody else for whom Altaf Hussain is saying that ‘the murderers of Imran Farooq could not be spared by Allah!’
The cunning comments and emotional ‘dialogues’ of Altaf Hussain have paved the way for many thinkers to observe his body-language carefully as what extra ordinary late ex-convener had done as he deserves such admiration, but only after his death.
As a fact, the late convener was out of London-based party leadership for over two years. He was suspended to perform any administrative activities of the party. The party was directly run by the top leader (Altaf Hussain) even ex-convener had no right to conduct any official party men meeting in party’s Edge ware office. He wasn’t consulted over core party issues and sidelined fully. His last political appearance was in Dr. Shahid Masood’s “Mayray Mutabiq” around two & half years ago when his tone was down and one could easily identify as what trauma is going on with this leader!
With this state of situation, the highest-ever tribute by the top leadership is eye-opener, as something is wrong somewhere. Either at party end, or at late ex-convener end, or at top leadership end. No matter what ever is the truth, the last remnant of 1984 MQM is gone with the wind. Late Azeem Ahmed Tariq was the top notch leader of the then MQM, and surprisingly Altaf Hussain saying on 17th September 2010 that “murder of Imran Farooq is the biggest ever sad news for me” has astonished many observers that the “killing of Azeem Ahmed Tariq wasn’t the biggest ever sad news for him!”
Farooq Sattar in his tribute has said that “he was the symbol of respect & nobility in Pakistani politics.” Like all I am also surprised as what Imran Farooq has credited to Pakistani politics except his 7 years of struggle for MQM against 1992 Army Operation, arranging group of hardcore MQM workers to fight against Army men in Karachi and taking the city hostage as & when needed. Finally his links with Indian consulate had been exposed (where he was instrumental in arranging Indian visas for number of party workers) to leave the country and out of Pakistani law. This was the main cause of Indian Consulate, Karachi office closure.
When his murder news was broke out, I wanted to observe the ‘reaction’ in Karachi to verify the words of party leader. By 17th September night I was in Karachi. As per past experiences, when any low-profile party worker or Sector in charge had died or killed then MQM workers took the whole city hostage killing scores of innocent non-Muhajirs and burning out public properties. It was a shock for me that for such a high-value party leader ‘once who was the only source of resistance against Army from 92-97,’ MQM party workers reaction was most mild in its kind. Only public transport was off the road, probably due to their own fear, otherwise streets were not empty, shops were open partially and most strange factor was MQM workers behavior; don’t interfere in people’s actions. No procession, no protest (like the way MQM does normally), no black banners etc. Whole Karachi city was calm!
Cool and calm Karachi on 17th Sept – was it a tribute to hardcore loyalist of Altaf Hussain or the ex-convener of Rabita Committee, once who was the symbol of ‘loyalty & resistance’ for Altaf group among MQM workers? I was surprised!
Late Imran Farooq, while continuing his struggle against the then Army Operation, when realized that all his loyal supporters either left Karachi or caught by the security agencies, had adopted a new approach of survival. He had taken refuge in Dawat e Islami organization, changed his outlook and started wearing green turban and had grown the long beard. Many MQM criminal elements had adopted this approach and had hidden themselves either in the fold of Tableghee Jamat or Dawat e Islami as both the organizations take people for forty days or four months or for one year, city to city, town to town, and country to country staying in mosques only and preaching the basics of Islam. This is the safest way of hiding himself and changing the outlook by making security agencies fool. When Imran Farooq had arrived in London, he had boarded from Lahore Airport, and his outlook was the perfect example of a Dawat e Islami preacher. I assume that with same outlook he had got UK visa and made all security agencies fool to get out of the country. His maiden press-conference at MQM office London had showed him with long beard. Later, he had changed his outlook after getting the political asylum and returned back to the path of secular MQM.
Insiders say that it was the main cause of Altaf Hussain dissatisfaction with him as ‘how Imran Farooq came out of Pakistan without the blessing of ISI?” Either he became the double-cross agent having links with ISI Generals and sitting in party’s main office in London controlling workers paving the way for him to take over the party leadership! This doubt gradually reached to highest level and when Altaf Hussain had decided to take side of General Mushraff, late Imran Farooq was the most critical voice within the party! This was an alarming situation and he became moved out to a level when he was stabbed to death, he was without any guard or close aide, alone on his evening walk!
As Muslims, we strongly believe in Allah’s justice! The man who controls Karachi with his few loyalists, no one cries for him in Karachi when he died. Has he ever thought in his dreams? He spends 7 precious years of his life, by putting his own life at stake, for a party who kicked him out of it in few seconds! The Heavenly justice is visible for those who kills innocent people under the banner of ‘party protest’ but justice take its way – though slowly- but finally. No one will cry for such elements.
Be it Shaheed Dr Khjasta (died by snipers firing on 7th Feb 1991; a day of MQM strike at Gulshan Chawrangi) till Khaled Bin Waleed killing over skin dispute, hardcore leaders like Dr. Imran Farooq shall be held responsible for setting up militant wings within political parties like MQM!!!
Jul
1
Pakistan – a failed state???
July 1, 2010 | | 8 Comments
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Monday, June 28, 2010, Rajab 15 ,1431 A.H. |
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Pakistan ranked at No 10 in failed states |
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May
10
MQM – in Punjab, NWFP, and Baluchistan! by Dr Nadia Khan
May 10, 2010 | | 18 Comments
MQM – in Punjab, NWFP, and Baluchistan!
by Dr Nadia Khan
While MQM is trying to enter Punjab province and they had conducted a ‘successful’ political comeback-procession recently probably when Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had given soft eye to their arrangements, but there are few points to note with respect to their own ‘territory’ – Karachi.
The “kingdom” of MQM is now on shaky grounds, if the party workers could accept this truth. Altaf Hussain had realized that since long however he could not disclose this openly to his workers. Recent statement of Prime Minister Gilani to change the status of Hyderabad that was divided into 4 districts five years ago by the then infamous Chief Minster Ghulam Arbab Rahim of Sind, just to benefit MQM politically through these administrative divide, few political analysts say, had made MQM at backfoot!
