Over the past year we got thousands of comments on the various stories we published. Not only are these comments a way for our readers to have a dialogue with us, but also participate in a healthy debate about the issues and stories that they feel mostly strongly about.

The year 2012 has no doubt been an eventful year, with stories that cover a range of emotions we all feel on a day-to-day basis. As this year winds down to a close, we felt we’d give you a taste of the comments and opinions that struck us most.

We look forward to keep this dialogue going next year. Here’s to a promising 2013!

Optimism

Mubashir
Asif claims IBSF World Snooker Championship title
Well done boy!! We are all proud of you – a lesson to all our other boys that be encouraged by our Hero – we all can do it!! We should not be demotivated from the lack of resources….so lets work hard.

Rajan                      
Ahmadi graves desecration: The death of conscience
I salute the brave words from your beautiful mind. Personalities like You at our neighborhood provide us some ray of hope.

Sam                                        
A letter from Siachen
I am an Indian and just as the Pakistanis are proud of Pakistani army, I am equally proud and supportive of the Great Indian Army. I am glad that India occupies the high ground and the entire glacier. I am glad that India was able to drive back the Pakistani Army from Kargil in 1999. But does that change any of the inherent sadness of this situation. Indians or Pakistanis, these soldiers are stationed here and fight due to the “orders” from their leaders in Islamabad and New Delhi. These soldiers are poor men, brothers, sons, husbands, fathers. Pakistanis you remember this and we Indians will also remember this.

Naveed
Bhutto and I
Thank you for taking me through a memory lane that I cherish the most. Bhutto inspired a lot of people, in fact majority of the country to move forward after 1971 humiliation. In his 6 year tenure Pakistan accomplished a lot. I remember that nation was energized, people were committed to put things right. He had put the country on the right footing. Holding 1974 Islamic Summit was a salient achievement. It not only lifted the Muslims of the Sub-Continent, it provided a new impetus to the global Muslims. That one event and his determination to make Pakistan a nuclear capable state made USA/Russia and Western Countries very nervous. That in my view caused Bhutto’s eventual hanging. The world really lost an outstanding leader.

Aamir, San Diego USA             
End of an era as Mehdi Hassan passes away
The world is a sadder more solemn place with out Khan Sahab. It breaks my heart that during his last days he was miserable, in pain and had to appeal to the government for help in paying his hospital bills, he should have been taken care of better. A great Voice is now silent. May you rest in peace Shahenshah-e-Ghazal.

Nadeem Khan
The drastic decline of Pakistani minorities
As an Ahmadi who has left Pakistan and live freely in the West, I think Ahmadis made a big mistake supporting the creation of Pakistan. They should have stayed in India. However, whatever happens , is in accordance with the plans of God Almighty. Today most Ahmadi Muslims live in the West. This has allowed them to get highly educated and therefore serve humanity more effectively. Ahmadi Muslims are the most respected community in the West because of our peaceful and tolerant nature. Every Western Government has praised us because of the communal harmony that we create. Also Ahmadis have converted more non Muslims to Islam becuase of the example that we provide. Pakistan, unfortunately, due to religious bigotry created by uneducated Mullahs have created this wedge and as a result Pakistan is the looser and not Ahmadis. Ahmadis no matter where they live are loyal to their country whether it be Pakistan, India, USA, Canada,UK , France, etc. and believe in universal brotherhood, respect of others. These are the true teachings of Islam and not the bigotry and hatred taught and practised by Mullahs.

Changazi
I am Hazara
Being a hazara, I can only thank the team for helping us out by sharing our plight with the Pakistanis who are unaware of the situation in Quetta.

Ali
Low key Ashura
Well said brother, thats why we take these processions out to Welcome the Son of Hussain & our very last Imam Mehdi a.s., from the family of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)….I invite you to join us all to welcome him. As you wont find many personalitieslike him , there are only 14, and we are waiting for the last one to arrive, so chose your camp now before it gets too late for you brother.

one                                     
So what do I do? cry
Pakistan is going through its own development challenges which one way or another many countries had gone through. People like Cowasjee are required to benchmark these events in the history and we benefit from their absolute honesty as real time commentators and therefore he will be sorely missed. What’s amazing is that he was not just honest about his views and the surrounding environment but was also truthful to himself and his home….

US Rathore
From temple to shrine: Forced conversions?
Dear,
A wonderful non-partisan coverage. Converting a hapless girl from minority community is no victory for Islam. Why only girls embrace islam? What about Hindu boys? Zealots do not know that these conversions, kidnapping and murders are damaging multi-ethnic image of Pakistan. You have done well by raising this issue honestly.

