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HAZARA TALENT PAR EXCELLENCE!

QUETTA, May 29th, 2010: A Hazara youth named Liaquat Ali has stunned others with his remarkable performance as he, recently, presented a research paper to the Government of Pakistan on scope and implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with concrete recommendations, which has been lauded at highest Government level.

Recently, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, through an advertisement on national papers of Pakistan in an Open Essay Competition, invited research papers for improvement of ICT where reputed firms, consultants and ICT specialists participated to present their views on its development. As per the pre-requisites of this Competition a strict Guideline was issued to be adhered to by all participants, curtailing the whole research work to a maximum of 3000 words and furnishing it to the above named Government Organisation in 5 working days. This Hazara youth – despite having no previous experience of the technicalities of ICT and short span of time for submission of his work – carried out a thorough research to compete with other professionals which has surpassed expectations after earning due recognition from respective Government quarters. Regarding the Competition, PTA received over 70 research papers before the deadline which made it quite competitive; however, Mr. Ali’s research work secured a place among the top 6 Essays, meeting the strict criteria of the Selection Committee. PTA has been pleased to issue him with a Letter of Appreciation to acknowledge and commend his adorable work officially. Prior to the issuance of the above said Letter, he was contacted telephonically by the Chairman, PTA to appreciate him for his outstanding performance and wishing him to share his invaluable views and recommendations to the Government of Pakistan in the future.

Mr. Liaquat Ali Hazara was born in Quetta who completed his degree level education from the University of Balochistan, but the keen desire and firm determination of acquiring higher education from abroad, sailed him overseas to fulfil his attainable wish. He completed his MBA in (International Business) from Brighton, United Kingdom, with Distinction in all modules in the year 2006. Our youths’ participation and talents have been, enormously, appreciated at highest Government level where merit and personal capabilities outweigh gratification and illegal canvassing. We are proud to reveal that Mr. Ali is an active contributor of this site as well whose recent literary work has rekindled hope among the Hazara tribesmen for being exceptionally equipped with modern education and technological advancements. His wealth of education and knowledge on various socio-economic topics – with insinuated feedback on performance of numerous active Organisations – shall surely compel our elders, educationists, intellectuals and politicians to ponder over social issues from a different perspective. These youths have vowed to make every effort to contribute for development and progress of their Hazara brothers and they deserve to be encouraged for their noble thoughts, views, feedbacks and recommendations made from time to time through this platform for serious contemplation and workout.

The entire team of Hazaranation dot com takes great pride to congratulate Liaquat Ali Hazara for this exceptional piece of research, being complimented at highest Government level. This recognition will boost up the morale of other youths whose pen can produce quality analysts, critiques, intellectuals, writers and true Hazara nationalist. We pray to Allah that Hazara youths like Liaquat Ali always illuminate the name of the Nation across the globe whose existence, social participation and contribution be admired. Their talents and credentials be accepted regardless of creed, race and ethnicity.

by: Altaf Hussain Safdari

Posted by Altaf Hussain Safdari May 29th, 2010)

ARE THEY COMING?

QUETTA, May 28th, 2010: Recent incidents in Quetta city have bewildered the city-dwellers, as they suspect that whatever had been happening in Swat valley, can now be seen repeating itself here. The subsequent events, though – are yet to be faced – however, it is not out of question that the beard Muslims might try to get firm roots in the multi-ethnic capital of Balochistan province. Suicide bombings and target killings of Shi’ite Muslims are the indicators of turning the CHOTA LONDON into SWAT valley. This is, sufficiently, correct that there is an ongoing struggle for a separate homeland but the sectarian killings supported by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, executed by the local assailants, really is an issue of a thorough consideration. Occasional bomb blasts occurring in the city, have been claimed by the separatists while unclaimed ones leave a lot of questions as to what were the purpose and who really were behind them? Unprecedented events of acid throwing on innocent girls in broad day light in the streets of the city, reminds one of the girls’ ordeal in Swat valley who were beaten by the Taliban for going out alone.

It might not be easy for the religious extremists to have a stronghold as the tribal set-up may create a lot of hurdles for them. It is right that both the major tribes of Balochistan province i.e. the Baloch and the Pashtoon, follow the Sunni faith of Islam but their brotherly attitude towards the minority Hazaras, who are predominantly Shi’ite Muslims, has been exemplary. The recent cleansing of Hazaras has also been condemned by both the tribal leaderships rhetorically, labeling them as against the tribal norms. However, the brighter side of the picture can be diluted if the series of mass killings repeatedly happen. The pace and efforts put by the anti Pakistan elements need to be countered with the same level of energy providing the situation is to be normalized. A joint responsibility of the government, civil society and other concerned can be performed tremendously through a concerted and well thought home-work or, on the other hand, the fire may set ablaze everyone and everything.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 28th, 2010)

MISS SADIQA RAMZAN ALI CLINCHING FIRST POSITION IN ADP-TEFL

QUETTA, May 28th, 2010:We congratulate Miss Sadiqa Ramzan Ali for obtaining first position in Advanced Diploma Program – Teaching English as Foreign Language (ADP – TEFL). This All Pakistan program was conducted by Agha Khan University, Karachi for the year 2008-2009 and the result was announced on Saturday, 22-05-2010.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 28th, 2010)

PROTEST AT MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA AGAINST PASHTUN KOCHIS’ INVASION OF HAZARA LAND IN BEHSUD PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

AUSTRALIA, May 28th, 2010: The Hazara Council of Australia has arranged a protest in Melbourne at 14:00 hours on 30th of May, 2010 against the unlawful plundering, looting, ransacking and murdering of innocent Hazaras of Behsud Province of Afghanistan by Pashtun Kochis (Nomads). The Pashtun Nomads, with full support of the Taliban and Karzai Government, have plundered, looted and burnt over 60 villages in district of Daimirdad and Behsud province of Afghanistan. These are the ancestral lands of Hazaras who have been living there for centuries but the Pashtun Nomads have initiated their annual discriminatory rituals of ransacking and murdering Hazaras in their lands with no concern or security measures from the incumbent Afghan Government.

The protest will be held opposite Victoria State Library, adjacent to Melbourne Central Train Station, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria. All the Hazaras have been earnestly requested to spread the word to their fellow tribesmen for active participation into the protest to mark their voice against unethical invasion of their ancestral lands. With massive participation, we can show our unity, brotherhood, and support to the oppressed Hazaras of Afghanistan which will also draw attention of Human Rights organisations as well as international community to exert meaningful pressure on Afghan Government for utmost preventive measures to curb these repetitive incidents happening in the future. The Council will also collect donations from the participants to be forwarded to the Hazara affectees. Salient features of the demonstration are as follows:

That the Afghan Government need to ensure safety and protection of Hazaras in Afghanistan.
• That the Afghan Government must take stern action against this barbaric act and push the Pashtun nomads off Hazara lands immediately and permanently.
• That the organized genocide and persecution of Hazaras must immediately stop.
• That the UNAMA, ISAF, NATO, Human Rights Organisations and International Community must take satisfactory measures to ensure security and protection of Hazaras in Afghanistan.
• That the international community must play its role to stop abuse of Hazaras’ fundamental rights, being violated by fanatic Pashtun Nomads.
• That all participants of the protests are requested to contribute generously to help the plundered and internally displaced Hazaras of Afghanistan.
  
  
by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
London,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 28th, 2010)

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SUICIDE ATTACK ON AIRPORT ROAD, QUETTA TARGETTING SHIA ULEMAS AND HAZARA NOTABLES

QUETTA, May 24th, 2010: A pre-planned suicide attack struck on Airport Road, Quetta at about 19:30 hours today left two innocent people killed and 17 others injured. In connection to Convention and Rally of Organizing Committee, Shohada-e-Balochistan, Ulemas of Pakistan and a distinguished MNA, Marvi Memon of PML (Q), were invited to attend the Convention and Rally and address to participants to show solidarity and integrity with innocent people of Quetta, being target killed and murdered in suicide and planted bomb attacks. The guests were escorted by Hazara Ulemas and notables to Quetta Airport to bid farewell and upon their return, a suicide bomb blast occurred killing two people and injuring about 17 others. Among the injured are Allama Mehdi Najafi and one of his bodyguards, whose condition is told to be stable.

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 24th, 2010)

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ANOTHER HAZARA YOUTH FELL VICTIM TO TERRORIST ATTACK

QUETTA, May 23rd, 2010: A Hazara youth named Ali Murtaza was shot dead on Sirki Road, Quetta on 22-05-2010. The martyr was identified as son of Haji Mohammad Hussain, residing in Hazara Town, Quetta.

This incident occurred when some unknown gunmen assaulted Dr. Qamar Hussain Zaidi. Seeing that Ali Murtaza intervened and managed to grab one of the terrorists, when his accomplice opened fire, which left him severely injured. The ambush left the doctor killed, injuring his driver and Ali Murtaza. Ali could not succumb to injuries and lost his life on his way to Combined Military Hospital. The terrorists, as usual, fled after the incident.

Ali Murtaza was laid to rest at Hazara Graveyard at about 13:00 hours amid grief and sorrows. Hundreds of people attended the funeral who, strongly, denounced this cold blooded act of target killing. Target killings and terrorist attacks have, again, intensified in Quetta killing innocent people in broad day light in crowded junctions, bazaars and markets of the city which has escalated anger and frustration among the masses as neither provincial government nor no law enforcement agencies are making sincere efforts to take adequate preventive measures for safety and security of people.

for more photos click here...

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 24th, 2010)

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ORGANIZING COMMITTEE, SHOHADA-E-BALOCHISTAN’S CONVENTION AND RALLY AT QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN

QUETTA, May 23rd, 2010:Apropos of preceding Press Conference of Organizing Committee, Shohada-e-Balochistan held at Punjabi Imam Bargah, Alamdar Road, Quetta on 16-05-2010, a pre-determined Convention and rally were organized to mark viable prospective protests and demonstrations at Quetta providing the Government did not adhere to its legitimate and rightful resolutions. In this regard, a Convention was conducted at Nichari Imam Bargah, Alamdar Road, Quetta on 23th of May, 2010 where notable Ulemas of Pakistan, parliamentarians and elders delivered speeches. A majlis of Quran Khawani was organized for the departed soul of all martyrs who fell victim to target killings, suicide bombings and terrorist attacks in Balochistan, whereupon the invited Ulemas of Pakistan and others delivered speeches, condemning government’s role in taking insufficient security measures to weed out sectarianism, extremism and terrorism.  Among the notables, the following people addressed to the participants of Convention:

1. Convener, Organizing Committee, Shohada-e-Balochistan, Haji Abdul Qayum.
2. Amir Changezi
3. Haji Tahir Nazarai, President, Ethihad-e-Tajiran
4. Mohammad Suleman Mohammadi, Representative, Interior Balochistan.
5.  Syed Hashim Mosuvi.
6. Allama Mehdi Najafi.
7. Allama Juma Asadi.
8. Alama Afzal Haidari, Islamabad.
9. Syed Mohammad Ashraf Zaidi, President, Balochistan Shia Conference.
10. Arbab Hashim Kasi, Provincial General Secretary, Pakistan Muslim League Qaid-e-Azam.
11. Mohtarama Marvi Memon, MNA, Pakistan Muslim League Qaid-e-Azam.
12. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Islamabad.
13. Qaid Tehreek, Allama Sajid Hussain Naqvi.

At the end of Convention, Resolutions were presented and accepted unanimously.
Subsequently, a Rally was taken out to Mizan Chowk where Allama Ameen Shahidee delivered a speech.

As it was, profoundly, revealed in the Resolution that on 04th July, 2010 a call for Long March to Balochistan would be given providing the Demands were not met with till 20th June. All Shi’ites would be requested to participate in this Protest, marching to Chief Minister’s House and marking sit-in protest unless target killing is not curbed.
Resolutions:

• That we demand the Federal Government, before law and order situation becomes uncontrollable in Balochistan, the Provincial Government be dissolved and those involved in harbouring terrorists be exposed and punished.
• That we have complete faith in Shi’ite Sunni Unity and every ill-effort by enemies of Islam will be foiled against this unity. We pronounce that we will firmly protect Islam and Mohammad Peace be upon him and his progeny forever.
•   That the government should make sincere efforts to form peace committees at federal, provincial, district and town levels comprising of all schools of thoughts, members of civil society, members of trade unions, politicians, representatives of political parties who could continuously conduct seminars and peace rallies to prevail sense of brotherhood and religious harmony in the country.
• That the defunct terrorist organisations should not be allowed to function discreetly by mere change of names, they should not be allowed to hold rallies, demonstrations and protests and unlawful organisations be dealt with iron hands.
• That the absconded terrorist Usman Saif Ullah Kurd, mysteriously escaping from ATF jail, be apprehended and brought to justice in accordance with the verdict of terrorist court.
• That the government should make honest efforts to ban all literature, books, journals, magazines, newspapers, booklets and pamphlets which fan sectarianism and sow seeds of hatred among people.
• That the routes of Hangu And Parachanar be freed from the unlawful control of terrorists and the Shi’ites’ life and property, living in FATA be provide complete protection and security.
• That serious notice of the recent wave of terrorism and target killings happening in Mastung, the constituency of Chief Minister Balochistan, be taken and those involved in these target killings and terrorist attacks should be arrested and brought to justice.   
• That if these demands were not met with till 20th June, then we reserve the right to call a Long March where all Shi’ites of Pakistan will participate in this March, protesting opposite Chief Minister House till target killing is not eradicated.
  
  for more photos click here...

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 24th, 2010)

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Hazara International Forum of Great Britain

LONDON, May 23rd, 2010: The Hazara International Forum of Great Britain denounces the racially motivated attack of Pashtoon Kochis, (Nomads), in Wardak, Behsood Province of Afghanistan.

The so called tyrannical nomads - armed heavily with the help of cruel Taliban - have recently been invading the poor Hazara peasants of Behsood, forcefully driving them out of their villages and plundering their meager livelihood. These Kochis, carried out the heartless acts of barbarism at instigation and full support of the Taliban and their sympathizers but tried to paint it as a new installment of long standing struggle between the Hazaras and the Pashtoon Kochis (Nomads), over the control of natural resources in the form of grazing pastures and water reservoirs. Several innocent people including men, women and children have lost their lives and many other displaced Hazaras are in search of safe refuge.