Since long MQM’s claim that ‘Taliban hardcore members are arriving in Karachi’ could now be understood easily. What MQM means when they refer to ‘Taliban in Karachi!’ They indirectly refer to Pathans and wanted to control their presence or arrival in Karachi somehow as it might disturb the electioneering-balance against the Muhajir community – the prime vote bank of MQM since two decades! That’s how Pakhtoons arrival in Sind and especially in Karachi is considered by MQM as a serious threat for their survival. Since then former dictator Musharraf had divided the constituencies into further disintegration and represented by small groups of people, it might create another catastrophe to Mujahir community in common and MQM in special.
Areas like Baladiya Town, Sher Shah, Orangi Town, Banaras or some joining parts of central district such as areas starting from Abdullah Girls College, soon after Paposhnager grave yard creates safe belts for Pakhtoons.
Second, vicinities such as Lasbella, Patel BaRa, Suhrab Goth just before Gulshan e Maymar then locations such as North Nazimabad from Ship-owner college including Block S where mountains are side by side and Sabzi Mandi are also not considered as heaven for Muhajir community.
Third factor, mostly the transport business (Taxis, Rickshawas, Busses, Wagons, and Trucks) is controlled by Pathans in the city. If they want to decide for strike no one can dictate their terms on to them. Hence the thin traffic in Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, North Karachi, Gulshan e Iqbal or Gulistan e Johar could tell the truth as who is owing to Karachi traffic! Former Nazim Mustafa Kamal efforts to bring green buses in Karachi and preferably Muhajir drivers were given chance to operate them did not add any significant change to Karachi –existing chaotic traffic.
Last but not least, Leyari is out of MQM reach even by being part of Karachi. MQM failed to secure any provincial or national assembly seat from that constituency since ages. The new addition to this ‘kingdom within kingdom’ will be areas near by Hawksbay or Zaman Town or small towns after Abul Hasan Isfphani Road where both Sindhi settlers and Balochi are swiftly taking ground.
Even though MQM is utilizing the presence of 3 million Bengalis or Beharis settled either in Gulshan e Behaar, BaRaboard, Orangi town to counter the growing activities of Pathans but it appears that in next 10 years the demographics of Karachi will change drastically. It will go back to 1950s Karachi where multiple ethnic communities exist and they had learnt the art of living together peacefully soon after 1947 partition unlike today’s biased culture of ethnic divide.
Keeping above distribution of ethnic divide within a single city one can easily predict that the city is like a bombshell. As long as communal harmony does not exist the painful history of 1986 could be repeated anytime when late Bushara Zaidi, a Govt college for women student, had killed by a yellow dagger driver and then Muhajir-Pathan riots had taken the whole city by storm in which hundreds of innocent Muhajir or Pathans had lost their lives.
Though it was a hoax call from MQM – Taliban in Karachi, but ANP has to prove their presence through election and by winning few seats here in Karachi. If so they could reciprocate MQM’s claim – we own Karachi (Karachi kis ka, MQM ka)- in a nice way!
ANP provincial chapter has celebrated their joy for renaming the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) province as Khayber Pakhtunkhwah, in Karachi. This is a question mark as celebrating it in a city that is thousand of kilometers away from their province, is not only thought provoking but alarming too! The attendance was, not very much, but the collection of Pathan residents of Karachi at a common place and a common call by ANP is an alarming sign for MQM!
Shahi Syed, the provincial leader of ANP and a Dubai-based businessperson who is now at the driving seat of Sind ANP, remarks, “those who are willing to live with us in Karachi as brothers are only welcomed’ confirms that Pathans will not accept anything from their Karachi-brothers other than allowance to live with them side by side as equal citizen in this turbulent city!
So the time is come for MQM to re look at their strategy of Karachi kis ka to a society where all communities could co exists and thrives. Especially in an environment when they are willing to extend their political horizon in Punjab. Same could be true, if MQM could roll out their “anti-wadera-jageerdar” slogan in NWFP, now Khayber Pakthtoonkhawa province. Urduvi – a University-based students union or group, was MQM initial strategy for Urdu-speaking students, but badly failed, in Baluchistan educational institutions to take ground. The appeal to those who had migrated in 1947, but settled in Baluchistan since then, is yet to take roots but somehow the recent killings of academicians raise concerns for non-Baloch settlers. Though, Altaf Hussain is hard-line supporter of Baluchistan Nationalistic parties but yet to establish ground reality for MQM to enter there politically.
The delay of local bodies’ (LB) election by PPP-led Sind provincial govt has put MQM at back foot. None of the stalwarts of PPP Sind will allow MQM a clean sweep in forthcoming LB elections, if they happen to be held this year, like before. The tone of Zulfiqar Mirza, current provincial Home Minister and a close aide of President Zardari, has informed MQM International leadership that the ship of local bodes will not reach its destination, likely this year.
Nawaz Sharif or Munawar Hassan of JI or Imaran Khan of PTI could not become a partner choice for MQM or Altaf Hussain in any case. Hence, in a sense, MQM is isolated in their own home-town Karachi with Pathans gaining majority, PPP delaying LB elections and ready for fierce bargain to form PPP-led Nazim govt in Sind, Islamic groups such as Sunni Tehreek, who wear green turban, are not inclined towards MQM philosophy of Muhajirism. The way is not as smooth for MQM leadership as it was in 1988 or 1993 or 1999 when a military coup had brought MQM in lime light while giving legitimacy to a dictator who has quashed constitution twice during his tenure!
The last hope of MQM will be CJ Iftikhar Muhhamd Chaudhary to knock the doors of Supreme Court for quick conduction of LB elections in Sind or Karachi but 12th May 2007 is not washed away from the eyes of all including Supreme Court! What a tragedy and a revenge of nature, the same Chief Justice will become last hope for those who didn’t allow them to enter into their “kingdom” on 12th May 2007!