Claudia             
Malala Yousufzai to be provided best medical treatment: Zardari
I’m speechless. Needless to say, this would not happen in America. Our freedom to express ourselves is guaranteed and protected by our constitution. I wish Malala a speedy recovery. Perhaps, her family should consider moving to our country where she can go to school and be anything that she can be without being chastised or attacked.

mir aftab                                   
Memoirs of a Hindu girl
A wondrous article a clear depiction that shows abuse in the name of religion and violation of basic human rights. Our guardians of constitution should realize that not taking action tantamount to bringing disgrace to the nation of Pakistan which is already touching its lowest ebb. Ours is a country where the main constituent institutions are held hostage by fanatics and unless they are stricken down by constitution and implementers, we will not have enough good precedents to ensure our progress as a society.

Glum

Mandeep
Love, Marriage and Mrs. Jinnah
A person who could live disowning his own daughter for no crime she committed other than falling for a good looking, well educated gentleman from a very successful and rich business family, can not love anyone. Yes, had Mr Jinnah himself not married a non-Muslim woman and led a life of a pure Muslim, history could have been far more forgiving. The legacy of duplicity and hypocrisy that Mr Jinnah left, is seen in present day Pakistan. Some Pakistanis say it is not Quaid’s Pakistan, I say it is very much Quaid’s Pakistan.

Qalim                                         
Bhutto and I
Look forward to reading your take on the irony that was/is Bilawal Zardari’s speech – a speech made in rural Sindh, not in Sindhi, let alone Urdu, but in English by someone with the arrogance of self-entitlement based on elite lineage. I guess the majority audience now comprehends English and Dawn sales are booming !

And they have the temerity to call themselves progressive when te psycophants claim this is the Oxford educated (perhaps Oxford standards slipped in instilling logic) blood of Sir Shahnawaz and Bhutto speaking – what do these guys have in common with the ordinary Abdul on the Pakistani street?!

NoReligionDesi
The drastic decline of Pakistani minorities
I wonder what will the mullahs do once they have force-converted, driven out or even eliminated the minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Ahmadias, Shiyas in Pakistan ? They have to then find some other way to divide the ‘all Sunni’ population to continue their ‘conversion’ business.

While the whole world is moving towards a scientific future and the concept of God is becoming irrelevant, these mullahs with dark-age mindset are dragging the masses backward into ignorance. The whole business of religion has become profitable to power-mongers and heretics. They have no ‘spirituality’ in them…only power and money in their mind. We need revolutionay thinkers and leaders like Kamal Pasha, Maulana Azad or Raja Rammohan Ray to cleanse the society from inside. There is no way external power can get rid of these ‘germs’ of society. People must wake up!

Sami                       
Girl accused of blasphemy ‘denied meeting with lawyer’
Shameful! Disgusting! Barbaric! A religion so weak that an 11-year-old can threaten it?! I am totally embarrassed that I have any connection with the country of my birth. Change your ways lest you invite the wrath of God!

Ali                                         
I am hazara
This is very sad.

Our politicians just care about their government and votes. Our media just care about their ratings and circulation.

Since most of the people in Pakistan are Sunnis, they don’t want to read or listen to the atrocities happening against Shias (minority/less votes). Our governments (Central/Provincial/Local) and media are quite. Media prints same news 100 times if it’s about the girl attacked (not died) by Taliban or another youngest Microsoft Certified Professional girl that died because of some illness but, they combine all the Shia deaths across the Pakistan and print once. Next day you don’t even see the reference.

I have spent most of my life in Quetta and now I can’t even go there. Many people from my family have been killed and many homes have been burnet. I don’t have words to explain this pain.

Mard-e-Haq                     
Khan, Taliban and the Crackpot Science
Taliban Khan will only lead this nation to the dark ages, if we are not there already. Take a look at next door Afghanistan people, especially the period during the Taliban’s rule.

Roney Indian
Mumbai attacks gunman Ajmal Kasab hanged
Pak first rejected saying he wanst its citizen, then admitted and finally disowned him to die. this is what happens to poor innocent brainwashed youths who kill and get killed in the name of Islam. Fellow Muslims have to spread the right message of its religion. Better late than never !

Gulkhan
Rage running out
Yes we all failed as a society. Unfortunately we are thrown into this mess by those who are still considered heroes by some. The society has been radicalized to the limit, and it was done to scare India. In the hope of dismembering India and winning Afghanistan ( strategic depth) we have already lost half of the country and are now losing our population to blasts and bombs. Now is the time , all those responsible for this malaise to forget about the good and the bad taliban , join every peace loving citizen of this world, employ everything at their disposal ; drones, US, air crafts etc and finish this monster from our country and also from our neighbors. Our Bonaparts, our political islamists, Qazi and the likes and our seminaries need to be brought in line with the realities of today.

