Tag Archives: Sindh

Economy, Pakistan, Sindh

POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN SINDH

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By Dr Ali Akbar Dhakn

Poverty is not showered by God and it is not the fate of any man, woman, nation and even country at large throughout the world but it prevails on account of the Policies, programs, Planning, system of Governance, intentions and actions of the Government from time to time.

It is the product of fragile and unstable system of the Government.The repeated changes and reshuffles in the rulers of the country mostly affect the fortunes of the people because of less continuity and longevity of Policies and Plans prepared by the previous rulers.

WHAT IS POVERTY?

Simply stated, it is lack of food, safe water, reliable health care adequate shelter and basic education.

However, In the words of Nadine Gordimer, winner of Nobel prize for literature in 1991, ”Poverty has aspects other than lack of bread or rice or maize meal basics that keep the body alive”.

A poor woman Moldona once said”Poverty is pain, it feels like a disease.It attacks a person not only materially but also morally.It eats away one`s diginity and drives one into total despair.”

SIGN OF POVERTY IN SINDH.

1.In Sindh, Un-employment is No. one problem having an evidence of (i)Committal of suicides by unemployed Youth(ii) Bad law and order situations i.e. abduction for ransome, dacoits in urban and rural areas,(iii) lifting of bikes and cars,(iv) Killings etc.

2.Beggary has risen. 3.Diseases has risen. 4.Illiteracy or low quality education in rural areas. 5. Bad condition of Roads and water sewerage system in Urban and Rural areas.

6.Price hike due to imposition of many taxes and daily in-crease in petroleum goods, Gas and Electricty etc. 7. Devaluation of Rupee. 8.Less Exports due to less producticity of commodities etc. 9.No installation or establishment of new projects or investment.

There are many long and short term Suggestions for alleviation of Poverty in Sindh.

SHORT TERM STEPS.

1. Invite applications from unemployed Youth who have passed Matric and above in Sindh and absorb them in Ministries, Departments/ Organisations/ Bank/ Corporations, industries with immediate start of their salaries.

2.Necessary directions may be issued to absorb in all Factories/ Industries/ Government Departments people from Sindh only in various posts or they may arrange their training in the requisite fields with suitable salaries.

3. Rs.50,000 may be granted to each family for their small business or trade etc.

4. For shortage of water, Government should plan a tube well for the needy areas.

5. Each village may be linked with near by town through link roads.

6. Marketing centers may be arranged in each village of 2000 families or houses.

7. Drinking water may be provided to each village.

8 .Each village of 50 houses may be provided Primary schools.

9. Each village of 200 families may be provided with a Middle school.

10. Each village of 500 houses may be provided High school .

11.Each village of 1000 houses may be provided an intermediate College.

12.Each village of 1500 houses may be provided a College for Graduate and post Graduate Classes.

13. SHO and Inspector of Police of the Jurisdiction may be removed from service for ever for the abduction,Decoits/ theft and bad law and order situation.

14.In each village of 200 houses the ladies Centres may be established for earning their livelihood.

15. In each Village of 100 houses Social Welfare Community centers may be established for the entertainment and livelihood of the people.

16. Sindh Bank may be established for which Act has already been approved.

Economy, Pakistan, Sindh

GORAKH HILL

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It is the best place of Sindh and need to be fully developed – WILL be more suitable to declare it by establishing a new city. Sindh Government should consider it and conduct a feasibility on it. Gorakh Hill has the environment similar to Islamabad or Mari and if some Sindh government offices moved towards it. It can change the dynamics of Sindh.

News, Pakistan, Politics, Sindh

We welcome PPP Govt decision about Kalabagh Dam

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If these are firm and resolute decisions, then the people of Sindh welcome the announcements with regard to Kalabagh Dam & Sindh Public Service Commission. We wholeheartedly support it. It is good to celebrate this day of positive announcements by PPP and it is high time when Mr. Zardari, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Mr Asfandyar Wali and other party leaders should set more realistic goals for increasing the pace of development and justice. Now the coalition Govt will have to address the issues of NFC and provincial autonomy. Otherwise it would be a disappointment that a govt whose main mandate was to change the policies of injustice, unemployment, inflation and oppression, is ignoring the main issues and has been busy in transfers and postings. Once again I would like to congratulate Raja Pervez Ashraf and PPP leadership and would like to forward my earlier mail with a hope that PPP leadership and civil society would plan the strategy to materialize these suggestions, Ayaz Latif Palijo said to media.

