QUETTA: A complete
shutter-down strike was observed in Quetta on Friday as several
politco-religious groups staged protests against the sacrilegious
caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) published by French satirical
magazine Charlie Hebdo.
The strike was jointly called by the banned the Jamaat-ud-Dawa,
Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Nazriati (JUI-N), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI),
Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Mutheda Mahaz Balochistan and Khilji Qaumi
Ittihad.
There were also reports of armed men roaming different parts of the
city and forcing shopkeepers to pull down their shutters and suspend all
businesses. The Anjuman-e-Tajeran, traders’ union Balochistan, backed
the call for the strike.
Religious parties took out a separate procession and held protest demonstrations near the Quetta Press Club.
All shops, fuel pumps, markets, banks, shopping centers, restaurants
and other commercial establishments in downtown and on the outskirts of
Quetta remained closed for the day.
A majority of government offices were either closed or witnessed low attendance.
While traffic was normal in other areas, but roads and streets in
downtown Liqauat Bazaar, Bacha Khan Chowk, Jinnah Road and adjacent
areas were sealed, as religious parties held a public gathering there.
The JUI-N took out the procession and held a protest demonstration.
They demanded that Pakistan should cut diplomatic ties with France, and
that there should be pressure on the international community to punish
the cartoonist.
The JuD blocked Shaharah-e-Iqbal with its public gathering. Their
procession was led by the provincial head Mufti Muhammad Qasim.
The processions marched across the city, and stringent security
measures were adopted with the deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC),
the police, the Balochistan Constabulary and the Anti-Terrorism Force
(ATF).
Some Quetta residents though criticised the protesting parties for holding separate demonstrations.
“The European countries stood together and joined hands while
protesting against the deadly attack on the French magazine which was
symbolic, but here parties are even not united to send a powerful
message,” said Ghulam Murtaza, a resident of Saryab Road.
Saturday, 24 January 2015
Unrest in Balochistan: Train bombed in Mastung; engine damaged
QUETTA:
A Rawalpindi-bound passenger train was bombed in Mastung
district on Friday, causing damage to the locomotive but no casualties.
Train service to and from Quetta was briefly suspended after the train,
Jaffar Express, hit an improvised explosive device (IED) near Dasht
Town, 40 kilometres away from Quetta.
Miscreants detonated the IED when the train chugged past, according to an official of the Balochistan Levies. “The locomotive was partially damaged in the explosion, but no one was hurt,” the official told The Express Tribune.
Rescuers and Levies personnel reached the bombsite to assess the damage caused to the track. The railway service to and from Quetta remained suspended for an hour as engineers repaired the track. “Jaffar Express left for Rawalpindi after an hour. Three more passenger trains chugged past the area,” a Pakistan Railways official said.
No group immediately claimed credit for the attack. However, the banned United Baloch Army (UBA) claimed responsibility for most such attacks in the past. Baloch separatist groups have been fighting a low-key insurgency since 2004 which became deadlier following the killing of Jamhoori Watan Party leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation in 2006.
Meanwhile, two gas pipelines were sabotaged in Naseerabad and Jaffarabad districts Friday morning disrupting supplies to the Uch Power Plant and dozens of villages in Dera Allahyar. It also caused an increase in electricity shortfall in Balochistan which is already reeling from frequent long-hour outages.
Suspected insurgents triggered an explosive device underneath an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in the Beron area of Mir Hassan, according to a police official. The blast tore off a sizeable portion of the pipeline, resulting in suspension of gas supply to the Uch Power Plant-II, which together with Uch Power Plant-I, contribute over 900MW of electricity to the national grid. The pipeline was subsequently repaired and supplies restored.
Separately, suspected militants blew up a 4-inch diameter gas pipeline in Jaffarabad district disrupting supplies to dozens of villages in Dera Allahyar and Majipur. The pipeline was repaired after 10 hours. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks – but the banned Baloch Republican Army (BRA) carried out similar attacks in the past.
Miscreants detonated the IED when the train chugged past, according to an official of the Balochistan Levies. “The locomotive was partially damaged in the explosion, but no one was hurt,” the official told The Express Tribune.
