Social Media Hype: Girl Accuses In-Laws of Making her Fake Profile

KARACHI: A few weeks after a kidnapping of a student by his Facebook ‘friend’, the social media site has made headlines yet again as a girl accused her in-laws of making a fake ID to defame her.

A*, a young lady who claimed to be a brilliant student and a frequent user of the social networking website Facebook, went to the Sindh High Court so that the relevant authorities can be asked to delete her allegedly fake profile page from the site.

Narrating A’s story, Muneer Ahmed Khan, her lawyer, said that A was engaged to her relative but before the wedding could take place, she said her fiancé’s brother created a Facebook account by her name.

Whoever was operating the fake account had obtained her personal pictures and shared it for public viewing, her lawyer told the judges. Showing a bunch of photocopies of the allegedly fake page, the lawyer said that the account holder had posted a lot of immoral and unethical pictures “just to defame the petitioner and create hurdles in her marriage”. The lawyer claimed that his client felt as if she has lost her reputation and the integrity of her family.

A* lodged several complaints with the law enforcing agencies but they did not bother to take action against the accused, the lawyer said. In order to get the fake page deleted, two applications were also submitted to the PTA but they did not act either, he added.

After the initial hearing, the bench – headed by Justice Ahmed Ali M. Sheikh – issued notices to the respondents to submit their replies by July 9. The judges asked the lawyer to also convince them if the plea is even maintainable.

Via – Globally True

Budget 2013-14: More ‘Business Friendly’ than People Friendly

The first Rs 3.6 trillion budget of Nawaz Sharif government, presented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the national assembly within a week of the government formation, appears more ‘business friendly’ than people friendly.

The electorate that voted Nawaz Sharif to power might not easily accept additional burden of price increases through the increase in General Sales Tax (GST) by one per cent to 17 per cent. Their reaction will set the tone of debate in the National Assembly.

The budget, if approved in the current form, may boost investment, revive growth and enable Pakistan to qualify for the IMF loan facility as it meets pre-conditions of the key donor. The man on the street, however, might find the year ahead more challenging economically as his real income declines because of the inflationary impact of the taxation measures proposed.

The government in its first defining policy move proposed people to endure the pain of adjustments now, to enjoy gains of growth later. For economic stabilisation the budget 2014 increases the GST to 17 per cent and revises upward the income tax rates, among other measures that could hit the masses.

The corporate Pakistan, which has been reluctant to invest in the country all through Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) rule during past five years resulting in depressed three per cent average growth, has been cultivated by revising downward the corporate tax rate by one per cent from 35 to 34 per cent with promise of decreasing it to 30 per cent in four years. It will increase corporate profits by neat one per cent in the next fiscal.

The government looks keen to revive the confidence of the big business to induce them to move ahead with aggressive investment plans they have been holding back for better times. “For the big boys of business in Pakistan future has arrived,” commented an analyst.

The budget is a typical PML-N document reflecting its economic philosophy of an unfettered market economy, it speaks of homework the party must have done long before assuming power as the document does not seem to be prepared in haste. It has all those signature initiatives that are considered hallmarks of Sharif’s rule in Pakistan.

There are all kinds of low ticket initiatives for public consumption (youth internship, micro credit, income support, technical training, laptop distribution, etc) but the focus of the development budget would be on infrastructure projects (motorways and railways).

“The budget package if endorsed by the parliament will infuse confidence in the private sector that already see Nawaz Sharif as champion of market economy. I will not be surprised if by the end of the fiscal Pakistan surpasses the growth target as public and private sector investment gain steam” a senior business leader told Dawn.com over telephone.

FM Ishaq Dar proposed upward revision in GST from 16 to 17 per cent on the floor of the assembly. It would make all products dearer by at least the same percentage, though the price spiral often enhance the impact of inflationary measures and lead to more than proportional rise in prices.

He projected to chop circular debt of energy sector to reduce by as much as about half of current Rs500 billion in 60 days. It was, however, not clear thus far how he intends to do that.

The budget assumes to cover the revenue shortfall through foreign inflows. The details of sources of these inflows are not clear.

There seems to be meek effort to encourage documentation by introducing tax incentive of two per cent for firms dealing with registered suppliers and distributors.

“The budget is in line with corporate sector expectations. It will improve the business environment as the government has respected IMF’s advice and is targeting to bring the deficit down from current 8.8 to 6.3 per cent by the end of next fiscal year, a reduction of exactly 2.5 per cent suggested,” Sayem Ali, Standard Chartered spokesperson on economic policy said commenting on the budget.

“Market will cheer cut in corporate tax rate. The GST revision will not affect companies as they will pass it on to consumers. All in the entire budget 2013 is good news for the capital market,” he added.

