Terroristan - June 20, 2017

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 27 Jun 2017 08:19

I hate to call Pakistan an ally: Former US diplomat - ToI

A former American diplomat said on Monday she "hates" calling Pakistan a US ally, ANI reported.

Teresita Schaffer, a former US envoy to Sri Lanka, made the comment in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US where he met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

"I hate to call Pakistan an ally. That was historically true but it's such a complicated relationship," said Teresita Schaffer, a former US envoy to Sri Lanka, according to ANI.

Schaffer also indicated that this could be a good time for the Modi-Trump meeting given the precarious relations between the US and Pakistan. Just on Monday, in fact, the US state department declared Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist'.

"Pakistan-US relations are in difficult shape, so on the face of it that would appear to make things little bit easier for India," the former US diplomat said.

Schaffer was referring to reports that the Trump administration is considering hardening its line against Pakistan in an attemptto crack down on militants based there who are launching attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"Potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding U.S. drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally," wrote Reuters citing two US officials who weren't named.

The US state department is currently hammering out a regional strategy to be presented to Trump, Reuters said.

"We've never really fully articulated what our strategy towards Pakistan is. The strategy will more clearly say what we want from Pakistan specifically," the two U.S. officials said.

In fact, a report in February by the conservative Hudson Institute think tank said the US needs to rethink its position vis-a-vis Pakistan.

"Thinking of Pakistan as an ally will continue to create problems for the next administration as it did for the last one," said the report.

Afghanistan has said more than once that terror attacks are being carried out there by the Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.

Afghanistan figured in US-India talks during Modi's visit to Washington.

On Monday, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and US defense secretary Jim Mattis called on PM Modi. The issues that figured prominently in both discussions were terrorism, Afghanistan and the situation in the Asia Pacific region, external affairs spokesman Gopal Baglay said.

Modi conveyed to Tillerson that the "fulcrum of India's foreign policy" is to have good relations with all nations, "in particular with its neighbours", OTI reported.

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 27 Jun 2017 14:46

Fully Posted on the Analyzing CPEC & OBOR, Chinese Strategy and Implications

India's opposition can affect CPEC in short run: Chinese media

BEIJING: The construction of the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been affected in the short run due to India's objections, a report in the state-run Chinese media said.

It added that if Beijing and Islamabad are firm in their cooperation, they can dispel New Delhi's doubts.

India is protesting against the CPEC as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

"Some people believe obstruction by India may become a stumbling block to the development of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," an article in the official daily Global Times said.

In fact, India's "rejection" is mainly because the corridor passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The corridor's construction may be affected in the short term, but from a long-term perspective, China and Pakistan can dispel India's doubt to the maximum degree if they are firm about their cooperation and actively interact with neighbouring countries, it said.

Cheers

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 27 Jun 2017 16:28

Posters on Paki Social Media are alleging (rightly) that Ganja is the PM of Pakjab only !

VOA DEEWA‏Verified account @voadeewa

Ppl on social media condemn PM Sharif 4 paying special attention 2 d Punjab fire affectees & ignoring Parachinar blasts victims,voasocial

Hassan Cheema‏Verified account @mediagag 17h17 hours ago

Q is, considering how fond the Pakistani media is of going after Nawaz why haven't they screwed him over Parachinar? Just cuz they're Shia?

PS: Ganja Sharif is an out and out apologist for the "Wahabi Brand Of Malsi" ( he dare not show it in open !) ! He has Big Business in Saudia !!!

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 27 Jun 2017 22:58

Raheel Celebrating Eid In Saudia !!! Mrs. MIA

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 00:42

"American Hot Air" Or Is It Different This Time

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi vow to fight terror together

US President Donald Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi have met for the first time in Washington DC, vowing to fight terrorism together while issuing a warning to Pakistan. The two leaders, who hugged each other in front of reporters, also praised their countries' warm relations. They discussed increasing trade links and security co-operation. Mr Modi was also the first foreign dignitary to have dinner at the White House with Mr Trump.

A White House statement said the two leaders "resolved that India and the US will fight together" against terrorism which they called a "grave challenge to humanity", pledging to expand the sharing of intelligence and deepen joint counter-terrorism efforts. They also "called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries". The leaders said they would strengthen co-operation against threats including Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. America can go "only so far", in spite of Pakiland getting cozy with New Sugar-Daddy China, IMO !

They urged Pakistan to "expeditiously bring to justice" those behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and last year's attack on an air base in Pathankot, which Indian officials have suggested were perpetrated by those two militant groups. India has seen several terror attacks in recent years which Delhi claims were conducted by Pakistan-based militants. It has also accused Pakistan of secretly sponsoring some of these attacks, which Pakistan has strongly denied. India also "appreciated" the recent move by the US to label top Kashmiri militant Syed Salahuddin a "specially designated global terrorist", the White House said. The move effectively blocks him from transactions in the US.

Some token gestures here and there . ! If America were really serious about terrorism, they should have include Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the list of "terrorism sponsoring nations" . That did not happen ( and will not happen IMO. !)

milano · Post by **milano** » 28 Jun 2017 03:15

I'd suggest that having taken a day to absorb the joint statement from Modiji and Trump, the burn is starting to set in for the Pak establishment. Ch Nisar is piping up about how amreeka is now talking india's language, foreign office reassuring it's domestic audience (especially the jihadi crowd) of the unfairness of labelling freedom fighters as terrorists and bleating about moral/diplomatic support blah blah blah.

