A matter of impeachment

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Khwaja Ahmad Hosain

(Courtesy The News)

Two hundred and ninety-five. That is the key number. That is the number of votes that are needed to impeach President Musharraf under the constitution. The constitutional chronology contemplated for such removal is clearly set forth in Article 47. First, at least half of the members of the National Assembly would present a written notice to the speaker of their intention to move a resolution for the impeachment of the president. The notice would set out the particulars of the charge against him. In this case the charge is simple. The president violated the constitution on November 3, 2007.

Within three days from receipt of the written notice from the MNAs the speaker must send the notice to the president. Between day seven and day fourteen starting from the date the speaker received the notice, the speaker must summon a joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate which will investigate the charge. The president has the right to be represented and to appear during this investigation process. If, after considering the result of the investigation, two thirds of the total membership of both the National Assembly and the Senate at the joint session declare by a resolution that the president is guilty of violating the constitution or gross misconduct, the president shall cease to hold office immediately upon the passing of such resolution. No further action is required and upon the passing of such a resolution the president shall, ipso facto, cease to hold office.

The crucial point is that to impeach the president you do not need a two-thirds majority in the Senate, which is currently controlled by forces supporting the president. Even if the impeachment resolution is supported by less than half the Senators, as long as sufficient number of MNAs vote in support of it so that the threshold of 295 is reached, the resolution will be passed.

This procedure is different from the procedure prescribed for amendments to the constitution. To amend the constitution you need a two thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. There is no concept of a joint sitting here and each house will separately consider the constitutional amendment bill. As long as Musharraf has the support of at least 34 senators, he can block any constitutional amendment bill.

In addition, a constitutional amendment bill must be assented to by the president to become law. If the president wants, he can send a constitutional amendment bill back to parliament to reconsider the same and then parliament will need to pass it again (with the same two thirds majority in each house). Once passed again, the requirement for presidential assent is not removed but the discretion of the president to withhold his assent is removed. Under the constitution the president must assent to a bill which has been passed twice by parliament.

Constitutional amendments require, at the very least, presidential involvement. Even if a constitutional amendment package is passed with a two thirds majority in each house, the president can refuse to give his assent to a first draft of any such bill and can delay the grant of assent if the bill is presented to him for the second time. If any constitutional amendment bill is proposed in the presence of Musharraf and the post November 3 Supreme Court, various devices could be used by the presidency to sabotage the prospects of such a bill.

The constitutional impeachment process requires no action from the president and gives no rights or discretion to the president apart from the right to be represented before and heard by the relevant adjudicating tribunal which is the joint membership of the National Assembly and the Senate. The "court" in an impeachment trial consists of the representatives of the people sitting in the National Assembly and Senate. The conduct of the impeachment trial and the timing of any vote on the impeachment resolution will be controlled by the speaker. Neither the army nor the existing Supreme Court can save the president from impeachment if the necessary parliamentary majority exists.

The PPP and PML-N have expressed their desire to restore the deposed judges by a parliamentary resolution within 30 days. The president's advisers have stated this is not legally possible and that the judges cannot be restored without a constitutional amendment. There is a risk, which has been hinted at already, that if parliament "resolves" that the judges should return, the existing judiciary may stay such a resolution before it can take effect. This will put the current de facto bench and the presidency at loggerheads with the government and the legislature. Can the political players afford to take the gamble that the army will support them in such an impasse? It is this uncertainty that the presidency and establishment will seek to exploit.

It is for this reason that it is crucial that the maximum possible support is developed in the parliament in favour of the proposed resolution for restoration of the judges. If the resolution manages to get the support of sufficient members of parliament, the president and his supporters should be able to read the writing on the wall. All institutions of state and political players will then see that trying to block the restoration by coming to the aid of the beleaguered president will be a futile exercise.

The prospect of being the first president in the history of Pakistan to be subject to an impeachment trial hangs over his head like the Sword of Damocles. During any impeachment trial, apart perhaps from certain members of the PML-Q and the MQM, his remaining supporters will abandon him like rats leaving a sinking ship for the sake of their political survival. If notwithstanding this prospect, the president stays in his bunker and still tries to block the restoration, the democratic forces in parliament can strike and put the final nail in his coffin by impeaching him.

The writer is an Oxford-educated barrister practising corporate law in Lahore.

Resolution by US Representatives Condemning the dismissal of the Supreme Court in Pakistan and demanding restoration

Condemning the dismissal of the Supreme Court in Pakistan and calling for their reinstatement by the Government of Pakistan. (Introduced in House)

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. RES. 1044

Condemning the dismissal of the Supreme Court in Pakistan and calling for their reinstatement by the Government of Pakistan.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 12, 2008

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California (for herself and Mr. DELAHUNT) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Condemning the dismissal of the Supreme Court in Pakistan and calling for their reinstatement by the Government of Pakistan.
Whereas on March 9, 2007, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan suspended the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry;
Whereas this removal triggered months of protests by hundreds of Pakistani lawyers;
Whereas on July 20, 2007, the Supreme Court of Pakistan found Chaudhry's removal unconstitutional and reinstated him as Chief Justice;
Whereas following his imposition of emergency rule on November 3, 2007, President Musharraf required Supreme Court justices to take a new oath of office under the Provisional Constitution Order and dismissed seven judges, including the Chief Justice, who refused to take this new oath;
Whereas the principles of constitutional order and the rule of law are prerequisites to any functioning democracy;
Whereas an independent judiciary and free elections are equally vital as fundamental foundations of democracy;
Whereas section 699F(b)(3)(D) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161), withholds $50,000,000 of Foreign Military Financing for Pakistan pending the restoration of an independent judiciary;
and Whereas these actions by President Musharraf undermine democratic governance and rule of law in Pakistan and thus reduce the ability of the Government of Pakistan and the Government of the United States to effectively fight against al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists that threaten United States interests in South Asia:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
(1) commends members of the legal profession in Pakistan as well as opposition politicians, human rights activists, and independent journalists for their courageous opposition to the removal of Chief Justice Chaudhry, their principled leadership in defending the Constitution of Pakistan, and promoting the rule of law;
(2) welcomes public statements from Pakistan's new civilian leaders that they intend to restore all judges dismissed after November 3, 2007, to office; and
(3) calls on the Government of Pakistan, consistent with section 699F(b)(3)(D) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161), to restore to their positions Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and all Supreme Court and high court justices and other members of the legal profession in Pakistan who were removed from office since the imposition of emergency rule, and to respect the independence of the Pakistani judiciary .

Four FBI Agents Hurt in Islamabad Bombing

ABC News Reports: Top FBI Agent in the Country Was Among the Wounded

By RICHARD ESPOSITO, BRIAN ROSS and GRETCHEN PETERS

March 16, 2008. Four FBI agents were wounded -- none critically -- in a bomb attack on a popular Italian restuarant in Islamabad this weekend, the bureau announced today. The attacker tossed a small bomb or hand grenade directly into the restuarant courtyard, which is known for serving alcohol to Westerners.

Multiple sources said that the attack was under investigation to see whether it was based on the terrorists having learned in advance of the agents' presence. In Washington, meanwhile, officials downplayed the possibility that the attack specifically targeted the agents based on advance intelligence. They cited the relatively small size of the attack -- one in which injuries to the agent's were relatively minor -- as part of their rationale. Also the explosive does not appear to have been tossed directly at the agents' table.

The top agent in the country, U.S. Embassy FBI attache Ray Biteski, suffered serious ear damage, an assistant attache reportedly suffered a concussion and two agents are reported as suffering minor injuries. The two who suffered minor injuries were treated and released. Biteski and a second agent were med-evaced to Europe. This was the first bomb attack on U.S. citizens or government personnel in Pakistan since a church bombing in 2002.

ABC's Pierre Thomas contributed to this report.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4460837

Protest in Harvard University for restoration of the Judiciary

There are protests in Boston, New York and Washington this weekend and the following is the press release from the Boston area. Reports from other cities will follow soon. The pictures are in the file attachments.

March 15, 2007

For Immediate Release:

Cambridge, MA: Student Action Committee USA Chapter (SAC-USA) staged a successful protest in Harvard Yard today demanding immediate restoration of the pre-Nov 3 independent judiciary in Pakistan. The protestors condemned - in no uncertain terms- the unconstitutional acts of General (r) Musharraf which include the sacking of an independent judiciary, gagging of media and free speech, suspension of civil liberties and fundamental human rights and illegal detention of judges, lawyers and political opponents without any trial or charges. They chanted "Bring the Judges Back" and "No more Musharraf" and walked from John Harvard Statue to Harvard Square holding black flags and banners.

