Terroristan - July 27, 2018

[rsingh]

[quote] Half of loan package will go back to IMF: Haroon/quote]

This is a keeper. Finest example of Art of begging. They want US to give them them money which Is paid by India

[Falijee]

Now It Is Imran's Turn To Play "Honest Broker" Between Iran And Saudia

'Pakistan ready to play constructive role between Iran and Saudi Arabia,' Imran Khan tells Iran envoy
August 04, 2018

Pakistan is ready to play a constructive and positive role between Iran and Saudi Arabia, prime minister-in-waiting ( Hope he does not have to wait very long !) Imran Khan told Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost on Saturday.

Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia and Iran, the predominant Shia power, have a long history of rivalry. They today stand on opposing sides of conflicts in the Middle East, from Syria to Yemen.The Iranian envoy had called on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman at his Banigala residence to congratulate him on his party's victory in the 2018 general elections, a press release issued by the party said.Ambassador Honardoost also conveyed congratulatory wishes from Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.

Any goodies brought by Honardoost ? According to Isloo rumours, the Saudi Amb tried to use "money diplomacy" ( offer of $ 10 Billion US ) to "bribe" Imran to release Ganja and and his Clan and again send them packing to Jeddah, but "honest" Imran did not budge

Iran is ready to cooperate with Pakistan in regional development, and is also keen to expand trade with Pakistan, the envoy told Khan.He also expressed his country's desire to negotiate with Pakistan on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, adding that the pipeline could “change the future of Pakistan”, the PTI statement said.While observing that the situation in the region is highly sensitive, Honardoost said: "Iran will welcome Pakistan's suggestions to ensure peace in the region."

Imran Khan thanked the Iranian envoy for the wishes conveyed by his government, and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to trade with "all regional neighbours, including Iran", said the press release.‘‘Iran’s role in protecting its integrity is commendable,” the expected prime minister said. Khan told the envoy he wished to visit Iran and see its historical sites one day. When, how and with whom Imran angling for an official invite ? Now that he has turned "Sufist" , there are lots of "Sufi shrines" in Iran, which may interest the Peerni also .PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Naeemul Haq were also present at the Banigala meeting. The Iranian ambassador is one of many foreign dignitaries to have visited Khan in recent days. The envoys of Britain, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates have all called on the PTI chairman since the election results arrived.

[Falijee]

Afrasiab Khattak Retweeted
Khushal Khan
‏ @Khushal_Khattak
4h4 hours ago

The Nation did not publish my father @a_siab’s article today for “Namalum Reasons”. Censorship continues. Shame on all those who remain silent. Here’s the article in full

Another example of muzzling of the Paki press !

[Peregrine]

The curious case of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui

Just as I think it is impossible for Siddiqui to substantiate his accusation; so too do I know it to be impossible for me, or anyone else to prove that his accusation is untrue

The election is over. Currently, better minds than mine are commenting on it. Hence it would probably be best if I wrote about another matter.

I am a proud former soldier. But, I am not among those who fails to criticize when someone, including the army, errs. And the army errs frequently. Perhaps that is why I find it irksome and feel compelled to speak up when criticism of the army, which offers its broadside with considerable regularity, might be mala fide. The worthy justice’s most recent comments regarding interference by “agencies” in the judicial process, might fall in that category.

Just as I think it is impossible for Siddiqui to substantiate his accusation; so too do I know it to be impossible for me, or anyone else to prove that his accusation is untrue. That is the beauty of such an accusation. It can be made without evidence and will still find believers. Which is also why the alternative must be stated. To do so, a little background perspective is required.

Siddiqui was a Jamaat-e-Islami activist and, in 2002, contested the election as their candidate. In 2007 he threw in his lot with then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry and, in 2011 was rewarded with a judgeship. He is also the same individual who garlanded Mumtaz Qadri, the foul murderer of Governor Salman Taseer.

Siddiqui is also closely related to Irfan Siddiqui, chief adviser to Nawaz Sharif. During Nawaz’s term as PM, he was elevated to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). When Chaudhry finally retired as CJP, Siddiqui was the judge who ruled that Chaudhry be provided a bullet-proof car for life by the government.

However, a reference against him was made to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) probably for embezzlement and moral turpitude. Perhaps in search of a plausible defence, he decided to espouse Islamic bigotry and made a most unusual request of the SJC, asking for an open-court trial — something that has never happened before but, where he could play to the gallery as the victim of his defence of Islam.

Siddiqui suddenly became the self-appointed champion of Islam. He would seek out acts which he could construe to be blasphemous and pounce on them with fire and brimstone. He ordered contents of media channels to change their content or face his wrath. He even created a phantom case on the social media, and has proceeded to terrorise all and sundry with how he would deal with those whom he viewed as heretics.

Particularly harsh on the Ahmadis, he has gone so far as to rule that they could not be employed by the government or the military; which is under appeal. Can anyone imagine such a ruling in the times of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or the Righteous Caliphs? Apparently, Siddiqui knows better than they all did. He portrays himself as the sole guardian of Islam. But, if his reference in the SJC is an open trial, I am certain everyone can imagine him painting himself as the martyr to his religious zeal.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqi was a member of the IHC bench that rejected Mumtaz Qadri’s plea for clemency in 2011. That, in fact is why the justice’s conversion to a bigoted and misguided Champion of Islam is so remarkable.

There will be no opportunity to discuss charges of embezzlement and moral turpitude, when his espousal of the Holy causes comes under debate.

The reference to the SJC seemed to have gone into the background but recently reemerged. When it did, perhaps the worthy justice thought he needed a fresh defence. Since his ruling on Ahmadis being unfit for government or military employment is under appeal and likely to be set aside, perhaps Siddiqui was conscious that he had gone too far and a pretence to victimisation for his religious zeal might not pan out.

Is it possible that under such circumstances, an accusation of the kind he has last made of “agencies” interfering in judicial matters; one which cannot be disproven and, even if not proven, will find believers; could this constitute a defence? Or could it deter justice directed at him for his wrongdoings?

I must admit here that I don’t know Justice Siddiqui. I have never met him nor seen him in real life. I have written this article based on what is public knowledge. Could one dare attempt to judge an individual whom one has never met? Normally; never. However, I believe there might be exceptions. If an individual has managed to typify him or herself, one perhaps could.

Should I though? And am I qualified to do so? I don’t know the answers to either question. But, I have chosen to do so. Is it out of loyalty to the uniform I have worn? Certainly, the decision to make this attempt is influenced by my loyalty but, I believe this attempt to be without malice or bias. I am certain Siddiqui would say the same; perhaps he too believes his claims to be true. Perhaps my writing this may even be construed as being contemptuous.

I cannot defend myself here; I can only leave it to the reader to judge.

Before concluding, one last comment. The agency Justice Siddiqui has accused is the ISI. Technically speaking, the ISI answers to the Prime Minister, not the GHQ. But, the public perception that the ISI serves the interest of the GHQ persists. One contributory reason for this perception is the army’s rising to its defence. That is the reason why I am of the view that ISPR should not have spoken up in this matter. It should have been left to the government or the judiciary.

Cheers

[Peregrine]

Greek police arrest eight suspected of stabbing Pakistan migrant

The police said on Friday that the eight were suspected of involvement in the July 23 stabbing death of a Pakistani man who had been with three compatriots heading toward Greece's northern border with Macedonia

The Greek police have arrested eight migrants on suspicion of murdering a 29-year-old Pakistani migrant who was trying to leave the country illegally.