Zubair                  
Violent mobs set afire six cinema houses in Karachi, Peshawar
We have a suicidal tendency and the enemies know it. We excel in destroying ourselves. I saw the TV coverage about protests. For the youth it seemed le a carnival they were enjoying burning and looting. So much for the love of Islam — If you can’t hurt the culprit, kill your own people. We are a storage people, we don’t tolerate even the Muslims of other firqas.

Almanar
Timeline: Accused under the Blasphemy Law
If in the case of Rimsha they have arrested someone then why the case is still underway?? Pakistan is fast becoming a black hole. It will suck in everybody eventually.

Comic relief

Khanm                 
MQM demands new census within a month
Are we running the country or a pawn shop?

Nasah (USA)
It’s not just Maya…
Maya Khan is the Taliban in bangles.

Capt C M Khan
Islam is the IPL of Pakistan. You can sell any product here if you wear a cap and a beard. Let them make money dear.

Imran                                
Smokers’ Corner: Will to veil
Men who never stare at women can not be men.

Z Khan                     
Khan, Taliban and the Crackpot Science
Imran Khan is such a bad person.

You forget to mention that Hurricane Sandy was also caused by Imran Khan. You can quote me as a reference for this info as it’s straight away from US.

taranveer Singh
Pakistan plot India’s elimination from World T20
India made a huge building on plot made by Pakistan lol

Amir
World of the news
Hurricane Booby expected to hit Karachi on december 21 2012 !!

Oz
Victory against India is gift for the nation: Hafeez
Hafeez and Shoaib Malik have a new problem to deal with.. Memory Loss.

One forgets who is in the squad at the start of the match, the other forgets the name of the man who played hours against him(B. Kumar) and got three amazing wickets.. No sarcasm or pun intended, this is pure fun. Oh.. and Big Dave, cheer up will you ?? LOL

Glenn Ryall                                
It’s not just Maya…
Minding your own business in Pakistan is something out of the question.

Saad                   
Mobile services to be suspended in some parts of country: Malik
What a policy? Bravo! While we’re at it lets close down the parliament, PM and President Houses as well. They are also a big “security threat”.

The most hard line

Dual Citizen
The killing schoolyards of America
Look at your own backyard Pakistan. Mind your own business rather than pointing fingers at others. Get your house in order first.

Abbas
Ahmadi graves desecration: The death of conscience
Faiza has nothing to write except ahmadies and ignores 99.99% issues that we are facing???

I am not against her but be fair and look at other problems that we are in!!!

We do not appreciate this blame game and urged Dawn to stop these kind of discriminations which are causing more polarization in our society.

Zeeshan Shah
Hope fades away for Hazaras of Pakistan
Will the State be happier if the Hazaras took to arms and responded with an “eye for an eye”? Who is stopping them from giving guns to their children and using the cry of Jihad against their Muslim Brothers? Indeed, is not their survival at stake, what else is Jihad nowadays?

I do not understand why we have to be a Shia, Sunni, Balochi, Sindi … Why can’t we be Pakistani and move on. Why have we given so much grass to the fundamentalists of our country and deprived ourselves off the garden of progress?

Soon, there will be nothing left. Nothing.

Em Moosa
I advise Dawn not to publish such kind of material which has a sole purpose to create doubts in the hearts of Pakistanis about our country and their devoted leaders. It is a planned attack which should be understood. Enemy is always ready to disintegrate Pakistan by all means. Be careful please.

Money can buy all these kind of clueless authors.

Hasan
Low key Ashura
Its extremism from both sides. One one hand the terrorists are attacking Shia. On the other hand the Shia religious leadership is so stubborn, not compromising a bit for the sake of security of people. M.A Jinnah road and Kharadar, which are the most congested areas of the city, are chosen for the juloos as if these places are mentioned in the ‘holy’ book. The typical response comes ke ” ham tou juloos nilalainge chahe shaheed hi q na hojain.”

You want ‘shahadat’. Ok dude fine register yourself for that in advance and wait for some terrorist to blow you up. Please dont risk lives of people who did not sign up for that.

and also this religious exhibitionism has to come to an end. In retrospect as I see, the trend of this exhibitionism has increased. It has become a sort of competition where Barelvis, Shias, Deobandis compete with each other on their respective religious events. This nation had enough of this religion and now its time to move on and concentrate on nation building and progress.

AC
Khan, Taliban and the Crackpot Science
How does Dawn get such writers? Rather than a neutral article, this “writer” has an obvious blind bias against IK. I cannot see how any educated Pakistani can vote for PPP or PML-N. IK is the only viable option right now, and almost everything he says makes sense, you can take anyone’s comments out of context and construe it however you want to. Under PPP and PML the country has gone from bad to worse.

