MYANMAR
1. In the recent anti-Muslim riots in Burma, 16 mosques have been destroyed whereas 1000 shops and 3000 homes have been burned down. The government and the police have given a free hand to Buddhist goons to carry out attacks against Muslims and claims that 1.80 lakh Muslims have been forced into exile whereas their fields, farms and fishermen’s boats have been destroyed. 125 Muslims have been killed and their dead bodies have been kept hidden. Students of religious madaris and Ulema were the targets of rioters and hundreds of students and Ulema are missing. (Al Qalam Weekly, 29 March to 4 April)
AFGHANISTAN
1. Fidayeen targeted NATO and Afghan force’s joint headquarters in Jalalabad. This camp was to train Afghan forces and that an Israeli instructor was training the Afghan personnel. The presence of Israeli troops was kept a secret and now, Jews and Hindus have been alarmed by this attack; they were thinking of how the mujahideen got information of the presence of Israeli forces. The Taliban spokesperson has reportedly said that if Dr. Afiya is not released, death sentences will not be withdrawn against mujahideen then the next attack will be deadlier than this on. (Al Qalam Weekly, 29 March to 4 April)
2. Nawa-i-Waqt edit says Afghan President Hamid Karzai should understand that Pakistan has been doing everything to ensure peace in the region despite having lost everything in this war on terror. Edit says that without the involvement of Pakistan, a journey of happiness was not possible in Afghanistan. Edit writes that Karzai has become embarrassed for losing his influence in the country and was trying to hide his shame. Edit further says that instead of showing eyes to Pakistan, the Afghan President should cooperate with it and stop supporting Pakistan’s enemy India in carrying out anti Pakistan activities from Afghanistan soil. Edit says that such acts would bring loss to both the Islamic nations. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)
INDIA
1. An American think tank has reported that there is a possibility of trade worth $ 40 billion between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is a better country for investments than India though a culture of distrust still prevails between the two. The think Tank claimed that India is not happy with Pakistan for not taking any action against the main accused of the Mumbai terror attacks. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
DEFENCE
1. COAS Gen. Kayani visited Sialkot garrison, where he was given briefing on confirmation of army continuing its war ideology. The purpose of this strategy was to improve the movement and administrative affairs of reserve forces and alternative forces during emergency and war situations. Steps have been taken under instructions from the Pakistan Army chief under this strategy. Corps Commander Gujranwala, Lt. Gen. Muzammil Husain was with Gen Kayani on the occasion. (Roznama Duniya, Jang, Urdupoint, Ummat, Nawa-i-Waqt, Khabrain)
2. Vice Chief Admiral Naval Staff Mohammad Shafiq addressing the function at the appointment of the third marine battalion for protection of Gwadar said that the Pakistan Navy is playing an important role in national defence, education and in the development of other sectors. He added that Gwadar Port has enhanced importance for the region and all possible steps will be taken for the protection of sensitive installations. (Jang, Urdupoint, Jinnah)
3. Interior Ministry has said that there is a threat of terrorists’ attacks during elections. Jundullah, LeJ and TTP are preparing for attacks across Pakistan. (Daily Dharti)
4. TTP has planned to carry out attacks at various places to sabotage the elections and will target some big personality to influence the same. (Bang-e-Sahar)
5.Ibrat edit says two intelligence agencies, ISI and Military Intelligence (MI) have told SC about the possibility of terror attacks by TTP during elections in KP and FATA; intelligence agencies have also warned that TTP has warned they will target those taking part in elections as also those attending election meetings. The Interior Ministry has also given alerts about likely terror attacks by LeJ and TTP in Balochistan, especially in Quetta and Jaffarabad. The Baloch Liberation Army has also made plans to target parties taking part in polls. Edit says this is a serious matter calling for serious discussion. It says that after these alerts, it has been decided to form a task-force comprising representatives from EC, MI and ISI to discuss peace on a day-to-day basis. These meetings will also discuss measures to monitor security for foreign media arriving in Pakistan to cover elections. There are also plans to block mobile services on the day of the election at sensitive places or at places on terrorists’ target list. Edit says it was the main duty of the EC to ensure peaceful elections; it says that the caretaker government, along with all concerned including EC and the Army is taking praiseworthy steps in this pursuit. (Ibrat Edit)
