Credit:ET
ISLAMABAD: While saying that the media should promote a positive image of Pakistan, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said on Monday that no one practices human rights as much as Pakistan does.
Speaking to the media at the Independence Day seminar, “Pehchaan Pakistan”, held by Express Media Group in Islamabad, Ashraf said, “While the media portrays the masked face of a bomber, it should also show faces of people who spread positivity in Pakistan.”
Recalling an incident when a foreign embassy’s representative visited his village, he said, “She [the representative] saw my village questioned me if anyone had been taught about human rights there. I pointed at a farmer working grazing the pastures and told her that he will explain her how we practice human rights.”
The premier said that he had called him and had told him to quote poet Mian Muhammad’s couplet to the embassy representative which translated as: “Raze down mosques and temples, but never destroy a person’s heart as God resides in it.”
‘Pakistan is our identity’
Speaking on the importance of independence, the prime minister said that “Our identity is Pakistan – it has been like this since its formation and will remain the same till the end of times – we can never have a substitute replacing this.”
He said that when the people who move abroad to earn livelihood die, their bodies are brought back to their native areas in order to bury them. Ashraf said this highlighted the importance of land being an individual’s identity.
‘Freedom is attained by democracy, not force’
Prime Minister Ashraf said that freedom is attained by democracy and not force. He said that many freedom fighters took up militancy to fight for the cause of freedom, but could not succeed until they had the masses backing them.
By the end of his speech, Ashraf announced a reward of Rs1 million to Shafay Thobani for his achievement of becoming the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).
Categories: Asia, Human Rights, Pakistan
MUST BE KIDDING!
Before reading this statement I was having some respect for the PM who claimed belonging to a working class. However how hypocrite he is has become obvious from his statement which sadly gets as main heading coverage in the news papers. One thing I am unable to understand to which segment of society these so called leaders of Pakistan are befouling. Either the International Human Rights Commission, representing whole world is big liar or these so called leaders of Pakistan. As per the latest surveys of IHRC Pakistan ranks lower than 147 amongst approximately 200 countries ensuring human rights. Plight of Hindus is the most recent example which has put a slab on the face of such claims of PM. Hindu leaders residing in Pakistan have openly requested Indian and US embassies for their basic rights. The Economic Times has published the news as head lines. Hazara Shia are other examples who are being eliminated and are denied all kinds of human rights. Columns of ET/Dawn/Daily News are full against human rights violations of Ahadmiyya community. Balochs are weeping and demanding their basic human rights.What an example PM has quoted that farmer working grazing the pastures recited a couplet of Mian Mohammad. Such couplets or poetry looks very beautiful and charming on papers but what atrocities are committed against innocent people of Pakistan are the bitter and hard facts on ground. PM please stop befouling the innocent nation of Pakistan
a practical Pakistani joke
Good to know you understand Pakistani Politics very well.
I am from Fiji (before the advent of Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Fiji and grew up looking up to Pakistan as model for Muslim world. I resented having to learn Hindi and had passion for Urdu. I used to get thrilled as a kid to see huge pictures of Gen. Aiyub Khan and Mohammed Ali Jinnah hung in Muslim homes.With the arrival of AMC in Fiji I got more attracted to Pakistan and had greater affinity to it than India. This also led to learn more about Pakistan’s internal politics and social situations as Bhutto’s plot came into being. Perhaps, I was one of the few that wrote in the open columns.
Since then and over the more recent history of Pakistan, I have been deeply pained to realize how unislamic, unsympathetic and lacking in respect for other faiths and human rights – Pakistan has become. My image of the Pakistan that admired has been darkened and tarnished by the lack courage by Pakistan’s mainstream Muslim.
In the San Francisco Bay Area- where I am well connected with the Pakistani community, often the only Ahmadi at Pakistani events here, I spare no chance to remind them of Ahmadi situation in Pakistan. As a result, one group has put me on their list of guest speakers to come and speak on our position at their forum. I hope they stand true to their promise.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY
Those of us who live abroad MUST write to all Pakistani embassies about the lack of justice shown to Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Remember our letter writing campaign in Bhutto’s time and Zia’s cruel regime had significant effect as we wrote to all embassies and heads of state.
It is much easier today than those days. Plus, almost every newspaper as a comment section which we all must use to the max.