The police said on Friday that the eight were suspected of involvement in the July 23 stabbing death of a Pakistani man who had been with three compatriots heading toward Greece’s northern border with Macedonia.

The four men were allegedly robbed near the border, with the 29-year-old being stabbed in the process, the police reported.

The deceased’s body was discovered the following day near a railway track.

Out of the eight arrested suspects, six are said to be of Afghan origin, while the other two are Pakistanis.

In February this year, 11 Pakistanis were found dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the Libyan coast.

Cheers

[Falijee]

Another Typical Paki Boast Not To Be Taken At Face Value

American firm close to discover oil reserves in Pakistan
Daily Times
August 4, 2018

KARACHI: The American multinational oil and gas company Exxon Mobil is close to discover huge oil reserves near the Pak-Iran border, which could be even bigger than the Kuwaiti reserves.This was informed by Minister for Maritime and Foreign Affairs Abdullah Hussain Haroon while addressing business leaders at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).Exxon Mobil has so far drilled up to 5,000 meters close to the Iranian border and is optimistic about the oil find, he added.

He also informed that the Government of Pakistan had already taken an undertaking from the company to set up a generation complex worth $10 billion. “Foreign investors are interested in coming to Pakistan, provided we manage to meet their standards and attract them to make investment,” he stressed.

These are all ego boosting words of the Hon Minister, no doubt spoken with the aim of uplifting the "spirits" of the Karachi businessmen in these hard times . Exxon Mobil of course appears to be more cautious in their approach ( no official announcement , so this also can be filed under fake news !)

He emphasized the need for integrating the Karachi Port and Port Qasim so that they could supplement each other in the larger interest of the country.

Sound like a chai-biskoot session ,where some samosas might have been served to the members ! Interestingly, this oil find is also located in the strategic ( and IMO disputed ) province of Baluchistan, where the Balochi locals are accusing the Pakistan Govt of usurping their rich resources in collaboration with the shrewd Chinese and the Pakjabi settlers . International investors have already been burnt once, when the Paki Govt reneged on the Reko Diq Gold Mine deal with a Western Consortium and have now handed over that whole package to "hungry Chinese" state controlled companies for exploitation and exploration !

[Falijee]

Another Reporter Becomes Target Of Deep State Under Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan

Who’s afraid of Imran Khan’s Pakistan? Almost everyone.
by Mehreen Zahra-Malik
August 2
Former Reuters Reporter

On Friday evening I drove back home to Islamabad after covering Pakistan’s July 25 general elections from the eastern city of Lahore. As I fumbled in my purse for my keys, the front door rattled and I heard footsteps on the other side.

“Madam, is someone else home?” my driver, Shaukat, asked. I live alone.I dialed the police emergency helpline and explained that someone was inside my house. Commandos brandishing automatic rifles soon arrived and entered my home, going from room to room, looking under beds and behind sofas.

Nothing was missing. In the lounge, we found one window, which locks from the inside, open. One officer said that maybe the intruder had left through that window. “Or maybe some khalai makhlooq was here,” another one joked.

He was using the Urdu word for “extraterrestrials” to suggest that I might have imagined the movements and sounds I was describing. The irony was lost on him: In Pakistan, khalai makhlooq is often used to refer to the army and its spy agencies, part of a rich political vocabulary born out of fear of openly criticizing the country’s most powerful institutions.

Ganja Sharif popularized this word, when he was in power. Credit should be given where credit is due

These “aliens” have for years been accused of piling pressure on civilian governments to toe their line, of threatening and abducting journalists and human rights defenders who speak up against them, of “disappearing” ordinary citizens on terrorism or other charges without due process and, most recently, of helping to rig a landmark general election in which cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has emerged the undisputed winner.

Imran Khan has of course "vehemently" denied this

In the hours that followed, after the police left and friends arrived to comfort me, I thought back to the several phone calls I had received in previous days from “well-wishing” army officers warning me not to write against the army. I remembered the words of one brigadier who called me three times about a tweet in which I reported about the army’s blocking of Dawn, the country’s oldest newspaper, saying that my words had generated a lot of anger among my Twitter followers and that “if one of them takes matters into his own hands, you will have only yourself to blame.”

This is the standard modus operandi of the Deep State . In exteme cases , they can take the law in their own hands and make an example out of you , like they have done to Saleem Shehzad (dead ) , Hamid Mir,(seriously injured but alive ) Taha Siddiqui (forced into exile and Gul Bukhari (saved because of her British passport !)

But most of all, I thought about whether I had indeed imagined an intruder and whether my fear was unwarranted. But that was the point: An enduring sense of dread and paranoia at having crossed a thinly drawn red line, a fear of the unknown, is a reality for journalists who report on Pakistani politics, particularly on the power struggle between the military and civilian governments that is as old as the country itself.

In this area, the Kaptaan does not have any say . No Naya Pakistan here

The threats, as shadowy as they may sometimes feel, are all too real. Indeed, the country that Khan inherits as prime minister is practically run on scare tactics.

There is much in Khan to be afraid of. During his poison-tongued, invective-laden campaign, he pushed his supporters to the verge of war with news channels that criticized him. He has suggested that those who opposed him were “agents” of Pakistan’s archrival India and the “international establishment.”

Nawaz was similarly demonized and now he is "suffering" in Adiala jail !

If he has indeed come into power with the help of the military, and there is much evidence that he has, then it is likely that the military will want its pound of flesh. He will need its help in finding allies and cutting deals, and the military will want even more space to control foreign and economic policy (with a 1.1 trillion rupee defense budget out of a total budget outlay of 5.9 trillion, no one cares more than the Pakistan army about what happens to the economy).

But if Khan is a genuinely popular leader who has surged into office because of a truly national following built on his cricket celebrity and appeal as an anti-corruption crusader, we can expect that he might want to be his own man and possibly stand up to the military. But even then, he must be very afraid to go the way of many former prime ministers before him: removed in a coup or marginalized using a combination of media and courtroom trials over corruption and sundry charges. In both scenarios, Pakistani democracy and Khan seem to be in imminent jeopardy.

Indeed, the manner in which Khan has betrayed the trust of many of his party’s old guard across the country is proof that he is capable of intelligent, even cynical, calculations about how to acquire and exercise power. Thus it is expected that he will not butt heads with the military. And so, Pakistan’s imperfect democracy will trudge along imperfectly, the wheels of government continuing to turn on the erratic whims of the boys in boots.

IOW, the Paki Deep State will use Imran as a "poster boy ", and they will pull strings behind the scene and Imran will pretend that "everything" is hunky dory !

[Falijee]

Mehreen Zahra-Malik Retweeted
Thomas Drew
‏Verified account @TomDrewUK
Aug 1

Thanks to @ImranKhanPTI and his team for their time this afternoon. Was pleased to congratulate him on @PTIofficial’s performance in last week’s elections. We look forward to continuing to support Pakistan build the democratic, secure and prosperous future its people deserve.

Bani Gala, Imran And The British High Commissioner


Note Madame Jalebi's "place of honour" befitting a future Foreign Minister

[Falijee]

WSK
‏Verified account @WajSKhan
Aug 2

And why, exactly, were we never taught this in Pakistan Studies?

