Following are excerpts from the ABC News website which has lauded the student mobilisation efforts here in Pakistan. The link is:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3844733&page=1
Resisting Martial Law (Just Don't Tell Mom)
Under Media Blackout, Young Pakistani Bloggers Spread News on the Web
Pakistan's fastest-growing guerrilla force is less worried about getting jailed by President Pervez Musharraf than getting in trouble with mom and dad.
Amid a media crackdown that has knocked TV news off the air and threatened journalists who criticize Musharraf with jail terms, Pakistani students have come together over the Internet. But please don't tell their parents.
They're finding new ways to meet virtually in a country where police are brutally putting down street protests.
"I can't talk on this line. It's probably under surveillance," Rashid, a leading student activist at Lahore University of Management Sciences tells me when I reach him on his mobile phone. He calls back a minute later from another line. Like other students interviewed, he only wanted to be identified by one name.
Rashid and a group of friends have launched the Emergency Times (pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com), a daily newsletter that provides legal explanation, commentary and regular updates of Pakistan's widening political crisis.
"When martial law was imposed, we decided we had to do something," he explains.
The first edition set out to analyze Musharraf's legal explanation for suspending the Constitution. It started getting passed around by e-mail, and before long, students all over the country were getting in contact, wanting more information. Pakistanis studying abroad also got in, flooding Rashid with requests for news.
Less than a week since emergency rule was imposed, they are handing out hundreds of copies of Emergency Times a day on the Lahore campus. The Web edition is e-mailed to thousands -- no one knows exactly how many. "Now we are updating it constantly," says Rashid.
In a country where half the population is illiterate and only 12 percent have access to the Internet, Rashid now wants to get their daily report into the Urdu print and radio media. "We believe we have a role, as students, to play in all of this," he says.
Under martial law, there's no freedom of speech or right to gather. Young Pakistanis who fear arrest if they meet in person are coming together in a host of chat rooms to discuss the political crisis --
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Student Bloggers on ABC News!
Bleak news from Pindi
Message from Aasim Sajjad in Pindi:
situation in pindi/isb is very bleak. they have shut down pindi completely
and people are in hiding. make sure you make mention of this escalation in
the repression in your press releases today.
As you can see form the above posted pictures, things are going form bad to worse. PPP protesters were literally stranded and police brutalities seem to know no limits.
For the legitimate Supreme Court
The government has taken down the names and bios of the SC judges from
the official website of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. I have acquired
the domain name http://www.supremecourtpakistan.org/ which I plan to
maintain as the website for the constitutional Supreme Court. I would
appreciate if someone can give me the names and the bios of the
Honorable Justices. You might have it cached with Google Desktop.
Please forward to relevant people if you can. I
Let's make History
Will it work this time? All these protests, with all the risk they are taking – will it mean something? Will it be different this time?
The short answer is, "I don't know," but I am going to tell you this:
I am too busy resisting all day and coordinating online to waste time thinking "What if?"
In fact, I have stopped trying to pick arguments online. If the person is receptive, fine, else move on and do something useful elsewhere. Time is valuable. And quite frankly even if this does not succeed, it will have changed the face of the top universities of our country. THAT won’t go away easily. It will have changed the upper middle class! THAT wont go away easily either. It's a paradigm shift, what is happening today. It's like a communal memory. People will remember this time and use it as a precedent for further resistances. It doesn't matter if this one fails! It will become a symbol and a teacher for the next one! It will be a thorn in the side of corrupt politicians and general for a long long time - this attitude of ours that we are spreading. Every time someone tries to kill the media or the judiciary or play soccer with the constitution, THESE memories will rise up
Our sweet little la la land slumbers are over.
If you have read any history you will realize that we have already sown the seeds of resistance for DECADES to come. Pakistani political landscape has been changed forever. It might take a long time, but it has started. It begins, nay it BEGAN here. And we are the focus, the originators, and the center.
We are making history. (Good God!)
Even BB, who was all set to join up with Mush, with Amreeka behind her, has had to come out and say, we will protest and have rallies. You think she would have done that without the international outcry? Without the lawyer's rallies? Without the students rising up on their campuses?
And now, whether she likes it or not, looks like her party and all the political leverage it has, has been allied to the cause of the lawyers. (Hopefully!)
It is time.
Let's make history.
Why I protest
Denial of political space under any form of government, whether it is
a dictatorship or under the guise of democracy must never be tolerated
and is to be rejected. To protest against it is necessary, even if it
is futile to do so. To register that one is against such an action is
imperative, otherwise you are simply chunked in with the so-called
"silent" majority that apparently approves of everything.
I know that my protesting will not bring about change and I know the
risks involved, but I also know that if I do not speak up, if I do not
ask for my rights, I do not ask for the proper checks and balances and
the choice to stand up and shout, shout and inform the world that I
dissent, I disagree , that this right will be taken away from me and I
will be made forever silent.
I know my protests will not bear fruit, but if we all protest I can at
least hope that we may be able to beat the odds and bring change.
No leader is "socially benevolent", let us all be very clear about
that. They will all seek to exploit us and deny us our God-given
rights. It is therefore our duty, not towards this land we call our
country, not to towards the spirits of a few good dead men we call our
our founding fathers, it is a duty towards ourselves to stand up and
be heard. If we don't demand our rights, no one will give them to us
in charity. This is why I protest, this is why we should all protest.
We MUST speak up...
They first came
for the Communists
I didn't speak up
because I wasn't
a Communist
Then they came
for the Jews
I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a Jew
Then they came
for the homosexuals
and I didn't speak up
because I wasn't
a homosexual
Then they came
for the Catholics
and I didn't speak up
because I was
a Protestant
Then they came
for me
but by that time
there was no one
left to speak up
- Martin Niemoller, detainee at a Nazi Germany concentration camp.
At the moment, it may seem like this 'emergency plus' has no impact on
your lives. You go to school or work, you do your job, you get your
pay, you go home, have dinner, and the day is over. Somewhere in the
middle, you watch some TV or read the paper and notice that people are
protesting and being beaten up or tear gassed. Some of you will think
it's the right thing to do but you wouldn't do it yourself. Others
will think those protesting are crazy and stupid; nothing is going to
change anyway. Others will just change the channel or turn to the
sports page in the paper.
Why are people bothered about this emergency business? Let's think
about that, almost a week since it was declared. The reason is
actually very simple. The Provisional Constitutional Order issued by
Musharraf takes away every right you could claim to have had a week
ago. You can be arrested for anything or nothing at all. You can be
charged with treason because you happened to say, 'I don't like
Musharraf'. If arrested, you could be held without trial. You would
not be tried by a jury of your peers. You would not have the right of
habeas corpus. You can not assemble, you can not speak your mind, you
have no right to property or even to life.
No one has the right to tell you that you are incapable of democracy.
No one has the right to tell you who your next Prime Minister will be.
No one has the right to tell you that you can not dissent. And no one
ever has the right to hurt innocent people.
This affects you every day. You may not see it, but tomorrow, it
MIGHT. Ten years form now, it MIGHT affect your children. Maybe in 20
years, your children will ask you, 'What's voting? Why didn't you do
something to stop this man from taking away your rights?' How will you
answer them? Would you rather they asked, 'What is martial law?' Would
you rather be able to tell them that you'll take them voting the next
time?
This is our country, a part of our identity. We owe it a great deal
and it is about time we gave something back. It is time to come out of
the shell and make an effort, an extraordinary one. And not just for
the end of this 'emergency' but also for the long term, to bring an
end to injustice, to guarantee our rights, and to keep the army where
it belongs - protecting our country.
What good will this do?
Bol kay lab azaad hain teray…
As our state-apparatus crumbles and clouds of despairing dust rise from its remains, many turn a skeptical gaze at the groups of students, lawyers, academicians and journalists who refuse to be blind, dumb and deaf, and question what good is their war of words against brutal force, their voice of reason against a regime drugged on power and demand for justice against those unaware of its meaning?
A moment of reflection will reveal that this doubt and skepticism in itself traces the roots of the quagmire in which we stand today and vividly reveals the reasons for our arrested development, passivity and inability to fight the forces that brutally snatch our rights. It’s a product of our enslaved minds furnished in suffocated political environments, tuned to submit to powers that intimidate us.