Introspection
From temple to shrine: Forced conversions?
Frankly, cannot expect a fair and unbiased picture from Naqvis, Mirzas, and Haqqis on Mainstream Islam, and the voluntary embracing of it…

john
Malala Yousufzai to be provided best medical treatment: Zardari
When you shelter snakes to harass your neighbors, do not be surprised if some of them bite you !

Fraz
Rage running out
Yes Nadeem Sahib ,You are right.

Monsters are never defeated by mere condemnation. Monsters are to be killed, destroyed .

Taliban are Monsters and their supporters are source of encouragement for the monster.

So Munawar Hassan, Imran Khan are part and parcel of the Monster ideology.

True Indian
Violent mobs set afire six cinema houses in Karachi, Peshawar
“Nine killed as protests turn violent on ‘Yaum-i-Ishq-i-Rasool’” Dawn.

Taaliyaan!!!!! Kya jhande gaade hain Pakistan ne aaj protest karke….Wao what a way to protest…Kudos to Pakistanis…Today they have confirmed the doubts that the world had regarding Pakistanis being idiot of worst species…

The talkative

Ahmed j                    
Four years, four high-profile attacks

Uncertainty is the core issue to understand the prevailing security condition. No one is for sure how long and for what duration our security agencies would continue fighting. There is no “Time-Line”.

On the understanding of Time-Lines, military plans are made and executed accordingly but in the absence of such a time frame, the physical and mental efficiency of any sane human being would deteriorate.

If the establishment (civil & military) had envisaged that such military operations would continue for a longer period of over a decade then they should have invested enormously in human development and material, intelligently.

Army, Rangers and the police are still dependent on the age-old practice of Strip & Search. They are not even equipped with smart electronic devices nor have the mental aptitude to use such, even if they are provided with one. They are decades away from such a vision and their officers lack clarity. The senior officers are paid to bring that change, which they have failed.

The Peshawar Airport attack is one such example. Half of the city’s roads are restricted and all have number of check posts manned by the Army and Police. These roads are restricted for general public’s use. The Army issues yearly passes for the cantonment roads for residents and daily commuters. To get the pass one has to pass their vetting procedures. If the Army was clear and had known that the security condition would continue for ten long years or even beyond then why don’t they introduce an electronic pass, attached to a vehicle. If NADRA’s RFID e-Toll system could be used on national highways and motorways then why can’t such a technology employed here. This would give Real time control, monitoring and management of all entry exit points by the authority. Every vehicle’s whereabouts, route, time and behaviour could be detected.

The owner’s name with address would also come up. This would also make things efficient, avoid long queues and most of all reduce fatigue and stress on a soldier and would make him concentrate on relevant, selective task and target. Instead, the Pakistan Army has locked itself in the barricaded cantonment and has left the lesser Pakistanis to face the terrorists themselves.

One still has to see the police modernisation in the last ten years. There are no structural changes to the Police department. The Police Force have not adapted to the new terror conditions. The command system and control apparatus is still old fashioned. There are no high-tech equipment inclusions in the police inventory. Even use of Police canine dogs is a distant dream. Police dog Units are non-existent. Dogs have remarkable sense if trained on explosive detection but such a thought is missing. One has to be creative and has to use the ingenuity of mind.

Bannu Jail break is a revelation to understand the real state of affair of Police department even after a decade’s war. On many social media websites, one is astonished to see a mass assembling of an armed force without being identified and challenged. Many high profile terrorists escaped and one could predict their absolute re-emergence. Why not these terrorist were body implanted with electronic tags or chipped if they were so dangerous. Even if they had escaped, each and every individual could have been traced. Their hideouts could have been stalked. There is no intelligent thinking.

If able people managed Pakistan then in an over a decade period of unrest, there would have been a network of CCTV monitoring system. That system could also stop other criminal activities. The attack on the airport would have been stopped well before the terrorist were even assembling for their operation. Later the runaway fugitives who took refuge in some under-construction building were tracked, traced and identified by locals. This was the job of a dedicated surveillance system aided by CCTV network and not by a member of the public. A proactive retaliation was needed rather than a reaction after coming under attack.

Whenever there is a perceived act of terrorism, mobile phones service is taken off air. Not realising that the same technology can be used to track the perpetrator. However, clear advantageous tool that could be utilised for owns benefit is marginalised in favour of the terrorist.

In the past after several attacks, the conclusion drawn by the authorities was to ban the sale of military non-lethal equipment, available in the market. Not realising that few individuals whose number did not exceed more than 10 men carried these attacks. Anyone can procure a uniform in any size and colour as long as we have tailors in this world. This example mentioned is only to understand the mind of Pakistani policy makers and serious conclusions they make.