Sindh Agenda

1. Formation of Malir, Lyari, Ibrahim Haidry and Gaddap Districts.

2. Resolution for Establishment’s apology for murder of ZA Bhutto,

Akbar Bugti, Nazeer Abbasi, Yousif Jakhrani, Lala Asad, Murtaza Bhutto, Ayaz

Samon, Nawaz Kanrani, shaheeds of Shah Bandar, 12th May, Thoree Phatak and

for all martyrs of MRD operation, Balochistan Operation and Wana operation.

3. Restoration of old Hyderabad district or at least merger of District

Matiyari with Hyderabad.

4. Restoration of rural area seats in DMC and NED.

5. Establishment of students and working women hostels at Karachi,

Quetta, Peshawar and Hyderabad for rural population.

6. After restoration of old Judiciary new merit-based appointments of

indegenious Judges in High Courts and Hon Supreme Court.

7. Issuance of lease to 700 villages in and around Karachi.

8. Opening up educational / employment opportunities for old residents

of Karachi in Kiyamari, Yari, Maleer, Gaddab and launching of projects in

poverty stricken areas like Ibrahim Haidry, Gaddap and Kiyamari .

9. Independent inquiry into the May 12 killings, October 18 and

December 27 blasts..

10. Legislation against illegal immigrants.

11. Legislation for appointment of meritorious rural youth in corporate and

private sector & MNCs.

12. Establishment of new multidisciplinary well equipped general hospitals

in Qasimabad, Gaddap and Gharo.

13. Creation of at least 3 new provincial Assembly and 2 new National

Assembly seats for Qasimabad and Hyderabad rural Taluka on the basis of

genuine population.

14. De-limitation and re-structuring of controversial constituencies in Karachi, Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad.

15. Merit based appointment of rural youth in Port Qasim, PIA, Railway,

Water Board, KPT, KESCO, SSGC, KDA, HDA.

16. Enquiry of corruption, out of turn promotions and illegal appointments

of last 8 years.

17. Removal of corrupt politicians, governors and bureaucrats from key

posts.

18. New balanced formula for NFC.

19. New Water accord & termination of Thal Canal project.

20. End of Balochistan operation.

21. Removal of concurrent list and legislation for Sindh’s genuine share

from gas, patrol, coal and port output/income.

22. Re-opening of illegally withdrawn cases against terrorists.

23. Restoration of judiciary and supremacy of law.

24. Removal of all restrictions from the media.

25. Release of all political prisoners and conviction of real assassins of

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Akbar Khan Bugti and other political leaders and activists.

26. Re-settlement of haree victims of bonded labor jails at specially

allotted areas around Ganjo takkar / Latifabad / Zealpak cement factory in

Hyderabad and in Gaddap, Maleer and University raod of Karachi.

27. Launching of Keti bandar Port and Thar Coal projects.

28. New employment opportunities & controlling inflation and price-hike.

29. Improvement in overall education, health and communication facilities of rural areas.

30. Plan for genuine results in next census.

Pakistan, Sindh

THE CONDITION OF SINDHI LANGUAGE IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS OF KARACHI

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By Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan, Karachi

