A sorrowful journey to Quetta where we lost Idrees Kaml, a peace activist and a human rights defender

Reported by Zar Ali Khan Afridi It was June 6, 2013 that Idrees Kamal called me through his cell asking for accompanying him to Quetta where Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch President National Party was going to take over as the Chief Minister of Baluchistan which is the largest province and is about 43% of total Pakistan. It was about 8.pm and I had just returned from Islamabad to Peshawar towards my home from a consultation of National Democratic Institute (NDI) Islamabad where we attended a meeting on FATA. I replied Idrees kamal that I would tell him tomorrow whither I would be available or not because my children were suffering from illness and I wanted to take them to either hospital or some nearby doctors to treat them properly. But Idrees Kamal was not a person who could hear me. He insisted that I would accompany him. I at last said to him, Yes,. I would accompany him. Hearing it he was so delighted that his joys knew no bound. When it was morning next day June 7, 2013 I came first to my office in Deans Trade Center Peshawar and asked him that they should pick me up from my office instead of home. In my office I had to send an important report to NDI about elections 2013 NA-47. It was about 9 AM that a call came from Idrees kamal to come out of the office and they were near with Deans Trade center and within 6 minutes they would be there. I immediately shut down my computer and came down from my office and waited for about 3 to 4 minutes. A new 2D car suddenly appeared and Idrees Kamal was looking for me from window of vehicle. As I saw him I ran quickly towards him asking him that you people are only three along with driver Usman who was not known to me. He was a driver of rent a car and he was only having acquaintance with Idrees Kamal. Nazeef Khan a well known progressive nationalist politician from Hashtnagar Charsadda was also present in car. Nazeef Khan is General Secretary of National Party Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Upon seeing me Nazeef Khan was pleased very much and laughed. He welcomed me whole heartedly. I was also very much happy over the political and social activists like Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan. I asked him Idrees that Waqas was conspicuous by his absence. He replied that waqas was busy in taking his examination. Therefore he was restricted to go to Quetta. Waqas is from Buner and a student leader of Democratic Students Federation an affiliated body of National Party. We proceeded on our journey towards Kohat Road gossiping about other friends who were not there. Idrees had promised that he would engage some bigger vehicle to accommodate more and more friends and to take them to Quetta for oath taking ceremony of Dr. Malik CM Baluchistan. At Scheme chowk on Kohat Road Idrees bought few newspapers. We were reading them on the way and were discussing various social and ongoing political situations. As we came closer to Zangali(An area near FR Kohat), Idrees said that some hybrid melons were needed to purchase. We purchased hybrid melons and again proceeded. At one moment driver demanded for oil. We stayed at some petrol pump nearby. There Idrees bought peach juices for all of us. We enjoyed them very much. In Karak we stopped for a cup of tea and driver had to fill his CNG kit there. We had a cup of tea there and asked driver to leave the pump as there was a large queue of vehicle and we were getting late. Therefore we started our journey once again. When we reached DI Khan near by pass we filled the car with petrol and started going on by pass instead of main DIK where there was a lot of rush. So we avoided it because we knew that we had a great distance to cover. When we reached Drazinda FR DI Khan, a tribal region of FATA there my friend Atlas Khan sherani was waiting for us to receive us. He took us to his home where he served us with tea and chickens. Nazeef Khan demanded for bread. Atlas Khan brought it at once. When we had about one hour there again we proceeded on the condition that on way back we would again come to sherani and would have a night there. In FR DIK once again Idrees purchased water and juices for us. It was about 3 PM that we reached to Kohi Suleman. There we wanted to observe the rocks closely. I said to them that the same rocks were more than 60 millions of age. Because they were Paleozoic and its age was round about. It was like a geological museum. Idrees Kamal took mine and Nazeef Khan several pictures with rocks which had good strikes and dips. I asked him to post them on face book which was his dearest social media tool. Though I was the first one who taught Idrees Kamal about face book and latter he was so conversant with it that I was left several kilometers behind. When we reached Zhob a Pashtun dominated district of Baluchistan it was about 7 PM. There I insisted that we would go to the house of Sain Kamal Khan (Late) to offer condolence to his sons but Idrees Kamal flatly rejected it saying that they were already late. Nazeef Khan also agreed to what I was saying. Sain Kamal Khan was a Pashtun political intellectual and a leader of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami party of Mehmood Khan Achakzai. In Zhob we bought apricots and we ate them almost all. The payment was done by Idrees Kamal. In main city of Zhob we waited for Obaidullah Mandokhel whose Brother Farooq Mandokhel came to road to receive us. We went to their home where we had dinner and breakfast next day. Obaidullah Mandokhel is the son of late Pashtun political leader Mira Khan mndokhel. In Zhob city we went around the city and also visited fort sendamen. Idrees Kamal also took a picture of fort sendamen where he found that two deputy commissioners were