Jacob Lew - WhoRunsGov.com, a Wash Post Co
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
Electrifying Exchanges In Electricity Debates!
As Kashif Abbassi looks on the two heavy weights in Pakistani political scene from Punjab, Raja Pervez Ashraf ,now minister of electricity and Faisal Swaleh Hayat, MNA Previously in Pakistan Peoples Party switched to Musharraf side and previous minister, fight it out on ARY TV program,Off The Record for two days. The main issue is the rental power plants that the federal govt., is acuiring to ease out the load shedding and electricity crises facing Pakistan now. according to the govt., the shortage will be quickly overcome in short time and provide relief to peole and industry and agriculturists. Mr Faisal smells a rat and sees doomsday picture of corruption. he says that the rental plants are dilapidated, at exhorbitant costs,
qouted much above real price by dubious parties.The govt., version is opposite but somehow even the audience is not convinced. Mr Kashif Abbasi was not able to provide a real result to audience who are as confused as ever. It seems that Mr Faisal has an axe to grind and Mr Raja Pervez wont accept defeat from an ex- PPPian.
Electricity issues are grave in Pakistan and need much solutions.(See Pakistan Energy Forum http://www.developmentpkistan.blogspot.com
qouted much above real price by dubious parties.The govt., version is opposite but somehow even the audience is not convinced. Mr Kashif Abbasi was not able to provide a real result to audience who are as confused as ever. It seems that Mr Faisal has an axe to grind and Mr Raja Pervez wont accept defeat from an ex- PPPian.
Electricity issues are grave in Pakistan and need much solutions.(See Pakistan Energy Forum http://www.developmentpkistan.blogspot.com
Jacob Lew with Moeed Pirzada On Dunya TV....US Engages Pakistan.
Moeed Pirzada took an insightful interview with US undersecretary of state Jacob Lew.This provides a clear view of the US engagement policy towards the Pakistani people as envisaged by the Obama administration.
Many doubts and apprehensions were cleared but the sad part is that most of the Pakistani people and many media people have incomplete, uninformed and strange ,often contradictory views about US actions and intentions.This interview may give some education to a few but many more such media information efforts are needed to remove misunderstandings.
The US undersecretary emphasised that economic and social help will be a priority and the administration will be working in future towards engaging the people directly' The Kerry Lugar Bill will also ensure financial asssistance to improve the economic and social indicators in Pakistan. In Frontier province the establishment of RAZs will ensure economic recovery and improvement in poverty alleviation measures. They are linking this with War on Terror as according to them terrorism in these areas is directly linked with poverty and lack of viable economic activity. The US maybe right here but the real results will only come about after action. With regards to Afghanistan such an opportunity was lost by the Bush government as qouted by Mr Hasan Askari. This has worsened the situation in Afghanistan. I hope this does not happen in Pakistan. Post Swat operation a lot of rebuilding of infrastructure is required. Frontier govt., will need much help in this.The sad aspect is that many people in Pakistan are seeing US as the villain and not the other people who have made a real problem for the muslims all over the world in general and Pakistanis in particular.
Mr Jacob emphasised the fact that US will not send in any unlawful force and there is no increase in marines' population in Pakistan.I think the increase or fortification of US embassy maybe only for logistics in relation to their Afghan presence. Pakistanis are seeing conspiracy theories behind such moves and are apprehensive about companies like Blackwater bieng lodged in Pakistan.
Mr Jacob appreciated the Swat operation effort by the Pakistan army.
It remains to be seen what the US engagement with Pakistani people results will be and how fast they are able to achieve them.
Many doubts and apprehensions were cleared but the sad part is that most of the Pakistani people and many media people have incomplete, uninformed and strange ,often contradictory views about US actions and intentions.This interview may give some education to a few but many more such media information efforts are needed to remove misunderstandings.
