This is very sad that we have lost one of the great leaders when its hard to find a leader. That’s why we were afraid of. The people who she believed in were clearly not reliable rather thugs. May Lord rest her soul in peace and also have mercy on the poor masses.
Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Fatima Bhutto
– Mir Murtaza Bhutto
(September 18, 1954- September 20, 1996)
Murtaza Bhtto, the elder son of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was a revolutionary. Bhutto campaigned as an independent in the 1993 elections, winning a seat in the assembly governing the Sindh province. In 1996, he accused police of unfairly targeting his organization. Several hours after the conference, he was shot and killed along with six supporters during an altercation with the police. Murtaza was killed by police in 1996 in Karachi, during the premiership of his sister, Benazir Bhutto.
Fatima Bhutto (born 29 May 1982) is a young poet, writer and columnist who came to fame after the appearance of her first book, a collection of poems, titled Whispers of the Desert. Fatima was only 15 years old when the collection was published.
She is now a columnist for The News in Pakistan. She received notable coverage for her second book. Fatima is the daughter of the Shaheed Murtaza Bhutto. She is the grand-daughter of former Prime Minister, Z.A. Bhutto. Fatima is not known to be very active political worker. She is however far more active as a political writer and spares no body in criticism. Fatima’s style of writing resembles that of “Arab News” jovial writer Jehad Khazin. Her writings reflect some Pan-arabism , Liberalism and a lot of multi-directional political sides.
International Sindhi seminar was great success
NEW DELHI, INDIA: A three-day international Sindhi seminar held at New Delhi (India) from Oct 26 to 28, 2007 which was a great success…
The seminar organized by an NGO Maruee in collaboration with Sindhi Academy, Delhi was attended, among others, by a 12-member writers’ delegation from Sindh (Pakistan) headed by Dr Suleman Shaikh – associated with Sindh Graduate Association – SGA. This was the 5th seminar of its kind which was held in connection with the silver jubilee celebrations of Maruee and it was dedicated to the great Sindhi Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752). Various Sindhi speaking people who were followers of Shah Latif and living in various parts of India specially came to Delhi to attend the seminar.
A musical show was also organized on the occasion in which renowned singers from Sindh Shafi Faqir, Ms Paroo Chawla and Ms Padma Gidwani (both from India) performed. An Indo-Pak poetic symposium dedicated to the two renowned Sindhi poets late Naryan Shyam and late Shaikh Ayaz held. Sant Kanwar Awards were also distributed on the occasion. Ms Veena Shringi, General Secretary of Maruee and Ms Shalini Sagar – Information Secretary made special efforts to make this seminar a great success.
The members of Sindh’s delegation were; Dr Suleman Shaikh (leader), Abdul Fatah Malik Advocate, Mohammad Khan Sial, Noor Ahmed Jhinjhi, Ali Haider Shaikh, Ms Najma Shaikh, Shafi Faqir (singer), Ms Mehrunissa larik, Ms Nusrat Lashari, Ms Nazir Naaz, Ms Mumtaz Fatah Malik & Ms Nahid Hingoro. The Group members visited various historical, religious & entertainment places in Delhi like Jamia Masjid, Red Fort, Gate of India, Mazars of Sarmad Shaheed & Abul Kalaam Azad, Mazar of Nizamuddin Olyae, Qutab Minar and most modern under-ground train system (metro train) which is still under construction but partially is in operation.
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If two Germanys re-unite, why not Pakistan, India? Pro-govt. ex- parliamentarian Syed Khadim Ali Shah demands in Delhi seminar
NEW DELHI, INDIA: A pro-Govt ex-parliamentarian (Pakistan) Syed Khadim Ali Shah who belongs to Mirpurkhas district in Sindh has suggested that if two Berlins (Germanys) reunite, why not Pakistan and India? He was speaking in an inaugural session of Sindhi seminar held on Oct 26, 2007 at Delhi which was dedicated to the Great Sindhi Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Lateef Bhittai. Mr Shah attended the seminar in connection with launching ceremony of 04 books including his book written on Shaheed Bakhtaawar – a Sindhi lady who laid her life for raising voice against unjustified distribution of grain between peasants and landlords in Thar. It may be pointed out this was a literary and non-political seminar which held from Oct 26 to 28 in Delhi to celebrate silver jubilee celebrations of Maruee – an NGO in collaboration with Sindhi Academy, Delhi (Sindh). Later organizers of the seminar, informally expressed their embarrassment on such political demand in a literary programme dedicated to the Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (Sindh)
Source: SindhWeek.com
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International Sindhi Conference in Singapore – An important effort to keep Sindhis Connected
By Dr. Satish Rohra
Under the auspices of Alliance of Sindhi Associations America and Singapore Sindhi Association, a memorable Sammelan/Conference held at Singapore from 27th to 29th July 2007.