Is it just good enough to recognize our inabilities and silently recoil in our futile comfort zones? Certainly not… this very recognition is the signal that the time is ripe to bring about a meaningful change. This martial law has hurled before us our weaknesses and incapacities as a nation (after all it is said that we get rulers that we deserve); and at a time when our present like a crystal ball spells out the mistakes of the past and presents a future teeming with numerous possibilities to undo those mistakes, we should grab the opportunity to contribute a little part of ourselves for our collective dreams and visions that define (the Real and True) Pakistan. And the courageous protests of our, lawyers, academicians and journalists should be seen as an inchoate struggle ripe with potentials to grow into a movement that will win us our rights, freedoms, and opportunities to grow as wholesome individuals.
As pointed out by Mehreen Zahra Malik (a graduate of LUMS and News Editor of Friday Times) in her exemplary article “Speak now or forever hold your peace” (Daily Times, Nov, 9th issue) that the purpose of these trans-national protests is not strategic but expressive. They should not be evaluated on the basis of capitalistic and materialistic “rational calculus”(qtd. from the aforementioned article) but on their moral force, giving opportunities to ambitious individuals to unite their ideas, intellectualism and vision into a dynamic force possessing the potential to overturn an impending crisis and become a universal symbol of unity, peace and justice. In times of phenomenal technological and global communication possibilities each of us has a chance to contribute and change. So let’s shed off our corroding pessimism and rise up for action… the New World Order gives us all a chance to become heroes!!
Friday, November 9, 2007
LUMS - Iqbal Day rally
The LUMS student body, in keeping with the spirit of Iqbal day, organized yet another protest rally, their 4th this week, to express their collective disapproval of Musharraf's declaration of emergency, and his outright subversion of the Judiciary. Even with the final exams beginning the next day, the student participation in the event was commendably substantial, around 300 people being present. The rally started with speeches by students, who all stressed the importance of continuing the dedicated protest, in whatever manner or form against the Executive's unjustified actions. Some students recited poetry written by the national poet – Allama Iqbal – to show how his poetry reflects youth awakening, and its crucial role in the country's future. It was also decided that a hunger strike would commence from Monday; students participating in the hunger strike will be on the LUMS campus, studying for their exams yet stressing their continued protest against the President's outrageous escapades.
Two LUMS Faculty members also spoke at the rally, once again stressing the need for continued action against the Executive, and giving the students a perspective on how to strategize for the future. Pamphlets were distributed and placards were raised against the state's actions. The rally then took to the streets of LUMS, with the students walking in a circle around the academic block. This was, once again, a silent protest – to signify the way in which the media is being treated, and
to signify the attempt to silence the entire society through the suspension of their fundamental right to peacefully assemble. At the end of the march, a student passionately recited original poetry about the Hobbesian state of affairs prevailing the country, to great applause..
The LUMS student body pledged to continue to express its vehement disapproval of the illegal and oppressive way in which the Executive has dismissed the judiciary, imposed martial law, and suppressed the fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan.
FAST Protest Continues
The Students of FAST-Lahore continued their protest today, with around 3-400 students gathering on their campus after Juma prayers, and staging a peaceful rally. A number of students and faculty members spoke at the meeting and spoke about the emergency and martial law enforcement. The Police presence outside their campus remains..
We salute our fellow students, who remain steadfast in their defiance..
Thoughts on the situation..
Sana
Lawyers being pushed, shoved, brutally beaten up; journalists being manhandled, dragged by their hair for doing the job they are meant to do; students protesting peacefully yet being threatened by police brigades via silent, deadly stares – what have we been reduced to? This is what the ‘Emergency’ was designed to do; under the veil of ‘fighting terrorism’ in the country, the President has managed to create a more unstable, violent situation – all so his access to self-created unlimited power remains untouched. A friend of mine very aptly described this situation – the Head of State is acting like a young child, throwing tantrums if someone comes anywhere near his precious toys.
It is marvelous how students of this nation have managed to unite and put across a brave front in this grave situation. Strangely enough, being a student, I always thought our generation lacked the initiative and drive to bring about any sort of change. Most of us have led sheltered existences and would find it impossible to imagine spending a night in a cell. Apart from that, the population largely seemed to be too involved in their own daily activities to worry about the big picture. But this event has changed my perspective; thankfully, for the better. Students of LUMS and other universities have done a tremendous job of, at the very least, creating a stir; making international news was just the cherry on the cake! We, as a nation, (or on a smaller scale) as LUMS family, strongly oppose the current state of affairs in Pakistan since it has been created for the benefit of one man, with the rights of millions of people as the opportunity cost. Unfortunately, it is too large a cost.
Having declared that students and lawyers are working towards a better future of the country, it is important to understand that more people need to join this movement. It is essential for us to realize that this is not one person’s agenda; it is the problem of every citizen of Pakistan. It is not only the students whose rights have been abrogated – it is each and every one of us. And that is what makes our current circumstances so distressing. Where are the other elements of society? Where are the opposition parties? Where are the professionals? Where are the masses? Is this too trivial a condition that we do not need to be bothered by it? This apathy is the direct consequence of our erratic political past. Whenever the army wants, it takes over, holds the constitution in abeyance and creates an environment of instability. And makes us mortals think, “Why should we bother? Not like it would make a difference.” It may even be true that whatever we do would not topple the present government over, or miraculously create a leader out of thin air who would be just, considerate and, for once, stick to the laws of the country. But it is definitely worth making the effort. It is definitely something to strive for, to hope for. What would be even worse is if we just sit like lame ducks, causing us to be a part of this entire fiasco. No problem has ever been solved without working towards a solution; and determining the failure or success before even trying is the worst mistake one can make. Agreed, it is difficult to raise your voice in a climate of such great insecurity; with people being arrested all over. But protesting against a tyrannical government does not only mean participating in rallies and shouting slogans. It may be a more active, effective way, but smaller steps are just as significant. With the international focus on us right now, it has become much easier to voice our opinions.
This is not what this country was meant to be like. There were bigger, better hopes attached to our generation and those before us. And great fervor is required of us as this moment. Needless to say, all of us feel sorrow as we look around. It may seem abysmal but a dictator can not bring this country down; or better yet, we will not let him bring the country down! We have so much more to offer and this is not how it is going to end. I hope it ends with people reaching their full potential, realizing what great things they are capable of achieving; I hope it ends with the destruction of this one-man show, a man who is a sad excuse of a leader, along with his troupe of blind-folded followers.
The Clock starts Ticking..
V
The unashamed façade is crumbling… The delicate veneer of lies is being shattered… Even as the military declares war on civil society, it has set in motion its own demise. The response of the police-state to the various student protests around the country has laid bare its own cowardice; they are scared of the students. They will try to suppress us further, to intimidate us into timid obedience. But we will not be silenced. In Complete Unity, we will lay bare the sins of the oppressors; In Complete Unity, we will voice ourselves against them; In Complete Unity, we will bring them down.
March on, my friends…
Politicians charged with treason!
Three politicians among four charged with treason in Karachi
KARACHI ( 2007-11-08 14:20:01 ) :
Pakistan on Thursday charged three politicians and a trade union leader with treason for making speeches against President General Pervez Musharraf's imposition of emergency rule, court officials said.
The four were remanded in custody for two weeks by a court in Karachi, two days after they were arrested for criticising Gen Musharraf in addresses at the city's press club, they said.
Treason -- or sedition, as the activists have been formally charged with -- carries a maximum sentence of death.
The arrested men are Baloch nationalist leader Hasil Bizenjo, his party's provincial chief Ayub Qureshi, the vice-president of the National Workers Party, Yusuf Mustikhan, and trade union leader Liaquat Sahi.
The men were also accused of distributing pamphlets against the state of emergency declared by Gen Musharraf, police and Bizenjo's party spokesman Jan Buledi told AFP.
On Wednesday, Karachi police registered sedition cases against eight lawyers, including a woman, on charges of inciting people against the state of emergency. The lawyers have gone into hiding.
http://aaj.tv/news/news.php?pg=0&show=detail&nid=4
Protest at LUMS continues into 4th day
Jo Sub Say Bara Bay-emaan Hai
Woh Sadr-e-Pakistan Hai!