Dr Nadia Khan is an educationist, writer, and social worker. She writes about Islam, Pakistan, and Women issues.
May
3
The Fate of Jinnah’s Dream! by Dr Nadia Khan
May 3, 2010 | | 3 Comments
by Dr Nadia Khan
He is accused since the day he got chance, accidently, to take the reins of Pakistan Peoples Party – than eventually to rule the People of Pakistan. He is accused that due to his protocol and motorcade, life is becoming as difficult for common men as ladies have to deliver babies in motor rickshaws. He is accused here and there; for financial irregularities up to an extent of money laundering where conviction is being sought (with delayed actions) and investigated. Somewhere he is accused that upon his orders the elegant photograph of Quaid -e- Azam is replaced with his slain wife and father-in-law, as pointed out by many media critics. He is accused that he has interfered in judiciary matters – poking his nose unnecessary- and finally that poking backfired with blow.
But so far – all the storms – he has survived due to ‘luck’ and he is in the ruling palace, which is termed as 5 star jail, by many of his critics, for 5 years. Two have gone and three more to go!
Basically, this is his past that is not letting him sleep peacefully – one after the other, issues are popping up and he is in the line of fire directly. Could someone detach his past easily, by turning into a new leaf? He has failed to do so and same old tactics; he is trying again & again. His recent ‘adventure – giving full support to all-time worst critics of BB; Shaikh Rashid’ is not looked upon with favour by his own party workers. The cunning decision of keeping the door open for party-workers to select the candidate of their own choice, didn’t worked out and his tactic was exposed by his critics. Additionally the candidate lost the people’s support eventually couldn’t reach the national assembly.
His cunning tactics to keep away his cronies Rehman Malik and Baber Awan from the doubts of his own beloved wife’s killing brought his hidden face to light. His own party workers are stunned as he is not, likely, interested to bring to justice those who killed his wife and most popular leader of today’s Pakistan .
What he thinks – when he sits alone; even for five minutes. In which direction, he is taking the ship of the country? After 9 years of dictatorial rule by a fascist (the only man in uniform in last 40 years dared to kill his own people – will be termed as fascist) when the democracy comes in the country people started remembering the dictator for their good (as example; the price-hiking wasn’t up to that level where it is now in 2 years of democracy). People’s government is worst with peoples! That’s how he is termed as Quaid e Qillat (Leader of Shortage) – everything is short; Electricity, Water, Flour, Wheat, Rice, Sugar, and humanity in upper Pakistani elites! As long as Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is with Water & Electricity Ministry, the two mentioned commodities would continue to be short. After all he has to justify the “rental power plants.”
Nepotism (his two sisters reaching to highest power levels in federal & Sind provincial governments), undue favours (Salman Taseer continuation in Punjab), incompetent selections (initially Malik Qayyum as Attorney General then Baber Awan as Law minister), inappropriate choices (Fauzia Wahab as party information secretary) etc. few examples to quote – this not only damaged the peoples party but the way country’s image is being tarnished by these elites themselves, is eye-opener. Hussain Haqqani, from the youth leadership of Jamat e Islami, turned his face to Benazir Bhutto’s PPP then Nawaz’s N league and finally PPP (Zardari Group) – all his flights are basically career opportunities with no moral values and vision!
Where are we heading – no one knows! With this state of affair – USA has decided that along with financial aid program to Pakistan , they will send a group of their ‘own’ people for the audit of the aid and its fair usage by the people of Pakistan !
I know that – with the completion of this people’s government in 5 years; financially dollar (which is at Rs85 now) would reach to a ratio of Rs120 (by Sept 2012, when he will complete his Presidential term), bread will cost Rs 30 per piece, chicken or meat will reach Rs 500 per kg and so on. Same true for other edible items consumed daily whereas the earning of a common Pakistani will gain only 5-6% in coming 3 years (as per Survey of Statistics of Pakistan). This means if any labour (that’s the common class in the country) earns Rs 10,000 (this is for bench mark purpose only as too few who earns this amount & that’s a dream for any labour to earn in a month, Prime Minister Gilani says minimum wage for labour is Rs. 7,000 per month) per month, he will not be able to meet his food expenses with a family of two kids & one wife. Democracy price is too high for common man in Pakistan . Jinnah’s dream is in troubled water – people’s government with no social justice!
Even if he is toppled, the new face will not be able to change the culture of Politics, Police stations (the most charismatic CM of Punjab failed to change police culture in his province) and Peoples behaviour. The culture of nepotism, undue favours, wrong selections, inappropriate choices selection….. So the country would continue to witness same wave of elites’ violence -terrorism without bullets but kills innocents- against poor sufferers of the country!
From Tamasek Khan (a poor rickshaw driver in Karachi ) or Mohd Siddique (a fruit seller in Lahore ) till Asif Ali (the Political President of People of Pakistan) – all are having same colors; the colors of self-centric approach only.
Poor’s are forced to look into their own financial issues; they have to think for their food necessities twice a day, their kids’ education even in government yellow schools, their medical requirements in pathetic government hospitals, and their day to day basic financial needs under the environment of terror, fear, and insecurity. While elites are committed to maintain their so-called ‘top’ status by hook or by crook making as much as financial gains – as this tenure is last in their lives or they have waited for 9 years of darkness (dictatorial rule) and were not able to sell their “superior services” to a dictator timely!
Jinnah’s dream is shaken; none in our political class could say that they would save the sinking ship of Muhammad Ali Jinnah! Could Asif Ali Zardari, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Altaf Hussain, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, Munawar Hassan, Asfand Yar Wali…you name it….could drive Pakistan to state of prosperity, peace, and a social welfare state. Unfortunately, the answer is known to all!!!
