SRI LANKA
1.Third round of Pakistan-Sri Lanka political consultations will begin from April 14th in Colombo. (Roznama Duniya)
INDIA
1.AJK PPP leader Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan said that he broke off from PPP due to its policies. He said they will launch PML-N’s election campaign across the nation. He opposed President Zardari’s views about India not being Pakistan’s rival either in the past, or in the present. He rejected Zardari’s views that India was Pakistan’s friend and that Pakistan will not use nuclear weapons against India. He said on the contrary, India had been Pakistan’s rival forever; he accused India of dividing Pakistan in 1971. (Daily Dharti)
2.In his column, Arif Bahar writes that after a long time, the leadership of J&K and AJK is once again trying to make the Kashmir issue a part of the election campaign in Pakistan; a coordination committee was established based on Kashmiri leadership across LoC and this is being used as a platform to establish contacts with leaders of major political parties. Bahar writes that Kashmiri leadership called upon the MQM and JI leadership and urged leaders of various parties to include the Kashmir issue in their election manifesto; they shall also raise the Kashmir issue during their election campaign. Bahar writes that the Kashmiri delegation met President Zardari; this delegation comprised of AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan and former AJK President Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan as well as AJK PM Chaudhary Abdul Majid and leader of AJK opposition Raja Farooq Haider Khan. Bahar writes that this delegation also included JI (AJK) Chief Abdur Rashid Turabi, JKLF founder leader Amanullah Khan, representative of APHC (G) Ghulam Muhammad Safi and representative of APHC (M) Mahmood Saghar. Bahar writes that if former PMs of AJK Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary and Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan had also joined this delegation, it would have been better. He says that it wasn’t clear whether these two refused to become a part of this delegation or whether this delegation didn’t ask them to join. Bahar writes that Zardari said to delegation that Kashmir was the core issue of Pakistan’s foreign policy and will remain so; Zardari also said that the dead bodies of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Butt should be returned to their families. Bahar says that the current social situation of Pakistan was fragile and comments that this was why it was difficult to make Kashmir the agenda of the elections. He says that if PPP includes the Kashmir issue in its manifesto, other parties may follow suit. (Jasarat)
3.Indian private companies – Tata and Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd. – have expressed interest in the Thar Coal Project. It was said that the Indian companies wanted to purchase coal for their projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. (Daily Pak, Nawa-i-Waqt)
UNITED STATES/AFGHANISTAN
1. ISAF Commander, Gen. Joseph Dunford met COAS Gen. Kayani at GHQ and discussed security issues and a strategy to tackle militants; the two leaders agreed on cooperation to abolish militancy. Gen. Kayani urged that ISAF cooperate to end cross-border attacks in Pakistan. Turkey’s armed forces’ chief Necdet Ozel met his Pakistani counterpart Gen. Wynne on reaching Pakistan. Pakistan has written a letter to Afghan and ISAF officials saying that 100 lives were lost in Afghan terrorist’ attacks over the last one year. In Kunar and Nuristan, Maulvi Fazlullah and Tehrik-e-Taliban’s training camps were active. It appears as if Afghanistan is following the Indian policy of issuing statements against everyone. (Roznama Duniya, Jang, Urdupoint, Khabrain, Jinnah)
2. Ummat editorially expressed concern over news that Lahore-based American consulate has established a cell that supports peace-loving candidates and monitors elections. It writes that interference of America, UK, India and Israel in Pakistan’s politics was not hidden from anybody. Edit writes that these countries had their interests in the region and states that the caretaker government or the government machinery was not in position to stop them, but pressure from masses could stop clandestine activities of external forces. (Ummat Edit)
DEFENCE
1.It was revealed at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee for Ports and Shipping that the Pakistan Navy has occupied 1250 acres of land at Port Qasim. (Roznama Duniya)
2.Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Asif Sandila met caretaker PM and discussed Pakistan Navy’s affairs. (Roznama Duniya)
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
1. Addressing the Ittehad Ummat Conference, JuD leader Professor Hafiz Saeed said that the US war on terror was against Islam and Muslims. He criticized India and Israel for state terrorism in Kashmir and Palestine respectively. He said that Quran and the way of life of Prophet Mohammad were the only solution to all problems before Pakistan. He expressed concern on the plight of Muslims in Palestine, Burma, Kashmir, and Iraq. (Khabrain)