This conference was International in real sense. In former Sindhi conferences most of the time only a few delegates from neighboring country attend. But this Sammelan was attended by delegates from 35 countries including USA, U.K, India and Singapore around the world. …
It is necessary to mention here that beginning of these Sammelans was made by Sindhis of America. In beginning for many years this Sammelan was held in USA or Canada. The very first Sammelan was held at New Jersey near New York. New one was in New York. Later they were held at Chicago, Toronto (Canada), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, etc. Three years ago it was held at London. Last year it was held at Mumbai.
… This was the first Sammelan, which was inaugurated by the head of the State. On the 27th July at 7pm, at Hotel Grand Copthorne, President of the Republic of Singapore, his Excellency Shri S. R. Nathan personally lit the lamp and declared the conference open. Mr. Presidnet Nathan had come together with Lady Nathan and some of his cabinet ministers and other officials. …
It was also the first time that India’s former deputy Prime Minister and Opposition leader in the present parliament of Indis, Shri Lal Krishin Advani graced the Sammelan with his presence…
President of Singapore, Mr. Nathan who inaugurated the Sammelan or conference praised Sindhi’s role in the development of Singapore. … The key note speaker, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore and former ambassador of Singapore to the United Nations, said, so far Sindhis have been engrossed in “difficulties”, “achievements”, and “trade”; now they should pay attention to other three and they are “Globalization”, “Peace” and “Tolerance”.
High commissioner for India in Singapore, Dr. Jaishankar, welcomed all delegates and expressed his pleasure that this Sammelan was organized in Singapore.
Dr. Satish Rohra said that the Sammelans and conferences of this kind are very necessary in which we talk and strengthen ourselves as Sindhis. Dr. Rohra further said, “Sindhiat” is not a name of anything… Dr. Satish emphasized that there are many virtues in Sindhi Sanskriti which could bring about a “better world”. He further said, it is wrong to believe that Sindhis have no unity; in fact Sindhis are quite well united… Dr. Rohra also pointed out that for Sindhis “to stay connected to each other” is enough, and that itself is the unity.
Ram Jawhrani said that although majority of Sindhis are financially well off … Kimat Israni talked of ten points on nourishing Sindhi Bhasha…
… Swami Swaroopanatida’s discourse on one way praised Sindhis but at the same time he talked the lack of unity in Sindhis. Swamiji’s talk was very powerful.
Dr. Ram Buxani had plenty to say. His main topic was “Talk Sindhi”, Live Sindhi” and keep “Sindhyat” alive.
In the concluding speech, Kamlesh Moorjani told in his loud and effective voice the achievements of this Sammelan and congratulated the organizers. ….
Source: Sindhishaan
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19/11/2007
NEW DELHI, INDIA: A three-day international Sindhi seminar held at New Delhi (India) from Oct 26 to 28, 2007 which was a great success…
The seminar organized by an NGO Maruee in collaboration with Sindhi Academy, Delhi was attended, among others, by a 12-member writers’ delegation from Sindh (Pakistan) headed by Dr Suleman Shaikh – associated with Sindh Graduate Association – SGA. This was the 5th seminar of its kind which was held in connection with the silver jubilee celebrations of Maruee and it was dedicated to the great Sindhi Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752). Various Sindhi speaking people who were followers of Shah Latif and living in various parts of India specially came to Delhi to attend the seminar.
A musical show was also organized on the occasion in which renowned singers from Sindh Shafi Faqir, Ms Paroo Chawla and Ms Padma Gidwani (both from India) performed. An Indo-Pak poetic symposium dedicated to the two renowned Sindhi poets late Naryan Shyam and late Shaikh Ayaz held. Sant Kanwar Awards were also distributed on the occasion. Ms Veena Shringi, General Secretary of Maruee and Ms Shalini Sagar – Information Secretary made special efforts to make this seminar a great success.