sitting in same place. Deputy Commissioner of district Zhob and Deputy Commissioner of Sherani. I forbade him about the sensitivity of the area but even then he took photographs. There in Zhob we met Noor Muhammad Mandokhel and his other friends. We had a cup of tea with them. We enjoyed their political discussion. Noor Muhammad Mandokhel and Obaidullah Mandokhel are the friends of Altaf Bacha a political activist and a leader of National Party from Shahi Bala Peshawar. I got acquaintance with them through Idrees Kamal and Altaf Bacha. Noor Muhammaf frequently comes to Peshawar and spends many night s and days with Altaf Bacha. During his stay he meets many friends and discusses politics with them. He is a nice man. After spending one night in Zhob we proceeded towards Quetta in morning. Now Obaidulla Mandokhel also accompanied us. In car now we were three persons sitting in back seat while Idrees Kamal was in front seat along with driver Usman. Idrees Kamal was sitting in front seat in whole journey. On the way towards Quetta Obaidullah Mandokhel helped us showing different places. When we reached Qilla Saifullah There we had a cup of tea because we were very much tired. After taking tea again our driver sped his car. In main City of Qilla Saifuulah Idrees noticed a person names Khan Zaman Kakar who is a well known pashtun intellectual and writer. I did not remember that person but Idrees wanted to meet him and I also asked driver to stop so that we could meet Khan Zaman kakar. He was very much enthusiastic to see us in Qilla Saifullah.. He knew me but I was unable to recognize him soon. Latter on I knew him. There was a hot discussion between Nazeef Khan and Idrees Kamal on all the way about the plain areas coming in front of us. Idrees used to say that it would be looking very beautiful if the government had developed the area and built posh and modern colonies equipped with electricity, gas and other facilities like education and health for the welfare of the people while Nazeef Khan had a different version and used to say that it would be better if the government had made this area cultivable after digging canals and streams for the farmers to irrigate these plains. People could get grain, fodder and crops for them and their cattle, remarked Nazeef Khan in response to what Idrees said. After travelling a long distance at last we reached Kuchlok a town of Quetta. I do not remember the exact time but hopefully it was round about 6 PM. Idrees Kamal contacted Jan Muhammad Buledi a central leader of National Party and we straightly went to MPA hostel in Quetta. There we had a lunch and took some rest. Idrees Kamal went to Provincial Assembly of Baluchistan where Dr. malik was submitting his nomination papers for chief Minister of Baluchistan. Dr Malik received Idrees warmly and idrees was very much happy over this treatment. Latter on we were taken to Islamabad Hotel situated on Jinnah Road Quetta. It was a good hotel. There we had tea and then dinner. On Jinnah road we all roamed for some time and soon Obaidullah Mandokhel took us to a café on Jinnah Road where we found so many political activists sitting and sipping tea and were discussing political situations. We met a political figure of Quetta namely Ali Baran. He is General Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party and a member of central committee of PPP. He discussed many things with us concerning politics. Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan were not satisfied with this person. They wanted to avoid him. I liked him very much because he was a political worker. He was wearing a turban and sporting a long grey beard. He was very well versed in politics. Once again we came back to hotel and had a dinner there. Next day we went to Provincial Assembly where we attended vote of confidence session of members of provincial assembly. Chief Minister Dr. Malik addressed to his members and thanked them. It was a long session and almost all members had to talk because it was mandatory that all members would address provincial assembly. All my other friends had seats except me and I was fortunate enough that I got a place for standing in visitors’ gallery. Idrees was looking for me and at last he found me out and shook the hand to come to him. I got the place between Nazeef Khan and Idress Kamal. There was a great rush and people were not feeling easy due to weather condition. Idrees demanded for water but no one had water. Then he said to me that he was going out to bring water. When he did not come soon then I also went out of the assembly and went to MPA hostel where I found Idrees and driver Usman having lunch together. I also approached them and sat down with them started eating meal with them from same plate which was placing before them. In few moments Obaidullah Mandokhel, His brother Dr Afrasiyab Mandokhel who is a student of final year in Bolan Medical College Quetta along with Nazeef Khan also came to MPA hostel canteen. Idrees asked waiter to bring some salad to him but he refused saying that salad was no more available there in canteen. Obaidullah Mandokhel went to canteen and brought a plate full of salad. They all enjoyed it. Idrees said some murmuring with him then laughed. Probably he was angry with canteen management who had refused salad to him. After lunch we went back to Islamabad hotel and took some rest there. Idrees did enjoy little nap. When he got up he was very much fresh. We went to MPA hostel once again because we had to participate in oath taking ceremony of Chief Minister. It was about 6 PM that we went to Governor House situated on Zarghun Road Quetta. Vehicles were not allowed to Governor House that’s why we went there on foot and it was also a walking distance. We talked at length all the way. At governor house there was a great rush of dignitaries. There