The protest - which is one of three organized by SAC-USA (the other two being in New York and Washington DC) - attracted a large number of students from Harvard College, Kennedy School of Government, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Massachussetts Institude of Technology, Tufts University, Fletcher School of Law, Boston University and other premier institutions of the Boston region. Joining students in their demands were doctors, lawyers - particularly the National Lawyers Guild, Massachusetts chapter-, professionals of Pakistani origin and other members of American Civil Society.

Speaking to the protestors, Aqil Sajjad, member of SAC-USA, condemned the illegal detention of the Chief Justice and his family. He said that the people of Pakistan want the judges to be restored and Pervez Musharraf to be ousted, the US and the international community should respect their wishes and stop interfering in Pakistan's internal affairs to keep the judges out. He also spoke against the continued detention of the judges with their families, including the Chief Justice whose 8-year old disabled son has been kept in confinement with him and at times denied the medication he needs. He argued that the US government should build a solid relationship with the people of Pakistan instead of supporting a very unpopular dictator.

President of Harvard Philipine Forum, Marlowe Rillera, stressed for the need for an independent judiciary. He said: "An independent judiciary assures people that court decisions will be based on the country's laws and constitution, not on orders of a dictator." In addition he said that while the situation in Pakistan did not affect him or the Philipines directly, he cared so strongly for an independent judiciary and the serious consequences of not having one that he came with his friends to protest.

After the protest, Samad Khurram, a columnist for The Harvard Crimson, said that Musharraf must respect the wishes of the people of Pakistan. He commented on the recent elections as being a heavy blow to Musharraf's rule with an overwhelming number voting against his King's party. "In addition there were a huge number of us who boycotted the elections on principle. If you add both the opposition voters and those who boycotted, the numbers exceed 80% of the country", he noted.

Of Declarations, Restorations and Premiership Aspirations

The victorious parties have acted prudently thus far in the post-election scenario. They must not squander the opportunity the nation has given them in the days to come.

Ammar Rashid

Now that the smoke has cleared from the results of the Feb 18^th polls, it is time to assess the nation’s future as it appears from here. The picture certainly appears brighter than before; The King’s men defeated, the opposition victorious and united, the Lawyers’ High Command released and the President (with Peerzada and Qayyum, forever loyal, by his side) backed into the tightest of corners. How the Mighty hath fallen indeed.

The February 18 election may well turn out to be a landmark in our nation’s chequered history, as the harbinger of a new era of democracy and stability, elements missing almost entirely from our political landscape for years. The remarkable sagacity and political maturity on display from the erstwhile political enemies, Sharif and Zardari, in the post-election scenario has also come as quite a surprise. The PPP and PML-N, as the two majority parties, stand united in their commitment to the restoration of the judiciary, the supremacy of the parliament and the choice of diplomacy over military action against the militants in the north. The Murree Declaration has put onto paper what political pundits had been expressing doubt about since the election; the commitment of the leading parties to their election manifestos, their tenacity in the face of blatant foreign interference and their ability to resolve their outstanding differences. The parties have pledged to restore the ousted judges within 30 days of the convening of the National Assembly, participate in each others governments in the Centre and the Punjab, and remove the sweeping powers of the President accorded to him by the contentious Article 58-2 (b). All very noble and worthy ambitions, to be sure; serious obstacles, however, remain to be cleared for their culmination.

In the Presidential camp, the mood is terse and seemingly ripe for confrontation, notwithstanding the rather delusional statements on offer about ‘establishing a working relationship with the parliament for the next five years.’ The legal aides to the sulking President continue to scoff at the possibility of the reinstatement of the judiciary by a parliamentary resolution, terming the notion as ‘unconstitutional’ and claiming the restoration can only be brought about by an amendment in the constitution, for which a 2/3rds majority is required. These same aides continue to assert the primacy and constitutionality of the abrogation of the constitution and ouster of the judges on the 3^rd of November. In the event of the threatened parliamentary resolution taking form, it is, therefore, likely that the executive will take recourse to the puppet PCO-Supreme Court to have the resolution declared illegal.

That such aides could prompt the embattled President to dismiss the elected Assembly – possibly his last available option - before it can make the crucial decision is an unsettling but remote prospect. In doing so, the President would, in essence, be laying waste to the nation’s mandate, which he so proudly claims to have brought to fruition himself (even though he continues to ignore its rather obvious implications for his rule). Moreover, he would require the wholehearted support of the Army for such a maniacal intervention; something he cannot be so sure of anymore.

The Lawyers’ Movement, now into its second year, has remained resolute in its unwillingness to accept any compromise on the judges’ restoration. Seeing their goal finally within reach, they will not hesitate to take the winning parties to task if they see them wavering. Their leaders have been released and are campaigning in full flow; the recent shows of strength in Lahore and Karachi proved that the judges’ issue is alive and well, in the country’s consciousness as well as in the streets. The lawyers’ stance is clear; even a parliamentary resolution is not required, a mere executive order will suffice for the judges’ restoration. As Aitzaz asserted recently, the Army House would be besieged in the event of the Presidency trying to sabotage the political efforts of the winning parties.

It is possible that the biggest threat to the winning parties’ agenda could come, not from the presidential camp, but from within their own ranks. The choice of the PPP’s candidate for premiership has become a bone of contention within the party’s leadership that could create a possible rift within its upper echelons. While it seemed certain that Makhdoom Amin Fahim would get the post earlier, his prospects appear to be growing bleaker by the day. Rumors abound regarding his ties with the President, leading some in the PML-N to voice their mistrust of the Pir from Hala. Moreover, Asif Zardari’s personal premiership aspirations appear to be influencing his proclivities towards appointing a lesser political personality, such as Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar as the temporary PM, to pave the way for his ascent to the throne in the upcoming by-elections. The ramifications of such a decision could be immense and costly.

The possibility of Amin Fahim leading a breakaway faction away from the main body of the PPP could spell the end of the winning parties’ parliamentary aspirations, cloud the political future of the PPP and generate much jubilation in the Presidency. Although the Makhdoom has denied any such plans, it is a possibility that the leadership of the PPP and PML-N must carefully guard against if they wish to achieve their stated aims of strengthening democracy and delivering the country from the throes of military dictatorship. Mr. Zardari, in particular, must realize that his newfound popularity will not survive the test of time if he cannot shelve his personal ambitions for the sake of the country.

The problems that await the winning parties upon the formation of government are immense. The economy has been reduced to tatters, the deprivation of the masses is at an all-time high, the ravages of the war of terror have found their way to the core of the civilian populace and the federation’s unity stands threatened. The pre-requisites of a progressive democratic order need to be established without delay in order to move towards the resolution of our many crises.

But first things first; let’s get the judges back in their courts.

Aitzaz made honorary fellow at Cambridge University

LONDON, March 11 (APP) : Eminent lawyer and President, Supreme Court Bar Association Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan has been made an honorary Fellow at Downing College, Cambridge University. It was announced on Tuesday.

The distinguished Pakistani lawyer and politician read Law at Downing in the 1960s, and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1967.

A university’s media release recorded his career and said returning to Pakistan, he developed an internationally respected legal practice while also pursuing a distinguished political career as member of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)

CCP Statement on Lahore Bombings

The Concerned Citizens of Pakistan (CCP) condemn in no uncertain terms the third suicide bomb attack in the city of Lahore in recent weeks. We deplore the multiple acts of terror the citizens of Lahore have suffered on 11^th March and stress that they are not random, nor inexplicable. The innocent people who are losing their lives are suffering the fallout of the Government's actions and policies while the people responsible for this backlash are seemingly unaffected. We express our deep sympathy for the families of the bereaved and pray for the souls of those who fell victim to the violence.

We welcome the Murree Accord between the two major political parties, agreeing on two very important steps
needed to strengthen democracy in Pakistan. One, the restoration of the judges within 30 days of formation of
Government, and two, the elimination of dictatorship from the country. We also appreciate that the 17th of March
has finally been set for the first session of Parliament, already a month after elections were held. The law and order
situation and the declaration of high security alert in the country should not impede the process or delay it any further.
We demand peaceful transfer of power to the elected representatives and the immediate resignation of Pervez
Musharraf in deference to the peoples' expressed will. The CCP voices the concerns of the people of
Pakistan who have spoken against the Establishment through their vote. The Establishment's war of terror, funded
and backed by the US, is not our war. The US should desist from interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
This has already brought terror into our homes. The people of Pakistan must determine their own destiny. We are not
terrorists, in fact we are the victims of this misdirected and unholy war.