The US undersecretary emphasised that economic and social help will be a priority and the administration will be working in future towards engaging the people directly' The Kerry Lugar Bill will also ensure financial asssistance to improve the economic and social indicators in Pakistan. In Frontier province the establishment of RAZs will ensure economic recovery and improvement in poverty alleviation measures. They are linking this with War on Terror as according to them terrorism in these areas is directly linked with poverty and lack of viable economic activity. The US maybe right here but the real results will only come about after action. With regards to Afghanistan such an opportunity was lost by the Bush government as qouted by Mr Hasan Askari. This has worsened the situation in Afghanistan. I hope this does not happen in Pakistan. Post Swat operation a lot of rebuilding of infrastructure is required. Frontier govt., will need much help in this.The sad aspect is that many people in Pakistan are seeing US as the villain and not the other people who have made a real problem for the muslims all over the world in general and Pakistanis in particular.
Mr Jacob emphasised the fact that US will not send in any unlawful force and there is no increase in marines' population in Pakistan.I think the increase or fortification of US embassy maybe only for logistics in relation to their Afghan presence. Pakistanis are seeing conspiracy theories behind such moves and are apprehensive about companies like Blackwater bieng lodged in Pakistan.
Mr Jacob appreciated the Swat operation effort by the Pakistan army.
It remains to be seen what the US engagement with Pakistani people results will be and how fast they are able to achieve them.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Shahzad Roy's Zindagi Trust...A way for young people volunteerism!
The Zindagi Trust is a great effort by young Pakistani singer Shahzad Roy. He is a unique role model for young people to follow as he has the right mix of passion, love for his country and it's people and a unique humaneness. His passion to put things right for young people, giving them a clean, advantageous chance in life by improved ,quality education is a first in this trust's agenda. There is no hidden agenda and as misinformation spread by a certain quarter there is no bad intentions.It would be a good example if people helped in ways to raise funds for this trust.The video explains what we can do with a little caring.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Vegan Pineapple Right Side Up Cupcake
This kind of bakery is good ,just eat it and well fly to the stars!
Whither Pakistan Politics And War?
The Swat people return to their homes. The operation continues against terrorists, armed militants, criminals, mafias and other anti state elements. Many areas are now back under civilian control with the help of the army. People are generally trying to put their lives together. Govt., is trying to repair infrastructure and bring back the daily lives' necessities in place. The questions keep on arising in our minds as to "why" and "how" such a large scale problem, under the "sharp" eyes of the chief of the army staff and president , who ruled the ordinary civilians single handedly was allowed to occur? It seems that due to disenfranchisement of the real polity and a kind of pseudo representation, the real people were coerced and because as in case of Swat they were urban and peaceloving ,were allowed to be forcibly acquiesed into accepting obedience to this psuedo religious, quasi -terror groups. All this seems to occur because apparently, the army has no clear cut anti terrorist and anti-insurgency policy. There has never been a clear debate on these issues and a final consensual policy formulated by the armed forces after all civilian groups representation.A clear disconnect was seen also as the army operation was reluctantly favored by pro taliban religious political parties like Jamaat E Islami and JUI- F of maulana FazluRahman. Inspite of an apparent excercise in parliament . These parties claimed after the operation Rahe Rast started in Malakand and Swat that this was not agreed to. The current debate about invoking article 6 against Musharraf is sidelining the much needed clear policy debate on what really happened in Swat and what future institutional and policy matters we need to decide in an open and transparent manner which will prevent such future quagmire.
so far the army is doing fine, trying to take this operation to it's logical conclusion but this is an expensive, long and arduous task.Meanwhile the misguided terrorists keep on targetting our security forces and ordinary Pakistanis cannot believe that they would murder their fellow religionists at Iftar time in the holy month of Ramzan.The foreign element theories abound. The Frontier govt., has also not given any clear perspective on this aspect.
