Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Media is "BIASED" against "MQM" & Gog and Magog (يَأْجُوج وَمَأْجُوج‎ )

KARACHI: Former city nazim and MQM leader Mustafa Kamal has said Dr Zulfikar Mirza’s allegations against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and its chief are not PPP’s policy, adding that his party will continue the dialogue with the ruling party on rejoining the government. Talking to a private TV channel on Tuesday night after holding a lengthy press conference, Mr Kamal said President Asif Ali Zardari had advised MQM chief Altaf Hussain not to watch Mr Mirza on television channels. He quoted the president as saying that he himself had been disappointed. He said there was an inbuilt mechanism in the MQM which barred criminals from entering the party which stood for politics of peace and democracy in the country. At the press conference, Mr Kamal severely criticised the media and human rights organisations while responding to former Sindh home minister Dr Mirza’s outburst. He said his party could not be stopped from mainstream national politics merely on the basis of allegations, tricks and biased statements. He did not invite the PPP-led coalition government to intervene, but appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and state institutions and agencies to fairly examine Dr Mirza’s allegations and recent spell of killings in the city and give their opinion. REFERENCE: Mirza’s allegations not PPP policy, says MQM By Mukhtar Alam http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/07/mirzas-allegations-not-ppp-policy-says-mqm.html 

Media is "BIASED" against "MQM" (Aaj Kamran Khan Ke Saath 6th Sept 2011)

URL: http://youtu.be/-Kjt2AL2uSQ

Yajooj Majooj in GEO TV - 1 (Aapas Ki Baat -- 7th Sept 2011)

URL: http://youtu.be/x9xu8MDOTdg

Yajooj Majooj in GEO TV - 2 (Aapas Ki Baat -- 7th Sept 2011)

URL: http://youtu.be/ccZGYzelmHo

Yajooj Majooj in GEO TV - 3 (Aapas Ki Baat -- 7th Sept 2011)

URL: http://youtu.be/XLlR_SdJdqU


Mr Kamal said the elements hatching conspiracies to end the Muttahida and push Muhajirs to the wall should know that the MQM enjoyed the full mandate of people belonging to different ethnic groups and was needed for survival, integrity and independence of the country. “The negative and biased thinking and acts of accusing the MQM and Quaid-i-Tehreek Altaf Hussain of indulging in anti-Pakistan activities should be stopped forthwith in the interest of the country and its people.” Mr Kamal advised workers of his party not to be provoked, but stay united and steadfast as time would once again prove that all allegations against the MQM and its leadership were false and baseless. It was the second press conference by the MQM after Dr Mirza had levelled serious allegations against the United State, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Mr Hussain on August 28. Mr Kamal said the Muttahida had not been prompt or harsh in countering Dr Mirza only in the interest of the province and the country. “We think that a mild and civilised reaction by Faisal Sabzwari on behalf of the MQM was enough to Dr Mirza’s baseless and nonsensical allegations, but unfortunately different quarters, including the media and TV anchorpersons, have been trying to get something out of these,” he added. REFERENCE: Mirza’s allegations not PPP policy, says MQM By Mukhtar Alam http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/07/mirzas-allegations-not-ppp-policy-says-mqm.html 

Capital talk - 7th september 2011 part 1

URL: http://youtu.be/mUzhnsZMlJ8


Accompanied by other members of the coordination committee, including Nasreen Jalil and Dr Sagheer Ahmad, the former city nazim criticised a statement by Dr Mirza that the MQM chief had written a letter to then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2001, saying that his party was ready to bring thousands of people to the streets in his support. Mr Kamal said this was a heinous allegation. The letter was fake and baseless because the address of MQM secretariat in it was Colindale which was incorrect. He also denied allegations mentioned in the alleged letter that the party had sought dismantling of the ISI. “The letter’s genuineness is yet to be proved; it aims at creating misunderstandings about the MQM among sections of Pakistan army.” Mr Kamal said MQM was a patriotic party which believed in security and stability of Pakistan, but it was shameful that uncalled for statements and allegations were being levelled against the party and its chief. If Dr Mirza is so firm in his statements and got firm grounds to prove his allegations he should go to courts instead of resorting to ‘Muhajir bashing’ and telling lies. He asked why was Dr Mirza silent when he being the home minister had reports that MQM’s port and shipping minister was behind the theft of Nato containers. Dr Mirza should have lodged FIRs, instead of making false claims now, he added. REFERENCE: Mirza’s allegations not PPP policy, says MQM By Mukhtar Alam http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/07/mirzas-allegations-not-ppp-policy-says-mqm.html 

Capital talk - 7th september 2011 part 2 - 1 / 2

URL: http://youtu.be/korbuy9epR0


ISLAMABAD: A letter forged by an over-smart opposition leader against Benazir Bhutto 18 years ago, came back to haunt him on Wednesday when the ruling PML used it in an ad campaign against the PPP but in vain. A PPP spokesperson said Benazir Bhutto and the PPP would take firm legal action against the advertisement. The letter, said to have been written by PPP leader Benazir Bhutto to her friend Peter Galbraith in late 1990, was then circulated by the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) to defame Benazir Bhutto before the 1990 elections. The letter was forged by then opposition activist Naveed Malik, who now is an opposition leader. The letter was used on Wednesday by the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in huge half-page ads in different newspapers. A senior marketing expert said at least Rs 5 million was spent on the ad. The letter was first released by Naveed Malik, political adviser to the then Punjab chief minister, with the aim to demoralize PPP voters in the 1990 elections. The PPP lost by a big margin but later the polls were declared as massively rigged. On Wednesday, Malik admitted that the letter had then been forged by the IJI but tried to wriggle out of the blame. He said as the advisor to the chief minister, he was misguided by certain elements working on a mission to damage Benazir's image and to help the IJI. Naveed said in a letter e-mailed to The News that he was suspicious about the integrity of the letter at the time of releasing it to the media. “Later, while investigating the facts, I came to know that there were certain elements working on a project to defame Benazir in the public.” He said that this letter was in the custody of Ghulam Haider Wyne, the then PML provincial chief, in the office record of the PML Lahore, which is now under the control of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. Munawar Anjum, a spokesman of Benazir Bhutto, told The News that Benazir never used letterheads titled "Mrs Benazir Bhutto" as stated on the said letter. He said that the name of Mr Peter Galbraith was deliberately misspelled as Gailbraith in the letter to evade legal action in case Mr Galbraith legally challenged it. Galbraith was also the senior advisor to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1979-1993 and not in the NDI as stated in the forged letter, Munawar further revealed. Munawar also disclosed a very interesting point that the said forged letter was full of grotesque grammatical mistakes, which could not be committed by PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, a former student of Oxford. Munawar told The News that the PPP will take strict legal action against the defamation campaign against Benazir by the PML. REFERENCE: PML ad campaign against Benazir backfires Muhammad Ahmad Noorani Thursday, November 15, 2007 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=11162&Cat=13&dt=11/15/2007 

Capital talk - 7th september 2011 part 2 - 2 / 2

URL: http://youtu.be/Wao4Mr3XNVI


ISLAMABAD: One of the country’s leading spymasters has confirmed to ‘The News’ the authenticity of the alleged letter of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain addressed to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and termed it “true”. The spymaster told this correspondent on condition of not being named that the copy of the letter, which was referred to by Zulfikar Mirza in his recent press conference and is also available on the Internet, is true. The MQM has however already termed the allegations leveled by Mirza baseless and untrue. The copy of the alleged letter shows the MQM Chief Altaf Hussain seeking disbandment of the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) in return to offering his party’s services to ground human intelligence within Pakistan and in Afghanistan for the British and other western intelligence agencies. The alleged letter also sought foreign interference into country’s domestic affairs, political and administrative. The following is the operative part of the alleged letter written on 23rd September 2001 by Altaf Hussain to Tony Blair:

“Hon. Tony Blair M P

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

10 Downing Street

London W1

Dear Prime Minister

Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) categorically stands against all sorts of terrorism, religious fanaticism and violence, and favours genuine democracy.