The Chairman, HIF, Haji Marzooq Ali discussed the issue with Afghan Hazara activists, ie., Arif Saher, Abdullah Akberi, Haji Mohammad Rahim, Tahir Sharan and others. He rendered full support of the HIF Council and its members for the planned demonstration, staged in front of Afghan Embassy at London on 23-05-2010. Hundreds of people participated in this combined demonstration of Hazara community to mark their protest against deliberate silence of Afghan Government in recent plundering and murdering, perpetrated by the Pashtun Nomad at Behsud Province of Afghanistan. Haji Marzooq Ali expressed HIF’s resolute solidarity with the oppressed Hazara brothers of Behsood and stated that the Hazara community of Quetta will always stand by their Hazara brothren of Afghanistan, sharing their grief and loss at this atrocity.

 The Hazara International Forum also censured the scandalous silence of the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Human Rights Watch and other humanitarian organizations over the ruthless killings of Hazaras. HIF supports the cause of the Afghan parliamentarians Ahmad Behzad and prominent Hazara politicians Mr. Muhaqiq and others who are boycotting the Afghan parliament proceedings in an attempt to draw attention and pressurize the Karzai Government to take action against the aggressors.

HIF demands that a full investigation into the facts of this tragic incident is carried out by the Afghan government and the perpetrators are brought to justice. A permanent political solution to the dispute should also be sought so that the peace loving Hazara people of Afghanistan especially Behsoods can live their lives in harmony.


by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 23rd, 2010)

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LIVING DEAD OF HAZARAS!!

LONDON, May 23rd, 2010: Last week's tragic news deepened our heartfelt feelings for the oppressed and poverty stricken people of Hazara tribes whose miseries and hardships fluctuate in accordance with wishes and desires of people in corridors of powers in Afghanistan. This is not the first time when the Pashtun Nomads have repeated their forefathers' barbaric act of inhuman plundering, ransacking, burning villages and murdering innocent Hazara tribesmen of Behsud province, Afghanistan. These beasts practice their annual rituals to quench their thirst with looting and murdering of Hazaras whenever deemed feasible. These atrocities enraged Hazaras all over the world, pledging full support to their people and organizing street protests and demonstrations. The protests and demonstrations may, barely, lessen the plight of the affectees who must be in state of shock and awe for these unforeseen repeated happenings. Ironically, it has rather become customary in modern world to come to streets, chanting slogans, making inflammatory speeches among rounds of applause from the members of public to solace themselves and, definitely, ours is no exception as website and blogs are inundated with press statement, pictures, and audio visual documents to register their civilized way of protest.

The history of Pashtun Nomads magnify their black deeds of plundering and murdering innocent people which may not come as a surprise to other nationalities of Afghanistan who are the direct victim of religious, racial and ethnic persecution. But, when I reverse the clock, I feel dejected to find that the Hazaras have made minimal progress in term of political awareness, comparing the other nationalities whose political wisdom has improved manifolds. We are, almost, standing at the same place where we used to be over two decades ago when it comes to mass street protests and demonstrations. We cannot afford to debate others' pros and cons, improvements and political gains which are but irrelevant at this stage. However, if we, genuinely, identify our flaws and drawbacks and work sincerely to improve upon our previous best performance then it will serve the purpose of national unity, dignity and integrity. I wonder why we confine ourselves to press statements and unimpressed protests, being tiring, time consuming and unreasonable to address the core socio-political issues of our people. Have we ever thought of the positive effects and gains of our activism in form of protests? Do these activities reasonably exert diplomatic and political pressure on Afghan government to take solid measure for safety and protection of Hazaras, whose members of parliament consist of drug dealers, warlords, chieftains and bigoted individuals, caring not for the safety and protection of Afghan nationals but for their personal gains and interests?

I pity political approach and wisdom of Hazaras who would proudly boast of their intellect, social and political status, mastering the art of public meetings and rhetoric due to the fact that they are self-centered whose main motive is earning fame and importance for themselves alone. Looking at the wasteful tendencies of our youths, I find it hard to digest that they suffer from major psychological and mental disorders as they merely believe in making public statements, appearing in photo sessions and making speeches among people, as they reckon, these activities would give them a rise earning a higher public status. When giving a helicopter view to the majority of Hazaras' viewpoint for their input into progress and development of their people, they all are surrounded with vicious ill-mannered practices which bear no short or long term result for the needy people. As a matter of fact, these press releases, protests and demonstrations are thought to be panacea to all existing problems and after performing these social and ethical obligations, they turn deaf ear to it with sighs and reprehensions. I have never opposed the efforts of peaceful street protests and demonstrations made by sincere Hazara nationalist but I always urge the need for more practical steps to be taken to meet the financial, social and moral requirements of our fellow tribesmen in need. 

Press statements are released in haste to condemn this inhuman act of Pashtun Nomads, websites are filled up with colourful pictures and videos of protests but the positivity is, depressingly, nil. The ones, who denounce these uncultured acts in their press statements and appeal from other Hazaras for financial aides, fail to start this noble cause from their own members' financial input for the plundered and oppressed Hazaras. Street protests  and demonstrations in front of Afghan embassies are arranged for chanting slogans which are not even covered by local media let alone the voice be heard widely by Human Rights organisations and relevant humanitarian institutions to acknowledge their efforts. It was better if the participants of these protests were requested to contribute financially for their fellow tribesmen who expect financial aid rather than moral and political stance.

About a year ago, some vigorous news items circulated among Hazaras about formation of Crises Management Cell in Quetta, Pakistan. This Cell was formed to address urgent needs and requirements of Hazaras in time of dire emergency call out but the Cell, itself, may have gone into crises as many lethal incidents of target killings, acts of terrorisms and suicide attack(s) have been happening at regular intervals without any condemnation from this novice organisation. Understandably, this Cell would become functional in time of crises, as regards the recent happening of Behsud province; I anticipate it to come to financial help of their Hazara tribesmen living across the border. The roars of single political party are still at par whose response needs to be observed with all round keen support from Hazaras. Other well wishers, nationalists, activists, regardless of the mention of their names and social stature could come up with mammoth financial aid for the Hazaras of Behsud to show their unconditional support and affection for Hazara brethren.

I request all Hazaras to come forward and help Hazaras of Behsud at this time of extreme hardships. Everybody must take cognizant note of their role in helping their fellow tribesmen socially, politically, morally and financially.


by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 23rd, 2010)

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HAZARA ORGANISATION, UK’S CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETING WITH REGARD TO ATROCITIES AND CRUELTIES OF PASHTUN KOCHEES (NOMADS), PERPETRATED IN BEHSUD PROVINCE OF AFGHANISTAN

LONDON, May 22nd, 2010: An emergency meeting of Hazara Organisation, UK was called in by its Secretary General, Mr. Javed Hussain Hazara at Oxford to discuss the grievous situation of Behsud Province Afghanistan where Pashtun Kochees (Nomads) broke in to plunder, usurp, ransack, burn, murder and loot the properties and livestock of ethnic Hazaras. The members of Central Council of Hazara Organisation, UK attended the meeting to denounce the heinous act of barbarism being perpetrated repeatedly by Pashtun Nomads under the nose of Hamid Karzai government who heed no attention or take preventive measures to stop these atrocities happening against Hazaras of Afghanistan.

The respective member of CC - representing their own cities - showed their anger and deep concern over the dubious role of the incumbent Afghan government whose deliberate silence towards this act of terrorism strengthens many doubts about their constitutional and democratic responsibilities.  The CC members urged the Afghan Government to utilize all available resources to shun this exploitative and racially motivated act of discrimination towards Hazaras of Afghanistan. They also warn the present Afghan Government to refrain from duality and bias attitude towards Hazaras which could, otherwise, have widespread political and geographical implications as the contemporary Hazara tribesmen are well aware of their social and political rights.
The CC members unanimously supported the political stance of members of Afghan Parliament for boycotting the session of their national assembly and staging a sit in protest outside the Parliament House.
The meeting was concluded with the following resolutions:

1. That the HO, UK urges the Afghan Government to take immediate political and administrative measures to stop this act of racial and ethnic persecution of Hazaras of Behsud Province.
2. That the HO, UK demands of other oppressed nationalities, Human Rights Organisations, progressive and democratic forces to stand by Hazaras and denounce Pashtun Kochees for this inhuman and uncultured act of plundering and ransacking. All philanthropist and humanitarian organisations, political and democratic parties need to morally support the Hazaras of Behsud Province in order that Pasthun Kochees are strongly reprehended for their inborn barbaric and unethical commitments.
3. That all pragmatic measures should be taken by Afghan Government to confine Pashtun Nomads to its localities as these atrocities pose potential threat to peace and stability of entire Afghanistan with far reaching negative political implications. That the HO, UK appeals to all Hazaras to extend a generous hand to Hazaras of Afghanistan at this time of need.
4. That the HO, UK demands all the Hazaras to come under one political platform to ensure our survival and help establish sound democratic norms in Afghanistan as well as in the world.
5. That the HO, UK appeals to all Hazaras to financially support their Hazara brethren in Behsud Province of Afghanistan at this time of dire financial need who have been looted, plundered and killed but they have fought gallantly against Pashtun Nomads.

At the end of the meeting, the HO, UK paid great tribute to Hazaras of Behsud for their firm resistance struggle and offered condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in this struggle.


by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 22nd, 2010)

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Better City, Better Life with ICT

QUETTA, May 21th, 2010: ***This Article was written for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to be served with concrete recommendations in ICT development.

Synopsis:
My work many evolves around scope of ICT in Pakistan with a brief summary of its general use over all. This reveals imperative information about widespread use of ICT in public, private sector organizations with emphasis on other marketing niches to attract investment in our country.

Introduction Of ICT.
The convergence of telecommunication and computer technology has given rise to what is generally called information and communication technology or ICT.

Information and Telecommunication Technology:
Looking at ICT in contemporary era, which has multi-faceted usage and vast benefits for the masses; enormously encompassing rapid advancement and compulsory improvement in their routine life. The systematic and organised use of this giant entity can leave miraculous blessings for city dwellers which could be benefited from for years with evident margin of improvement with time passing by. After tangible advancements in the realm of Information Technology, one can see clearly the impact of revolutionary changes in one’s life where ICT has been indispensably incorporated in everything. Its overwhelmingly mammoth contribution in both public and private sectors has persuaded people to utilize it on daily basis for their ease and comfort. Today, the life of a common man, without the use of ICT is impossible which has stimulated fresh oxygen into them. This, by and large; Omni-present organism has had direct intervention in people’s life, habituating them to extent that their cycle of life would come to a standstill provided they had not used it for some time.

As mentioned previously of the vast implications and use of ICT, I would like to elucidate it further to unfold the many layers of this entity, massively covering all areas of our life. Since the planet earth has turned into a global village with more cautious move towards greener environment, ICT has captured the heart of the people. Their daily life is inextricably linked with the use of it so much so that less educated and illiterate people get accustomed to it within short span of time and include it in their daily life with ease. From making of a needle to enrichment of uranium, the keen involvement of ICT cannot be neglected which assist its administrative wing, operations, marketing, research and development and other departments to liaise confidently without any vacuum or technical glitches. Gone is the time when people would cling to old and rusty typewriters and word processors costing them time and money as well as affecting our environment in excessive use of papers and ink ribbons. Today, a business, small or large, cannot afford to use old-fashioned tools for running of the business due to the nature of cost and time involvement. Instead computers, portable projectors and other relevant technological tools are used to meet larger and growing demands of their business. ICT’s inclusion into a business means safer, faster, better and more accurate data processing, correspondence and records keeping. On the contrary, it does not require much space to keep archives safe and securely protected. Not only that, the archives are dust-free and instantly accessible for efficient use.  All government departments are compelled to use ICT as the principal means of their business which enhances their performance as well as providing them with efficient service for inter-linked work and proficient liaison. Most importantly, defence, law enforcement agencies and judiciary have to use this facility for robust and time effective performance. This, on the other hand is, used to teach pupils on modern patterns as capable use of ICT yields far reaching results. Shopkeepers, merchants and vendors ought to use ICT in their day to day business although the degree, size and level of the use could vary, depending on the size of their business. The effective use of ICT is not restricted to daily life of a layman but it has also greatly helped human beings to broaden their horizon to boundaries of other planets which enabled them to set stable footing on the planet moon, advancing proudly towards Mars. Due to ICT, they are making successful technological experiments to find evidence of life on other planet. The astounding discoveries in space are greatly indebted to sophisticated use of ICT, encouraging and motivating us to look beyond the planet earth. Without the use and benefits and ICT, our travel to other planets could have been a mere dream. Many developed countries have their satellite in the orbit, taking significant eventful help from this scientific apparatus to serve their country satisfactorily. Not only this, scientists are also using ICT in making experiments to find cure to ailments which were incurable till 50 years ago.   

The Use of ICT For Pakistan:

We have discussed the use and benefits of ICT in general as above where the world over it has proved to be significantly essential tool for daily life and long term use. Now, we are going to shed some light with special context to Pakistani society, where it can bring unexpectedly large quantifying changes. With better implementation and use of ICT, our country can be altered into a just and civilized one where people’s life at grass roots level can be positively affected. If we start working on this mega project with full dedication and determination, we will reinvent Pakistan, sensitizing a great sense of nationalism and leaving unforgettable hallmarks on general public. Renewed spirit and sense of nationalism could be inculcated into them via its widespread use by respecting the law of the land, paying all due taxes, hence, contributing vigorously towards its progress. It will also prevail good sense of utilization of public funds as they will assimilate the functions of the system better, know their fundamental rights, leading them to realize about their public and civic responsibilities.

ICT And Public Sectors:
We know about the existing structure of public sector organizations in Pakistan which demand greater revamping to provide first class service to general public and assist Government effectively.  
Administrative staff of various public sector organizations is still using old-fashioned type writers, word processors to carry out their daily official communications. Dusty official records need more space, demanding recruitment of more staff for protection and security. It will also increase inward and outward carriage of these record incurring extra costs to government exchequer manifold. The above said administrative and warehouse expenses could be minimized with alternate use of ICT in form of sophisticated computers and its accessories. For better communication and interaction within the division, audio-visual aid could be incorporated tidy and efficient use of presentations, meetings and lectures. Tele and video conferencing could be added advantage of an organization but thanks to ICT. Installation and use of these scientific tools will greater improve service level reducing unnecessary costs, hence, contributing towards greener environment. Besides, unmanageable burly piles of  papers, letters and official records could be wound up in small brief-case type CPUs of computers, greatly saving misuse taxpayers money. Rest assured that we have adopted these procedures to lessen waste of public funds; we can easily link these modern tools to various interactive servers at different designated points for secure, accurate and prompt transfer of data/info. Performance and communications will also improve manifold, saving time, money and extra costs.