The members of Sindh’s delegation were; Dr Suleman Shaikh (leader), Abdul Fatah Malik Advocate, Mohammad Khan Sial, Noor Ahmed Jhinjhi, Ali Haider Shaikh, Ms Najma Shaikh, Shafi Faqir (singer), Ms Mehrunissa larik, Ms Nusrat Lashari, Ms Nazir Naaz, Ms Mumtaz Fatah Malik & Ms Nahid Hingoro. The Group members visited various historical, religious & entertainment places in Delhi like Jamia Masjid, Red Fort, Gate of India, Mazars of Sarmad Shaheed & Abul Kalaam Azad, Mazar of Nizamuddin Olyae, Qutab Minar and most modern under-ground train system (metro train) which is still under construction but partially is in operation.
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If two Germanys re-unite, why not Pakistan, India? Pro-govt. ex- parliamentarian Syed Khadim Ali Shah demands in Delhi seminar
Courtesy: SindhWeek.com
NEW DELHI, INDIA: [By: Special Correspondent – Sindh Week.Com Report] A pro-Govt ex-parliamentarian (Pakistan) Syed Khadim Ali Shah who belongs to Mirpurkhas district in Sindh has suggested that if two Berlins (Germanys) reunite, why not Pakistan and India? He was speaking in an inaugural session of Sindhi seminar held on Oct 26, 2007 at Delhi which was dedicated to the Great Sindhi Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Lateef Bhittai. Mr Shah attended the seminar in connection with launching ceremony of 04 books including his book written on Shaheed Bakhtaawar – a Sindhi lady who laid her life for raising voice against unjustified distribution of grain between peasants and landlords in Thar. It may be pointed out this was a literary and non-political seminar which held from Oct 26 to 28 in Delhi to celebrate silver jubilee celebrations of Maruee – an NGO in collaboration with Sindhi Academy, Delhi (Sindh). Later organizers of the seminar, informally expressed their embarrassment on such political demand in a literary programme dedicated to the Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (Sindh)
Courtesy: SindhWeek.com
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International Sindhi Conference in Singapore
An important effort to keep Sindhis Connected
By Dr. Satish Rohra
Courtesy: Sindhishaan
Under the auspices of Alliance of Sindhi Associations America and Singapore Sindhi Association, a memorable Sammelan/Conference held at Singapore from 27th to 29th July 2007.
This conference was International in real sense. In former Sindhi conferences most of the time only a few delegates from neighboring country attend. But this Sammelan was attended by delegates from 35 countries including USA, U.K, India and Singapore around the world. …
It is necessary to mention here that beginning of these Sammelans was made by Sindhis of America. In beginning for many years this Sammelan was held in USA or Canada. The very first Sammelan was held at New Jersey near New York. New one was in New York. Later they were held at Chicago, Toronto (Canada), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, etc. Three years ago it was held at London. Last year it was held at Mumbai.
… This was the first Sammelan, which was inaugurated by the head of the State. On the 27th July at 7pm, at Hotel Grand Copthorne, President of the Republic of Singapore, his Excellency Shri S. R. Nathan personally lit the lamp and declared the conference open. Mr. Presidnet Nathan had come together with Lady Nathan and some of his cabinet ministers and other officials. …
It was also the first time that India’s former deputy Prime Minister and Opposition leader in the present parliament of Indis, Shri Lal Krishin Advani graced the Sammelan with his presence…
President of Singapore, Mr. Nathan who inaugurated the Sammelan or conference praised Sindhi’s role in the development of Singapore. … The key note speaker, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore and former ambassador of Singapore to the United Nations, said, so far Sindhis have been engrossed in “difficulties”, “achievements”, and “trade”; now they should pay attention to other three and they are “Globalization”, “Peace” and “Tolerance”.
High commissioner for India in Singapore, Dr. Jaishankar, welcomed all delegates and expressed his pleasure that this Sammelan was organized in Singapore.
Dr. Satish Rohra said that the Sammelans and conferences of this kind are very necessary in which we talk and strengthen ourselves as Sindhis. Dr. Rohra further said, “Sindhiat” is not a name of anything… Dr. Satish emphasized that there are many virtues in Sindhi Sanskriti which could bring about a “better world”. He further said, it is wrong to believe that Sindhis have no unity; in fact Sindhis are quite well united… Dr. Rohra also pointed out that for Sindhis “to stay connected to each other” is enough, and that itself is the unity.
Ram Jawhrani said that although majority of Sindhis are financially well off … Kimat Israni talked of ten points on nourishing Sindhi Bhasha…
… Swami Swaroopanatida’s discourse on one way praised Sindhis but at the same time he talked the lack of unity in Sindhis. Swamiji’s talk was very powerful.