Puffed Up and pompous Paki Journo Wahajat Khan Plays Innocent here


This is the same journo, who once dared ask embarrassing questions to Hamid Gul on live TV , but was later put in his "place" by ISI hound dogs, on Gul's orders !

Journalism under threat: Jihad, lies and video tape
Wahajat Khan
Feb 14, 2012
Express Tribune

[Falijee]

Rumours About Imran Khan's "Coronation Guest List"

Imran Khan’s Oath Taking Ceremony – The Guest List
Aug 4, 2018
Proper Gaanda (PG)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is all set to welcome Imran Khan as the new Prime Minister; the oath taking ceremony will take place on August 11th 2018.
The news regarding attendees for the highly anticipated official ceremony of the new government was released by Fawad Chaudhry. Much to everyone’s surprise, he revealed that no foreign dignitary has been invited to the ceremony, the main reason being the limited availability of time.

“It has been decided that no foreign personalities will be invited to the ceremony — it will be a completely national event. Only a few close friends of Imran Khan will be invited,” stated Farad Chaudhry.

Falling into this category are cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Navjot Sidhu and Kapil Dev. The media has reported that the Bollywood actor, Aamir Khan has also been invited but will be unavailable to attend the ceremony. Navjot Sidhu has accepted Khan’s invitation and is anticipated to attend. He also expressed his joy and gratitude, vocalising his hopefulness for a more united future.

“It is a great honour, I accept the invitation. Men of genius are admired, men of power are feared, but men of character are trusted. Khan Sahab is a man of character. He can be trusted. Sportsmen build bridges, break barriers, unite people,” wrote Sidhu.

The ceremony is expected to take place at the President House – Aiwan-e-Sadar. It was made evident by the spokesperson that Khan intends to ensure a sense of nationalism during the ceremony and does not wish to do anything ostentatious.

Earlier, a request was also made on social media by Pakistani actor Gohar Mumtaz that Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Khan also be invited to the ceremony. His expressed his gratitude towards her support through the years and believed that inviting her would also commemorate her history with the country and Imran Khan.

Former President Mamnoon Hussain will also be required to govern the oath of the office to Imran Khan.

My personal prediction : Bushra the Peerni will be M.I.A . Praying at Pakpattan in purdah

[Bart S]

Good alternative to the ‘I’m with stupid’ t-shirt.

[Falijee]

Catching Up With Modi-ji On Twitter Will Not Be Easy For The Kaptaan

Imran Khan is the Seventh Most Followed Leader on Social Media

PTI chairman and also the probable prime minister candidate, Imran Khan, is the seventh most followed world leader on Twitter. The PTI-chief, with his charismatic and prevailing presence online, has made him a popular figure in the world of Twitter. Imran, who is set to take oath on 11th August, has 8.17 million followers on Twitter.

He went past Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau (4.26 million followers), French prime minister Emmanuel Macron (3.2 million followers) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (1.4 million followers), even before he became a candidate for PM-ship.

The cricketer-turned-politician is quite popularly known for his online presence along with his party members, who use social media platforms very effectively.Donald Trump is the most followed world leader with a whopping 53.4 million followers.Here is the list of the most followed world leaders on Twitter:

1 USA’s Donald Trump (53.4 million followers)
2 India’s Narendra Modi (43.3 million followers)
3 Pope Francis (17.7 million followers)
4 Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan (13.1 million followers)
5 Jordan’s Queen Rania Al Abdullah (10.6 million followers)
6Indonesian President Joko Widodo (10.2 million followers)
7 Pakistan’s Imran Khan (8.17 million followers)

[Falijee]

Is Caretaker Minister Hussein Abdullah Haroon Blowing His Own Horn

Caretaker Minister Claims China Refused a Bailout Package to the Previous Government
Aug 4, 2018

Caretaker Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ports & Shipping Hussain Abdullah Haroon disclosed that China refused to bailout Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) Government.

Hussain Abdullah Haroon was addressing the business and industrial community at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at Federation House Karachi on Friday. FPCCI President Ghazanfar Bilour and Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Jamil Akther also addressed the gathering.Hussain Abdullah Haroon said that due to depleting foreign reserves Pakistan was in trouble and country was desperately in needs of $3 billion. PMLN government contacted Chinese authorities for the bailout but they refused. On this refusal Pak Rupee value decline sharply.

Who knows, true or false ?

“When Caretaker setup takes over the financial condition of government was worst. Caretaker government engaged with China and they provided the desired amount of Dollars. Because Pakistan needs Dollars to pay for Petroleum imports,” Hussain disclosed.

He criticized PMLN government’s financial policy and said that previous government in its last days damaged the economy very badly. The previous government drew Rs.200 billion just before its term ended.

Hussain also talked about the burning issue of water shortage. He said that India is saying that till 2050 water crisis will be at its worst. If Pakistan does not act on water issue now, everyone will suffer in the future.We need to resolve the water issue on war footing basis. Water is important and necessary for industries as without water no industrialization will be done. Subsoil water will not last very long.

At least he did not say that "India is stealing Paki water" !

“Pakistan needs to built big, medium and small dams. With limited water, we cannot produce electricity. “Hussain stressed.

He also said that Pakistan improved its relationship with Iran recently. Due to the newly imposed economic sanctions on Iran, the gas pipeline project got frozen.

And Iran has suspended electricity supply to Balochistan including Gawadar, which he did not say !

[Falijee]

The more things change, the more they remain the same . Another example of Imran's NAYA PAKISTAN !

Gul Bukhari Retweeted
M. Jibran Nasir
‏Verified account @MJibranNasir
Aug 2

A woman based in Karachi #RomanaMunawar was abducted on night on 31st July from her residence in PECHS Karachi by men in civilian clothes who according to her husband came in Police Mobiles. Attached is the letter her Husband has written to Supreme Court Human Rights Cell




PS: Paki social media recently posted a video of CJP Nisar , "praying" at a dargah, frequented by Imran Khan's wife . It is high time Saquib "ordered" a file to be opened for Romana Munawar :twisted:

[Peregrine]

Corporate sector’s external debt rises to $7.4bn

KARACHI: Pakistan corporate sector’s total external debt climbed to $7.4 billion as 2017, up 41.5 per cent, from $5.2bn in December 2016, said the State Bank’s Financial Stability Review — 2017 on Friday.

Corporate sector’s external debt during 2017 swelled to 15.8 pc of the sector’s total obligations — including both domestic and foreign debt — clocking in at $2.2bn. Foreign borrowing by country’s corporates went up by 41.5pc from the December 2016 tally.

Pay-back for foreign financing could lead to a spike in demand for dollars in the country already facing an acute shortage for green-back amid volatile exchange rate.

According to the review, corporate sector performed well during the calendar year 2017 but its reliance on banks has also increased. Banking sector has been the key source of financing to the corporates.

“Out of a total Rs6.6 trillion lending as of December 2017, around Rs4.6tr has been lent to the corporate sector by banks,” said the publication.

With bank lending constituting 70pc share in the overall corporate debt, there is a strong interconnectedness between the two sectors. As such, shock in any one of the two could adversely affect the operating performance and solvency of the other, said the SBP report.

The review said the domestic economy has managed decent growth of 5.4pc in FY17 and the momentum has carried on in FY18 with estimated growth of 5.8pc.

“However, the economy is confronted with significant challenges. The foremost being the pressures developing in the external sector because of widening trade deficit followed by fiscal slippages,” said the SBP Review.

In the short-term, external account challenges, fiscal imbalances, low savings in the economy (especially deposit growth) pose risks to domestic financial stability, it warned.