The worst is the condition of administrative set up of our law enforcement agencies and judiciary which scares off general public by piles of dusty records, handwritten challans, bail forms, bail orders let alone type writers and word processors. We know these flaws are causing huge loss to public funds as hand written correspondence are time consuming in terms of writing, proof-reading and assimilating. On the other hand, the same materials made, using a computer could be corrected before a final draft is prepared as computers allow re-reading the typed words several times before print-outs. The technical drawbacks of these organizations are the lack of interest in creating a website for them as well as linking their details to other respective quarters for better communication and liaison. Websites are an integral part of today’s businesses which reflect its realm of work, type of business, functions, operations, hierarchy and production. They comprehensively contain all relevant information; a layman may need to know about the kind of business/organization after some browse. Ironically, federal and provincial government departments do not have properly maintained websites let alone the thought of using these websites for feedbacks and grievances.

ICT And Private Sectors:
Private sector organizations’ agility would very much depend on relevant public sector organizations.  The latter are financed, administered, evaluated and controlled by government functionaries. In the event of any grievance(s) against private sectors, the general public could raise it with an ombudsman or an authoritative body monitoring and regulating the private sector organizations. General public could approach the regulating organization(s) with their grievance if not satisfied with privately run organizations but if these bodies do not run a website how would a layman know the redressal procedure? How government could keep a check on performance f private sectors? How would they be regulated? These technical lapses are hindering country’s progress, hence, not leaving good reputation on foreign investors.

These flaws of the system have prompted private sector organizations towards people’s exploitation, maladministration and high-handedness.
These and many other problems, being faced by a layman in daily life, could be addressed properly providing we improve infrastructure and organism. Here, the necessity of ICT generates which will penetrate huge sense of corporate social responsibility (CSR), demanding both public and private sector organizations to align their businesses in accordance with law of the land. ICT, undoubtedly, could exceed one’s expectations provided that it were channeled and used appropriately.

ICT And Other Sectors:
Pakistan is a land of talented people whose innate abilities can fill up the vacuum in short span of time, hence, improving margin of success. They learn fast, excel better and perform to utmost satisfaction of others but the need is brush up these jewels. From within the country, we may find it hard to accept how many undiscovered talents we have but from abroad we can clearly give a helicopter view to analyze people’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, henceforth, making it easy to evaluate them better. In today’s ICT era, we need to luster our capabilities, demonstrate our skills and credentials to standard level to attract more investment into the country. ICT in Pakistan could work like umbrella, providing sustainable system, and unlocking windows of opportunity for the masses.

Having vigilant eyes on world economy, one knows better that multinational companies are changing obsolete business trends where they would adhere to public sentiments, patriotism and loyalty to their country of origin. At present, they are looking for different ways to save money without affecting confidence of their consumers. ICT, thus, possess the magnetic power to attract huge foreign investment into the country. Developed countries of the world would look for competence, intellect and capabilities of developing countries overseas to meet their business requirements and necessities of life.

Using ICT as a means, we can attract foreign investors by providing them with outsourcing services in various business capacities. Call center industry is one of them which fulfils the requirements and needs of foreign companies to deal with day to day business queries, feedbacks, grievances and complaints of their customers. Since this is a huge industry and possesses sizeable scope of growth, it can be supported with relevant departments of verification and quality control, customer services, sales and retention and back office etc. These sections within a call center industry need to use Information and Communication Technology to liaise with internal and external stakeholders. ICT’s provision in this realm of business is essential to meet the requirements of their customers. Call centers could be setup to meet their business requirements. In Pakistan, people are eloquent with clear pronunciation and understanding of English. Investments by foreigners into this arena would create job opportunities meeting job scarcity, hence, reducing ratio of crimes and unemployment. Call center industry is massively large, generating revenues in billions per annum as international companies having their interests and business setups in developed countries require to meet the demands of their customers on consistently low cost.

Besides, other stakeholders of imported goods could be persuaded to have satisfactory check on goods being prepared as work execution could be viewed via CCTVs round the clock by investors whenever they wish to. These images could be incorporated into their websites for live viewing during working hours which will enhance their confidence, exceeding their expectations and attracting more foreign investments into for the country. Interaction with concerned stakeholders could be made available via tele and video conferencing. The latter example could be run on experimental basis on our textile industry in view of contemporary efforts made by the government to extend trade channels to other European countries and vibrant US markets.

We cannot overrule the use of ICT in meeting the needs of shortage of electricity. Take Thar Coal Reserves as an example; which contains about 850 Trillion Cubic Feet surpassing oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Iran whose reserves approximately weigh to 375 billion barrels in total. The reserves at Thar Coal estimated at 850 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas, which is about 30 times higher than Pakistan’s proven gas reserves of 28 TCF. According to Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch in a statement said that these reserves of coal worth USD 25 trillion can not only cater the electricity requirements of the country for the next 100 years but also save almost four billion dollars in staggering oil import bill. Just 2% usage of Thar Coal Can Produce 20,000 Mega Watts of Electricity for next 40 Years and if the whole reserves are utilized, then it could easily be imagined how much energy could be generated. The coal power generation would cost Pakistan PKR 5.67 per unit while power generated by Independent Power Projects cost PKR 9.27. It requires just 420 Billion Rupees of Initial Investment, whereas Pakistan receives about 1220 Billion rupees from Tax per annum. Chinese and other companies had not only carried out surveys and feasibilities of this project but also offered 100 percent investment in last 7 to 8 years which, unfortunately, has been disregarded by interest groups within corridors of powers.

There are umpteen examples of beneficial use of ICT as a main source of country’s revenue generating factor. It, in essence, can illuminate people’s life due to its vast usage and implications. We cannot ignore the fast changing technological advances bringing ample satisfactory improvements in people’s life.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. With prompt and efficient use of ICT, all government departments could be trained to create a website of own, updating and maintaining regularly with ample accessible info for general public.
2. These could be linked to the main server and visitors could be encouraged to log their grievances, feedbacks, queries electronically with satisfactory timely response to them where deemed necessary.
3. Law enforcement agencies such as police could be provided with URLs and every URL must include full details of area-wise police stations, updating round the clock with easily searchable helpful sections. Audio-visual communication could be improved for successful on-ground operations with added aerial support in aid of satellite.

Same strategy could be adopted for other law enforcement agencies such as traffic police, border security forces, coastal guards etc.

1. Rules, regulations could be enacted by authoritative bodies to monitor, evaluate and regulate private sector organization to constantly update their websites with sufficient info, grievance procedure, feedback and dealing and responding to queries electronically.
2. Strategies be chalked out to attract foreign investors for formation of their call centers in Pakistan on competitive prices with high level of service.
3. Industries be regulated and checked properly for maintenance of health and safety, laborers rights so that foreign investors be attracted via use of ICT.
4. ICT could be used at all schools for audio-visual activities for better understanding of lessens.
5. SUPARCO and defense divisions be linked for better coordination and protection of the country with full satellite support as per their requirements.
6. Mobile industry and internet facilities could be enhanced with efficient use of ICT.
7. Air traffic signals could be recorded to prevent perpetration of crimes and terrorism.
8. Airports could be linked with respective heads, monitored and controlled round the clock with use of ICT.
9. Internal and external exist points in the country could be monitored round the clock with use of ICT for the curb of crimes and terrorism.
10. Using ICT, all ports, their staff on duty, patrolling members could be liaised with round the clock to control borders and ports.
References:
1. Definition taken from a book, “Information and Communication Technology in organizations” Adoption, Implementation, Use and Effects by Harry Bouwman, Bart Van Den Hooff, Lidwein Van De Wijngaert, Jan van Dijk, first Published in Great Britain in 2005 by Sage Publications, 1 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London, EC1Y 1SP.
2. Thar Coal Reserves is an Article of Syeda Mahwish Fatima Naqvi, living in a metropolitan city of Pakistan. She is part of Sooper Articles Authors Community since January 16th 2009 and the contents of the article were quoted with her permission.


by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.



Posted by Altaf Hussain May 21th, 2010)

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PRESS CONFERENCE OF ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF SHOHADA-E-BALOCHISTAN AT PUNJABI IMAM BARGAH, ALAMDAR ROAD, QUETTA

QUETTA, May 16th, 2010:  a press conference was arranged by Organizing Committee of Shohada-e-Balochistan at Punjabi Imam Bargah, Alamdar Road Quetta.

The Organizing Committee shed detailed light on target killings of Shi’ites taking place, categorically, in various parts of the country for many years, with the aim of dismantling law and order situation and terrorizing innocent people. This press conference highlighted the importance of the then press conference of Balochistan Shi’ite Conference, held in March to denounce the tragic terrorist attack of Karachi, struck in the heart of peaceful procession of March, 2010 when mourners and devotees of Imam Hussain (A.S) were commemorating the Chehlum of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), killing dozens of innocent people on the spot and leaving scores injured. The then press conference, representing all organisations of Millet Jafaria Balochistan, demanded of the Government to take stern notice of these terrorist attacks and target killings aimed at terrorizing the innocent people.

This press conference reiterated the need and demanded of the Federal Government to tackle down the exacerbating issue of sectarianism, reveal the financers of these terrorist attacks, apprehend, and penalize the ones involved in these heinous acts. The Organising Committee of Shohada-e-Balochistan underscored the death toll of target killings in Quetta since March this year, engulfing 18 innocent lives with the mention of coordinated target killing of Arshad Zaidi, a Local Bank Officer and the son of President, Balochistan Shia Conference occurring on 16th of April, 2010. Hours later, a bomb blast occurred in Sandeman Provincial Hospital, targeting the MNA Syed Abbas Hazara a.k.a Syed Nasir Shah which took about a dozen innocent lives on the spot and injuring 38 people. Among the martyrs were two DSPs, one head constable, Malik Arif, Camerman of a private TV channel Samaa, a police constable and a rickshaw driver were among 11 people losing their lives. MNA Nasir shah and his son were among the injured. The Organizing Committee demanded of the Balochistan Provincial Government as to why no one has been apprehended yet? Why the terrorists firing from Civil Hospital and its adjacent buildings have not been recognized and arrested yet? The members of Organizing Committee, Shohada-e-Balochistan, also quoted the speech of the Provincial Interior Minister who had said that they had known who the terrorist had been, when making a speech on the floor of the assembly. The O.C demanded of the Provincial Government to step down as there is no moral ground to hold the reign of the government anymore after a series of target killings and terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

The O. C announced that after deep contemplation it has been decided to invite all Ulemas and active organisations of Pakistan on 23-05-2010 to Quetta to hold a peaceful rally against terrorist attacks and target killings. The Organisation revealed that, on this occasion, the future initiatives will be chalked out as the Government has, significantly, failed to provide security and protection to the citizens. They also denounced apathy and lax attitude of the Governor, Chief Minister, his cabinet members, members of Balochistan Provincial Assembly and the Balochistan Executive who have not only turned deaf ear to these atrocities and cruelties but also have never condoled to the aggrieved families of these martyrs, which is against the spirit of constitution and democratic values. They also marked the statement of Provincial Interior Secretary astoundingly baseless who claims that the whole provincial cabinet have visited the family of these martyrs for condolence.

The O. C showed grievous concerns for solidarity and integrity of Pakistan as these terrorist attacks and target killings may compel people to the extent for retaliation providing the government did not take practical steps to crack down against these outlawed terrorist organisations. They, however, made it clear that the rally and gathering of 23rd of Mary, 2010 will be completely peaceful and requested all citizens to take part in this rally to show their unity and fraternity towards other brotherly nations.  At the end of the press conference, the Organizing Committee of Shohada-e-Balochistan set out their demands from Federal and Provincial governments which are as under:

• That the terrorists and their masterminds, involved in these target killings be arrested and brought to justice.
• That those terrorists found guilty in terrorist courts be punished without any delay.
• That announcement of monetary compensation for the families of martyrs is insulting. We demand of the government to announce reasonable monetary compensations for families of the martyrs and these announcements be actioned at an earliest.
• That we demand of the Federal Government to take pragmatic steps for restoration of law and order in Balochistan without any delay.
• That we have complete faith in Shi’ite Sunni Unity and every ill-effort by enemies of Islam will be foiled against this unity. We pronounce that we will firmly protect Islam and Mohammad Peace be upon him and his progeny forever.
• That the families of martyred police officers and police cadets be accommodated in government departments and their children be provided with full fledged facility of free higher education.
• That the government should make sincere efforts to form peace committees at federal, provincial, district and town levels comprising of all schools of thoughts, members of civil society, members of trade unions, politicians, representatives of political parties who could continuously conduct seminars and peace rallies to prevail sense of brotherhood and religious harmony in the country.
• That the defunct terrorist organisations should not be allowed to function discreetly by mere change of names, they should not be allowed to hold rallies, demonstrations and protests and unlawful organisations be dealt with iron hands.
• That the absconded terrorist Usman Saif Ullah Kurd, mysteriously escaping from ATF jail, be apprehended and brought to justice in accordance with the verdict of terrorist court.
• That the government should make honest efforts to ban all literature, books, journals, magazines, newspapers, booklets and pamphlets which fan sectarianism and sow seeds of hatred among people.
• That the routes of Hangu And Parachanar be freed from the unlawful control of terrorists and the Shi’ites’ life and property, living in FATA be provide complete protection and security.
• That serious notice of the recent wave of terrorism and target killings happening in Mastung, the constituency of Chief Minister Balochistan, be taken and those involved in these target killings and terrorist attacks should be arrested and brought to justice.    
by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

for more photos click here...

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 16th, 2010)

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HAZARA ORGANISATION'S OPEN LETTER TO ELECTED MP OF LABOUR PARTY, UK

UK, May 14th, 2010: Hazara Organisation, UK formed recently by Hazara youths with motto of bringing political awareness among Hazara nation, living in the UK. This novice organisation has started working on a sound platform to raise voice against any injustice, discrimination, target killings, terrorism attacks purely based on ethnicity and race as the Hazaras of Quetta are the prime target of terrorists. 



Recently, the Chairman and Deputy Secretary General, Hazara Organisation, UK handed over a self-explanatory letter to the Elected Member Of Parliament of Labour Party at a meeting held to discuss the plight of Hazaras in general and the target killings in particular.


