Nokia is planning for Symbian Tablets
Youtube Access Restricted in Pakistan
There are reports from different ISPs users in Pakistan for the inaccessiblity of youtube. You can find reports about this on the herdictweb . This may be a temporary technical error of a restriction imposed by the Govt. of Pakistan.
Shiv Sena’s war with SRK still not over?
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan may have bought peace with the Shiv Sena seeking reconciliation with Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, however, the Sena is not ready to back off just yet over the actor’s controversial remark on the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the third edition of the IPL.
Reacting to SRK’s olive branch, Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday (February 6) said that it is now upto Party supremo Babasaheb Thackeray to take a call on the issue. Speaking to a bunch of reporters he added that the party will do what his father instructs them to do.
On Saturday, SRK stuck to his comments on Pakistani players in IPL saying that there was nothing “anti-national” and ruled out meeting Shiv Sena supremo on his own to sort out the controversy.
“I have not said anything that is anti-national or anti-Indian. I stand by what I said and I would like to say that may be the group has misunderstood me. There is no other reason because I have not said anything I should feel sorry about,” Khan, who arrived here after a whirlwind promotional tour of New York, London and Berlin, told reporters.
“I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am pro good relationship with countries. I think we all are…,” he said.
Asked if he would go to Thackeray’s home ‘Matoshree’ to explain his position, Khan said he had gone to the “senior” leader’s residence whenever he was called.
“I have been there so often. Yes, I would like to go and have drink with him. But on this matter, I don’t see…there is no reason for going and asking…but if my stand needs to be explained to someone, I have already done it. I don’t think there is an issue on that front,” Khan said.
Unfazed by Shiv Sena’s attack on him, SRK had a dig at the party and stuck to his stand of pitching for inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in Indian Premier League. “I don’t know what the issue is all about…I don’t know what I am supposed to retract. Am I supposed to retract the fact I’m an Indian but I don’t want anyone to come to my country,” Khan had earlier said referring to sharp reaction from Sena on his remarks about the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers on the IPL tournament.
The Sena had threatened SRK by saying that they would disrupt the screening of his movies, if the actor did not take back his remarks on Pakistani players.
UK lawyers have demanded withdrawal of Dr Afia’s Case
UK lawyers have demanded withdrawal of Dr Afia’s Case declaring the conviction
unsafe and has demanded for a public enquiry on Dr Afia’s treatment from US President
APL ( Association of Pakistani Lawyers), a team of Pakistani origin lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, Judges in UK, held an emergency session of its executive and in their 6 February 2010 communiqué addressed to Barrack Obama, The President of USA and Foreign Secretary, Senator Hillary Clinton Has demanded that Govt. of United States must consider withdrawing charges against Dr Afia Siddiqui and her repatriation to Pakistan forthwith.
APL Chair, Barrister Amjad Malik referred to their earlier letter to President Obama where they welcomed his election and wrote “America needs to offer hope to the community of nation and revitalize its efforts to jointly consult with the world if it ever desire to come closer to victory on its drive against extremism. No doubt, 9/11 was the most tragic and most condemnable attack on civilization by criminals and proportionate use of force, revival of United Nations role, protecting the sovereignty of independent nations, joint intelligence sharing mechanism and collective wisdom is the key to defeat this menace”.
He said , In this light of the above we have a cause to write to you on behalf of the Pakistani & Muslim community on the issue of Dr Afia Siddiqui’s Conviction which may result in a stumbling block between US-Pak people to people contact and relations between two states. Dr Afia was kidnapped and kept at Bagram Airfield without the aid of a lawyer, doctor and or consulate access for years and her being a female, Muslim women that has the potential to charge the mood of the public.