However, the report mentions that the risks to the economy may subside in medium-term with current growth rate momentum, rising opportunities from CPEC, improving energy infrastructure and expected increase in exports on the back of improving global demand.

The rising macroeconomic vulnerabilities have translated into short-lived volatility in the financial markets (particularly, foreign exchange and equity markets) and impacted the performance of financial institutions, it added.

The banking sector has registered an asset expansion of 15.9pc owing to robust growth in advances to private sector.

The key thrust in financing demand has come from textile, sugar, cement, and agribusiness sectors.

“Owing to rise in advances, Non-Performing Loans to Advances ratio — at 8.4pc — has touched decade low level,” highlighted the review.

According to the resilience analysis done by SBP in the review, banks are well-equipped to absorb shocks in domestic and global stressed scenarios in the medium-term. Nevertheless, declining profitability and deceleration in deposit growth will remain key concerns.

Furthermore, review mentions that Islamic and microfinance banks are maturing with improved performance, expansion in advances, deposits and customer base and growing share in assets of the financial sector.

Cheers

[Manish_P]

Gurus, just an observation..

Is the web version of the Dawn also being clamped down / heavily censored ?

Last 1-2 weeks i am seeing that there are hardly any comments, on any articles.

[Falijee]

Advance Coronation Of Imran By His Own PTI Party

PTI to name Imran as PM on Monday
Aug 5, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of the party’s newly elected members of parliament in Islamabad on Monday (tomorrow) as he has secured the support of 174 MNAs against 172 required to elect him as the new prime minister of the country.
PTI secretary information Fawad Chaudhry said the meeting will be held at a private hotel in the federal capital where party chief Imran Khan is likely to be formally named as its pick for the coveted post of premier.

Anyone familiar with PTI, should not be fooled by the immense chamcha-giri being bestowed to the Kaptaan. For all practical purposes, PTI is Imran, and Imran is PTI , no use pretending that the Party operates on "democratic principle", one person, one vote !!

He said all newly elected MNAs have been instructed to be in attendance at the meeting.The PTI is said to be enjoying the support of 125 MNAs which included independent members. However, its tally reaches 174 with addition of its small coalition partners and reserved seats for women and minorities.The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q), Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), the Sindh based Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Awami Muslim League (AML) have allied with the PTI to help it form the new government at the Centre.

Like the CPEC Agreement, the terms and conditions of cooperation between the PTI party and the other smaller coalition partners, are probably secret , only privy to the Kaptaan, and not the Party !

The PTI, which is now in a comfortable position to elect Khan as the next prime minister, is said to have also finalised the names of party leaders who will be part his cabinet.

According to the Constitution, if the PTI chief manages to secure 172 or more votes in the first round, the president is bound to call him to take the oath as the country’s next prime minister. In case, he doesn’t get the required number, then there will be a second round of voting between the top two contestants for the slot. In this round, the winner will not need at least 172 votes but the contender who gets the majority of votes will be elected leader of the lower house.

The Kaptaan and his party, plus the Deep State would go "all out" to ensure that the second option is not put in the National Assembly . Already, whispers of this being a "rigged (s)election" are gaining strength day by day

[Paul]

The US should worry about its own Chinese debt: Asad Umar

If there are two things that never change in a Pakistani, it is his/her false bravado & swagger.

Asad umar's father was a war criminal in 1971.

[anupmisra]

Gurus, just an observation..

Is the web version of the Dawn also being clamped down / heavily censored ? Last 1-2 weeks i am seeing that there are hardly any comments, on any articles.

Yawn is selective about allowing comments on certain specific news items and opinion pieces that involve the army or the ISI. Especially those pieces that could be detrimental to their image. This would include the online version as well.

I believe the constitution prohibits people from directly criticizing members of the judiciary and the armed forces. See PTI's Qureshi's views on this matter.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/152523-consti ... ry-qureshi

[Falijee]

I.T. ( not International Terrorism !) Held Responsible For Imran's Election Win

How a phone app and a database served up Imran Khan's Pakistan poll win
Reuters
Saad Sayeed and Drazen Jorgic
Aug 5, 2018

(Reuters) - A phone app and a database of more than 50 million voters were key weapons in the successful campaign of cricket legend Imran Khan in last month's general election, though rivals allege Khan also received clandestine aid from Pakistan's powerful military. Reuters need not use "alleged". It is "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the fauj "helped" Imran !

How Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party used the database and the associated app represents a sea change in the antiquated way in which Pakistan's biggest parties conduct elections, from pre-poll targeting of voters to on-the-day mobilization of supporters.PTI was secretive about the technology plan ahead of the July 25 poll, fearing rivals could copy it, but several party workers showed Reuters how the app transformed their campaign and gave them an edge.

Pakistan is also well known for expertise in the "other I.T." as well .

The phone app proved especially useful in getting supporters to the polls when the government's own telephone information service giving out polling place locations suffered major problems on election day, leaving other parties scrambling.It partly explains why Khan's party managed to win tight-margin races in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people, though Khan's rivals allege he also benefited from the powerful military's support - an allegation he staunchly denies.. "It's had a great impact," said Amir Mughal, tasked with using the app and database, known as the Constituency Management System (CMS), to elect Asad Umar, a lawmaker who won his seat in Islamabad and will be Khan's new finance minister.

The small CMS unit led by Mughal, Umar's personal secretary, was typical of how Khan's party set up teams in constituencies across Pakistan to mine the database, identifying voters by household, zeroing-in on "confirmed" PTI voters, tagging them on the app, and ensuring they turned out on election day."Work that would take days of weeks is being completed in one to two hours," Mughal told Reuters in Umar's office minutes after the polls shut.Khan's PTI surpassed expectations to scoop about 115 seats ( with "some help" from Deep State ) out of 272 elected members of parliament, while the party of ousted and jailed premier Nawaz Sharif trailed in second with 64 seats.

Developed by a small tech team, the CMS was a key response to Khan's bitter complaints after the 2013 poll loss that his party failed to translate mass popularity into votes because it did not know the "art of winning elections".Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ran a more erratic campaign, hurt by divisions within the party and the loss of key leaders who were either disqualified or in case of Sharif and his daughter, jailed. Weeks before the elections, Khan sent out a video via WhatsApp urging PTI candidates to embrace CMS.

According to rumours, The Khan himself is also "tech savvy". He has been accused by many Ayeshas for using his mobile to send pictures of his genitalia to future prospectees ( this was before he got hitched to the Peerni !)

"I have seen and experienced how it works and I'm using it in all five constituencies I am contesting," Khan said in the video message, seen by Reuters. "The faster you apply this system, the easier your life will become," Khan added.

Created by former U.S.-based real estate businessman Tariq Din and Shahzad Gul, a tech consultant, the early version of the system was not immediately embraced by PTI.

By typing in a voter's identity card number into the app, PTI workers could see details such as family home address, who else lived in the same household, and where they needed to vote.It became so crucial to the PTI campaign that when on election day the program went down for an hour, it triggered some panic in the party’s ranks.A senior CMS official showed Reuters WhatsApp messages that flooded in when the system ground to a halt under the weight of database searches, which totaled 20 million on election day."What the hell is going on?," inquired one of Khan's closest allies. This politician then called the CMS team and made his feelings clear, saying: "If the system doesn't work, we will lose the elections and you guys will be the villains."