1. According to the Sindh Assembly Act, the Sindhi language is to be taught as a compulsory subject according to the Text Book for each class (from i to viii), published by the Sindh Text Book Board.
2. Each book consists of about 30-35 lessons with necessary exercises to be accomplished by the teacher after completion of the reading of the lesson. All the lessons contained in all the prescribed books are about the (a) life sketches of various personalities and their contribution to the human beings, literature, culture, religion or ethics etc.(b) Pakistan (c) Islam (d)Tourism (e) Different aspects of social sciences, technical sciences, commerce, economics etc.
3. According to the strength of each school, about at least 5 teachers are required to be appointed as Sindhi language teacher with necessary knowledge and qualification of Sindhi language.
4.But it is sorry to say and grief to point out that the Sindhi subject is being allowed to be taught just as a formality and not as a compulsory subject with an objective to learn the language in an appropriate academic and literate sense.
5. Only one or two teachers are appointed to teach this subject to a huge number of students in each school.
6. The syllabus or course of each class is prescribed by each school not in accordance with the book directed by the Sindh Text Book Board but teachers are directed in writing to teach only four lessons out of 30-35 lessons contained in the Text Books.
7. Only two periods a week of 45 minutes each are fixed for teaching Sindhi language. In this way the teachers are unable to teach the boys the basic knowledge of Sindhi Language.
8. From the policy and practice of the Private Schools, it has been clear that Sindhi language is being taught just as a formality and not as a compulsory subject.
9. It is therefore a good time to look into this fraud being committed with the Sindhi language and residents of Sindh people but teaching the other languages full-fledged time as well as the strength of teachers is made available.
10. The Education Minister of Sindh is requested to take up this matter and necessary guidelines/ instructions/ directives may be issued from time to time so that the subject of Sindhi language may be taught in accordance with the Act of Sindh Province for the benefit of the people of Sindh and Pakistan.
11. In this regard, it is suggested that the Sindhi Language Authority, Audit and Inspection Departments of Education Department of Sindh province may be assigned the job of Vigilance and inspection for necessary correction and improvement in the Education of Sindhi language with in the Sindh province.

Pakistan, Personalities, Sindh

Remembering Comrade Haider Bux Jatoi

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By Aziz Narejo, TX

As we fight our present wars and honor our heroes of the day, we should not forget our leaders and our heroes of the past who led us during some of the turbulent times of our history, fought our wars, never compromised on principles, sacrificed their freedom and liberty and faced incarceration and tortures under previous dictators at various prisons and torture houses including the infamous Lahore Fort.

Let me remind you one such personality Comrade Haider Bux Jatoi with whom I had an honor of meeting a few times.

He was a humanist and a poet who felt the pain of the wretched of the earth and devoted his life to lessen their sufferings and their anguish. He quit a high position in British Raj bureaucracy to fight for the cause of the downtrodden. He was put in jail for so many times and for so long periods but it couldn’t diminish his spirit.

He remained a guiding star and the vanguard of peasant’s movement for over a quarter of a century and fought for the national, democratic, social, cultural and economic rights of our people. He is rightly considered as a non-controversial leader. His name was synonymous with the struggle of the oppressed people.

We miss him today when the feudalism has reemerged as a menacing power and along with naked opportunism, urban terrorism and lawlessness, it is disfiguring our society. We need leaders like him today to give us courage and inspiration and lead us in the war against the forces of darkness and the oppression.

Friends, it is the day to remember and pay homage to our great leader Comrade Haider Bux Jatoi who departed us 38 years ago today (21st May).

May 21, 2008

Economy, Pakistan, Sindh

Sindh Thar Coal Reserves; Ownership; Centre-Sindh rift; Assets equivalent 400 billion barrel of oil

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ISLAMABAD, PAK: The dispute between the Pakistan People’s Party-led governments in Sindh and at the centre has resurfaced once again over the constitutional ownership of the 5th largest coal reserves in the world. In a recent communique with the central government, the Sindh government has raised serious objections on the announcement made by the federal water and power minister to hold an international conference on coal energy in Islamabad during the month of June to attract foreign investment. Sources terming it a first conventional dispute between provincial and federal governments run by PPP on the ownership of natural resources.

May 11/08

Culture, Pakistan, Politics, Sindh, Sindhi

Glowing Tributes Paid to G.M. Sayed, Balouchistan CM Nawab Alsam Raisani Thanked

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London, 29th April 2008 – World Sindhi Congress commemorated the 13th death anniversary of great Sindhi leader, Saeen G.M. Sayed on 26th April at Sindhi Centre, London.

The occasion was attended by Sindhis from all over UK, Balouchs and many others.