Even if America is just spouting platitudes, and not a whole lot will come of it, the fact is Pak got named and shamed yet again, and it seems to have hurt their all important echendee.

I for one was not expecting designating the salahuddin excresance as a global terrorist a few hours before the PM's arrival, nor the calling out of Pak and tying it to islamic terrorism. Overall a better than expected outcome...

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 28 Jun 2017 04:55

The irony with Salahuddin is that the United Jihad Council, of which he is the head, is the direct creation of that despicable Raphel lady under the Clinton administration. The wheel has somewhat turned the whole circle. UJC must be banned next and immediately too.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 06:07

Discredited National Carrier Is In The News Again. This Time For Non-Payment Of Fuel Dues

PIA multiple flights cancelled due stoppage of fuel by PSO

Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has stopped the fuel supply of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) due to non-payment of dues, which resulted in cancellation of three flights and delay of four. Karachi-Kuala Lumpur flight PK-898, Quetta-bound flight PK-354, Faisalabad-bound flight PK-340, and Islamabad-bound flight PK-368 were delayed, whereas, Karachi to Jeddah, Gwadar and Zhob, all flights were cancelled.

The passengers faced a lot of trouble due to the delay and cancelation of flights, and they also staged a protest at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. PIA Spokesperson said in this regard that PSO did not give any advance notice of stopping the supply of jet fuel. He also said that advance payment of one week has also been given to PSO.

On the other hand, PSO has made it clear that fuel is being supplied to all the airports according to the routine despite non-payment of charges by PIA. PSO Spokesperson let it be known that PIA still has to pay Rs15 billion and 40 crore to the company. So, true to form, both Paki Public Bodies ( PSO and PIA) are fighting their battle in the court of "public opinion"

milano · Post by **milano** » 28 Jun 2017 06:25

SSridhar wrote:The irony with Salahuddin is that the United Jihad Council, of which he is the head, is the direct creation of that despicable Raphel lady under the Clinton administration. The wheel has somewhat turned the whole circle. UJC must be banned next and immediately too.

SSridharji, I was not aware of its genesis. Thank you for the education. You raise a good point in terms of banning them next. That indeed would be a test of whether the USA is spouting vacuous platitudes or are serious. The tightly administered slap has elicited a reaction from the pakis given it was administered too uncomfortably close to their 'jugular vein' aka kashmir. This slap gives credence to the spike in western media reports in the last week or so that trump admin is about to get tougher on Pak. It's also quite interesting/humorous that a few paki *anal*ysts are now bleating that all this could drive Pakis even closer to the China-Russia combine - a counterthreat that I doubt cuts much ice. The true test of American seriousness vis-a-vis our concerns, as you astutely allude to, is what they do next in terms of escalating their proscription of paki terrorist organizations. I give it 4-6 months to see if this was a one off or part of a thought out strategy to start administering escalating punishment to the paks.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 06:37

Pakistani Model Acid Attacked In London .

Muslim aspiring model severely injured in London acid attack on her 21st birthday
The Express Tribune > World

An aspiring model Resham Khan and her 37-year-old cousin Jameel Mukhtar have been left with ‘life-changing’ injuries after they suffered an unprovoked acid attack London, reported The Independent. The two were out celebrating Khan’s 21st birthday and were inside their car at a traffic signal in Beckton, East London when the attacker threw acid into their car.“The pain was excruciating”, Khan wrote on her Twitter. “My cousin struggled to get us away. I saw my clothes burn away in front of me.” The attack may have been unprovoked but definitely pre-planned. Too early to delve into the motives or the suspects !

The pain was so excruciating that it force them to strip off in middle of the road.

Finally, the pair was driven to the hospital by a passer-by and was transferred to a specialist burns unit. Explaining how the horrific incident has changed her life, Khan said, her old self is “gone forever”. Khan, a Business Management student, had recently completed nine months’ worth of study in Cyprus, Turkey, ( it shows to what extent ( RAPE) Paki Ayeshas will go to leave the "prison" that is Pakistan for them; am sure that there are reasonable and good Business Administration Institutions in Pakiland !) was looking to start her new job.

A fundraising page has set up by fellow students to help the two said, “She feels as though her identity has been stolen from her.” It also stated, “The scars Resham and Jameel carry will last a lifetime.” Khan suffered major damage to her left eye and was burned across her face body, needing a skin graft, the fundraiser also stated. Mukhtar is reportedly placed in an induced coma after suffering from severe burns across his head, face and body, it also damaged his eye and a skin graft was needed.

In a message posted on her Facebook profile, Khan said, “It’s warmed my heart seeing so many people come together to support me and my family. Words can’t describe how you have all made me feel during such a low point in my life.” So, London visit was for a bit of ( UnIslamic ) R & R with tragic consequences !

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 28 Jun 2017 06:59

Poor girl

Vips · Post by **Vips** » 28 Jun 2017 08:23

Godspeed to the Pakistanization of Bartania.

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 28 Jun 2017 15:19

Pakistan accuses US of 'speaking India's language' and of 'dual standards' on Kashmir issue

NEW DELHI: A miffed Pakistan has accused the US of "speaking India's language" and of "dual standards" on the issue of Kashmir, reported Pakistani media.

Pakistan's comments come after two developments over Monday and Tuesday put it in an embarrassing spotlight.