After Ramzan the army may increase it's operations in Waziristan and lend facilityb to "pincer" action as envisaged by General Stanley Mc Crystal .this will further cause displacement and extreme difficulty to civilians. It maybe much needed to drive the foreign influences out but the real benefit to Pakistan will be if we can bring the arrangement of civilian participation in governence as in all other regions of Pakistan. It is high time that we extended adult franchise and govt., as in other provinces and totally abolish the political agent system. Local bodies elections in these areas will give adequate representation to all the tribes.People like Imran Khan can work much in this area to facilitate and create an environment of facilitation in bringing about these reforms in governance in NWFP.
After these military operations are over, we will be in a better position to reintegrate this region in the larger map of Pakistan both politically and morally.We must also find ways to let the mlitants surrender with dignity and reintegrate into our system as most of the young people are also poor and uneducated.The economic life and infrastructure of NWFP must be developed on a priority basis and also education and health be looked into. The religious political parties should find these educational and health facilities development and their contribution to reintegration as a cause.They need to rephrase their "Jehad" concept as the real need of the hour for these people, away from violence and towards social and economic progress.
We must emphasise on, educate and give hope to our people towards progress, institutional reforms,grass root level empowerment, good enfranchised governance, and finally everlasting peace . This is necessary to defeat the defeatest "Foreign" ideologies that have recked havoc with our centuries old peaceful and beautiful regions and it's beautiful people.We should learn to see, say and work towards a no to "War" whether in any language!
so far the army is doing fine, trying to take this operation to it's logical conclusion but this is an expensive, long and arduous task.Meanwhile the misguided terrorists keep on targetting our security forces and ordinary Pakistanis cannot believe that they would murder their fellow religionists at Iftar time in the holy month of Ramzan.The foreign element theories abound. The Frontier govt., has also not given any clear perspective on this aspect.
After Ramzan the army may increase it's operations in Waziristan and lend facilityb to "pincer" action as envisaged by General Stanley Mc Crystal .this will further cause displacement and extreme difficulty to civilians. It maybe much needed to drive the foreign influences out but the real benefit to Pakistan will be if we can bring the arrangement of civilian participation in governence as in all other regions of Pakistan. It is high time that we extended adult franchise and govt., as in other provinces and totally abolish the political agent system. Local bodies elections in these areas will give adequate representation to all the tribes.People like Imran Khan can work much in this area to facilitate and create an environment of facilitation in bringing about these reforms in governance in NWFP.
After these military operations are over, we will be in a better position to reintegrate this region in the larger map of Pakistan both politically and morally.We must also find ways to let the mlitants surrender with dignity and reintegrate into our system as most of the young people are also poor and uneducated.The economic life and infrastructure of NWFP must be developed on a priority basis and also education and health be looked into. The religious political parties should find these educational and health facilities development and their contribution to reintegration as a cause.They need to rephrase their "Jehad" concept as the real need of the hour for these people, away from violence and towards social and economic progress.
We must emphasise on, educate and give hope to our people towards progress, institutional reforms,grass root level empowerment, good enfranchised governance, and finally everlasting peace . This is necessary to defeat the defeatest "Foreign" ideologies that have recked havoc with our centuries old peaceful and beautiful regions and it's beautiful people.We should learn to see, say and work towards a no to "War" whether in any language!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Asalam Ramzan...So What Good Deeds You will do this Ramzan?
When Ramzan arrives for muslims it is a month to vouch for promises to do good deeds and pray and fast. Overseas Pakistanis and it is seen that muslims from all over the world are good philanthrophists and contribute much to the good of humanity. Post earth quake in Pakistan we saw this generosity from all over the world.Here are some things that we will find helpful in finding a purpose to give to humanity and make a contribution. I have listed a few goodcauses to take up and find close to your heart then volunteer and collect funds and favor for them in some way. ( The source of account numbers is taken from their advertised numbers in the Daily Dawn. http://www.dawn.com/ . I have listed websites and addresses for check and info).