The programme started with the recitation of the Sindhi song written by Shaikh Ayaz. Awais Mahar and Nisar Ahmed Gilal sang the anthem in their melodious voice.

Programme Chair, Dr Hidayat Bhutto welcomed and thanked the participants, who came from far-flung areas to attend the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Munir Hyder Shah, the great grandson of G.M. Sayed said that Sayed sacrificed his very existence to serve motherland. His only priority in life was Sindh, her institutions, the people, the language and culture.

World Sindhi Congress Chairman, Dr Haleem Bhatti presented a brief account of Sayed life and contributions. He said Sayed started his political career at a very young age. The focus of his politics and indeed entire life was Sindh. He fought for and achieved Sindh’s separation from Bombay Presidency. He moved the Pakistan Resolution in Sindh Assembly, but when he saw that joining was not in the interests of Sindh, he started campaigning against that union right since 1946. He stood for the right of self-determination of Sindh.

Dr Haleem Bhatti also spoke about Sayed’s literary contributions, the books Sayed wrote on different subjects. He said Saeen G. M. Sayed faced all the troubles because of his ideology and his love for the land of Sindh, Sindhi people and Sindhi language and culture. Being an embodiment of Sindhi thought and culture, Saeen G M Sayed has preached the principles of Sufism, love, tolerance and non-violence.

Concluding his tribute Dr Bhatti said Sindhis will always remember their great leader. He said, “G.M. Sayed died in the unfortunate land of his love but he will live in the hearts of every one forever, who calls himself a Sindhi”.

Ms Suraiya Makhdoom, Senior vice Chair, WSC, who moderated the Session, paid glowing tributes to the great leader. She said Sayed started his political career at such a young age that he had to stand on the table to deliver speeches. The then British establishment took notice of his anti imperialist stance. But nothing would deter Sayed fight against imperialism and for the freedom of Sindh. Sayed served Sindh in very respect, political, social and language and literature.

Ms Makhdoom thanked Balouchistan Chief Minister, Nawab Alsam Raisani for his solidarity with Dr Safdar Sarki, the ex Chairman of WSC, by sending Dr Sarki a bouquet of flowers and providing him medical and other humane facilities in prison, which were denied to him. She asked the Sindh CM and the government to reciprocate the favour and allow same facilities to Akhtar Mengal, who is in prison in Sindh.

Mir Ghulam Hussain of Balouchistan Action Committee said that we pay tribute to Sayed for spending his whole life behind bars and under house arrest, but never compromising on the principles. He said Sayed’s mission could only be fulfilled by actions and not the words. He urged upon Sindhi and Balouch mothers and sisters to come forward and join in the struggle.

Mr Sujan Sindhi said that G.M. Sayed was the first political prisoner in Pakistan. He said Sindh remained the focus of Sayed’s entire life and for his beloved country prepared to offer any sacrifice. He said Sayed work had a great spiritual aspect. He said we could only gain something if we are prepared to sacrifice.

Speaking on G. M. Syed’s various contributions, Shahzado Wadhyo said Sayed gave the awareness to Sindhi people about their identity. Shahzado mentioned Saeen’s written work and said Saeen challenged religious fundamentalism in this book, “Jeeana Ditho ah moon”.

Samad Balouch of Balouchistan Action Committee said Sayed we should fulfill Saeen’s mission by fighting for the genuine rights of the oppressed people. He mentioned the martyrdoms of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and Mir Balaach Marri, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of their land and people

Abdul Jabbar Qureshi, President Sindhi Sangat UK, said we should follow in the footsteps of Saeen G.M. Sayed and commit ourselves to cause of Sindh.

Concluding the speeches session, Dr Lakhu Luhana, Secretary General of WSC, said the best way to pay tribute to G.M. Sayed is to fight for the rights of Sindh on all fronts. He spoke at length on the current situation. He said we are being alienated in our own cities, especially in Karachi. He said the previous MQM led government in Sindh passed a law, which prohibited Sindhi from outside Karachi from applying for the jobs in the NGO and other agencies in Karachi. Sindhis are living in apartheid conditions in their own country.