On Monday, the US state department named the Pakistan-backed Hizbul Mujahideen Kashmiri separatist Syed Salahuddin a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' . And an Indo-US joint statement - released after leaders Narendra Modi and Donald Trump met on Tuesday - sternly urged Islamabad "to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries".

"It seems as though the blood of Kashmiris in not at all important to the US, and international laws relating to human rights do not apply to Kashmir," said Pakistan's interior minister Chaudhry Nisar on Tuesday, according to Dawn.

Nisar said the US's actions "mock" justice
.
"Ignoring the worst form of state terrorism does not only mock justice and international norms, but also exposes the dual standards of those upholding human and democratic rights," Nisar added, reported The Express Tribune.

Pakistan, Nisar said, "would not compromise on the rights of Kashmiris" and will continue to support the Kashmiris' "cause"

Earlier, Pakistan also slammed as "completely unjustified" the US naming Hizbul Mujahideen chief Salahuddin a "global terrorist".

"The designation of individuals supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified," a ministry spokesperson said in a statement without naming Salahuddin.

Both the Indo-US joint statement and the US action on Salahuddin are being seen as a major diplomatic victory for India which has long accused Pakistan of backing terror in India and more specifically, in Kashmir.

The joint statement issued by the US after the first meeting between Modi and Trump contained some strong words for Pakistan.

"The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. They further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups," the statement said.

Pakistan's foreign office was unhappy at being named in the statement.

"Pakistan has demonstrated a longstanding commitment of combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The people and government of Pakistan have rendered immense sacrifices in both blood and treasure to end this scourge, which has been acknowledged by the international community," Pakistan's foreign office said.

Cheers

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 28 Jun 2017 15:26

Fully Posted on the Analyzing CPEC Thread

Pakistan faces challenges in building economic corridor with China

DALIAN: Pakistan faces some challenges in steering an ambitious plan to build an economic corridor with China despite the economic benefits for the country, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday.

Cheers

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 16:22

One More "Diplomatic Burn" For Pakistan

Preferential treatment for India undermines NSG credibility: FO spokesman

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, in an interview with Radio Pakistan, discussed the implications of the nuclear trade waiver granted to India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group and said that such "preferential treatments" and waivers only undermine the credibility of the global non-proliferation regime besides disturbing the regional strategic stability. In the interview, Zakaria said that since waiver, granted in 2008, India has expanded its capacity to produce fissile material for military use, moving against the objective of strategic stability in the region. He added: "International reports about new nuclear facilities built by India confirm Pakistan’s concerns in this regard." "However," he added, "Pakistan’s offers to India for nuclear restraint regime are still valid." Blowing "hot and cold" at the same time .

"Pakistan does not believe in arms race in the region and has consistently maintained that the two neighbouring countries should agree on meaningful measures to avoid nuclear arms race," Zakaria said. On the other hand, in the interview, he said that Pakistan holds "strong credentials" for membership of NSG. In the interview Zakaria said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and the entry into NSG will further the group’s disarmament and non-proliferation objectives. He added that with its strong credentials, Pakistan continues reaching out to different countries for support in the procurement of an NSG membership.

"Pakistan’s export control regime is very comprehensive and authentic and conforms to international standards," Zakaria said. He added: "Pakistan has unilaterally adhered to global energy guidelines and non-proliferation benchmarks in order to maintain best practices in supply of controlled items, goods, materials and services." No belligerent tone this thing

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 16:30

Kunwar Khalid Yunus‏ @KunwarKhalidYun Jun 27

US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher meeting with #MQM Convener NadeemNusrat at Washington DC. He was briefed on #Karachi.

Altaf Bhai's "Diplomatic Offensive" in Massaland !!!

KJo · Post by **KJo** » 28 Jun 2017 17:11

Gagan wrote:Poor girl

Ironic thing is subjugated women are among the first ones to defend Islam. Among my WA High school group, the hijabi types living in ME are the most jihadi.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 17:15

Why the US decision on Syed Salahuddin is a big blow to Pakistan's Kashmir agenda

NEW DELHI: The US decision to designate Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as global terrorist was driven by a political understanding at the highest level to back the Indian line on the current Kashmir unrest, and reject Pakistan's diplomatic onslaught built around Burhan Wani's killing.

A highly placed official involved in these conversations with the US told ET that since Wani was from the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) cadre, India was keen that a message must go down to Islamabad that Washington made no distinction among terror groups and saw HM cadre in the same light as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan had mounted a major diplomatic offensive after Wani's killing last year, lobbying the US and other members of the P-5 to view the incident as a case of Indian military excess and human rights abuse. "There were many other terrorists but it was for a reason we went for Salahuddin and Hizbul," a senior official told ET. Pakistan Foreign Policy is in shambles; one reason, being lack of a Foreign Minister. ! Nominally the" incompetent PM" is in charge of this portfolio

While designating the HM chief, the US State Department press statement read: "Mohammad Yusuf Shah, AKA Syed Salahuddin, is the senior leader of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). In September, 2016, Salahuddin vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict, threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, and vowed to turn the Kashmir valley "into a graveyard for Indian forces". Under Salahuddin's tenure as senior HM leader, HM has claimed responsibility

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 17:28

Poverty fuels Pakistan's illegal organ trade

Poverty in Pakistan is forcing many people to illegally sell their kidneys with authorities struggling to stop the illegal practise. "I have many problems now. You saw me washing the dishes. I even struggle to sweep. People talk about me when I haven't done my work but I don't tell them my secret. I gave birth to five children. I was in so much pain," said organ donor Bushra Bibi. The World Health Oragnisation says a shortage of organs for transplant has fuelled a black market in places like China and Southeast Asia. Poor people like Bushra Bibi are forced to sell their organs to feed their family. The racket is well organized with the active connivance of hospital doctors and middleman. And many times, the "donor" is not even aware that he has been "taken for a ride" !