2. Nawa-i-Waqt has an edit on the speech given by JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman at the Minar-e-Pakistan addressing the ‘Islam Zindabad’ Conference. The daily says Rahman vowed to make Pakistan into an Islamic welfare state but could not distance himself from other politicians for being a part of the bad governance. Edit says that Maulana Fazlur Rahman was the Chairman of the Kashmir Committee and a part of the government but never did anything concrete over the Kashmir issue or about India making dams on Pakistani rivers. Edit says that there was no doubt that Kashmir was the only issue causing tensions between India and Pakistan but if India was not ready to change its rigid attitude, Pakistan should strive for freeing its jugular vein from forced Indian occupation; this was possible only by breaking India’s ill intentions. It advises Pakistan to stop one-sided friendship and trade with India. Edit says that the sentiments expressed by Maulana Fazlur Rahman should not be just election tactics; politicians should also understand the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue which is at the highest priority after coming to power. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)
3.In his article, Maulana Ilyas Qasimi refers to the ‘Ghazwat-e-Nabi Conference’ held at Yaar Hussain Swabi in KP on 23rd March and writes that this conference was about emotions for spirituality and jihad. Qasimi writes that for organizing this event, Mardan division has sought permission from Markazi Shobay-e-Tabligh (Central Department of Tabligh) and after consultation, the name of JeM commander Maulana Abdur Rauf Asghar, brother of Maulana Azhar Masood, was chosen. Qasimi writes that due to bad weather, it was difficult to organize this conference but leaders were firm about it taking place; hence, they sat in two vehicles in which along with Mufti Abdur Rauf, his bodyguards, Maulana Ashfaq chief of Department of Propagation and district chief of ‘Al Murabitun’ North Punjab Maulana Muhammad Imran were present. On the way, Maulana Mufti Mansoor, in-charge of Markaz-ul-Jamil-ul-Islami (Islamabad), joined them. Qasimi writes that during the journey, they saw walls full of graffiti talking about the ‘battle fought by Prophet Muhammad Conference’ and advertisements were displayed at various places. Qasimi writes that when they reached the venue, they were surprised that despite the bad weather, large numbers of people were waiting to see Chief Commander of JeM Mufti Abdur Rauf; these people raised slogans of faith and jihad. One slogan was ‘Kafiron ki Maut Aai-Jaish Aai Jaish Aai’. Qasimi writes that it was decided to bring commander of JeM on the stage as soon as possible and states that the provincial Amir of JUI (Nazaryati) and former MNA Maulana Khalil Ahmed, along with other religious scholars were seated on the stage. Qasimi refers to the speech of Mufti Abdur Rauf and writes that Rauf said the presence of thousands of people despite rain was proof that this land was fertile for jihad and stated that enemies claimed they had wiped out mujahideen but that was a lie. Rauf claimed that they were victorious and that those who, talked of jihad being eliminated, should come and see this gathering. Qasimi writes that Rauf spoke for 45 minutes and the gathering expressed its emotions on jihad and its inclination towards JeM. (Al Qalam Weekly, 29 March to 4 April)
4. Police sources have informed that an attack on Musharraf was foiled when they arrested 2 assailants of the Ghazi Force; these people had weapons and had plans to attack Musharraf. (Roznama Duniya)
5. 2 members of a group have been arrested from Peshawar who wanted to kill former President Musharraf; there was a report of presence of other groups who wanted to kill Musharraf. This report states that members of Al Qaeda, Jandul Hafsa and Taliban have reached Peshawar. Students of madrassas and religious institutions have also planned to protest against Musharraf. According to ‘Ummat’ sources, there was threat of terrorism in twin cities with Musharraf being there. It says that Punjab Special Branch warned that two other groups belonging to the ‘Ghazi Force’ were present in Rawalpindi to target Musharraf whereas PSB claimed that it arrested a suicide squad of Ghazi Force which was in Rawalpindi to target Musharraf. PSB claims that Ghazi Force could carry out an attack on Musharraf, similar to the attack carried out by militants on the Sri Lankan cricket team. This report states that 6 rocket launchers, 18 detonators and a large quantity of explosives were recovered from the two arrested people. This report states that Ghazi Force was group which came into existence as a result of the Lal Mosque operation and that Niyazi Rahim, a former student of Jamia Faridiya, was leading it. Niyazi Rahim had support from families of victims’ of Lal Mosque and other students and that now it was in a position to launch a major operation. Ghazi Force wanted to