was also warmth. We sat in shadow of the building of governor House. In few moments Governor Baluchistan Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi along with Dr. Malik appeared and administered oath of chief Minister to CM Dr. Malik Baloch. Idrees was very busy in taking photographs of the entire events. At one time he called me to go near towards the tables where tea and some sweets were ready for guests. I went there along with him. I took simple tea without sugar and a piece of Rasgula but I felt some head ach suddenly when I had eaten half of it. Idrees took so many things and ate them all. Idrees called me to come closer to doctor Malik and he took a photo of mine with him. Then Nazeef Khan was called and he took his pictures with newly elected CM. In governor house he took our so many pictures. He also met there with Kazim Niaz home secretary Baluchistan and Zahir Shah Toru a leader of PPP and brother of Ihtisham Toru a journalist in Peshawar and a close friend of Idrees Kamal. In Governor House we met Raza Mohammad Raza who is a central leader of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. Nazeef Khan exchanged with him political views. We also met Inayatuulah Babat a member of Baluchistan Assembly and a leader of PMAP. Idrees Kamal took some of our pictures in Governor House Baluchistan and then it was getting little dark so we left the Governor House. Dr Malik had also asked Idrees Kamal not to go back soon to Peshawar. He was going to joint session of parliament in Islamabad and will meet you after tomorrow, Dr. Malik asked Idrees Kamal. Idrees and his delegation comprising Nazeef Khan, Zar Ali Khan, Obaidullah Mandokhel and his brother Dr. Afrasiab Mandokhel left governor house for MPA hostel. I along with Afraisiab Mandokhel and Obaidullah Mandokhel sat on lawn out side of MPA hostel while Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan went straight to hostel. After some time I received an SMS from him to come to room No.117 (If I am not wrong). We were reluctant to go to hostel because lawn was very pleasant and other friends were also not in favor of room. But I insisted on Obaidullah Mandokhel to go there. As we reached the room. It was very cold. I sat there for a while and there was a hot discussion on Pashto literature. I enjoyed it for a while but I felt some head ach and due to air-condition. I went to a side room and lay there on a bed. I was watching TV there and soon a cook came and asked me if I wanted a cup of green tea. I said to him that I needed it and I drank it. I asked Idrees Kamal to go back to hotel as we were tired. He said for a little wait. Soon a person of his party came and we went out of his room and drove towards hotel, Islamabad situated on Jinna Road. It was about 8.PM. We were hungry as well. I along with Nazeef Khan and Obaidullah khan sat for a while in my room and Idrees kamal sent a hotel boy to bring some ice for us because hotel had not the facility. Idrees Kamal went to his room and soon we joined again to have dinner. Here we again started discussion and I said to participants that idrees Kamal is a person who gave us this tour. He is sole Pashtun who worked day and night for promotion of peace and development on soil of Pashtun. Idrees was looking towards me seemed obliged because I could guess his eyes. He was feeling some inner pleasure by hearing what I was saying. On one moment Nazeef Khan said to me Friend you praised of Idrees Kamal very much and he deserved it. We ate together and after some time we went to our own rooms. It was about 10.30 PM. Obaidullah Mandokhel was my room mate while Nazeef Khan had another room. Idrees and his driver Usman were sharing one room. Early next morning Idrees Kamal knocked at my door and asked for getting up. I replied that it was off and wanted to have a rest. He again came to our room and said get up as we were getting late to go for a fateha of one of his friends deceased nephew in Kuchlak near Quetta. Meanwhile Ali Baran a friend of Obaidullah Khan also came to our room and I offered him breakfast. Soon Nazeef Khan appeared and started political discussion with Ali Baran. Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan had breakfasts in their respective rooms. All friends were healthy and sound. Idrees once again insisted to get hurry because they were getting late for Kuchlak. When we all were coming down on stairs we all looked in mirrors and happily came down. In entrance Idrees asked obaidullah that they have not got CNIC from the hotel management and so he went once again to hotel reception and brought his own and obaidullah CNIC from hotel management. Some one had parked his car near our car and it was not possible for us to get out. We all got angry over the foolishness of driver but Idrees was looking at us silently and smiling. Soon owner of the car appeared and we all talked angrily to him but Idrees said nothing to him. Idrees sat on the front seat while I, Obaidullah khan, Nazeef Khan and Ali Baran sat in rear. We started moving towards the Kuchlak. When we reached kuchlak we noticed that there was a scarcity of irrigation water and trees of different fruits seemed dry. We were very much disturbed over this condition. As we reached near the house of Amanullah Kansi where we had to offer Fatiha Idrees asked that he was feeling little indisposed of and said to driver stop, stop. Driver stopped car and he along with driver, and Nazeef Khan went out of it. He made some vomiting there and soon came back saying that he was not feeling well. Latter I was informed by Nazeef Khan that he and driver helped Idrees lifting his left leg to the car. In five minutes we reached the house of Kansi. He came out of the car confidently. We offered Fatiha there. About 20 persons were sitting there. Amanullah Kansi offered us some juice which we all