JohnTitor · Post by **JohnTitor** » 28 Jun 2017 20:40

^^ So the tallel than mountain friends are not only going for a land grab but also organ grab?

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 21:38

Paki "PEMRA" Looking For Work ? Look Busy Do Nothing Syndrome

PEMRA and policing girls’ bodies

PEMRA, the county’s electronic media watchdog, despite having its hands full trying to protect the image of our men in uniform, has turned to the policing of the bodies of underage girls. And the verdict is in: cartoons for children represent a threat to Pakistani morals – at least as far as our authorities are concerned.

Stamp Of Approval given by the Mullah Brigade !

Such moves are particularly disturbing when one imagines the high-ups in of PEMRA – presumably grown Pakistani men – surfing television channels on the lookout for what underage girls may or may not be wearing. Even more disturbing is that the females in question are cartoons! The show in question is Winx Club, a series that follows the adventures of a group of young girls who are also fairies. US satellite broadcaster Nickelodeon was slapped with a Rs 500,000 fine and a strict warning to be more vigilant when it comes to future shows. And "Bacha Baazi," and kidnapping and forced conversion of minority girls are allowed to go unnoticed or no action is taken against them . !

The message is clear. Young girl children are being taught from a tender age that it is men – any men, men not even part of their family, men whom they have never seen – who decide what constitutes a decent or indecent dress code. This is certainly not the job of PEMRA. But such laws are in existence in the Land Of The Two Holy Mosques

But if it insists on busying itself with the portrayal of the woman on television, it might want to start any of the advertisements pertaining to cooking, all of which cast the woman as chained to the kitchen sink going about her daily routine of unpaid labour. Such mandatory domestic slavery is a far more indecent image, at least for those interested in the truly raising the status of Pakistani women! Where "True Islam" is being practiced , such ads would not be considered "halal"

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 28 Jun 2017 21:51

https://twitter.com/Farrukh_Abbas12/sta ... 0562222080

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 28 Jun 2017 21:54

Zaid hamid being a ksa cats paw to create shia sunni split in pak

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 28 Jun 2017 22:03

no no it is another form of 'land' grab

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 22:11

Family of Muslim woman burned in random acid attack on 21st birthday fear it was race hate crime

The family of a Muslim woman targeted in an horrific acid attack on her 21st birthday fear it was a race hate crime. Recounting her ordeal on Twitter, student Resham Khan told how she was sitting in a car at traffic lights with her cousin Jameel Muhktar when a man sprayed corrosive liquid at them through the open window.

The thug then chased the pair as they tried to drive off but they lost control of the car and crashed into a fence, she said. The acid burned their skin, clothes and parts of the car.

The cousins were left ripping off their clothes and begging passers-by for water. Both were taken to hospital and have suffered 'life-changing' injuries, police said. Ms Khan, who has aspirations to be a model, was left with damage to one eye and extensive burns. Police are investigating the attack in Beckton, east London, last Wednesday, which Ms Khan said was completely unprovoked.

Relatives said last night they fear the attack was motivated by Islamophobia in the wake of recent terror attacks. One told The Sun: "We do see it as a possible terror attack. "Nobody in their right mind would just go and do something like that. "It’s because they are Islamic." Describing the attack, Ms Khan said: “The pain was excruciating. I was struggling to close the window. "My cousin struggled to get us away." "I saw my clothes burn away in front of me.

"He put his foot down as we were coming onto a dual carriage way but the pain took over and we crashed."

"We stripped off in the middle of the road, running around screaming and begging for water. We did this for 45 minutes. No ambulance came.” Passers by helped the pair get to a nearby hospital before the ambulance or police arrived. They have since been transferred to a specialist burns unit, but police say their injuries are ‘life changing’. The suspect ran off after the attack and has not been caught.

Although, it is too early to conclude whether the ( sad, deplorable and cowardly ) attack was racially motivated or not, the family should have waited for some evidence, before making a blanket statement "that is is due to Islamophobia " . IMO Attack by acid is not is not commonly used as a "weapon" in UK, USA , as it is in Pakistan or India. It is possible that some of her compatriots may have earlier warned her to not to deviate from The Book . Or it could be a "jilted boyfriend " There are too many unknowns over here.!

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 22:28

Science Says Eid in Pakistan is 100% Likely on Monday, June 26th, 2017

While I understand that moon must be sighted by naked eye in order to announce Eid or Ramzan or any other Islamic month, there are ways possible through which you can determine if moon can be sighted or even if it will be possible for human eye to see the crescent on a particular date or not. If the cataract ridden eyes of the "aged Malaunas" cannot sight the Eid moon,then it is NOT EID You see, Science and Malsi are like oil and water . They do not mix ! And Islam is of course vast, vast superior to Science . Two examples/ instances from the fountainhead of Islam i.e. Saudia Arabia- The Land Of The Two Holy Mosques. One example is the long held belief of one of the "revered" Saudi Scholars ( of Malsi ) ( And the Aam Abduls there ) that the Earth is flat ! Secondly, the Islamic Scholars of Saudi Arabia had come out with a statement that it is a blasphemy to say that Man had landed on the Moon. Based on that kind of "knowledge" , it is easy to believe the mass confusion over Eid Moon

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jun 2017 23:00

Exclusive: Trump administration eyes hardening line toward Pakistan
Reuters.