LUMS saw its fourth consecutive day of protest against the Martial Law on November 8th, 2007. Despite the avalanche of overdue assignments and impending examinations, approximately 150 students showed up, along with several members of the faculty at the Sports Complex to show their continuing dissent against the martial law, the blatant abuse of human rights and the tyrannical suppression of our judiciary and media.
Other than the students who came up to speak in front of a peacefully assembled crowd we had speeches by Aasim Sajjad, faculty member of the Social Sciences department, an Alumnus lawyer, and our Vice Chancellor.
Defying the poor acoustics of the hall, Aasim Sajjad’s voice rang out clear, congratulating the students for fulfilling their duty to their conscience and their country and for successfully making their voices heard all over the world. He related the incidents that transpired during the peaceful protest held in Islamabad, of which he and his wife were both a part; the group of 20-30 civilians were surrounded by a police force ten times their number and brutally manhandled. He clarified that this is not just a political war but a moral one which must be fought by all people at all fronts. Nothing, he said, can justify the heinous manner in which innocent people are being beaten, tear-gassed, tortured and arrested without regard to their gender, age or any other factor that characterizes a human being. It is not only our right to raise our voices against the State which has sanctioned such barbarism but our duty to do so. He urged the students to be organized and safe, and to make this movement strong by striking a balance between caution and courage; his final words expressed his firm belief in the success of this struggle.
A member of the LUMS alumni, who is at present one of the defiant lawyers upholding the struggle on the judicial front, came up to express his happiness over the students’ support. Being a former LUMS student he was especially proud that the faculty and students of his university were among the first to raise their voice against the tyranny of the government. He emphasized the need to ensure our own safety first, to exercise caution and to avoid getting arrested, which, he maintained, should be left to the lawyers. He urged the students to continue the struggle and not to stop till our goals are achieved.
Our Vice Chancellor also expressed the administration’s support regarding freedom of expression; he reminded us to fulfill our academic responsibilities, to speak our minds clearly and loudly but at the same time tolerate others’ opinions. He said the students’ right to speak their hearts and their minds would be protected by him and the administration however he also asserted the need to keep our protest within the normal parameters of university rules. The day we cannot express our opinions and our views freely, he said, LUMS will stop being the academic institution it prides itself to be.
Aasim Sajjad also sang a revolutionary song to the beat of the students’ rhythmic clapping, while the Students Action Committee showed two presentations covering the massive protest held in LUMS on 7th November, 2007, further raising the spirits of those present.
Among the things discussed and ideas passed around two of the most important suggestions were: to write letters of support and comfort to the lawyers who are under house arrest and are completely deprived of any outside information, and to flood the CNN ireports (www.cnn.com) with messages expressing our dissent against the martial law and human rights’ abuse in the country.
In the meantime, Police remained stationed outside LUMS the entire day, monitoring students moving in and out. Reports abound of phone lines being tapped and emails being monitored. Attempts to intimidate and silence us contine.
But is essential that the fervour remain, that we persevere in whatever manner possible, against the injustice, against the oppression, until we bring them to their knees.
In Complete Unity.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A motivational poem
Kehtey hain:
"Khamosh raho tu sukhi raho ge
Ghar mein raho tu sukhi raho ge
Kitabon mein jo tum ne seekha hai
Bhool jao tu sukhi raho ge
Sola crore jo bhooke mar rahe hain
Marney do, tu sukhi raho ge"
Insaaf per nafiz nazar-bandi hai
DiloN ke milne pe pabandi hai
ZubanoN pe taale laga rahe hain
Niyyat in hukamranoN ki gandi hai
kia yeh aik mushkil faisla hai?
kia ab bhi intizaar ki gunjaish hai?
Nahi chahiey mujhe yeh
Sisk'ti hoi lachaar zindagi
Dari hoi, murda, bekaar zindagi
Bohat kos chuke tareekh ko
Bohat pooj chuke iblees ko
Haq ki roshnai jab ragoN mein ho
Farz hai badlna taqdeer ko
Jeena hai tu dil se jeo
Dil ki baat her bol ke jeo
Jin haathoN mein bandoqeiN hain
Mal-e-haraam ki sandooqeiN hain
Un zalim hathoN ku tor ke jeo
Dil ki baat her bol ke jeo
--
And that inverted Bowl they call the Sky,
Whereunder crawling coop'd we live and die,
Life not your hands to It for help-- for It
As impotently moves as you or I.
-Omar Khayyam
(The Emergency Times Eds- We encourage all artistic expression of our revolutionary and unyielding thoughts and feelings. We have a rich tradition of poetry, literature, theatre and music and want to see more of the same. Let us also revisit the works of our historic greats such as Habib Jalib Faiz and Manto. It is time we found inspiration within ourselves ad within our history, and devised novel ways of raising our voices into a war cry to battle all forms of opression. Any such purposeful work be it in the form of theatre, music, poetry or art is more than welcome. Contribute pictures videos, audio files and other web links.
The artist. The intellectual. The revolutionary. In perfect harmony. This is how our movement must crystallize).
A solemn oath of solidarity
Theemergencytimes Eds-
We thoroughly condemn the government’s atrocious behaviour, especially after learning the dark details of the imprisonment of Aitzaz Ahsan, Muneer A Malik, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd, lawyers who have become the icons of our struggle for justice. We take this opportunity to express solidarity with them all, including Asma Jehangir and her friends from the HRCP protest. We also thoroughly sympathize with the families of all the lawyers and activists who are bearing the brunt of the government’s criminal high handedness. We express our support and unity with their pain and their cause and urge them that they are not alone. Inshallah we will be trying our level best towards contacting them all soon and let it be known that we rally behind their cause with every ounce of our beings. Let us also not forget the valiant resistance of those judges who have refused to take oath under the insulting and shameful PCO. We would like to take this opportunity to urge all readers to reflect on the level of commitment and bravery shown by these inspiring individuals and to take something of their tireless commitment back with us. You urge us on. You keep the hope in us alive. You keep our spirits soaring and our hearts strong. God bless you. We are all with you. In complete Unity.
IMPORTANT! Asma Jehangir calls for solidarity with the lawyers
Appeal for support to lawyers and judges in Pakistan
I am fortunate to be under house arrest while my colleagues are suffering. The Musharaf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. While the terrorists remain on the loose and continue to occupy more space in Pakistan, senior lawyers are being tortured.
The civil society of Pakistan urges bar associations all over the world to mobilize public opinion in favor of the judges and lawyers in Pakistan. A large number of judges of superior courts are under arrest. Thousands of lawyers are imprisoned, beaten and tortured.
In particular the cases of Muneer A Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd are serious. Muneer A Malik, the former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and leader of the lawyers' movement has been shifted to the notorious Attack Fort. He is being tortured and is under the custody of the military intelligence. Tariq Mahmood, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was imprisoned in Adiala jail. No one was allowed to see him and it is reported that he has been shifted to an unknown place. Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd, former Vice Chair of the Pakistan Bar Council is in the custody of military intelligence and being kept at an undisclosed place. Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar is being kept in Adiayala jail in solitary confinement.
Representatives of bar associations should approach their governments to pressure the government of Pakistan to release all lawyers and judges and immediately provide access to Muneer A Malik, Tariq Mahmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd and Aitzaz Ahsan. The bars are also urged to hold press conferences in their country and express their solidarity with the lawyers of Pakistan who are struggling to establish the rule of law.
Asma Jahngir
Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan
Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
IMPORTANT! Civilian Protest outside Press Club Saturday- Spread the word..!
Demonstration in front of the press club, Davis Road, on 10th of November 2007. at 1pm
Protest against this Martial Law
(Called Emergency by the govt.)
A state of emergency takes away all your fundamental rights.
These rights were not given to us by any military dictator as CHARITY. In fact our forefathers gave sacrifices to earn these rights for us.
Our judiciary is our nation’s pride, hope and the source of justice.
This judiciary is being punished by a military dictator for trying to protect our fundamental rights and for standing up for the truth. If our silent majority doesn’t act now, soon there may be no Pakistan left.
You can register your protest by:
Wearing black head bands
Wearing Black Wrist bands or Arm bands.
You can hoist black flags on your house or your car.