The above said office bearers of Hazara Organisation solicited the elected MP to help their organisation, the Hazaras of the UK and exert pressure on government of Pakistan for discriminatory attitude towards Hazaras. He was also requested to utilize all political means to stop target killing of Hazaras in Quetta, Pakistan.

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 14th, 2010)

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20th MARTRYDOM ANNIVERSARY OF MOHAMMAD ISMAIL MILO OBSERVED WITH GREAT SOLEMNITY AND FERVOUR

QUETTA, May 11th, 2010: Mohd Ismail Milo, was born on May 24th, 1954 in Quetta, Pakistan and completed his basic education from a local school in 1976. From beginning, he was keenly interested in philanthropist work which encouraged him to serve people from a political platform; hence, he decided to take part in local bodies election of 1987. In this election, people’s unprecedented support and warmth escalated him to a stature of local councillor which, further, strengthened his determination and vigour towards humanitarian work. At that time, the menace of heroin and drugs was prevalent in the society, demanding him to take cognitive steps to bring about radical changes among the people about its abuse. His will power and strong faith gave him great gusto to form a concrete platform to treat drug addicts and weed out this menace. With the foundation of a Trust for treatment of drug addicts, the drug mafia started conveying life threatening messages to him which ended with his martyrdom on 11-05-1990.

Every year, the Martyrdom Anniversary of this educated youth is observed with renewed pledge of eradicating the curse of drugs from the society and, this year too, Martyrdom Anniversary of Mohammad Ismail Milo was observed on 11-05-2010 at Quetta, Pakistan with great solemnity and fervour. The event was organised by Milo Shaheed Trust to pay homage to its founder who was martyred on the same day twenty years ago by an agent of drug syndicate. People, belonging to all walks of life, started thronging to the Trust early that day to commemorate the irreparable loss of their hero. At 18:00 hours, people walked to Hazara Graveyard to offer Fatiha for the Martyred, vowing solemnly to complete his noble cause at all costs. The Chairman Milo Shaheed Trust and Elder Brother of Mohd Ismail Milo, Mr. Muzaffar Chanezi , HDP leaders, notables, youths, administration and operations staff of the Trust and in and out patients of the Hospital were among the participants to pay homage to the Martyred. On return of the devotees from graveyard, a majlis of Quran Khawani was held at the Trust and alms were distributed among the needy people.

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

for more photos click here...

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 12th, 2010)

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10 groups involved in target killings

QUETTA, May 07th, 2010: Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Shabbir Sheikh has said that 10 groups are involved in incidents of target killing in Quetta.

Talking to journalists after inaugurating Police Child Protection Centre (PCPC) on Thursday, he said some suspects had been arrested and were under interrogation.

The centre has been set up by an NGO, Seher, in collaboration with the Save the Children and the police department to provide shelter to children involved in crimes.

CCPO Sheikh, Inspector General of Prisons Bashir Bangulzai, Dr Wadood Tareen of Seher and Mohammad Qazilbash of Save the Children spoke.

The CCPO noted that number of target killings in the city had dropped because police had caught several suspects. He said senior police officials had been tasked to bust gangs involved in these incidents.

“In order to stop target killings there must be target killing of those who are killing innocent people,” the CCPO said, adding they would send bodies to those who were sending bodies of security personnel and civilians.

He said 50 gangs were behind kidnapping for ransom cases and police were making efforts to arrest those involved in these crimes.

Source (DAWN News)

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 7th, 2010)

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United We Stand, Divided We Fall

QUETTA, May 07th, 2010: I recently started writing on a Hazaragi website, with a copy published on my blog, to convey my sincere and outspoken thoughts to Hazara tribesmen which have earned satisfactory kudos from youths who leave their congratulatory and thought-provoking feedbacks on my blog. They are, definitely, taken into account to be incorporated into next articles. As I have mentioned in my previous article, “The Other Side Of Tunnel......”, that one of my friends recommended me to share my views with Hazara youths which will sensitize them with social, economic and psychological issues to be discussed upon for their solutions.

Ever since Australian government announcement of 9th of April to await the cases of Hazara Asylum Seekers for a period of six months on the pretext of improving law and order situation in parts of Afghanistan, inhabited by patchy Hazara families with considerable large proportion of the Pashtoon. We know very well that the law and order situation in entire Afghanistan is deteriorating  due to the surge in insurgency by the Taliban fighters who would never wish to negotiate with the US and British to lay down arms and join the Karzai government.

With regard to boastful reports circulating in international media about improving law and order situation in Afghanistan, we need to take a look at the recent operation of NATO, launched with full vigour in Helmand province to eradicate Taliban’s influence and rebuilt the area. With the launch of this full-fledged operation in Helmand Province in the second week of February this year, it was lauded highly to push the Taliban back to Pak-Afghan border with an aim of destroying cultivated poppy grown lands, offering the local farmers to cultivate vegetables and other daily used commodities. The allied forces needed to stay in this part of Afghanistan for months once the operation was completed in order to rebuild the infrastructure and provide the locals with basic amenities of life to win their heart. The operation named “Mushtarak” remained completely unsuccessful as they started receiving heavy causalities from various Taliban groups with better trained sniper shooters, aided with digged-in Improvised Explosive Devise (IEDs), and continuous on ground firing with heavy automatic guns by other Taliban companions. Understandably, the Taliban cannot fight for long against a massive assault, well equipped with assault guns and with man and unman aerial surveillance. Instead, they engaged a small group of Taliban fighters into this fight to show sufficient resistance to NATO forces but a large number of them melted into local people with the purpose of afresh return for assaults and ambush. They are known for guerrilla warfare which could result in more human casualties. With over 15, 000 British troops, plus American and Afghan army, the Taliban could not be dismantled of this region as the outcome of this operation miserably failed.

With entrance of NATO and Afghan national army into this region, the Taliban tended to wage a guerrilla war, causing more casualties. The Taliban fighters when surrounded could use innocent people as human shield to avoid or delay imminent danger; as a result, they may well use the Hazaras living in parts of Helmand, Laskargah, Nad-e-Ali who would come under direct life threat from the Taliban and NATO forces in fire exchange. Besides, the law and order situation is getting worse with suicide bombings happening in the heart of Kabul despite being heavily guarded with trained para-troopers. The US and British soldiers contributing in the forefront of the war-zones in Afghanistan are being ambushed and sniper shot which are increasing death toll, becoming a major source of depression and suicidal ideation for these soldiers.

Hazaras have always been a soft and direct target of religious, ethnic and racial persecution in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to The Australian, a renowned Australian newspaper quoting relevant quarters in Pakistan and Afghanistan as saying that the situation in Afghanistan for Hazaras’ Persecution has not improved, on the contrary, they are being target killed in Quetta, Balochistan which has alarmingly increased in last several years. In 13th April, 2010 publication, the Newspaper quoted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan, as saying “  A senior official with the human trafficking arm of the Federal Investigation Agency said yesterday Hazaras were regularly targeted in Pakistan's Balochistan province, where most of its 500,000 Hazaras were based”. In another question, the FIA official was quoted as saying, ‘if the security situation for Hazaras in Afghanistan had improved sufficiently for them to return, the FIA official replied: "No, there's no basis for saying this."’ He continued, “"Right now they're being persecuted on both sides of the border. In Quetta (the capital of Balochistan), eight to 10 Hazaras are being murdered every week. If that's happening just in Quetta, magnify this problem all the way to central Afghanistan." In the same news article, the UNHCR spokesman for Pakistan Killian Kleinschmidt said, “he had discussed the persecution of Hazaras in Balochistan with an Australian delegation, ahead of the government announcing the six month suspension on Friday”.

Everyone knows that we are being targeted in both Pakistan and Afghanistan by religious extremists as well as unknown masked men claiming to be Baloch Resistance Movement. These killings have worsened the situation for Hazara tribesmen who may consider exiting their birth town and seeking refuge into a safe place.

I wonder why Hazaras living in Australia have never raised a voice against it as the six month visa suspension will enormously affect our youths who spend about $15,000 each to embark on, otherwise, dangerous and risky journey to save their life. Australia is a signatory of the Human Rights Convention of 1948 and bound to accept claims of genuine asylum seekers. Australian Hazaras can contribute a lot by meeting Australian politicians, briefing them and starting an active campaign for their Hazara brethren to be accepted by Australian government. Why they keep mum when their own brothers are being killed in Balochistan in broad day light, similarly, we are the direct target of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Our single political party’s deliberate silence over this sensitive issue creates doubts about their slogans of nationalism and sincere contribution for the Hazaras. Have they ever bothered to protest against discriminatory attitude of Malaysian and Indonesian Embassies who refuse visit visas of Hazara tribesmen for no objectionable reason? Hazara tribesmen, travelling to Islamabad, spending 7-10 days, completing all pre-requisites of visit visa, return empty handed which is costing them huge money. On the other hand, these embassies generate reasonable revenue for their country due to the fact that visa fee is non refundable in case of refusal or withdrawal of visa application. We know that Hazara tribesmen going for excursion to Malaysia and Indonesia are being refused the visa without any legitimate objection but to date our nationalists, single political party, human rights activists and other relevant quarters have never protested against it nor have they cared to seek explanation from these embassies.

We have never prioritised our national interests which have widened the gulf among different factions of the society. Vested interests need to be kept aside at present as we cannot afford to indulge in unnecessary time consuming arguments, disagreements but seriously contemplate removing hurdles to our way of progress. Today, we have to think of our survival in prospective geo-political changes happening in Pakistan and Afghanistan. If our single political party can mobilize people for street protests on target killings so can she take them to streets for their inborn human rights as denial of visit visa to a citizen without any lawful objection is denying one’s fundamental rights. It is high time that the single political party stood up firmly its ground and raise voice against this bigotry and biased malpractices of these embassies. They have to form Delegations to meet Malaysian and Indonesian Embassies to formally register their grievance, requesting for reconsideration of their stance for denial to issuance of visit visas to the Hazara tribesmen, after satisfactory scrutiny of their documents.

All Hazara organisations in Quetta need to form a platform to raise their voice against any form of injustice and discrimination being perpetrated against us on various pretexts and I appeal to all of them at this crucial time to take firm stance over non-issuance of visit visas to fellow tribesmen by Malaysian and Indonesian Embassies in Pakistan.

All feedbacks and comments be forwarded on the below mention blog.

Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.
liaquatalihazara@wordpress.com





Posted by Altaf Hussain May 7th, 2010)

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MS FARZANA RAJA'S COURTESY HOME VISIT TO SYED ABBASS HAZARA

QUETTA, May 04th, 2010: Ms. Farzana Raja, Member National Assembly and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), made a courtesy visit today to Member National Assembly, Syed Abbas Hazara, (known as Syed Nasir Shah), at his home to enquire about his health.  Syed Abbas Hazara was one of the main victims of recent bomb blast which occurred at Sandman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, leaving scores of people dead and dozens injured. This incident happened when MNA Syed Abbas Hazara rushed to the hospital after hearing tragic target killing of Arshad Zaidi, son of Ashraf Zaidi, President Shia Conference.

Ms. Raja was accompanied by Provincial PPP leaders, ie., Bismillah Kakar, Ali Madad Jatak, Ghazala Gola and General Secretary, PPP Women Wing Balochistan, Ms. Rukhsana Ahmedi. Mr. Nasir Shah briefly discussed the incident as to how the blast occurred, killing and injuring many innocent people available on the site. Mr. Nasir Shah expressed his disconsent and reservation as no MNA, MPA, including Governor and Chief Minister Balochistan enquired about health let alone the thought of visiting him at his home. He, however, said that we will not succumb to pressure of terrorists and urged on the need that all nationalities living in Quetta should make sincere efforts to restore peace and harmony among brotherly nations. He also expressed his deep concern that these terrorist attacks could spread to other localities, crippling the law and order and sowing hatred among city-dwellers providing no practicable steps were taken to weed out this menace.

Ms. Raja met the injured people of the recent bomb blast, condoled with the family members of Shohada, and offered fatiha for the departed souls. On this occasion, Rukhsana Ahmedi, General Secretary, PPP Women Wing Balochistan also drew attention of the Chairperson (BISP) towards a recent terrorist attack, killing Ms. Nazima Talib, a woman educationist of University of Balochistan who served in Mass Communication Department as Assistant Professor for over a decade. Ms. Raja denounced this cold-blooded incident and assured that she will discuss reservations of Hazara people regarding security and protection of their life with the President and Prime Minister.

by: Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

for more photos click here...

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 4th, 2010)

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THE OTHER SIDE OF TUNNEL...

QUETTA, May 04th, 2010: Every cognizant Hazara knows that we have been suffering for over a decade in Quetta as the main target of religious and ethnic persecution which seems to get worse with each passing day. Our peaceful street protests have yielded no results in terms of getting our voice heard nor has it awakened the Hazaras as a nation to take practicable measures to minimize the effect of these attacks. Every responsible Hazara youth feels a sharp pain in his chest when another of his tribesman fells prey to target killing.  In these years, almost every Hazara home has witnessed bloods of their martyrs who were ruthlessly murdered in broad-day light in busy and congested areas of the city. By and large, alignment, timing, velocity and fervour of these terrorist attacks have exacerbated and so have the amount, size and degree. The wave of terrorist attacks in Quetta, with its spreading wings, has engulfed lives of hundreds of innocent people, demoralizing their spirit of nationalism, alienating their brethren bond and solidarity and sowing seeds of hatred among city-dwellers. We know very well that masked men spraying bullets on innocent citizens in Quetta have widened the fraction among, otherwise, friendly and peaceful nations who had been living in Quetta for centuries with religious, ethnic and racial harmony. 

Worst to mention is the role of our politicians who have done more damage to the nation then any good due to their egotist attitude as their sincerity and honesty have always been thinnest like strand of a hair. When being part of a government, they raise low-pitched slogans of justice and revenge with typically crammed obsolete self-centered phrases to pacify innocent people but, when not holding a position of responsibility in government, they speak the loudest being the only sympathisers and nationalists. We know for sure that we have not been able to raise a man of political wisdom and high stature who could be selfless, sincere and truly nationalist. The series of target killings and terrorist attacks waged against us have mentally disturbed people who think that something enormous be done to minimize human loss. They, now, draw a line beyond contribution of the single political party and the so called politicians. We have voted all Hazara candidates, campaigning hard for their win and taking them to ministerial seat with the hope that they could be a harbinger of change, standing firm and raising voice for their nation but they have failed miserably. Every Hazara political party, activist groups have been put on test to provide with a sound platform for the Hazaras to record their voice nationally and internationally but they have proved to be lethargic enough to come out of their pad.
Ironically, local and national news agencies succumb to pressure of various interest groups and anti Hazara lobbyists, giving no coverage to the victims of these terrorist attacks. In most cases, the news agencies turn their cannons towards Hazaras criticising Hazara youths overtly for expressing their anger, agitation and discontent over these ruthless killings let alone showing responsibility towards their so called professional commitments of sympathising with families of victims of target killings. It makes one wonder as to how media could turn against innocent party which would, otherwise, show great keenness in petty summer news, filled with gossip and unworthy discussion. In a matter of hours, the whole tragic scenario changes into a nightmare where the victims of terrorist attacks and target killing are not given due space in media but unending cynical media trail starts to suppress their voice and provide complete armoured shields to terrorists.
.