President Donald Trump's administration is exploring hardening its approach toward Pakistan to crack down on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in neighboring Afghanistan, two U.S. officials tell Reuters. Potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding U.S. drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally, the two officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Other U.S. officials are skeptical of the prospects for success, arguing that years of previous U.S. efforts to curb Pakistan's support for militant groups have failed, and that already strengthening U.S. ties to India, Pakistan's arch-enemy, undermine chances of a breakthrough with Islamabad. U.S. officials say generally they seek greater cooperation with Pakistan, not a rupture in ties, once the administration finishes a regional review, due by mid-July, of the strategy guiding the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan. Pakistan is always available for sale to the highest bidder

But Pakistan's embassy in Washington warned against "scapegoating" Pakistan to explain the stalemate in Afghanistan, pointing instead to Afghanistan's own troubled internal dynamics. It also noted past Pakistani efforts to battle militants and expressed willingness to work with the United States and Afghanistan on border management. "Singling out Pakistan and pinning the entire blame on Pakistan for the situation in Afghanistan is neither fair nor accurate, nor is it borne out by the ground realities," said Abid Saeed, press minister at the embassy.

Although long mindful of Pakistan, the Trump administration in recent weeks has put more emphasis on the relationship with Islamabad in discussions as it hammers out a regional strategy to be presented to Trump, who took office in late January, one official said. "We've never really fully articulated what our strategy towards Pakistan is. The strategy will more clearly say what we want from Pakistan specifically," the U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pakistan won the status as a major non-NATO ally in 2004 from the George Bush administration, in what was at the time seen in part as recognition of its importance in the U.S. battle against al Qaeda and Taliban insurgents.The status is mainly symbolic, allowing limited benefits such as giving Pakistan faster access to surplus U.S. military hardware. Yanking the title would be seen by Pakistan as a major blow. It makes sense to take away the "title" from Pakistan. It has already hitched its wagon to China . A Naval Base in Gwadar is being built by the Chinese !

The growing danger to Afghanistan from suspected Pakistan-based militants was underscored by a devastating May 31 truck bomb that killed more than 80 people and wounded 460 in Kabul. Afghanistan's main intelligence agency said the attack - one of the deadliest in memory in the Afghan capital - had been carried out by the Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies. Washington believes the strikes appeared to be the work of the Haqqani network, U.S. officials told Reuters. Pakistan wants a Taliban like regime in Afghanistan ; friendly with Pakistan . Not friendly with India !

Pakistan has received more than $33 billion in U.S. assistance since 2002, including more than $14 billion in so-called Coalition Support Funds (CSF), a U.S. Defense Department program to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-insurgency operations.
Last year, the Pentagon decided not to pay Pakistan $300 million in CSF funding after then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter declined to sign authorization that Pakistan was taking adequate action against the Haqqani network. U.S. officials said the Trump administration was discussing withholding at least some assistance to Pakistan. Curtis' report singled out the aid as a target.But U.S. aid cuts could cede even more influence to China, which already has committed nearly $60 billion in investments in Pakistan. As and when the Pakistan internet and satellite system is linked with the Chinese System, then Chinese colonization of Pakiland will be irreversible !

Another option under review is broadening a drone campaign to penetrate deeper into Pakistan to target Haqqani fighters and other militants blamed for attacks in Afghanistan, U.S. officials and a Pakistan expert said. "Now the Americans (will be) saying, you aren't taking out our enemies, so therefore we are taking them out ourselves," said the Pakistan expert, who declined to be identified. Pakistan's army chief of staff last week criticized "unilateral actions" such as drone strikes as "counterproductive and against (the) spirit of ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing being diligently undertaken by Pakistan."

Atmavik · Post by **Atmavik** » 29 Jun 2017 00:23

Falijee wrote:Family of Muslim woman burned in random acid attack on 21st birthday fear it was race hate crime

The family of a Muslim woman targeted in an horrific acid attack on her 21st birthday fear it was a race hate crime. Recounting her ordeal on Twitter, student Resham Khan told how she was sitting in a car at traffic lights with her cousin Jameel Muhktar when a man sprayed corrosive liquid at them through the open window.
The thug then chased the pair as they tried to drive off but they lost control of the car and crashed into a fence, she said. The acid burned their skin, clothes and parts of the car.
The cousins were left ripping off their clothes and begging passers-by for water. Both were taken to hospital and have suffered 'life-changing' injuries, police said. Ms Khan, who has aspirations to be a model, was left with damage to one eye and extensive burns. Police are investigating the attack in Beckton, east London, last Wednesday, which Ms Khan said was completely unprovoked.
Relatives said last night they fear the attack was motivated by Islamophobia in the wake of recent terror attacks. One told The Sun: "We do see it as a possible terror attack. "Nobody in their right mind would just go and do something like that. "It’s because they are Islamic." Describing the attack, Ms Khan said: “The pain was excruciating. I was struggling to close the window. "My cousin struggled to get us away." "I saw my clothes burn away in front of me.
"He put his foot down as we were coming onto a dual carriage way but the pain took over and we crashed."
"We stripped off in the middle of the road, running around screaming and begging for water. We did this for 45 minutes. No ambulance came.” Passers by helped the pair get to a nearby hospital before the ambulance or police arrived. They have since been transferred to a specialist burns unit, but police say their injuries are ‘life changing’. The suspect ran off after the attack and has not been caught.
Although, it is too early to conclude whether the ( sad, deplorable and cowardly ) attack was racially motivated or not, the family should have waited for some evidence, before making a blanket statement "that is is due to Islamophobia " . IMO Attack by acid is not is not commonly used as a "weapon" in UK, USA , as it is in Pakistan or India. It is possible that some of her compatriots may have earlier warned her to not to deviate from The Book . Or it could be a "jilted boyfriend " There are too many unknowns over here.!

