AFGHANISTAN
1. Brig. (r) Shaukat Qadir says America could be behind the assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani since he was working on Pakistan’s Peace Mission. (Ummat)
2. Prime Minister Gilani has conferred the ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ on Burhanuddin Rabbani. (Ummat)
3. Former Pakistani Army Chief, Aslam Beg, says: When the Taliban attacked the Peace Council, Rabbani happened to be there and he was killed. So his assassination could be accidental though the Taliban has since accepted responsibility for the killing. Taliban would not have planned the assassination when the power balance in fact had shifted in Taliban’s favour. And Taliban knows that assassination could send a negative message to the Tajik trading community which is upset with the changed situation in the country and is not only transferring funds out of Afghanistan but also is leaving the country. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
4. Ausaf Editorial: The assassination of former Afghan President, Burhanuddin Rabbani is painful but one should not quickly reach a conclusion about the killers. It is necessary first to consider who could have been benefited from his demise. The way Rabbani was killed was a well planned conspiracy which simpletons in the Taliban could not have thought of. …An advisor of Afghan President Hamid Karzai had facilitated the meeting between Rabbani and the man who turned out to be the suicide bomber. Rabbani could have won the Presidential election if the America supported him and he could have played a significant role in achieving peace in Afghanistan. But Washington might have also considered Rabbani a threat on the ground that he had opposed America’s plan to retain some American troops in Afghanistan till 2024. … There is no doubt that Rabbani would have garnered support from Uzbek and Tajik Afghans who are equally against a longer stay of the American forces in Afghanistan. (Ausaf Edit, 22 September)
UNITED STATES
1. President of AJK Sardar Yaqoob was denied a visa by the US embassy on the ground of his past offences. Yaqoob had allegedly run a recruitment racket through which Kashmiris were sent to abroad illegally. He was denied an election ticket in 2006 in AJK on the same ground. (Ausaf, 22 September)
2. America has not agreed to a written pact on sharing of intelligence between Pakistan and the US for counter-terrorism saying that such an exercise will mean no intelligence input will remain confidential. (Kawish)
3. Former bureaucrat Roedad Khan and other experts opine that if US attacks Pakistan then anti-US revolution will sweep the country and it will bring the military to power again. The aftermath of such an attack will obliterate Pakistan – Afghanistan border. Not only the Haqqani Network but also all factions of the Taliban may unite against the US and Pakistan will turn into another Vietnam for America. (Jinnah)
4. Editorials in Ummat and Jang said: America is increasing pressure on Pakistan according to a well prepared plan. Everything is happening with the consent of the US President Barack Obama. Hence is necessary that all relations, whether consular, trade or cultural with the US should not only be revisited but it should be made clear to the US that Pakistan will not accept any dictation and that it has the ability to fight back. Pakistani leadership should understand that as America pulls out from Afghanistan it will try to change the topography of the region as per its interests and will not hesitate in taking stern actions like it did while moving out of Vietnam. (Ummat Edit, Jang Edit)
5. Ibrat’s edit is on the US charge of Pakistan’s alleged nexus with the Haqqani Network. It says: After Osama bin laden was killed, the US has trained its sights on the Haqqani Network, terming it as dangerous as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Pakistan’s contention of self-defence is not meaningless as Pakistan too is a victim of terrorism. Authorities in Pakistan should not hesitate in pursuing operations against the Network and should address global concerns over this issue. (Ibrat Edit)
6. Edits in Nawa-i-Waqt and Jinnah on Haqqani network issue say: American pressure on Pakistan to take action against the Haqqani network is on account of defeat the US is facing against Taliban in Afghanistan. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit, Jinnah Edit)
7. Daily Pak writes that both the US and Pakistan should act wisely; any provocative action or reaction would prove harmful. (Daily Pak Edit)
8. Speaking on the occasion of launching journalist Ejaz Butt’s book, “Osama ki Maut Haqiqat ya Afsana” (Osama’s death fact or fiction) JI chief Syed Munawar Hasan said that 9/11 was a drama to create an excuse to attack Muslims. Columnist Ata-ul-Haq said that even American scholars do not believe in 9/11. (Daily Pak)
CHINA
1. Chinese troops had entered Indian territory crossing the actual line of control, according to reports in Indian media. (Al Qalam Weekly, 23-29 September)
INDIA
1. Noted Shia leader, Shabih Raza said that a foreign hand was involved in Mastung attack. The chief of Jamia Banuria, Mufti Mohammad Naeem said that Mastung-like attacks are part of a conspiracy against the country. Islamic scholar Dr. Noor Ahmed Shahtaz said that foreign powers are involved in terrorist activities on Pakistan’s soil and said they are using killers working for money along with Indian agencies to pursue their agenda. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