As an individual I have always stood tall, contributing with agile ideas on every sober platform, meetings and seminars as how to cope with current wave of barbaric acts of terrorism and target killings, being perpetrated against us. Some of my ideas presented at various thoughtful platforms have been restated by others on numerous occasions without giving appreciation/kudos to the original thinker. I wish ideas had patent rights like companies’ logos, monograms and designs which could prompt to reserve them under patent rights.

However, I, recently, shared some of them briefly with one of my confidant friends, who recommended that I use this platform to convey my heartfelt messages to our community which could trigger constructive conversation for their sustainable implementation to safeguard the interests of our nation wholly and minimize human loss spreading our voice to a larger part of the world.

In light of on-going cruelties against us, we may feel belittled to retaliate with arms, weapons and ammunition reciprocally as it will bear no long-lasting result. Instead, alternate routes could be adopted to capitalise our strengths and capabilities to the extent that nobody could dare hurt us the minimal.  As we expect the minimum from our politicians, the single political party and other so called Hazara activitists, it is high time that youths took the reign of wisdom and mental power in their hands to take concrete steps for brilliant and scintillating future. The followings are the doable recommendations which need to be pondered over in order that our strengths be elaborated, opportunities sought, weaknesses removed and threats minimized to greater extent:

1. That we need to launch our own Daily News Paper either in Urdu or English so that we do not rely on coverage of other media groups for injustice and cruelties waged against us.
2. That a TV Channel could be launched to meet greater needs and demands of Hazara youths for combating terrorist acts and target killings.
3. That our bureaucrats are retiring in a few years meaning that we will not have any senior bureaucrats representing the Hazaras on national level, being alarmingly worrisome as others, with position of responsibility, would fetter our voice in view of occurrence of any target killings and terrorist attacks. We need to establish a state-of-the art CSS Academy to train our youths for competitive examinations so that we don’t lag behind in executive level positions.
4. That Hazaras living across the world should be mobilized to form proactive task force groups, representing Hazara nation, meeting with various human rights organisations, members of European parliament, American senators, politicians and Australian politicians and the UN to brief them on overall target killings of Hazaras with the request to exert sizeable pressure on government of Pakistan for our protection and safety.
5. That a special task force group, entirely separate from the above, should be formed to meet European, Australian and American politicians, human rights organisations and the UN with the request of mass migration of Hazaras from Quetta to the above countries in light of cruelties and atrocities being perpetrated against us.   
6. That another Task Force Group should be formed, entirely separate and different from above two, to meet American, European And Australian politicians and educational institutions in view of our previous tremendous educational record and achievement to request them for provision scholarships to Hazara youths in various subjects.
7. That a Relief Fund could be set up for families of the victims of to target killings and terrorist attacks.
8. That Career Counselling Body, comprising of proactive but totally separate from the members of staff of CSS Academy, be formed to guide Hazara youths towards admission into genuine educational institutions for acquiring higher education. This group should also provide help and support and counselling to all students at Matric level in choosing the right path for their future course of study to be more helpful for the nation.

These are a few points which need to be worked upon on priority basis which will be beneficial in minimizing human loss, alter others views in target killing Hazaras.
All readers are welcomed to comment on these suggestions on the below link.

by Liaquat Ali Hazara
Brighton,
United Kingdom.

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 4th, 2010)

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Protest in Islamabad against Hazara’s Targeted Killings in Quetta

QUETTA, May 03rd, 2010: A protest demonstration was held in Islamabad against the unremitting targeted killings of Hazara tribe people in Quetta. The event had been organized by Hazara youths.

A large number of Hazara men, women and children participated in the protest. The protest was also attended by Hazara Democratic Party leader Ahmed Ali Kohzad and Aman Ittehad (a social organization) activists Ali Asghar Khan and Ms Rashida.

The participants were carrying placards and a banner inscribed with slogans against target killings of the Hazaras in Quetta and demands for provision of security to Hazara people. They demanded arrest of the target killers and urged the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo moto notice of the Hazaras targeted killings in Quetta.

The protestors also demanded of the United Nation to take cognizance of the Hazara’s brutal murders in Quetta. They condemned silence of the human rights organizations and media over the killings of the Hazaras.  

The peaceful and silent protest continued for about an hour.

for more photos click here...

Posted by Altaf Hussain May 3rd, 2010)

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HIF Representative Visits Hazaranation.com office

QUETTA, April 23rd, 2010: Mr Ali, the finance secretary of Hazara International Forum UK, visited the office of hazaranation.com and the studio in Quetta.

The website moderator Altaf Hussain briefed Mr Ali about the activities of his team and their future projects. He also apprised the HIF representative of the financial difficulties his team is facing running website and about the Professional Camera.

Mr Ali lauded the services of hazaranation.com team to Hazara tribe and expressed wonder over indifferent attitude of the Hazara philanthropists and other political and social figures towards the efforts of the team. He assured his full cooperation to the team regarding its future projects and announced to donate his personal movie camera for the Hazaragi website.

Mr. Ali promised to collect fund for hazaranation website and soon he will send it. He also delivered the pictures/Movies of the demonstration and meeting with Gordon Brown Prime Minister of UK.

for more photos click here...

Posted by Altaf Hussain April 25th, 2010)

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Hope is lost as the door is slammed

QUETTA, April 21st, 2010:

• Jeremy Kelly
• From: The Australian
• April 12, 2010 12:00AM

ABDUL Sattar woke in Kabul on Friday and heard the Australian government had shut the door on Afghan asylum-seekers.

"I had a feeling of hopelessness," he said yesterday. "My spirit was broken."

For about the past two years, Mr Sattar, a 36-year-old clerk who is engaged to be married, had planned to take the dangerous, expensive and illegal route to Australia.

He had intended to travel from Afghanistan to Pakistan, on to Malaysia and then Indonesia before getting on a boat and chancing his luck to make Australia's shores.

"I am in the Hazara minority so I cannot move freely like the dominant ethnic groups," he said. "We face problems every day in our lives. I want to raise my children in a safe country.

"Why would you want to live here? Nearly nobody wants to stay here. If you asked the entire population if they wanted to go to Australia, 90 per cent would say yes."

As Mr Sattar read more about the government's decision, his disappointment was tempered.

He referred to the softening of asylum laws after the election of the Rudd government in 2007 and said he hoped that a re-elected Rudd government would resume examining refugees on a case-by-case basis.

"Maybe this change is only for political reasons but maybe Australians just don't want Afghans, I don't know," he said.

"Australia is a huge country and it needs a bigger population. We will wait and continue our lives. If I see the rules have changed, I will go. If they don't . . . I will look to other countries to go to. This is my only option. I can't stay here.

"The Australian government can make it as hard as they can but they cannot stop people from trying. This might slow the boats but it won't stop them. If (people) think they can make it, they will go."

Mr Sattar said he knew of two Afghan families who had already paid smugglers and they would still try to make it to Australia despite the new law. Smugglers don't give refunds so the families have no choice, he said.

Human rights activist Wazhma Frogh described the blanket suspension of Afghan asylum-seekers as wrong and naive.

She said Afghanistan had some of the worst human rights violations in the world and she feared that other nations that take in refugees could use this law as a precedent.

Ms Frogh said Hazaras, which make up between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the Afghan population, continued to face persecution in Afghanistan.

"It's a stupid thing to say that they are not persecuted," she said. "Go to the Kabul jail and you will find thousands of Hazaras in there."

She said Hazara women, who are Shia, were specifically discriminated against by laws introduced last year.

The contentious Shia Personal Status Law, which provoked national and international outrage, included an article that allowed for a man to demand sex from his wife at least once every four days.

The law was eventually watered down with the most contentious elements withdrawn.

Source: click here for the source link...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 21th, 2010)

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Nationalists or Opportunists?

QUETTA, April 17th, 2010: “Lake condemn “The Killings”, is what the letter pad of a so-called nationalist party contains after any one is assassinated, irrespective of the cause of the forgetted killing.

It is not only the case with the organized, but also the ill-organized opportunists always try to cash any event of terror, so as to be able to win a “respectable” position of the next elections.

A number of excuses are presented if these merchants are asked to come up with a correct solution, they will moreover around and beat around the bush but their prime motive of gathering political mileage remains always in tact.

It is the character that these predators lack, the lust for becoming a part of the governmental machinery has resulted in their ugly looking faces. A disservice is what these wolves have done to the politics, that even the educated one have started to hate the word politics, the scared definition of politics and the practices advocated for, by the ancient photospheres, has been changed to telling lie, and the bigger the lier,  the bigger he is a politician. Manipulation of the facts and exploitation of the emotions of the masses have become the favourite sports for the present day “Politicians”.

Only slogans are not sage to serve, the sacrifices will not only have to be talked of rather mourning pictures of the claims might pay the way ahead. It is interesting to note that these “interest groups” react quickly to hijack any event while if asked for action, they demand to be made a responsible person in the gang of the landlords representing the peasants.

By: Imran Ali

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 18th, 2010)

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Event Ridden Media and Professionalism!

QUETTA, April 17th, 2010: Friday suicide bombing outside the emergency ward of the civil hospital Quetta, left eleven death and scores injured, that included member of the National assembly. All the corporate media agents rush to the scene and in the race of rating many of the channels broadcasted colored pictures, labeling parental guidance not to allow children to watch the footages, as they were showing body parts spread all over.

Follow up to the event demanded a thorough covering, while it was seen as if the whole layer of terror was launched to kill only one camera person. Undoubtedly he was an asset to the country with the bulk of experiences at his back. Yet it must not be forgotten that the expedition on behalf of the band outfit was having some other messages.

Media with the company of the live courage is a lethal weapon. But the fact of the matter is that this gun has fallen into hands of some none professionals. Who knows what the rating is and how it is to be mentioned, and unfortunately lack the guts of becoming a thorough professional.

It has been misunderstood as to if the government of the day is criticized. It may prove fruitful, and this seems order of the day for the infant Pakistani media. Yes the government has failed in protecting the lives and property of the citizens, yes, basic facilities have been snatched, yes, there is no electricity and mass-unemployment but it does not proved for a license to the “Anchors” to pull the leg of the “in experienced rules”, as they themselves lack the basic training of not being biased.

It is follow-up, follow-up and follow-up and not only breaking-up of a news.

By: Imran Ali
(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 18th, 2010)

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Editorial: Role of Security Agencies and Media Regarding Target Killings of the Hazaras

Quetta, April 16th, 2010: Yet in another obnoxious act of sectarian cum ethnical killings at least eleven people mostly belonging to Hazara tribe have lost their life and around forty others were wounded in a suicide bombing at civil hospital Quetta soon after the targeted killing of a young Hazara banker Arshad Zaidi at the most crowded central part of the city at Mannan Chowk at the cross section of Jinnah Road and Kandhari Bazaar.

The blast outside the casualty ward of Quetta civil hospital and targeted killing of Arshad Zaidi indicate that both the incidents were closely linked together and planned by one group. The plan was aimed at targeting maximum number of Hazara tribe people and killing their first ever and only member of the national assembly Syed Nasir Shah who had rushed to the hospital after hearing the news of Mr Zaidi’s murder.

The cold-blooded murder of Arshad Zaidi at a place which is only a few yards away from Frontier Corps picket at Meezan Chowk and highly-guarded VIP thoroughfare Zarghoon Road indicates that the law enforcement agencies are themselves involved in the killing of innocent citizens in Quetta. The escape of the killers from the crime scene amid a number of police and Frontier Corps pickets and presence of more than 6000 personnel of police, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Constabulary and Anti-Terrorist Force (Dozens of the personnel of spy agencies roaming the city are in addition) across the city makes the law enforcement role of these forces suspicious for which they must be taken into account.

Quetta city police chief, Ghulam Shabbir Sheikh, has rightly observed on a TV channel after this gloomy incident that the only solution to check target killings in Quetta is to kill the killers on the spot instead of trying to catch them and produce them before the court of law for trial. Defending his stance, he said as the eye-witnesses do not come ahead to record their statements in front of judge due to security threats to them and their family members and the court refuses to accept the police officials’ statement as evidence in such cases so most of the accused get free after being captured and the vicious cycle of target killings starts again in the city. Given the failure of the provincial administration to check targeted killings of innocent people in Quetta, there is an urgent need that the police force be given the order to shoot the killers on the spot if the government really wants to absolve itself of the charges being leveled against it that its ministers are backing these murders. Moreover, both the FC and Police officials should also be warned with strict legal action in case of their failure to catch or kill the killers targeting innocent citizens within their limits of duties. The governor, chief minister and home minister must perform their constitutional obligations regarding stoppage of targeted killings in Quetta. If they can not fulfill their constitutional duty of ensuring security to public life and properties and are unable to live up to the expectation of the masses they should then show some moral courage and resign from their posts to at least satisfy their conscience as several hundred innocent citizens have been targeted to death since the present government has taken over the power in the province.  

The role of media in Quetta has also been discriminatory regarding targeted killing incidents of settlers in general and of Hazara tribesmen in particular. Most of the times after such incidents the media personnel blame the angry youths of the Hazara tribe for misbehaving with them and refuse to cover the burial ceremonies of the martyrs and press conferences of the Hazara political and social figures on the same pretext. The same happened again on Friday when the newspaper and TV channel correspondents refused to cover the news conference of Hazara Democratic Party following killings of 11 innocent people saying they were thrashed and even fired at by the Hazara guys at civil hospital when they were covering the incident. Being a civilized tribe, Hazara people should unanimously condemn any such act if it really has happened there at civil hospital and should even be ready to address the grievances of the media men by admonishing and punishing those Hazara guys provided they are identified by the affected newsmen.