It's very common in Kashmir valley

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 29 Jun 2017 00:44

I read of a Chicago taxi driver showing his facial disfigurement from an acid attack. His words were "they threw acid in my face because I'm a darkie".

It was formative in informing my views on race relations in the US.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 29 Jun 2017 05:21

KARACHI POST - TWEETER FEEDS
MQM Convener @nadeem_nusrat met another powerful US Congressman @JudgeTedPoe at Capitol Hill. Congressman @DanaRohrabacher was also present
Farooq Sattar condemns meetings between Nadeem Nusrat and U.S. senators as he knows this is one thing that can bring about his demise .
Sattar knows with US pressure Altaf Hussain cam easily make a comeback which would be extremely ominous for him #Karachi #MQM

With enough Amreeki pressure, Altaf Bhai might be able to make a political comeback of sorts !!!

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 29 Jun 2017 06:33

Watch out for Pak Army’s growing clout - G.Parthasarathy, Business Line

A virtual judicial soap opera is being played out in Pakistan over “Panama Leaks,” about properties owned by the family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, notably in London. Sharif’s father, Mian Mohammed Sharif, was a wealthy steel magnate, whose properties were nationalised by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and returned to him by President Zia ul Haq, who patronised the entry and rise of the Sharif family in national politics.

Strange investigation

The bench of the Supreme Court entrusted with investigating the case, has behaved somewhat like a “kangaroo court”, appearing biased against the Prime Minister. This was evident in its including two Brigadier ranked intelligence officers in the investigative team, quite evidently to keep the army pleased in efforts to undermine an elected political leader. The two Brigadiers may have been good spooks in the ISI and Military Intelligence. They, however, had no constitutional authority or investigative experience, to participate in an investigation against an elected Prime Minister. It is evident that in Pakistan it is not just the elected Government, but also the judiciary, which runs scared of the powerful military.

While the future judgment of the Supreme Court cannot be predicted just now, Sharif seems to be preparing for all eventualities, given the scheduled national elections next year. During the interrogation by the investigative team, Sharif’s two sons Hasan and Hussain were humiliated and intimidated. Sharif himself testified for over three hours as a “witness” and not an “accused”. His defence was, the four flats his family owned in the elite Park Lane area were obtained after his father sold his business in Dubai and willed the entire amount to his eldest grandson Hasan, in 1980.

A Prince from the Qatar ruling family certified he was involved in managing the money from the sale of the Dubai businesses. Sharif seems to have remarkably warm personal relations with the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia, who saved him from the gallows after the Musharraf coup and also with the Qatar royals. This history alone will ensure he stays clear of Saudi-Qatari rivalries!

Power of the army

The case of a Prime Minister of Pakistan becoming wealthy is not unique to Nawaz Sharif. Benazir Bhutto owned three properties in the UK including a 350 acre, 30 room, 10 bedroom Mansion, in Rockwood Estate, in Surrey and a four-bedroom home in the elite Mayfair area. She also owned a 10,000 square feet villa in Dubai. The value of these three properties alone is estimated at $45 million. More importantly, Benazir owned a huge Castle in France whose value would likely exceed those of her UK properties.

Then, there is the case of the pompous President/General Pervez Musharraf. His retirement benefits were ₹20 million. Yet, within barely a month of his retirement, he purchased apartments in Mayfair, London and in Dubai, estimated to cost ₹400 million. Successive chief justices of the Supreme Court of Pakistan appeared to lack the courage to act against Musharraf, especially after a not too veiled warning by then Army Chief Raheel Sharif, who was a Musharraf protégé.

All this spells continuing uncertainty in Pakistan, with a vulnerable Nawaz Sharif, threatened by a bellicose, army backed Imran Khan, who himself is under a cloud. He is known to have purchased a flat in London through an offshore firm, ostensibly to “evade further taxes”.

After Benazir’s assassination, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party, founded by her father, has virtually fallen apart in Punjab, which elects around 60 per cent of the MPs. The PPP has a weak presence in Baluchistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province and is considerably weakened in its home, the Sind Province. The mercurial Imran Khan has a presence in Punjab and KP Provinces, but the odds are that in a free and fair election, Sharif stands a good chance of being re-elected. Even if the Army and Supreme Court allow this to happen, the Army’s role in national affairs and particularly in foreign policy and defence will be dominant. Pakistan’s military will continue to enjoy absolute power, with no constitutional responsibility.

Situation in Afghanistan

It would be unrealistic to expect there will be any change in its support for terrorism in India and Afghanistan. It is clear that President Trump deplores Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. It will, however, be difficult to confidently predict his staying power in Afghanistan, given his oft-repeated commitment to “America First”.