Mr. Malik wrote, USA is already making efforts to bridge the gap between the people of Pakistan and US Administration and Dr. Afia’s conviction will wipe out all efforts and this decision seems to have dictated through fears than the facts and law. Dr Afia is demonized as ‘Al-Qaeda’ lady or in official circles as ‘the grey lady of Bagram’ without substance of her association or affiliation as Association with Al-Qaeda itself is a criminal offence and that avenue has not been pursued. Under the circumstances she may never get a fair trial from the jury due to 9/11 as in built prejudice against the perpetrators of the 9/11 makes it impossible to allow a fair hearing against anyone who is allegedly portrayed by media or through whisper campaign to be an associate of that outfit no matter how much it is denied. Though, we agree that USA has failed to prove or at least bring it open the limits of her engagements
Chair of APL proposed 5 resolutions of demands:
“Resolution of Demand:
1. Govt of United States must consider withdrawing charges against Dr Afia Siddiqui and her repatriation to Pakistan forthwith; or
2. Govt of United States must consider Presidential pardon for Dr Afia Siddiqui as she has been missing and or confined allegedly since 2003 and there is no account of her missing time in Bagram airfield and her conviction is unsafe considering the state of mind and or issues of serious allegation(s) of torture and maltreatment; or
3. Govt of United States must consider appealing this decision as it is unsafe as post 9/11 putting people of New York in a position of jurors to find a question of guilty/not guilty of a person who is highly publicised as allegedly associated with internationally notorious outfit (AL-Qaeda) is unreasonable and rules of natural justice and norms of Art.6 of the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 has not been met. looking at the case of Brown v Board of Education, 347 US 483 (1954) where so rightly Supreme Court gave decision against segregation of white and Black children in the public state school solely on the basis of race because that segregation was against the principle of equal protection of law guaranteeing Fourteenth Amendment, at this juncture based on the past knowledge, I am sure, USA can ensure justice with Muslim minorities (its a test case in that scenario); There is overwhelming evidence of making this conviction unsafe i.e lack of DNA / finger prints evidence of her linking to the rifle, her unlawful presence at Bagram as the account of her arrest is not credible, discrepancies between the accounts of Interpreter, and other two witnesses, and no empty shells of the bullets fired were presented at court all makes the conviction unsafe; and these questions must be put to rest which questions the prosperity of US criminal justice system to be fair to Muslims post 9/11 as is the case in UK where many convictions were overturned by superior courts declaring them unsafe and excessive;
4. Govt of United States must consider prisoner exchange with the Govt of Pakistan as in the past many prisoners from Pakistan has been shifted to USA without judicial oversight, on the similar approach Dr Afia Siddiqui must be returned to Pakistan to remain in Pakistani custody whilst the issue of her case (withdrawal/appeal and or pardon) are considered at home in USA as she has already spent many years in confinement and her return would ease her sufferings and will avoid hampering United States effort to increase people to people contact and efforts to winning the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people.
5. Govt of United States must consider setting up a commission to adjudicate the questions of true facts surrounding Dr Afia’s arrest, allegations of torture and mal treatment at Bagram airfield, and the issue of extra judicial and extra territorial confinement and imprisonment at Bagram where there are allegations that CIA paid huge monies to Pak officials for making successful arrests and Gen. Musharraf accepted that fact in his book, (in the line of fire). Dr Afia is a female, Muslim lady from Pakistan who is a highly educated (PhD from Brandeis University 2001) and has been either bought via CIA and or arrested in dubious circumstances at Pakistan and or Afghanistan; she has been strip searched, allegedly maltreated, interrogated mostly without lawyers , proper examination of a female doctor, and or consulate access at Afghanistan and has been shifted to USA without her consent. How come she was shown to be at Bagram in 2008 when people had knowledge of her whereabouts as prisoner no 650 prior to that date makes it desirable to settle the facts once for all to ease the people of Pakistan as this is the kind of material if remain uncertain acts as prima facie fodder for radicalisation which needs to be put at rest through proper enquiry. Incidents like Abu Gharib force APL to say that the allegation of such nature may not be easily refuted without an independent oversight or an enquiry”.
“We hope our representations are given due weight in the interest of public in order to promote rule of law, justice and true accountability of the forces and in order to fill the gaps between ancient civilizations who are at a crossroad to mend fences and be friends”, expected Barrister Amjad Malik.
The Presidential Correspondence Team on 6 Feb has responded as following, “Dear Friend,Thank you for your message. On behalf of President Obama, we appreciate hearing from you. The President has promised the most transparent administration in history, and we are committed to listening to and responding to you”.
Warid telecom pakistan is not being sold off
Recently there have been misplaced news items in certain section of the press that warid telecom pakistan may be up for sale because of the shrinking interest of the sponsors relating to the market conditions in pakistan.
Warid telecom pakistan categorically and unequivocally denies such reports and impressions. Warid telecom pakistan is not being sold off rather is on course with its expansion plans with the continuing focused view to extend quality services to its loyal customers to whom it is deeply grateful.
Warid telecom pakistan also extends sincere thanks to its business partners for their support and professional contribution.