The doors of educational institutions in Karachi have been shut to Sindhis domiciled in other towns and villages of Sindh. The MQM led Sindh government shut down many Sindhi medium schools and the whole of the Sindh Assembly remained silent witnesses. Dr Lakhu said we got to struggle for our survival.

The speeches session was followed by the Sufi music programme, in which Harbans Singh and his group sang the inspirational Sufi and national poetry of Shah Abdul Latif and other poets.

A sumptuous dinner concluded the programme.

Pakistan

Problems being faced by Sindhi People

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Dr Ali Akbar M. Dhakan, Karachi

People of Sindh not only prayed for ppp success but sacrificed their every thing for the support of PPP on account of Shaheeds of Bhutto Family who all gave their lives for Pakistan.

They thought Democracy is the best revenge to be taken from the Dictators and their stooges. All doors of employment, prosperity and well-being were closed for Sindhi people. Sindhi people therefore felt themselves orphans and destitute till the PPP got success in general elections and formed Government in the centre and Sindh Province. It is why they work for and pray for PPP success because PPP leaders or Ministers belonging to Punjab and other Provinces even MQM Ministers do not support or extend their symphathies and help to Sindhi people. Sindhi people visit to PPP Ministers for help and support. PPP is the only source of help and sympathy for people of Sindh. This time only two federal Ministers have been taken from rural Sindh i.e. Khurshid Shah and Syed Naveed Qamar but all the rest belong to the Punjab who neither contact Sindhi people nor oblige them. Therefore this time, Sindhi people are worried as to when their genuine works will be done and who will support or show sympathy with them for getting them their constitutional rights and justice done to them in lieu of the injustice done. Would the PPP leaders give their attention towards difficulties and problems being faced by People of Sindh?

April 26, 2010

News, Pakistan, Sindh

Oil discovery in Sindh

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While due to international oil prices, oil-producing countries are flourishing but Sindh has not benefit …

News : With a successful discovery of a new exploratory well in District Hyderabad, Sindh, the average daily production of Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) including the share from the joint ventures has touched 45,235 barrels of crude oil per day.The Company has succeeded to discover an exploratory well near Lashari lease, Molan area in District Hyderabad. Initially the production of the well will be 1,150 barrel per day, the specification of this oil is 45 degree API,.. OGDC is also producing 963 million cubic feet of natural gas and 382 metric tons of LPG per day… Aaj News

State-owned Oil and Gas Development Co Ltd (OGDCL), the country’s biggest listed firm, announced on Friday a small oil discovery in southern Sindh province, raising its oil output by 1,150 barrels per day (bpd)… Last week, Pakistan finalised plans to issue an exchangeable bond with an option for OGDCL shares, to be jointly managed by ABN AMRO, Barclays and JP Morgan…

April 21, 2008

Politics, Sindh

A new Sindhi book QANOON SABHNEE LAE” (Law for All)

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Book on Human, Women, Prisoner, Child & Minority Rights

A new Sindhi / Urdu book of eminent writer and lawyer Ayaz Latif Palijo is published by South Asia Partnership (SAP) Pakistan. The book “QANOON SABHNEE LAE” (Law for All) covers the laws related to Human Rights, Civil Liberties and Constitutional Rights.

The book includes the prefaces and forewords by scholars and writes like Rasool Bux Palijo, Muhammad Yousif Leghari Advocate, Hidayatullah Abbasi Advocate, Provincial Minister Sassui Palijo, Zulfiqar Shah and Dean Faulty of Law Sindh University Ahmed Ali Shaikh Advocate. In their words it is the first detailed book on laws and Human Rights in Sindhi language. They have said that this book would be a powerful democratic weapon in the hands of oppressed masses of Sindh. They have further suggested that other organizations and individuals should follow the path of SAP and reprint and distribute thousands of copies of this book in the remote rural areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Seraiki. They have emphasized upon the need of legal awareness campaign in Sindh which should include initiatives like legal clinics, lectures in Jail, lobbying for legislation, display of banners, writing of thousands of letters to concerned officers, personal meetings with women, peasants and children, awareness meetings among factory workers, communities and engagements and interaction with activists, parliamentarians, journalists and councilors.