You can join us in a peaceful demonstration in front of the press club, Davis Road, on 10th of November 2007.
At 1pm.
Note: We are not a political party, NGO or a lawyer’s association. We are just a group of concerned citizens.
A comedy of terrors =)
(Theemergencytimes Eds- Cannot resist putting this one up. Its good to see that humour is still alive even as the despots in the corridors of power tighten the noose around popular opinion. This piece very amply jests out the deep disgust we civilians feel today)
In a case involving three culprits accused of having burgled a house, a local court decided that even if the act had taken place, since the court was only called upon after the happening, it has no option but to let the accused off
All the reports in this issue have been filed by our correspondent Jaajee Cigrutnosh (Eds- hehehe)
LAHORE: Jurists across the world are discussing the revolutionary formulation that has informed the decision by the New Court of Pakistan (NCP) which set aside on Tuesday an earlier order by the Old Court of Pakistan (OCP) against the decision by Big Bro to declare Emergency and promulgate the PCO, a combination referred to as Emergency-plus.
The NCP, working under the PCO, reached this verdict on the basis of a simple logic: the previous order by the OCP ruling the promulgation of Emergency-plus as unconstitutional is null and void because Big Bro had moved before the OCP passed its order nullifying the move by him.
This correspondent has learned that while jurists are panting with excitement at the prospect of this conceptual breakthrough in the discipline, a topic to which we shall return shortly, the Bush White House has also commended the NCP for a decision that, according to White House spokeswoman Snow White, has revolutionised not just domestic but international law as well.
Speaking to Daily Times on the phone, Ms White, said: "This verdict vindicates America's offensive against Iraq. If it is legally tenable that an action cannot be judged against because it has taken place before a judgement on it could be passed, then America was within its legal rights to have invaded Iraq."
Another set of experts, the civilian warriors in the think-tanks as well as military generals, are also euphoric following this verdict. Admiral Dhai'n-Pattas of the US Central Command told this correspondent that the decision provides perfect cover to the so far nettlesome issue of pre-emption and preventive war.
"There was moral hazard in these doctrines," said Admiral Dhai'n-Pattas, "but it is now clear that if an action has been carried out, any subsequent invocation of law to set it aside is void for the simple reason that such action has already been carried out."
Admiral Dhai'n-Pattas likened it to a tennis (or Squash, if any reader is more inclined towards the latter) drop shot, saying: "You just can't pick this one up; it's sheer beauty".
Jurists are still trying to understand the full import of the decision by NCP, but most are agreed that its application has posed a major conceptual challenge to the entire spectrum of law.
"If it can be determined that a bench of judges cannot declare void an order that has been passed prior to such adjudication because that order has also deprived those judges of their legal mandate before they could adjudicate against it, then we have a whole range of possibilities here," said a professor of law talking to Daily Times.
The professor said that this would mean any ruler could get rid of the judges as and when he/she so desired and any court ruling against such a decision would be unacceptable because the verdict would inevitably follow the action.
However, this is a minority, spoiler view. Most decent professors of law Daily Times talked to were of the view that this judgement removes the misconception that law can override power. "Power has historically created law; we are happy that this decision has put paid to the nonsense trotted out by the classic liberal literature on jurisprudence," was how one of them put it.
These professors are of the view that by pushing law onto the Shakespearean heath, the NCP had done a tremendous service to the profession. "Nuances are good but of late we have gone too much into them, losing sight of the fact that power creates law and that is an historical reality," said another professor.
***
Elsewhere in Pakistan:
CHAK 69 ULTA-PULTA: In a case involving three culprits accused of having burgled a house, a local court decided that even if the act had taken place, since the court was only called upon after the happening, it had no option but to let the accused off. The court then chided the owner for living in opulence which it said was an act of provocation.
The honourable judge also averred that the act having been successfully committed, its success itself was a determination of its legality. To this end the judge cited various cases including the French, Russian and Chinese Revolutions.
He later sent a press release regretting that he had forgotten about the Iranian revolution and requested, in the same breath, that the reference to that great event may also be included in any report on the story.
***
RAWALPINDI: After the great success of television channels such as Emergency Food, Dalda ka Dustarkhan and Masalah, cable operators have decided to bring in more entertainment for Pakistani viewers.
Talking to Daily Times, residents of Makhanpura in the city said that the one good thing about Big Bro's gag order was the absence of garrulous and quarrelsome talk-show hosts and politicians.
"At least we are spared the news channels; they were always moaning and groaning; my husband wouldn't let me watch Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi; now even he watches it," said a housewife who was too shy to tell her name and said that she may be identified simply as Munnay ke Amma.
Another resident, a girl who is the first one in the family to go to college and is eager to speak English, told DT that "Mein tau drawmas like karti hun; shukar hai yeh news ke bakwas has ended."
There is also a sense among women that watching food channels is likely to kitchen-train men.
The boys, while happy that new channels have been taken off the air, however, want the government of Pakistan to introduce FTV and such other channels as Trendz etc. "Just because we are sick of moaning and groaning politicians doesn't mean we don't like moaning and groaning per se," said one. (Ed's note: He never used 'per se' but this being a quality English-language newspaper, we need to retain our sense of the language.)
A highly placed official told DT that given the rising demand for entertainment through economy of clothes the government was seriously thinking of taking a positive decision in this regard. As one official put it, "It's the government's job to respect public opinion and if this is what people want, we will do whatever we can to come up to their expectations."
***
LAHORE: Our final political story of the day deals with an announcement about the coming to Pakistan of Ripley's Believe It or Not (second Season). AXN advertises Ripley as "a name that's synonymous with the strange, the fantastic and the bizarre". Sources close to Murree Brewery say Ripley is just what the doctor prescribed for viewers in Pakistan.
Ejaz Haider is Op-Ed Editor of Daily Times and Consulting Editor of The Friday Times. He can be reached at sapper@dailytimes.com.pk
--
The room is empty,
And the window is open
"My secret identity is" by Charles Simic
--
'...And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture':) Neruda
Reports from the Peshawar High Court
From the Daily Times.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\11\08\story_8-11-2007_pg7_27
'Judges taking oath under PCO liable to contempt of court'
* Deposed PHC chief justice calls emergency proclamation martial law
* Says around 70 judges awaiting his instructions to resign
By Akhtar Amin
PESHAWAR: Deposed Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Tariq Pervez
Khan said on Wednesday that all judges of the superior judiciary who
took oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) were liable
to contempt of court, for the Supreme Court had restrained them from
doing so.
During an interview with Daily Times at his residence after the
proclamation of emergency, which he called a full-fledged martial law,
he said those who assumed their charges under the PCO were no longer
judges of the superior judiciary.
Justice Pervez Khan, who still considers himself to be the top
adjudicator of the Frontier, said that after receiving the verdict of
the seven-member Supreme Court bench, which declared the proclamation
of emergency as unlawful and retrained judges from taking oath under
the PCO, I communicated the instructions to all PHC judges, except
Justice Raj Muhammad Khan who was on way to Dera Ismail Khan.
Pervez Khan said, "Assault on judiciary has extremely perplexed the
judges," and added, "About 70-80 judicial officers of the province
have contacted me so far, seeking my go-ahead signal to resign from
their posts. "I've asked them to wait as I don't want to issue them
any directives without consulting Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry."
To a query, he said President Musharraf had imposed martial law under
the garb of emergency. "How ridiculous is it that the Constitution is
suspended but the parliament and provincial assemblies are intact;
they are constitutional bodies."
Referring to President Musharraf's speech to the nation on television,
he said, "What justification will he present for the release of 29
militants in exchange for the release of 213 kidnapped troops.
"A court issues release orders for the detainees when the government
fails to prove charges against the accused," he said, while adding
that the courts only bailed out the accused but that the government
released even militants through negotiations, though they were
convicted by the Anti-Terrorism Court.
"The law does not contain any provision meant to negotiate with
criminals. Law and order deteriorated in the country because the
government started negotiations with criminals, rather than dealing
with them in accordance with the law," Justice Khan added. He said
hopefully the future of judiciary was bright and that the civil
society would have to play its role for the establishment of a
transparent judiciary.
Justice Khan also expressed his concern over the role of civil
society, which, he added, did not react to emergency imposition
properly, but "now it should act for suspension of fundamental rights
of the 160 million Pakistanis."