Again, one must comment that Police and the Army are ages away from intelligent, intelligence awareness and the officer cadre lacks such vision. This is the reason, that Terrorists are steps ahead of the law enforcing agencies. The wide professional efficiency gap has to be reduced. It is the mind to accept a modern efficient change first followed by state of the art gadgets.

bq45                             
Why Pakistan is not a failed state

This November, I visited Pakistan after 10 year’s absence. This lapse was partly due to my heavy working schedule but mainly due to what I saw in the Western TV, Pakistani media and the scary stories told by my Pakistani and foreign friends living in Europe.

The constant demonization of Pakistan made me scared. I was indeed afraid to set foot on the ground of a land, I so immensely love and am proud of. The situation became so absurd that every year, I made plans to visit Pakistan but at the eleventh hour chicken out.

Finally, I said to myself: in spite of all the problems, millions of other Pakistanis visit their motherland every year so I should put asides my fears and make a leap of faith. One of the positive influences for this decision was an invitation from my niece who begged me to come to her wedding.

I was told by friends, not to travel by PIA – Pakistan International Airline, because of the bad service, unreliable flying schedule, old planes and expensive prices.

I was warned that I should not wear western clothes because it will make me a kidnapping target, do not go out in the street after 10 p.m and certainly not to walk around with my expensive camera or use IPhone in public. On top of this, another very sound advice was dished to me by many. I should not discuss Islam with anyone, even my own family because of Blasphemy laws. Since I was very critical of religious monopolists, I may end up in jail if I was reported.

In short, I was told to mingle with crowd, keep my mouth shut and appear poor.

In all my world travels from Indonesia to USA, I have never been so warned and alarmed as of this trip to my own motherland.

Against all warnings, I bought a ticket by PIA, which turned out to be a blessing. It was cheaper than other international carriers, the service was great, the plane was a new and the flights were on time. First prejudice turned out to be false.

In the ensuing 3 weeks, I spent in Pakistan, I visited the capital Islamabad, large cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujrat as well as numerous middle and small towns. I wore suits, walked on foot, rode on motorbike and cars and other means of transport. No one even looked at me with any envy, concern or suspicion, let alone try to kidnap, harass or intimidate.

As far as speaking openly, I delivered lectures at the prestigious Fatima Jinnah Women University, at Islamabad Rotary club, was guest of honour at a Think Tank in Islamabad, celebrating inter-culturalism, was interviewed at radio stations, by newspapers and had heated discussions at my brothers home with relatives, guests and even two guys from Pakistan’s FBI. Issues discussed were Islam, the role of religious parties and how Pakistan can move forward. Not once, I was arrested, reported or even labelled as Blasphemous person.

There were many other remarkable good changes, I witnessed during my stay. The flourishing of a fantastic amount of small businesses, the abundance of food, the schools, colleges and universities, Internet cafes and youngsters striving to educate themselves, especially girls. I especially noticed the improved infrastructures, highways, super expressways, the extensive use of mobiles, very versatile electronic media with 70 channels – broadcasting 24 hours programs, right from religion, sports, news, political discussions, family problems, music, arts, criticism of government, food, comedies, films and every other topic, you can think of.

But above all, what impressed me most was the hospitality, graciousness, generosity, sincerity and willingness to please, which is the hallmark of Pakistani people. In the parties, at shops, in private get-togethers and at the homes of total strangers, the pleasure people exhibit in inviting and entertaining others to be their guests is indescribable. They do not correct you if you make a mistake, do not accuse you if you do not show good manners and are really apologetic, if they feel that you are not eating a full meal.

To someone who has not been to Pakistan, this may sound a very exaggerated tale of patriotism and critic-less view of Pakistani society. It may be so but after being witness to 10 years of Pakistan bashing in the west, which has declared Pakistan a failed state, called it a country on the verge of breaking up and where Taliban are running around in streets, my western acquired prejudices were laid to rest, once for all.

Having seen things with my own eyes, experienced the society at close hand and talking to ordinary Pakistanis, I came out with a very beautiful feeling about this land of the pure. No doubt, Pakistan has problems, immense difficulties – economic, social, political and institutional, like all other countries in the developing world.

But we should remember that it is a country, which appeared on the map of the world only 65 years ago. It had no resources, very little money to start with and many odds stacked against it. It survived through the shear will power of its people and it is now progressing – slowly and steadily.

To call it a failed state by some western countries and few international surveys is not only unfair but smells of a calculated political agenda. I would advise such armchair annalists to get out of their comfortable offices in Washington D.C, London and Paris and go visit Pakistan.

You would be pleasantly surprised of the development, progress and tenacity of the people of Pakistan. They may not be rich according to your parameters of living standards but they are definitely, very rich in culture, history, in hospitality and are moving in the right path.

If you can not support them in their continuous efforts to improve, please stop putting them down and discourage.