target those who had taken part in the Lal Mosque operation and earlier, this group carried out a blast in an eatery of personnel who had participated in the Lal Mosque operation. This report states that the Ghazi Force has carried out some big operations in Islamabad. Though, recently it was at the verge of split but return of Musharraf has provided it with new vigour so that it had become a threat for peace in Islamabad. This report states that some government personnel have reportedly joined the Ghazi Group and with the help of government personnel, it carried out 3 attacks in Islamabad. Meanwhile, this report states that the Chief of the Ghazi Force Niyaz Rahim has reached North Waziristan along with his companion and was in talks with other groups for help. This report states that chief of Jandul Hafsa Asmatullah Maviya has been active as a result of Musharraf’s arrival. (Ummat)
6. According to a report, the Shia Action Committee has announced that from 5th April, it will launch a ‘Jail Bharo’ movement against the arrest of Shia youth. (Ummat)
7. Sources have indicated that FIA has issued a list of most wanted terrorists out of which 67 are from Punjab and 68 are from Sindh. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
8. Chief of Tanzim-e-Islami Hafiz Aakib Saeed criticized the government for removing an essay from syllabus of 10th standard which was about the ‘Nazarya-e-Pakistan’ and stated that this move had exposed top leaders and their respect for religion. Saeed said that both PPP and PML-N were pro-American and secular parties. He said that the process to remove topics related to faith, jihad and Islamic ideology from syllabus had begun in the era of Pervez Musharraf and it had continued since then. (Jasarat)
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto clearly expressed his thoughts to President Zardari in Dubai and said that he was not able adjust to the party culture. Bilawal demanded the influence of his aunt Faryal Talpur be restricted in PPP. He pressed that Musharraf and Rahman Malik to be interrogated in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
2. With a view to strengthen PPP’s election campaign, Zardari has decided to bring in daughter Aasifa. Hes discussed the issue with other PPP leaders. According to very reliable sources, Zardari has also advised his son Bilawal to keep away from controversies at such an early stage in his political career. These reliable sources also add that Bilawal is angry with Zardari and party leaders as tickets have not been distributed as per his wishes to some party leaders and also because jobs were not given to people recommended by Bilawal. These sources go on to say that during talks between Zardari and Bilawal in Dubai, Zardari explained to Bilawal details of Sukkur politics where differences had cropped up amongst party leaders over ticket allotments. (Awami Awaz, 1 April)
3. PPP senior leader Aitzaz Ahsan said that though an investigation of the candidate’s background was necessary, it should not be so stringent that everyone would be rejected. He added that Jinnah also would have not qualified under Article 62 and Article 63. (Daily Pak)
4. Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz has not filed candidature papers from any constituency. According to information, she is not contesting elections this time. Maryam has been promoting PML-N for the last two years in Lahore. The report claims that Maryam’s husband Captain (Retd.) Safder will participate in elections from Mansehra. (Jinnah)
5. JI Karachi spokesperson reacted to MQM’s decision to take the issue of formation of new constituencies to the UN and criticized MQM. JI spokesperson said that MQM’s decision was anti-national and an effort to defame the country. He said that the memorandum presented by MQM in the UN was nothing but an effort to weaken the country which will give anti-Pakistan elements a chance to spew venom against Pakistan. (Jasarat)
6. APML senior leader Ahmad Raza Qasuri said that strong action would be taken if Musharraf was again hit with a shoe. He added that the Chaudhary brothers had helped Musharraf in violating the Constitution. (Baad-e-Shimal, Nawa-i-Waqt)
7. Talking to a private TV channel, Musharraf said that he expected MQM to withdraw its candidate contesting election against him. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
8. PPP government took Rs. 9 trillion debt from banks in the last 8 and half months; this debt was taken under the excuse of budget support. This report states that the caretaker government will also take loans from banks to run the government’s affairs. (Jasarat)
9. Roznama Duniya editorial supported Election Commission’s strict scrutiny of election candidates and said if such action had been taken in the past too, then assemblies and the government would have been clear of corrupt members and country would not have faced the threat of terrorism. Edit is also critical of Musharraf having had imposed the degree condition in the past in order to keep unwanted people away from cabinet. (Roznama Duniya Edit)