In Complete Solidarity,

CCP

Car Rally on Sunday

BLACK FLAG WEEK

CAR / MOTORCYCLE / TRUCK / BUS / RICKSHAW RALLY

SUNDAY MARCH 16^TH 2008

RALLIES WILL START AT 3 PM FROM:

1. SEA VIEW

2. MALIR DISTRICT COURTS

3. BACHA KHAN CHOWK

4. SOHRAB GOTH

ALL RALLIES WILL CULMINATE AT QUAID’S MAZAR AT 5 PM

Please put Black Flags and Stickers on your cars.

Organized by SCBA KBA KUJ PR

Bilal Musharraf, Pakistan Ambassador and Saudi Prince

Now the Website - ePlanet Ventures, founded in 1999 close to the time when general Musharraf has taken over or was taking over Pakistan in a bloodless coup.

What they do -

ePlanet Ventures seeks to provide superior returns to its investors by making private equity investments on a global basis in companies where the application of innovation in technology and/or business models has the potential to create high-growth, category-dominant companies. (link)

Bilal Musharraf serves as the vice president of the eplanet ventures which on their website says:

"We believe that the business and government connections of our Limited Partners represent a valuable asset to our enterprise." (link)

Now few questions that the company should answer:

• What was Shahid Karimullah, Pakistan Ambassador to Saudhi Arabia, doing in this meeting of ePlanet ventures executives with Saudhi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal?
  
  
• Does this meeting explain the billions that have been moved out of Pakistan by Musharraf Corporation? Remember the US complained Pakistani funds were diverted by Musharraf. Where did they go? Bilal Musharraf became a millionaire all of a sudden. Does this explain it?
  

Campaign to Release Names of Pakistani Officials Targeted for Legal Action on Monday

PRESS CONFERENCE
Monday, March 17
6:40 PM
at Pakiza Restaurant
1026 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11230
(corner of Foster Ave.)
B (express) or Q train to: Newkirk Ave. station
2 minute walk to Coney Island Ave.

The March 15th ultimatum issued to General Ashfaque Kiyani of Pakistan
by the Campaign and its partners for the release of an official list
of Pakistanis held without charge by the Pakistan military and
intelligence forces is around the corner. On Monday, March 17th,
6:45pm, the Campaign will report on its efforts to pursue legal action
against key officials from the Pakistan Federal and Provincial
governments that have been implicated in disappearances occurring
within the last five years:

Pakistani officials shortlisted for legal action on part of the
Campaign and its partners include:
Syed Kamal Shah: Internal Secretary (current)
Inspector General Sindh Police (2004)
Ehsan Ul-HAq: ISI Chief 2001-2004;
Chairman Joint Chief of Staff (2004-2007)
Curent Army COAS: Ashfaque Kiyani: 2004-2007)
Ijaz Shah: Chief Intelligence Bureau (2004- Present)
Arbab Ghulam Rahim: Sindh Shief Minister (2004-2007)
Pervaiz Musharraf: President of Pakistan (current)


The Campaign welcomes co-sponsorship and endorsements from
organizations, firms, union locals, bar associations, and individuals.

Endorsed By: Campaign for the Restoration of Democracy in Pakistan
NOW(crdpnow.org), Pakistan USA Freedom Forum, International Action
Center, Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC), Defense
of Human Rights, Pakistan, National Lawyers Guild

Events for Black Flag Week

PPP Leaders want Zardari to become PM: Mukhtar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party leader Chaudhery Ahmed Mukhtar has said majority of PPP leaders has agreed to name party’s Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari as new Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Talking to Geo news, Mukhtar said majority of PPP leaders considered Zardari most suitable person for Premiership of the country.

“Leaders have agreed to see him as PM, however, Asif Ali Zardari has the authority to make final decision in this regard, Ahmed Mukhtar added.

Responding to a question about exclusion of Amin Fahim from decision-making process, Mukhtar said Party has not yet made any big decision and the party was united.

President convenes National Assembly session on March 17

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday convened the session of National Assembly on March 17.

“The summary reached the President House yesterday evening. In the morning I thought that at the earliest we should call the session...on March 17,” President Musharraf said while addressing at the first convocation of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) here.

The President said he had signed the summary sent to him by caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro yesterday to summon the session of National Assembly.

At least 26 killed in two blasts in Lahore

LAHORE, Pakistan, March 11 (Agencies) - Two bombs exploded in Lahore city, capital of Punjab province, Tuesday morning, killing at least 26 people and injuring up to 175 others, police and officials said. The first bomb went off at about 9.25 a.m. outside the city-centre Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offices, badly damaging the eight-storey building and nearby buildings on the busy Mall Road. Reports said 20 persons were killed. �We're trying to evacuate the wounded trapped under the debris,� FIA chief Tariq Pervez told Reuters from Islamabad. Chaudhry Manzoor, the director of the agency, which focuses on illegal immigration, said 14 employees had been killed.

A second bomb went off in the mainly residential neighbourhood of Model Town, about 10 km from the site of the first blast, killing two children and another person, besides the two suicide bombers, said a city administrator, Mian Ejaz. Police said the second attack was caused by a suicide car bomb. The car had two people inside and blew up after it was stopped at the gate of an advertising agencies office. Last week a twin-suicide bombing killed five people in an attack on a navy college in the city. According to private TV channels the blast at the FIA building took place near the elevator. On the other hand, the posh Model Town blast was caused when the explosive laden vehicle was dashed against the boundary wall of the bungalow housing the advertising agency. The two children killed were brothers. Emergency has been declared in Lahore hospitals which have so far received up to 100 injured, the TV channels reported. (First Posted @ 09:50 PST, Updated @ 19:15 PST)

March 11: Seminar "Adliya ki Azadi - Awam ki Azadi"

People's Resistance

"Adlia ki Azadi: Awam ki Azadi"

4:30 pm, March 11, 2008

PMA House, Garden Road, Karachi

The issue of justice affects all of us directly. This seminar explores why all Pakistanis should care about the restoration of an independent judiciary, and includes perspectives from everyday Pakistani citizens on why an independent judiciary matters to them.

CHIEF GUEST: Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Mr. Justice Sabihuddin Ahmad

Speakers include:

Women's Issues: Ms. Nazish Brohi

Students' Issues: Mr. Khurram Ali (Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party)

Media Issues: Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin

Privatization and Labour Issues: Mr. Dhani Baksh Samoon (People's Workers' Union, Pakistan Steel Mills)

PLEASE JOIN US!

To confirm, RSVP 0300 293 8550

WAF Press Release

There were several events organised in Lahore on 8^th March, the International Women’s Day.

WAF, Lahore held a press conference at the Lahore Press Club. The well attended Press Conference began with dedicating the day this year to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to acknowledge her contributions and her ultimate sacrifice for the country and its people; followed by highlighting the significance of the day and its brief history; reading out of the statement; a brief review of WAF’s struggle for women’s rights and democracy in Pakistan, its opposition to military rule and more recently its whole hearted support for the restoration of the judiciary. There was a lively question answer session with reference to the WAF statement and the conference ended with Rubina Saigol’s recitation of her poem “Wifaq”

The press conference ended with the re-iteration of the demand for the restoration of the judiciary and return to 2 November constitution. Black flags and stickers (“adilya bahal karo”, etc.) were handed out to all participants and a procession taken out with placards and banners, and yellow balloons (WAF colour) were let off. Popular slogans for the restoration of the judiciary, ouster of Musharraf (“Go Musharraf Go”), women’s rights (“Still Marching On…), constitutionalism, etc. were raised. Representatives of lawyers, students, women and minorities organizations, NGOs and others participated. Passers-by raised Victory signs in support. Police was present in large numbers police but stayed away from the demonstrators.

The press conference was varyingly reported in the Lahore edition of different newspapers: detailed reports in DT, News and Jung, only a picture in the Nation. Samaa and a few other local TV channels covered the press conference and the demonstration in their 8^th March round up.

Musharraf meets aides after opposition coalition pact

ISLAMABAD, March 10 (AFP): President Musharraf was meeting key aides Monday after Pakistan's main opposition parties agreed to form a coalition and reinstate the judges he sacked last year, officials said. Government officials said Musharraf was 'meeting legal aides' at his office in Rawalpindi but did not give details on what was being discussed. Private television channels said it was a 'strategy meeting' including legal and constitutional advisers.

MARCH 09 2008 DEMO IN LONDON UK TO SUPPORT THE BLACK FLAG WEEK

Sibghat Kadri QC, Rabia Zia (UK PTI)

Today on March 9 2008 in front of the High Commission of Pakistan, London, the Pakistani community in the UK responded to the call of the Supreme Court Bar Association to show solidarity with the lawyers movement in Pakistan to restore judiciary and to ask Musharraf to step down immediately with Go Musharraf Go chanting. This is as mandated by the people of Pakistan based on the result of the recent elections.