Good to know your sentiments. Unfortunate Pakistan. Letter compaign once was effective. Now even diplomtic staff has turned deaf to Ahmadies. I live in Europe and have concrete proof where diplomatic head directs subordiante staff of consulate not to visit Ahamdi doctors in spite of the fact that Ahamdi doctors facilitate them to talk in their language. Such is the state of affair even in higher elite presenting Pakistan outside and that too in Europe.
So very nice to know that brother. God Bless you.Amen
This is what should be done now. May Allah put the strength and effect in our humble efforts.Amen
Jehad of pen is what should be done to day. It is Alalh’s will for the time. Ahmadies are doing this very well. Alhamdulillah.
I remember that in nineteen eighty five we went to Pakistan after living abroad for quiet some times. And we had multiple American visa. but we chose to go back to Pakistan, chanting the slogan “Pakistan Zindabaad”.
I can remember even the smell of pouring gutters could not deviate me from my patriotic thinking for my home land. All those “pan spitting” on the wall.
All those garbage filled streets the beggars, the poverty of people , illiteracy present around did not bother me to re-think for parting my home land.
One of my Irani friend then residing in Pakistan said, in the beginning I thought Pakistanis are sick. They spit blood everywhere. Then I was told it is their lively behaviour of eating pan that has been changed into this spitting sport.
just in few years ( I think two or three years)we realized our mistake as bombs started to explode in dens populated areas such as Sadar Karachi, of which two of my brothers had a narrow scape. Followed by firing incidents on innocent citizens, that gradually took the shape of a norm.
One day it was the limit . Just as my school kids stepped out of their school, there was a firing on the street. I was as if blown into agony and regression. Even the animals make their nests in a safe place to protect their young ones. Had we made the wrong choice for our kids?.
My heart did not take rest after that. I started praying with every breath For Karachi Pakistan to be peaceful. And for the people who did it should take heed. But all in vain. The situation was worsening every day. Then we decided to renew our Visa for America . But we were rejected. This was something that never happened to us before. We tried for another country but with no success. Every day I felt I died in the morning as my Husband and my kids had t go out for office and school, and would liven up when they came home safe and sound.
My health was being effected. I did lengthy “wazeefas” as I was very young and desperate to help my country. But to no avail. Then finally I prayed if the things here are not go to be better then we should go abroad. This was answered. And my husband found a very suitable job abroad. And from whence we settled down in a peaceful country where law and order prevails and human life has value.
But nevertheless I am concerned for the people,innocent unknown people, my community people that are suffering there. Above all my home land, my dream land burning in hell fire make my soul scream and protest. I want to rescue my people from this self destruction. And want them to sing the song of peace love an d care. I want them to be self content and trouble free. Have every comfort that a human needs. No child there should yearn for milk, medicine, education,toys, playing spaces. The civil war has deprived them from everything. It has robbed them off their childhood.
The Mullahs have put hurdle in the divine cause that is the message of of the promised of the time, it has offended Allah very much.
It is said that not accepting the Imam of time does not bring the wrath of Allah. It is caused by making their lives miserable and preventing their message with force and strong head instead of dialogue. If they could understand it. Today their atrocities have compelled Ahamdeis, Shias, Christians and Hindus along with the cream of learned and high gentary people to leave the country. Tomorrow other ethnic differences wile stir it. Then afterwards if they still survived the consequences of this hatred game, they will rob and kill each other.
I wish they took heed today and now, and watched for what they are doing before the time runs out.Amen
When you keep quiet on the injustice on others, you too will fall prey to it. It is a vice-versa. The ultimate result.
Quite moving details. Such stories are spread all over. To me most patriotic Paksitani creature is Ahmadi whether living abroad or in Pakistan. You can well imagine the sentiments of some one who served 20 years in Khaki for this country including Siachen area. Problem no one is in mood to accept promised Imam. Mullah has infested the blood of whole nation. Some thing has to be considered to gradually penetrate in to the mainstream and then slowly slowly exapanding the ground. You are right Jihad with pen is to continue. Pray Almighty may help all of us always thinking best for motherland.
Thank you brother for sincere sentiments of appreciation. I am obliged. God Bless you.Amen
When I was working in Pakistan from 1965 to 1969 the word ‘corruption’ was (nearly) not known. It is very clear that Pakistan lost Allah’s blessings after 1974 with a bigger downturn in 1984… When will they realize the reason?