2. Nawa-i-Waqt editorial was happy that Pakistani Foreign Minister had raised the Kashmir issue at the OIC meeting. It wants the minister to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly session as well. “India has been carrying out aggression in J&K for last 63 years, but Kashmiris are bravely fighting. They have only one demand and it is the right of self determination as per UN resolution. Peace in the region will be a mirage till India gives up its forced control over Kashmir”. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
1. Nawa-i-Waqt and Daily Pak have published an appeal from JuD chief Hafiz Saeed on the Page One. In the appeal, Hafiz Saeed has asked people to pray and ask for forgiveness from God since Pakistan is facing a difficult situation. On one hand the enemy is conspiring to destabilize Pakistan and on the other hand the floods have created havoc in Sindh. He appealed for generous donations to help the flood victims. (Nawa-i-Waqt /Daily Pak)
2. Al Rahmat Trust is providing succour to 5000 people affected by the current floods and has taken up the responsibility to repair damaged mosques and Madris. (Al Qalam Weekly, 23-29 September)
3. On the occasion of a visit of Chairman, Pakistan Forum-Saudi Arabia, Masood Ahmed Puri to the House of Tehrik-e-Pakistan, Lahore, the chairman of Nazariye Pakistan Trust, Majid Nizami said that Pakistan came into existence because of the Two- Nation theory. He asked Masood Ahmed to promote the two nation ideology in Pakistani schools in Saudi Arabia also. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. Jamiat-e-Islami has announced that it will be holding a meeting on Karachi situation in Islamabad on Sept 28. Noted political and religious personalities have been invited for the conference. (Awami Awaz)
2. Liaqat Baloch of Jamiat-e-Baloch has asked the government to convene an all-party conference to discuss natural disasters. He ridiculed the practice of government leaders making aerial survey of disaster areas when the need is for immediate succour to the victims. (Awami Awaz)
3. Prime Minister Gilani discussed with President Zardari the political situation and flood havoc in Sindh. He also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad. (Nawa-i-Waqt)
4. In his latest column in Jang, Irfan Siddiqui writes about former President Musharraf and his problems. He says: “Musharraf has been vowing that he would return to Pakistan on or before 23 March, 2012 despite also the threat to his life from the Taliban and the various criminal cases slapped against him. Musharraf will emerge a winner in the election if his party APML closes ranks with MQM and Tehreek-e-Insaf. MQM could join hands with APML but Imran Khan joining Musharraf seems out of question. Though neither Altaf Hussein nor Imran Khan has expressed an opinion about this ‘triangle’ as yet, anything is possible in politics. On his part, Imran Khan has declared that ‘he is coming’ and has even formed a shadow cabinet. Musharraf also is confident of his victory. Only time will tell who employs whom. (Jang)
5. Daily Intekhab’s editorial says: COAS Gen. Ashfaq Kayani said if Rangers failed to control the situation in Karachi, the Army would step in. He also criticised that the police in Karachi is under political influence. Karachi is the aorta of Pakistan; if Pakistan is to be saved, the situation in Karachi will have to normalize as soon as possible. For this, it is necessary that before another army rule begins all political leaders should sit together and work out appropriate strategies honestly. (Daily Intekhab Edit)
6. Daily Dharti editorial: PML-N has finally won the Muzaffarabad by-election, defeating the joint candidate of PPP and the Muslim Conference. This will prove to be a setback for PPP’s consensus policy; it is important therefore that PPP should reconsider its compromising habit and respect the mandate of those waiting for the past 10 years to serve the nation. (Daily Dharti Edit)
WATER & ENERGY
1. Qurban Baloch writes in Kawish: WAPDA has declared that Skardu Dam (aka the Katzarah Dam), non-feasible citing non-technical reasons. It opines that the entire Skardu valley and even the Skardu airport may come underwater once this dam is built. Wapda also holds the view that there is no alternative site available for shifting the people likely to be affected. Another WAPDA objection to Skardu dam is that heritage sites would also be affected as new roads will have to be built to carry heavy machinery to the dam site. But other water experts have pooh-poohed these objections terming them as ridiculous excuses and have pointed out that at the time of building the Mangla dam, not only locals, but some defence installations were also shifted. (Kawish)
PUNJAB
1. Nawa-i-Waqt’s EDITOIRAL is on Punjab Governor Latif Khosa’s meeting with a delegation from Lahore’s trade and Industry. “During the meeting, the governor has admitted that building the Kalabagh dam is inevitable. Sadly, the project plan has been scrapped by the party to which Khosa belongs. If he is believes in the inevitability of Kalabagh, then he should convince the leadership of his party to take up the project. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)
BALOCHISTAN
1. Baloch Republican Party Chief Brahamdagh Bugti says he has no intention or will to continue political activities from Switzerland. But it’s difficult for him to return to Pakistan soon as he had been getting threats. He has also ruled out any connection with the armed struggle in Balochistan (Daily Intekhab)
2. Senator Jan Jamali said that there are some areas in Balochistan that do not hoist Pakistani flag even today. (Daily Intekhab)