Dr. Ram Buxani had plenty to say. His main topic was “Talk Sindhi”, Live Sindhi” and keep “Sindhyat” alive.
In the concluding speech, Kamlesh Moorjani told in his loud and effective voice the achievements of this Sammelan and congratulated the organizers. ….
Army Rule Prevents Pakistan from becoming a Nation
Seminar in Washington DC
By: Khalid Hashmani
Once again, Washington DC witnessed another interesting and informative session. The “Pakistan and Its Army: A Changing Relationship? ” event was held on Friday, September 28, 2007 and organized by the South Asian Program of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. The key panelists at this event included Shuja Nawaz, author of “Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its army, and the wars within” and Colonel (ret) David O. Smith, Country Director for Pakistan in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Policy).
Mr. Shuja Nawaz, who is writing a new book on Pakistan Army, comes from a Pakistani military family and is a brother of a former Chief of Staff of Pakistan Army. He began with the statement that “Pakistan is a country that is still struggling to become a nation”. With the separation of half of the country in 1971, a divide between religious and moderate segments of Pakistan has allowed military to rule Pakistan.
He said that although the country was created in the name of religion, the founders of Pakistan were unanimous that it was not to be a religious state. The power of military has grown mainly on account of fear and relationship with India. In the past, people had utmost respect for Army and considered it a strong non-corruptible institution but with time people has come to see it as a one of the root causes of country’s problems. The successful military rules have left national institutions so weak that these institution cannot even work during civilian governments. He said that Army does not have any close relationship with religious elements or attached to a particular ideology. He called Army’s rule as “controlled form of democracy” in which a Parliamentarian form of government becomes more like a de-facto Presidential form of government. He criticized the increasing involvement of Pakistani military in running businesses and industries and said these involvements often lead to decisions that are counter to national interests.
Mr. Nawaz tried to convince that present day military is changing as it is no longer predominantly from the three districts of Punjab. He said that the current trends show that its composition mainly comes from those who are from large urban areas. To emphasize that Army is no longer a Punjabi Army he said that the recent figures show that recruits are being hired in all provinces. It is only after I questioned him about the numbers of native Sindhis and native Baloch in Army that he conceded that many of these recruits may have come from those families that migrated from India, Punjab, and Pakhtonwa and are now settled in Sindh and Balochistan.
Talking about the perception that Pakistan should adopt the Turkish model where military has a special role, Mr. Nawaz said that such a model is not going to work because neither the Pakistan Army is as homogeneous nor the people of Pakistan are passive any longer.
Comparing the past and current financial burdens imposed by military, he said that in 1965-70 period, Pakistan spent about 2.8% of GDP on military and in 1970-75, it grew to 4% compared to only 3% that went to the “development” expenditure. He added that today only 14% of all revenues remain available for investment on the social needs.
Talking about one of a critical “governance” changes that has occurred in Pakistan since the start of military rule was in the “warrant of Precedence”. Before Ayub Khan, the senior most military position was at the 20th position in the order of precedence and now the Chief of Staff is at the number one (1) position. He commented that not even periodic civilian regimes have tried to change this order precedence.
Mr. David Smith, started his remarks by saying that he was proud to have attended the Pakistani Army Staff College in Quetta. He said that like the US military, Pakistan Army too is ill prepared to deal with insurgency type of warfare as it requires decentralization in decision making, creativity, and taking risks. He added that “centralized” system has roots in the South Asian culture (from father to his son – to his son –) and poses the greatest challenge in successfully introducing serious changes. Citing an example from his stay the the Quetta staff college, he said that he was impressed with many things but felt that his fellow student did not show much creativity. Often in certain exercises, even though the students were told to think on their own and come up with own solutions, invariably, students came up with the “cookbook” solutions.
In the Question-Answer session. a member of audience citing the recent event where 280 soldiers including officers and one Lt. Colonel surrendered to insurgents without firing a single shot, asked if the Pakistani Army has lost its will to fight against stronger adversary. One of the panelists responded that the actual facts have not come out in public so we do not know the real story and added that newspapers quote some soldiers as saying that they could not fire on fellow Muslims because if they died in the return fire, they would not go to heaven. To which, another member from audience said, that such stories do not make sense as soldiers from the same Army did not hesitate in firing on and killing innocent Baloch men, women, and children who too were Muslims. In conclusion a panelist said that he would agree that we really don’t know who is being recruited and who is joining Pakistan military.