There was also a clear demand for immediate release of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and others who are under house arrest and strong condemnation of violence used against the lawyers, civil society activists, students, political party members in Islamabad today who were trying to meet with the Chief Justice.

In the protest today, we had representation from the civil society including students, UK Lawyers Committee for Human Rights and Justice for Pakistan, Sibghat Kadri QC, political parties ie PPP, PML-N, PTI etc.

Based on the recent events today, we are very pleased to hear that a pact has been signed between the two mainstream parties to restore judicairy to the pre Nov 3rd state within 30 days and the London protest today shows how strongly the UK Pakistanis see this as a primary pillar for a democratic Pakistan.

Aftermath of a proxy war

Nauman Qaiser
(Courtesy DAWN Letters)

EVERY conscientious and concerned Pakistani would be alarmed at the recent increase in suicide bombings aimed at high government officials and personnel of law-enforcement agencies, wherein innocent civilians become unwilling victim.

This state of indiscriminate and wholesale brutality on the part of terrorists has made an ordinary citizen suspicious about the government’s will and ability to provide him security of person and property. In this regard, the government’s policies, specially those related to the so-called war on terror, have continuously been grilled by the intelligentsia.

Tuesday’s bomb blasts – which the authorities have hurriedly called a suicide attack — at the Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore; the successful suicide attack on the surgeon-general of the Pakistan Army; the carnage seen at the funeral of a deputy superintendent of police, who himself was a victim of one such attack; the gruesome butchery of the policemen deployed to ‘guard’ the lawyers’ rally in Lahore; and several other gory incidents of the similar nature testify to the fact that the so-called war on terror being fought by Pakistan has become increasingly unpopular, especially in the Frontier region, which ‘hosts’ this war, and from where most of these suicide bombers purportedly hail.

The government may be hinting at the involvement of a foreign hand with particular reference to India, but all evidence, empirical as well as nominal, support the theory that the terrorism being faced by Pakistan is home-grown. Besides rampant poverty and illiteracy, it’s the desperation after a dear one is brutally killed by a ‘brother’ soldier that forces these suicide bombers to indiscriminately blow up the fellow citizens.

Had President Musharraf declined to join this war, Pakistan would not have been facing such macabre consequences which threaten to tear its very fabric apart. In any case, the threat to “bomb Pakistan to the Stone Age”, which was only meant to bring Pakistan into compliance, would definitely not have materialised, given, inter alia, the nuclear deterrence we possess.

However, what the Americans would have found difficult to achieve, the unabated suicidal bombings and the resulting lawlessness, which are direct the consequence of the war we are fighting for the Americans, would definitely be able to accomplish. That is to say that if necessary measures are not taken forthwith to curtail these terrorist acts, Pakistan would definitely be going towards bombing itself to the ‘Stone Age’. The government, therefore, should reconsider its role in the ‘war on terror’, in which Pakistan’s services have not even been acknowledged as day in and day out our ‘allies’ in the West repeat the mantra of ‘to do more’. The only solution to the current crisis is pulling the Army out of the estranged Frontier regions, without which the so-far unsuccessful political dialogue is not possible.

I do not buy the idea of trying both the stick and the carrot at the same time; to try the carrots one must put the stick in the cupboard.

In this ‘fight’ between the terrorists and the government, an ordinary citizen of Pakistan is the victim. Like the political uncertainty surrounding the country for the last one or so year, this continuing sense of insecurity along with the lack of availability of basic amenities of life brought the patience of the masses to the brim, as they gave their verdict in the general election against the Musharraf regime.

Now the ball is in the court of the new government, which should better take cognizance of the aspiration of the ordinary citizens or else be prepared to be consigned to the dustbin of history.

Events for 10th March.

Events for 10th March. Please check out the upto date events at:

http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=22589890270
www.teeth.com.pk/blog
http://pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com/

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Karachi:
Complete BOYCOTT OF ALL THE COURTS.

Flag Hoistings:

3:00 pm >> Hotel Jabees, Saddar
Islamic Lawyers Movement (ILM)
People's Resistance and all other friends are invited to join

5:00 pm >> Iqbal Haider's House
D-25, Block 4, KDA 5, Clifton
Just after Abdullah Shah Ghazi's Mazar, off 26th Street
Behind Designers.

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Lahore:

1. Black Flag will be hoisted 10:30 A.M.
2. Complete BOYCOTT OF ALL THE COURTS.
3. G.H. Meeting of L.H.C. 10:30 A.M.
4. Address of Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan (President SCBA ) 11:00 A.M.
5. Rally of LBA 11:30 A.M.

6. Black Flag Rally at Liberty Roundabout - 5.00 -5.45 pm

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Islamabad:
Complete BOYCOTT OF ALL THE COURTS.

Car Rally with nearly 50 cars with black flags, taking a round of almost all of the busiest areas of Islamabad, honking all the way, starting from Suharwardy Road at Fire Brigade (4 pm), and going through Aabpara,then welcoming Ali Kurd's arrival at the Rawalpindi International Airport at 5 15-5 30 pm and then going around Islamabad again. The rally will have a public address system to also address public at busy intersections.
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Country-wide Black Flag Week

ISLAMABAD: The black Flag Week is being observed by the lawyers’ community across the country from today (Sunday), the day when Pakistan chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was "suspended" last year through a presidential reference. The lawyers and other members of civil society have been actively engaged in the Black Flag week activities for the success of the event with a view to show their strength and power and reiterate their demand for the reinstatement of the deposed judges.
Lawyers’ protest rallies, meetings and seminars are being held throughout the country, attended by normal citizens and students, to reinforce their ongoing movement for the restoration of the deposed judges. In Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta the lawyers staged rallies, held meetings and seminars to condemn the November 3 action by the then Army chief Pervez Musharraf Black flags are being hoisted at bar buildings and lawyers would wear black armbands.

Pakistan police teargas sacked judge's supporters

ISLAMABAD, March 9 (AFP) - Police fired teargas at supporters of the country's sacked chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, protesting outside his official residence in Islamabad on Sunday, witnesses said. The protestors, including lawyers, political party workers and civil society activists, were stopped by riot police at the barbed barricade erected outside the residence of deposed supreme court chief justice. Later, police fired teargas at the protestors to disperse them and both sides threw stones at each other, an AFP photographer said.

The protestors wanted to march towards Chaudhry's residence and present him with flowers but police stopped them, he said. The hide and seek and intermittent clashes between the police and the judge’s supporters continued till late in the afternoon. Lawyers across Pakistan Sunday began the observance of “Black Flag Week” to press for Chaudhry's reinstatement. President Pervez Musharraf sacked Chaudhry on March 9 last year on misconduct charges but the Supreme Court reinstated him in July. In November Musharraf again sacked Chaudhry and other judges under emergency rule, fearing they might disqualify him for contesting presidential election while being army chief and president at the same time. Chaudhry and his family have been living under house arrest at the official residence in judges colony in a heavily-guarded government residential area of Islamabad since November. Pakistan's incoming government coalition partners Sunday said that the new parliament would reinstate the sacked judges.

PPP-PML-N agree on reinstatement of deposed judges in 30 days of govt formation

MURREE: Pakistan Peoples Party and PML-N have signed a joint declaration for formation of coalition government in Centre and Punjab. Asif Ali Zardari and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif signed the joint declaration titled “PPP-PML-N summit declaration Murree” during a joint press conference here at PC Bhurban hotel.

In the joint declaration, both the parties agreed upon the reinstatement of the deposed judges through the newly elected parliament within 30 days of the formation of the federal government. The nominee of the PPP for the slot of PM will be fully supported by the coalition parties, but the PM nominee should carry forward the agenda of both the parties, Nawaz Sharif said in the press conference.

Speaker and Deputy speaker of NA will be from the PPP and Speaker and Deputy speaker in Punjab Assembly will be of PML-N, he said. Nawaz Sharif also said that PML-N would be part of the federal cabinet. He said that he and Asif Ali Zardari had signed the Charter of Democracy, which was formulated by Benazir and himself earlier.

Even if the newly elected parliament was hung, it was against the dictatorship, Nawaz Sharif said. He said Musharraf should accept the mandate of people and avoid creating hurdles. PML-N and PPP in the joint declaration also demanded that the NA session should be convened immediately.

Asif Ali Zardari, speaking on the occasion, said that it was the dream of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto that PPP and PML-N should reach an accord and that dream has come to be true. Earlier, Asif Ali Zardari and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also held a one-on-one meeting after the joint meeting along with the leaders of PPP and PML-N.

Asif Ali Zardari offered Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan but he declined with thanks and a smile.