May
3
The Fate of Jinnah’s Dream! by Dr Nadia Khan
May 3, 2010 | | Leave a Comment
The Fate of Jinnah’s Dream!
by Dr Nadia Khan
He is accused since the day he got chance, accidently, to take the reins of Pakistan Peoples Party – than eventually to rule the People of Pakistan. He is accused that due to his protocol and motorcade, life is becoming as difficult for common men as ladies have to deliver babies in motor rickshaws. He is accused here and there; for financial irregularities up to an extent of money laundering where conviction is being sought (with delayed actions) and investigated. Somewhere he is accused that upon his orders the elegant photograph of Quaid -e- Azam is replaced with his slain wife and father-in-law, as pointed out by many media critics. He is accused that he has interfered in judiciary matters – poking his nose unnecessary- and finally that poking backfired with blow.
But so far – all the storms – he has survived due to ‘luck’ and he is in the ruling palace, which is termed as 5 star jail, by many of his critics, for 5 years. Two have gone and three more to go!
Basically, this is his past that is not letting him sleep peacefully – one after the other, issues are popping up and he is in the line of fire directly. Could someone detach his past easily, by turning into a new leaf? He has failed to do so and same old tactics; he is trying again & again. His recent ‘adventure – giving full support to all-time worst critics of BB; Shaikh Rashid’ is not looked upon with favour by his own party workers. The cunning decision of keeping the door open for party-workers to select the candidate of their own choice, didn’t worked out and his tactic was exposed by his critics. Additionally the candidate lost the people’s support eventually couldn’t reach the national assembly.
His cunning tactics to keep away his cronies Rehman Malik and Baber Awan from the doubts of his own beloved wife’s killing brought his hidden face to light. His own party workers are stunned as he is not, likely, interested to bring to justice those who killed his wife and most popular leader of today’s Pakistan.
What he thinks – when he sits alone; even for five minutes. In which direction, he is taking the ship of the country? After 9 years of dictatorial rule by a fascist (the only man in uniform in last 40 years dared to kill his own people – will be termed as fascist) when the democracy comes in the country people started remembering the dictator for their good (as example; the price-hiking wasn’t up to that level where it is now in 2 years of democracy). People’s government is worst with peoples! That’s how he is termed as Quaid e Qillat (Leader of Shortage) – everything is short; Electricity, Water, Flour, Wheat, Rice, Sugar, and humanity in upper Pakistani elites! As long as Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is with Water & Electricity Ministry, the two mentioned commodities would continue to be short. After all he has to justify the “rental power plants.”
Nepotism (his two sisters reaching to highest power levels in federal & Sind provincial governments), undue favours (Salman Taseer continuation in Punjab), incompetent selections (initially Malik Qayyum as Attorney General then Baber Awan as Law minister), inappropriate choices (Fauzia Wahab as party information secretary) etc. few examples to quote – this not only damaged the peoples party but the way country’s image is being tarnished by these elites themselves, is eye-opener. Hussain Haqqani, from the youth leadership of Jamat e Islami, turned his face to Benazir Bhutto’s PPP then Nawaz’s N league and finally PPP (Zardari Group) – all his flights are basically career opportunities with no moral values and vision!
Where are we heading – no one knows! With this state of affair – USA has decided that along with financial aid program to Pakistan, they will send a group of their ‘own’ people for the audit of the aid and its fair usage by the people of Pakistan!
I know that – with the completion of this people’s government in 5 years; financially dollar (which is at Rs85 now) would reach to a ratio of Rs120 (by Sept 2012, when he will complete his Presidential term), bread will cost Rs 30 per piece, chicken or meat will reach Rs 500 per kg and so on. Same true for other edible items consumed daily whereas the earning of a common Pakistani will gain only 5-6% in coming 3 years (as per Survey of Statistics of Pakistan). This means if any labour (that’s the common class in the country) earns Rs 10,000 (this is for bench mark purpose only as too few who earns this amount & that’s a dream for any labour to earn in a month, Prime Minister Gilani says minimum wage for labour is Rs. 7,000 per month) per month, he will not be able to meet his food expenses with a family of two kids & one wife. Democracy price is too high for common man in Pakistan. Jinnah’s dream is in troubled water – people’s government with no social justice!
Even if he is toppled, the new face will not be able to change the culture of Politics, Police stations (the most charismatic CM of Punjab failed to change police culture in his province) and Peoples behaviour. The culture of nepotism, undue favours, wrong selections, inappropriate choices selection….. So the country would continue to witness same wave of elites’ violence -terrorism without bullets but kills innocents- against poor sufferers of the country!
From Tamasek Khan (a poor rickshaw driver in Karachi) or Mohd Siddique (a fruit seller in Lahore) till Asif Ali (the Political President of People of Pakistan) – all are having same colors; the colors of self-centric approach only.
Poor’s are forced to look into their own financial issues; they have to think for their food necessities twice a day, their kids’ education even in government yellow schools, their medical requirements in pathetic government hospitals, and their day to day basic financial needs under the environment of terror, fear, and insecurity. While elites are committed to maintain their so-called ‘top’ status by hook or by crook making as much as financial gains – as this tenure is last in their lives or they have waited for 9 years of darkness (dictatorial rule) and were not able to sell their “superior services” to a dictator timely!
Jinnah’s dream is shaken; none in our political class could say that they would save the sinking ship of Muhammad Ali Jinnah! Could Asif Ali Zardari, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Altaf Hussain, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, Munawar Hassan, Asfand Yar Wali…you name it….could drive Pakistan to state of prosperity, peace, and a social welfare state. Unfortunately, the answer is known to all!!!
Apr
5
Pakistani Society, Marriages, and Cultural Tsunami!
April 5, 2010 | Tagged culture, divorce, hadood ordinance, marriage, Mufti Taqi Usmani, nikah, Pakistan, society, Women rights | 5 Comments
Marriage is difficult due to cast, creed, customs, and cost!
In Pakistani society, getting married today is not a straight forward “love affair.” Somehow if you or your guardians are able to manage a right-match for you then still there are many hurdles such as high cost of process, which might engulf your family financials for coming few years, even after getting you married ‘happily?’
