PakMonitor - News Around The Globe : 14 august

Tsunami can even storm into PM house: Imran Khan

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<b>ISLAMABAD: 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan Saturday said enthusiasm
 can be contained only to a certain limit and warned that his Tsunami 
can even storm into the Parliament House and Prime Minister House.</b><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblNewsDetailMain"><br />
“Mian
 sahab I am telling you to step down. I have been controlling the gusto 
of the marchers but the control also has a limit,” he warned while 
addressing the participants of his Azadi March here.<br />
<br />
Earlier, he congratulated the participants of the Azadi March, saying the first wicket had been blown away.<br />
<br />
“I
 had told the people of Lahore before embarking on Azadi March that I 
will return victorious,” Imran Khan clad in black shalwar kameez said to
 the cheering crowd.<br />
<br />
Without taking any names, he said, in
 a clear reference to Shahbaz Sharif that FIR is about to be lodged 
against the ‘small pharaoh’ in connection with Model Town tragedy.<br />
<br />
Earlier
 today a sessions court held the Punjab government responsible for the 
killings of people in Lahore’s Model Town incident.<br />
<br />
“Once 
the real story behind election rigging comes to the fore it will also 
throw the future of ‘big pharaoh’ in the oblivion of darkness,” the PTI 
chief said amid vociferous slogans of ‘go Nawaz go’. <br />
<br />
He said tonight the PTI will celebrate the independence of Pakistan.<br />
<br />
Imran Khan gave a choice to the marchers to go and rest in their homes tonight, saying, ‘I will spend the night here’</span>

Tsunami can even storm into PM house: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan Saturday said enthusiasm can be contained only to a certain limit and warned that his Tsunami can even storm into the Parliament House an…