(Courtesy GEO)

From the Editor: On the Decline in Postings

I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for being irregular in updating The Emergency Times in the past week or so. Recent upheavals in my personal domain are the primary cause of the inconsistency, but they are not to be dwelled upon here. Efforts are underway, however, to consolidate the information arsenal of The Emergency Times with other similar online efforts, such as the Emergency mailing list, Teeth Maestro and other blogs, so that the flow of independent citizen journalism, commentary and analysis continues uninterrupted.

We at The Emergency Times remain committed to providing you, the online community, with an alternative news source on the political scenario in Pakistan, one dedicated to a progressive vision of our future, free from censorship or corporate bias. It is your readership, contributions and feedback that keep us going; please stay with us as we enter a new era in Pakistan's history, armed with the knowledge, experience and resources that previous generations may not have had.

In Complete Unity,

Ammar
Editor,
The Emergency Times

Op-ed: March 9 revisited

Authored by: Dr Qaisar Rashid

March 9, 2007 has left a deep, lasting impact on the politico-social history of Pakistan. In past, where the institution of politics was found coming head on with the institution of military, this time the institution of judiciary has defied the verdict of the institution of military and hence invited its wrath. The basic premise of defiance was the rule of law. The fundamental effort now is independence of the judiciary and personification of that is being demanded in restoration of the deposed and detained judges.
Some still argue that the judicial activism was less a threat to the bureaucracy and more to the military. In the post-1999 era, the way the military pounced on other institutions, the judiciary posed first big and real challenge to the hegemony of the military in 2007. It was March 9 incident that provoked the judiciary to catapult the situation; the judiciary came out of its past subservient role to the military rulers. Subsequently, the judiciary showed its true colour till the emergency, in the name of martial law, was proclaimed on November 3, 2007.
In a country like Pakistan where the Cold War mentality is still lurking at the higher echelons of power, the ruling class yearns for every thing programmed according to its whims and wishes. For them, an independent judiciary is a hateful object for having potential for disrupting the program. It is sheer an autocratic approach of the ruling elite under the façade of democracy.
Major tussle between the then sitting government of the Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, and the judiciary appeared when the latter criticized and halted the process of privatization of Karachi Steel Mill. That sent shivers down the spines of those who had thought of the judiciary a subsidiary to the prime ministerial office. The judiciary had also started taking notice of the missing person cases, besides resorting to suo moto actions before March 9 visited it.
Retrospectively, March 9 happened because of two main reasons. First, avenging the insult on the Steel Mill issue, which brought the then government to disrepute, and secondly, re-evaluating the supreme judicial mind in case the uniform issue was referred to it. It is still a mystery how a lawyer, Naeem Bukhari, could be able to gather quantitative information about the Chief Judge and had an access to the billing section of the Supreme Court? Secondly, the same letter which had been submitted to the Supreme Court was circulated around through the internet. How could Naeem collect email addresses of all those who contribute columns to various Pakistani dailies and why to inform them about the contents of the letter? The lawyers who cast curse on the role of Naeem claim that he played in the hands of the intelligence agencies to defame the Chief Judge to ease his ouster. It could be called the counter defamation policy of the then sitting government. On March 9, refusal of the Chief Judge from resigning was considered an offence to a higher authority worthy to be penalized.
The judicial reference could have been sent directly to the Supreme Judicial Council as a routine matter instead of inviting or detaining the Chief Judge, Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry, in the Camp Office, Rawalpindi, and later in his own house. Further, by detaining the Chief Justice in the Camp Office and forcing the other judges to take charge and oath not only created bad blood but also harmed the intra-judiciary harmony. If memory serves, while justifying his ‘counter-coup’ on 12 October 1999, Musharraf had made remarks that the then Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, was guilty of disrupting intra-military accord by starring another General as Chief of Army before his ceremonious departure. On March 9, Musharraf did to the Chief Judge the same what Nawaz Sharif did to him. The difference was that on October 12 Musharraf had the force of gun to correct the imbalance in his favour but the Chief Judge lacked that force on both March 9 and November 3.
Retrospectively, March 9 was a needless event. Nonetheless, it necessitated the society to challenge the involvement and supremacy of the military on the societal plane. The sordid event also pushed the army to stand aloof of the society. It seems that this aspect has benefited the suicide bombers who are now selectively targeting the army men and material, besides their accomplices in the civil society. The gory act of a suicide bomber at a mosque in Charsaddha on the Eid day in a failed attempt to target the former Interior Minister, Aftab Sherpao, can be seen in that context. The intelligence failure in this regard may be due to the climate of indifference prevailing in the society for the government. Having broken this individual-state relationship is the single major alarming factor that forewarns what is in store for the future unless addressed to the people’s satisfaction. The new Chief of Army, General Keyani, seems cognizant of the state of affairs and is an advocate of confining the role of the military to its professional duties which are on the borders.
Later on, the insult inflicted on the Chief Judge in the streets of Islamabad on his way to the Court was tantamount to transgression of all boundaries of decency, norms and law. It seems that both the society and the bar and the bench have not pardoned the agencies involved. It was an overreaching act of the agencies – supposedly backed by Musharraf – which jolted the collective conscience of the society. The case of meting out punishment to those who were responsible for the law and order in Islamabad was also under hearing at the Supreme Court. Every body knew that the Islamabad police had acted at the behest of the military high-ups, besides being physically backed by them. In case of any final verdict from the Court, the police would not listen to the military command any more. Now, under the new Supreme Court, the Islamabad police have been protected and the culprits were freed. Perhaps, that was what Musharraf meant in his December 15 speech that he had introduced a harmony between the judiciary, the police and the intelligence agencies – by ousting the preceding judiciary and absolving those of any offence who had been booked in the manhandling issue.
Since March 9, 2007, the events have been speaking for themselves: there are lessons to be learnt for those who have conscience.

Email: qaisarrashid@yahoo.com

New York Solidarity Event

Saad Mustafa Rizvi

There will be a solidarity event in New York outside Pakistani Consulate at 4pm on March 15, Saturday. The event would start with a rally and end with a vigil. The rally/vigil is part of the Black Flag Week call given by Aitzaz Ahsan to commemorate the continuous struggle by lawyers, students and other civil society members for the last one year. Remember the theme is Black so please wear as much black as you can and bring black armbands, flags or anything to show your support.
Even though the counsulate would be officially closed on Saturday, the point of having a protest outside it is symbolic at the moment and to get as much media attention as possible. For more questions please feel welcome to reach me at 857-334-8012.
Our efforts have cornered Musharaf, its just a matter of time we achieve our goals.

BLACK FLAG WEEK PROTEST FOR 9TH MARCH 2008

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Black Flag Week

For up-to-date schedule, please visit: http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com/
Add Black Flag Week Feed to your blog
To use RSS feed: http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
To use ATOM feed: http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Post Your Videos in Response to Aitzaz's Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOzwt953sTU
Send your pics to: blackflagweek@gmail.com
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Islamabad:

Saturday, 8th March:
Gather at Mr. Books in F-6 Supermarket for an address by Aitzaz Ahsan to traders of the area and a subsequent march to Aabpara.
Please do not forget that March 8th is International Women's Day, hence WAF and other organizations have organized a march at 5:30 pm at China Chowk to the Parliament House.

All day camp near Mr. Books, Super Market to distribute flyers for rally and and black flags.

Sunday, 9th March:
Massive rally led by Aitzaz Ahsan from his Islamabad residence (Street 16, F-6/3) at 4 pm to the CJ's residence. Bring black flags and wet towels in a plastic bag. Swimming goggles are also recommended since we anticipate heavy teargas.

Camp Sunday till 4 pm near Mr. Books, Super Market to distribute flyers for rally and and black flags. Imran Khan will lead a rally from here to join Aitzaz Ahsan's rally.
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Lahore:

Saturday, 8th March:
Car Rally to Advertise Black Flag Week: Cars will be divided in 3 groups to leave from 5 Zaman Park (Nehr Ghar) at 3 pm on separate routes (routes will be given on arrival).

Sunday, 9th March:
Car Rally to leave 5 Zaman Park (Nehr Ghar) at 3 pm for Justice Ramday's

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Karachi:

Saturday, 8th March:
Flag hoisting:

*Women's Action Forum (WAF), 11:30 am at Teen Talwar

*Jinnah Medical University (Medicare Hospital), 5 pm, Shaheed e Millat Road

*Iqbal Haider's House, 6 pm, B-25, Block 4, KDA 5, Clifton (behind Designers on 26th Street)

Sunday, 9th March:
Protest with political parties at 3 pm at Karachi Press Club
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London:

Sunday, 9th March:
Protest in front of Pakistani High Commission in London 2 PM - 3 PM. Contact Taimur Rehman ( 07825160691) for details.