Before reaching to marriage stage, there are number of factors that may crop up from all corners. Choice of right family – as the society mindset is based on families, background, clan, or cast dogma. There are number of casts and creeds requirements, you may notice, by looking at any of the matrimonial page of newspaper, matrimonial (shadi) websites, or advertisements. Among Pakistani society, you will find large differences while choosing partner or family, is based on provincial dichotomy – Punjabi, Sindhi or Baluchi, Pathan or Muhajir.
Just approach to any Muhajir[1] family for this matter, you may end up answering questions dating back to 70 or 80 years of your forefathers history such as “from where your kinsmen belonged to in UP or CP or Bihar?” Similarly Shaikh, Arain, Butt, Gujjar, Khokar and so on clan differentiations takes fierce ground for marriage in Punjab province. Likewise Sindhis prefer marriage within their culture, province, background and even families.
The Islamic norm of life-partner choice is looked upon quite rarely. In certain circles marriages are meant for relationship-strengthening or political gains. In today’s ethnic division, inter cast-marriages[2] are as awkward as inter-faith marriages and number of killed couples (likely through Karo Kari[3]culture) are mostly from multi clans while the couples wanted to unit themselves through love & marriage bonds!
After crossing all such hereditary barriers of clans or families, the next hurdle is traditions and culture such as engagement (Mangni), Uptun, Mayoun, Mehndi until reaching the stage of Nikah (marriage ceremony – a document that is signed by both partners in front of two witnesses, traditionally in our society in front of Qazi, who entertains the Nikah) and Valima (a reception after the marriage). If any one within the society, may be due to cost factor, would try to negate such lengthy process, and try to approach to Nikah and Valima only, then he or she would be looked upon as religious zealot without doubt!
By crossing initial barriers, if the partner of your choice is selected (I am referring here traditional arranged marriages that constitute approximately 58% of total marriages in major or small cities of Pakistan ) by your family then the cost factor is on top of all above disturbing factors. An average cost of a normal, simple, and cheap marriage ceremony covering Baraat[4] & Valima[5] receptions (including meal for 100 guests) is approximately Pak Rs 200,000 covering Marriage Hall, food, transport and other miscellaneous expenses. This doesn’t include the cost of jewelry or the cloths of bride or groom or the fee of religious scholar (who registers the marriage in Union Council) or other money used for some traditions such as Munh Dekhai (looking at the face of bride first time) and groom has to pay her or to her sisters.
An educated adult who is either having his own job or business (say at the age of 25, which is likely the marriage age for boys) may earn Rs 20,000+ easily in current environment. Basis on that, he has to have approximately Rs 400,000-500,000 (US$ 4,000-5,000) for a normal and simple marriage. After all marriage is a costly ‘love affair!’
If it is the ‘simple & cheap’ reality then what will a labor does if he has two or three daughters and he earns only Rs 10,000 per month? For those who earn less than that, it is beyond the imaginations[6]!
Beside all this, the risk of marriage failure is always there – the groom should be good person (I didn’t mentioned the word good Muslim here purposely as the definition of Muslim is changed in current scenario, a good Muslim could be a hardcore terrorist as per new fanatics approach), compromising nature, good earner etc – as per the dreams of every parent! No matter the very less rate of divorce[7] in Pakistan is mostly due the compromising nature of women, because of her environment with very few exceptions!
Feudal society with less value for women; hence rape or sexual harassment, selling daughters for small amount of money, or getting them married with elderly men or Holy Book (for the sake of avoiding their share in wealth or property) is common!
67% of Pakistan is based on rural areas; hence the role of a feudal lord remains active in entire country since last 60 years. There are disturbing reports that many family members of peasants and farmers are under protective custody of their local land owner and sometimes not allowed to move freely or get married without the consent of the owner. Or land owners are having their private jails and they follow their own system of justice pertaining to tribal traditions for their people.
With this approach, rape and sexual harassment is common in rural parts of country. Traditions like getting daughter married with Holy Book for the sake of avoiding her share in family’s wealth or getting baby-girls married with elderly men are still in practice and now being published in print & electronic media.
Society is mostly under the influence of male chauvinism thus laws and legislation is mostly interpreted by male members of the society. ‘Famous’ hadood ordinance is the prime example of this culture; where hundreds[8] of women put behind bars for simply being female, failed to produce four evidences of their rape, are now being subject to death punishment with their new-born babies!
However, Mufti Taqi Usmani, an instrumental figure in making the law, has stated that “If anyone says that she was punished because of Qazaf (false accusation of rape) then Qazaf Ordinance, Clause no. 3, Exemption no. 2 clearly states that if someone approaches the legal authorities with a rape complaint, she cannot be punished in case she is unable to present 4 witnesses. No court of law can be in its right mind to award such a punishment[9].”
When in 2006, Women Protection Bill was passed; the Chairperson of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Imran Khan, a critic of both the bill and the amendments, has also voiced concerns and sceptism calling it an eye-wash but admitted that Yes, the Hudood Ordinance discriminates against women and should be repealed”. Others, such as Syed Afzal Haider of the Council of Islamic Ideology have called for the Hudood Ordinance to be annulled by saying that “the Hudood Ordinance should be simply repealed. Any amendments made to it only manage to add to the confusion[10].”
Due to deprived culture, number of cases are now into lime light when some one has sold his daughter for paying his small debit (Rs 30,000 or US$ 350) or get a baby girl (of less than 9 or 10 years of age) married with a matured man in his 40s or 50s. Some school of thoughts linked this with the marriage of Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) with Hazrat Ayesha (RA)[11] and treat any action against this approach or any act of female child protection as un Islamic. For those[12], it is only said that there are many grown up females available for marriage in our society rather than female child of 8 or 9 years age!
One of the good aspects of Pakistani culture, predominantly in cities, is that the nomenclature of “child marriage[13]” is not liked by majority!