drank and when he served it Idrees he rejected offer and said he needed water instead. Kansi asked Idrees, if he was feeling well. Idrees replied in negative saying that he was indisposed of. Soon he asked me to take him to an open place in room where he wanted to sleep. I took him with support and I was astonished as to what had happened to him. He asked me for more water which I served to him. I asked him friend do you have high or low blood pressure. He said that he was patient of high blood pressure. He demanded me to press his head. He was complaining that his right forehead was breaking. Then he asked help for wash room. I supported him to wash room in very bad condition. I asked him to help himself to stand up which he tried but could not. He tilted on one side and then on other. Then I lifted him from back and took him to bathroom. There he vomited as well as made urine and bowl. I cried to the driver to come immediately who came at once. Other people were looking but were not coming to bath room. I started washing his body and at one time laughed at him and said friend that your wife might have fled away to serve you. Upon hearing this he smiled little bit and nodded. Then I helped him putting on clean clothes which we got from the owner of the house. Now a local doctor was standing there who immediately started drop to Idrees Kamal. Soon we realized that he should be taken to a hospital. We brought him to Civil Hospital on Jinnah road. Where doctor advised us for a CT SCAN. We immediately took him to CT SCAN center which unfortunately was not available in hospital. Soon I informed Said Mukhtar Bacha President National Party Pashtunkhwa about his condition. His brothers were also informed. I tried to contact his brother Taimur Iqbal but his cell could not be contacted. I tried to contact Danyal A close relative of Idrees Kamal but his phone was also off. I wanted to put Idrees on line with them because at this time he could talk. In CT SCAN report we were informed that there was a slight brain hemorrhage and his one side was paralyzed. Hearing this as a heaven fell on our shoulders. Doctors advised not to take him any where because next 48 hours were important for him. Movement for him was harmful, said the doctors present in ICU of neuro surgery. Blood was also tested and results were negative. In hospital Amanullah Khan Kansi, Jan Mohammad Buledi spokesman Chief Minister Baluchistan, Ali Baran, Obaidullah Mandokhle , local doctor of Amanullah Kansi village(Name forgotten) and many friends of National party and development sector were present. I shuttled between hospital and medicine stores. Soon I contacted Dr. Ali Haider a neuro surgeon and our close friend in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar who talked at length on phone with a lady doctor present in ICU. When I said what I had observed to doctor Ali Haider he immediately replied that Idrees was paralyzed. He was very sorry for him and said that he had advised him prevention but he did not act upon his advice and that’s why he suffered today. Soon I realized that his condition was not good. He took a long sigh and said good bye to this mortal world leaving all his wishes and aspirations behind. Soon I got a call from Shazia Anjum widow of Idrees Kamal on Idrees Kamal cell and asked me as to how Idrees Kamal was feeling. I composed my self and said confidently that he would be all right in few moments. She asked me to bring her spouse alive for her but alas by the time he had left this world with so many wishes taking along with him to hereafter. I am sorry for a lie which I told Shazia Anjum widow of Idrees Kamal. Shazia your Idrees was no more in this world when you called me to bring him alive for you and your children. Once again I am sorry for not bringing your husband alive for you. This saddest news of a peace activist of not less than the caliber of Idrees Kamal spread like a jungle fire. I contacted Arshad Haroon regional Head of SPO-Peshawar who posted it on face book a social media very valued by Idrees kamal. Mukhtar Bacha and brothers of Idrees Kamal were also informed. Ayaz Mandokhel was informed who came from Khuzdar where he is a sitting Deputy Commissioner. He came along with his vehicle and escort. He came along with coffin to Peshawar by road which was very rocky and difficult but brought the body of Idrees Kamal to his village at about 12.00 noon due to a great rush on Kohat Road near Zangalay. On same day Idrees was buried in his ancestral graveyard along with his father and other relatives. May Almighty Allah Bless his soul and rest him in peace. Note: Ayaz Mandokhel Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar and a close friend of Idrees Kamal, His brother Niamatullah Khan Mandokhel, Obaidullah Khan Mandokhle, Nazeef Khan GS NP Pashtunkhwa, Dr. Afrasiab Mandokhle, Qadir Khan Mandokhel, A close friend of Ayaz Mandokhel and an officer in Local government in Quetta, Ali Baran, Amanullah Khan Kansi, His doctor, Dr. Ishaq Baloch, Jan Mohammad Buledi spokesman Chef Minister Baluchistan, Tehseenullah(Chief Executive Sap-PK), Arshad Haroon Regional Head SPO-Peshawar(Both sent their teams to hospital and asked for their assistance, Dr Ali Haider Neoro surgeon LRH Peshawar, Usman Driver of the car which took us to Quetta, Eidhi Welfare Foundation, National Party and many other individuals who helped us during our ordeal in Quetta. We are thankful to all of them. We are also grateful to all those who contacted me and my other friends and offered their condolences regarding the departure of Idrees Kamal. Regards Zar Ali Khan Afridi Executive Director Society for Rights and Development Chairman Tribal NGOs Consortium FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan) SF-118, Deans Trade Center, Peshawar Cantt, KPK-Pakistan+92-91-3015963337 tncfata@gmail.com