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
1. Addressing the Islam Zindabad Conference, JUI leaders Maulana Rashid Ludhiyanvi, Maulana Amjad Khan and Qari Sanullah said that unless the Islamic Sharia was imposed in Pakistan they would not sit quietly. They urged Ulema to come out of their homes and take part in bringing about the Islamic revolution. They said that the people will reject those working on external agenda in this election. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
2. Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party is holding the Islam Zindabad conference on 31st March, in Minar-e-Islam, Lahore. He has telephonically invited Wafq ul Madaris Al Arabia Pakistan general secretary, Maulana Qari Mohammad and Hanif Jalandhari to attend the conference. Fazlur Rehman said that Islamic madrassas are doing yeomen service for the spread and development of an education system. He said that this conference will be the final nail in the coffin of anti-Islam powers. He and others also raised the issue of anti-Muslim riots in Myanmar, where, he said, Muslims and their religious places are coming under attack, and silence of institutions claiming to work for human rights on the Myanmar riots. He also said that the Pakistan government should openly support the affected Muslims and should compel the international community to control mischief mongers. (Jinnah
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. Caretaker PM is finding it difficult to form a cabinet since people of good reputation are refusing to join the cabinet. (Urdupoint)
2. Security arrangements at Election Commission are not satisfactory; there is no proper search and check facility. Parking for common people, leaders and their supporters, election officials and VIPs is at the same place. There is only one gate for entry and exit. Fire fighting arrangements are only in name. Checking of identity and related information of visitors is not fool-proof. Entry and exit are also the same way. (Jinnah)
3. PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the interim CM of Punjab Najam Sethi has close relations with President Zardari and if he tries anything undemocratic, PTI would protest the same. (Baad-e-Shimal, Daily Pak)
4. JUI (F) General Secretary Shabbir Ahmad said that his party was striving for the imposition of the Islamic system in the country. (Baad-e-Shimal)
5. Tehrik-e-Tahafuz-e-Pakistan Central Joint Secretary Information Rohail Akbar has informed the media that TTP Chief Dr. AQ Khan would not contest elections but will campaign for the party and its allies. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
6. Sunni Ittehad Council has announced intentions to contest elections from all the four provinces and 135 constituencies. (Daily Pak, Nawa-i-Waqt)
ECONOMY-WATER- ENERGY
1 WAPDA Spokesperson said that the Diamir Bhasha Dam Project has been designed to withstand earthquakes. He added that the reservations expressed by the DG Geological Survey of Pakistan were baseless as the technical team has been working on this project design for the past 11 years. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWAH (NWFP/FATA)
1. ANP will avoid big rallies and public gatherings during elections and will adopt ‘door to door’ campaign as Taliban have warned people to stay away from ANP, PPP and MQM. like Asfandyar Wali, Wajid Ali Khan, Mian Iftekhar Hussain, Amir Haider Hoti Khan, Azam Khan, and other top leaders will avoid ralies. (Ummat)
PUNJAB
1.Irfan Siddiqui writes that the appointment of Najam Sethi as Punjab’s caretaker CM was solely PPP’s choice and Nawaz Sharif would not have approved of him as CM had he had a choice. He comments that the duration of one and a half month as caretaker CM will be a tough time for Sethi since PPP has brought its own desired set up in all 4 provinces and at the centre and an independent lady worker of PPP is taking interviews of federal ministers. Siddiqui writes that it was believed earlier that PTI will object to this, but it seems that PTI believes that PPP will support PTI in order to harm PML-N. Siddiqui further writes that the Supreme Court, Election Commission, caretaker PM and CMs will play an important role in the elections and warns Najam Sethi to act carefully since ultimately he has to return to his original profession of journalism. (Jang)
SINDH
1.Barrister Zameer Ghumro says it it will not serve any Sindhi interest if Sindhi nationalist groups make alliances with PML-N for the sake of giving opposition to PPP. (Kawish)
BALOCHISTAN
1. Security has been beefed up in Quetta due to threats of terrorist attacks and communal violence. Intelligence agencies have informed the administration that LeJ and Jundullah were jointly planning terrorist attacks to spread communal hatred. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