When CMS came back up, Khan's ally messaged again: "Thank God".CMS architects say the system’s power was only partly utilized as there was not enough time to train workers across the country and some politicians resisted using it.

In the run up to election day, PTI workers were also able to print out "parchis", or slips, that voters needed to enter the polling station. PML-N workers had to help voters fill the paper slips with a pen.In a large nation where illiteracy hovers above 40 percent, that meant PML-N workers had to write out millions of slips for the 12.9 million voters who backed Sharif's party, stopping those workers from canvassing or doing other vital work. "It's a paradigm shift," said another senior CMS operator. "We changed the party, turning social media popularity into reality."

Maybe, some credit should be given to the system as well . But "main credit" belongs to Deep State !

[anupmisra]

Asad umar's father was a war criminal in 1971.

By extension, all pakis are progenies of war criminals (or cowards), if one traces their ancestries.

[Falijee]

India ( or Afghanistan ) Ready To Be Blamed For School Burning

Foreign trained 'militant' involved in Diamer schools burning identified
August 5, 2018

DIAMER: Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) claimed to have identified one of the 36 suspected militants arrested for their alleged involvement in the burning down of schools in Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).According to sources, two suspects and a police constable were killed in the shootout between the ‘militants’ and security officials during the Saturday morning’s operation in Tangir area. One of the suspect has been identified as Shafiqur Rehman aka Commander Shafiq.

In Pakistan, it is SOP to blame India and /or Afghanistan for all such happenings !

Meanwhile, Chief Jusitce Mian Saqib Nisar has taken suo motu notice of the attack after linking it to his call for building more dams and said it (the initiative) had fallen victim to ‘opposition’. “The schools are burnt in Gilgit-Baltistan in response to raising our voice for the construction of dams,” the chief justice said while addressing the Multan Bar Council.

This "guy" is everywhere ! Where there is smoke, there is fire And Saquib

[anupmisra]

I'm the Dim and his rant on qadianis and the finality issue.

[Falijee]

" Foreign Trained Terrorists" Active In Diamer Area Of GB

Vehicle of sessions judge targeted in Diamer, no casualties reported
Aug 5, 2018

DIAMER: The vehicle of a district and sessions judge came under attack in Daryal area of Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Sunday as the assailants opened fire at judge Malik Inayat’s vehicle, police notified.

There were no casualties reported during the incident. Malik Inayat and his family members remained unhurt in the attack, the police told.The sessions judge and his family were on their way to attend the funeral prayers of police official Arif Hussain, who lost his life on Saturday during a search operation in the area.

Of course, there is a media clampdown, so the "true situation" is probably unknown !

The police official was martyred in a clash during the search operation which was launched to arrest those who were behind setting ablaze over a dozen girls’ schools on Thursday night.Soon after the incident of burning down schools in the area, the police has been actively raiding the vicinity in a bid to arrest suspects involved in the attack on GB schools.
Gilgit-Baltistan police said 31 suspects have been arrested so far for involvement in the attack.

[anupmisra]

Laal Topi instructional video series. How to train the aam baki for gazwa-e-hind or how to resist the Indian army if it ever enters bakiland. Watch from 13:50. Very instructional. Put that coffee down first.

[mappunni]

Greek police arrest eight suspected of stabbing Pakistan migrant

Athens is infested with Porkistani illegals, they are present in every square ogling women and talking in abusive Punjabi mixed Urdu. I even have a video that I shot.

Hope the Greeks smarten up and kick all of them back to Porkistan.

[Falijee]

Imran "Chasing" Members ( To Form A Govt ) Is Equivalent To Dog Chasing A Car

Hostage to numbers
Cyril Almeida
DAWN
August 5, 2018

IN this necessary interlude, some words from one of the better villains in modern moviedom. From the Joker himself in The Dark Knight: “You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it. I just do things.”

Cultural propriety prevents from suggesting who the mutts here are, but there’s a whole lot of chasin’ going on. And from all this chasing two things will be created two things: a government and an opposition. And then there will be goodness and greatness and everything right. Keep fingers crossed

Sausage-making of any kind, halal or otherwise, isn’t supposed to be pretty and that’s fine — as long as you get what you want in the end. Between the incoming government and the opposition silliness, you’d quite obviously prefer to be Imran just now. Ganja in jail, Showbaaz overrated, Dus Percenti MIA , so Paki Public "left only with Imran" !

Compromise doesn’t hurt Imran politically. Long ago, he figured out the appropriate spin: he is the PTI and it is to him that everyone must look for change. It helps that the system is already geared towards the authoritarian-democrat. Parties are a top-down venture here.

Another confirmation that PTI is Imran and Imran is PTI . No democratic set up here. Kaptaan decides !

What Imran will do from here Imran will do from here. Leave it to the prognosticators and clairvoyants to predict the predictable and battle the obvious. Maybe he’ll succeed, certainly he’ll fail — we’re all just passengers on that ride now.
But 2018 already has consequences for the candidates and parties we’ll get the next time round — and probably for a long time beyond that too. And a lot of it isn’t good.

Imagine you were a candidate in this election or someone thinking about dipping his toes in electoral waters the next time round.What did you see?

The first thing you’ve learned is to catch the right ticket. In two places that is proving practically immutable: PPP in interior Sindh, PML-N in central Punjab. Everywhere else, it’s more or less about catching the right electoral train at the right time.

IOW, no principles are involved . Selling yourself to the highest bidder

The silliness about the death of electables because of a handful of high-profile defeats on the winning side probably sits just fine with most electables: 2018 has proved a deeper relevance and longevity for them that maybe even they could have imagined.The team that was constructed for the PTI in 2018 is rooted in the promise of electables. The first big breakaway faction assembled was in south Punjab and it is from there that momentum was built. No electables, no path to victory.

Imran's ("new") MNA 's have a long history of association with other discredited parties !

The rah-rah-ing of the Khanistas and the PTI since victory has been theirs can only gloss over a significant problem: electables are more relevant to the electoral game that at any point this century. In 2002, you needed a line to Musharraf and his inglorious two-star sidekick more than you did a line to the voter.

The second thing you’ve probably noticed as a current or future candidate is the persistence of no-name winners. The no-name winner is seemingly the reverse of the electable: the former relying entirely on the mega wattage of an incoming prime minister for support, the latter merging a fixed constituency base with the right party in any given election.But both no-name winner and electable need to ride the coattails of someone else.

In 2013, in Punjab, particularly at the provincial level, the PML-N could have put up stuffed animals on a bunch of seats and probably still have won. That was the Nawaz effect. This time, Imran will probably take a while to recognise a bunch of his MPAs and MNAs. That’s fine.

This is how Paki politics works !

The persistence of no-name winners could make them a version of the women and non-Muslim seats in parliament: an apparent plus for the democratic project that is easily captured and rendered useless by party bosses. Window-dressing !

The persistence of the electable and the no-name winner in the system are obviously not Imran’s concern. Nor should they be. And even if they were, it’s not like he can do much about it.

Sausage-making isn’t pretty, but it’s helpful to watch the ingredients being used. Imran will get the numbers he needs in parliament.

Imran does not do "sausage making" . His minions do ! He does not want his hands to be dirtied !

Harder, though, is to do something once you’ve got the numbers locked down. Hardest is to escape the logic of the numbers that you’ve constructed.