Kalid Abbasi        
Ahmadi graves desecration: The death of conscience

Thank you for the showing the ugly side of life BUT the way the media strength is used is just ironic. Graves are damaged in all countries but never a religious tones used in such a way so as to portray the whole process as a peace loving community being cornered but thugs. I do agree damaging graves is not acceptable but again you try having a grave yard in their backyard and see what they do.

As for the other part of your story on symposium, its not only them doing these symposiums but a lot of other nations and religions have such activities even those whole kill people in Pakistan with their drones, so what does these symposiums mean? Are they trying to tell the world that they are the peaceful element, they are the victims ?

For the third element you mention, the immigration, its a joke. Western nations give them asylum so they can use it against any country. These have to portray themselves as victims because they have financial motive. You try flying over America ( not to America) airlines need clearance but they are paid stipends, scholarships, privileges open and hidden benefits and they are using this money to buy your property and create inflation (they are not they only cause but one of them) and buy media services to help their cause.

At the end of the day its not commendable what has happened but you reporting seems uni-focal and thus fails to stop the hatred, rather fueling it. These reporting warrants self censorship which is missing unless you are one of them or their accessory or naive.

Abbas Toronto
Tracing Hate
There is a saying among the Arabs.

Me against my brother.

Me and my brother together against our cousin.

Me and my cousin together against my neighbor …. You get the point.

What happened between Hindus and Muslims in 1947 and now between Sunnis, Ahmedis, and Shias is a natural evolution.

When the English ruled, the natives were all united irrespective of class, religious, and national differences. By 1939 when Indians saw that Hitler is trouncing the English, to them it became clear that the Raj was history. So the differences between Hindus and Muslims surfaced, and they were socioeconomic, and political, about nature of governance.

Nehru/Gandhi wanted a Law and Order Democracy, but Jinnah wanted a justice minded Republic. Nehru wanted socialism, Jinnah wanted free enterprise and free trade. Religion was just the label.

Jinnah was way ahead of his times. 50 years later India dumped its old ways and adopted Jinnah’s economic program more or less.

The same true for Sunni-Shia in Pakistan. When they faced the Hindus before Partition, the two sects were united (as they are in India today where inter-Muslim sectarian riots are rare). But in Pakistan, they are fighting each other, and the difference are again socio-economic and political. The Sunnis want Law and Order Democracy, but the Shia want a justice minded Republic, just like Jinnah did.

The emerging Sunni Party in Pakistan is TPI, or Party of “Insaf” that translates as Party of “Equity” (from “nisf” or half, meaning equitable division of output, a patently socialist concept). The Shia hate this concept as it reminds them of the Kaliphate that was based on Equity. The Shia are for “Adl”, or giving each his due, as in a meritocracy. The Sunnis are for controlled economy, the Shia are for a free economy, and for free trade. In short The Sunnis want a Democracy, the Shia a Republic. These difference will not go away because they are political and socio-economic under a religious garb.

ROHIT PANDEY                           
Smokers’ Corner: Will to veil
I pity the Pakistani/Muslim women and Muslims in general?

I live in Canada and have come across Muslim women,both Pakistanis and of other origin,who wear clothes much like any other Western woman..skirts or jeans or cargo pants or whatever..and among all these Muslim women who opt for western attire,the Iranian women are the nattiest dressers…the ones with the money, at least, who opt for the latest in European fashion.

Let me probe ethnology and ethology a bit to get at this “problem”- the length of a women’s dress is dictated by a number of cultural factors..objectively,in Arabia of 1400 years ago,where Islam originated,anything and everything could be stolen or lost easily in the harsh desert-women,personal belongings or livestock or wealth and so,women had to be draped so that the good looking ones were not abducted or men fight over them,a sort of suitors free-for-all..the draping was to bring peace ( which is what Islam is about,I am repeatedly told and read about!) and some social structure.

Drawing on ethology or study of animal behavior I understand that dress display of wealth or power -by men or women- is mere enactment of a mating game- a little part of it,at least.And,women dressing in bikinis or tights or jeans or even “modest” Islamic dress convey just one message-display their charms in accordance to the milieu’s cultural exaction.

In liberal western Canada,no one as much bats an eyelid when women walk around in bikinis with a sarong- like wrap around their waist in summer..while in ‘citadel of Islam” Pakistan women choose to walk around fully draped,half draped,or quarter draped-which weather,men’s attention religious dictates and the individual woman’s comfort level all work in tandem to decide.

Personally, I find it pleasurable when women display their charms and I am able to acknowledge the message put out by them in form of a very nice acceptable compliment.

I request Muslim men to learn to compliment women on their charms whatever their dress choice might be.I request Muslim women to yield to nature ( god?) given instincts and dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself? Hopefully,your menfolk will shift their thinking from condemning you to really enjoying the charms you display.