Rescuers and Levies personnel reached the bombsite to assess the damage caused to the track. The railway service to and from Quetta remained suspended for an hour as engineers repaired the track. “Jaffar Express left for Rawalpindi after an hour. Three more passenger trains chugged past the area,” a Pakistan Railways official said.
No group immediately claimed credit for the attack. However, the banned United Baloch Army (UBA) claimed responsibility for most such attacks in the past. Baloch separatist groups have been fighting a low-key insurgency since 2004 which became deadlier following the killing of Jamhoori Watan Party leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation in 2006.
Meanwhile, two gas pipelines were sabotaged in Naseerabad and Jaffarabad districts Friday morning disrupting supplies to the Uch Power Plant and dozens of villages in Dera Allahyar. It also caused an increase in electricity shortfall in Balochistan which is already reeling from frequent long-hour outages.
Suspected insurgents triggered an explosive device underneath an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in the Beron area of Mir Hassan, according to a police official. The blast tore off a sizeable portion of the pipeline, resulting in suspension of gas supply to the Uch Power Plant-II, which together with Uch Power Plant-I, contribute over 900MW of electricity to the national grid. The pipeline was subsequently repaired and supplies restored.
Separately, suspected militants blew up a 4-inch diameter gas pipeline in Jaffarabad district disrupting supplies to dozens of villages in Dera Allahyar and Majipur. The pipeline was repaired after 10 hours. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks – but the banned Baloch Republican Army (BRA) carried out similar attacks in the past.
Pakistan loses a genuine friend
ISLAMABAD: The passing away of
Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz alSaud will be mourned throughout the
Muslim Ummah. In Pakistan, his loss will be felt even greater for he
was a steadfast friend and well-wisher of Pakistan and its people. For
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and its ruler has a special place for being the
guardians of the holiest places of Islam.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share the closest relations. This cordial and mutually beneficial relationship is deep rooted in common faith and broad-based mutuality of interest. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share the closest relations and it is a strategic ally on which Pakistan relies heavily. It is equally true that Riyadh has similar strong feelings for Islamabad.
Saudi support to Pakistan, whether in the field of diplomacy or financial assistance, has always been generous and readily forthcoming. It was during the rule of King Abdullah that Riyadh and Islamabad experienced an expansion of their security ties that further reinforced the strong bonds and trust that has been the hallmark of our relationship. The deep rooted and multifaceted relationship was given a new direction and impetus during his reign. King Abdullah was a steadfast and genuine friend of Pakistan whose piety and wisdom was a source of strategic strength for Pakistan. It has been a loss of a friend, guide and a benevolent Muslim leader.
Abdullah was a king gifted with leadership attributes that during tumultuous times steered his country and ensured its stability. He believed in evolutionary changes in the political and social structure of the kingdom. For the first time he added women to the Shura Council, with some restricted powers and introduced new laws that eased restrictions on women driving cars. He navigated these openings despite the opposition from highly conservative clerics.
He was highly astute in maintaining good relations with the West and especially with the US. At the same time he knew that any tilt toward the US had to be balanced by appeasing opinion at home and keeping the clergy on the right side. He was a great supporter of Pan-Arab solidarity and that of the Muslim Ummah. King Abdullah united forces against terrorism and was a bastion of stability. He made an honest attempt to resolve the intractable Palestinian Israeli conflict. He was convinced that a major contributory factor to radicalism in the Muslim world, especially in the Middle East, was the injustice to the people of Palestine. But due to Israel’s intransigence his proposal did not succeed.
It is, however, reassuring that his 79-year-old half-brother Salman who has vast administrative experience and commands great respect has taken over as the new king. With his solid background he is well equipped to counter the forces that have emerged in the Middle East countries due to the emergence of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and militants in Yemen. King Salman is equally a steadfast friend and supporter of Pakistan. We in Pakistan wish the new Saudi monarch all the success and hope that he will continue to work for the solidarity and progress of the Ummah.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share the closest relations. This cordial and mutually beneficial relationship is deep rooted in common faith and broad-based mutuality of interest. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share the closest relations and it is a strategic ally on which Pakistan relies heavily. It is equally true that Riyadh has similar strong feelings for Islamabad.