The book is comprised of 20 Sindhi and 11 Urdu well-researched articles / write-ups on Fundamental Rights, Land Grabbing, Environmental Law, Women Rights and Pakistani Laws, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Muslim Family Laws, Child Abuses and Law, Guardianship & Ward Laws, Declaration Against the

Discrimination to Women, Juvenile Justice System Ordinance, Women Protection Bill, Peasant Rights and WTO, Child Marriage Restraint Laws, Probation, Procedure of Criminal Proceedings, Legal Importance of Nikahnama, Rights of Consumers, Compensation of Fatal Road Accidents, Honor Killings, Prison Rules, Minority Right, Laws for Aggrieved Govt. Servants, Laws for Protection of Animals, Laws for Dower & Dowry, Defamation Laws, Bonded Labor, Laws Against Public Nuisance, Wages for Factory Workers, Compulsory Free Education for the Children of Labor and the Procedure for Protection of Fundamental Rights.

The price of this 200 pages book is Rs. 120/- but it would be given free of cost to the afectees of Human Rights violations and to children, women and minority activists and prisoners. Qanoon Sabhnee Lai (Law for All) also incorporates a detailed chart of all the important sections of the Constitution of Pakistan, Civil Procedure Code, Pakistan Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Specific Relief Act and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Pakistan, Sindh, Sindhi

Officers to learn Sindhi

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By: Porf. Gul Agha

Police Chiefs and all other bureaucrats in Sindh should be appointed by the Government of Sindh and should be residents of Sindh. They serve the Sindh. Moreover, officials in Sindh must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing the official language of Sindh, namely Sindhi. Even the British required their officers to learn Sindhi if they served in Sindh. The current set up treats Sindh as a colony of an unenlightened country.

History, India, Pakistan, Sindh

Sindhu Putra, Spiritual Leader of Sindhu Civilization in 5000 BC

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By: Gul Karamchand

It was with utmost interest that I read Theme no. 9 at about Sindhu Putra, the Spiritual Leader of Sindh and the subcontinent in 5,000 BCE.

It is a marvelous account, with dramatic highlights, and touches the heart. Certainly it is worth reading, circulating. and reprinting.

The brutal assassination of Sindhu Putra in 5,000 BC brings home to us with sadness that the sacred soil of Sindh has, from time immemorial, suffered from brutality, violence, murder as also executions under false legal cover and assai nation of the best and brightest by hired guns.

To see this theme 9, please open http://www.sindhulogy.org and a click of the top heading of ‘Projects’, will list the themes from Return of the Aryans – and among those is Theme 9 about Sindhu Putra.

Pakistan, Politics, Sindh, Sindhi

Jeay Sindh Mahaz (JSM) paid tribute to Punjab for its leading role for the independence of judiciary

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HYDERABAD, March 10: National congress of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz held in Radhan, Dadu district, on Sunday paid tribute to the Punjab for its leading role in the struggle for independence of judiciary and said that it was for the first time that the Punjab had risen against dictatorship.

It observed that during the February 18 elections, the people of Sindh had unanimously voted against the Musharraf government due to his dictatorial and anti-Sindh polices.

It said that it was now the responsibility of elected members of the assemblies to come up to expectations of the masses and ameliorate their lot.

The congress called upon the new government to discard the Kalabagh dam project and announce a judicious National Finance Commission award according to international principles.

It demanded abolition of local bodies system, saying that it was a ‘conspiracy against national unity and development of Sindh.’

Announcing support to lawyers’ struggle, it called for reinstatement of sacked judges of superior judiciary.

The congress introduced some amendments to the JSM constitution and manifesto and observed two-minute silence on the death of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The congress was presided over by JSM convener Abdul Khaliq Junejo. Noted intellectual comrade Rochi Ram attended the congress as an observer. In his speech, he said that true democracy would remain a misnomer unless the constitution of the country was made secular.

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups, March 12, 2008

History, Pakistan, Politics, Sindh, Sindhi

4th March – A Day to renew pledges for Sindhi Rights

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By Khalid Hashmani

Today is March 4th, a day to celebrate Sindhiat, Sindhi language and Sindhi struggle. Exactly, forty one (41) years ago, the last generation of Sindhis refused to give up on their rights by sacrificing their blood on this day of 1967. The legacy of their resolve and commitment has taken unto a new meaning.