Remember,dear Muslims,that Arabia of 1400 years ago is dead as Dodo social milieu,where life was not that pleasant really-and now in the twenty second century,with mega corporations bringing out pricey attractive and trendy women’s clothing every season,it would much wiser to allow women to dress the way they like?

In short EVOLVE and be a much more matured society? And,put in a different terms, get a life?

saythetruth10                   
Khan, Taliban and the Crackpot Science
Imran Khan a simple man with one goal in mind to fix Pakistan. The problem with Pakistan news Media and journalistic is that they write biased article with made up facts. There is a old saying in the west it goes like this “biased news paper articles are nothing more than toilet paper and you know what toilet paper are used for”!! Taliban are not Imran Khan’s creation the system that is going after Taliban is responsible Taliban extremism.

These graphics picture are cut an past so that Mr Anas Abbas can make his point the way he felt a appropriate. Where are the pictures of innocent children and common civilian being murdered in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the name of war on terror.
I am not a supporter of Imran Khan but I have been observing Imran Khan for last 6 years. He is the only Pakistan politician who believes in justice for all and he has taken stand on issues which most of our senior political leaders dare not to touch.

A) Drone Attack, Imran totally against it and any person who respect human dignity will take the same stand.
B) He is against corruption and the only Pakistani Politician ready to put his neck on the line with a time table to control corruption in Pakistan.
C) He is against feudal system and the only Pakistani Politician make it a policy matter for his party.
D) The only Pakistani Politician going for Land reform.
E) The only Pakistani Politician mobilizing the Youth for the future of Pakistan.
F) The only Pakistani Politician used his energy to put a cancer hospital, University and other institutions for the poor of Pakistan.
G) The only Pakistani Politician with a good understanding of U.S.A/West, Taliban/Afghanistan and the role of Pakistan to bring peace to the world.

I don’t want to argue about numerous mistakes in Anas Abbas article because it is not productive but I want to highlight Imran Khan’s contribution to Pakistan. The last questions is why Pakistanis living in the USA, Europe and Middle East love Imran Khan so much. The answer is very simple, most Pakistanis living in the west are similar to Imran Khan, hard working and educated. They want Pakistan to succeed, they left their country because of the system but when they see Imran Khan giving up everything for the sake of the country this make Imarn Khan a true leader for them. A leader is not leader unless he gives a personal sacrifice for the sake of nation. Imran Khan left life of luxury, fame and offered his services to the nation with no personal gain. Imran has already done so much for the country and he is ready to do more . Pakistan Zindband Sadda Sadda Abad Raho

xouss                         
Hafeez proud of ‘positive’ Pakistan after defeat
Blunders do not win matches.

Hafeez bad patch started from winning the toss against India and elected to bat.

It proved that there is no planning behind decisions but all are rational just as the way Pakistan team plays. knowing the fact that India is going with 7 batsman and medium pacers and part time bowlers, they could have buried them in revenge for all the abuses Indian team and board has done, but Hafeez like all his predecessors made a mind less decision to bat first on a wicket which was dead and dry like a bone.

Worst of all Shahid Afridi is a disaster, I have posted on face book also a big question for the interest of the Pakistan Cricket Team ” Should Shahid continue his carrier”, in my opinion he has not only lost his form but his confidence as well. He is a laughing stock – listen to all press and media what they talk about him. he is not only occupying space but also holding talent from grooming. It could be the case PCB is forced in response to commercial sponsor ship he is generating – in countries interest some time captains have to make hard decisions.Only strong and determined captains can do this, Hafeez is lazy and immature – calls himself professor but has proven an idiot instead. Why? he had so many choices – one better then the other but yet Hafeez put all, national interest – team moral – fan’s emotions, all on stake for personal friendship & ego. India match, no captaincy, no winning attitude, no combination, team was like a bunch of street kids. read Raina comments on Twitter – what India think of Pakistan team and players.

Come to Sri Lanka game, sense less team selection – I am sorry to ask this ” who is the monkey who selects the team before the match” does he has any brains.

If one cannot improvise winning strategy, take leaf from experience of others. 140 – need not to do any thing – just keep on rotating strike 1 & 2s nothing more, once hand, eyes & legs gets in rythem & momentum boundaries start coming (all the former players know what I am talking about), One does not need to think to much for the target at early stages, just stand firm in the crease and simply bat.

Not all national team need to be taught how to play cricket but need to educate them also for norms and disciples of cricket. Board has a new duty now – hire some one to teach players cricket regulations, it seems Pakistan team is a bunch of street kids who is totally unaware of regulations,
Nazeer, Umer, Hafeez, Shoaib – disaster and a failure. Tanveer hopeless but we don’t expect any thing, what he did – he was not suppose to be batting at the first place, batsman failed and that is why he was there.