Via – Globally True

UN Officials Pay Tribute to Pakistani Peacekeepers

NEW YORK: Top UN officials on Tuesday paid high tributes to Pakistani peacekeepers for their service under the UN flag-in hot spots around the world, saying they had made valuable contribution in maintaining peace as also helping families and communities suffering from war.

Harve Ladsous, Undersecretary General for Peacekeeping, and Ameerah Haq, Undersecretary General for Field Support, also honoured the sacrifices of those Pakistani peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price over the years in serving the cause of peace over the years. They were speaking at a largely-attended function held at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations to commemorate Pakistan Peacekeepers Day. The day marks the June 5, 1993 incident in Somalia when 24 Pakistani peacekeepers laid down their lives while rescuing allied forces in Mogadishu.

On that day, 19 US troops also lost their lives. In his brief remarks, Ladsous said he had personally met brave Pakistani men and women who serve in some of the UN’s toughest missions. With over 8,000 personnel, Pakistanis are among the highest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. He said United Nations and Pakistan a “great partnership” in the field of peacekeeping. Earlier, Pakistan UN Ambassador Masood Khan, who hosted the event, said, “The heroes who fell on June 5 speak for the United Nations and UN peacekeeping. They speak for us all. They speak for our commitment to global peace and security, over and above everything.”

The Pakistani envoy said, “Those fallen heroes must be happy up in the heavens, or wherever, to know that Somalia has bounced back to statehood and stability. Those heroes, whom we remember today, personify and represent the spirit of Pakistan. We send peacekeepers to difficult missions because we believe in the core function of the United Nations: the maintenance of peace and security in the world.”

“Our peacekeepers, as part of the UN family, bring peace, keep peace, and build peace. They prevent drift to conflict. They heal wounds and help communities stand back on their feet. They do so out of conviction to serve humanity beyond the call of duty. To commemorate this day, we have all of you.”

The function was attended by heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations, senior UN officials and journalists.

UNHCR Chief ‘Profoundly Disturbed’ on Use of Armed Drones

GENEVA: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, on Monday spoke out against the use of armed drones.

In her statement on the opening day of the 23rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Pillay said she was “profoundly disturbed at the human rights implications of the use of armed drones in the context of counter-terrorism and military operations”.

The High Commissioner’s statement echoed Pakistan’s long held position that drone strikes are counter-productive.

Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated this point in his statement and said that Pakistan has been making a similar argument for many years.

The ambassador stated, “We have heard statements revising such tactics but we have heard such claims before – only to be negated by contrary actions.”

He went on to make a reference to the recent judgement passed by the Peshawar High Court, terming the use of drones to be a violation of international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The High Commissioner also criticised the failure of the US to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention center and said that “measures that violate human rights did not uproot terrorism; they nurture it”.

Pak Army’s Contribution in Socio-Economic Development of Balochistan

Area wise largest province of Pakistan, Balochistan, is suffering from political and law & order instability. The land of Balochistan is very fertile and full of natural resources. The instability of Balochistan causes destruction to Baloch people as well as to the whole nation and their interests are at risk. Pakistan Army is playing most important role in development of Balochistan and trying to console the local people of Balochistan by providing them education, job opportunities, giving them technical training, broadening their views, improving law and order situation and is doing great efforts bring peace and stability in Balochistan.

The Armed Forces have started a massive awareness campaign and concession package all over the province. Thousands of the Baloch youth appeared for the recruitment in various Army recruitment centers. The development and prosperity of Balochistan will contribute towards a peaceful and progressive Pakistan, and the Army would continue to play its part in the security of the country, said Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during his visited Sui Cantonment. He inaugurated Military College and also announced establishment of Education City in Sui. The Governor and the Chief Minister Balochistan inaugurated Academic Block and Hostel of Balochistan Public School, Sui respectively. A large number of parliamentarians, Baloch tribal elders, military officials and locals were present at the occasion. The governor and the Chief Minister Balochistan appreciated the efforts of the Army in bringing education and social development to remote areas of Balochistan.

In his address, the COAS spoke about various projects initiated by the Pakistan Army, with the support of locals and the provincial government. In the education field, he said that presently 22,786 Baloch students are studying in the Army- and Frontier Corps-run educational institutions. In addition, 4,268 Baloch students are benefitting from Chamlang Beneficiary Education Programme, whereas 662 Baloch students are studying in reputed institutions of other provinces.