Reads on: http://www.viewpointonline.net/fundamentalism-a-pashtun-culture.html

Fundamentalism & Pashtun culture
By Zar Ali Khan

It was the decade of 80s when the fundamentalist religious Islamist forces of Pakistan with strong support of the out side world including Saudia Arabis and Arab world launched so called Jehad(Unholy War) against erstwhile USSR forces who had entered into Afghanistan. The Mullah(Religious clerics) of Afghanistan were divided into 7 different groups by ISI. It was the era of Jihadi minded former dictator General Zia ul Haq of Pakistan Army who needed support of out side world to substantiate his unlawful control over his rule. He was lucky enough and meantime Afghan war started and for this purpose his support was also needed to world. International community for some greater cause closed eyes and let this man continue as dictator. Dictator Zia did not leave no stone unturned to hit the secular, progressive and democratic people of Pakistan. During his time religious Islamists were given free hand to get money from Saudia Arabia and other Muslim countries and started building mosques and religious seminaries in every nook and corner of Pakistan. Special focus was given to Pashtun areas and tribal belt where myriad numbers of the mosques and Madrassa were built. Students were encouraged to get admissions in such Madrassa and learnt lessons regarding unholy war. At same time such Madrassa were built in Punjab province as well. South Punjab was the ideal place for the establishment of Pakistan from where they could easily get people for war in Afghanistan. When former USSR forces were pulled out from Afghanistan in 1989 Pakistan ISI directed many Jihadi organizations of Pakistan to go to Kashmir and fight there against the Indian forces. Mureedki in Lahore, the metropolitan city of Punjab province was the center of Lashkar Tayyaba, a terrorist organization fighting in India and now in Afghanistan against the allied and Afghan forces. This organization is fully supported by Pakistan intelligence Agencies and is used for the subversive activities in India. Besides there are organizations like Tableeghi Jumat(Religious Preachers) whose center is situated in Lahore also. The main focus of this Jumat is on Pashtun. 17 retired generals/Officers of Pakistan ISI are sitting in this center and encourage the people to get ready for preaching in Pakistan and world. According to some sources more than 6 million Pashtun are attached with this Jumat. Similarly more number of Punjabis are also working in this organization. Apparently these people are peace loving and do not believe in fighting. But their continued preaching makes them fundamentalists and start talking of Jihad in their groups and discussion. There are other organizations who hire people for their nefarious designs. Tableeghi Jumat is opposed to the Pashtun culture and is busy working against the culture of Pashtun. They are promoting Arabization, an Arab culture on the name of religion Islam. They do not like Pashtun names and name their near and dear as Arabis. These religious people have entered into each and every pashtun house under a conspiracy of Pakistani establishment and ISI. These people are also against music and dub musicians as infidals and enemies of God. When in 2002 MMA a religious alliance of Pakistan religious Organizations won election and their government was formed in province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa they announced a ban on all cultural activities and the centers of culture were closed. In Peshawar a famous cultural center Dabgari was closed and Artists were ordered to either leave the profession or go abroad. The profession of culture was declared as unholy and unIslamic. Many secular and progressive people started hue and cry against it but to no avail. This scribe was among those who raised voice against the atrocities of religious people. Culture plays an important role in promotion of peace. Our region needs peace and artists can play role in peace promotion but in this area artists are discouraged. They are frightened and their families are forced to pressure the artists to leave the profession. Many artists of Pashtu language were forced either to leave country or go to Tableegh. Mangal Bagh a terrorist commander has arrested many singers of Pashto language and has sent them to Islamic preaching. Those who do not obey his order is persecuted and punished. Many women