We can provide the following:

1. Many demonstration in Karachi in favour of the International Community combating terrorism within five days notices after this agreement being signed, putting hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Karachi (provided the permission of the Government of Pakistan is secured). First demonstration is scheduled for 26th September 2001 in Karachi, the port city of Pakistan.

2. Provide unlimited resources for humint throughout the towns and villages in the province of Sindh and the province of Punjab to some extent, to monitor the activities of fundamentalists and Taliban led organizations, and also to monitor the activities of “Madrasas” (Religious Schools).

3. To ensure select groups to penetrate Afghanistan in the form of aid workers so as to enhance the Western Agencies intelligence information capabilities.

In return for this assistance, we would seek assurances to achieve the following minimum objectives, which would be held essential for ourselves and for the good of Pakistan as a whole. Our objectives are as follows:

a) Equitable participation in the governance of the province of Sindh and the Federation as partners, genuinely.

b) Equitable participation in all spheres of life, including education, employments, army and administration.

c) That we would need local policing consisting of Muhajirs and Sindhis.

d) That full autonomy be granted to the provinces with Federation keeping only three subjects; Defence, Foreign Affairs and Currency control; and in these sectors equal representation from all provinces be guaranteed.

e) ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence Agency) the secret agency must be disbanded otherwise the ISI will continue to produce may Osama-bin-Ladens and Talibans in future.

I hope that you would be kind enough to seriously consider my offer for the benefit of Pakistan, should any geo-strategic and commercial relevance of Pakistan left for the United Kingdom and the Intelligence Community.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

With best wishes and warmest regards.

Yours sincerely

Altaf Hussain

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM).”
REFERENCE: MQM letter to Tony Blair is genuine: spymaster Ansar Abbasi

Capital talk - 7th september 2011 part 3

URL: http://youtu.be/_HMFpYQLqPI


BBC LONDON PUBLISHES THE LETTER:) ’الطاف حسین کا خط، خدمات اور مطالبات‘
آخری وقت اشاعت: منگل 30 اگست 2011 ,‭ 23:29 GMT 04:29 PST





































"QUOTE"

BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT URGE NOT TO REPEAT ARMY OPERATION AGAINST MUTTAHIDA QUAMI MOVEMENT (MQM)

5 December 2001

Members of the British Parliament moved an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons urging Her Majesty’s Government to press the Government of Pakistan not to repeat any army operation similar to that undertaken on 19th. June 1992 against Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM).

The EDM presented in the House of Commons on 3rd. December 2001 read as follows: “That this House looks forward to the return of Pakistan to full membership of the Commonwealth; recalls the commitment made by the President, General Musharraf of a return of democratic government in Pakistan; and urges Her Majesty’s Government to press the Government of Pakistan not to repeat any army operation similar to that undertaken on 19th. June 1992 which resulted in mass arrest, restriction including killing and movement of over 15,000 Mohajirs and supporters of Muttahida Quami Movement”. This appears in the Notices of Motions: 3rd December 2001 and the number of the item is 505.

House of Commons



Muttahida Quami Movement, having received the information of the launching of an “Army Operation”, more brutal then the one launched on 19th. June 1992 informed the Members of the British Parliament to take pro-active measures to stop the blood shed of innocent Mohajirs (Urdu-speaking Sindhis) in general and the leaders, office bearers, workers supporters and their relatives in particular. The “Army Operation” that was launched on 19th. June 1992 and continuing unabated in one form or the other resulted in the extra-judicial, summary and arbitrary executions of over 15,000 Mohajirs including the leaders, office bearers, workers, supporters and their relatives and Mr Nasir Hussain (66) and Mr Arif Hussain (28), brother and nephew of Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of the MQM. During the Operation arbitrary arrests, torture in custody and custodial deaths were daily occurrences. “Disappearances” of Mohajirs in general and MQM workers and supporters was a daily routine. Siege and Search operations by the Army, Para-Military Rangers, Police, Frontier Constabulary and Intelligence Agencies were order of the day. Widespread rapes and gang rapes and extortion by the personnel of the Army, Para-Military Rangers, Police and other law enforcement agencies was committed and practiced. The “Army and State Operations” rendered millions of Mohajirs destitute and thousands of Mohajirs forcibly evicted and displaced from the “No-Go Areas” of Landhi, Lines Area, Malir, Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony and part of Liaquatabad in Karachi. Thousands of Mohajirs and MQM leaders, office bearers and workers were arbitrarily arrested and jailed without charges, concocted charges and without due process of law including the MQM parliamentarians, some of them are in arbitrary detention, even today. Thousands of Mohajirs and MQM leaders, office bearers and workers were and are forced to live in hiding or in exile for the fear of their life and liberty. Thousands have been maimed for life during torture in custody of the state.

MQM has always pressed on the demand to establish a genuine “Democratic Middle Class Order” and the end of the prevalent corrupt and kleptomaniac feudal-cum-military rule and manipulated “Democracy” in Pakistan. This rule and the system have repeatedly failed the people and the country during the testing hours of the nation. The creation and patronisation of Taliban, proliferation of terrorism in the name of Jihad, state terrorism inflicted on its ethno-linguistic and cultural nations of the smaller provinces particularly in Sindh and Balochistan provinces and the defeat of its foreign and military policy in Afghanistan are the glaring examples of the failings of the policymakers and the rulers of Pakistan.

The Members of the British Parliament who were already well informed about the brutalities and atrocities subjected to the Mohajirs and the MQM leaders and workers during the State terrorism committed since 19th. June 1992 were petrified having learnt the news of the fresh “Army Operation” against the MQM. The Members of the Co-ordination Committee expressed their gratitude to the Members of the British Parliament over their concerns and efforts to stop Mohajirs and MQM being subjected to the state terrorism, once again.