Media activities and new developments
MEDIA
Two channels are come back on air, CNBC-Pakistan & Business Plus. All the other news channels are still off air via cable, although those with satellite get all the broadcasts. Apparently satellite dishes have been selling like hot cakes. People were also crowding around lectronics shops with televisions outside broadcasting through satellites.Today there was an order banning their sale (in Karachi at least).
The Washington Post reported that the ISI had picked up Mir Shakilur Rehman, the owner of the largest media group, Jang – In the Heart of Pakistan, a Deep Sense of Anxiety, By Emily Wax - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/06/AR2007110600516.html?referrer=emailarticle – (a senior management person I asked about this says that 'they did talk to him and advised him re: the coverage. Later an email was received saying that if the group wrote anything against the army he & his family would be hunted down like rats. Also, yesterday we received a letter, supposedly sent by the Taliban, threatening to blow up Jang & Geo offices. But as u can see, we are holding steady"). It's a good piece anyway.
PTV DETERMINEDLY OPTIMISTIC - TALKED TO NAWAZ SHARIF, ASKING WHY HIS PML-N WEREN'T PART OF ARD mtg at which BB announced a rally in Pindi on the 9 th and a long march on the 13th. (both of which the govt has said they will not allow)… PTV also talked to Amin Fahim of PPP - they've clearly come a long way since the time no opposition was allowed on air. But the divisions are obvious (which obviously is the design).
Nuzhat Ahmad writes: "The NYT and the Post have been plastered with Pakistan news. Today's op-ed page in NYT is almost all about Pakistan. I request everyone to start an organized "letters to the editor" campaign. It does not matter whether they get published or not. The point is to have the newspaper receive hundreds of letters urging support for the people of Pakistan in their struggle.I have already started this in Philadelphia, and have approached Pakistanis as well as non-Pakistanis, and most have complied. Please keep the letters short, to the point, and avoid a rant. The e-mail addresses are as follows: letters@nytimes.com & letters@washpost.com" (P.S. I would add, please post copies of the letters to the Emergency Wiki page - http://pakistan.wikia.com/wiki/Emergency_2007)
CITIZENS PROTESTS:
In Lahore LUMS students staged another protest, despite their campus being surrounded by police. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: PLEASE BLUR ALL PICTURES BEFORE YOU SPREAD THEM!
15 LUMS students have been identified and are being demanded for detention
A group of citizens presented several bouquets of flowers to Sindh Chief Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed at his residence today. Police vans on either end of his lane blocked cars from going through so the citizens parked on the main road and walked down the lane without any obstructions.
Another group of about 40 did a brief demonstration in Karachi.
An activist who attended two protests in Islamabad today says they were both very good - "the one in front of the kacheri was typical of the civil society - about 150 ppl... it was very peaceful - policemen said they were there to safeguard us ehhehehhe. The one in the evening in front of parliament was huge by Islamabad standards - but quite political in nature – of course - 500 or so - and police released tear gas when ppl tried to break through the barricades. And they had speakers the size of me with faiz's poem blaring and people dancing in the lights of cars." This is the first protest in Pakistan that has NOT been broken up by the police
According to PTV News, the protest in front of Parliament was called by the PPP. There was brief footage of the demonstration. According to the report, protestors tried to break through the barricades, the police used tear gas and arrested a few people – but these visuals were not shown.
Boston is getting activated for a protest, so is Chicago.
FOOTNOTE:
Meanwhile, in the PTV news the newscaster sounds terribly self-congratulatory on behalf of the government. But they can't hide the fact that the parliamentary session they are showing is half empty and totally lackluster. Shaukat Aziz just said congratulated the house for being the first to complete its term, and stressed that democracy has been brought to Pakistan!
Thoughts..
It has been said earlier, but needs to be said again! It becomes apparent from the current political scenario (read: MARTIAL LAW) that the real 'terrorists' that the (make-believe) state of Pakistan is cracking down upon is the political leaders, the legal community and civil society—in short any sort of opposition it is facing. Now, the crucial point to ponder upon here is that if the current 'emergency' is being justified on the grounds of curbing terrorism in the country, shouldn't there have been any immediate policy changes in that regard? Shouldn't the emergency have been 'used' to facilitate this objective? But it seems that the other 'evil' that the General (and deliberately choose not to say 'President' here) mentioned in his address is more of a concern for him than the justification offered to the world at large. In my view this is, simply put, a blatant mockery of the ideas and rights of freedom and liberty, and are desperate measures to cling to power. If this doesn't convince you, consider how well-planned the Government's strategy was to curb any sort of resistance to this brutal measure; they knew the lawyers had taken charge previously, and they would again, and to emasculate this resistance by cracking down hard upon them was their first and foremost objective.
And we, the youth, the students of this country, are as culpable as the regime. For we gave them so much room to carry on their atrocities that it got so worse as this brutal oppression. Had we taken to the streets and provided effective resistance to mete a final blow when the opportunity was there, especially during the previous protests to restore the CJ, the situation might not have gotten to where it is. Had we risen up, the way we should have, when the carnage was committed in Karachi on May 12, this country wouldn't be where it stands right now. Had we stood up for what's right, we would not be as desperate and frustrated as we are getting with this country with every passing day.
WE NEED TO FIX THIS. If the principle of freedom does not convince you or the brutalities don't anger you enough, look around you and see how your lives are being affected. Business? Pakistan's international credit-ratings, according to the international agency, Moody's, have run into negative, implying a dry-out in foreign investments in the country. Education? I don't see that time very far away when you would be TOLD by the state what to study and what not to. We see darkness ahead of us, feel hopelessness and despair, but all has not ended. Now is the time to stand up for your rights; now is the time to think of your responsibility to those being crushed, and to this nation. For once, we need to fight for what's right. For once, we need to end the oppression that has marred the history, development and social fabric of this country. For once, we need to think beyond the surface of material luxuries and opportunities for a brighter, sustainable, stable future.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
And yet more student protests..
The passion and zeal thats newly stormed it's way into the hearts and minds of our youth is spreading like wildfire..
Hamdard University Protests in Islamabad
Recent reports have been confirmed that this afternoon a gathering outside Hamdard university comprising of students, lawyers and journalists managed to stage a vociferous protest within the premises of the nearby district court. Decrying the martial law and shouting slogans for Musharrafs immediate resignation they rallied together for a considerable period until the police showed up. Thereafter they resisted police baton charging succesfully and managed to retain their stronghold of the district court and remained there effectively making their point. They dispersed before any more serious action could be taken but some lawyers are reported to have been arrested form the premises. The account is quite extraordinary and suggests the very real phenomena of civil society coming together across all classes and walks of life under one common umbrella. We are heartened and inspired to say the least.
We stand behind you all. As always in complete unity.
Quaid-e-Azam University protests
Yesterday the students of Quaid-e-Azam University in tandem with faculty mainly from the natural sciences department staged a protest in thier campus roughly 400 people stron. Intelligence agency officials were reported to have been present aswell.
Today a similar protest was staged in a larger number and another successful rally was staged with morales running high. After the protest was officially over the police once again showed up but thankfully no untoward incidences occurred.
All in all the past two days have shown strong promise and high spirits with the youth and civilian forces finally stirring. We must all rise to the occassion. And rise we shall. There is no stopping the heights to which a students mind can soar. There is no stopping the barriers which a student body can break. And the students of Pakistan are proving this with their thoughts words and actions.
We are all with you. As one.
Events at Punjab University- IT dept
Today the faculty of PUCIT (Punjab University College of Information Technology) discussed the issue of emergency imposed as well as the unlawful arrest of our fellow colleagues and students. It was decided in the meeting that this is high time as the situation demands that academic institutes (teachers + students) should play their role to bring the country out of the current crisis. A point was raised that faculty should wear black ribbons on arms as an indication of protest. More so students of the university gathered and raised slogans against the current administrative polices within the campus. It the need of the hour that the academic institutes should move in full coordination so that their sound should be heard not only within the country but across the border as well. Friday the 9th November demands a very well coordinated move by the entire nation under the guideline of Allama Muhammad Iqbal's vision who said "God has never changed the plight of a Nation who has not tried to change it". It is time that we should stop sitting in our cozy rooms and wait for a heavenly miracle to occur. We should move towards the right path so that the duty of guidance be fulfilled as members of faculty it is our moral and legal duty towards our nation.