singers were arrested and killed by their own relatives and Islamist terrorists. In 2009 a famous singer in Swat was assassinated by Taliab. Similarly in Peshawar Aiman Odas was killed. The land has become very close over the artists in Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. On other side the life of artists has also turned strained for them. Their livelihood and earning issues have forced them to leave the profession. Only and only the peace could be promoted by promotion of culture and artists, singers can play the role. Zia the former dictator was the first man who worked against the peace and sowed the seed of enmity among people. His disciples in Tableeghi Jumat and all religious organizations are busy to discourage culture and people attached with culture. This is the reason we see an unrest in our area and the focus of Jihadi organizations is on dismantling of the cultural activities and promotion of Arabization which against peace and prosperity in Pashtun areas.

Amn Tehrik staged a protest against demolition of schools and suicide attacks

Peshawar( ) Amn Tehrik staged a protest in front of Peshawar Press Club to denounce explosions and suicide attacks on worship places, shrines, Hujras, public places and schools by extremist. The protest was led by Zar ali khan musazai central member steering committee Amn Tehrik and was participated by Tariq Afghan, Said Mukhtar Bacha, Shahb Khattak Advocate, Muhammad Jan Gagyani Advocate, Manzoor Afridi General Secretary Tribal NGOs Consortium, Danyal Talib a student leader of Peoples students Federation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Niaz Muhammad Zakhakkhel, President National Party FATA, Khan Habib Afridi President FATA Democratic Movement, Arbab Mir Afzal Khan of Azad Pakhtun Students Federation, Usman, Taimur Iqbal, Shahabuddin Senior Program Officer Action Aid Pakistan, Naveed Iqbal, Ijaz Afridi, Shamim Shahid President Peshawar Press Club and a large number of activists of political parties and civil society organizations.

On this occasion, Tariq Afghan a leader of Azad Pakhtun Students Federation said to the participants of demonstration that students have been suffering from menace of extremism, terrorism and military operations in FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Education institutions are demolished and targeted which is a great loss to our people. This process should immediately be stopped and government is responsible to protect our education institutions and schools from menace of terrorism. Students are deprived of the basic right which is called education. When schools are bombed then where students will get education from? He posed question. He also lamented on lingering problems of the students at schools, college and university level. He demanded of the government to exempt fee of all suffered students and facilities be provided to them in admissions and other expenses. He demanded that 20% more fund from Kerry Lugar bill should be spent on education institutions and students of Pakhtunkhwa province and FATA. Tariq Afghan also demanded for the release of Mr. Muhammad Ajmal VC Islamia College University Peshawar . Zar ali khan musazai President Pakhtun Democratic Council and a central leader of peace movement said in his protesting address to people in demonstration that mosques, schools and other public places are hit by terrorists which is shocking. He deplored the incidents of Darra Adam Khel and Sulaiman khel of Badaber where innocent people were targeted by terrorists in mosque at time they were offering prayers last Friday. He demanded of compensation for affected people and urged government to stop terrorists to refrain from heinous crimes against innocent people of FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He flayed that despite several years of military operation FATA was not cleared which is an irresponsible attitude on the part of government and security agencies. Manzoor Afridi General Secretary of TNC in his address said that government should take drastic steps to save the future of our nation. The situations indicate that the country is going to be lost.
Danyal Talib in his address said that Amn Tehrik is one of the best plate forms where problems of people could be discussed and issues be raised. He appreciated its leadership and all those affiliated with it. He also demanded for the solution of the problems c concerning to students and general public.