MS CHERYL GILLAN MP INAUGURATED THE MQM INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT IN LONDON TODAY http://www.mqm.org/English-News/Jan-2000/inauguration-270100.htm 


London – 27 January 2000

Ms Cheryl Gillan MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth, formally inaugurated the International Secretariat of MQM in London. Recently MQM had shifted its International Secretariat from Edgware to Colindale. She was welcomed at the International Secretariat by Mr Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of the MQM. She formally inaugurated the Office today. The members of MQM Ladies Wing presented her with a bouquet. Present at the ceremony were Dr Imran Farooq Convenor MQM Co-ordination Committee, Mr Saleem Shahzad, Member of MQM Co-ordination Committee, Mr Mohammad Anwar, Chief Organiser MQM UK & Europe, Mr Tariq Mir, Joint Chief Organiser MQM UK & Europe, other Members of MQM Co-ordination Committee and Members of MQM International Secretariat.


Ms Cheryl Gillan MP visited the various departments of the International Secretariat including the Conference Hall, Committee Room, News Room, Video Room, Record Room, Computer Section and Ladies Wing. She also met with the workers present at the International Secretariat. She also viewed the video films "Genocide" and "Mohajir Women" and expressed her grief and strong protest over the atrocities.

Mr Altaf Hussain briefed her about the situation in Pakistan. He also presented her with various reports on human rights violations in Pakistan. Mr Hussain also presented her with copies of letters sent to the Authorities in Pakistan, the petitions filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan and other documents sent to the international community. Ms Cheryl Gillan MP was also presented with a copy of the MQM’s Manifesto and other literature of the party. Later at lunch, she was served with various Pakistani dishes. She remained in the International Secretariat for nearly 90 minutes.


Mr Altaf Hussain and Ms Cheryl Gillan MP, briefing the press at the inauguration
ceremony of the MQM International Secretariat in London on 27 January 2000

TEXT OF THE SPEECH MADE BY MS CHERYL GILLAN MP

I am delighted to be here at the invitation of MQM to officiate at the opening of these offices and I hope the move from Edgware has gone well - it certainly seems to have. Pakistan and the United Kingdom have a long and proud association and it is indeed vey sad that the unrest is so great that at the moment there isa continuing security risk following the uncertainty that has been a consequence of teh military takeover and other recent events. The Mohajir Quami Movement was founded in 1984 and Mr Hussain is no doubt proud of its development since then. However, the path has not been easy and no doubt will present many challenges in the future. Within two years MQM rose to prominence becoming the second largest party in Sindh and the third largest nationally. In its history it has formed alliances with other parties and been in isolation but is has - as is evidenced by its name - a root in combatting human rights violation an aim to which we can all subscribe. No matter where we see violence against our fellow man we should not hesitate to condemn it and I know of the atrocities particularly against the Mohajirs in the urban centres of Sindh. Tolerence and inclusion of all groups must be a common aim of us all it is still not a civilised world despite the progress we think we have made. When men can be held without due process of law, when violence against women is a common occurence, when bombings and executions take place we can all share common cause to condemn them. I am grateful to the MQM in London for keeping me up to date with issues and events in Pakistan. Your briefings are frequent and welcome. I hope that these new offices bring you success and enable you to continue to raise the profile of the matters that affest your people and your country and I thank you for inviting me here to open them. Thank you and may I wish you all well for the future.

MS CHERYL GILLAN MP INAUGURATED THE MQM INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT IN LONDON TODAY http://www.mqm.org/English-News/Jan-2000/inauguration-270100.htm 






One of the leading Pakistani opposition parties, the Muttahida Quami Movement, has officially opened what it says are its international offices in London. The new offices, complete with the latest computer technology, have been built into the existing headquarters in north London. The refurbished premises, which cost thousands of dollars, were formally opened by the UK opposition's spokesperson on foreign affairs, Cheryl Gillan. The state of the art new facilities show that the MQM has no shortage of funds or supporters in Britain. The new secretariat comes complete with the latest computer software and space for 20 full time workers. It also contains special facilities for MQM leader Altaf Hussain to broadcast live telephone messages to his supporters who are predominantly in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Mr Hussain has been in exile in Britain since 1992. His party represents Urdu speaking migrants - known as Mohajirs - who moved to Pakistan from India around the time of partition. He says that his supporters have been persecuted by the police and army in the province of Sindh, but the Pakistani authorities have frequently accused the MQM of terrorist activities. However, Ms Gillan said that in her view the MQM was a party of peace. "Politicians must be able to talk to other politicians about other issues. The MQM politicians in this country have always been approachable and have always kept us informed," she told the BBC. "That is obviously better for the party, better for their country and better for politicians here to understand the situation," she said. Mr Hussain says that the London headquarters are to serve as the nerve centre for the party in its campaign against atrocities, which he says are being carried out against his supporters by the Pakistani authorities. "We make reports [based on] what we receive from Pakistan regarding the arrests, killings, extra-judicial executions, cordoning off the areas," Mr Hussain said. "We put all the reports into the internet, e-mail and prepare reports for human rights organisations including Amnesty international," he said. However, critics of the MQM in Pakistan have long maintained that the organisation's headquarters in London have in part been used to co-ordinate what they describe as its violent campaign against the Pakistani police and army. REFERENCE: Pakistani opposition party opens London HQ Friday, 28 January, 2000, 13:46 GMT http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/622055.stm 

"UNQUOTE"

Salahuddin Haider and his Tolerance for the Free Press in 2007 under General Pervez Musharraf's Military Regime.


KARACHI: Advisor to the Sindh chief minister on information and archives, Salahuddin Haider resigned on Thursday. He belongs to the ruling Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Haider sent his resignation to Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad (also from the MQM). Although Haider has cited personal reasons behind the resignation, party sources claim that MQM higher-ups had asked him to resign “for unknown reasons.” Haider denied all such reports, however. He told Daily Times that he had resigned because he wanted to go to the USA for medical treatment for an extended period of time. “I informed the governor that I would not be able to return before September, and after that the government would not exist. Resigning was therefore more feasible,” he said. Haider said that he had also informed the MQM chief Altaf Hussain about his decision. “I told Altaf Bhai that I would return to Pakistan to participate in the party’s election campaign in November and December,” he said. The governor has not accepted the resignation yet, Haider said, adding that he was scheduled to leave for the US by June 17 or June 18. Maj (Retd) Hamid Abidi’s name is being circulated as the possible successor to Haider. He is the brother of the MQM MNA from NA-250, Capt (Retd) Akhlaq Hussein Abidi. The Sindh government has, however, not issued any official notifications in this regard. REFERENCE: Salahuddin Haider resigns Friday, June 08, 2007 http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C08%5Cstory_8-6-2007_pg12_7 

"QUOTE"

Appendix D-1 News Story of DAWN Imran Farooq’s fate hangs in balance By Shamim-ur-Rahman APPENDIX D – SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION D-1 News Story of DAWN D-2 http://pakistaniat.com/images/PDF/Dawn-Appendix-D.pdf 