In Solidarity,
Samad

--
**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^
Samad Khurram
Harvard College
394 Winthrop House Mail Center
Cambridge, MA 02138
E-Mail: skhurram@fas.harvard.edu
Cell(US): +1-(617)960-7289
Cell(PK): +92-300-5599085

Aitzaz Ahsan’s call for Black Flag Week (9th-16th March)

Dear All,

Aitzaz Ahsan has given a call to observe Black Flag Week in Pakistan. Everyone is requested to show their solidarity for the restoration of the independent Judiciary in Pakistan.

Here are a couple of things you can do:

1) Record a small video of yourself wearing a black flag, black clothing or even just a black cap and post it on youtube in response to the Aitzaz's video message. In the video you should talk about why you support the restoration of the judiciary.

To respond to the video: http://www.youtube.com/video_response_upload?v=EOzwt953sTU

If you have trouble uploading the video on youtube please email the clip to blackflagweek@gmail.com


2) Take a picture of yourself, your friends and/or your family holding a black flag or wearing black clothes and send it to blackflagweek@gmail.com. If you are uncomfortable revealing your identity you can have the picture taken from your backside or cover your face before taking the picture. You can also help us by taking pictures of your friends, family members, relatives and others who may not be able to take pictures


3) Take part in the events that observe the Black Flag Day in your cities. You can get information about the major events at: http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com/

If your event is not shown on this blog please email blackflagweek@gmail.com with details of the event and it will be updated shortly.


4) Attached is a picture that you should use as your facebook, orkut and myspace picture for till Sunday, March 16, 2008.


5) You can use many variations of a black flag. Suggestions include black armbands, headbands, stickers, caps, headscarfs, etc.


6) Please encourage your friends, family, teachers and everyone else you know to participate in the Black Flag Week. The biggest strength to the campaign would be pictures and videos.


7) Please forward this email to as many people as you know to make this campaign a success. You can also inform them of this campaign through facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=22589890270

In solidarity,
Samad

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PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, 28th March, 2008.

Aitzaz Gives Call for LAWYERS' Black Flag Week:

Lahore:

In a statement issued here from his residence, where he is detained, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, President Supreme Court Bar Association, said that a Long March scheduled for March 09 has been postponed to give Parliament time to restore the deposed judges. It has not been cancelled. The lawyers, he said, appreciated the concern of the Parliamentarians and the leadership of the political parties to permit Parliament to meet and take steps for the restoration of the judges in the first instance.

Aitzaz, however, said that two of the most unfortunate days in our history fell in the year 2007. On March 9, none other than the Chief Justice of Pakistan was arrested. On December 27 a much greater and far more enormous tragedy struck. The most important leader of the country Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was martyred. The nation continues to mourn her. Lawyers have decided to commemorate both days with sorrow.

Aitzaz said that presently March 9th to 16th would be commemorated as the BLACK FLAG WEEK in and outside Pakistan. Those opposing Musharraf and seeking the restoration of the deposed judges will fly "Black Flags" through out the week as per the following recommended programme:

· On Sunday 9th March Provincial Bar Councils to hold conventions of Representative Lawyers presided over by a deposed judge at the Provincial Headquarters and hoist black flags.

· On the Monday 10th and Thursday 13th all Bar Associations will hoist Black Flags at 10.00 a.m. and after speeches by the President and other members will take out rallies. There will also be a Complete Strike on these two days. Arrangements are being made to relay the address of the SCBA President and the CJP on these two days at one and the same time to all the Bar Associations of Pakistan.

· Rallying lawyers will only carry black flags and black banners. Photographs of the CJP, CJs of Sindh and NWFP and lawyers who were detained may also be carried.

· On other days of the week, the flag hoisting ceremony will take place every day and the General Body will meet. Speakers will address the House.

· Special resolutions will be passed, every day, to appreciate the courage of the three school-going children of the Chief Justice of Pakistan who have been in complete detention since November 3 and have not complained.

· Lawyers will distribute black flags, arm bands, and head bands during the rallies and at other times among the public. Although it will remain a lawyers' protest, students, civil society and party cadres may join with party as well as black flags.

· All students, particularly of law, may volunteer to help the Bar Associations.

· From March 3 onwards, Press briefings will be given daily by all office bearers of all Bar Associations stating the progress of the preparations for the lawyers' BLACK FLAG WEEK in their district and area.

· In this regard Bar Office-bearers will contact students, businessmen, traders, professional and women organizations, chambers, trade unions for logistical assistance and support.

Aitzaz said that the Lawyers' Long March has been postponed but not cancelled. A date for it would be announced, if necessary, after the Parliament has convened. The Black Flag Week will be a soft preparatory step to the Long March and will re-energize lawyers and the Lawyers' Movement.


Aitzaz Ahsan
President, Supreme Court Bar Association

--
**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^
Samad Khurram
Harvard College
394 Winthrop House Mail Center
Cambridge, MA 02138
E-Mail: skhurram@fas.harvard.edu
Cell(US): +1-(617)960-7289
Cell(PK): +92-300-5599085

Important Campaign: Lies by Ansar Burney regarding Chief Justice

Dear All,

Yesterday Ansar Burney blatantly lied in an interview that (news report attached):

THE CHIEF JUSTICE IS NOT UNDER HOUSE ARREST!
THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON HIM OR HIS FAMILY!
IN REALITY HE IS NOT VACATING HIS HOUSE!

Lets tell him he can not lie in our faces and get away with him. Here are things you can do express your utter disgust at these outrageous statements. DEMAND AN APOLOGY FROM HIM AND AN IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION

It shocks us that he can end days trying to locate an unknown Indian prisoner in a remote jail while LIE about the Honorable Chief Justice who has been under house arrest with his family since NOV 3 a few blocks away from his office.

CALL OR SMS HIM AT HIS PRIVATE NUMBER AND ASK FOR HIS RESIGNATION: 0300-8243460

EVEN IF HE DOES NOT PICK UP YOUR CALL, HE WILL READ YOUR SMSES. SMS HIM LIKE CRAZY.
To SMS from the internet visit: http://smspk.kalpoint.com/Mobilink1.php
(you will need to enable JAVA APPLETS to use this)

CALL HIS OFFICES IN KARACHI AND LONDON AND TELL THEM YOU WON'T BE DONATING TO A LIAR'S NGO. WHO KNOWS WHAT HE DOES WITH OUR DONATIONS
London: + 44 20 8422 2277
Karachi: + 92 21 262 3382 / 83

FAX
London: + 44 20 8423 4555
Karachi: + 92 21 262 3384

EMAIL
humanrightsuk@aol.com

VISIT HIS OFFICES IN PERSON OR WRITE TO HIM
Islamabad: Ministry of Human Rights, R Block, Pak. Sectt. Islamabad
Karachi: 6 Hassan Manzil, Arambagh Road, Karachi
London: 18 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex, London. HA1 2BQ

LODGE OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS TO HIS SECRETARY.

Joint Secretary

Name : Mr.Ahmed Dildar
Address : R Block, Pak. Sectt. Islamabad
Tel : +92-51-9211278
Fax : +92-51-9201631

Deputy Secretary (Admin-I)

Name : Mr.Saad Qureshi
Address : R Block, Pak. Sectt. Islamabad
Tel : +92-51-9203397

Deputy Secretary (Admin-II)

Name : Rana Zahoor Ahmad
Address : R Block, Pak. Sectt. Islamabad
Tel : +92-51-9202658

Lets make sure he learns his lesson. We are SHOCKED to have such double-faced ministers. EVERY MSG COUNTS. START CALLING AND SMSING LIKE CRAZY!

In solidarity,
SK
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Source: http://pkpolitics.com/2008/03/05/ansaar-barni-exposed/

Ansaar Barni Exposed!

Ansar Barni, the interim Human Rights (abuse?) Minister breaks the record of Muhammad Ali Durrani in disinformation and exposes his blind loyalty to Musharraf regime.

Ansar says that Chief Justice and his family are not under arrest, but have been illegally occupying the official residence of Chief Justice.

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Operations in Wazirstan causing mass internal displacement of refugees

Karachi resources already overstretched to the limit because of uncontrolled urbanization, is struggling to manage the influx of refugees who have been fleeing the ongoing. operations in Waziristan.

A flight of desperation riddled with peril

Tuesday, March 04, 2008
By Qadeer Tanoli
THE NEWS

Karachi

While hundreds of families belonging to Waziristan are taking, or are aspiring to take, refuge in Karachi as a result of the military operation being carried out by the Army in the area against the Taliban, the journey to the metropolitan ‘sanctuary’ is a long and difficult one.

Seeking shelter in parts of the city that are already occupied by their relatives, mostly in some areas of Landhi, life isn’t easy even after the displaced families manage to flee the war-torn area.