The art of governance

[Falijee]

Iran hands over 60 illegal immigrants to Pakistan

QUETTA – Iranian security force handed over 60 more Pakistani nationals to Levies force at Pak-Iran Border in Taftan area of Chaghi district, Levies sources said Sunday.According to detail, these Pakistani workers had gone to Iran for their livelihood. They apprehended from different parts of Iran by security forces because they were living there without valid traveling documents.Levies sources said these deportees would be handed over to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation after completion initial inquiry.

Got to hand it to these illegal Pakis . They are here, there and everywhere ( even at the Mexico, Texas , Mexico , California, and Mexico Arizona border . Waiting for the right opportunity to sneak in Massaland , and then probably die of thirst in the massive desert on the US side !)

[Falijee]

Get Ready For Some "Tamasha And Fireworks" At The Paki National Assembly Floor

Joint opposition announces candidate for the PM slot
Aug 5, 2018

ISLAMABAD - Joint opposition has decided a unanimous candidate for the slot of Prime Minister in the National Assembly of Pakistan.Opposition to field former Punjab CM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif for Prime Minister slot.

Joint opposition held an important consultative meeting late Saturday that was attended by all political parties.Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has already nominated Khursheed Shah for Speaker National Assembly.

Surprising to know how Immy is so "popular" with the opposition. Appears that he is the "glue" that brought all of them together

Earlier on Saturday, joint opposition announced protest link August 8 in Islamabad and on August 9 across the country.The leaders named the opposition as ‘Pakistan Alliance for Free and Fair Election’ and also finalised the candidates for prime minister, speaker and deputy speaker posts.

The iron hand of the "Deep State" will ensure that these protests fizzle out !

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed it will comfortably form governments in the Centre and Punjab as more independent candidates joined PTI.
He claimed that out of 13 independents elected to the National assembly, nine have joined PTI.PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry told claimed that they have achieved 180 seats in the National Assembly as 25 independent MPAs, out of total 28, and nine independent MNAs have joined the PTI.Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had signed a MoU for the formation of a new government in the centre. The agreement was signed by MQM-P s Faisal Sabzwari and PTI leader Arif Alvi.The PTI had taken the decisive lead by winning 116 seats against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif s Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) and former President Asif Zardari s Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) which won 64 and 43 seats, respectively.

Verbal brawl between PTI on one side and the joint opposition on the other will of course be expected when the National Assembly sits for its maiden session . Would not be surprised if it degenerates to physical fistfights . It has happened before . Interesting times ahead , specially as the Kaptaan is obviously going to grace his presence there

[chetak]

Here is a "sports" journalist's take on "peace" with the pakis.

The solution is so very simple, I wonder why no one else thought of it.

From now on, these guys want folks like gundappa vishwanath, kapil dev, siddhu, sunil gavaskar, vvs lakshman, et al, to drive Indian foreign policy with the paki army doing likewise from across the border.

The slightest prospect of India paki cricket has all of them slobbering and salivating.

With Imran Khan at helm, time is right for India, Pakistan to broker peace

With Imran Khan at helm, time is right for India, Pakistan to broker peace


04th August 2018
By Pradeep Magazine

Virat Kohli’s epic effort and Test cricket’s mesmeric pull when it is played out like a game of chess is not the theme of this column. There will be time and space to evaluate the Birmingham Test which is turning out to be like a snake and ladders game.

For the moment let us focus on a more touchy subject which the emergence of Imran Khan as Pakistan’s Prime Minister has thrown up. And that is the resumption of India- Pakistan cricket ties. Imran’s popularity transcends the deep-rooted suspicion and trauma that led to India’s partition and the creation of Pakistan, literally over the dead bodies of millions.

The respect he commands among his own fraternity, especially in India, was obvious from the effusive reaction of players to his electoral victory. From Gundappa Vishwanath to Kapil Dev, there was unanimous consent that Imran was an upright, honest cricketer and they all wished him well. His elevation to Pakistan’s top post is giving rise to speculations whether cricket will again be used as a vehicle for peace. Though Imran is perceived as a stooge of the Pakistani Army, his post-election utterances have a tone of reconciliation embedded in them.

If his election rhetoric was anti-India, his first gesture towards India as head of state is one of reaching out. This is reflected in his guest list that includes cricket legends like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar. If one goes by media reports not only cricketers but even film stars, prominent among them being Amir Khan, have been invited. This is an indication that Imran is making a statement of intent through reaching out to India’s sporting and cultural icons. Visualise the picture of some of the top Indian cricketers and film stars were seen at the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan’s Prime Minister.

It will be a powerful image that could soften some of the bitterness and bile that the two nations throw at each other with sickening regularity. Through an extension of this cultural outreach, it is logical to assume that there will be an attempt to resume cricketing ties between the two nations. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia, he was accompanied by Kapil Dev and VVS Laxman. It was a symbolic gesture to win over the cricket crazy Australian fans. It is unlikely that we would now see Modi sitting side by side with the likes of Kapil, Gavaskar and Amir, at the swearing-in ceremony of Imran. But if this seemingly impossible event was to take place, what a powerful signal it would be that the winds of change are blowing in the air.

There is no better way to mend old fences than to let the two nations play cricket with each other. When in 2004, the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee brokered peace through cricket, Imran was among those who approved of and applauded the move. Imran is on record saying that he had never imagined a day would come when Pakistani fans would cheer for the Indians, that too in their own stadiums. The 2004 tour showed the power of human contact that could overcome a bitter historical legacy between the two nations and its political manipulation by the ruling regimes. However, the complexity of the relationship is so fragile in nature, that peace never lasts and cricket becomes its first victim. We are today back to those days where we don’t play in each other’s territories and avoid cultural interactions. If Imran’s emergence can lead to a change of heart, it would be a feat to cheer about.

[Falijee]

So Called "Stunning Announcement" By Imran May Not Sit Well With I.M.F. Bosses

Imran Khan to make stunning announcements immediately after taking oath of PM: Sources
Aug 5, 2018

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has decided to make few stunning announcements on the day he takes oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He Haa has decided to substantially cut prices of fuel and electricity after taking oath.

The Paki "deficit hole" just got bigger and deeper. More headache for Umar who will get the flak from IMF , when he approaches them with the Loan Application

According to sources, in order to give relief to the public, reduction in price hike is inevitable. It is believed that quantum of cut in prices will be stunning that will comfort the general public.Sources said that Imran commended the proposal to give relief by reducing prices of the product commonly used by all; and by doing so it will leave positive impacts as well as will impede further price hike.

One step closer to the goal of "Islamic Welfare State " as promised by the Kaptaan .

Sources said that party leadership explained to the party chairman that petrol is being sold for $53 per barrel in international market and government of Pakistan snatches 35% to 40% from the poor under the pretext of sales tax.

Tax collection plans going down the tube

[Falijee]

Another Paki Ayesha "Exported To Cheen" For Marriage Purposes

An interesting story of Pakistani girl marrying Chinese boy
August 5, 2018

*ISLAMABAD - A Chinese man and Pakistani woman were married recently but what's interesting about their marriage is that it was arranged.*
A Chinese girl who was working on a project in Pakistan found a girl for her brother, who lives in China , to marry.

Her brother, Ai Khang Peng, liked the Pakistani girl, Nabila, and so, after both families agreed to it, they got married.Peng used used Google Translate at his wedding to say he is very happy with the match.

Nabila said she was also happy and that her family decided she would marry Peng.