KARACHI, July 5: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement is in a fix over the fate of Dr Imran Farooq who was `removed’ from the position of convener of coordination committee, amid reports of differenes with party chief Altaf Hussain. The Muttahida’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, Dr Farooq Sattar, told Dawn on Monday that there was “a status quo and decisions were in abeyance” with regard to reports about the London-based party leadership. “The other matters have almost been resolved but no decision has been taken yet on matters concerning Dr Imran Farooq against whom there were repeated complaints of breach of discipline,” said Dr Farooq Sattar. His remarks confirmed the serious power struggle going on within the party. The party was trying to resolve all the outstanding issues but success was not likely soon, he added. There were reports also that a split was imminent and that there were “some problems” at the party’s international secretariat in London. Mr Hussain had assigned the convenership of the coordination committee to Dr Imran Farooq on Aug 15 last year in a major shakeup within the party. That move was the biggest one by Mr. Hussain since his direct control of the party affairs after the suspension of Dr Imran Farooq, who was subsequently reinstated. In the meantime, at a recent meeting of the cadres the founding chief of the party was critical of both the governor of Sindh and Dr Imran Farooq. And there were deliberate leakages indicating that some action against him was again being contemplated. Mr Hussain, according to some sources, was also unhappy over Governor Ibad’s remarks that no operation against the MQM was being contemplated by the government. But in London, according to sources, he was shown various “evidence” contrary to his claim. His matter has been sorted out, said the sources. Asked whether the party’s international secretariat in London was functional, he replied in the affirmative. Dr. Sattar said the coordination committee had been dissolved but it had to be revived, but only for policy decisions. The rest of the issues were looked after by the coordination committee here in Pakistan. Wherever guidance of Mr Altaf Hussain was required, those matters were dealt with by those members of the committee who were in London. The party leadership was playing down its internal power struggle because that could affect its bargaining power, both at the federal and provincial levels.

Appendix D-13 Internal note sent by DAWN staffer complaining about the threat received from Information Adviser, Sindh Government http://pakistaniat.com/images/PDF/Dawn-Appendix-D.pdf 

Editor DAWN


I take this opportunity to bring to your notice an unpleasant telephonic conversation I had with the provincial Adviser on Information, Mr Salahuddin Haider, on Thursday night. (Oct 20) At about 9.45 pm I received a press release about the MQM Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation's news conference. I was surprised and also annoyed because City room had not received any invitation for the press conference although there was one for me to be present at the railway station to bid farewell to another batch of Muttahida volunteers going to the quake devastated areas.I called the adviser to lodge my complaint but to my utter surprise he adopted an offensive posture and started complaining that we don't attend MQM press conferences or give them adequate coverage. I reminded him of the coverage Dawn was giving to party events and said his complaint was unfounded. Of course I should not be expected to see off MQM volunteers or wait for several hours for their press conferences, or rush to Nine Zero at very short notice. But the adviser on information continued to criticize Dawn's policy despite my reminder that he should not try to bully me. He did not stop and said: "I will teach a lesson to Mr Hameed Haroon. We may boycott Dawn and then we shall see.” I advised him not to make such threats and asked him that if he had anything against Mr Hameed Haroon, he should talk it out with him. But he persisted with his utterances and even ridiculed the Editor and the City Editor. I asked him not to speak such things against my colleagues. The adviser said he was not saying anything against me. But I reminded him that I represent Dawn and was not prepared to tolerate his abuses against any member of Dawn. After this conversation was terminated, I told the City Editor that I didn't want to cover the MQM because I was not prepared to entertain such nonsense anymore. Day by day I am feeling insecure, with no signs of protection. The whole episode pushed up my blood pressure and I fell sick and couldn't come to the office the next day. On Saturday also I could hardly manage to verbally inform you about the episode.

Shamim-ur-Rahman
Oct 24, 2005
Cc: AE (City)

Appendix D-14 News reports when Information Adviser, Sindh Government makes contemptuous remarks about CEO DAWN Pandemonium at CPNE seminar By our correspondent http://pakistaniat.com/images/PDF/Dawn-Appendix-D.pdf


KARACHI: A pandemonium prevailed during the meeting of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) during a seminar on World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday in Karachi, when the advisor for information Sindh government Salahuddin Haider in his speech used "inappropriate and irresponsible" remarks with respect to Chief Executive of an English Daily. The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE)'s members, including office-bearers seated in the audience during the meeting, protested to the advisor information to withdraw his unbefitting and offensive remarks. Haider ignored the reaction of the audience and their insistence that he withdraw the remarks. He later walked away from the seminar.

News – 4/5/06

CPNE holds seminar on press freedom http://pakistaniat.com/images/PDF/Dawn-Appendix-D.pdf 


KARACHI, May 3: The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) organized a seminar here on Wednesday to mark the World Press Freedom Day. According to a CPNE press release, pandemonium prevailed in the seminar when the adviser on information to the Sindh government, Salahuddin Haider, in his speech used inappropriate and irresponsible remarks about the chief executive of an English daily. Members of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors, including office-bearers, seated in the audience, protested to the adviser and asked him to withdraw his 'unbefitting and offensive' remarks. Mr Haider ignored the reaction of the audience and their demand to withdraw the remarks and walked out of the seminar.

Dawn 4/5/06

Appendix D-15 News reports when Information Adviser, Sindh Government makes contemptuous remarks about CEO DAWN http://pakistaniat.com/images/PDF/Dawn-Appendix-D.pdf 

MQM ADVISOR SPITS VENOM AGAINST PRESS STAR REPORT


The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors organized a meeting yesterday in connection with the World Press Freedom Day and invited Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Mr Salahuddin Haider, Advisor to the Chief Minister as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Haider expanding on his ill-perceived importance launched in to an ungentlemanly verbal tirade against the industry lambasting publishers, with the exception of Dawn and Jang. He stated that in these publications, the editors are independent. Taking it further, he sermonized on the responsibilities of newspapers and in the process of extra verbosity strongly criticized Mr Hameed Haroon. Moments earlier, having commended the Dawn Group for its editorial independence, the Advisor lost his train of thought and held Mr Haroon responsible for minimum coverage to the MQM government and for projecting the point of view of the opposition parties. The man appointed by MQM to ostensibly liaise with the press and not to muzzle it, said “Hameed Haroon ko sharum aani chahye” that his paper was projecting the point of view of anti-people politicians. He accused Mr Hameed Haroon of partiality which in his language meant not kowtowing to the MQM, as if that was not partiality. Mr Haider continued with his Press threatening ways, saying he will see how Dawn continues with these policies and he will expose Mr Hameed Haroon in the national as well as international forums of journalists and press. He said that he will go to IFJ and expose Mr Hameed Haroon for his role in not projecting MQM and the Sindh government of Arbab Ghulam Rahim. At this stage, Mr Aamir Mahmood interrupted the expansive advisor and pointed out the contradiction in his statement where he said that Mr Hameed Haroon does not dictate the editorial policy of Dawn. This infuriated the advisor and he lost his temper saying “Hameed Haroon par laanat hoe” and “I will expose Hameed Haroon at all levels”. Some members responded saying that this was not the purpose of the meeting and there was no reason for them to listen to anything against Mr Hameed Haroon.