Bashir Tahir
Breaking News Several casualties feared in Karachi blast
Several people were killed and injured when a powerful explosion occurred in a public vehicle plying on Sharah-e-Faisal of Karachi, media reported Friday.
According to Geo News, the blast occurred in a mini bus near Nursery stop towards FTC.
The ambulances have been dispatched towards the blast site. The ambulances are being shifted to the hospitals.
Police and other rescue workers have arrived on the spot. The road leading to Saddar has been blocked and the blast site has been cordoned off
Dr. Aafia guilty of murder attempt
The federal district court in New York under the Judge Richard Berman and 11 other members of the jury conducted the hearing on the case for twelve days. Eight woman were members of the jury.
The biggest allegation against her was attempting to murder US agents with an army rifle and shot at the US agents while she was detained for questioning in Afghanistan. None of the Americans was injured but Aafia, was shot. Nine witnesses were presented to the jury of whom six were present in the room at the time of shooting. American army captain Schneider and Afghan national police officer Bahsir were present during the case.
A lawyer fighting her case said that Aafia would appeal for a review of the verdict since the decision was unfair. He also said that there was no allegation on Aafia being linked to any act of terrorism however the jury tried to establish a connection between Aafia and terrorist organization.
Aafia reacted violently to the verdict and said that the American system of justice is not fair. She said that the decision has been taken by Israel.
Emotions will not help the case, says Dr. Aslam
Speaking to Dunya News American journalist Dr Aslam Abdullah said that Dr Aafia’s supporter should control their emotions. Emotions will not help the case. Pakistan government will not take any action. The government has sold the country and it is due to the criminal negligence of the government that today Pakistan is confronting so many challenges.
Aslam also said that he has expectations from Human right groups. However the human rights groups cannot influence on the decision but can contribute positively towards the review of the case. Support for terrorism by some groups in Pakistan has been a factor that Aafia has been proven guilty.
Aslam aslo pointed that “No one spoke clearly on Aafia and sketchy details were presented regarding her family and her education”.
Aslam said the Pakistani government will not do anything to help in the review of the case. He said that he cannot make any comments on how to prove Aafia’s innocence since he is not a lawyer or a politician.
We will not ask for mercy from Non Muslims, says Fauzia Siddiqui
Dr Fauzia siddiqui said to the media that “We are agreeing with the will of the Allah”. “Allah wanted to show to the world that American justice system is weak and corrupt”. She said that “This is the beginning of the end for America”. Fauzia said that Government lawyer did not contacted her since the verdict has been announced. She said that “We prayed to Allah and thanked him.”
Answering to a question she said that “I would have been satisfied by the government efforts if Aafia would have been here standing next to me since she is not here so I am not satisfied with the government.” She also said that we continue our fight. Our morale is high. Dr. Fauzia was refered to several Quran verses.
I am thankful to the media, says Aafia’s mother
Aafia mother was smiling. She said that she is very happy and proud on the role of the media, she is also happy that her daughter has been chosen to slap on face of America. She claimed that “Today would mark the beginning of American downfall”. Aafia’s requested all to stay calm and said not to protest on the roads and appealed not to cause any damage to public or private property. Although the world may assume that we would be in a somber mood but I have attained new strength after this decision.
She repeatedly said that “Write my words that the decline of America starts today”. I knew the decision in advance. She also said that “If the government would have acted responsibly then we would have not seen this day.”
Aafia’s mother also said that “I am thankful to the entire nation.” “I have trained Aafia that she would never lose hope or faith”. Aafia will never bow to the non Muslim demands. She accused Hussain Hakkani of making fake claims on Aafia’s return. She said that Allah would take revenge from Shah Mahmood. She also said that “We would not ask for mercy from non Muslims”.
Failure of foreign policy to be blamed, says Talha Mahmood
Senator Talha Mahmood said that only foreign policy is to be blamed. He said that “I do not think its not a good message from America. Demands of justice have not been full filled. Highest form delegations should be sent to USA and present a strict stance to the US government. He said that US and NATO image would not improve. Talha also said that delegations have been formed in the past as well but there were no results. The case has not been politicized entirely but the main flaw was in handling the case. All witnesses have been favoring Aafia but the decision was pre decided. Trial was just a fake show. The world has witnessed the poor American justice. Hakkani did not take up the issue seriously and I cannot comment as to what he did. Pak has made big sacrifices and no one has given these sacrifices. The nation would not accept this gift of the America.