Reported BY
Zar ali khan musazai
Member Steering Committee
Amn Tehrik
0301-5963337

Pashtun Democratic Council condoles death of Sayeen Kamal Khan

Pashtun Democratic Council


Pashtun Democratic Council condoles death of Sayeen Kamal Khan


Chairman Pashtun Democratic Council Zar ali khan musazai has expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the death of Sayeen Kamal Khan Sherani. He said that Sayeen Kamal Khan Sherani did his best for his people and remained a political worker till the end of his life. His services for his people will be remembered for a long time to come. He expressed his condolence with his family, kin and kith, well wishers and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. He also prayed for the departed soul to rest him in peace and give courage to all his relatives and friends to bear this irreparable loss with boldness and steadfastness. Ameen

Issued by
Pashtun Democratic Council
Peshawar-Pakhtunkhwa
+92-3015963337
musazai1975@gmail.com

Pashtun Democratic Council strongly condemns assassination of Habib Jalib Baloch

Chairman Pashtun Democratic Council Zar ali Khan musazai has strongly condemned the assassination of Habib Jalib Baloch Central Secretary General Balochistan National Party. The assassination of Jalib proved that Baloch have been alienated and were kept deprived of their rights over their resources and home. Those who raise the issue then his/her voice is silenced by the establishment of Pakistan. The establishment is not tired saying that Pakistan was made on the name of religion which was and still is wrong. The nations can not be formed on the name of the religion. In Pakistan such hollow and deceptive slogans are heard which I personally conceive will not help keep this country intact. When a state turns ruthless against its people then stability and peace could never be seen in real meaning. Bengalis had made this country but today they are no more part of this country and are having an independent state with their own name. Bengalis were treated ill. Their political and intellectual people were ruthlessly assassinated and Muslim women were disgraced by the so called champions of Islam. The rulers and establishment of this ill fated country did not learn lesson from the past and today Baloch and Pakhtun are also treated ill. Tyranny can not be endured for a long time and ultimately the Baloch people will be triumphant and the establishment will be loser. This country was made on the resolution of 1940, which is celebrated every year with fervor and enthusiasm but do not accept what the resolution tells them. When Baloch want either freedom or complete autonomy of Balochistan then what is wrong there as this has already been mentioned in resolution of 1940. What type of the state is it that on one side it is busy killing Pakhtun for the crimes it has committed itself and is doing till today and on other Baloch have been occupied and are being killed by the state agencies which is condemnable.
Pakhtun Democratic Council condemns the killing of Habib Jalib once again and expresses its sympathy with the family of deceased, his party workers and all Baloch people and nation.


Issued by
Zar Ali Khan musazai
Chairman
Pashtun Democratic Council
Peshawar-Pakhtunkhwa
www.pashtundemocraticcouncil@gmail.com
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PDC condemns suicide attack in Mahmand Agency,FATA

We were shocked to hear the sad news of the gory suicide incident in Mahmand Agency, FATA in which more than 50 innocent people were martyred and more than 80 were severely wounded. FATA and its people have been suffering for the last many years and especially after 2001 when the extremism and terrorism took the area into its grip and made the people of FATA forced to either migrate to comparatively safer areas of the province or had to live on the terms and conditions of the militants and military alike.
The recent report of the Amnesty International is an eye opener in which it was clearly stated that more than 4 million innocent tribal people are hostage to the militants and military alike. People of the FATA are living as IDPs and they have no basic amenities for the life. Recently about 40 thousands people were forced to leave the area in FR Peshawar by the apparently militants. The stories of the trouble and agony of the people in FR-Peshawar were published in various newspapers and were highlighted in media but still to no avail.
PDC condemns the suicide incident in Mahmand Agency once again and demands of the government and other human rights organizations to do some thing positive and practical to save the people of FATA from such inhuman and barbaric acts.