The meeting ended in pandemonium and the Advisor left the hall in a puffed up state leaving his cell phone and diary on the table. Appendix D-16 Internal note sent by DAWN staffer complaining about the threat received from Information Adviser, Sindh Government for the second time May 04 2006 Abul Hasnaat called me last evening requesting to see him at the office. When I met him later in the night he told me that yesterday evening (Tuesday) around 07:00 pm Advisor to CM Sindh Mr. Salahuddin Haider, visited Dawn City Room along with MQM MPA 'Mr. Qadoos. S.H. complained about undeserved and disproportionate coverage being accorded by Dawn to Jamaat and PPP while important 'Government' news were being either killed or relegated to one column. He especially complained about coverage of bomb explosion at Nishtar Park. According to Hasnaat, SH was politely told that there was no such conscious attempt and Dawn does not believe in biased reporting. However S.H. went on to say that "People in London insist on taking care of such Journalists and that he has somehow up till now kept them at bay" At this thinly veiled threat Hasnaat lost his temper and told S.H. that "Mr.Altaf Hussain may be the only politician of this country who could decide about life or death of either one of us yet, please let him know that Dawn only prints what it considers worthy of print and has always refused coercion" unquote.

According to Hasnaat, S.H after that became very apologetic and quickly left and Hasnaat didn't accord much importance to the whole thing. However after what happened yesterday at the CPNE Seminar he realised that it may not have been an isolated episode and nor S.H had the guts to say what he said publicly without instructions from London? Hasnaat also gave me copies of CPNE incidence as reported by "Online" and PPI. (Copies enclosed) In response to one of my questions Hasnaat responded that Sahahuddin Haider has ample access to the Editor and Mr. Jameel Akhtar, many times items discarded by him get printed the same night on page 3. If Salahuddin Haider or MQM wanted to threaten either one of them they would not have come to see him. He obviously thouoht the message was not for them. This morning Hasnaat again called to infonn that around 1:00 am Salahuddin Haider issued a two page contradiction of the CPNE incident and is lying with the Editor. Fahim

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 ISLAMABAD: Twelve journalists have been declared "enemies" by an organisation linked to a party that supports President Musharraf, a media rights group said. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement on Saturday that the Karachi-based Muhajir Rabita Council has "listed 12 journalists by name and identified them as 'enemies.'" The CJP did not say why the designations were made, but they seem to be linked with coverage of violence in Karachi on May 12 in which some 41 people were killed and dozens wounded, many from gunfire. Minister of State for Information Senator Tariq Azeem Khan said he was unaware of any such list. The CPJ said the council is closely associated with Muttahida Qaumi Movement, an ethnic-based party that is centred in Karachi and strongly backs Musharraf. A Muttahida lawmaker denied the group was involved in threatening journalists. "Threatening anyone is not our policy," said Haider Rizvi, an MQM MNA. Members of the Muhajir Rabita Council could not be reached for comment. The media rights group said that after the Muhajir Rabita Council publicised its list of "enemies," Syed Huma Ali, president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, received anonymous threatening phone calls. "Threats against journalists are mounting in Pakistan and the government must take immediate steps not only to protect journalists, but also to actively seek out and bring to justice those that would harm them," Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia programme coordinator, said in the group's statement. Tariq Azeem Khan said Pakistan has "unprecedented freedom for press and journalists." "So far we have no news of anyone (being) singled out for maltreatment or any threat," he added. REFERENCE: CPJ condemns list of ‘enemy’ journalists Monday, May 28, 2007 http://thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8152&Cat=13&dt=5/30/2007 

TV Channels are equally responsible for inciting violence in Karachi by repeated Telecast of Controversial Footage and they also incite violence by inviting those political parties which are each other opponents and TV Anchors try their best (for better ratings) to start a War of Words on TV Channel which always end up in bloodletting on street. (Crux of Nusrat Javed's Article in Daily Express Dated 16 July 2011)





























































































Muhajir Rabita Council (MRC) Exposes Nawaz Sharif & Supports General Pervez Musharraf. (Express News 2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjuxVMGp9c


Jang Group/The News "DENY" their own Report within a Day.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011, Shaban-ul-Muazzam 13, 1432 A.H
http://jang.com.pk/jang/jul2011-daily/16-07-2011/u76197.htm Updated at: 1430




















KARACHI: MQM Deputy Convener, Farooq Sattar said that the Rangers were deployed to Kati Pahari after the intervention of DG ISI, Geo News reported. Sattar said that the government and Interior Minister, Rehman Malik did not listen to the MQM and did not send the Rangers to Kati Pahari for four days. He said that MQM Chief Altaf Hussain contacted DG ISI, Lt General Shuja Pasha and informed him of the situation after which Rangers were sent to the area. The MQM Chief informed the ISI Chief that it had become essential to deploy forces in order to bring an end to the killing of innocent people and firing on mosques and imam bargahs. After the conversation took place, Rangers entered the area within 6 hours and cleared it. REFERENCE: Rangers deployed to Kati Pahari after DG ISI contacted: Sattar Updated 10 hours ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18807&title=Rangers-deployed-to-Kati-Pahari-after-DG-ISI-contacted%3A-Sattar

Rangers deployed to Kati Pahari after DG ISI contacted: MQM Deputy Convener Dr. Farooq Sattar (GEO TV/Express News 16 July 2011)

URL: http://youtu.be/GRew5F0yYJg


Altaf said June 26 should be observed as a day of condemnation each year to mark the dictatorial actions of the present government. “They have trampled democratic principles, ethics and norms in order to force the MQM, the third largest political party of the country, out of the elections.” He said in 1993, the then corps commander of Karachi Lt Gen Naseer Akhter had also tried to browbeat the MQM into accepting four seats only, but the MQM had refused to bow down and boycotted the elections. He appealed to journalists, media persons, human rights organisations and democracy loving people to raise their voice against the undemocratic actions of the government. “We are always criticised for supporting the government despite its betrayals. We supported the government not for our personal gains, but for the continuation of the democratic process and for establishing brotherly relations in the province.” He said the MQM had faced coercive power of the state in the past and ‘we are ready to test it even now’. But he warned that it was 2011 and not 1993. REFERENCE: Govt cheated us, its destruction starts from today: Altaf Fasahat Mohiuddin Monday, June 27, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=7024&Cat=13&dt=6/27/2011 

Saturday, July 16, 2011, Shaban-ul-Muazzam 13, 1432 A.H Updated at: 2340 | http://jang.com.pk/jang/jul2011-daily/16-07-2011/u76242.htm













Daily Express News 17 July 2011


























































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Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 1 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/KXLJQ5dbJfs


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Muhajir Rabita Council dismisses apology

 Updated at: 1311 PST,  Thursday, July 14, 2011
Muhajir Rabita Council dismisses apology KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council has dismissed the apology made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik Thursday, Geo News reported.  According to general secretary of the council Arshad Siddiqui, MQM workers are demanding that Zulfiqar Mirza should personally apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussian.  According to the council, President Asif Ali Zardari should immediately remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if this is not done then the president will be responsible for the situation in the city.