May God help us all
Link to Fast university police action on video
Today's atrocious events at FAST university lahore campus are condemnable by all standards. Here is the link to a video taken which shows the congergation of peaceful students and their detention and confinement within their campus by the police.
http://popat-farhan.blogspot.com/2007/11/protest-againt-emergency-at-fast-lhr.html
We will try to upload the video as soon as possible in the mean time please visit the blog and let us show solidarity to the Fast students.
We are with you. As always. In complete unity.
PPP hits the streets!
As this email is being written, several thousand PPP workers are protesting outside the parliament house. As expected, they are being batton charged, tear gased and arrested. However, their spirits are still soaring high. PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto has demanded that Musharraf should step down as Chief of Army Staff and Martial Law be lifted immediately. She has said that PPP would commence a long March from Lahore, if, by the 13th of November all lawyers, political activists and civil society activists arrested without cause are not immediately released.
Everyone fighting against this draconian act of Musharraf is united for the same cause. Hence, we should take strength from our comrades fighting this tyranny in all parts of the country and abroad. The most crucial point right now is the sharing of information, so if anyone of you has any contacts with any PPP member, he/she should immediately inform them that they are not alone. The student body is standing beside them every step along the road to freedom and democracy.
LONG LIVE THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY!!
DEATH TO MARTIAL LAW!!
for further details, log onto:
www.pakistanvision.com for live coverage of GEO
Details of the LUMS rally and Police Response
Over 1000 students were part of a protest held in LUMS today. This protest happened in spite of the fact that the Police had spoken to students in LUMS and said that if they did anything (even within the campus), they would be baton charged. Police surrounded the LUMS campus from the morning, before the protest began. Plainclothes policemen were wandering around campus warning students about the impending crackdown. It was relayed that they knew the names of the students at the helm of the movement and they would be targeted. Many LUMS students attempting to enter the campus were denied entry by the police from the onset.
However, the protest went ahead as planned. Students and faculty gathered first in the sports complex, where, after reciting the National Anthem, they began the proceedings. Student and faculty speakers outlined the cause of the movement and their demands, which were, the removal of the martial law, the release of all lawyers, activists, teachers, students and leaders detained by the law enforcement agencies, the reinstatement of the judiciary and an end to the curbs on the media. By this time, we were informed that police were forcefully preventing media personnel from getting into the campus to cover the event. Nevertheless, the protest continued; the crowd slowly moved outside the sports complex, in complete silence, symbolic of the way in which their voices were being suppressed.
However, when they reached the entrance, where the police was present, armed with batons and teargas, the Vice Chancellor came out and ordered everyone to stay inside and move away from the academic block. The crowd then changed direction and made a round of the academic block, with the atmosphere getting more heated up, the crowd indignant at the stifling of their voice. During this round, it was made evident to many of us that plainclothes policemen and intelligence officials were present in the crowd, trying to create confusion and pandemonium, as well as take pictures of the student leaders involved. In the huge crowd, however, it was impossible to accurately isolate these people and have them removed. Meanwhile, a UET student attempting to enter the campus was beaten up by the police and detained, along with a member of the LUMS ITSC staff, though this is unconfirmed.
Right after this, about half the number of initial protestors carried out a silent, peaceful protest where they simply sat down in front of the Main Entrance in front of the police personnel. Most of the protestors placed masking tapes over their mouths, in a show of silent solidarity as they faced the police. At this time, all media personnel attempting to leave the campus were accosted by police with their cameras confiscated. The Police presence since then has multiplied and they are still at the gates. Reports are that they have been ordered to procure at least 15 people for detainment. The administration has denied them thus far. They remain outside. We are not sure what the outcome will be.
We have heard of the valiant efforts of our student brethren at FAST as well, who remain besieged inside their university. We salute you for your courage and call for a united effort against this military brutality. We call upon the entire student community of Pakistan to rise up against this criminal, authoritarian regime. Together, we will take this to its inevitable conclusion.
In Complete Unity.
Update on the Fast University crackdown
Police raided the students with four mobile vans full of baton yielding men. They have locked up the university and are holding the students inside as hostages, demanding they be handed over the protestors. The brave administration of FAST have rejected this demand. We salute the people of FAST for their bravery and standing up for their rights.....
spread the word and live with dignity
The situation in Karachi and Islamabad
This report was filed from Karachi at 11:50 a.m.
KARACHI - Martial Law's 4th Day
Karachi, November 7: Heavy contingents of police and rangers have taken positions outside the Sindh High Court with plain-clothed police and intelligence officials posted inside, an Emergency Telegraph reporter witnessed and quoted sources that requested anonymity.
Under a three-day courts' boycott announced by the legal fraternity, lawyers boycotted courts for the second day.
Police (and intelligence officials) barred the entry of media personnel in the Sindh High Court and only lawyers who had cases scheduled for November 7 were allowed entry.
Senior lawyers of the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) are scheduled to have a meeting today which will formulate the future strategy of the legal fraternity.
No prominent arrests were made today (so far), however, several lawyers and rights activists have been reported as "missing."
Report from Islamabad:
Everyone in Islamabad is requested to participate in the student protest at 2 pm in F8 Market Opp Hamdard University TODAY (WEDNESDAY)
Activities in Texas
Here is what faculty members and graduate students at University of Texas are doing:
1) A meeting was held by concerned students and faculty members yesterday on campus to chalk out a strategy for highlighting the struggle in Pakistan and to express the condemnation by UT academic community of the illegal steps being taken by Gen Musharraf in Pakistan and raise awareness about it here in Austin and in the US.
2) A protest march and community teach-in is planned for Friday on UT Campus. Pakistani students/faculty members will be speaking about the current crisis there.
3) A letter writing campaign is underway: we are trying to secure maximum number of signatures from faculty members to convey the unanimous opposition of UT academic community to the imposition of martial law in pakistan.
While it may not mean much, we hope to contribute in a small way to the struggle being waged in Pakistan. The news from LUMS is most heartening and we salute them on their struggle.
Police crackdown at FAST, LUMS
The students at FAST collaborated with their faculty and held a protest today i.e. on November 7th 2007. There was a show of about 90 people there and the police entered the campus to disperse the protestors. We have been getting conflicting reports that state that a few of the protestors have been arrested. We will keep you updated as the news keeps coming.
We've just recieved an update that police at FAST are calling for the arrests of protestors carrying placards. Similar demands, we believe, are being made at LUMS...
LUMS surrounded by police
LUMS is currently surrounded by police calling for arrests, following the largest ever protest here today. Similar events in FAST, Lahore. Student leaders have been identified and are being targeted. the LUMS admin is meeting now to decide course of action. Details will be uploaded as events transpire.
It has begun..
The protest yesterday at LUMS will go down as the dawn of a new era in this country’s history. It will, God Willing, mark the end of the debilitating cynicism and social apathy that has afflicted the people of this country and led to the crossroads we find ourselves at today. Even in the darkness that engulfs us, our voices are being heard, people are joining the movement. Even as we speak, civil society is organizing. Students from Punjab University, LSE, BNU, Quaid-e-Azam University, UET, GIKI, Bahria and others are all standing up in protest. The students have awoken. The rest of civil society is on its way, even as the political parties awake.
The protest in LUMS on Wednesday promises to be even bigger than the last one, with our demands clearly outlined; lifting of the martial law, reinstatement of the judiciary, an end to the curbs on the media and the release of the thousands of lawyers, activists, teachers, students and leaders illegally detained by law enforcement agencies.
The response from the state so far has been unimaginably brutal; 3000-3500 lawyers have been arrested thus far, more than a quarter of the entire legal community in Pakistan, along with hundreds of other members of civil society. CNN reports that police personnel have been awarded cash bonuses for beating up and arresting lawyers. Attempts have also been made to intimidate us, the student community, into subservience. But we will take this to its inevitable Conclusion.
In Complete Unity.
Protest in London
Its 1 a.m. in Brighton. Just arrived from London. The demonstration in front of the high commission had about 200 people, with more than 10% LUMS alumni from all the main universities in the UK.