To enhance technical skills of Baloch youth for better job opportunities, Balochistan Institute of Technical Education (BITE) managed by the Pakistan Army, has thus far trained 1,673 individuals. In this regard, Gwadar Institute of Technical Education will also start functioning soon. The Chief of Army Staff General Kayani hoped that establishment of Education City at Sui will open new avenues for the development and prosperity in remote areas of Balochistan. With regards to Army’s contributions in development of other social sectors in Balochistan, the chief of army staff mentioned about Chamlang Project which created job opportunities for approximately 74,052 locals. Besides, a 50 bed hospital is being constructed at Sui under Army’s supervision and with the support of Pakistan Petroleum Limited, to improve health facilities in the area.

The process of national integration indeed includes; achieving national cohesion, stability, prosperity, strength, and feelings of being united as a nation. On the footsteps of Pak Army, if other federal institutions also provide job opportunities to the poor youth of Balochistan, the grievances of the Baloch people would be redressed largely.

Pakistan Army is providing better health facilities to Baloch people. Pakistan Army has established free medical camps in different areas of Balochistan. Medical, food and shelter assistance is afforded by Pakistan Army to different natural disasters like earthquake and flood affected areas. Pakistan Army has started many long term development projects in Balochistan; some have been completed while others are still in under progress, after the loyal contribution of Pakistan Army, Balochistan is having rapid social and economic development.

This indeed is a great service Pakistan Army is doing for the people of Baloch and rising of Balochistan.

India’s State Funeral For Its State Killer

Indian government went brazen and Indian media went shameless when they went heads over heels to portray Sarabjit Singh, a State terrorist of the State of India, who killed 14 innocent Pakistani in first degree terrorism and was convicted by Supreme Court for this heinous crime. The Indian government ended by giving a State funeral to this terrorist and he was criminated with a Guard of Honor as if he was a National Hero of India.

At that very stage, if once it is put aside that Sarabjit was a terrorist who killed 14 innocent Pakistanis or if he was simple citizen of India who innocently crossed over to Pakistan, what makes him a National Hero of India and what justifies a Stet funeral and Guard of Honor to his dead body? It is also argued that what was Sarabjit Singh’s contribution to the Indian nation and Indian nation that could earn him a status of National Hero of India on the earth? But neither did the Indian government, not the India media and a rather ‘VIBRANT’ India media could give any answer to this query.

In the process, a Pakistani prisoner, Sanaullah was attacked in a planned manner in a prison under Indian government’s control and was subsequently killed. Sanaullah, like many other Indian ad Pakistani prisoners in each there’s prisons, was going through the sentence for the crime of crossing over the border unintentionally. He was charged with the offenses of crossing over illegally and also for espionage which is a routine in such cases in India and Pakistan both.

Pakistan government has shown a greater maturity and sensibility instead of following the ridiculous and outrageous immaturity and insensibility that the Indian government showed in Sarabjit Singh episode. The Pakistan government is expected to act with the traditional maturity and sensibility in such cases. We also expect that both the Indian and Pakistani governments would try to refrain from what they did in Sarabjit and Sanaullah episodes and would send messages of being good and matured neighbors across the world in future.

Pak-Afghan Stability Is Inter-Related

Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani held talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on April 24, this year in Brussels in a meeting hosted by the US Secretary of State John Kerry aimed at easing tensions over border disputes and the stalled peace process.

Recently, tension arose between Pakistan and Afghanistan when Kabul blamed Islamabad for mortar attacks and construction of security wall inside Afghanistan including deployment of Pakistani soldiers across the Pak-Afghan border.

On the other side, Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Office and Army Spokesman Maj-Gen. Asim Bajwa strongly rejected Afghan allegations regarding any intrusion near the Pak-Afghan border.

Reliable sources suggest that Kerry failed to bridge the differences between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has always cooperated with Afghanistan for peace and stability, but the repeated rhetoric of Karzai accusing Islamabad of facilitating the extremist elements has been vitiating the atmosphere.

In fact, Karzai’s accusations are not new ones because he has always followed the US blame game against Pakistan. While ignoring the responsibilities of the US-led NATO countries, in the past few years, especially US civil and military high officials have repeatedly been emphasising Pakistan to ‘do more’ against the militancy in the tribal regions in order to stop cross-border infiltration in Afghanistan.

In this regard, the then US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta allegedly said on June 7, last year that the US was reaching the limits of its patience with Pakistan due to safe havens, “the country offered to insurgents in neighbouring Afghanistan.”

Having failed in coping with the Afghan Taliban and to pacify their public, particularly, US has shifted the blame game towards Pakistan for incursion of militants in Afghanistan. In fact, Afghanistan is responsible for cross-border terrorism in Pakistan.