http://www.geo.tv/7-14-2011/83693.htm 














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KARACHI: The APNS has welcomed the resignation of Federal Minister for Housing Syed Safwanullah of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, who resigned on Monday in compliance with his party’s directives. The APNS has repeatedly contacted the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on this issue following the May 22 hit list of anti-Muhajir “journalists” issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council. The APNS had urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement to remove Safwanullah from his Ministry in the federal government as he was the President of the Muhajir Rabita Council at the time of issuance of the journalists’ hit list. The APNS believes that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has acted effectively: firstly, in disassociating itself from the Muhajir Rabita Council statement, and secondly, after effecting Safwanullah’s resignation from the Muhajir Rabita Council, it has withdrawn him from the federal cabinet as a consequence of the hit list issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council during his tenure as its president. The only outstanding item from the agenda of the actions urged by the APNS is for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement leadership to persuade the Muhajir Rabita Council to withdraw the 13-members hit list of journalists that the Muhajir Rabita Council had earlier issued. REFERENCE: APNS welcomes Safwanullah’s resignation Wednesday, July 11, 2007 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8962&Cat=13&dt=7/13/2007 

Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 2 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/YIj8sXMwBpA


KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council has dismissed the apology made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik Thursday, Geo News reported. According to general secretary of the council Arshad Siddiqui, MQM workers are demanding that Zulfiqar Mirza should personally apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussian. According to the council, President Asif Ali Zardari should immediately remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if this is not done then the president will be responsible for the situation in the city. REFERENCE: Muhajir Rabita Council dismisses apology Updated 2 days ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18701&title=Muhajir-Rabita-Council-dismisses-apology 


KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council (MRC) has demanded that Senior Provincial Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and ANP Sindh President Shahi Sayed leave Karachi within 48 hours otherwise strong protests would continue, Geo News reported. The General Secretary of MRC Arshad Siddqui in a statement said Zulfiqar Mirza had insulted the founders of Pakistan adding that he should come on the media and apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. Arshad Siddiqui said that the apology from Rehman Malik is not acceptable and MQM workers want Zulfiqar Mirza to apologize to the MQM chief. He said that President Asif Ali Zardari should take immediate action and remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if the President did not remove Mirza than he would be responsible for the ensuing situation. REFERENCE: MRC issues ultimatum to Mirza, Sayed Updated 2 days ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18704&title=MRC-issues-ultimatum-to-Mirza,-Sayed  UK paper blames MQM for May 12 carnage Rauf Klasra Sunday, June 03, 2007 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8280&Cat=13&dt=6/1/2007 

Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 3 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/SJblLKvycck


ISLAMABAD: Journalists on Friday demanded of the government and owners of media organizations to provide them more security of life and to ensure that they are paid according to the labour they put in their work. Leading journalists Mazhar Abbas, Ahmed Rashid, Zahid Hussain and Haroon Rashid at a discussion forum concurred that journalists are facing increasing dangers from various groups and the government should take steps to protect reporters and cameramen. A large number of journalists participated in the forum organized by European Union in collaboration with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) here. Mazhar Abbas said journalists should not be sent into conflict zones without proper training. Families of journalists also face dangers and have to bear financial insecurity, he said adding 85 per cent of the journalists are not working as regular employees.

He said despite the law of access to information, there were many other laws which restrain the journalists from gaining information from the government departments and they can even be convicted in certain conditions. Haroon Rashid said journalists should be more cautious when they report on certain stories as some elements in society are intolerant. He said it is responsibility of the government to safeguard its citizens including journalists. Prominent writer Ahmed Rashid said journalists face numerous challenges which have increased after the media explosion. He said reporters are messengers and the tendency of shooting the messenger as was done 2000 years back in Greece and Rome should be avoided. The government, military, security agencies, society and NGOs should work together to ensure safety of journalists, he added.

Zahid Hussain said the government should bring those to justice who killed journalists. He said now the media is enjoying more freedom and electronic media is playing a more vital role as opinion maker as 50 per cent of the population is illiterate. He said journalists should have a code of ethics and reporters should not reach a stage when speculation becomes reporting. Representative of the European Union in Islamabad Lars-Gunnar Wigemark assured that European Union stands by Pakistani journalists and wants a secure environment for them in which they can perform their professional work. He said journalists are facing more dangers. According to South Asia Media Monitor from January to July 2011 nine Pakistani journalists were killed and mediamen are finding it difficult to perform their duties. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in association with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has prepared a guide “22 Steps To Safety” so that journalists can protect themselves in conflict zones and difficult situations. If the journalists get into trouble, they can contact their district journalist union or PFUJ hotline 051-2870221 and alert colleagues, editors, friends and family. REFERENCES: Journalists demand more protection of govt, media organizations APP Yesterday http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/15/journalists-demand-more-protection-of-govt-media-organizations.html 

Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 4 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/mDYhDbLqu2A


ISLAMABAD, July 15: Speakers at the forum on the safety and security of journalists stressed for developing a code of ethics by the media houses and the government to improve standards of journalism in Pakistan. Addressed by senior journalists, the panel discussion was moderated by Ambassador Lars Gunnar Wigemark, head of the European Union delegation to Pakistan, on Friday. He said journalists were working in dangerous conditions in Pakistan, adding that they face threats both in conflict and settled areas. The envoy said political groups and organised crime were involved in creating insecurity for journalists. Panelists Zahid Hussian, Mazhar Abbas, Ahmed Rashid and Haroon Rashid said all stakeholders, including security agencies, militants, religious and political parties, are threatening journalists. They said it was becoming increasingly difficult for journalists to freely report and cover events in the country. Compared to threats a decade back, they said now families have also been threatened. Mr Abbas said apart from intelligence agencies, criminal gangs have become partners with the political groups and react strongly whenever any of their wrongdoing is exposed. He regretted that the managements of media houses and the government were not serious in providing security and safety to journalists. For reporting in conflict areas, he said nobody without formal training should be sent on such assignments. Mr Abbas said it was responsibility of the management to provide insurance coverage, bullet proof jackets and related equipments to journalists reporting from conflict areas. “Around 80 per cent of those killed during reporting in conflict areas were not even formal employees of newspapers or channels.”Other speakers also criticised managements of newspapers and news channels for “exploitative behaviour”. Senior journalist Zahid Hussian said Pakistan needed a code of ethics for media, which should be followed by all. Columnist Haroon Rashid said due to lack of ethics more and more reporters are getting into risky situations. He added that in most of the newspapers and news channels, role of editors is limited and the owners are involved in daily operational matters. Regrettably, he said in some media houses marketing managers are more influential than editors. “ Masala culture is dominating talk shows due to race to improve ratings.” The participants also talked about financial problems of journalists but they also agreed that there is a need of media`s accountability, and called for a helpline or platform where complaints against unethical practices of journalists could be registered. However, the panelists said such a forum can only be established with the help of the government. “There are 14 different laws that can lead journalists even to death sentence for filing story related to official information. Ethical practice can only be implemented if more doors are opened and obtaining information is made transparent,” Mazhar Abbas said. REFERENCE: `Journalism becoming riskier in Pakistan` By Kalbe Ali | From the Newspaper (15 hours ago) Today http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/16/journalism-becoming-riskier-in-pakistan.html 