All the main media was there. Gave them the news about what was happening in the universities and other places in Pakistan. I've told them to go inside the universities to hear the voices.
Someone from CNN (he asked me not to be mentioned) asked me to tell you to (in his words) "Flood our website with pictures, videos and reports of what is happening there". Send them to I-Report at:
http://edition.cnn.com/exchange/ireports/toolkit/index.html
He said that CNN loves this "people reporting" and also that it's been very difficult to get their reports out of Pakistan (BBC and NDTV shared the same view).
Send your videos and pictures and reports to them.
On another front we (in the UK) decided to ask all Pakistani political parties why they weren’t coming out onto the street - we are going to tell them we aren't going to the streets unless they set the example.
Next demonstration Wednesday in Birmingham, and we're planning to hold demonstrations in front of No. 10 every Saturday. Apparently the demonstration in New York was also quite good. Keep the fight there, but don't go out and get arrested.
A brilliant idea from one of our students:
"It would be good if all the websites at LUMS, in Lahore, in Pakistan and any where else post a message on there home pages condemning the shameless move of General Musharraf."
IDS at Sussex have already done so. This is their front page:
http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/
Pass on this idea to all academic institutions that we have contacts with, nationally and internationally.
GIKI passes Resolution
We the students of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute, Topi, Distt. Swabi, Pakistan strongly protest the imposed emergency in Pakistan. Many of our students have expressed their protest by wearing black clothes and arm bands. We will support the protests all around Pakistan and the world in every possible way we can.
Apathetic No Longer
How can Pakistanis sit back and watch all that is happening in our country today and not want to do something about it? How can they ‘disapprove’ but still fail to take actions to rectify what is wrong? How can they be so apathetic? These and many others like them have always been the criticisms hurled at the Pakistani public but today, on the eve of a revolution that is taking the country by storm, such criticism can no longer apply, these insults can no longer be aimed at Pakistanis. In a feat of unprecedented defiance, judges of the Supreme Court refused to take oath under the PCO, lawyers boycotted the courts, and Pakistani lawyers, students and activists protested in the streets of Lahore, Islamabad, New York and London. The very fact that the police and its cohorts resorted to breaking into the High Courts and arresting the peaceful protesters enmass is proof enough of the fear that this unexpected uprising, this wave of protest, is instilling within the government. When those that pretend to be our rightful ‘leaders’ made the decision to impose yet another martial law upon us, they made the grave mistake of underestimating the power of the people. They thought that they could impose this illegal martial law under the guise of a ‘state of emergency’ and no one would dare raise their voice against it. They thought that like always, the majority of Pakistanis will take what is given to them without lifting a finger to correct it and the few who will protest will be easily rounded up and safely tucked away.
How wrong they were.
For the first time since the revolution that created our country in the first place, the majority rather then the minority of Pakistanis have sat up and taken notice. More protesters then ever have taken to the streets and voiced their objection. This country was wrestled from the hands of oppressors by the sweat and blood of our forefathers and today it is time to once again raise our voices against those that seek to oppress us, those that dare think that they can snatch from us those freedoms that we are born with. They think that they can stifle us, that they can take our rights from us, that if all else fails they can at least prevent us from getting our voices heard: when will they realize that they can never do this. As long as there are people left standing, there will be protests, as long as there are those left that can hold a pen, the revolution will be documented and word will be gotten out to people all over the world.
This is not the time to be apathetic, because in the end we need to realize that the worst has already happened: we are living in a state where even the basic human rights and freedoms do not apply and a person can be simply made to disappear, without any explanation given, if the government so sees fit. Now, that the worst is upon us, how will be as Pakistanis react? Will we sit back and let it happen like we always do? Or will we stand up and voice our objections till the world echoes with the defiance of our nation? Will we join the thousands that are peacefully protesting this blatant disregarded for human rights, or will we be too apathetic to bother? We cannot now sit back and say that this does not affect us: of course it affects us! As long as we are living within this country, as long as we are citizens of Pakistan, these events affect us. The choice before us a simple enough: do we choose to realize this and take action, or do we choose to not see it and let our country crumble to dust around us? The choice is ours, the power is ours.
VERY VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE!
There needs to be an organised and centralized method of communicating information within and outside LUMS. Amidst the chaotic sequence of events that have been in motion over the last couple of days, we at LUMS are still in process of putting a media team together. Whilst we are at that, we would like to request everyone to send whatever pictures and videos they have taken of events and meetings at LUMS, to the theemergencytimes@gmail.com. We are still in the process of putting up a user friendly website that will allow everyone to upload videos and photos. Whilst we are at it, please do not send any photos or videos to media outlets directly, but instead forward them to the email address mentioned above. Any photos and videos communicated to local or foreign media, needs to be regulated and edited for safety reasons.
We need to exercise caution at every step of this movement. Some of the videos and photos make faces of some of LUMS students and faculty clearly identifiable. Soem fo you have uploaded pictures and videos on facebook and even tagged. Please take them off immediately, or otherwise edit and blur the pictures without makign them identifiable. Due to the sensitivity of the nature of events we want to exercise extra caution. This reminder of caution has also being reitrated by some members of the LUMS faculty so its not a personal demand only.
Once your pictures and videos are received on the theemergencytimes@gmail.com we will, with your permission ofcourse, forward them to interested media outlets. If any media outlets contact you for interviews, photos or videos, please ask them to contact us. If you are interested in giving an interview, do let us know, so that we are aware and informed on what information is being transmitted to which outlet.
Remember we are in this together, united so please do not compromise the safety of your fellow protestors and comply with our request.
regards,
The Emergency Times Team
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Things to keep in mind for upcoming protests:
Keep a wet cloth handy to cover your mouth, nose and eyes during possible tear-gassing.
Salt for your throat, under the same eventuality.
Be careful of what you discuss on the phone, telephone lines and the internet.
Make sure you leave your contact with someone responsible to check on you in case something happens.
Girls are specially advised to wear shalwaar kameez.
Do not carry expensive items with you.
Do not travel in large groups without sufficient organization because you could arouse needless scrutiny.
And of course, a pair of good running shoes.
Draft Resolution of the LUMS Community Regarding Martial Law
Draft Resolution
03/11/07
Preamble:
There is so much to condemn today that we may not begin with the unitary. We must take liberty to accept that the actions of a single individual have marred all three pillars of the state – all ‘four’ for that matter. Even, the institutions of preservation/maintaining the balance of power are now subservient to a single institution. The condemnation today, therefore, we must make in the harshest possible language – a condemnation directed towards the actions of that very single ‘dual’ institution - the President cum Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan.
Resolution:
We, the faculty, students and staff of the Lahore School of Management Sciences (LUMS) extend our voices in condemnation of the gross political injustices that the nation has experienced in the past few months – more so, we take liberty to condemn the ethereal blockage imposed by the executive by the declaration of a Martial Law in the country. We condemn General Musharraf for employing a ‘notorious’, uncalled for action; an unnecessary action, by revisiting the ‘doctrine of necessity’ which, perhaps, could have (in today’s climate) only be called upon for its self-removal. His referral to the ‘preservation of the union’ quotation of Abraham Lincoln in his speech to the “American friends” appears to have been employed in the wrong context for Lincoln had to preserve a union from disintegration from problems that he had himself not partaken to create.
We deny the military leaders of today both the moral ground and the legitimacy to raise again this ‘doctrine of necessity’ that must now be shunned to the echelons of earth. The LUMS community, again, make the statement that the incumbent government may not be extended the right to ‘dirty the laundry first, and, then, be let to clean it up after dismantling the machine that fulfilled the task’.
We resent and condemn the brutality dealt out to the bearers of right that have protested this illegitimate action. We express solidarity with those who find themselves in hospitals, in prisons and ‘missing’ for raising the voice of the right, including our own faculty members. A solemn request we make to the law enforcement authorities of the state: that the protests be let be…the protesters be let go…for the time today is for the nation to rise.
Our voice echoes the popular desires of the nation – the resolution of the crisis that has unveiled itself to our nation and its people – and, in attempting to echo these considerations we call upon the state to:
Lift the ‘Martial Law’ immediately
Retract the new PCO [Provisional Constitutional Order]
Restore the Judiciary to its pre-Martial Law state.