Today, is the day when the the next generation of Sindhis should be renewing their vow to keep the light of Sindhiat alive for ever. Sindh has survived many troubles and cruelties.

Today, we must:

Remember the great student movement of late 1960’s which never gave up on their motherland.

Remember the journalists and staff of the Sindhi newspaper who sacrificed their jobs but did not bow to the rulers who wanted them to stop writing against the Kala Bagh and other dreadful dams on the River Indus.

Remember the Sindhi sons and daughters who lost their lives and underwent torture, imprisonment and other cruelties for betterment of Sindh and Pakistan. Several sons Of Sindh including Dr. Safdar Sarki remains behind bars.

Pledge to re-energize Sindhi struggle for their rights, justice, and control over their natural resources.

Our struggle has survived so far because all succeeding generations continue to fight any and all injustices. The new generation of Sindhis must show the same resolve.

For the last five thousand years, Sindh has seen many cruel invaders and many peaceful migrants who, in their own way, have tried to destroy or enrich Sindhi civilization. Sindh’s history clearly shows that those who came in peace, contributed not only to the civilization of Sindh but left an ever lasting mark of their culture on it. But, those who came in violence, ultimately perished leaving nothing tangible to appreciate or remember.

Today Sindh too is the home of many people of diverse cultures. It is up to these newcomers to realize that only by joining the rich and all encompassing culture of Sindh, they will enrich themselves from the peaceful and sufi nature of it and make it more richer. If they choose the politics of confrontation and cruelty in their deeds such as denying water to the inhabitants of Sindh or imposing their culture on peaceful Sindhis, they too will perish without leaving any significant mark on the civilization.

Let Sindh live for ever! let Sindhi language foster for ever! Let other languages and cultures of Sindh enrich and add their beauty to Sindh’s culture and language!

Pakistan, Sindh, Sindhi

Road to Riches for Sindhis

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By: Ali Nawaz Memon

We have been fighting for FAIRNESS IN FEDERATION of Pakistan. It means that we Sindhis have been asking for our share of riches or wealth of Pakistan. Of course no body listens to us. When I raised that question again during a seminar last weekend in Washington, I annoyed many non-Sindhi friends. They saw it as Punjabi and Muhajir bashing.

We must continue our struggle to make Sindh and Sindhis prosperous through political and collective means. However, personal struggle is the key for success. If we want to be rich, we must become familiar with ROAD TO RICHES.

As a practitioner of economic development, when I look around, I see many rich people. Who is rich? From point of view of Sindhis or average Pakistanis, some one who has assets of about one million dollars, is plenty rich. It does not mean that some one has a million dollars in bank account. It means that value of his home, cars, other investments is about one million dollars.

How did average American get rich, that is a long story. Let us focus on relatively rich Sindhis only in USA and Sindh.

Some are born rich. They inherit lands and business from family. Some have become rich through corrupt means of bribery and dishonesty. But let us focus on self made people who have traveled honest and hard road to riches.

I think blessing of Creator has to be there. After that, I see following characteristics of relatively rich friends:

1. They were good students in schools and colleges. If you are not a good student today, you have to start studying harder and become a better student. You can improve yourself any time.

2. They chose professions which had demand in the society– doctor, engineer, accountant, banker, business etc. People must need your expertise and service. They must be willing to pay for your service. You cannot become rich if your education and expertise is not in demand.

3. Not only they got degrees, but they learned and mastered their subjects. Every person with medical degree does not become rich. But if you have studied enough and become a good doctor, you have a good chance of success.

4. They entered professional field. Being competent and good in their field, they got jobs and learned more on jobs.

5. They struggled and got advanced degrees or education in Pakistan or abroad. Foreign education was not essential but helped a lot since they got higher and more specialized education. Many good professionals have become rich enough with pure Pakistani education.