Not sure if such "cultural inter mingling" is Sharia approved or not . Has the Paki Govt (or the Islamic Brigade ) approved this "pairing" , specially when the "other party" (ie the bridegroom is NOT from the Religion of Piss .) And is " Peng" going to remain" Peng" ( not Rizvi, Khan , or Sharif ) after the marriage . Or maybe, this kind of "arrangement" is one way ticket out of Pakiland for Nabila ( and later on for her whole extended khandaan like brother, sister, father, mother, uncle , aunts, nephews , neices, servants etc etc and the list goes on and on !)

PS: And is "Google Translate" going to be the medium of communication between the Pakjabi/Urdu speaking bride and the Mandarin/Cantonese speaking Hans Chinese

[Falijee]

Ganja's Man Syed Mushahid Hussein Removed From (His Pet Project Of) CPEC And Chini- Paki "Friendship"

Govt appoints spokesperson of CPEC projects

Aug 5, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms has appointed Hassan Daud as spokesperson on matters related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to a statement, Hassan Daud who is Project Director CPEC Support Project is authorized to issue statements on status of CPEC projects to all forums if required after due approval.

The new govt of Imran Khan has probably concluded that too many voices (many obviously unauthorized) are invoking the name of the gamechanger CPEC (for their own ulterior motives ) pretending to be speaking on behalf of this "elixir cure" for Pakiland, so a "sole spokesman" has now been appointed to "spread the magic of CPEC" to the whole wide word (w.w.w. !)

[Varuna]

Imran Khan to make stunning announcements immediately after taking oath of PM: Sources

decided to substantially cut prices of fuel and electricity after taking oath.

Sources said that party leadership explained to the party chairman that petrol is being sold for $53 per barrel in international market and government of Pakistan snatches 35% to 40% from the poor under the pretext of sales tax.

Imran is acting a lot like Kejriwal. I have a feeling that he might be sponsored by a similar tag-team that is behind Kejriwal.

[Falijee]

Cheenis To Produce Movie About ( Gamechanger) C.P.E.C.

Chinese company to produce movie on CPEC
Aug 5, 2018

BEIJING: A leading Chinese company is planning to produce a movie to reflect significant achievements under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and showcase bilateral friendship between the two friendly countries in a multidimensional and realistic way.The movie ‘Flower Sisters’ will be produced by Sichuan Chengcheng Movie Culture and Media Company and filmed in Islamabad, Lahore and Gilgit, official sources said here on Sunday.

The project has been approved by State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China.
The Sichuan’s provincial government has already approved this project. The local partner for the movie will also facilitate the Chinese company in the areas of film making in Pakistan. - APP

Some of the murky details needed to be clarified ASAP

-Oordoo and/or English version of CPEC movie to be made available?
-Compulsory screening where Hollywood, Bollwoodand Lollywood movies are being shown ?
- Compulsory screening at all madrassahs and non madrassah schools throughout Pakiland ?
- Paki Censor Board to be" brought into the picture" to ensure all contents are Sharia compliant ?
-Paki "actor" or actresses" to make at least a token appearance in the documentary. The Echendee factor ?
- Ensure that the "project" is not a Trojan Horse to take over the "booming" film industry of Pakiland ?

[Falijee]

"Dr" Maleeha Lodhi Meets New PM Imran . ! Jugular Vein Of Pakiland ( Kashmir !) Policy At UN Discussed

Dr Maleeha Lodhi holds important meeting with PM elect Imran Khan in Banigala
Aug 5, 2018

Dr Maleeha Lodhi holds important meeting with PM elect Imran Khan in Banigala

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi called on PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Islamabad today.
She congratulated Imran Khan on the victory of his party in the general elections.

Matters relating to international affairs and Pakistan's position on various international issues were discussed during the meeting.

Madame Jalebi ( Foreign Minister in waiting, unless Qurieshi makes a fuss ! ) not brought into the picture ? After all , Shirleen Mazari holds a genuine Doctorate from Columbia University in Internationals Relations and not a fake one like Maheela . She could have provided some good anti- India tips to Lodhi . Maybe, these two "powerful" Ayeshas do not get along together

[Falijee]

As Predicted Maulana Diesel Becomes One Of The First Casualty Of The Kaptaan

With heavy heart, Moulana Fazal ur Rehman packs up from minister's enclave after decade
Aug 5, 2018

ISLAMABAD - With heavy heart, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman packed up from Minister's enclave after 13 years.He has shifted to Senator Talha Mahmood’s farm House.

House was allotted to Fazl-Ur-Rehman in Minister's enclave as he was the Chairman of Kashmir Committee. He had been living in Ministers Colony from 13 years during the eras of Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and then Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Maulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman decided to left the House after he faced defeat in both of his constituencies in General Elections. After paying all dues ( you mean to say that after "sacrificing" so much for the Kashmir Cause at such a "low rate", he was asked to pay up unpaid bills to the GOP ? Shocking !!) he left the House no.22.

Before that Maulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman lived in Minister's enclave for around 3 years in 1993 during Ex PM Benazir Bhutto's regime.Remember that The Chairman Kashmir Committee possesses Status and privileges equal to federal Ministers.

After living the "good life" for so many years and leeching himself to corridors of Paki power, ( free aeroplane 24/7, free medical care, free housing, free car, extra pay as Chairman of so-called Kashmir Committee ) and not doing a single day of hard work like the Aam Abduls do. Now it is back to reality for the "esteemed" ( and opportunistic) Maulana , who now will have to probably share a bathroom with Senator Mahmood at the farm house )

PS: The Maulana probably saw the writing on the wall ! There is no love lost between the Deobandi Pashtun Fazl ( 100% genuine article !) and the westernized psuedo Pashtun ( Imran) (Pakjabi-Pushtun mix breed ! ) . Diesel calls Imran a zionist agent ( because of Jemima's Jewish origin ) and Imran labels Diesel as opportunistic and corrupt. IMO, both deserve each other

[Falijee]

Most Likely Fake News- No Details Verifiable - To Give A False Impression That Under Imran "The Terrorists" Are Already Feeling The Heat

Top terrorist commander with Rs 2 million head money arrested
Aug 5, 2018

No mention yet that the arrested was an "Agent of RAA"

[Falijee]

Another Sign Of Further Chini-fication, This Time It Is The Health Sector

In a first, China to set up traditional Chinese medicines hospital in Pakistan
Aug 5, 2018

Expect further demand of Rhino horn, tiger claws, pig feats and other exotic Ingredients used in Chini medicine

[Falijee]

Peace With India Is Not Part Of Pakistan's Ideology : Vikram Sood In His New Book !

The Unending Game: Ex-spymaster Vikram Sood’s book is a treatise on espionage marked by understated brilliance
Sreemoy Talukdar
Firstpost
Aug 4, 2018

Ian Fleming gave us James Bond — the British super-spy with a licence to kill. Bond drives a flashy Aston Martin, dons Savile Row suits, drops savvy one-liners, picks up beautiful women, and powers one of the world’s highest-grossing movie franchises. When Bond walks into a pub for instance, he draws all eyes to him. And while you were busy watching him, you wouldn't have noticed the nondescript balding man sitting right next to you, with a deadpan expression. George Smiley, that polite British spy from John le Carre’s novels, is everything that Bond isn’t: dull as a doorknob, bland as boiled cabbage, dowdy, apologetic, inconspicuous. Smiley — the Bond antithesis — is so vague and discreet that he attracts even lesser attention than a gecko on the wall. Behind that practised self-effacing exterior, however, resides a cunning, tough and ruthless operator.