KARACHI, May 25: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed resentment over a press release issued on May 22 by the Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) that “included a list of journalists described as chauvinistic, among other insults”. A statement issued by IFJ said: “It is alleged that the list included Zaffar Abbas (resident editor, Dawn, Islamabad), Mazhar Abbas (AFP bureau chief in Karachi), Azhar Abbas (DawnNews TV channel), Ayaz Amir (Dawn), Sajid Mir (anchor of TV One), Shaheen Sehbai (head of ARY One World), Dr Shahid Masood (anchor of GEO TV), Aneeq Ahmed (anchor of ARY One World), Afsar Imam (Aaj TV), Zarar Khan (Bureau chief, AP, Karachi), Zahid Hussain (chief reporter, GEO) and Irfan Siddiqui (columnist, Nawa-i-Waqt).” The statement condemned the MRC press release and called it “very disappointing”. “The last thing Pakistani journalists need is future generations of enemies being developed,” IFJ president Christopher Warren is quoted in the statement as saying. “Threats such as these lead to self-censorship among journalists, which of course is the goal of the intimidators, but which is also a condition that governments who are committed to press freedom cannot allow to develop,” Mr Warren said. “Journalists need to know that they will be protected from threats or attack, and the Pakistani government needs to step up and provide that protection,” he said. REFERENCE: IFJ enraged by MRC’s threat to journalists May 26, 2007 Saturday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 09, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/26/nat6.htm 

Ugly Racist Role of Muhammad Saleh Zaafir (Jang Group, GEO TV, The News) (1997)

URL: http://youtu.be/yuMWieusbZs


Muhammad Saleh Zaafir is a paid agent and he is paid through SECRET FUND.

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Real Face of Jang Group's Saleh Zaafir:) the house in which he lives in Islamabad is meant for Government Officer, and Zaaifr was given the house of 4 Canal in his wife name who is a Teacher in Grade 17 but Youfus Raza Gillani (Zaafir is personal contact of Prime Minister) allowed Zaafir to live in House which is meant for Federal Secretary, the same Saleh Zaafir "day in day out lecture" everybody like his catamite boss Mir Shakil ur Rehman.

Pakistani Journalists Living in Government Houses - Part - 5 (Matiullah Jan Dawn News)


URL: http://youtu.be/mK1vC4d4Obk


KARACHI, May 24: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in an appeal to all media groups, has called for immediate safety and security measures for journalists, including comprehensive life insurance, in view of increasing incidents of violence and threats against them. In a statement issued here on Thursday, the PFUJ expressed concern over what it termed record rise in incidents of violence against journalists and other media personnel in 2007. Terming unacceptable a recent press release issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council, which had named some journalists and columnists as chauvinists, the PFUJ urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to use its influence on organisations like the MRC to withdraw the statement, as it would not only create a feeling of insecurity among media personnel but would also harm the democratic culture and freedom of expression in the country. REFERENCE: PFUJ demands adequate security May 25, 2007 Friday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 08, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/25/nat17.htm 


KARACHI, May 25: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has urged the president and prime minister to take notice of recent statements of Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) and MQM Rabita Committee against journalists and said that such deliberations may generate hatred against the press. In a statement signed by APNS secretary-general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, it was said that the society was concerned over the statements of the MRC and the Rabita Committee “denouncing journalists and analysts in the print and electronic media as being anti-Mohajir and biased chauvinists”. In the statement of the MRC, which was issued by four high ranking office-bearers, 13 leading journalists from the print and electronic media were named in a publicly announced hit list as ‘Mohajir dushman’ (enemies of Mohajirs), the APNS statement said, adding that the president of the MRC, Syed Safwanullah, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement minister in the federal government, upon contact had expressed his ignorance about the statement and promised a contradiction, which remained unrealised so far. According to the APNS, another statement issued in the names of two members of the MQM Rabita Committee, Mohammad Ashfaque and Javed Kazmi, had used almost the same expressions as the MRC and hurled similar charges. The APNS believed that the statements of both the MRC and the Rabita Committee against journalists “are likely to provoke hatred against the press in general and incite supporters of the two parties to the possible commission of an offence against those journalists named in the statements,” it said. It urged the MQM committee to formally denounce the inclusion of a hit list in the Rabita Council’s statement and to persuade them to withdraw the inflammatory declaration and also re-examine the statements issued by two of its members, and withdraw it as well in the interest of better relations between political parties and the press. REFERENCE: APNS assails statements of MRC against journalists May 26, 2007 Saturday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 09, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/26/nat5.htm 


Karachi --- The Mohajir Rabita Council has condemned death threats to some Karachi-based journalists, and described it as yet another conspiracy to malign Mohajirs. It demanded a high level inquiry into the matter and punishment to the culprits. In a statement faxed to Dawn by its press secretary Minhajul Arfeen, MRC's Senior Vice-President Yaqoob Bandhani, General Secretary Tasadduq Hussain, Finance Secretary Ms Raeesa Mohani and members of the working committee claimed that they had come to know from the print and electronic media that some unidentified people had dropped envelopes containing bullets and threatening letters in the vehicles of three journalists. It may be pointed out that cars of the two reporters and photographer were parked outside the Karachi Press Club when the envelops were discovered. Each envelope contained only one bullet and no threatening letter. The media also reported accordingly. Demanding a high level inquiry into what it described as a deplorable threat to journalists, the MRC press release maintained that the organisation comprised elders who had played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan and had always, through peaceful means, struggled for the rights of Mohajirs. It maintained that after the May 12 mayhem in the city, conspirators had expedited their drive against Mohajirs, and claimed that the envelopes with bullet and threatening letters were part of that conspiracy. REFERENCE: Mohajir community denies allegations that they threatened journalists Dawn Thursday, May 31, 2007 Asia Media PAKISTAN: Threats to journalists termed 'conspiracy against Mohajirs' http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/news/article.asp?parentid=71119 


Karachi --- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed resentment over a press release issued on May 22 by the Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) that "included a list of journalists described as chauvinistic, among other insults".

A statement issued by IFJ said: "It is alleged that the list included Zaffar Abbas (resident editor, Dawn, Islamabad), Mazhar Abbas (AFP bureau chief in Karachi), Azhar Abbas (DawnNews TV channel), Ayaz Amir (Dawn), Sajid Mir (anchor of TV One), Shaheen Sehbai (head of ARY One World), Dr Shahid Masood (anchor of GEO TV), Aneeq Ahmed (anchor of ARY One World), Afsar Imam (Aaj TV), Zarar Khan (Bureau chief, AP, Karachi), Zahid Hussain (chief reporter, GEO) and Irfan Siddiqui (columnist, Nawa-i-Waqt)."