16 Aug 2014

How Pakistanis see their country today - A Complete servey

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<br />
August 14 is an auspicious day for Pakistan, the day when our country
 gained its independence from British rule. But how many Pakistanis know
 how Independence Day came about? <br />
The new generation has just 
perfunctory knowledge of the sacrifices that were made to gain the 
country. With the exception of students of history and political science
 and those who would be considered senior citizens, the majority know 
little of the efforts that went into making Pakistan.<br />
The reasons for the creation of Pakistan are crystal clear. <br />
As
 the 19th century ended, Muslims of India found themselves in a 
depressive state. Events of several preceding decades, and the 
marginalization of the community by the new rulers of India had put them
 in a very disadvantageous situation. The marginalized Muslims began to 
notice Hindus occupying positions of strength over them. They sought a 
forum whereby they could voice their grievances and seek rights.<br />
In
 response to this desire the All India Muslim League was formed in 1906.
 This was to be the voice of the Muslims and its primary objective was 
to gain the rights of the Indian Muslims.<br />
On August 14, 1947, the 
dream finally became a reality. It took over a million Muslim lives to 
create the homeland for the Muslims. Both the Hindus and the Sikhs went 
on a killing spree indulging in wanton destruction and looting of 
property of the Muslims. Their behaviour vindicated the demand for a 
Muslim nation. <br />
The matter, of course, did not end here. <br />
The
 Indian government of the day, which was drawn from the Congress Party, 
was using other methods to nullify the creation of Pakistan. It held 
back the military stores due to the new nation. More than that, it held 
back the finances which were rightly Pakistan’s share.<br />
<hr />
<h4>
Shaharyar, student, 14 years — “I do not have any knowledge about 
the Pakistan Movement and neither the reasons leading to the creation of
 Pakistan. But I do know that Pakistan is in a bad situation and needs 
good leadership to get out of it”</h4>
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The Indian government felt that without finances the Pakistan 
government would not be able to function and would seek reunion with 
India. In that case, Pakistan’s return would be accepted on India’s 
terms. However, this Indian hope was dashed by the generous intervention
 of the Nizam of Hyderabad who loaned Rs. 2 billion to the government of
 Pakistan. In addition, Habib Bank, which had shifted its headquarters 
from Mumbai to Karachi, also loaned Rs. 48 crores. This was a handsome 
amount in 1947. <br />
With the help of the infusion of these finances, 
the government functioned and grew, enabling Pakistan to survive those 
crucial early days. It has come a long way since then. Nevertheless, the
 Indian machinations against Pakistan continued unabated which resulted 
in the breakaway of the Eastern wing in 1971. The country survived that 
trauma and continues to function.<br />
Senior citizens have some 
knowledge of the Pakistan Movement which is not surprising. Some lived 
in the time when the matter was still fresh and were also able to get 
first hand information. However, with the passage of time, the new 
generation has only scant knowledge about the subject. This reflects 
inadequate educational curriculum as well as sub-standard level of 
teaching in schools. <br />
In any case, all the people who were 
interviewed, irrespective of age, were unanimous in their view that 
Pakistan was experiencing major difficulties which have to be addressed 
and if remedial action was not taken very soon it could harm the 
integrity of the country.<br />
Sixty-eight years later where does the 
country stand? It is interesting to know the views of some Pakistanis 
belonging to different age groups.<br />
<strong>Syed Nadeem Ahmad - 51 years.</strong>
 “The creation of Pakistan was necessary. Initially, the country showed 
much cohesiveness. People, irrespective of ethnicity, were drawn to each
 other. There was a feeling of nationhood and everybody took pride in 
being a Pakistani. That, however, changed over the years. In the early 
days life was simple and there was much happiness. Peopled looked after 
each other. The government functioned well and the bureaucracy showed 
fair responsibility. There was corruption, but it was not rife. Things 
began to change in the ‘70s and became worse in the ‘80s. The country, 
instead of making progress went into a downward spiral, economically and
 politically. Despite these drawbacks, there was faith in the people 
that the country would return to the right path.<br />
“The return of 
the democratic government in 1988 did not help at all. At best, it was a
 farce. Neither party would not let the other function and complete its 
term. As a result democracy suffered and eventually paved the way for 
the army to take over. Gen. Musharraf succeeded in stabilizing the 
economy and seemed to give good direction to the country. Nevertheless, 
democracy must rule, but for that good leaders are needed and they are 
nowhere to be found.”<br />
  <br />
<strong>Siraj Ali — 71 years.</strong>
 “I was about four years old when my parents left India. I don’t 
remember the journey from India’s Lucknow in U.P., and know only what my
 father and uncles have related. They talked of fear of Hindu mob 
attacks in Lucknow. Then on the way, the Sikhs were playing the role of 
butchers. I recall early difficult days in Karachi. Then things began to
 improve as time went on. From a jhuggi (hut) we moved to a proper house
 located in what was then called ‘Lalu Khet’. I attended a government 
school and did my matriculation. After that I joined my father’s 
business selling crockery in a shop. The business was reasonably good. 
People were generally happy. Trouble started in the late ‘60s, as a 
movement developed to oust Ayub Khan. His successor didn’t stay long 
enough, but his rule did cause a massive upheaval in the country’s 