“James Bond is fantasy, George Smiley is real,” Vikram Sood tells us in The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief’s Insights Into Espionage. And that line is the soul of his book. There’s a little bit of Smiley in Sood, the retired spymaster who ran R&AW (the Research and Analysis Wing, India's foreign intelligence agency) until his retirement in March 2003.

A dry humor permeates the book. For instance, Sood tells us nonchalantly that James Bond’s cool gadgets would have been useless (in the real world). “The Aston Martin looked good in the movies, but it was the precious old Landmaster that could merge into the background,” he writes. Like Le Carre’s Smiley, the book is unpretentious yet profound and some of the best lines are nearly imperceptible.

What sparkles, though, is the minimalist approach. No frothy musings over pegs of rare liquor of the kind we were subjected to in The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace where two superannuated spy chiefs from enemy nations “are shallow enough to believe that everything can be fixed over a drink” (as Sushant Sareen wrote in his caustic review for the Daily O). Instead, Sood's book fills on the shelf an important space so far left unattended where the ideological and structural difference between Pakistan and India is made apparent through the configurations of their respective intelligence agencies.

Sood writes: “In Pakistan’s case, the ISI is part of the force that drives the country’s foreign policy and determines its strategic priorities; in India, the R&AW remains a service provider to policymakers. The ISI is a military formation headed by an army general answerable to the army chief” and its strategic capabilities include interfering in domestic politics, tweaking and coercing “political parties, the media, Islamists and the terror networks that make this organisation uniquely powerful and dreaded”. As such, “there can be no objective comparisons” between the ISI and the R&AW (or any intelligence agency in a democracy).

The Pakis like to dream that "theirs" is THE best Intelligence Agency in the whole wide world

An understanding of this distinction is crucial to decoding India’s relationship with Pakistan, where the civilian administration is little more than a puppet under the army’s hands and the master puppeteer preserves for itself the exclusive rights of setting Pakistan’s security and foreign policy. Therefore, surmises Sood, “talks of joint consultations and intelligence-sharing between the two agencies as part of confidence-building measures (CBMs)… are simplistic and sentimental statements totally divorced from reality.” It will be a "trap for India" !

The former spy chief minces no words when he writes, “There is an inability or unwillingness to understand the ethos of Pakistan, its army and its increasingly fundamentalist Islamic thought process from where it draws its ideological strength. Peace with India is not part of this ideology and there is no common ground between the two.” One can’t imagine Sood’s assessment going down well among the Track-II crowd whose domain expertise includes washing down galouti kebabs with a smoky single malt.

He also deals a blow to ‘peaceniks’ in India, forever ready to forgive Pakistan’s perfidies and push for ‘talks’. “Pakistan is hardly going to share intelligence about terrorists and the terror attacks it has had a hand in sponsoring on Indian soil and there is little else on the basis of which mutual trust can be built,” Sood asserts.

This position isn’t without context but is placed within Pakistan’s ideological opposition to the idea of Hindustan and follows an elaborate account of Pakistan’s quest for the ‘Islamic Bomb’ that kicks off the book and sets the pace. Sood reveals that India’s moment of glory in 1971 was ironically also the time that Pakistan’s new President and founder of PPP Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was arranging for a secret meeting in Multan where the agenda was straightforward and simple: Pakistan had to have the bomb, and soon, even if its people “had to eat grass to finance it”.

IMO, Bhutto "fooled" Indira with his "so-called charm" ( and that included bringing BB with him ) and got her to make too many concessions, before he signed the Simla Agreement, which he had no intention of honoring

Sood’s account of Bhutto is laced with characteristic dry humor. The former R&AW chief calls him the actual ‘father of the Pakistan bomb’ who could be “Uriah Heep one moment and an arrogant Sindhi feudal lord the next”, at ease in an agrarian setting as well as nursing a glass of Scotch in his pinstripes. The account of Bhutto’s retail shopping for the nuclear bomb across Europe — armed with US nonchalance and funds from some Islamic states — is detailed and pacey. It sent R&AW into a tailspin as the intelligence officers were “scouring the globe to find out how and from where Pakistanis were acquiring material and expertise”.

One of the main hurdles for India was that Uncle Sam (Reagan ) was deliberately downplaying Paki perfidy to illegally acquire the Islamic Bomb , in spite of his intelligence people warning him about this . He needed Paki cooperation in Afghanistan to defeat the "Evil Empire". The result of this appeasement is for all to see !!!

Sood takes us through the “lost decade” for R&AW where it had “as many as nine heads in succession” and yet, never the time, attention or ideas that it deserved. The ISI, all the while, was getting stronger and had mounted a “vicious campaign of terror in Jammu and Kashmir.” It was left for the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee to pick up the pieces and recover some ground: “It understood the role of and need for effective intelligence.”

Vajpayee too was also deceived by Ganja and then by the "charming" Mush !

There are some important pages on the Kargil invasion, which Sood is at pains to point out was as much a result of intelligence gaps as the ‘willful’ ignoring of several intelligence inputs offered by the R&AW, IB and military intelligence between May 1998 and April 1999. Pakistan was aware of the Army’s practice of deserting the Kargil heights every winter.

Mush has also "boasted" that he, himself had crossed the LOC many times to meet his troops, during his period as Chief Of Paki Army and also as Head Of SSG !

Sood takes issue with the final report of the Kargil Review Commission (KRC) that spent “considerable time looking into the reports and discussing them with R&AW and (the) Aviation Research Centre between August 1999 and December 2000 as it tried to collect evidence of intelligence failure.” The KRC, writes Sood, “discovered that the intelligence reports have been ignored by the ‘consumers’ and this fact was omitted in the final report”. The KRC report caused consternation among intelligence officers who felt it “had been unfair to them”. This sense of quiet indignation was heightened when General VP Malik, COAS during the Kargil War, in his book attributed the Pakistani invasion to an intelligence failure. Sood's sangfroid slips ever so slightly when he writes that “the common feeling was that while the general was entitled to seek vindication for himself and the army, it should not have been at the expense of other agencies that had gamely allowed themselves once again to be treated as whipping boys in the larger national interest.”

One may be tempted to conclude that one of the motivations behind Sood's book was to set the record straight. But that would be a misleading conclusion. Sood paints on a much larger canvas. He perceives a grand strategy for India, lays down the rules for it and finds our setup hopelessly inadequate. He calls for lateral recruitment instead of letting generalist career bureaucrats, who have no imagination or stomach for risk-taking, dominate the corridors of intelligence.

The only issue I have with the book is in places regarding “secret groups” arising out of the Cold War where the former spymaster leans towards conspiracy theories regarding the Pinay Cercle, Gladio A&B, The Safari Club or The Bilderbergers — exclusive clubs of the super-rich and influential who apparently work silently behind the scenes to “run the world”. This isn’t to discard his postulation on the deep state and its machinations, however, that remains a reality if only removed from public discourse.

No one can deny the usefulness of these so -called Informal Groups, from the point of view of the participants , where common strategies are devised ( who to keep in power, who is a nuisance etc etc )

Sood’s work is as valuable as a treatise as a book. It never indulges in sensationalism yet offers invaluable insights from an unobtrusive corner — but only to the patient reader. It is also marked by an understated brilliance that perhaps mirrors the character of its author.