10. Jasarat edit refers to the steps taken by Election Commission to ensure strict scrutiny of candidates and writes that if the EC conducts appropriate scrutiny and is successful in stopping convicted criminals and corrupt candidates from contesting elections, only then there would be some hope; otherwise, elections are fought on the basis money and might. (Jasarat Edit)
11. In his column, Nazir Naji refers to the incident of shoe being hurled at Musharraf in Karachi and is critical of Musharraf. Naji comments that if the shoe had been thrown at Musharraf on October 12th, then Pakistan would have been saved of terrorism. (Roznama Duniya)
ECONOMY-WATER- ENERGY
1. Due to delay in construction of 8.30MW electricity projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, the electricity crisis has aggravated and people were facing lots of problems. Ken Kargah project of 3.2MW was estimated at Rs.30 crore, Jaglot project of 3MW and Bigrot 28 crore project of 2MW were due to be completed in November 2012 but due to mismanagement and corruption, these projects were still incomplete. (Bang-e-Sahar)
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWAH (NWFP/FATA)
1. Caretaker government has banned 13 organizations on grounds of suspicious activities including TTP (Bajaur), Tehrik-e-Taliban Muhammadi, Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (Shafi Barfat Group), BSO (Azad), United Liberation Army and others. (Ummat)
SINDH
1. In Liyaqatabad (Karachi) a man was injured when MQM activists fired on protesters. In reaction to this, protestors destroyed 30 shops and houses built illegally by forceful occupation of land under MQM patronage. This report states that protesters also burned 10 vehicles of MQM activists. (Ummat)
2. Rangers have arrested 53 people during targeted operation in Karachi and have unearthed a torture cell used by gang war in the Iliyas Goth area. (Ummat)
3. Administrator of Karachi Municipal Cooperation said that it had been decided to prepare computerized data of assets and properties of KMC which will stop fake documents and illegal possession of properties belonging to KMC. (Jasarat)
4. In his article on religious fundamentalism, Mohammad Qasim writes that it had started spreading to Sindh as well. He says that up until partition, 40% of Sindh’s population was Hindus and although religious clashes did take place before partition, Hindus in Sindh never left their homes. He claims that conspiracies are being hatched to throw Sindh into sectarian violence. (Awami Awaz, 1 April)
PUNJAB
1. Caretaker CM of Punjab Najam Sethi has removed consultants and contract officials recruited during the era of former CM Shahbaz Sharif. Many of them had been recruited after their official retirement. (Ummat)
2. 266 polling stations in Lahore have been declared as sensitive for elections. It claims that CCTV cameras will be installed at these stations. (Urdupoint)
BALOCHISTAN
1.Keeping the overall law and order situation in Balochistan in view, the Election Commission has sought helicopter services to take ballot papers and other election paraphernalia to Balochistan. The EC has written a letter to the Army GHQ seeking 2 helicopters for the purpose. (Kawish
2. Lawyers of Balochistan announced that the day Musharraf puts his feet on Balochistan, they will call for a ‘black day’ across the province; they demanded Musharraf’s trial under Article-6. President of Balochistan Bar Association Rahmat Badaich said that Musharraf entered the Sindh High Court with his armed bodyguards, but they will not allow such a thing to happen in Balochistan. They warned of a massive protest when Musharraf comes to Balochistan for hearing in a case related to Akbar Bugti’s murder. (Ummat)
3. Sources claimed that caretaker PM Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has focused on the ‘Aghaz-e-Huqooq Balochistan’ package and that the bureaucracy is making efforts to please him. (Khabrain)
Punjab
POK/ G-B NEWS
1. Bang-e-Sahar appreciated the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Wazir Beg’s criticism of the Gilgit-Baltistan government as tainted by corruption and malpractices. Edit says that only blame-game will not serve. Sincere efforts are necessary to end this menace. (Bang-e-Sahar Edit)
2. Baad-e-Shimal refers to the statement by IG Police Osman Zakaria that external hands could not be ruled out in spreading anarchy in Gilgit-Baltistan. It says that the government will have to take bold steps for ensuring peace and communal harmony in the region. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)
3. Another edit in Baad-e-Shimal expresses concern over health facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan and says that Gilgit-Baltistan required 15000 doctors and 3000 paramedics in government hospitals. It says that due to shortage of funds, the health sector was facing problems and many areas did not even have a dispensary even. Edit urges the government and the health department to provide proper health facilities. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)