politics. There was a war and a big part of Pakistan broke away.<br />
“I
 blame the government in the ‘70s which started the country’s decline 
including its unity. It introduced corruption and lawlessness on a large
 scale. It was from then on that things began to turn for the worse and 
have continued their downward spiral. I am happy that Pakistan was 
created. I fear that unless the rising trend in corruption and 
lawlessness is not arrested it will endanger Pakistan’s existence.”<br />
  <br />
<strong>Mohammad Hassan Abid, student - 21 years.</strong>
 “I was never a serious student so I have little knowledge about the 
Pakistan Movement and whatever I know about it was through school 
lessons, the print media and radio and talk shows on TV. But I do 
believe that Quaid-e-Azam was an able leader. He had the ability to take
 on the British and the Indian Congress and fight for Pakistan and he 
won in the end.<br />
“I also feel that Liaquat Ali Khan should have 
visited the USSR instead of going to the USA as the latter is 
responsible for Pakistan’s current deplorable situation. Ayub Khan’s 
tenure gave the country not only economic stability but also resulted in
 the development of industries, agriculture and trade. I blame West 
Pakistan for the secession of East Pakistan. Mr Bhutto’s foreign 
policies were good but his domestic and economic policies weren’t. I 
blame the Afghan War for the current security problems the country is 
facing. I also condemn the politics that Nawaz Sharif and Benazir 
indulged in during the 1990s. Musharraf’s rule brought Pakistan some 
stability and it seemed that Pakistan would finally make some progress. 
The government of Mr Zardari introduced corruption on a large scale. His
 tenure was dismal. Hopes were tied with Nawaz Sharif. So far he has 
proven to be a disappointment. I feel that Pakistan holds many promises.
 If ably led, it can make tremendous progress.”<br />
  <br />
<strong>Ali bin Mushtaq, student - 16 years.</strong>
 “The reasons that led to Pakistan’s creation was due to Hindu-Muslim 
conflict. Beyond that I have no knowledge of Pakistan’s history nor have
 any desire to study about the Pakistan Movement. I accept that Pakistan
 has a bright future but corrupt leaders are stopping that progress. I 
am not very optimistic about Pakistan’s future if the current situation 
persists.<br />
  <br />
<strong>Shaharyar, student - 14 years.</strong>
 “I do not have any knowledge about the Pakistan Movement and neither 
the reasons leading to the creation of Pakistan. But I do know that 
Pakistan is in a bad situation and needs good leadership to get out of 
it, as I hear grown ups talking about it, but I am optimistic. I feel 
that things will turn out all right for Pakistan.”<br />
  <br />
<strong>Atiya Fatima, housewise - 65 years.</strong>
 “I consider myself a proud Pakistani and am very happy that I was born 
in this country. I have lived all my life in Karachi and have had a 
happy childhood. Life was simple yet full of happiness. Karachi did not 
have many of the facilities that exist today, yet people were happy. 
Everyone ate well and looked after one another. Relations, neighbours 
and friends - they were all caring.<br />
“All that changed when the 
Bhutto government took over. His rule saw the rise in corruption, a 
malady that has become worse overtime. Lawlessness, too, has become 
worse over time. As a result, the country and the city of Karachi are 
not making any progress. The intellectuals and professionals are being 
compelled to leave the country. This country was built in the name of 
Islam. In reality, the country has gone off course and is doing 
everything prohibited by Islam. The feelings of disunity abound and this
 can lead to the disintegration of the country. Only a leader of great 
stature can save the country and he is nowhere to be seen. Pakistan was a
 beautiful idea, but now I fear for its existence.”<br />
  <br />
<strong>Mohammad Hyder Khan - 75 years.</strong>
 “My family migrated in 1948. My father was a civilian working for the 
Indian army and had opted for Pakistan. We lived in a small flat in Lea 
Market. It was a different place then, not a squalor locality that it 
has now become. I got my education at Sindh Madrassahtul Islam school. 
While the essentials of today may have been missing then, one very 
important element existed in those days which was love and affection and
 caring of neighbours, friends and relatives, irrespective of religious 
or ethnic background. People met with sincere feelings and came to each 
other’s help when needed. Ethnicity was introduced by Ayub Khan in the 
1964 elections. Ayub was displeased with Karachi as the city voted for 
Fatima Jinnah. But Ayub’s first five years were probably the best and 
Pakistan did well. In his last five years he was surrounded by 
sycophants and they destroyed him.<br />
“Bhutto’s nationalization 
policies destroyed whatever the country had built up. His educational 
policies did much harm to the country as well. The quality of education 
has not recovered since then. His foreign policy was brilliant. Equally 
brilliant was the way he got Pakistan the nuclear technology. Zia ul Haq
 helped defeat the USSR and thus freed the Muslim Central Asian 
Republics, but he was so engrossed with the Afghan war that he could not
 launch economic development plans.<br />
“The politics of the ‘90s 
during Benazir and Nawaz Sharif’s rule was disastrous for Pakistan. 
Musharraf’s tenure did give some stability to the country. The economy 
improved and the country seemed to be going in the right direction. 
Zardari introduced corruption on a mega scale. Lawlessness in the 
country and especially Karachi, increased tremendously. Zardari’s term 
of five years has nothing to show. Politically, economically and 
socially, Paksitan is in a mess. The country expected much from Nawaz 
Sharif. So far he has been a big disappointment. We need a leader of 
very high stature in order to get out of this dangerous situation. So 
far it is Divine intervention that has kept the country intact. But, for
 how long.”

