Two Eids in Pakistan

Once again, we continued the tradition of two Eids in Pakistan. In some areas of N-W.F.P. Eid was declared and celebrated on sunday, while rest of Pakistan celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday. Unlike previous years, N-W.F.P. Government officially supported the verdict of Un-official Rowyat-e-Hilal Committee and tried to implement its decision through police and DCOs in some areas.

Soon after the decision of Eid on Sunday was announced from Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, strong reaction came from Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and From Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman Chairman Central Royat-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan. A new issue was created through media, and some News Channels played a very negative role to complicate a simple issue. I was very surprised to notice that the News Channels emphasized (Not just broadcasting the News!!!) on the point that majority of N-W.F.P. people didn't celebrate Eid on Sunday.

Instead of criticizing each other, Government & Ulema should try to reach a final solution for the issue. Also, Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman's Royat-e-Hilal Committee has lost its influence and is always challanged by other scholars. Government should think to restructure it to avoid such controversies in Future.

Some people suggest use of science for Royat-e-Hilal. Offcourse, Astronomy can be a useful tool for this purpose, but it cannot be considered a final source for declaring Eid.

Very unexpected and surprising role was played by Provincial Government of N-W.F.P. which supported the decision of un-offical Royat-e-Hilal Committee and tried to implement it forcibly. Although they may have thought to achieve unity in celebrating Eid, but they ultimately caused more differences between the people.

To sum up, Government and Ulema should take serious actions to avoid such controversies in Future, which can be achieved if we:

1. Restructure Central & Zonal Royat-e-Hilal Committees.

2. Consider to include Astronomers to facilitate Ulema in Royat-e-Hilal Committee.

3. Persuade Ulemas of all regions to support Central & Zonal Royat-e-Hilal Committees (Possible only if all schools of thought are given representation in Royat-e-Hilal Committee equally).

4. Educate people regarding Moon sighting (as false testimony is a serious crime in Islam).

5. Avoid any interference by political parties in such issues.

Nations within a Nation???

We were not so fortunate to see peaceful Swat as a result of the peace deal between NWFP Government and TNSM. Hopes were shattered when Taliban entered Bonir, asserting their plans of expansions towards more settled areas, but the start of military operation again in Swat left no hope for peace there.

More than 2 millions are displaced after the start of Military operation in Swat, Dir and Bonir. Pakistanis welcomed their brothers and served them with utmost care & attention. They accomodated them in camps, in their Hujras and even shared their homes with the IDPs. It can really be called a good example of 'Muwakhat'.

Pakistanis have proven it that they are a live nation. They have helped their brothers in difficult times regardless of Language, caste and even religion. But it is really confusing to see that some misguided persons of the same hospitable nation are agitating against the IDPs. In such a situation, where the flood of people is coming down the mountains, our so-called Nationalist and "Liberal" parties are calling for strike again on 25th May, 2009; to "welcome" their countrymen with harrasement, as if they are going illegaly to another country.

JSQM is calling for strike throughout Sindh on 25th May, supported by MQM. (

MQM supports strike call for tomorrow; http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\05\24\story_24-5-2009_pg12_6). I have no confusion about JSQM and their call for strike, but what an irony it is, that MQM, which on one hand, supports IDPs through Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation, is opposing their settlement (though temporary, we should hope) in Sindh.There are some weightless excuses given in favour of their stand:

1. Fear of Talibanization in Karachi: MQM is very active in raising this issue since a few months. Now they see the threat of Taliban to Karachi to be more evident as IDPs are

entering Karachi.

2. Concerns of Local community: Another argument, which is given against the IDPs, is that the local community may feel unsecure, as their position may change to minority.

These fears and concerns, cannot be prevented by stopping IDPs from entering Sindh. JSQM leaders (supported by MQM http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\05\22\story_22-5-2009_pg12_2) argue that Sindh is turned to Swat by allowing IDPs to enter Sindh and Karachi. First of all, if Taliban and suicide attackers wants to target Karachi, they can do it without disguising themselves as IDPs (which is proven, that it is very very difficult to stop suicide bomber). Opposing the IDPs just for that fear is un-reasonable. Secondly, the fear of MQM and JSQM that they might be turned into minority in Sindh, and stopping them from entering Sindh can save their position in the province, is really condemnable and shameful thought. MQM should re-consider its support for JSQM, as it claims itself to be a National Party and is in the process of organising in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, that such a stand can limit them to Sindh only.

As a nation, our survival is subject to unity. Pakistanis have never divided themselves into the brackets of Sindhi, Punjabi, Pushtoon or Balochis. We have been united to face every challange, and will continue as a nation, United against our enemies.

What really is a lesson for us in current situation, is that, NEVER support and vote a party which survives on hatred, lingual and provincial politics, as they may divided us into 5 different nations within our country!!

The Swat incdent - Role of Media

It was shocking to see the footage of a girl being flogged in the presesnce of public in Swat. The Swat valley has been a battlefield between the Army and Taliban, ruining the lives of most of the local residents. A common Pakistani had never imagined this about beautiful Swat. 

While watching the footage on a private TV channel, and a flow on condemnations from National and International leaders, a few questions do raise in mind, which need to be addressed.

Firstly, There is no debate on the brutal acts of Pakistani Talibans in Swat and FATA. Every Pakistani condemns it. They have destroyed schools, colleges, shops and killed many innocent people. It is not according to Islamic laws, it is their own version of Shari'a.

2. In past, Taliban have accepted responsibality of most attacks and their acts. They have never been shy in accepting it, while fighting against Pakistan Army and destroying the peace of our homeland.

So, when we know their acts, and even then our Government have signed a peace deal with them, to find the ways for peace in the valley, such footage and its timings raise many doubts in mind. The so-called free press is trying to become free of all human virtues like truth. They are presenting the incedent as a fresh one, while the Minister of Information NWFP, Mian Iftikhar has clarified that the incedent happened on 3rd January, 2009 and it is publicised today (3rd April). What does it mean? And who is going to get the advantage of this? We all know but we don't say it.

Geo TV has played a key role in Lawyers' Movement for the restoration of Judiciary in Pakistan. It is a popular News channel and people trust what they present before the public. But such activities can lead to an end to their popularity.