Low literacy among males, female education is still hard to get especially in remote areas of Pakistan; birth of female child is still not liked in many uneducated classes of Pakistan
Even though the overall “actual” literacy rate has not exceeded 40% in last 3 years but female child education in a rural society is yet to take its roots. In remote areas of Pakistan , a girl’s exclusive school and a female teacher is still a dream.
According to USAID education program, “ Pakistan continues to face major challenges in meeting the education needs of its citizens. Today, approximately 20 million school age children do not have access to quality education and literacy rates are extremely low (69 percent for men and 44 percent for women). Low attendance rates, inadequate infrastructure, and poorly trained teachers perpetuate these serious gaps in education, while limited government capacity, inadequate funding, poor coordination between national and provincial level governments, and security concerns impede efforts to improve the situation[14].”
Some parts of the land are still observing the dark-ages notion of bearing female child as a symbol of shame[15]. This might be interpreted as the financial burden upon guardians starting from schooling till her marriage, dowry, and settlement at her husbands’ home peacefully but the root cause dates back to thousands of years old tribal mentality.
It is also observed among few segments of society that they feed better food[16] to male child of the family whereas female infant gets the remaining, if available!
In frontier province, the burning of female schools by so called religious groups[17] could represent the male-chauvinistic approach of society towards their female counterparts.
Cities culture; modernization, flimsy attitude, TV, Advertisements, and Films showing different portrait of women. Dramas, art, & theater presenting vulgar image of women, neighboring films & media fondness (bowing to western culture) and false usage of Internet
Contrary to their rural segment, the urban parts of Pakistan mild with trends of modernization, have depicted the entirely different portrait of women. The urban culture is –somehow- borrowed from the West and when it is adopted in a country where lords and ethnic culture is in high demand, the dilemma is worth noting! While borrowing this culture, the trend-setters have forgot that in West, women is treated as the earning members of the family, she has right to stay outside the family home, for many nights, without any moral obligations, concept of boy-friend is equivalent to legitimate relationship (relatively unknown to Pakistani society) and baby after such illicit relationship is considered as legitimate child. With all such ‘moral-tools’ still the women face worst humiliation in West than in any part of world!
But in Pakistani urban society, no matter how modernized she is, she has to live with same set of people (her family), Eastern culture, conservative approach & sensitive workplace. Though our ‘progressive culture’ is neither Eastern nor Western and it has no proper link with religion. Progressive Women Actions forums and association had sought the solution by raising the financial status of women (making her the earning member of the family) like the West, whereas hardcore religious groups have confined the women within home boundaries. There’s no common ground between the two extremes and hence the society is taking its shape with no supervision!
In large metropolis society, woman is presented as a symbol to attract men. Be it an advertisement over print or electronic media or a theater’s film the attitude is to present her as symbol of sex. Remaining goal is achieved through the neighboring film-industry that had penetrated in our society as main ingredient of our weekend life wherein short-selves, hip skirts, partial nude dances, vulgar dialogues, pathetic shows & adult topics have ignited the flame of every male – be him pious or transgressor!
Though drama, poetry, & literature are not inline with glamorous theatrical art[18] which is presented every evening in major theaters and flamboyant magazines are readily available throughout the country. All these are adding a new syndrome of progressiveness to our society sometimes directly and often indirectly!
Internet is a tool that is primarily used all over the world for quick communication, reference, research, and educational purpose. It is used in Pakistan for what it is not meant for! After religion or religious information, Internet carries world largest paid set of contents pertaining to porn or adult information. Unfortunately, in Pakistan this ‘treasure’ is available for everyone’s access without any proxy or restriction[19]. Hence, the demand of vulgar contents has transformed from old VHS videos to sophisticated new DVD; download from Internet treasure; a doable actions!
This has ignited the natural male-desire up to an extent where we are hearing rape, child abuse, and small female child killing (after abuse) cases quite occasionally!
Drifting away from Islamic culture, less impact of Islamized culture upon poor people (still bonded with tribal traditions), not a positive role of religious authorities in remote areas, bonded with feudal lords (interpreting religions as per material requirements)
All this has happened – just because of one simple reason. The society which wasn’t transformed in to a real Islamic group of people, soon after partition from Indian sub continent, has build up the evils of dark ages where female child is not buried alive but kept to a level where she would die gradually. Religious parties are either fully involved in politics – trying to take control of governmental power then the society would be formed at a later stage, approach or Dawah[20] groups are fully inclined to their own approach –ignoring others or evils of feudal society- or they become partner to this wrong approach unknowingly.
In last 60 years, when in cities we are enjoying “enlightened moderation” the failure of society benchmark is measured such as – a villager who doesn’t know the basic surahs of Quran (needed daily in five times prayers) is also ignorant about the basic duties of a fatherhood or guardianship, might sell his daughter or get a teenaged girl or a female child of 6 or 7 years married with an old man of 40s or 50s with the consent[21] of his village land owner (chaudhry or wadera or Malik or khan or so on)!
The mindset of educated women in cities – Veil is not needed in modern society; an earning member of the family (needs equal value like men)
The mind set of educated women in urban part of country has also paved the way towards the division of society into various segments. In last 20 years this has resulted serious ground of arguments between religious forces and those who are leading the women rights groups; finally leading the issuance of decree against each other over women rights issue.
Hudood Ordinance and Women Protection Bill are the two examples of this arguments & counter-arguments approach. Both ends failed to find a common ground for the betterment of already deprived women in the country.
This conflict further continues over veil (or Hijab), right of divorce (khula), and family planning issues hence provided reasons to each other against each other to have fierce attitude. This gulf is getting narrowed day by day and a time is not far away when fundamental (religious) and progressive (secular) Muslims would be facing each other vehemently, probably with automatic fire arms over these cultural and social differences!