This is a natural phenomenon that the sentiments of the aggrieved community usually reach their peak after such bloody incidents and if any affected guy misbehaves with media teams it is the responsibility of the reporters and cameramen to immediately identify such elements and report it to the responsible members of the tribe so that they could be taken to the task. Moreover, journalists should also be aware of the fact that such elements could also be the agents of some powers who do not want the targeted killings of the Hazara people get publicized through media to prevent it from being noticed by the national and international watchdogs. On the other hand, the Hazara tribe elders are also required to chalk out an effective strategy to stop occurrence of any such incident in future which could lead to deterioration of relations between them and the media

Hazaras are well-aware of the media’s importance and they highly regard all the media personnel without any discrimination. Media personnel should also realize their professional obligations and play a role in checking targeted killings of innocent citizens by joining hands with the aggrieved community instead of ignoring their grief and becoming a party mere on the basis of being treated rudely by some unscrupulous elements.

by: Amjad Hussain

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 16th, 2010)

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Once again echoed with the blast of 15 kilogram explosive out side civil hospital

Quetta, April 16th, 2010: Once again echoed with the blast of 15 kilogram explosive out side civil hospital, Quetta killing 10 and injuring 35 others on Friday. Deputy Superintendent Police Zahir Shah Kazmi and Deputy Superintendent Police Ghulam Muhammad was also killed in the attack.

Member National Assembly Syed Nasir Ali was on visit to civil hospital when the explosion took place. The MNA is also injured in the blast. The attack was precisely a sectarian killing, carried out by banned organization “LASHKAR JANGUWI”. The organization has accepted the responsibility.

Unfortunately, Hazara nation in Pakistan are facing tremendous segregation due to its race and religion. We are regretting to mention that the Media in Pakistan do not cooperate with our nation in providing access to coverage of our peaceful movement and other Human Rights activities. The high scale of Hazara nation’s isolation is a precise sign of discrimination to our inhabitant.

We would also like to highlight and raise our voice for the International Growth Center (IGC), from the UK Department of International Development’s comments by claiming Pakistan’s media role for sustainable and wide-ranging development in the country.

Frequently, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) arranges peaceful movements against target killing of Hazara nation in Quetta city to raise their voice in ending target killing of our peaceful innocent Hazara people. Our voices were always demolished by not reporting and broadcasting our tragic incidents.

We are not only discriminated by the majority but also killed subject to religion and race. 16 April 2010 is a fresh evidence of such extreme dislike that killed our 10 people and left many widows and orphaned children behind without support and help.

One Media persons were also killed in the attack and wrapped-up in sacrificial victim in this tragic incident. Some senior journalists were also caught in the blast with some minor injures.

So far the Government of Pakistan did not announce of any compensation or moral help for their love ones who were left behind. While the entire Media and the Government support the media person who was also killed in the blast. The other 10 martyred were left ignored without compensation, coverage or some thing comparably.  

By: Syed M. Hassan

Please, follow the victims name who were killed and injured in the blast.

Expired Persons:

Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Syed Zahir shah

Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Ghulam Muhammad

Head Constable: Mohammad Hussain

Con:     Muhammad Hadi

Syed Arshad Zaidi

Syed Ayub Shah

Abdul Khaliq 

Mujtaba Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)

Haji Dawood (Pashtun)

Representative of Sama news.

 Injuries:

1.     Member National assembly ( MNA) Syed Nasir Shah Hazara
2.     Syed Hashim
3.     Syed Mehdi Kazmi
4.     Ali Jan (Chairman)
5.     Syed Mustafa
6.     Zulfiqar Ali
7.     Haji Ibrahim
8.     Muhammad Mehdi Anti Terrorist Force (ATF)
9.     Muhammad Mehdi Anti Terrorist Force (ATF)
10.   Ali Akbar
11.   Muhammad Ali (Police)
12.   Ghilam Abbas
13.   Rehmat Ali (Police)
14.   Shoib ATF
15.   Fida Muhammad
16.   Manzoor Shah
17.   Imran Ali
18.   Ejaz Hussain
19.   Muhammad Dad

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 16th, 2010)

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Is Balochistan Government Really Incapable of Ensuring Security to People?

Quetta, April 09th, 2010: Following Balochistan Assembly members demand of the provincial government during it last meeting on April 4 to take stern action against targeted killings of innocent people in Quetta, now Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi has also called upon the provincial government to fulfill its constitutional obligation of ensuring security to public lives and properties and take effective measures to stop targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom and other heinous crimes in the provincial capital. Speaking to media personnel in Governor House on Wednesday, the governor also observed that the situation would not improve unless the powerful people and elected representatives like him are hanged for wrongdoings. He added that target killings would continue if action is not taken against the killers. He also scolded the police for its failure to take revenge for their colleagues martyred in various incidents of targeted killings and asked the police officials to avenge their fellow policemen's killings if they want to see the situation normal in the city. The governor said if the state failed to provide justice to people for the excesses done to them the affecters would surely opt for settling their accounts by themselves. He noted that it is the obligation of the government to resolve the issues hurting people either by action or negotiation and not to allow those who refuse talking to the government to play with the lives of innocent people. He also claimed that the police are well-aware of the people involved in target killings, kidnappings for ransom and other heinous crimes but they are not apprehending these criminals.

Meanwhile, President Balochistan Bar Association Baz Mohammad Kakar has also censured the provincial government for its failure to ensure security to the masses and said the governor, the chief minister and all other government functionaries are showing indifference to deteriorating law and order situation in Quetta. He said the provincial assembly members are thieves who are involved in various heinous crimes and have connections with negative forces. He added that these members are not at all concerned with lives and problems of poor citizens. He called on the governor to fulfill its constitutional duty and remove the provincial government from power as it has completely failed to ensure security to the masses. Baz Mohammad also urged the Quetta people to get united against the outlaws and launch a civil disobedience movement against the provincial government for its failure to maintain law and order. He asked the citizens not to pay utility bills and other government taxes as the provincial government functionaries are spending that amount on their own personal comforts instead of spending it on resolving public problems. 

Both the statements of Balochistan governor and BBA president show that they are completely disappointed at the provincial government's performance regarding maintenance of law and order in Quetta. It also suggests that both of them know that the provincial administration is aware of perpetrators of the target killings, kidnappings for ransom and other heinous crimes in Quetta, but is willfully avoiding action against them to secure their own vested interests at the cost of innocent people's lives. Governor's advice to police rather citizens to avenge their loved ones targeted killings and BBA president's appeal to people to launch civil disobedience movement imply that they have lost their trust in provincial government regarding fulfilling of its constitutional obligation of ensuring security to citizens and want it to be ousted from power. Now, if the two most responsible and respected incumbents have such kinds of perceptions and feelings about the provincial government one can easily imagine how the enraged feelings of common man against the administration as they are directly suffering from worsening law and order situation. The increasing sense of insecurity among citizens has made almost the entire residents of Quetta critical of PPP-led provincial coalition government in Balochistan. Not a single day has passed in Quetta since the present coalition government has come to power in April 2008 when citizens have not been killed, kidnapped and robbed of their valuables. A number of governments have been formed in Balochistan since it was declared a province in 1970, but none of them proved so callous and apathetic like the sitting one towards the miseries of general public.

Official figures show that more than 400 people have been killed and over 1000 wounded in different incidents of target killings, bomb blasts, rocket attacks, vehicle snatching and robbery attempts in Quetta over the past two years of the present government. Police claim to have arrested a few accused involved in sectarian killings, but, amazingly, the cold blooded murder of Hazara tribe people - on the basis of sect as is being described by police and media - is still continuing. As far as ethnical killings are concerned none of the accused has been apprehended yet. The incessant acts of targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom and robberies in Quetta without apprehension of even a single culprit suggest that both the government and its law enforcement agencies are inefficient and incapable of tracing the criminals or are themselves patronizing them due to which they are unwilling to arrest them. The second reason seems more plausible as the government and its agencies can not be so inefficient to track down the culprits despite having sophisticated technology and latest equipment to monitor the activities of outlaws. This perception has further got strength by the statement of the provincial home minister Mir Zafarullah Zehri on the provincial assembly floor a few months ago wherein he had openly admitted that he knew the people involved in target killings in Quetta, Kalat and Khuzdar, but he was unable to take action against them due to some compulsions which he, however, did not disclose.

Whatever are the compulsions or constraints, be it any intelligence agency or any other power, preventing the provincial government from capturing the outlaws and proclaimed offenders the government is required not to compromise on its prime constitutional obligation of protecting the lives and properties of citizens. It should apprise the masses of those constraints and take them along to remove the hurdles in maintaining peace in the city if it is really honest to perform its constitutional obligations. In other case, it should show moral courage and resign from power on account of its failure to ensure security to people.

Amazingly, the provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani has blamed the foreign hands for the target killings in Quetta and said that these killers are trained at various places across the border. Talking to a private television channel on Wednesday evening, he said the basic purpose of these killings is to disrupt peace in Balochistan by pitching one nationality against the other. He said target killings are being carried out by various groups on sectarian and ethnical basis and it has been revealed that these groups have now developed a nexus of interests.

If the claim of home secretary is accepted as true that these groups are trained in Afghanistan and sent into Balochistan by India to destabilize Pakistan what the Frontier Corps is doing then along the borders and in the provincial capital after being deployed in June 2009 on requisition of the provincial government following worsening law and order situation in Quetta? True, the border along Afghanistan is quite long and porous, but it is an established fact that the infiltration of terrorists and arms into Balochistan is impossible without the cooperation of the border security force namely Frontier Corps. Moreover, if the terrorists, somehow, succeed to sneak into Balochistan what the police and a number of intelligence agencies are doing then for the last several years instead of catching these terrorists who are killing innocent people? If the spy agencies can supervise the daily activities of common man by bugging their telephone calls, can't they tape the cell-phone conversations of terrorists to monitor their unlawful activities?

The tolerance and patience of people in Quetta are now touching its peak with respect to incessant target killings and kidnappings for ransom in the form of a catastrophic volcano which could burst anytime if the government continues showing indifference to public sufferings.  

by Amjad Hussain

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 09th, 2010)

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Computer Centre Inaugurated

Quetta, April 06th, 2010: Keeping in view the need to make our youths keeping abreast with computer knowledge and technology, a new computer centre has been opened on Alamdar Road on April 04, 2010.

Former provincial minister and prominent leader of Hazara tribe Sardar Nisar Ali Hazara opened the centre at a ceremony that was attended by a large number of Hazara tribe elders and notables.

The centre named as Millennium Computer is situated opposite new Alamdar Bakery. The centre director Zakir Hussain, on the occasion, announced a special discount of 50% in fees for poor students and family members of Hazara martyrs in various computer courses to be taught at the centre.  

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 06th, 2010)

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Girls College Quetta Witnesses Another Agitation Day

Quetta, April 03rd, 2010: Students of Government Girls Degree College Quetta called off their two-day long agitation after constitution of an inquiry committee by the government to probe into the alleged molestation of a girl student by the driver of the college principal.


According to Balochistan education minister Tahir Mehmood Khan the committee will be headed by provincial minister for prosecution Rahila Hameed Durrani and comprise city elites, provincial ministers and education department officials.

He also announced the closure of the college for four days. He said the Principal's driver has been suspended from service with immediate effect. 

Earlier, the students gathered inside the college near its main gate and protested for the second day against what they call the non-suspension of the driver from service and non-formation of the inquiry committee to sort out the issue. They chanted slogans against the college administration and demanded access of media personnel to college premises to cover their agitation. Police did not allow the media teams to enter the college premises to cover the student's protest.

It is worth mentioning that the college students staged a protest inside their institution on Friday afternoon against what they say the misbehaviour of the college principal's driver with a girl student. The students say the driver had grabbed the girl by her collar and dragged her to the principal's office when she hit the principal's car with her foot after being snubbed by the principal in her office for carrying an MP-3 player in the college.

The protesting students also called out their male family members who rushed to the college and staged protest by blocking the main road in front of the college and burning tyres demanding action against the accused.

The issue was, however, resolved after mediation of the provincial education minister between the college administration and students' parents on the assurance that the driver would be suspended and a committee would be formed to investigate into the matter. 

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain April 03rd, 2010)

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Seminar on the 15th anniversary of Martyred Leader Baba Abdul Ali Mazari in UK

UK, March 24th, 2010: On the Saturday 20th of march a  seminar  held in Shenly Brookend theatre in Milton Keynes England commemorating the 15th anniversary of the martyr leader Abdul Ali Mazari. The seminar starts at 2pm and finish at 5.30pm. A huge number of the men and women attend the seminar from all over the United Kingdom.

All the speakers paid a great respect and tribute to the Shaheed Mazari. The speaker also discussed the current political situation in Afghanistan. Among the main speakers were Hafeez Khurram (writer and political analyst) Syed Inayat Shah (deputy Secretary General HO UK) Abdul Shad Bahaduri.(political Analyst) Syed Munnawar Hiadary (Chairman Hazara Organisation UK) Shaheed Zadaah and others. The speakers also discussed on the concept of the world Hazara Organisation.
The seminar organised by Afghan community of Milton Keynes and Hazara community of Bedford.

Reported by Zakir Hussain

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 24th, 2010)

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Mohsin Changezi & Shazia Batool awarded with Presidential awarded by governor Magsi

QUETTA, March 24th, 2010: Yesterday on Tuesday Governor of balochistan Mr. Nawab zulfiqar Ali Magsi had awarded presidential award two young intellectual of Hazaras named Shazia Batool & Mohsin Changezi, Shazia was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, president award on best performance in field of Art while Mohsin Changezi was awarded in field of poetry at governor house Quetta.

There are many names in Pakistan who served in art but among all Pakistani artists a very young lady who had served her life for the sake of fine arts. There is one name Shazia Batool who is very young and still a student at NCA Lahore. Shazia was awarded before from Prime Minister of Pakistan, Governor of Punjaub, and Chief Minister of Balochistan, now Governor of Balochistan, and different achievement awards. Such as National Youth Award in 2008, Provincial Youth Award in 2008, special youth award and many more. Also she has participated in many Art Exhibition.

Click here for her details… http://www.hazaranation.com/Shazia-batool.htm

If we talks about Urdu poets there are many names surrounding among us but all are good in their field that they had changed minds of people with their poetry and played their role in social life among all of them there is one name a young poet of Pakistan Mr. Mohsin Changezi who belongs to Hazara Nation from Quetta city. He had done his best to be a quality poet in Pakistan, he is the owner of many Urdu poetry books such as “Sarab Jaw” “Khowab se Khali Ankhen” “Uran” and he proved that therefore he was awarded 2009 Excellent Award, Nishan e Ghazal, Star of the Night (Dubai) and today again he won over all for his performance Govt of Pakistan accepted his struggles and he was awarded Presidential award (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz) in poetry.