Demarcate a method to return the military to the barracks for good.
Provide the assurance of the right to life to each citizen of Pakistan
Restore legitimacy to the government by the exercise of the right of voting to the citizens
Therefore, we call for an immediate declaration of the election schedule.
We, the LUMS community, reach a collective consensus that the problems that the military run government declares as responsible for the need to declare the current state of emergency are its own pandemic. We, therefore, refuse to acknowledge any attempt by the government to employ the ‘doctrine of necessity’ and call upon the same to immediately lift the martial law as per instructions of the Supreme Court.
We must color the nation again with the green and white of our flag – and, perhaps, engrave that flag on our hearts. Time today is of highest value: we invoke and request the citizens in general and other institutions to join us in raising a collective voice.
Destiny will be made or marred in the coming days! Remember that!
LUMS Students raise their voice against Injustice
The Students of LUMS, the so-called elitist brats that we have so often been labeled and signed off as, proved their mettle today, to not only the lawyers they joined in protest outside the High Court, but also in the example that they set today when they turned up in hundreds to protest on campus, outside the PDC. Yes the very depoliticized student society that our leaders have taken for granted and grown so accustomed to, has awoken from its decades long slumber with a roar, that enough is enough. No longer are we going to be conformist to our governments policies, as if we have no choice, no longer are we going to be scared to question or raise our voice because we are intimidated by the state’s power and what may be done to us; no longer are we going to refrain from action, from sheer complacency.
And the students of LUMS set this in motion today.
The frustration and excitement was evident on campus today. People had spent a tense weekend worsened by the fact that there was a total information blackout by the government. Many spent sleepless nights calling each other for fresh news, hearing news of instructors and loved ones having been arrested, while at the same time desperately following foreign news outlets online in hope for hearing good news. Hence, the mood today was somber and everyone had a lot to experss. Word of mouth and mobile smses had established the time for a public rally at around 1.20. It didn’t take too long for a large crowd of students predominantly dressed in black to assemble outside the pdc.
The rally began with an somber address by Osama Siddique, giving an update on the status of faculty members that had been held in detention. The faculty members being Professor Ali Cheema, Aasim Sajjad and Bilal Minto. We were informed that after spending the night in detention they were being moved under heavy security surveillance to be placed under house arrest. He further explained the legal implications of the martial law, how it was not only illegal, but the state of emergency clause was only applicable under the Constitution by the President, hence in the current situation where the Constitution was illegal, not only was the martial law illegal but the legitimacy if the current government was also invalid.
Osama Siddique’s addressed was followed up by Rasul Baksh Rais, who complimented the crowd for turning up at the rally and showing everyone that they were not going to sit quietly while the situation deteriorated in the country. He told us this was in fact an opportunity for us to take the destiny of the country in our own hands, that we are luckier than the earlier generation because of globalization and easy access to the media. Yet he warned us that in the current situation we faced a tougher battle than the students had in his times. He said the current situation was reminiscent of Ayubs era of crackdown on political parties and students, because this was a desperate government on its last leg of power and would not stop at anything to cling on to what by whatever means.
After a brief assurance and encouragement by Justice Jawad Khwaja along the same lines as the earlier speakers, students who had gone to the High Court to protest were given a heroes welcome by the LUMS Community. These students spoke about how this fight was not simply against one dictator, by an entire system of our individual rights being compromised, and how we need to organize and fight NOW.
With the students all charged up and emotional after the speeches, the rally began. People raised slogans against Musharraf and martial law, and demanded restoration of democracy. High pitched slogans of “Go Musharraf Go!” “ Nahi Chelagi Nahi Chelegai!” filled the air, there was an estimated 600-strong crowd plus faculty members who had turned up in support. The crowd marched around the academic block a number of times, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of this university.
We shall always remember these days, people. Let it be for the right reasons.
An Eyewitness account of the Execution of Martial Law
Arriving at the LHC around 8 AM, we were let in without much fuss, despite the hundreds of police personnel deployed outside. It was evident, however, that the gathering was not going to be allowed to be peaceful. Going into the Central Courtyard, the first thing that struck us was the legal fraternity’s reaction to our arrival. Some of them simply couldn’t comprehend the fact that students had showed up for the cause, that people besides them were waking up. All were extremely appreciative of our effort, even as they warned us of the risks we would definitely face. Joining us among the student community, were a few students from Punjab University and 4 uniformed teenage boys from Beaconhouse. It was their presence in particular that was indeed heartening to witness.
The protest began peacefully enough, even if the atmosphere was charged right from the onset. The lawyers vociferously screamed their opposition to Martial law in no uncertain terms. Raising slogans of ‘Go Musharraf Go’ and ‘Musharraf Kutta, Haye Haye’, as well as infuriated slogans against the judges taking oath under the PCO, the build-up was tense and vigorous. Prominent figures from the legal community stepped forward to give incendiary, passionate speeches about the need to act, the need to resist. Aitzaz Ahsan and the Real CJ, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, were lauded as the heroes of the day.
As the crowd slowly built up, everything became more worked up, us alongside it. As the massive swell of lawyers, with the tiny group of students cocooned in between, moved towards the gates of the High Court, they found they were barricaded, with a colossal army of police personnel behind them. After a brief verbal tussle between the police and lawyers, in which it was made clear that they would not be allowed to go onto the street, all hell broke loose.
The Riot Police stormed into the High Court in full force, complete with their batons, helmets, shields and protective vests. They set upon the crowd of hapless, unarmed lawyers with a rabid ferocity that seemed to consume them entirely. Lawyers were indiscriminately beaten to a series of pulps; I saw the head of one of the lawyers being split open by the baton-wielding maniacs in front of my own eyes. The lawyers were forced to retreat, causing a stampede of sorts
Luckily, we were behind the frontlines of the assembly when the attack began and did not have to suffer its full brunt. However, the next few moments were unbelievably chaotic; tear gas was fired inside the High Court from all angles, making it difficult to see, breathe and speak. Gunshots could be heard in the uncomfortably-close distance, in all probability, to intimidate all present into quiet subservience. We searched frantically for members of the LUMS contingent, who had scattered in the wake of the attack and the subsequent stampede. Hell’s fury had indeed been unleashed.
After we had gathered together whoever we could find, we were ushered into a hallway adjacent to the Courtyard by lawyers who had been assigned to guarantee our safety. From there, we watched as scores of policemen stormed the High Court from every direction and thrashed everyone in sight, arresting people as they went along. As around 40 of us, including many women, lay cramped together in a small room, the realization set in that we would be next. A realization that ‘everyone’ there accepted, without fear or panic. I applaud here, especially, the 10 or so freshman (011’s who were
Eventually, after eons, it seemed, the police broke into the hallway and demanded that we come out, albeit with our hands raised. Even as our faculty members and lawyers implored them to spare the students, the police personnel wantonly manhandled us, like abject criminals, along with our esteemed faculty members. We were certain we were about to be detained as we were paraded, in line, towards the main gate of the High Court, where the various deportation vans awaited. The media, most of them shell-shocked at the revelation that there were students, and that too, from LUMS, at the protest, began bombarding us with questions regarding who we were and why we were there. Our instructors replied to that with a simple but effective ‘for the safeguarding of the institution that protects our rights’.
Even as the uncertainty regarding our detention (the apparently planned destination being Mianwali) compounded, we were made to stand inside a bevy of police escorts while we awaited our fate. Eventually, in the midst of the media’s pronounced clamouring regarding our identity, a senior officer, either an SP or SSP (who had earlier issued the Mianwali threat) came to speak with us, informing us that ‘he was going to be “nice” to us and let us go.’ We were told to form a line, be responsible for each other’s safety and leave the area under police escort.
I am not writing to needlessly glorify those who went. I am writing to inform everyone, all of you, about what the actual implications of a Martial Law are. Witnessing this situation first hand was an eye-opener. Because, simply, this is happening over the entire country now, to countless lawyers, activists, politicians, as we speak. As it has been happening in Balochistan and Waziristan for years. As it will continue to happen over the course of the next few weeks. All of us need to feel each other’s pain.
Organize effectively, collaboratively and substantively.
In complete unity.