How Pakistanis see their country today - A Complete servey

August 14 is an auspicious day for Pakistan, the day when our country gained its independence from British rule. But how many Pakistanis know how Independence Day came about? The new generation ha…

14 Aug 2014

Imran Khan leads Azadi March : Live

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<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblNewsDetailMain"></span><br />
<b>LAHORE/ISLAMABAD:
 Spearheaded by Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Azadi 
March (independence march) has begun its journey from Zaman Park, Lahore
 for its final destination in Islamabad – D Chowk.</b><br />
<br />
<b> Live Updates</b><br />
<br />
12:40 pm: The caravan of leaders and workers of PTI proceeded to Islamabad. The leaders are present inside a secured container.<br />
<br />
12:30
 pm: Imran Khan addressed the people gathered outside his residence in 
Zaman Park, Lahore during which he said that freedom is never offered on
 a platter and has to be snatched.<br />
<br />
“We will free Pakistan from pharaohs,” Khan said.<br />
<br />
The
 PTI chief was accompanied by Sheikh Rashid, Asad Umar, Shah Mehmood 
Qureshi, Arif Alvi, Shireen Mazari, Jehangir Tareen, Shafqat Mehmood and
 Ejaz Chaudhary before heading out from his Zaman Park residence in 
Lahore.<br />
<br />
Before leaving for the long march, the PTI chief 
summoned a meeting at his residence to discuss the further plan of 
action to be taken by the party.<br />
<br />
It may be mentioned that 
the government of Punjab has finally decided not to create hurdles for 
the supporters and workers of PTI who have gathered from all over the 
country to participate in the ‘Azadi March’ towards the federal capital 
on the Independence Day today.<br />
<br />
The sources, on the other 
hand, told that the workers of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) will not
 be allowed to leave Model Town to participate in the long march, and 
whoever will defy the orders will be dealt with iron hands. However, 
they are allowed to protest outside their secretariat, sources added.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x23nfpm" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23nfpm_imran-khan-leads-azadi-march-14-aug-2014_news" target="_blank">Imran Khan leads Azadi March-14 Aug 2014</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/GeoNews" target="_blank">GeoNews</a></i><br />
<i><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblNewsDetailMain"></span></i><br />
<i>Also, the 
government of Punjab has finally decided not to create hurdles for the 
supporters and workers of PTI who have gathered from all over the 
country to participate in the long march towards the federal capital on 
the Independence Day today.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The PTI workers and 
sympathizers are marching towards Islamabad, dubbing it as ‘Azadi March’
 against the rigging in the general elections of May 2013 and are 
demanding the current government to step down. </i><br />

Imran Khan leads Azadi March : Live

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Spearheaded by Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Azadi March (independence march) has begun its journey from Zaman Park, Lahore for its final destination in Islamaba…

14 Aug 2014

Google celebrates Pakistan Independence Day 2014 with a doodle

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<br />
<b>New Delhi:</b> Celebrating the 68th Independence of Pakistan, 
Google has posted a doodle on the Pakistan homepage. The doodle features
 the blooming flower-shaped Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Pakistan. 
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument that represents the 
country's four provinces and three territories. 
<br />
Before an architect was finalised to design this monument, a 
competition was held among notable architects of that time. And in the 
end, Arif Masood's plan was selected for the final design.
<br />
The four main petals of the Pakistan Monument represent the four 
provinces  -Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh - while 
the three smaller petals represent the three territories - 
Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal 
Areas.

Google celebrates Pakistan Independence Day 2014 with a doodle

New Delhi: Celebrating the 68th Independence of Pakistan, Google has posted a doodle on the Pakistan homepage. The doodle features the blooming flower-shaped Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Pakista…

14 Aug 2014

Islamabad braces for protest marches as Pakistan celebrates independence

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As <a class="storyTags" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Pakistan </a>celebrated
 its 68th Independence Day Thursday, supporters of the Pakistan 
Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) parties remained 
determined to march towards Islamabad.<br />

The marches have been called to protest against alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections, Dawn online reported.<br />

According to officials, parts of <a class="storyTags" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Islamabad </a>have been blocked off by placing containers on the road. <br />

Cellular phone services also remain suspended in the city, the officials said.<br />

The developments come as the Lahore High Court has maintained that the 
two parties should not continue with their course of agitation and the 
government has begun taking steps to establish a judicial commission to 
investigate alleged malpractices in the 2013 polls.<br />

Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain hoisted the national flag at an Independence Day ceremony in the Presidency.<br />

The president was flanked by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Raheel Sharif on the occasion.<br />

During the ceremony, a one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to
 soldiers who died in the ongoing Zarb-i-Azb military operation against 
militants in the country's north-west.