Regards
Zar ali khan
Chairman
Pakhtun Democratic Council
Peshawar
pashtundemocraticcouncil@gmail.com
+923015963337

Amnesty International and FATA

By Zar Ali Khan Musazai

In a recent Report issued by Amnesty International regarding Human Rights situations in FATA concern was shown that nearly 4 million people in FATA live under Taliban rule where they suffer human rights abuses from both militants and the Pakistani Army.
As if Hell Fell on ME, a report based on interviews with nearly 300 people, says millions live in a, human rights free zone, where militants torture and kill women aid workers and men without beards. Pakistani soldiers have also committed serious violations, including indiscriminate artillery fire and extrajudicial executions, as the army swept across the tribal belt over the past year, the report said.
FATA is a buffer between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan termed it its geography but till this very day since its creation in 1947, she has done no good to this part of the world.
Political freedom has been closed for the people of this area. Political parties act has not been yet extended to FATA. On Aug. 14, 2009 incumbent President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari announced abolition of FCR and extension of Political Parties Act but soon retreated back for the known reasons pressurized by military establishment not to dare intervene into the affairs of FATA.
As for as we know, there are reasons for pushing FATA into hell, the foremost is that area in question is still not having any constitutional status as to whose part is it? The second is that Pakistani establishment has been in its control to use it against Afghanistan and to take into hands who rules the Kabul. People at helm of affairs in Islamabad have no interest in those living in FATA (Native People of FATA) rather they have their own interest in FATA. We see that FATA has been used for the terrorism for the last nearly 30 years. Religious extremism was promoted by the establishment. Seminaries were constructed and people were encouraged to participate. Politics was termed as a forbidden flower for the people of FATA. They were told that they were different from those living both sides of them. But actually people who at their west and east are of the same ethnicity, Pashtun. They were also told that they were more brave and courageous than others and they had a unique culture. Many a times they were presented as the soldiers having no formal salary out of the national kitty which is supposed to be filled by the alms getting on the very name of tribal people. Actually people of FATA have never been antagonistic to any country or people. They have always remained as peaceful and secular people. In Tirah valley of Khyber Agency so many people are living who are Sikh, by religion. More than 30 thousands Christians have been also residing in FATA but there has never been an incident of killing, abducting or abusing each other. They have all rights what a tribesman and woman have except some what the FCR has taken from them. This is an excellent example of tolerance and secularism. People in Tirah go to the funeral prayers of their sikh brethren and have a good relation ship and no one counts him or her as alien. They have never scorned at them for being different from what they practice. Now we have to come to the facts as to what are the reasons that turned the situations sour. Due to an area like a black hole having no know how about politics and political parties’ presence the religious extremism was promoted and encouraged by the state sponsored agencies for the reasons already mentioned above. Political Agent was imposed on them to decide about their future. Militants from across the world and Punjab were invited by establishment to FATA and a farce like situations was developed in which several actors have been performing their respective acts. Militants were handed over the guns and weapons while on other players started getting fund from international community to apparently wipe out terrorists. In this whole drama the marginalized people of FATA has no role. They and their land are just used for the stage and getting money. Pakistani establishment is a fund starved one and would be using all means and tactics to get the dollars to fill the pockets and have an occasion to loot and plunder with both hands and the recent report of Transparency International also supported our view.
The report of Amnesty International should open the eyes of international community giving fund to the cheaters and robbers on the heads of tribal and FATA. People are hostage and they have been terrorized to the extent that no one in FATA could dare to discuss this issue and go to the bottom of the awful tale of the FATA residents. Most of the tribal have left for comparatively safer places to take shelter. Those who are still there are at the mercy of terrorists and military alike. More than 50000 innocent tribesmen and women were sacrificed for the sin they had not committed. About 3500 pro peace political people, tribal Malakan and influential were ruthlessly beheaded and assassinated Fund is coming and drowned the drain. Neither terrorism was wiped out nor did miseries of people come to an end.
Now it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to do something for the betterment of the people in FATA because it has been getting the fund on its name but no one knows where it goes.

(The writer is a social and political worker and currently is Chairman Tribal NGOs Consortium, FATA and can be reached at email tncfata@gmail.com, www.tncfata.blogspot.com , + 92-3015963337)