We will have to work in close coordination with the Afghan government to influence US policies on Afghanistan. China will profess to be interested in a political settlement in Afghanistan, while seeking negotiations that ensure Pakistan’s dominant role in that country, thereby encouraging Pakistan to continue sponsoring terrorism. President Putin evidently favours four party negotiations on Afghanistan, which exclude India, even while promoting bilateral cooperation with India.

In crafting its approach to Pakistan, India should have no hesitation in taking advantage of its vulnerabilities. Pakistan faces tensions between its Wahhabi outfits and the widely observed Sufi/Bareilvi practices. It is also afflicted by the Shia-Sunni divide. Prime Minister Modi spoke last year about the exploitation of Baluchis by the Punjabi elite.

Baluchistan challenge

Just as Pakistan speaks of Kashmir as the “unfinished agenda of partition” India should respond on Baluchistan, bearing in mind that Jinnah himself acknowledged to Baluchistan’s ruler, the Khan of Kalat, only a few days before independence, that Baluchistan was independent and not part of British India. Moreover, we should join Afghanistan in declaring the Durand Line as a disputed border and continue moves to isolate Pakistan in South Asia. Most importantly, India should respond strongly and effectively, to ISI backed infiltration and terrorism across the LOC.

Prime Minister Modi evidently had a cordial exchange with Nawaz Sharif in Kazakhstan and has reportedly been in touch with him through intermediaries. Likewise, Sushma Swaraj has spoken to her counterpart whenever necessary and was very forthcoming when a Pakistani child needed life saving medical treatment in India. Such diplomatic and humanitarian courtesies should continue and hopefully, increase. We also have to reach out to sections in Pakistan that would like to see an end to terrorism across their borders, even while we remain inflexible on issues of cross border terrorism. Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni captured minds and hearts in Pakistan by their words, gestures and sensitivity, during the Champions’ Trophy.

The writer is a former High Commissioner to Pakistan

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 29 Jun 2017 08:21

Off-topic except on the subject of acid attacks.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-a ... yNNsJ.html

You know, someone will start a new religion to end humans' cruelty to each other; and that religion will be persecuted, and will turn militant, and will commit cruelties on other humans in the name of the new religion. And thus the cycle will continue, until the last human, and humanity goes extinct.

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 29 Jun 2017 10:55

Falijee wrote:Science Says Eid in Pakistan is 100% Likely on Monday, June 26th, 2017

Pakscience: "100% Likely"

I have a suspicion this will enter BRF jingolingo

LokeshC · Post by **LokeshC** » 29 Jun 2017 11:12

RE: The eid science debate

To use an americanism in a bakistanised manner ( like the curious existence of creatures called senators in Bakistan)

In goat we thrust

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 29 Jun 2017 14:09

Pakistan slams Indo-US joint statement as being 'singularly unhelpful'

NEW DELHI: Islamabad has slammed the Indo-US joint statement following the Modi-Trump meet as "singularly unhelpful", Pakistani media reported Thursday.

The joint statement issued Tuesday has some of the strongest words from the US, in recent times, on terror originating from Pakistan. And Islamabad is displeased because it believes the statement "aggravates" a tense situation.

"The joint statement is singularly unhelpful in achieving the objective of strategic stability and durable peace in the South Asian region. By failing to address key sources of tension and instability in the region, the statement aggravates an already tense situation," Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement, Dawn reported.

The Indo-US joint statement - released after leaders Narendra Modi and Donald Trump met on Tuesday - sternly urged Islamabad "to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries".

"The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. They further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups," the joint statement said.

Pakistan's foreign office reiterated its criticism of the US naming the Pakistan-backed Hizbul Mujahideen Kashmiri separatist Syed Salahuddin a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist'.

"Any attempt to equate the peaceful indigenous Kashimiri struggle with terrorism, and to designate individuals supporting the right to self-determination as terrorists is unacceptable," said Pakistan's foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria, reported The Express Tribune.

He said the US's actions "mock" justice.

"Ignoring the worst form of state terrorism does not only mock justice and international norms, but also exposes the dual standards of those upholding human and democratic rights," Nisar added.

Cheers

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 29 Jun 2017 15:32

Pakistan-US ties

THE devastating attacks in Parachinar and Quetta have bloodily underlined an inarguable reality: Pakistan needs the support of its allies and friends in the fight against militancy.

Unhappily, as the administration of US President Donald Trump debates its strategy in Afghanistan, there are signs that the US is preparing to revive its ‘do more’ mantra and willing to consider troubling actions against this country.

That would be a mistake. For more than a decade and a half, since the start of the US-led war in Afghanistan, the US has viewed relations with Pakistan through an Afghan prism.

Whether money has flowed to Pakistan or assistance has been sought of it, much of what the US has done has been linked to its quest to defeat the Afghan Taliban or degrade their strength.

To be sure, Pakistan’s own policy choices and perception of its security interests have been flawed at times.

But Afghanistan has not been, is not and will not be unstable fundamentally because of Pakistani security policy choices. The Taliban are strong and Kabul weak for reasons that are mostly intrinsic to Afghanistan.

The foolhardiness of a get-tough approach towards Pakistan can be gauged by two questions: who is advocating it and what can it achieve?

Unsurprisingly, the most ardent advocates of this get-tough US approach are strategists and policymakers who are perennially hostile to Pakistan and advocate for India as a hegemonic power in the region.

But if the bilateral Pak-US relationship is used by the US to try and rebalance power in South Asia, it will surely only exacerbate Pakistan’s security concerns and increase the risk of conflict in the region.