Since April, 2011, some 200 to 400 heavily-armed insurgents from Afghanistan’s side entered Pakistan’s region from time to time, targeting the security check posts and other infrastructure. They also killed many innocent people. Notably, on August 27, 2012, some 300 militants attacked seven paramilitary check posts in Pakistan’s district of Chitral, killing more than 30 personnel of the security forces. Besides, around 400 Taliban militants who came from Afghanistan side attacked two security posts outside Peshawar on December 27, 2012. They killed 2 soldiers and kidnapped 22 Levies personnel whose dumped bodies were found. On June 24, more than 400 hundred militants, entered Pakistan’s region of Dir, and attacked two check posts of the security forces, while bloody clashes between the intruders and Pak Army continued for two days, which resulted in martyrdom of 12 Pakistani troops, beheaded by the Afghan miscreants. So far, these terrorists have killed more than 100 personnel of Pakistan’s security forces.

In this respect, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership lodged a strong protest with their counterparts in Afghanistan and NATO, saying that their forces were doing nothing to check the activities of the insurgents, based in the Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. Afghan government also refused to hand over Maulvi Fazlullah, leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants who have been conducting subversive acts in Pakistan. TTP has also accelerated terror-attacks to sabotage the forthcoming elections in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in his meetings with the then US commander General John Allen on June 27, 2012 and with the new NATO/ISAF commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Joseph F Dunford on April 1, this year, Gen. Kayani asked them to stop cross-border incursions from Afghanistan.

The way the Afghan militants are challenging a highly professional Pak Army by cross- border attacks is enough to prove that US with the assistance of secret agencies such as American CIA, Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad which have well-established their collective network in Afghanistan is fully backing these incursions to destabilise Pakistan.

For the purpose, Afghanistan has become a hub of anti-Pakistan activities from where these external secret agencies are also sending logistic support to Baloch separatist elements to dismember Pakistan in order to obtain the secret strategic designs of the US, India and Israel against China and Iran. Besides martyring several personnel of security agencies in Balochistan, these foreign-backed entities kidnapped and massacred many innocent people who include teachers, professors, lawyers, Shias etc.

Notably, in the recent years, a series of international conferences were held so as to bring stability and peace in Afghanistan before the foreign troops commence withdrawal from that country in 2013, which would be completed in 2014. NATO has started moving its equipments via Pakistani route. US-led developed nations also pledged billions of dollars for the development of Afghanistan.

While, American top officials have repeatedly agreed that without the help of Islamabad, stability cannot be achieved in Afghanistan. Pakistan has also been facilitating US-backed dialogue with the Afghan Taliban, which has now been suspended.

With the cooperation of President Karzai and Afghan secret agency Khad, and by manipulating US faulty strategy and double game with Islamabad, while availing the opportunity of lawlessness in Afghanistan, especially RAW has been implementing a plot to fulfill Indian strategic designs against Iran, China and particularly Pakistan. In this regard, Pakistan’s inauguration of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project with Iran, and handing over the control of Gwader seaport to China have irked the eyes of US and India.

However, India which has already invested billion of dollars in Afghanistan, signed a wide-ranging strategic agreement with that country on October 5, 2011 also includes to help train Afghan security forces, while assisting Kabul in diversified projects. Overtly, it is open strategic agreement, but covertly, India seeks to further strengthen its grip in Afghanistan to get strategic depth against Islamabad.

Regarding Indian activities in Afghanistan the then NATO commander, Gen. McChrystal had pointed out: “Indian political and economic influence is increasing in Afghanistan…is likely to exacerbate regional tensions.” In the recent past, US Senator John McCain reminded the Obama administration that encouraging India to take a more active role in Afghanistan, while simultaneously criticising Pakistan could be a recipe for disaster.

As a matter of fact, India wants instability in Afghanistan, which favours its clandestine aims against Pakistan. But Pakistan seeks stability in Afghanistan, which is not possible owing to Indian presence there. Hence, Pakistan has legitimate concerns in Afghanistan.

Nonetheless, in the post-2014 scenario, despite the presence of American troops on small scale, New Delhi which has been assisting the Northern Alliance against the Afghan militants will not be in a position to maintain its network due to successful guerrilla warfare of the Taliban. Afghanistan will be thrown in an era of uncertainty and civil war. In that drastic situation, foreign donors will not be able to sustain their economic aid in that lawless country.

So, by showing realistic approach, US and other western countries should realise that unlike India, Pakistan shares common geographical, historical, religious and cultural bonds with Afghanistan, while Pak-Afghan stability is inter-related, which is essential for their global and regional interests. Especially, America must abandon its faulty strategy in this region and double game with Islamabad, and must check Indian secret strategy against Pakistan as well as Afghanistan.