Islamabad braces for protest marches as Pakistan celebrates independence

As Pakistan celebrated its 68th Independence Day Thursday, supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) parties remained determined to march towards Islamabad. …

13 Aug 2014

Pakistan Celebrating Independence Day in Sri Lanka

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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The High 
Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka 
celebrated the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan, Thursday (14) with 
traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic 
progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />The High Commissioner of the Islamic
 Republic Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi hoisted the 
national flag of Pakistan in an impressive ceremony at the Pakistan High
 Commission in Colombo. Subsequently, the messages of the President and 
the Prime Minster of Pakistan were read out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />The President of the Islamic 
Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain in his message said that the 
Independence Day is the most auspicious occasion in our national 
calendar as it not only reminds us of the great sacrifices of our 
forefathers that were made for securing our socio-economic, religious 
and cultural freedom but it also provides us an opportunity to reiterate
 our pledge to those ideals that led to the creation of an independent 
and sovereign state. This day is an occasion to pay tribute to the 
valiant struggle of all the proponents and workers of Pakistan Movement 
and is also a moment to recognize, honour and appreciate all those sons 
of the soil who have been safeguarding our ideological and geographical 
boundaries. It is also an occasion to reflect on our past, ponder over 
the present and plan for the future”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />In his message, the Prime 
Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said “The Pakistan 
envisioned by the Quaid was to be democratic, moderate and progressive, 
governed by the rule of law and guaranteeing equal rights to all its 
citizens. Sadly, too often in our short and turbulent history, we have 
fallen short of living up to this ideal. So let us, on this day, redeem 
our pledge to build the Quaid's Pakistan. To do this, we must first 
reclaim our country from the forces of darkness and obscurantism. 
Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a step in that direction, and it was a step 
taken with great caution, even reluctance, and only after every other 
option had been exhausted. Operation Zarb-e-Azb is not simply a campaign
 to restore the state's writ to North Waziristan, which had become a 
breeding ground for terrorism and extremism; it is a battle for the soul
 of Pakistan. It is thus the duty of all patriotic Pakistanis to stand 
behind our gallant armed forces as they fight to keep Quaid's Pakistan 
alive. This is not the time to sow doubt and confusion. The stakes are 
simply too high. The need of the hour is for unflinching resolve and 
absolute unity. It is the only language our enemies understand. I have 
no doubt that the people and armed forces of Pakistan will Inshallah 
prevail in this struggle. And our victory would bring Pakistan the peace
 and stability which is a precondition for growth and development”.<br /><br /><br />In
 his message on the occasion, the High Commissioner of Pakistan Maj Gen 
(Retd) Qasim Qureshi said “Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy exceptionally 
cordial and friendly ties. The historical and cultural links between our
 two peoples date back to the time when the Indus Valley and Gandhara 
Civilizations prospered in what is now Pakistan. This exemplary 
relationship having depth, breadth and diversity serves as a beacon for 
other countries of South Asia. We continue to nurture our mutually 
beneficial relations in diverse fields. Exploring ways to broaden as 
well as deepen the economic ties, through enhancement of trade and 
bilateral investments, within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement,
 remains our top most priority. Both our countries face significant 
challenges, at the same time we have tremendous opportunities. This 
mutuality provides a wide canvas for both countries to help and support 
each other, in order to jointly overcome challenges and maximize 
opportunities. <br /><br /><br />Members of the Pakistani community based in 
Sri Lanka, High Commission officials, dignitaries of Sri Lanka and media
 persons attended the ceremony.<br />(KH/MLB)</div>
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Pakistan Celebrating Independence Day in Sri Lanka

The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka celebrated the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan, Thursday (14) with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a …

13 Aug 2014

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