Moreover, it is not clear what such a policy can realistically achieve on Afghanistan. Across administrations, the US has articulated a similar desired outcome in Afghanistan: eroding the Taliban threat to the extent that Kabul can negotiate a political settlement favourable to the current dispensation.

But the US has also visibly struggled with the idea of a peace settlement with the Taliban.

So could getting tough on Pakistan just be a slippery slope towards trying to militarily defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan, the real, unstated goal of the US?

Therein lies a further problem: suspicion of US motives by regional powers other than India and concern that the US is fundamentally on the wrong course in Afghanistan.

Complicated as the Pak-US relationship is, the US ought to recognise that Pakistan is locked in a long-term fight against militancy — a fight that aligns with US interests — and that Pakistan, a country of 200 million with a growing economy, is an important country to maintain relations with in its own right.

Reviving the ‘do more’ mantra runs the risk of Pakistani policymakers saying ‘no more’ in response — an outcome that can and should be avoided.

Cheers

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 29 Jun 2017 16:25

KJo wrote:
Gagan wrote:Poor girl

Ironic thing is subjugated women are among the first ones to defend Islam. Among my WA High school group, the hijabi types living in ME are the most jihadi.

That is because they are dumb. They are delibrately kept dumb, without the ability of independent thought or ability to analyze. If they could, the first question they would have would be about the mullas and the mards misogyny.

My personal experience, Paki origin women who grew up in the middle east are more viscious and bigoted. Atleast some out of Pakistan hate their country of origin enough to balance that out, but then my sample size is extremely small, and I am no expert on Paki wimmens in the world

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 29 Jun 2017 16:30

Parachinar Shias Reject Ganja's ( Empty !) Gestures .

Tribal elders reject PM's compensation package for Parachinar bombing victims

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday announced Rs1 million as compensation for each family of the victims of the recent Parachinar bombing attack, which claimed at least 72 lives. The prime minister also announced Rs0.5 million for each person injured in the blasts, according to a statement issued from the Prime Minister House. The premier has already issued directions to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zafar Iqbal Jhagra in this regard, read the statement. However, protesting tribal elders have rejected the offered compensation, saying that they need to be recognised as human beings first. The compensation was announced six days after the bombing. As they say, too little too late ! IMO, Ganja Sharif's whole "body language" , even when he was forced to come to Bahawalpur- having been "disturbed" from his London Eid holidays - reeked of a man, "not quite there" with the Sunni victims !. So the Shias of Parachinar were right in rejecting this money six days after the tragedy

A large number of people have been holding a sit-in at Shaheed Park, Parachinar for the last seven days to protest what they see as government inaction after the bombings. Several other protest demonstrations have also been held across the country, seeking justice and compensation for the victims' families. Based on what happened here, it can confidently be said that Shias and Sunnis are not treated equally in Pakiland !

On Monday, the prime minister had cut short a trip to London to visit Bahawalpur, where 150 people had lost their lives after the spilled fuel they were collecting from an overturned oil tanker caught fire. The premier had announced government jobs for the injured and the heirs of the deceased, along with Rs1 million in aid for each of those injured and Rs2mn each for the heirs of those killed.
The protesters have been demanding jobs and compensation on a par with what Prime Minister Sharif announced for the people killed in Bahawalpur.

Not going to happen !

On March 31 this year, the city had suffered a similar tragedy when 23 people were killed in a car bomb blast near an Imambargah at midday. More than 70 others were wounded in the attack. Another person had died later after security forces opened fire on a crowd trying to hold a demonstration in front of the political agent’s office in protest against increasing terrorist attacks.In January, 25 people were killed and 87 others suffered injuries when a bomb went off during peak business hours at a crowded vegetable market in the city. In what appeared to be a sign of growing cooperation among extremists, two banned groups had come forward to claim the deadly assault, with one describing the incident as a suicide attack.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 29 Jun 2017 17:19

" Eid Celebrations?" End On A Tragic Note .

11 dead as chairlift falls in Murree

At least 11 people including woman and children died after a chairlift fell into ditch near Charra Pani in Murree. According to 1122, the dolly lift was carrying 12 people as two injured have been shifted to the Holy Family Hospital. “Nine men, one woman and a child died in the accident,” 1122 spokesperson stated. The reports suggested that lift was made by local people ( in a back-alley karkhana ) for mean of transportation. The lift was for six people but there were 12 people on it at the time of accident. Where are the so-called "Safety Inspectors "- if they are any !!!. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the accident and ordered the relevant authorities to present report. Furthermore, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the authorities to take care of the injured. It has been "hell" this Eid for Ganja and his whole family ! First the "horror" of a "Mughal Emperor" hauled in for questioning by the so-called JIT; secondly, the cutting short of a shopping cum Eid Holiday in Londonistan ; then the rejection by the Shias of Parachinar by the token gesture of compensation !!!!

Bart S · Post by **Bart S** » 29 Jun 2017 18:54

Peregrine wrote:Pakistan-US ties

THE devastating attacks in Parachinar and Quetta have bloodily underlined an inarguable reality: Pakistan needs the support of its allies and friends in the fight against militancy.

Pakis never cease to amaze with their sheer levels of shamelessness.

This is like Ramsay Bolton claiming that everyone should ally with him because of the presence of aggressive hounds in the neighborhood.

Also, its pretty obvious from the tone of the article that it is a lecture/message targeted at specific people in the US akin to the idiotic rants in Global Times.