Baghdan, a Waziristan local currently in Karachi, narrates the story of the grueling journey that he, his sisters and their children were faced with after they fled Zarmik, a village in South Waziristan, to get to Karachi around a fortnight ago.

Even getting to Miranshah, let alone Karachi, has become next to impossible for the locals of Waziristan, says Baghdan. Since the operation was launched, he continues, “Jeeps that previously charged Rs200 per person for traveling from far flung areas of South Waziristan all the way to Miranshah, are now charging Rs2,000 for the same destination.” He further adds that buses taking passengers from Banu or Miranshah all the way to Karachi – an otherwise relatively conventional route – are presently charging nothing less than Rs1,300 per person.

The reason behind the inflation in the charges, he says, is that, instead of taking the main roads and risking their lives in potential cross fire, they take the passengers through alternative, covert routes in an attempt to make the journey as safe as possible.

“Heavy snowfall in the operation-affected areas, forcing one to travel on foot, doesn’t make life any easier either,” Baghdan adds. According to him, male members of the fleeing families are transporting the women and children to Karachi, after which the men opt to head back to the village to take care of the cattle they are forced to leave behind.

Going on to talk about his family’s arrival in Karachi, Baghdan says that, even though the arrival of so many people from his village is cramping the available space, these displaced families appear content with their current living conditions. However, their sense of security may be short-lived.

Baghdan’s landlord, who also belongs to Waziristan, has asked them to vacate the house they have lived in since arriving from Zarmik soon, as his (the landlord’s) own family from the war affected area is heading to Karachi to seek shelter.

Muhammad Durrani, Baghdan’s neighbour in Karachi, says that these families are facing severe accommodation problems at present. Durrani assesses that they left their village in such haste, that they didn’t even bring enough clothing.

Durrani appeals to philanthropists to donate whatever they can to help equip these displaced families with basic human needs. Needless to say, the choice for the refugees is complex. While the family is faced with a renewed struggle to find shelter in Karachi now that they are here, living back home in Waziristan is far from easy these days – even if you manage to dodge the militant-Army conflict.

“Many incidents of robberies have taken place in my village, where locals were deprived of their valuables,” Baghdan says. With the robberies getting out of hand, the villagers turned to the local ‘Taliban’ for help, who then punished the culprits on the spot, he recalled.

Nasir, a seven-year-old nephew of Baghdan, has seen several incidents of bombings in his village. “A few days ago, I saw a bomb drop right in front of my house,” he says plainly.

Although the young boy is afraid of the bombings and shelling, he would still prefers to return to his village. Back in the village, however, Nasir’s father is far from anticipating the return of his family.

The Pakistani military mindset

A.H Amin

While third world military figures , in power or retired make impressive speeches at various forums and think tanks , very few outside their countries understand their mindset and motivation , which by and large is driven by highly personalized and ulterior motives !

Keeping this premise in view it is important to understand the mindset and the personalities of the third world military juntas , most important in this case being the Pakistani military junta !The British Indian Army which gave birth to Pakistan and Indian armies in 1947 was essentially a colonial army designed for internal security and limited defence of India against external threats .

The British ensured that all Indians who came to this organization were from the politically most docile and loyal classes ! In order to keep the Indian officer corps slavish they kept a 50 % quota for Indian Army rankers in Indian Military Academy Dera Dun right from its foundation in 1930-32 .Layman readers may note that the " lower middle class" as well as the " middle class" by and large are the politically most conservative classes ! Social climbers by orientation , intensely careeristic in outlook and extremely conscious of personal benefits , having none or little of the pride or spirit de corps that made the Prussian junker officer defy Hitler !

In the Russian Civil War many major reactionary White Army leaders including Denikin,Kornilov etc were from humble background ! Similarly all of Pakistan's military rulers less Yahya Khan were from humble background and all brought with them the intense greed and ambitiousness of a man from humble origins with none of the ideological idealism that distinguishes a man of ideology from a social climber !

Now the mindset of the military junta :--
1- Personal motives having priority over all other motives :-- You would find no Manstein or Guderian in them but highly ambitious men who practiced sycophancy with their seniors , hole punchers in US terms , yes men ,masters of personal manouvre in order to get the right report from the right boss at the right time ! They pleased their seniors and they know how to handle balls of any benefactor may it be Bush or Reagan where aid is concerned ! They have no ideology less personal interest !

2- View Wars and International Geopolitics as a means of personal benefit:-- The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was a divine and phenomenal lottery for Pakistan's military rulers ! Zia the son of a humble tailor , and many of his generals Akhtar etc siphoned millions of US dollars in private accounts , from the US aid meant for Afghanistan. Knowing the Americans well , they must have also earmarked good retainers for Zia and his ISI chief in any case.
Serious observers like Selig Harrison and Cordovez have concluded that the Pakistani military junta never wanted that the Soviets should withdraw from Afghanistan since that would have meant stoppage of US aid. Similarly, 9/11 is a heaven sent opportunity for General Musharraf since it enabled him to get US aid and the much needed US boost to stay in power !

3- Can be coerced and bought if the Bigger players know how to drive them:--
These leaders have price tags and can be manipulated to a significant extent without risking wars like the Iraq war. This is so because their vision is personal , has none of Khomeini or Osama's ideological agenda. Thus if the USA sensibly deals with them with carrot and stick they can be made to conform to US policies.

4- Ulterior motives in prolonging conflicts to get aid :-- These leaders have an ulterior motive that their benefactor super power, i.e, USA is kept occupied in its war against terror , not because they have any love for Islam , but simply because this would bring them more aid , an important part of which is siphoned into private fortunes. Thus, at a certain covert level these leaders are interested in the terrorist's cause also. Thus, the third world intelligence agencies have many irons in the fire whether it is initiating a terrorist outrage or encouraging one.

5- Increasing reliance on coercive power of state :-- Since these leaders have little or no contact with national aspirations of their masses , they increasingly rely on the coercive power of the state which leads either to a Shah of Iran like situation or strengthening of a Saddam like totalitarian regime. In both cases it was the fault and mishandling of US policy makers !

6- Role of the Intelligence agencies :--
To buy judges , to blackmail politicians , to start wars of low intensity to get aid , to manipulate low intensity war players for specific ends to please or disturb their super power benefactors.

Conclusion
We are dealing with sharp social climber third world leaders who know how to please and how to practice sophisticated ball lifting. These men have no ideology and can withstand a tremendous amount of kicking as they did while pleasing seniors in their military careers. It is simpler to deal with these tinpot dictators than Osama or Mullah Omar. If policy makers in the USA understand this fact their task would be simpler.

Criminal case against the President

A copy of an application filed at the Police Station, Secretariat, Islamabad for registration of a criminal case against Gen (R) Pervaiz Musharraf and others for various charges, including illegal detention of the Chief Justice, other judges and their families, intimidation and trespass.

March 3, 2008
The SHO,
Police Station,
Secretariat,
Islamabad.
REGISTRATION OF CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST GEN ® PERVAIZ MUSHARRAF, MINISTER OF INTERIOR, SECRETARY INTERIOR, CHIEF COMMISSIONER ISLAMABAD, IGP ISLAMABAD, SSP ISLAMABAD, DC ISLAMABAD AND OTHERS FOR KEEPING THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF PAKISTAN JUSTICE IFTIKHAR MOHAMMAD CHAUDHRY, OTHER HON’BLE JUDGES AND THIER FAMILIES UNDER/IN WRONGFUL RESTRAINT, WRONGFUL CONIFINEMENT, COMMITTING CRIMINAL TRESSPASS, CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, ETC PUNISHABLE UNDER THE PAKISTAN PENAL CODE 1860 READ WITH OTHER ENABLING PROVISIONS.