3. Ausaf’s edit has expressed anguish over the massacre of Shia pilgrimages in the Mastung district of Balochistan. Earlier miscreants used to attack gas pipelines and the supply of electricity but now there seems to be a group which is targeting Shia community in Quetta. This group has killed the innocent Shia pilgrims travelling through Mastung. (Ausaf Edit, 22 September)
SINDH
1. After a visit to rain affected areas, Jamait-e-Islami leader Khalid Mohammad Soomro has held NDMA responsible for the havoc saying that it has no plans to cope up with natural disasters. (Awami Awaz)
2. Chief of Jiye Sindh Quami Mahaz Bashir Qureshi has blamed Sindh authorities and the Irrigation Department in particular for rain-related woes. He also said all revenue from gas, oil and coal extractions from Sindh should be spent for two years on the rehabilitation of rain-affected people in Sindh. (Awami Awaz)
3. Jiye Sindh Tehreek (JST) leaders said the government’s attempts to rehabilitate the rain affected are confined only to media headlines. They charged rulers and other exploitative forces with leading lives of total luxury dependent on the revenue from Sindh. JST has decided to observe hunger strike across Sindh in solidarity with the rain affected people. (Awami Awaz)
4. Dacoits attacked Tharushah police station killing one policeman and injuring another seriously. The locals believe the attack was in retaliation to police killing a dacoit few months ago. (Awami Awaz)
5. Four children died as they came in contact with a bomb which they had mistaken for a toy. The incident took place in Mahu near Khipro. Eleven other children have also been injured in this blast. The Khipro police have been evasive in replies to media questions. A speculation is that the bomb could be from the 1972 Indo-Pak war times and that it had remained unexploded all these years. (Awami Awaz)
6. Elected representatives from Thatta have conveyed their apprehensions to the President that in case de-silting was not done in Thatta canals, there could be big trouble ahead. It would take
three months to drain out waters from the canals. The weather department has been forecasting heavy rains in Thatta for the next12 years. Hence they have stressed on the need for de-silting of the canals at the earliest lest the polluted waters trigger severe diseases. (Awami Awaz)
7. Sindh CM has admitted that rain havoc in 11 districts is very grim. (Ibrat)
PML (F), one of the allies of the Sindh ruling coalition is protesting the government’s inaction on relief for the rain-affected in Matiari. (Sindh)
8. Columnist Zarar Pirzada has highlighted the exodus of Hindus from Sindh to India, and said it must stop. (Awami Awaz)
POK NEWS
1. Former PM AJK Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said an intra-Kashmir dialogue would be held very soon. (Ausaf, 22 September)
2. Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, a central leader of PPP (UK), said that former PM AJK Barrister Sultan Mahmood’s visit to Srinagar will provide opportunities to Kashmiris of both sides to sit together. Chaudhry said that Barrister has raised Kashmir issue at the international level and played a role to create debate on Kashmir dispute in the UN, EU parliament and UK parliament. (Ausaf, 22 Sept)
3. Syed Tufail Hussain Shah, chief of Tehreek-e-Kashmir (UK) said that PPP leader Barrister Sultan Mahmood has been sent to J&K with a plan since the Indian government doesn’t permit Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shahbbir Ahmed Shah and others to visit AJK or even leave India. (Ausaf, 22 Sept)
4. Raja Tausif Kayani, deputy General Secretary of Tehreek-e-Kashmir (UK) said that India has kept the activities and movements of APHC chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani under check and that this is a violation of human rights. (Ausaf, 22 Sept)
5. PM AJK Abdul Majid has thanked British MPs Steven Baker, Joan Walley, Gavin Shuker, Denis MacShane, Shabana Mahmood, Nigel Evans, Lee Scott, Lyn Brown, Ian Austin, Jonathan Lord, Anas Sarwar, Andrew Griffiths, Fiona Mactaggart, Jason McCartney, and others for supporting the Kashmir cause during the debate on the Kashmir dispute in the UK parliament. He appealed to the world community that a fact finding mission should be sent to Kashmir to investigate the grave human rights violations, mass unnamed graves and atrocities on children and women by Indian security forces. He (Ausaf, 22 September)
GILGIT-BALTISTAN NEWS
1. Dengue virus has reached GB. The virus was brought into the province from other provinces by two patients. (Baad-e-Shimal)
2. Diamer police have arrested four wanted criminals namely Jaan Bahadur, Inayat Pasran Azam Khan, Shafiullah and Saeed. (Baad-e-Shimal)
3.. Baad-e-Shimal editorial: When the GB CM handed over Rs 5 lakhs for the Sindh Relief Fund, the Pakistan Prime Minister, as promised, bestowed the status of Big City on Skardu and Gilgit. Further the Prime Minister agreed to lift restrictions on recruitment for government jobs in GB. But the CM did not raise the issue of Diamer dam though the US has stopped aid for the project. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)
4. At meeting presided by the federal minister, Manzoor Wattoo, it was decided that a Tax Directorate would be set up in Gilgit-Baltistan to enable the province collect its own taxes. The meeting also decided that hydel projects up to 50 MW will be under GB government’s control while projects with installed capacity of up to 100 MW will be under the Council, which is chaired by Manzoor Wattoo. (Baad-e-Shimal)
5. 28 people were arrested from Hunza and 20 from Attabad. Police are acting in a high-handed manner since August 11, when a father and on were killed in police firing. (Baad-e-Shimal)