*Shahid Afridi* for God Sake take a job and leave cricket – you have better prospects in TV Commercials, or at least play domestic cricket until you regain your form.

Hafeez on return said, ‘ we are bad in chasing’ – I am surprised to hear that – what did you do against India – you were batting first, and how can you ignore your performance against India in practice match, against Bangladesh, against South Africa…… at least Hafeez accept your defeat and pathetic captaincy flaws.

Hind ki Aulaad
From temple to shrine: Forced conversions?

Conversion means changing one belief to new one.

Forced or unforced different question.

Muslims in Pakistan are not Muslims because as per Holy Quran man should bow to ALLAH only.

Believing in Agents between Man and ALLAH is Anti Islamic.

On the day of Judgement all dead will resurrect from graves and ALLAH will decide the fate of soul , he will ask to sufis .

“Why did people bow to you and asked favours from you , I am Absolute so why yourself?”

Sufi will say

“Oh ALLAH have mercy on me , I did not ask them when was alive to worship or bow and ask favour from me during my life and after my death , I was dead and in grave and did not have any power they committed blasphemy and not me so please do not punish me , all those people did an act of KUFR by worshiping or by bowing or asking favours and they should be dealt by your LAW”

There are no shrines of Sufis or else in Saudi Arabia , The Land of Revelation.

“Going to Shrine is an act of blasphemy as per religious scripture.”

Last Powerful Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished several Temples and Sufi Shrines.

He would ask to believers if there is ALLAH in Idol people said yes , he would then say to Idol.
“As-Salam Walaikum”
and bring his “ears” near Idol whether it replies or not and idols do not speak so he shattered Idols .

Similarly he use to go to Sufi Shrine and do the same.

He would ask to believers if there is ALLAH in ” Sufi’s Grave ” and he poses any extra natural powers people said yes , he would then say to Sufi’s Grave.

“As-Salam Walaikum”
and bring his “ears” near Sufi’s Grave whether it replies or not and graves do not speak so he shattered Idols .

Aurangazeb’s was a devout Muslim and firmly believed as per Holy Quran if there is ALLAH in any place if you say “As-Salam Walaikum” then reply would come “Salam Walaikum”.

Since you can convert Hindu to Muslim and from anything to anything but you cannot kill culture .

Islam was forced on India(India and Pakistan) and Afghanistan.

People got converted but had habit to bow and worship and believe in agents between man and ALLAH,  GOD SAI, Bhagwan etc.

If Pakistanis think they are Muslims they should demolish all Sufi shrines.

Mate                                 
Memoirs of a Hindu girl
I don’t know whose story is the writer narrating. this happens in all poor communities. abductions happen in US as well. although not at the same scale due to good “Crime control” Which is the actual issue. I have worked along side Hindus in Pakistan in technology sector and they seemed well settled. Some how this issue has become an issue. 30 years back, children from Muslim families from remote villages were abducted and transported to Middle East for camel races. The issue was raised in Pakistani drama Dasht. It happens in very remote villages and not just to Hindus. I am sure there is some truth to the story but its not like every Hindu girl is at threat of being kidnapped and to be a forced Muslim. (forced marriages and conversion have no basis in Islam btw, Only illiterate ppl follow that. )

The author and the media is dramatizing this issue these past weeks a lot to hide other news where innocent ppl are actually Killed in a slow ethnic cleansing/genocide. Whatever the reason may be, Pakistanis are generally tolerant people, I have worked with Hindus where they were promoted to senior positions and seemed quite happy. I didn’t see them migrating to US/Canada. It is just some 10% ppl who are destroying the peace. You come to Pakistan and see how many ppl watch Indian sitcoms and such. Nevertheless this issue should b addressed as any other issue, even if it only happens in a single remote village. I am sure educated Hindus are a bit safer in cities. Crime is a crime.

@Ankit : At least we don’t have the Gujrat Massacre on our records. Should I call Hindus of India Intolerant ppl as well. Even if you take the story as real, The person abducting the girl is Himself a Hindu guard of the temples. Hindus in previous (actual news) articles have complained against a Hindu leader who did this and usurped the funds. Not a Muslim. the Author btw is a Muslim of the “intolerant Majority” as well.

@Author: An article on the plight of Hindus is good with actual facts and figures. This (forced marriages) happens to Muslim Girls all over Pakistan (Watta Satta???) which is also wrong. Yes we are becoming intolerant (not by actions but by our silence) but your article demonizes our already tarnished reputation, which was also the fruits of your labours. Why don’t our “educated” journalists never find a good article. Do you journalists never see anything good in Pakistan. Oh yes !! But then it wont be that sensational and its easier to criticise anyways, Right???

Compiled by Salman Haqqi/Dawn.com and Ali Umair Jaffery/Dawn.com