The statement condemned the MRC press release and called it "very disappointing". "The last thing Pakistani journalists need is future generations of enemies being developed," IFJ president Christopher Warren is quoted in the statement as saying. "Threats such as these lead to self-censorship among journalists, which of course is the goal of the intimidators, but which is also a condition that governments who are committed to press freedom cannot allow to develop," Mr Warren said. "Journalists need to know that they will be protected from threats or attack, and the Pakistani government needs to step up and provide that protection," he said.

APNS assails statements of MRC against journalists

Karachi --- The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has urged the president and prime minister to take notice of recent statements of Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) and MQM Rabita Committee against journalists and said that such deliberations may generate hatred against the press. In a statement signed by APNS secretary-general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, it was said that the society was concerned over the statements of the MRC and the Rabita Committee “denouncing journalists and analysts in the print and electronic media as being anti-Mohajir and biased chauvinists”. In the statement of the MRC, which was issued by four high ranking office-bearers, 13 leading journalists from the print and electronic media were named in a publicly announced hit list as ‘Mohajir dushman' (enemies of Mohajirs), the APNS statement said, adding that the president of the MRC, Syed Safwanullah, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement minister in the federal government, upon contact had expressed his ignorance about the statement and promised a contradiction, which remained unrealised so far. According to the APNS, another statement issued in the names of two members of the MQM Rabita Committee, Mohammad Ashfaque and Javed Kazmi, had used almost the same expressions as the MRC and hurled similar charges. The APNS believed that the statements of both the MRC and the Rabita Committee against journalists “are likely to provoke hatred against the press in general and incite supporters of the two parties to the possible commission of an offence against those journalists named in the statements,” it said. It urged the MQM committee to formally denounce the inclusion of a hit list in the Rabita Council's statement and to persuade them to withdraw the inflammatory declaration and also re-examine the statements issued by two of its members, and withdraw it as well in the interest of better relations between political parties and the press. REFERENCE: Asia Media Date Posted: 5/25/2007 Council releases a list of journalists deemed subversive to society Dawn Friday, May 25, 2007 PAKISTAN: IFJ enraged by MRC's threat to journalists http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=70724 


KARACHI, May 29: In what appears to be a direct death threat, bullets were found on Tuesday night in the cars of three senior journalists parked outside the Karachi Press Club. The cars belonged to secretary-general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and photojournalist Asif Hussain. When the journalists opened their vehicles, each of them found a bullet wrapped in a brown paper envelope. It may be pointed out that names of Mazhar Abbas and Zarar Khan had appeared in a statement of the Mohajir Rabita Council in which they were described as anti-Mohajir chauvanists. The journalists immediately informed Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and IG Police Azhar A. Farooqi. An FIR was lodged with the police. The Karachi Union of Journalists has strongly condemned death threats to the journalists and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice. It also demanded that the organisations whose names have appeared in this connection must publicly denounce and disassociate itself from such terrorist activities. REFERENCE Journalists get death threats By Our Staff Reporter May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/30/nat4.htm 



LAHORE, May 30: The Punjab Union of Journalists on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the Lahore Press Club to condemn death threats to three senior Karachi journalists. A large number of city journalists carrying placards and banners urged the government to protect journalists. They also raised slogans against the MQM and the government. The journalists given death threats included Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and Asif Hussain. Speaking on the occasion, PUJ President Arif Hameed Bhatti and General Secretary Amer Raza urged the government to take stern action against the MQM, and ban it. It should also expose those disturbing peace in Karachi, they said. They also urged the Punjab government to ban the entry of the members of the party into Punjab.

They said the union would give a call for a hunger strike if the government failed to protect journalists who would continue to perform their duty without caring for the consequences. Meanwhile, in a statement the South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) expressed its anger over threats to the life and property of journalists in Karachi and Peshawar given by, what it said, different extremist organizations. It urged the Pakistani authorities to protect the journalists. The statement issued by SAMC Regional Coordinator Husain Naqi here said the life threats to the three Karachi journalists came a week after a shadowy organization, The Mohajir Rabita Council with links to the MQM, a party that supports military ruler President Pervez Musharraf, issued a list of a dozen journalists, declaring them as enemies, it said.

It said on May 25 gunmen attacked the Peshawar home of Daily Times cartoonist Muhammad Zahoor at around 2am. Four-time winner of the All Pakistan Newspaper Society’s annual best cartoonist award, Zahoor had drawn many cartoons on the Supreme Court chief justice’s dismissal in recent weeks. The home of Nasrullah Afridi, the Urdu language daily Mashriq in the Khyber Agency section of the Tribal Areas, came under grenade attack after death threats made against him five days earlier by the head of Lashkar-i-Islam. “We believe it is a very serious threat to working journalists. It is an attempt to muzzle the free media. The government should arrest those behind the threats,” SAMC Chairperson N Ram and General Secretary Najam Sethi said. They said journalists needed to know that they would be protected from threats or attack. “If the government fails to do so, we will be justified in believing that there is complicity of the government in the current campaign to harass journalists,” they said. They said the Muhajir Rabita Council had issued a threatening statement on May 22 with a list of some 20 journalists it described as chauvinist and hostile to their movement. REFERENCE: PUJ rally condemns threats to journalists By our Staff Reporter May 31, 2007 Thursday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/31/nat45.htm 

HYDERABAD, May 30: Journalists staged protest demonstrations and held rallies in different parts of Sindh on Wednesday against the issuance of life threats to PFUJ secretary-general Mazhar Abbas, AP correspondent Zarar Khan and photographer Asif Hussain, and attack on Shakeel Turrabi, Editor-in-Chief, Sana News. Members of the press club and Hyderabad Union of Journalists demonstrated against the harassment of journalists by ‘terrorists.’ President Hyderabad Press Club Shahid Shaikh said this was only a symbolic protest demonstration but if such threats were not stopped media people will resort to direct action. NAWABSHAH: Journalists of Nawabshah staged demonstration outside the press club. They carried placards and raised slogans in favour of press freedom. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Anwar Shaikh said that the government was claiming that press and media were free but threats were being issued to journalists. The members condemned such threats. JACOBABAD: Journalists of Jacobabad took out a rally led by Nazar Abbas Shah, president district union of journalists, while activists of political parties and social organisations also participated in it. Protesters staged a sit-in near the DCO Chowk. REFERENCE: Threats to journalists condemned May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/31/nat31.htm 


KARACHI, May 29: In what appears to be a direct death threat, bullets were found on Tuesday night in the cars of three senior journalists parked outside the Karachi Press Club. The cars belonged to secretary-general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and photojournalist Asif Hussain. When the journalists opened their vehicles, each of them found a bullet wrapped in a brown paper envelope. It may be pointed out that names of Mazhar Abbas and Zarar Khan had appeared in a statement of the Mohajir Rabita Council in which they were described as anti-Mohajir chauvanists. The journalists immediately informed Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and IG Police Azhar A. Farooqi. An FIR was lodged with the police. The Karachi Union of Journalists has strongly condemned death threats to the journalists and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice. It also demanded that the organisations whose names have appeared in this connection must publicly denounce and disassociate itself from such terrorist activities. REFERENCE: Dawn Report Journalists get death threats By Our Staff Reporter May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/30/nat4.htm

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