6. They saved some money every month and invested it for purchase of home, land, business etc. The savings and additional income that it generates is very important towards becoming rich. As an example, a deposit of one lakh rupees in a Pakistani bank can get you about one thousand rupees per month for rest of your life.

News, Pakistan, Politics, Sindh

Democracy is the best Revenge

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The whole country, especially Sindh, is in deep shock and mourning over the tragic death of Pakistan’s finest daughter, Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto, and there is a widespread anguish and soul searching among the democratic and progressive people of Pakistan about the destructive role of military establishment and agencies in politics of the country, the complicity of Pervez Musharraf and his allies in demolishing the democratic institutions, and in fact the very future of the state itself.

The targeted killing of Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto has raised fundamental questions about the future of basic human rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, democracy and national integration in Pakistan. The regime’s authoritarian and dictatorial rule has turned this democratic and peaceful country in to a state of anarchy and chaos.

The whole civil society of the country expresses grave concern on the above situation and feels that there should be a joint strategy for a joint and final struggle to bring this country back to the rails of democracy and people.

In this regard a National Solidarity Mission comprised of 30 civil society leaders, human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and concerned citizens of Balochistan, Pakhtoonkhua, Punjab, Seraiki Wasaib, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas is visiting Sindh to condole the death of Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto and express their solidarity with the people of Sindh.

To address these grave questions and concerns and to welcome the friends of “National Solidarity Mission” Sindh Democratic Forum (SDF) is organizing a reception in their honour and a discussion will also be held on the following topic “Democracy is the best Revenge”

On Monday, 31st January 2008 @ 12 A.M sharp @ House # A/15, Latifabad # 03, Hyderabad. You are cordially invited to attend the session.

On Sunday January 27 Launch of the Mission at Shah Latif Community Center, Islamabad with a group of Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) 11:30 Islamabad.

On Tuesday January 29 Meetings with civil society groups, political leaders, academia, media at Hotel Press Inn, Larkana at 1430 hours, Larkana

On Wednesday January 30, Meetings with civil society groups, political leaders, academia, media at Agha Jee Hall, Shahani Maohalla, Dadu at 1300 hours

On Thursday January 31, Reception by SDF and meeting with civil society groups, political leaders, academia, media at House # A/15, Latifabad # 3, Hyderabad at 1200 hrs, Hyderabad

On Friday February 1, Meetings with civil society groups, political leaders, academia, media at Press Club Nawabshah at 1400 hrs, Nawabshah

On Saturday February 2 Concluding tour Press Conference at Sukkur Press Club, Sukkur/ Khairpur.

On Sunday February 3, Press conference at Press Club

January 26, 2008

News, Politics, Sindh

DO NOT BURN SINDH

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By: Ali Nawaz Memon

MY HEART IS BURSTING. MY TEARS ARE NOT STOPPING. I HAVE LOST A GREAT LEADER…. I EXPECTED MOHTARAMA BENAZIR BHUTTO TO SOLVE OUR NATIONAL AND SINDHI PROBLEMS. SHE HAD PERSONALLY PROMISED ME TO FOCUS ON UNEMPLOYMENT ISSUE. WE WERE PLANNING CREATION OF NEW MINISTRY FOCUSING ON UNEMPLOYMENT ALONE.

NOW I AM HEARING THAT PEOPLE ARE BURNING SINDH.  BANKS, COURTS, ELECTION OFFICES, FIRE TRUCKS, AND PRIVATE PROPERTY ARE BEING BURNT IN LARKANA, JACOBABAD AND OTHER TOWNS OF SINDH. PROPERTY OF EVEN PPP WORKERS IS BEING BURNT. SOME BODY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE AND USING SHAHADAT OF MOHTARAMA TO SET US BACK FURTHER.

PLEASE DO NOT BURN ASSETS OF SINDH. WE NEED TO BUILD SINDH. DO NOT BURN IT. I APPEAL TO ALL WORKERS TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND ASSETS OF SINDH.

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups, 27/12/2007

Pakistan, Personalities, Politics, Sindh

Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Fatima Bhutto

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– 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.

News, Pakistan, Sindh, Sindhi

Educate Sindh Forum Organized a get Together in London

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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,