Banning the Polygamy culturally – Result: One aspect; high number of unmarried females, increasing rape rate, Another aspect; illegal means and ways to fulfill human needs
By law, polygamy is allowed in Islam for certain reasons. However that’s the only permitted practice which is “not practiced” in Pakistan commonly. By nature, Pakistani men are not inclined towards second marriage and this has resulted that by default women had taken it granted that second marriage is not permitted by law. This mental osmosis of Pakistani women brought to public notice when one of the members of Punjab provincial assembly, Samina Khwar Hyat[22] in the assembly had said that, “she doesn’t mind means no objection) if her husband would get married second time[23]!” Mostly, her female assembly associates had rejected the idea and stayed away from the subject by calling her ‘fanatic’ member of the assembly!
However, the serious remarks of Speaker national Assembly, Dr. Fahmida Mirza had opened new doors for thought process by “indirectly endorsing[24] the statement of Samina Hayat and about polygamy!” One can easily distinguish that women in Sind[25] province have different way to look at the subject than their associates in other provinces.
Witnessing a worst cultural Tsunami in Pakistani society in next 15 years!
In a society where art, culture, TV, drama, and films are tempting the imaginations of men, where women dresses are far shorter then males, where pornography is readily available, where women fashion shows are igniting the fire, where marriage is possible only when enough funds are available, and where polygamy is not allowed (for those who could afford multiple marriages) then what outcome would be expected – rape, child abuse, bonded slaves, illicit relationships, prostitution, and so on!
Are we going to witness worst ever cultural-Tsunami in Pakistan in next 10-15 years due to these factors? All segments of society including those who aligned themselves with religion and are the front-runner of anti US & West policies in Pakistan , shall look into this hidden issue, very seriously!
Dr Nadia Khan is an educationist, writer, and a freelance journalist. She can be reached at Nadia_Khaan@yahoo.com
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[1] Those their grand parents had migrated from Indian province of UP , CP, & Bihar in 1947. Their third generation is now grown up mostly in cities like Karachi , Hyderabad , & Nawabshah.
[2] This reminds me the case of an influential Khokhar family girl Humaira Abbas & Mehmud Butt in 1999, See NewYork Times (http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/25/opinion/25iht-edhass.2.t.html?pagewanted=1 )
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karo-kari
[4] A reception on the day of marriage – given by the bride family
[5] A reception arranged for guests after few days of marriage and arranged by the groom’s family
[6] As per United Nations Human Development Survey that around 50 million people are living in Pakistan below the line of poverty!
[7] 4% as per www.pap.com.pk
[8] According to a report by Pakistan National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) “an estimated 80% of women” in jail in 2003 were there as because “they had failed to prove rape charges and were consequently convicted of adultery.” (Jails and prisoners, State of Human Rights 2004, HRCP The number of women “believed to be in jail in March” 2003 according to the HRCP report is 1500.)
[9] AMENDMENT IN HUDOOD LAWS – The Protection of Women’s Rights Bill
[10] Pakistan passes Women Protection Bill
[11] Modern debate has proved that she was either 18 or 20 years of her age when married with Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) See also Hazrat Shah wali Ullah Dehlvi’s debate on this subject
[12] It is noticed that those they insist on such traditions are non-practicing Muslims with no adherence to daily prayers, Ramadan fasting or Zakat except the child-marriage and somehow its linkage with Islam.
[13] See Child Marriage Act (http://www.vakilno1.com/saarclaw/pakistan/child_marriage_restraint_act.htm)
[14] http://www.usaid.gov/pk/sectors/education/
[15] “And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the Earth? Certainly, evil is their decision.” (16:58-59)
[16] “Does son preference influence children’s growth?” by Sarah A Burgard University of California (http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/49g151m2 )
[17] Taliban or Maulana Fazlullah has been charged for burning hundred of female schools (see http://blogs.reuters.com/pakistan/2009/01/17/pakistani-taliban-force-girls-schools-to-close/) whereas other Taliban says that they support ‘girls education’ (see http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1213871577178&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout)
[18] The vulgar dances in theaters are prime example of this culture
[19] In 2006 Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited (PTCL) has imposed some screening upon the directive of Supreme Court of Pakistan however this is limited to anti Pakistan , anti government propaganda and blasphemous websites (URL) http://opennet.net/research/profiles/pakistan
[20] It is quite interesting that none of the Islamic Dawah groups have asked for Social Justice process implementation in last 30 years
[21] This consent is the prime suspect in all gang rape cases. In Mukhtaran Mai case too the Punchayat has agreed for her gang rape. Interesting to note that the following week after her rape, a local Muslim imam (mosque prayer leader), Abdul Razzaq, played a vital role, condemned the rape in his sermon on the Friday. He brought a local journalist, Mureed Abbas, to meet Mukhtaran’s father, and persuaded the family to file charges against the rapists. Mukhtaran and her family went to the Jatoi police station on June 30, 2002 to file charges. Even till today, hearings for the Supreme Court case have repeatedly been delayed, while her attackers remain imprisoned and her case is pending!
[22] http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5c02%5c20%5cstory_20-2-2010_pg7_18
[23] By some newspapers, her remarks had been termed as a stunt to gain cheap popularity however this is a genuine issue mixed with society and religion. From religious perspective, it would be ideal to have up to four wives without indulging in to adultery, if the need so be! Ironically, this is not acceptable in current Pakistani culture, society and to progressive women groups!
[24] http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Lahore/02-Mar-2010/NA-Speaker-supports-polygamy
[25] Sind culture dates back to Arab culture and its marks are still visible. Many famous figures & politicians from Sind province had multiple marriages (and they didn’t hide this fact) such as Z A Bhutto, Pir Pagara, late Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi and Hakim Ali Zardai (father of current President of Pakistan)
Mar
17
Altaf Hussain’s Strange Silence!
March 17, 2010 | | 3 Comments
Its over four days and I was waiting for the “one & only leader of Karachi, who is termed as the ‘greatest blessing’ of Allah by recently retired Nazim of Karachi city in his yesterday’s Gulshan – e- Iqbal speech” who always condemns killing in Karachi and accuse Taliban for the law & order situation, is to say few words of sympathy about the brutal killing of two religious scholars in Karachi four days before but London-based leader is silent.