2. Election Commissioner has listened to the suggestions of representative of 13 Baloch nationalist parties during his tour of Quetta. Military circles were in support of EC’s Balochistan visit and the EC said to nationalist leaders that if they wanted to change Balochistan’s fate, they should change it through votes. Steps have been taken to remove reservations raised by BNP leader Akhtar Mengal; EC instructed law enforcement institutions to take special steps at Kolhu and Dera Bugti as the situation was expected to worsen here. Security institutions have claimed that the situation in more than a dozen cities was grave and that terrorists could target people contesting elections in these cities. According to sources, Brahamdagh Bugti, earlier in contact with Pakistani authorities, has become rigid in his stance ever since he has established links with Khuda Bux Murri and his son Muzran. Now, anti-Pakistan forces have focused upon Brahamdagh on grounds that if Brahamdagh changes position, the entire separation movement will lose its logic. It was expected that Mengal will persuade separatist groups to not carry out bloodshed during elections. Sources who had persuaded Akhtar Mengal have claimed that since Mengal will contest elections in seat adjustment with PML-N, it will be easy to bring him back in the mainstream. (Ummat)
3.Caretaker CM of Balochistan has assured Akhtar Mengal and other Baloch leaders of protection during elections. However, Mengal has said the interim CM is powerless. Mengal has also alleged that the establishment did not want free and transparent polls; he also warned that if something happened to him or his aides, the establishment should be held responsible. During his meeting with interim CM, Mengal said he had already informed the SC that conditions were deliberately being vitiated in Balochistan and court orders were also not being followed. Mengal also said that Musharraf has violated the Constitution. He also said Musharraf has amassed huge wealth and hence, he is now keeping prize amount on others’ heads. He said that the major issue in Balochistan was kidnappings for huge ransom amounts; he also said that peace was not possible in the province till the time the government machinery played a supportive role to culprits. (Awami Awaz)
4. Baloch Republican Party (BRP) Chief Brahamdagh Bugti said that Baloch community has no relations with Pakistan and will not participate in the next elections. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
5. Ibrahim Kumbar says that Baloch nationalist leaders think that the Election Commission is powerless because the entire Balochistan is a sensitive area, not just one election booth. He says nothing had been done until now for the security of the people; therefore, there is a belief that if Baloch nationalist groups target Baloch areas for the sake of getting elections postponed, it would be very dangerous. Kumbar says that in times when everybody wants transparent polls, the government machinery should work with Balochs to make arrangements for elections, similar to the efforts on in Punjab and Islamabad; or else, the elections will end up as a futile exercise. (Kawish)
POK/G-B NEWS
1. Budget deficit of AJK has crossed Rs.15 billion due to unchecked expenses of the AJK ministers. State Bank of Pakistan has refused to extend any help. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
2. Defence Ministry has issued orders to restore Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad airports. (Daily Dharti)
3. Justice Azhar Salim Babar has been appointed in the High Court circuit Rawalakot Bench. (Daily Dharti)
4. By-elections for GB-LA 9 Skardu would be held on 8th May. (Baad-e-Shimal)
5. Bang-e-Sahar editorial criticizes Gilgit-Baltistan CM Mehdi Shah for his anti-public policies. Edit says that people were waiting for a change in the federation and now even the Mehdi Shah Government would come under pressure for not doing anything for public welfare and wasting money on less important projects. Edit writes that corruption was on a high note during the past three years and communal hatred had disturbed peace in the region completely. Edit asks the CM to revisit his intolerant and feudal policies and change his attitude towards the people of GB or he would face the public rage. (Bang-e-Sahar Edit)
6. Baad-e-Shimal asks the Gilgit-Baltistan Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw the free medical policy for poor people in government hospitals. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)
7. Baad-e-Shimal in another edit asks the GB Administration to take full account of the illegal appointments of teachers in Skardu and demands strict action against the culprits. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)