Br Rafiq I once again point out that Pakistani nation has very badly been infested. Two ways open. Either they should accept Ahamdiyyat to which apparantly seems very remote possibility.Other option is Ahmadies grdually seek to become once again the part of main stream. Presence of good people can have good effect on the society as you yourself knwo it from your good days experience in Pakistan. Now how to get once again in to main stream is one million dollar question and our brothers and sisters living abroad should ponder on it and give suggestions.
No matter how hard and sincerely Ahmadies try to be part of them. Love them be at their side when they need, and people seem to understand and love you, one gossip of “Qadiani kaafir hain, inse milna julnaa Haraam hai, yeh gustaakhe-erasool haiN*’ becomes their turning point to show cold shoulder and pull away. zeroing all your devotion.
(* Ahmadies are non believers, they are blasphemers, befriending them is the biggest sin)
The only way is to introduce them with the real Islamic aspects on the most disputed topic such as “finality of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon him. Amen) and the death of Jesus Christ”. Or the later first.
This is where Mullah has camouflaged. And earning his fame and bread.
We have to reveal Mullah’s fault to each and everyone. And the definition of kafir and its aspects and types and who is to be called a kafir as per Allah and His Messenger and who is not. And the one who is not, if called kafir , what Allah and His Apostle has to say to them.
And last but not the least, or foremost is that we earnestly pray for the cause.
Religious aspect you covered nicely. To me societal aspect is also important. First and foremost is to get Pakistani Ahmadies the right to vote under joint electoral system. This is the only community which is expelled. Here Ahamdiyya has a very strong point.I was astonished to see that after migration of just 250 Hindu the bill is being tabled in Lok Sabha of India. Few months back on Baluchistan issue, bill was tabled in US congress. Until now thousands Ahmadies migrated due to religious persecution and other atrocities committed to them but never heard of any bill or resolution being tabled by any parliament of the world. Though certain parliamentarians of UK and US keep on condemning the Ahmadiyya persecution. Even US congress on the recent visit of Supreme head of Ahmadiyya Community issued only a statement asking the Pakistan not to commit atrocities against Ahamdies. However no concrete bill or resolution was tabled in congress.This aspect needs urgent attention and Pakistani Ahmadies living abroad can play effective role in this regard. To my knowledge Mr Nasim Malik of Sweden so for has proved to be effective through IHRC and to some extent getting a statement from Foreign Minister of Sweden about persecution of Ahamdies. Jehad with pen is one aspect but what are your views on this aspect?
1-“Raze down mosques and temples, but never destroy a person’s heart as God resides in it.” The first half of Main Muhammad’s spiritual couplet is miss-understood and followed apparently in Pakistan and Masques and temples are destroyed but the main part is totally reversed and Hearts are also destroyed.The reason is our nation is spiritually blind so they even can not understand the spiritual teachings of Imam Al-Mahdi / Promised Messiah.
2- Politicizing of religion and theocratic mindset destroyed our lovely Pakistan.
3-We have to spread the peaceful message of True Islam (Ahmadiyyat) all over the world with all peaceful methods and means.A lot of missionary work and speech (Tabligh) work is needed, for that voluntary staff is necessary,the paid staff is not enough as the paid staff only try to save their job and try to establish only discipline,an extra strict not having that spirit which the voluntary missionary have.
Very interesting blog thread!
I would be really shoked if this is true. Imagine if Pakistan is the peak of human rights, as described by PM, then how evil should be the rest of the world. But fortunattely thats not the case.
I do really hope on 65th independance day that Pakistan recognize its failure and do rise as human rights rolemodel…
This posting leads to an interesting blog discussion.All ‘TMT’ readers who are keenly involved in the issue of human rights violations in Pakistan, may know that in Pakistani politics, the practical politicians have two types of tooth, like the elephants, outer tooths to show and the inner ones are meant for eating purpose.PM statement on HR are just to make a show for the outside world. These so called leaders have just two separate sides of their face like a true pretender, ‘munafeqeen’, and they are practical believers in what a minister of Hitler, Goebble used to say that if you want to make people
belief in certain thing not in existence, you repeat it and go on repeating it times and again so that a moment will come when a ‘day’ will be taken as ‘night’ due to the repetition of what does not exist at all. Such-like are the statements of repetation by PM. Anyhow this blog discussion on human rights is very useful
as it contains many good suggestions. And the personal introduction of the blog writer is also
a positive development which facilitates to understand the background of both, the issue being discussed and the participant of discussion. And finally I sincerely wish all Pakistanis a very, very, happy 65th national Independence Day. God may bless you on the right straight path of peace and progress in all walks of life, Ameen.