Click here for Mohsin Page …  http://www.hazaranation.com/Mohsin.htm  

Reported by Muhammad Idrees

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 24th, 2010)

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Ethnic Diversity

QUETTA, March 23rd, 2010: Quetta is one of the largest cities in Pakistan.  Quetta city is located in the north west of Pakistan and it is been a gate way to the North Afghanistan and the West Iran. The city is different from the most cities in Pakistan. Quetta is the most urban capital of Balochistan, Pakistan. Balochistan province is considered the richest province of Pakistan with natural resources and minerals, but with lack of extreme literacy and infrastructure. In 1838, British had brought thousand of ethnic Hazara’s from Afghanistan as manpower to have built the British India train track to Afghanistan. The natural feature of Hazara people who lives in Quetta city is not in most watch able due to different race that is oriental. However frequently, the Hazara community face congregation in certain parts of settlements. Quetta has very high scale of separation with many ethnic outlines from language, race and religion differences. Quetta is divided into four zones where many ethnic minorities from Christian, Hindu, Iranian, Afghan and Hazaras are living. Each ethnic group has certain ways of living and believes. The entire city is either ‘Shia’ or ‘sunni’. There areas are segregated by a certain appearance some with long beard and some in short. The difference between ‘Shia’ and ‘Sunni’ can be easily distinguished due to there typical appearances, attitude and names that makes obvious differences. The concept and thoughts of religious believes, and school of thoughts is a clear identity for these ethnic groups living in Quetta city, but Hazaras who are the decedent of Afghanistan migrated in 1838, to Pakistan has an enthralling feature of an oriental look and yellow skin amongst other inhabitant living in Pakistan. Our race is pure Mongolian and religion was a pure Buddhist that had been carried out until we accepted Islam long after 711 AD. We are not only discriminated by the majority but also killed subject to religion and race. Despite being ethnic line, our nation still stands qualified in majority amongst other natives. Hazara’s population in Quetta city is almost 400000, out of 2.5 million inhabitants. There are Baloch, Pashtoon and Punjabi’s who are in majority and Hazara stands segregated along ethnic row. But in education field Hazara plays a leading role by devoting there skills, services in all field from high rank governmental officials, army to commercial line.  Hazaras moved to Quetta Pakistan with intense shocked from Afghanistan’s king Abdul Reham brutal punishment, torture and hang to death from 1838 till 1900 and onward. His rule is well remembered for his savagery and bloody suppression of revolts, specially for massacring sixty percent of Hazara ethnic groups. After migration to Quetta Pakistan, our forefather’s have struggled hard to establish themselves for new life and place that is Quetta city. This hard line differences and suffering have awakened our ancestors mind to focus in education and nothing else. They worked hard in the field of labouring but let their children to have access to education that they thought is, their basic right and this shall be their key to success. Besides being suffering from deep turmoil from harsh circumstances they continued their effort on focusing in education so as, I and every Hazara exclusive or/and individually. Our secret in success is only education that today we stands the most competitive to hold on high rank seats in the government department as well as the most successful business man in commercial sector.

by Hasan Kazmi

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 23rd, 2010)

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HDP Announces Protest Against Hazaras' Target Killings in Quetta

QUETTA, March 21th, 2010: Hazara Democratic Party staged a rally in Quetta against unremitting target killings of Hazara tribe members in the provincial capital of Balochistan. Six members of Hazara tribe have been killed in three different incidents of target killings in Quetta in just four days.

The rally was led by secretary-general HDP Abdul Khaliq Hazara was taken out from the party secretariat on Alamdar Road which marched to Meezan Chowk where the participants staged a sit-in. Carrying placards and chanting slogans against the provincial administration for its failure to ensure security to Hazara community members the protestors demanded immediate arrest of the target killers.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Khaliq Hazara, criticized the provincial government for its failure to maintain law and order in the city. He said six members of Hazara community have been killed in just four days in three different incidents of target killings which shows the inefficiency of the government and its poor performance.

He also criticized the political parties of the province for their criminal silence over the target killings of Hazara people. He urged the civil society activists to help them check the target killings of Hazara community members in Quetta.

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 21th, 2010)

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HDP Announces Protest Against Hazaras' Target Killings in Quetta:

QUETTA, March 20th, 2010: Hazara Democratic Party has announced to hold a protest rally and sit-in in Quetta on Sunday against the incessant target killings of Hazara community people in the city. Six members of Hazara community have been killed in target killing incidents over last four days and six others critically injured.

Addressing a press conference at their party secretariat on Alamdar Road on Saturday, secretary-general HDP Abdul Khaliq Hazara said the rally would be taken out from their party office on Alamdar Road at 11 am that will march down to Meezan chowk where a sit-in would be held.

He said killings of six Hazara people in just four days shows the inefficiency and poor performance of the provincial administration. The administration has completely failed to provide security to Hazara people, he added while appealing to civil society to help them check the target killings of the Hazaras.

Khaliq also denounced the political parties for their criminal silence over Hazaras' targeted killings in Quetta and said the political parties instead of raising voice against these heinous killings are keeping their lips tight. 

He said a delegation of Hazara community had also called on president Zardari during his last visit to Quetta seeking his cooperation to check Hazaras' target killings in the city which, he added, seemed to have yielded no result.

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 20th, 2010)

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Once again another six persons fell the victims of terrorism in Quetta.

QUETTA, March 20th, 2010: After 24 hours again six Hazaras came under attack of terrorism in Quetta, Balochistan. Three person Muhammad Ali son of Ghulam Raza, Ghulam Raza son of Khuda Bakhsh, Ramzan Ali son of Nouroz Ali were killed on the spot and three Ali Baba, Ali Raza son of Ismat Ullah, Muhammad Ali son of Yousuf Ali was critically injured on eastern bypass (Hazar Ganjee) Quetta city, the porvincial capital of Balochistan, at 11:15 am while they were coming for home from Hazar ganjee. These men went to Hazara ganjee to bring fruit for their shops. Where some armed men came and open fired on them and three died on the spot and the other three is critcally injured including on 13 years old boy.  

In this four days this is the 3rd incident happening with the people of peacefull and inocent Hazara tribes. Where six men has lost their lives and the other six are critically injured.

This kinds of target killing has shown the provincial administration and law enforcement agencies is failed to control the law and order situation of Quetta city and no one is secured, even in last three days three person were killed in same area.

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 20th, 2010)

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TALIBANISATION OF QUETTA

QUETTA, March 20th, 2010: ALTHOUGH insurgency in Balochistan dominates the political front and media attention, there is another alarming reality which has been ignored and denied by the provincial and the federal government. This is Talibanisation of Balochistan, particularly of Quetta and northern Balochistan.

Major cases of recent targeted killings in Quetta and abductions for ransom are directly linked with jihadi outfits and the Taliban who have natural and cultural en mity with nationalist Pakhtoons and Baloch, including the Hazara tribe.

Quetta continues to witness substantial militant activity, both from Islamist extremists and Baloch nationalists. There were 73 militancy-related incidents in Quetta during 2009 (till Nov 15) as against 81 in 2008; 72 in 2007; 75 in 2006; 61 in 2005; 51 in 2004; and 32 in 2003.

After 2001, Quetta witnessed a sharp increase of land encroach ment by the Taliban who fled Afghanistan after 2001 US attacks. There are several no-go areas in Quetta and Balochistan, used by the Taliban as launching pads.
As for the Quetta regional military shura, it directs activities in southern and western Afghanistan. It is currently led by Hafez Majid.

The shura is using no-go areas like Kharotabad, Pakhtoonabad, Kakar Colony and recently developed areas of eastern and western bypasses in Quetta for their operations.

After the recent operations in Helmand, a heavy influx of highprofile Taliban leaders and refugees has moved to Quetta. This has resulted in the increase of property prices and rent. It is time all illegally occupied government territories were vacated.

Modern housing schemes should be developed on those lands, and no-go areas must be opened and action should be launched against all militant groups.

The eastern bypass of Quetta city must be regained by the government and developed as an industrial-cum-educational zone for the rapidly growing population of Quetta.

Strict measures need to be taken to regulate businesses, labour laws, housing and property to discourage notorious groups to use Quetta as a soft target for their activities. M. POPALZAI & SHARIF KASI Quetta.

Click for the main Link

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 20th, 2010)

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HDP Holds Demonstration against Target Killing Of Hazaras in Quetta

QUETTA, March 19th, 2010: Today once again the only political party of Hazara Nation HDP come out on road for demonstration just because of target killing of Hazaras in Quetta, Balochistan. With in 2 days 3 Hazaras killed and 2 critical injured.

Provincial governement and lawefore agencies they are quite and fail to keep piece. They wont take strick action against target killing of piece full & innocent Hazaras in Quetta city. While hundreds of Hazara people went for demonstration along with play cards.

The demonstration started at 11:45am at Quetta prees club, during the demonstration at press club HDP workers and Hazara people recorded their emotions and feeling infront of Electronic and print media representative. They have hope that media will do something in order to govt and law enforcement agencies.

The two speakers Mr. Raza Wakeel and Mirza Hussain they speak about the Old days of Quetta city that every tribes in Quetta were friendly getting together in their sad activities and happines, and now the time came that few terrorist is killing Hazaras and other community members so it is better to mentioned those terrorist so that there should not be any confusion between the other tribes. We all tribes in Quetta City should get together to work for piece in our home town.

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 19th, 2010)

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ANOTHER HAZARA BUSINESSMAN FALLS THE VICTIMS OF SECTARIAN TARGET KILLING IN QUETTA

QUETTA, March 18th, 2010: Another incident happened today on March 18, 2010 at Hazar Ganji unknown armed men shot dead Shabbir Hussain S/o Haji Faqeer Hussain on his shop while he was busy with his work. He was badly shot at his shop. Police rushed to the site after receiving information and shifted the body of Shaheed to Quetta civil hospital. Investigation into the incident under process

Muhammad Idrees

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 18th, 2010)

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AGAIN HAZARA’s ARE TARGETed IN QUETTA BALOCHISTAN

QUETTA, March 18th, 2010: Once again the bloodshed of the Hazaras started in Quetta after Feburary 13, 2010. Three members of the Hazara tribes were killed and another badly injured on march 17 on western bypass.

The victims who were labourers were working in a house in Akhtar Abad when they were targeted by unknown armed men with automatic weapons. The victims included Muhammad Ali and Ustad Ghulam Rasool who died on the spot and Zawar Shah who was critically injured.

Police and Hazara tribe people rushed to the site soon after the incident and shifted by the bodies and injured to Bolan Medical Complex Hospital. Further investigation is underway.

Muhammad Idrees

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 18th, 2010)

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AANNIVERSARY OF SHAHEED BABA ABDUL ALI MAZARI IN QUETTA

QUETTA, March 14th, 2010: The 15th anniversary of Shaheed Baba Abudl Ali Mazari was held on 14th March at Khadija Mehmoodi Hall Tanzeem Nasle Nau Hazara Mughal Quetta. In this ceremony from different parts of the life the people particpated.

From different community in Afghanistan the people were participated the anniversary of Baba Mazari and express their feelings for the great leader of Hazara Shaheed Baba Abdul Ali Mazari.

Muhammad Idrees

(Posted by Altaf Hussain March 18th, 2010)

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All Hazara Football Tournament Begins

QUETTA, February 19th, 2010: All Hazara Youth Football Tournament 2010 has begun at the grassy ground of Yazdan Khan Model High School. The tournament began on February 06 and will
continue for about a month.

Participating teams are divided in two groups A and B. The Tournament has
been organized by Hazara Students Federation (HSF).

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 19th, 2010)

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Khuda Dad Azara’s Book “Prophet of Mind” Comes Out

QUETTA, February 18th, 2010: A Hazara student of the State University of New York has written a book which has now been published. Khuda Dad Azara, a Ph.D student, has named his book as “Prophet of Mind”.

The book can be accessed through internet at amazon.com. the link is as under.

for Book click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 18th, 2010)

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Hazara guy shot dead, another injured near Kalat

QUETTA, February 13th, 2010: Unknown armed men shot dead a young Hazara guy and injured another one on Quetta-Karachi national highway near Manghucar area of Kalat district on Saturday.

According to police, two young Hazara guys Mehmood Ali and Mohammad Yousaf were heading towards Karachi from Quetta in a rented car. When they reached Manguchar area of Kalat district the car took a brief stopped there at a hotel. As the two got out of the car to have some tea, some unknown armed men opened fire on them, killing Mehmood on the spot and wounding Yousaf critically.

Police rushed to the site after receiving information and shifted the bodies to Quetta civil hospital. Investigation into the incident is underway.


(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 14th, 2010)

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HDP Holds Demonstration Against Kidnapping of Hazara Trader

QUETTA, February 07th, 2010: Hazara Democratic Party staged a protest demonstration against the kidnapping of eminent Hazara trader, Haji Ahmed Ali, and worsening law and order situation in Quetta.

The demonstration was held in front of Quetta press club which was attended by a large number of party workers. The protestors were carrying placards and a banner inscribed with various slogans against target killings, kidnapping for ransom, robbery and provincial government’s failure to maintain law and order in the city. They also chanted slogans against the provincial administration.

They strongly condemned the kidnapping of eminent Hazara trader Haji Ahmed Ali, the owner of Ahmed Store, from Quetta two days back and demanded his immediate recovery.

Speaking on the occasion, HDP deputy secretary-general Mirza Hussain Hazara, condemned the increasing incidents of target killings, robbery and kidnapping for ransom in Quetta and attributed the aggravating law and order situation in the city to inefficiency of the provincial government. He said a number of Hazara people have lost their lives in target killing incidents in Quetta, but the government is still unable to arrest and punish the culprits involved in these uncalled for murders.

He urged the government to immediate recover the kidnapped Hazara trader and arrest the culprits involved in target killings of Hazara people.

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 07th, 2010)

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Eminent Hazara trader Haji Ahmed Ali kidnapped from Art School Road

QUETTA, February 07th, 2010: Unknown armed men kidnapped eminent Hazara trader Haji Ahmed Ali from Art School in Quetta on Sunday.