- You can easily volunteer time effort,money or simply awareness about some good welfare organisations in Pakistan like Hospitals; http://www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk/ Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is a state of the art facility in Pakistan. It is bieng run in a non-profit basis and requires much donations, volunteers. You can spread awareness about it's activities and help it generate support and funds.Another very good effort , also totally free with state of art facilities and nursing school is Indus hospital in Korangi, Crossing, Karachi. http://www.indushospital.org.pk/ This also needs much financial support. I send my poor, lower midddle class totally free patients here. They get medical advice, free tests, often operations.Please spread awareness about this hospital also as they are only one and a half years old and need much support.
- The organisations doing health charitable work are many but I am linking http://sadawelfare.com/ an organisation working with children and in need of much financial support. They work ceaselessly in tuberculosis treatment,blood donations and medical drugs provision with national Institute Of Child Health , Karachi and Dow Medical College Hospital. karawane hayat http://www.keh.org.pk/ ,Baitul Sakoon http://www.baitulsakoon.org/ working with cancer patients,a unqiue organisation.
- Edhi Welfare Foundation is the most famous in Pakistanhttp://www.edhifoundation.com/ This selfless worker organisation needs all the financial and other help it can. The Citizen's foundation http://www.thecitizensfoundation.org/ providing quality education to thousands of children free. Child Aid Association(childhood cancers) http://www.childaidassociation.org/ .This organisation has also helped thousands of children from all over Pakistan. The Zindagi Trust working for providing quality education to poor http://www.zindagitrust.org is also a good cause to favor.
- Care and Kindness Society has the following activies; Blindness prevention activities, free clinics, free checkup, treatment and surgeries,free eye camps all over Pakistan,free intra- ocular lenses,medicines,and equipment for eye diagnostics, and operations.They also intend to establish a full state of the art eye centre at Indus Hospital , Karachi.Zakat account ;01-8688176-01,Donation account;01-8688184-01.
- Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Civil Hospital Karachi, http://www.siut.org/ a state of art, totally free, center of excellence in Karachi for people all over Pakistan is a good choice for financial support.All banks in Pakistan recieve thier funds in all major branches.You can make a cheque /bank draft/pay order out to SIUT TRUST and send to SIUT, Civil Hospital, 74200 Karachi, Pakistan.Cash donations can be made (111=366-283) ,a representative will pick up.
- Cancer is curable. Send your Zakat/donation to Children Cancer Foundation Pakistan Trust ;Zakat acc no; 081-001536-01-3, donation acc no;081-001535-01-2, bank Al habib Ltd.,(Water pump Branch, FB Area) swift code BAHL.PKKA, Address; Children Cancer Hospital, ST-1/C, Block 10, Ayesha Manzil, FB Area, Karachi.Phone; 0213-6369160, 0213-6369170, fax; 9221-36361966.
- A pioneering institution which has cured millions with eye diseases and working in Sindh but benefitting people from all over Pakistan is The Layton Rehmatullah Benevolant Trust http://www.lrbt.org.pk/ . This also needs all the support for prevention and treatment of blindness in millions of people.
- Another pioneering institution and one of its kind in Karachi is Society for Children In Need of Special Attention (SCINOSA) http://www.scinosa.org/ .Since 1960 it works with kids disabled by Down's syndrome and mental retardation.Please send you donations, zakat,fitra,sadaqat to; MCB Bank Ltd., PLS A/C No, 1984-6 Corporate Branch, Shahra e Faisal, Karachi, PLS A/C No, 3400-6, North Nazimabad Branch, Karachi. Bank Al Habib Ltd., A/C No, 24989-01-3, Zamzama Branch Karachi. A/C No, 11221-01-5, MA Jinnah Road Karachi.
- A good institute with teaching and training facilities is The Kidney Centre, Karachi. http://www.kidneycentre.com/ .This also needs much financial support as it caters to a large population and provides dialysis to people from all over Pakistan.
If we decide to take up one organisation and continue to volunteer for them then we have done a good deed this Ramzan . May Allah give us the courage to do a good ,honest deed and find His salvation and blessing!
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