Saudi support to Pakistan, whether in the field of diplomacy or financial assistance, has always been generous and readily forthcoming. It was during the rule of King Abdullah that Riyadh and Islamabad experienced an expansion of their security ties that further reinforced the strong bonds and trust that has been the hallmark of our relationship. The deep rooted and multifaceted relationship was given a new direction and impetus during his reign. King Abdullah was a steadfast and genuine friend of Pakistan whose piety and wisdom was a source of strategic strength for Pakistan. It has been a loss of a friend, guide and a benevolent Muslim leader.
Abdullah was a king gifted with leadership attributes that during tumultuous times steered his country and ensured its stability. He believed in evolutionary changes in the political and social structure of the kingdom. For the first time he added women to the Shura Council, with some restricted powers and introduced new laws that eased restrictions on women driving cars. He navigated these openings despite the opposition from highly conservative clerics.
He was highly astute in maintaining good relations with the West and especially with the US. At the same time he knew that any tilt toward the US had to be balanced by appeasing opinion at home and keeping the clergy on the right side. He was a great supporter of Pan-Arab solidarity and that of the Muslim Ummah. King Abdullah united forces against terrorism and was a bastion of stability. He made an honest attempt to resolve the intractable Palestinian Israeli conflict. He was convinced that a major contributory factor to radicalism in the Muslim world, especially in the Middle East, was the injustice to the people of Palestine. But due to Israel’s intransigence his proposal did not succeed.
It is, however, reassuring that his 79-year-old half-brother Salman who has vast administrative experience and commands great respect has taken over as the new king. With his solid background he is well equipped to counter the forces that have emerged in the Middle East countries due to the emergence of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and militants in Yemen. King Salman is equally a steadfast friend and supporter of Pakistan. We in Pakistan wish the new Saudi monarch all the success and hope that he will continue to work for the solidarity and progress of the Ummah.
World Economic Forum: APS attack can never be excused, says Kerry
DAVOS:
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday described the
December 17 massacre at the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar as the
most horrific manifestation of extremism, as he made an impassioned plea
for more resources to fight the menace around the world.
“This kind of atrocity can never be rationalised… [It] can never be
excused,” Kerry said while referring to the deadly Taliban rampage that
killed over 150 people, including 134 schoolchildren.
“They have to be opposed. With every fiber of our being, they have to be stopped,” Kerry continued in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have to take risks. We have to invest more resources.”
But as he called on the international community to devote more resources to fight global extremism, the top US diplomat warned that the battle would falter if it becomes consumed by sectarian division or Islamophobia.
“The biggest error that we could make would be to blame Muslims collectively for crimes not committed by Muslims alone,” he said while advising world leaders to ‘keep their heads’.
“Unless we direct our energies in the right direction, we may very well fuel the very fires we want to put out,” he added. “Extremism has claimed violence at every corner of the globe and Muslim lives most of all. There’s no room for sectarian division. There’s no room for anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.”
Kerry described Islamic State (IS) militants, who have seized wide swathes of Iraq and Syria, as ‘a collection of monsters’. He said ultraradical groups like IS and Boko Haram “are attempting to govern land. It’s a first-time event”.
He compared efforts to curb the spread of extremist violence to the fight against fascism in World War-II.
“They have to be opposed. With every fiber of our being, they have to be stopped,” Kerry continued in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have to take risks. We have to invest more resources.”
But as he called on the international community to devote more resources to fight global extremism, the top US diplomat warned that the battle would falter if it becomes consumed by sectarian division or Islamophobia.
“The biggest error that we could make would be to blame Muslims collectively for crimes not committed by Muslims alone,” he said while advising world leaders to ‘keep their heads’.
“Unless we direct our energies in the right direction, we may very well fuel the very fires we want to put out,” he added. “Extremism has claimed violence at every corner of the globe and Muslim lives most of all. There’s no room for sectarian division. There’s no room for anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.”
Kerry described Islamic State (IS) militants, who have seized wide swathes of Iraq and Syria, as ‘a collection of monsters’. He said ultraradical groups like IS and Boko Haram “are attempting to govern land. It’s a first-time event”.
He compared efforts to curb the spread of extremist violence to the fight against fascism in World War-II.
Firebomb attacks kill two in worsening Bangladesh unrest over vote
Two people died
in bomb attacks in Bangladesh on Friday, raising the death toll to at
least 34 in increasing political unrest as a stand-off between Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and the main opposition leader over last year's
election has deepened.