Contrary, he was sympathetic to quite a few unknown personalities death during these days or celebrating the 43rd death anniversary of his elder brother and minor items of like that kind, but I couldn’t see any strong statement issued from MQM London office condemning the killing of Maulana Saeed Ahmed Jalalpuri, the famous writer of Friday’s Islamic page Iqra “App Kay Masaail aur Un Ka Hall” in local daily newspaper and Abdul Ghafoor Nadeem. Rabita Committee of local MQM office had issued a weak statement condemning the killing and asked for the apprehension of culprits. This is a usual statement just to fulfil the newspaper page and prove your presence in press items. What a tragic and sad part of ethnic politics that is turning against religious personalities!
This killing has happened in same month of Rabi ul Awwal and as per Sunni Tahrek, in same way when four years before number ofAhle Sunnat wal Jammat (Barelvi) religious scholars were celebrating 12th Rabi ul Awwal in Nashter Park on a stage & performingMaghrib prayers while “a planted-bomb” was blasted that killed number of religious personalities including famous Hafiz Taqi, Sunni Tahrek head and many more. Blame was lamented on Taliban by Karachi-based ethnic group even though all fingers were at same ethnic group but then the file of the case was closed by Police; due to some sympathy of Police officer towards the culprits!
Last night, when one of my colleagues has asked me, “Why Altaf Hussain didn’t issue any statement condemning the recent killings of religious scholars?” I had no answer but I was asking myself as why a leader, who pretends himself as the mainstream leader, didn’t utter few words at that sad moment for others, when in his own city – killing had happened!
Few points to note about Altaf Hussain’s current silence are:
- Either he knew the culprits and scared of them to name!
- If agencies are involved then in past Altaf Hussain used to deliver long and lengthy sermons-like speeches against Agencies, especially against his old colleagues of Muhajir Qoumi Movement (MQM-Haqiqi) group but why not this time?
- What’s the motive even for agencies to kill religious scholars, what gain they will achieve in city like Karachi ?
- Altaf Husain’s heart is having no soft corner for these religious scholars due to number of reasons – probably the growing popularity of religious forces in Karachi is not liked by him or his secular politics!
- Or indirectly, he is distancing himself and his party from the killing of scholars in his own city – that is his vote bank. But for what, he considers Karachi as his “private property” then any law & order situation might trigger his political balance, with a view that MQM is part of ruling PPP Sind administration?
- And as per the government version – that Indian spy agencies are involved in such killing to destabilize the city’s peace. Even if it so, Altaf Hussain or MQM in past has never accused any Indian agency for any wrong doing in Karachi or Sind province generally!
If we go through above question with two more points then the situation of Altaf Hussain and MQM will be more suspicious:
- MQM is always vocal against Taliban presence in Karachi especially like the Westerner media that top-tier of Taliban are hiding in Karachi (before the claim was that Taliban Shura is hiding in Quetta ) however there is no suicide attack in any of the meetings of MQM in Karachi , why?
- Why Taliban’s are active in Punjab only (one would understand the reason of their activity in NWFP where Pakistan Army is conducting a full scale Operations against them) especially when there is Muslim League (N) led government is in action, which is now labelled as pro-Taliban, since then the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in his own words, quoted wrong per his Jamia Nayeemeya, Lahore speech adopting Hamid Mir’s valid points in his answer!
If we look at these two facts, we could understand that Taliban presence is in Sind, Karachi especially where PPP is ruling the province (with MQM) but Taliban are active in causing destruction in Punjab, especially in Lahore where PPP is facing resistance with Nawaz league in taking control of the province!
Is there someone who is using Taliban name and trying to create messy situation in major cities of Pakistan to prove that situation is not good in the country while tabling the 18h amendment in late March, so delay it till further improvement of situations in major cities especially Karachi & Lahore.
Altaf Hussain silence confirms that he is either in agreement with that ‘hidden personality’ over this issue who is willing to play ‘Sind Card’ or Altaf Hussain purposely trying to ignore this situation, may be to utilize it for his own favours in near future when Sind Card option will fail!
No matter whatever is the truth it will not be made public for poor people of Pakistan – never ever. The corridors of power in Pakistan are full of such stories!
Mar
14
Arab Women – A Change and Paradigm Shift
March 14, 2010 | | 22 Comments
My home phone bell rang and on the other end there was a familiar sound, “Would you mind visiting the conference on ‘Arab Women – A change and paradigm shift” is being held in Dubai. This will be associated with few visits to other Arab cities such as Riyadh and Muscat. There will be discussion forums and finally all the participants will meet at Dubai to conclude their observations. These observations will then be translated into recommendations to various Arab countries through their women / human rights organizations for further negotiations with individual governments.”
My response was in affirmative and then next two weeks were gone with travel arrangements, preparations, and sorting out landing details at different cities for meeting & exchanging views with other participants. When the plane took off from Karachi airport, my mind was flying higher than plane to know the status of women in Middle East especially in cities like Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, and my last destination was Riyadh. Since then I started my studies, my dream was to know more about the Middle Eastern women and their cultural values.
Dec
30
Karachi Blast on 10th Moharram – An Analysis
December 30, 2009 | | 1 Comment
Karachi Blast on 10th Moharram (28th December 2010) - An Analysis
Even though IG Police Sind is yet to confirm the Karachi blast as suicide attack, many media centres had presented an innocent scout as suicide attacker, but later corrected the story. There are various angles one would look at this Karachi blast:
- A suicide attacker blasted himself in 10th Muharram, Ashura procession, killing number of innocent participants. Even though Ismat ullah, a famous Taliban commander had accepted the responsibility of suicide but the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) wasn’t involved in looting, igniting fire, and damaging public properties. If so then wasn’t it a planned action?
- Retaliating the action of suicide attacker, number of angry protestors, mostly youngsters took the law in their own hands and for two and half hours thousand of shops and buildings came under fire. Who were these people?
- All video footages show that Police remained the silent observer while the game of fire was in action. Why Police remained silent?