Dear Br SA Sheikh. Any concrete suggeston how to go forward for Ahamdiyya members of Pakistan getting included in Joint Electoral System of the country?
Thank you dear Zubair Khan Sahib. You are kind enough to confine this humble scribe to a knotty topic. Plz allow me to say that ours is a strange country in which none of our rulers ever think of themselves under some sort of law, moral, legal or constitutional limitations/ obligations.Here, let us have a brief historical background of the electoral system in British India. One man one vote is the basis of democratic system as prevailing in England. This system was also being planned for India. But the situation of India and England were never alike. There is a lot of differece. In England political parties are formed on inter-changeable, political views. But in India, political parties are formed on permanent religious basis. Hindus were 70 % percent of total population, so under one-man one-vote British system of democracy, Hindus will form a permanent majority government while Muslims will remain in permanent(subjugation) minority position, a situation unacceptable to Indian Muslims. Such a situation necessitated a new electoral system called, Separate electorate system, for Indian Muslims because of the Hindu animosity of religion-based political thinking. After the creation of Pakistan in which Muslims had 95% majority vote and the Quaid had clearly stated in his August 11 speech that the new state will have nothing to do with faith or religion of its citizens. But then what happens in Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan. Alas! it is a sad story to recount. The Maudoodi type of maulvis, who had opposed the creation of Pakistan, now started their demand to continue with the Separate electorate system as this was the basis and the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.In this way, these anti-Pakistan Mullah made themselves the ‘Tekedar’ of the new Muslim country, in the sub-continent of India. After the creation of Pakistan,we had only one General Elections (1969)which were held under joint Electorate system. The outcome of this Election was widely held as being influenced mostly by Ahmadi voters to the benefit of Bhutto’s peoples party. In order to avoid the repetition of such joint voting system’s outcome, the separate election system was introduced and to isolate the Ahmadi voters, the Ahmadiyya Community was declared by the National Assembly as non-Muslims. As such , Ahmadis were to exercise their vote separately and not jointly with
the rest of the people as was the case in 1969 elections. During General Musharraf regime, Joint electorate system was reintroduced, but some invisible (inside)elements were prevailed upon the Election Commissioner office due to which the real minorities, namely Christians, Hindus, Sikhh, Bhudists were given two votes, minority vote as well as National vote. But even under Joint Election system, Separate Minority vote system was also kept intact just for keep Ahmadis confined to minority voting and do not take part in the National Voting under the Joint electorate National system. In such a confused situation caused by our international contradictions, now it up to the new and neutral, Chief Election Commissioner to take a firm stand on the issue of the restoration of the genuine joint General elections system in which all citizens of Pakistan exercise their right to vote according to their free will, without any sort of reference to ones faith or religion. If this is done before the next general elections and only one national color ballot paper is used by all and Ahmadis are not forced to use their minority-colored ballot paper, then the Ahmadiyya Community will exercise their right to vote without fear or favor. InshaAllah. we hope and pray that the new Chief Election Commissioner will be bold enough to re-introduce the genuine joint electorate election system as was case in the first and last joint electorate system election of 1969. Is it not a mockery of democracy that in 65 years history of Pakistan, only one National General Election was held, the result of which was…okay, next time, InshaAllah,Wassalam.
Dear S.A Sheikh Sahib. Thanks for indepth analysis of prevailing situation. You opined current Chief Election Commissioner has the power to order Joint Electoral System if desires so. Are you sure? Hope every thing is not going back to Parliament or to President/PM. Please clarify in view of exact legal situation as prevailing in Pakistan. Once it is clarified might enalbe few of us to contact CEC for the bold action.
Hudhur aba is already doing it. In the USA , Germany, Canada and wherever and whenever a possibility springs it is captured right away.
The world in particular has come to know about Ahmadiyya with a good name.
Pakistanis too are getting their real message now. How long Mullah will block this message?
To be in the system and have the right to vote, it is only Hudhur that will decide, when and how.
As for the time being as long as we have to vote as a non Muslim we Ahmadies cannot vote under this ID.
Allahmduillah Jamaat, and different Ahamdies are doing it individually. Revealing their true self on and “capacity” of incomplete knowledge and myths of Mullah. on the Youtube and other means of media.
The ” sehr” charm of their’s is fading. Allhamdulillah
Our utmost tool for success is prayers. Insha’Allah this is a weapon that can make melt a stone.