Begum Khaleda Zia, whose opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the election on Jan. 5 last year, has demanded that Hasina and her government step down for a new vote held under a caretaker administration.
Hasina has refused, instead tightening her grip by arresting key opposition leaders and clamping down on critical media as anti-government protests spread. The violence has worsened markedly since the first anniversary on Jan. 5 of the vote.
In addition to the two deaths, at least 40 people were injured, some critically, after opposition activists firebombed a number of vehicles late on Friday in the capital Dhaka and surrounding districts, police and witnesses said.
The Dhaka government has banned pillion riding on motorcycles in an effort to prevent arson attacks and also announced a bounty of 100,000 taka ($1,280) for information leading to the arrest of those involved in violence.
Khaleda called an indefinite transport blockade after she was prevented from holding a mass rally in Dhaka on Jan. 5, the first anniversary of the disputed election.
Hasina and Khaleda have alternated as prime minister for most of the past two decades in a fierce rivalry marked by periods of widespread political violence.
The United States, European Union and Britain have voiced concern and urged all Bangladeshi parties to engage in dialogue.
Begum Khaleda Zia, whose opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the election on Jan. 5 last year, has demanded that Hasina and her government step down for a new vote held under a caretaker administration.
Hasina has refused, instead tightening her grip by arresting key opposition leaders and clamping down on critical media as anti-government protests spread. The violence has worsened markedly since the first anniversary on Jan. 5 of the vote.
In addition to the two deaths, at least 40 people were injured, some critically, after opposition activists firebombed a number of vehicles late on Friday in the capital Dhaka and surrounding districts, police and witnesses said.
The Dhaka government has banned pillion riding on motorcycles in an effort to prevent arson attacks and also announced a bounty of 100,000 taka ($1,280) for information leading to the arrest of those involved in violence.
Khaleda called an indefinite transport blockade after she was prevented from holding a mass rally in Dhaka on Jan. 5, the first anniversary of the disputed election.
Hasina and Khaleda have alternated as prime minister for most of the past two decades in a fierce rivalry marked by periods of widespread political violence.
The United States, European Union and Britain have voiced concern and urged all Bangladeshi parties to engage in dialogue.
To offer condolences: Musharraf may be allowed to visit Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: The government is
considering allowing former president Pervez Musharraf to travel to
Saudi Arabia to offer condolences to the royal family over the death of
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
The former military dictator, who, like Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family, enjoys close ties with the Saudi royal family, has written a letter to the interior ministry requesting that his name be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL). “General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is desirous of visiting Saudi Arabia to express his heartfelt condolences over the sad demise of King Abdullah,” reads the letter written by Advocate Faisal Hussain on behalf of the former president.
“That is why we have asked the government to remove Musharraf sahib’s name from the ECL,” chief coordinator of Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Ahmed Raza Kasuri told The Express Tribune on Friday. He said the party was in contact with all stakeholders over the issue.
A close aide of Premier Nawaz said the government could consider the request seriously. “King Abdullah’s sad demise is something which matters greatly for Pakistan. The government might let him [Musharraf] fly to Saudi Arabia,” he told The Express Tribune. He added, however, that any such decision would be taken after consulting the ministries of law and interior.
Some believe allowing Musharraf to go abroad could provide the government and other stakeholders some ‘face saving’ as they move past an issue – treason trial of the former president – which has caused much friction between the country’s civil and military establishment.
The former military dictator, who, like Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family, enjoys close ties with the Saudi royal family, has written a letter to the interior ministry requesting that his name be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL). “General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is desirous of visiting Saudi Arabia to express his heartfelt condolences over the sad demise of King Abdullah,” reads the letter written by Advocate Faisal Hussain on behalf of the former president.
“That is why we have asked the government to remove Musharraf sahib’s name from the ECL,” chief coordinator of Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Ahmed Raza Kasuri told The Express Tribune on Friday. He said the party was in contact with all stakeholders over the issue.
A close aide of Premier Nawaz said the government could consider the request seriously. “King Abdullah’s sad demise is something which matters greatly for Pakistan. The government might let him [Musharraf] fly to Saudi Arabia,” he told The Express Tribune. He added, however, that any such decision would be taken after consulting the ministries of law and interior.