29 September, 2007
Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups,
Educate Sindh Forum Organized a get Together in London
The New Ray of Light : Young Sindhi Leadership is rising
– Sohail Kalhoro
Educate Sindh forum organized a get together dinner at my residence in London on the evening of 15th Sept 07 which presented an opportunity for many SINDHI PROFESSIONALS to personally come together and participate in a vibrant evening which saw friends with diverse backgrounds ranging from: Information Technology, Law, Medicine, Chartered Accounting, Satellite Communication, Business Administration, Environmental studies, Civil, Electrical, and Telecoms Engineering.
Sincere thanks to all friends who took time out of their busy weekends and joined us from London, Slough, Bristol, Birmingham,Surrey as well as Pakistan. Group members started arriving 17:00 onwards on a warm London evening. The event started with an informal introduction of the participants and their respective professional fields. Dinner was served following which an interactive suggestions/recommendations session was initiated focusing on;
1) AIMS/OBJECTIVES: Responding to a query by a member it was informed that the objective of EducateSindh is to channel the resources and capacity of the SINDHI PROFESSIONALS in the field of education, employment opportunities, and career counselling.
2) TARGET AUDIENCE: Again, in response to another question put up by a friend regarding who the target audience is which would be benefited from the services provided by this group.It was elaborated that the group’s expertise and resources is not confined to a single segment and in order to maximize the benefits of the participation of SINDHI PROFESSIONALS as many audience should be catered to.
3) EDUCATESINDH STRUCTURE: It was informed that the credibility and success of EducateSindh is due to the fact that it is an open forum, having no hierarchical boundaries which makes it an inclusive and participative platform for all.
4) ORGANIC GROWTHIt was unanimously agreed that the benefits of this group should be extended to wider community audience and thus the participants agreed to share their contacts by providing a minimum of 5 to 10 new members and thus helping this forum to grow organically. In this regard it is down to the responsibility to each individual of this group to similarly help add new members.
5) EMAIL AS AN EFFECTIVE MODE OF COMMUNICATION It was emphasized that exchanging emails should be made a habit as it provides the most efficient and productive means of communicating as well as encouraging friends and social contacts to stay in touch over this medium. QUICK, EASY & EFFECTIVE.
6) “SINDHI PROFESSIONALS” AS A BRAND The essence of this group is the participation of highly motivated, qualified & enthusiastic Sindhis and this should be made the unique selling point (USP) of our endeavours hence the association with the brand “SINDHI PROFESSIONALS”. Furthermore, it is a step forward in helping relate the common link between sindhis world over.
7) SHARING EXPERIENCESEducateSindh provides a flexible & friendly platform to SINDHI PROFESSIONALS where they could share their practical experiences not just limited to the exchange of emails but also by actually personally talking to the local community including schools, colleges, universities which would benefit the most from the sharing of these experiences.
Each one of us can contribute by sharing whatever little experience we have gained whether it is just by visiting Sindh, Khairpur, Nawabshah & other Universities and talking to a handful of students and guiding them on the spot about their path to being qualified & successful in their respective fields or even just visiting our own primary/secondary schools in villages and talking to the teachers and headmasters. This trend should be encouraged as it will maximize each of our individual capacity to help. The idea here is to not limit ourselves to large gatherings or wait for such opportunities but to utilize whatever little time we have at our hands to broaden the horizon of many.
The get together which went on until around 22:30 was concluded with an aim to further continue holding these interactive get togethers extending to different geographical and wider audience which began with the successful meeting of SINDHI PROFESSIONALS in Karachi on the 12th Sept 07 following onto 15th Sept London dinner with a view to organize a seminar in sindh after Eid.
Special thanks to our friends who attended last night’s dinner. Abdullah Abbasi, Ahmed Kamran, Amar Jalil Metlo, Asad Palijo, Ashraf Lakho, Dr Ali Gul Metlo, Dr Shoaib Qazi, Gul Laghari, Haleem Junejo, Hassan Junaid, Imran Mahar, Imran Soomro, Junaid Ahmed Narejo, Khalid Jamali, Manzoor Unar, Mohammad Ali Shaikh, Mujeeb Metlo, Razzak Solangi, Roop Panjwani, Saboor Mahar, Saeed Soomro, Shabbir Mallah.
News courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups,
Indus Asia Online Journal (Click here to go to home page)