We have been authorized and instructed by the respective Presidents of the High Court Bar Association, Rawalpindi Bar Association and Islamabad Bar Association to submit this application for registration of a criminal case under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and other enabling provisions. It is, therefore, stated as follows;
That on March 9, 2007 the then Chief of Army Staff, General Pervaiz Musharraf attacked the independence of the judiciary by illegally using the State machinery to criminally intimidate, coerce, threaten and assault the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry so as to illegally force him to resign from his office.
That on refusal to succumb to the illegal pressure and subjugate the independence of the judiciary, the Chief Justice of Pakistan was taken into custody and kept in illegal confinement and house arrest with the other members of the family for more than two weeks. The officials of the intelligence agencies and the administration at the behest and on orders of General ® Pervaiz Musharraf trespassed the official residence of the Chief Justice and kept him and the members of his family confined to two rooms within the residence.
That General ® Pervaiz Musharraf publicly confessed and regretted the illegal and wrongful restraint and confinement.
That on July 20, 2007 a thirteen member bench of the Supreme Court honourably restored Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry as the Chief Justice of Pakistan and held that the allegations in the Reference were malafide, illegal and unconstitutional. It is important to note that the evidence relating to the purported allegations in the reference had been withdrawn and the lawyers representing General ® Pervaiz Musharraf and the Federation tendered apologies before the Supreme Court and the Bench of the Supreme Court imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000/- against the Federal Government.
That in a shameless act of revenge solely for his personal ego, General ® Pervaiz Musharraf committed high treason on November 3, 2007 when taking advantage of his position as the Chief of Army Staff, he issued an illegal and unconstitutional Proclamation of Emergency and a Provisional Constitutional Order. He, thereby not only committed high treason under Article 6 of the Constitution but also conspired to bring the Pakistan Army into disrepute merely for his personal gain and ego. He attacked the independence of judiciary yet again and the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan as well.
That on November 3, 2007 a seven member bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan suspended the Proclamation and the PCO. The authorities were restrained not to act in pursuance of the Proclamation or the PCO and held any act performed thereunder as illegal and unconstitutional.
That General ® Pervaiz Musharraf taking advantage of being the Chief of Army Staff and in flagrant violation of his oath as a member of the armed forces criminally abused his authority by taking control of the Supreme Court in the evening of November 3, 2007 through the law enforcement agencies. The Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and other Hon’ble Judges, except five who agreed to collaborate in this heinous crime, were taken into custody. The acts and omissions are also contempt of the Supreme Court. This also is contempt of the Supreme Courts order dated November 3, 2007.
That the officials of law enforcement agencies and the administration of Islamabad Federal Capital Territory at the behest of and on instructions from General ® Pervaiz Musharraf criminally trespassed the official residence of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice and the judges, along with their families, were wrongfully confined and restricted in their respective official residences so much so that the outer doors were padlocked and chained. Barbed wires were put all around the residences and the roads leading to the judicial colony were also barricaded and barbed wires were placed.
That the eighteen year old daughter of the Chief Justice of Pakistan i.e Ifra Iftikhar was not allowed to leave the residence for taking his “A” Level examinations.
That eight year old physically challenged son of the CJP, Ballaj Iftikhar, who has been termed as the ‘Youngest Political Prisoner” by local as well as international media has not even been allowed to come out to the garden of the residence let alone allowing him to attend the school.
That sixteen year old Palwasha Iftikhar a student of ‘A’ Level has also not been allowed to leave the residence and attend her school.
That Justice Sardar Raza Khan, Justice Shakirullah Jan and Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk also remain under wrongful restraint and confinement.
That General ® Pervaiz Musharraf and on his instructions and his behest the Minster of Interior, Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IGP Islamabad, SSP Islamabad, DC Islamabad and other collaborators have committed offences, inter alia, punishable under the Pakistan Penal Code.
You are, therefore, advised to forthwith register a FIR against the above named offenders under sections 338, 334, 341, 344, 441, 442, 503, 506, 107, 102-A and other enabling provisions failing which further legal proceedings shall be initiated.

For the applicants
President High Court Bar, Rawalpindi.
President District Bar, Islamabad.
President District Bar, Rawalpindi.
Through

(ATHAR MINALLAH)
# 24, 1st Floor, Beverly Centre,
Blue Area,
Islamabad

Police Tear Gas at Pakistani Lawyers

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Police fired tear gas Monday to disperse scores of attorneys demanding that President Pervez Musharraf reinstate the chief justice, who has been under house arrest since a sweeping crackdown last year.
The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, meanwhile, arrived in Islamabad for talks with Musharraf and the military leadership. It was the second visit in a month by Adm. Mike Mullen, reflecting U.S. concerns over a growing insurgency by al-Qaida and Taliban militants in the tribal region near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.
The police fired several tear gas canisters at about 200 lawyers and other demonstrators, who were shouting slogans outside the residence of ousted Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry.
The police crackdown was filmed by television news cameras and broadcast live across the country. Many lawyers were seen coughing and bending over after being hit by clouds of the acrid smoke. Some picked up the canisters and threw them back at the policemen, who retreated before regrouping.
Chaudhry has been under house arrest along with his family since Musharraf declared a state of emergency on Nov. 3.
The lawyers had gathered outside his house after hearing unconfirmed television reports that the government had lifted the house-arrest restrictions on his wife and three children. The lawyers became agitated when it became apparent that the reports were apparently incorrect.
"Free the children, Go Musharraf Go!" shouted the lawyers, who also demanded that police allow them to go inside the house, which is surrounded by barbed wire.
Chaudhry and dozens of other senior judges were fired just before the Supreme Court was to rule on the legitimacy of Musharraf's re-election in October by a parliament dominated by his supporters.
"There is no example in history where 60 judges have arrested and detained with their families and eight of them continue to remain in detention to this day," said Aitzaz Ahsan, the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Ahsan, who also had been under house arrest until his release Sunday, said the lawyers would stage a week of protests starting March 9.
The attorneys' movement will add further pressure on Musharraf, who has become increasingly isolated politically after his party was trounced in the Feb. 18 elections.
The Pakistan People's Party of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto came in first, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party was second.
The dismissal of judges drew some of the strongest criticism that Musharraf has faced since seizing power in a bloodless coup in 1999 when he was the army chief. Musharraf retired from the army in November and allowed the Feb. 18 parliamentary elections.
He is now expected to face a hostile Parliament after opposition groups that won the elections pledged to cooperate with each other against his rule.
Asif Zardari, Bhutto's widower an co-chairman of the PPP, said the party had not decided whether it would try to unseat Musharraf before the new government is sworn in.
"We understand how sensitive the situation is so we will handle the situation with care and will not disappoint the masses," Zardari told a news conference.
Musharraf also has struggled to assert control of areas in northwestern Pakistan, where three suicide bombings killed more than 80 people in the past few days.
On Monday, armed supporters of a radical Islamic cleric exchanged gunfire with villagers resisting the demolition of a shrine in northwestern Pakistan, leaving seven people dead, said police officer Zardad Khan.
The clash was unrelated to the pro-Taliban Islamic insurgency gripping the region, but it demonstrated the lawlessness in the area.
Last month, Mullen said the threat of Islamic extremism was growing in Pakistan and that the country's leadership was aware of the challenge facing the nation.
He arrived in Islamabad following a stop in Iraq over the weekend, said Elizabeth Colton, the spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Mullen was likely to discuss plans calling for 22 U.S. personnel to train elements of the Pakistani military in counter-insurgency and intelligence gathering techniques later this year.
Associated Press Writer Zarar Khan contributed to this report.

AJI Hunger Strike in Islamabad: Account

The hunger strike by two leaders of Awami Jamhoori Ittehad in Islamabad has now entered the third day. Iqbal Bali and Jahangir Akhter have been on hunger strike to protest the illegal incarceration of the children of Chief Justice Iftikhar. They are sitting in a camp in front of the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, near the Judges colony, and have vowed to end their strike only at the hands of Justice Iftikhar's youngest son, Balach.

Today, they marched with other protesters to the police barrier at the entrance to the judges colony, and unsuccessfully tried to cut the heavy roll of barbed wires. Even a jeep could not pull the wires away. The protestes remained at the barrier for over an hour, raising slogans.

Yesterday, Justice retired Tariq Mahmood visited the camp, stayed with the protesters for quite some time, and addressed the gathering.

Both the hunger strikers are old in age. Iqbal Bali is sevety six, and Jahangir Akhter 65. Jahangir suffers from sugar and kidney problems, while Iqbal is a heart patient. But both of them are determined to continue with the strike, although the strike has started to have a visible toll on their health.

Others will join them in the strike, some for a symbollic 24 hour hunger strike, others for a 48 hour strike, while these two have vowed to continue until death or release of Iftikhar Choudhry's children, whichever comes sooner.

Protesters in other cities might like to consider also sitting on symbollic hunger strike for 24 or 48 or longer durations to express solidarity with Jahangir and Iqbal.


A. H. Nayyar

Senior Research Fellow, Sustainable Development Policy Institute

#3, UN Boulevard, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad

PPP's Candidate from Karachi: On Fighting Rigging

I came across this column by Mirza Ikhtiar Baig in today's Daily Jang. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig contested the elections against an MQM candidate in Defence and Clifton area, Karachi.

Just as in other parts of Karachi, massive rigging was reported from his constituency. He reports here that the now-very-famous rigging video, available on youtube and aired by Geo TV, records the rigging that he suffered. His is putting up a fight against it on every available forum. Other parts of the column provide us with a glimpse into the life of a politician, and the workings of a political party. Couldn't upload the original urdu because I dont know how to.

http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/mar2008-daily/03-03-2008/col1.htm