Some believe allowing Musharraf to go abroad could provide the government and other stakeholders some ‘face saving’ as they move past an issue – treason trial of the former president – which has caused much friction between the country’s civil and military establishment.
Nepal plunges into turmoil as politicians scuffle over constitution
Nepal plunged
deeper into crisis on Friday after feuding politicians, throwing
microphones and shoes, failed to meet a deadline to table a new
constitution, seen as a key step to stability in the Himalayan buffer
state wedged between Asian powers China and India.
Opposition party lawmakers stormed the well of parliament late on Thursday to prevent the ruling coalition from pushing ahead with a vote to salvage the draft of a charter marred by political rivalries.
"Political leaders must explain to people why they failed to fulfil their commitment," said Subas Nemwang, chairman of the Constituent Assembly tasked with preparing the charter.
Landlocked Nepal has been in political limbo since 2008, when it's 239-year-old monarchy was abolished. An interim constitution was put in place a year earlier at the end of a civil war fought by Maoist rebels.
Bitter disagreements over how to carve out new provinces have rendered the government unable to move forward, with consecutive parliaments missing deadlines to present a new constitution, stoking further insecurity in a nation traumatized by its bloody past.
Protesters set dozens of vehicles on fire on Tuesday as the Maoist-led opposition called for a general strike to pressure the government into meeting their demands. On the same day, opposition lawmakers stormed parliament's main chamber to disrupt the session, throwing microphones and shoes and injuring at least three security officers in the fray.
It could take months before another attempt is made to agree on the charter, Nemwang said, although parliament was due to meet again on Friday.
"A FUNDAMENTAL DOCUMENT"
The constitution is an integral part of the 2006 peace deal that ended the insurgency which caused nearly 18,000 deaths.
The Maoists and regional parties want to create ten states in the mostly mountainous country and name them after different ethnic groups to empower them.
But the members of the ruling alliance fear Nepal, whose economy is dependant on aid and tourism, cannot afford to fund that many administrations, and say affiliating states with ethnic groups could fuel communal tensions.
The United Nations has called on Nepal's politicians to rise above narrow interests to reach an agreement.
Many Nepalis say politicians are insensitive to the economic paralysis in part caused by their rifts.
"Political leaders don't have any interest other than making money for themselves," said Kale Sarki, a cobbler in Kathmandu.
"I don't care about the constitution. With or without it I must continue to work here to support my family."
Opposition party lawmakers stormed the well of parliament late on Thursday to prevent the ruling coalition from pushing ahead with a vote to salvage the draft of a charter marred by political rivalries.
"Political leaders must explain to people why they failed to fulfil their commitment," said Subas Nemwang, chairman of the Constituent Assembly tasked with preparing the charter.
Landlocked Nepal has been in political limbo since 2008, when it's 239-year-old monarchy was abolished. An interim constitution was put in place a year earlier at the end of a civil war fought by Maoist rebels.
Bitter disagreements over how to carve out new provinces have rendered the government unable to move forward, with consecutive parliaments missing deadlines to present a new constitution, stoking further insecurity in a nation traumatized by its bloody past.
Protesters set dozens of vehicles on fire on Tuesday as the Maoist-led opposition called for a general strike to pressure the government into meeting their demands. On the same day, opposition lawmakers stormed parliament's main chamber to disrupt the session, throwing microphones and shoes and injuring at least three security officers in the fray.
It could take months before another attempt is made to agree on the charter, Nemwang said, although parliament was due to meet again on Friday.
"A FUNDAMENTAL DOCUMENT"
The constitution is an integral part of the 2006 peace deal that ended the insurgency which caused nearly 18,000 deaths.
The Maoists and regional parties want to create ten states in the mostly mountainous country and name them after different ethnic groups to empower them.
But the members of the ruling alliance fear Nepal, whose economy is dependant on aid and tourism, cannot afford to fund that many administrations, and say affiliating states with ethnic groups could fuel communal tensions.
The United Nations has called on Nepal's politicians to rise above narrow interests to reach an agreement.
Many Nepalis say politicians are insensitive to the economic paralysis in part caused by their rifts.
"Political leaders don't have any interest other than making money for themselves," said Kale Sarki, a cobbler in Kathmandu.
"I don't care about the constitution. With or without it I must continue to work here to support my family."
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