According to police Haji Ahmed, the owner of Ahmed Store, was on his way to his shop from home in a vehicle on Sunday morning when unknown armed men intercepted and kidnapped him at gunpoint.

Police say Haji Ahmed was alone in his vehicle when he was forcibly taken along by the kidnappers. The incident seems to be a kidnapping for ransom case which is quite common in Quetta city these days.

Police have registered a case and started searching for the accused

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 07th, 2010)

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Chehlum Observed in London

QUETTA, February 07th, 2010: Like other parts of the world, Hazara people in London also observed the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) with due solemnity.

In this regard, a mourning procession was taken out at Marble Arch which was attended by a large number of Hazara diaspora. The participants recited nohas and beat their chests to pay homage and tribute to Karbala martyrs

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 07th, 2010)

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Chehlum Observed With Due Solemnity in Quetta

QUETTA, February 05th, 2010: Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain A.S and his companions was observed with due regard and solemnity in Quetta on Friday.

A mourning procession was taken out from Alamdar Road in the morning which passed through its traditional route and culminated at Hazara graveyard in the evening where the procession was addressed by religious scholars. Thousands of mourners attended the procession reciting Nohas and beating their chests to pay homage to the holy Imam.    

Provincial administration had adopted strict security measures on the occasion. Some 4000 personnel of police, Balochistan Constabulary and Frontier Corps had been deployed along the procession route while all the shops and buildings lying and roads and streets leading to the route had been sealed to prevent entry to irrelevant people.  

for more photos click here...
(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 05th, 2010)

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HSF Holds Seminar on Death Anniversary of Yousafi

QUETTA, February 01st, 2010: Hazara Students Federation organized a seminar on "Shaheed Yousafi; Personality and Vision" in connection with first death anniversary of their martyred chairman, Hussain Ali Yousafi, in Yazdan Khan Model High School.

The seminar was addressed by general secretary Hazara Students Federation Zakir Gulzari, secretary general Hazara Democratic Party Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Professor Rabbani, Muhammad Ali     Torani, Nazeera Karimi and Asmatullah Hazara. The speakers paid rich tribute to Yousafi for his services to promote Hazaragi language and culture and to create political awareness among the Hazaras.

Nazeera Karimi, M. Ali Torani and Professor Rabbani highlighted the messages of Yousafi which he tried to deliver through his dramas, poetries and prose and urged the Hazara nation to understand and follow those messages.

HSF general secretary Zakir Gulzari termed Yousafi as a man of principals and firm ideology which he never compromised on. He said Yousafi started his political career from the platform of HSF who always projected the concept of libral and moderate nationalism. He was of the view that the youths of the nation should play their due role in social and political sectors and should keep themselves abreast of the changing situation political developments in the region. Gulzari urged the Hazara youths to take part in political activities besides trying to improve their knowledge by getting higher education.

General secretary Hazara Democratic Party, Abdul Khaliq Hazara, underlined the need for establishment of a national political institution and said it was high time the Hazaras should institutionalize their political efforts.
He expressed his concern over Afghan government's initiatives to hold talks with Taliban without taking the Hazaras into confidence. He said peace ad stability in Afghanistan was must for regional stability and peace in the war-torn country could only be maintained when the rights of all nationalities living in Afghanistan are recognized on the basis of equality. He condemned the Afghan parliament for rejecting Hazara ministers.

(Posted by Altaf Hussain February 01st, 2010)

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A great leader of a small party

QUETTA, January 28th, 2010: A nation's history acts like a mirror which shows that particular nation its past mistakes with the aim not to commit it again in future. Hazaras have also a dynamic history which provides us with the accounts of our nation's achievements. A nation's leader must have two qualities - wisdom and braveness - as according to Hazrat Ali (A.S) and Hazaras are proud to have had a leader with both these qualities who is, however, no more in this world, but is still remembered with great reverence. That personality is no one, but the deceased chairman of Hazara Democratic Party, Hussain Ali Yousafi. 

                Today's world calls for a who could is not only devoted and dedicated to his nation's cause, but has also the wit and prudence required to identify the actual problems of the nation and to address them properly. Yousafi was a leader who fulfilled these criteria. He always talked about Hazara's unity and urged them to get education saying that it was the only source through which Hazaras could get their legitimate rights which had been usurped by powerful forces. For his purpose, he made great efforts to get the literacy rate enhanced in Hazara society. 

             A nation is identified in the world by its culture and it is an established fact that the nations which preserved their culture have also stood top in the world. Hazaras are one the same nations of the world who have a rich culture in Afghanistan. Although many Afghan rulers made their utmost to bring the Hazaragi culture and civilization to an end through their extra-ordinary atrocities and bestial attitude towards Hazaras they failed in their attempt. This was because of Hazaras' love for their culture and tradition which foiled all the bids to finish them out as a nation. Yousafi was one of those zealous and enthusiastic hazaras who had a vision for Hazaragi culture, tradition and language.

He got his education in a multi-cultural society of Quetta but he never compromised on his cultural way of life.  He always tried to promote Hazaragi culture and language and persuaded the people to get back to their culture and mother tongue, because he deemed that hazaras' culture and language have a significant importance in their life.

Yousafi had a pragmatic approach towards life who, being chairman of HDP, successfully tried to sort out problem being faced by Hazaras in Quetta. He was an optimistic person who never got disappointed by the odd circumstances confronting Hazaras in Quetta. He was quite sure about a bright future of Hazara people in Pakistan despite all discriminations and prejudices being carried out against them.

He always condemned military operations in Balochistan because he had a perception that all the problems might be solved through political dialogues. He kept a wide berth with politics in last years of his life, but spared due time for promotion of Hazaragi dramas and poetry. He was rhetoric having a marvelous sense of humour which he also displayed in his dramas, poetry and speeches. 

Walayat Hussain Mangol


(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 28th, 2010)

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Yousafi's First Death Anniversary Observed in Quetta

QUETTA, January 26th, 2010: First death anniversary of slain Hazara Democratic Party chairman, Hussain Ali Yousafi, was observed with due regard and respect here on Monday. Yousafi was target killed near his travel agency office last year on main Jinnah road in broad day light by activists of the banned outfit, Lashkari Jhangvi.

Quran Khwani was held in Nichari imambargah which continued from morning to afternoon. A large number of people attended the Quran Khwani. Later, Hazara Democratic Party leaders accompanied with scores of people visited Yousafi's grave in Hazara graveyard and offered fateha for his departed soul.

A public meeting was also held in General Mohammad Musa College which was addressed by the HDP leaders. The speakers paid rich tribute to Hussain Yousafi for his services to Hazara nation and highlighted his remarkable feats. They described Yousafi's death as an irreparable loss to Hazara community and said the vacuum thus created could never be filled.

The speakers also criticized the provincial administration for its failure to maintain peace in Quetta and demanded immediate arrest of the killers of Hussain Yousafi. They also demanded of the government to pay compensation to legal heirs of all the Hazara people who have been target killed in the city over the past few years.    


for more photos click here...
(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 27th, 2010)

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Stop contributing for Muhammad Ali

QUETTA, January 09th, 2010: Dear All,

This is for your kind information that mother of Mohammad Ali, a young Hazara guy who had lost his eyesight in a bomb blast on Spini Road in Quetta on October 17, has received enough contribution to get the eyes of her son operated on.

We, the team of Hazaranation.com and mother and other relatives of Mohammad Ali, thank you all from for your generous contributions towards the treatment of this young member of our community. 
 
For any further information, please feel free to contact us through email at the following address: (info@hazaranation.com)

(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 09th, 2010)

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French bakery offers future to Afghan minority children

KABUL, January 05th, 2010: KABUL: On the wall of Le Pelican cafe in Kabul’s dusty suburbs are photographs showing a baker’s dozen of Afghan children beaming over a tray of pastries fresh out of the huge industrial oven behind them.

Nearby shelves are stacked with their wares – croissants, pains au chocolat, baguettes, apple and peach tarts and turnovers, sugar cookies, a variety of breads – which teenagers Habib and Zahir carefully put in paper bags for enthusiastic customers.

In a city that has little trace of the sophistication of its past, Le Pelican Boulanger is more than just a welcome oasis for an expatriate community living and working as if under siege.

The cafe is an outlet for what its French owners, Jacques and Ariane Hiriart, have built from scratch to educate children from Afghanistan’s ethnic Hazara community, who have long suffered discrimination and exclusion.

At the Hiriart’s vocational centre in Kabul’s south-eastern suburbs, almost 200 Hazaras – not all of them children – learn to read and write before they take on the task of turning out fine French pastries and breads.

The aim is to give them skills they can use to find jobs in the hospitality industry, said Jacques, though he concedes the day Afghanistan welcomes tourists from across the world is probably a long way off.

Many of the children at Le Pelican child care centre “just knock on the door”, said Ariane, or she hears about them by word of mouth and invites them to come and learn.

While most are children, Hazara women also come to learn to read and write, she said, adding the youngest at the centre is six and the oldest 32 years old.

On the vocational side, however, it is still early days for the Hazara boys learning to make bread and hoping the skills will help them find future work.

“Everyone is still very young, and there are not so many hotels here so it is difficult for them to find good work,” Jacques told AFP, sitting over a hot chocolate in a sunny alcove of Le Pelican as one of three cats dozed on the next chair.

Jacques, 61, and Ariane have a long association with Afghanistan, having first worked in Kabul for a Swiss non-governmental organisation in 2000, while the brutal and extremist Taliban was still in control.

Under the Taliban regime the discrimination long suffered by the Hazara – believed to be descendants of the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan and his sons who swept across Central Asia in the 13th century – had become even worse. The few NGOs in the country were not permitted to work with them.

After the 9/11 Al Qaeda attacks on the United States, the couple were on the last evacuation flight to leave Kabul two days later.

Within a month, the Taliban had been pushed from power in a US-led invasion, and not long afterwards the Hiriarts returned to Kabul “to do what we really wanted to do – to take care of what we considered the most vulnerable people, Hazara children”, Ariane said.

Years earlier, after the death of their only child at age 10, the couple had decided to change their lives, she said.

In 1986, Jacques ended his 12-year career as an oil rig engineer to retrain as a baker, learning l’art de la patisserie with a vague plan of moving abroad and starting a new life.

After running a successful boulangerie in eastern France for 10 years, they were inspired by French writer Joseph Kessel’s book “On the Horsemen’s Steps”, about the traditional Central Asian mounted game of buzkashi.

“This was our inspiration, as it was for many French people, to come to Afghanistan,” said Jacques. “So we joined KABUL: Boys from Afghanistan’s Hazara minority group learn to make French bread and pastries at the Le Pelican café.—AFP

an NGO but it was not satisfying – what was missing was contact with the population.

“I’m not really interested in doing the sort of work that means you sit behind your computer and never see what is happening outside, that is very sad. Most important for us is the contact with the local people.”

As their plans took shape, they found help in odd corners – for instance, the bread oven at their centre was brought into Afghanistan by the French military, fighting with the US and Nato to quell a Taliban insurgency.

“We had our first customer on Sept 12, 2006, the day of my birthday,” he said, searching for the bill on his laptop. “We sold croissants, pains au chocolat and hamburger buns.” Annual operating costs are 120,000 dollars, said Jacques, adding that the cafe and sales of the bakery products had made 12,000 dollars since April 2009.

They rely on private donations and keep a low profile, not wishing to draw attention in a country ranked by the international watchdog Transparency International as the world’s second most corrupt, after Somalia.

Unlike many foreigners with businesses in Afghanistan, the Hiriarts refuse to pay bribes to stay open, believing they are setting an example to their trainees.

For now, however, they believe they have reached a plateau and that to take their concept further they need help – preferably from another couple who will be able to run the cafe and bakery while they develop the centre.

“We are searching, but it is not easy. Not many people like us want to come to Afghanistan,” said Jacques.—AFP

By Lynne O’Donnell
Monday, 04 Jan, 2010

Click for the main Link

(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 05th, 2010)

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Shia Women Demands Arrest of Karachi Blast Masterminds

QUETTA, January 03rd, 2010: Shia women in Quetta have demanded of the Sindh government to impartially probe into Ashura day bombing and expose the elements behind the inhuman act.

Speaking at a press conference in Hazara Nichari Imambargah, they criticized the Sindh government and its law enforcement agencies for their failure to check the gory incident and said the poor performance of Sindh government as well as federal government can judged from the fact that they could not ascertain the actual cause of the blast even after a week of the incident.

They categorically stated that the Ashura procession participants were not involved in arson and other violence which erupted after the blast on M.A Jinnah Road in Karachi as they were busy in shifting their bodies and injured to hospitals. They demanded of the Sindh government to release all mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) who have arrested in this connection.

They also demanded payment of compensation to legal heirs of the victims who have fallen prey to sectarian target killings.

Later, Quran Khuwani and Majlis were also held in the imambargah Hazara Nichari wherein special prayers were offered for departed souls of the Karachi blast martyrs.


for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 03rd, 2010)

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Shia Conference Demands Judicial Probe into Karachi Suicide Attack

QUETTA, January 01st, 2010: Balochistan Shia Conference has demanded of the federal and Sindh governments to get the suicide attack on Ashura procession in Karachi investigated by the sitting judges of the high court or supreme court within a fortnight.

Addressing a press conference in Kandhari Imambargah, president Balochistan Shia Conference Syed Ashraf Zaidi also demanded legal action against the law enforcement personnel whose negligence led to the occurrence of the incident.

He also demanded arrest of the actual culprits and release of the innocent mourners who were arrested on false accusation of torching public and private buildings in Karachi following the blast.

He also condemned the statement of Karachi traders and religious leaders in which they had called for a ban on Moharram procession to come out on M.A Jinnah Road. He resolved that no restriction on Moharram processions would be tolerated at any cost. 

Zaidi also condemned the statement of federal interior minister urging Shiitte population to restrict their processions to specific areas and said the incident seems a reflection of the same statements.

He also condemned torching of the public and private properties in Karachi soon after the incident and asserted that the procession participants were not involved in this act as they were busy in shifting the injured and bodies to hospitals. He called for payment of compensation to all the affected traders. He also criticized the media for putting the blame of arson on the mourners and urged the news men to confirm the facts prior to publishing any such news.

The Shia Conference chief also demanded of Balochistan government to pay compensation to legal heirs of the target killing victims belonging to Shia sect.

Leaders of Hazara Qaumi Jirgah, Ittehad Tajiran Balochistan and religious leaders were also present on the occasion. 
   
Earlier, a rally was also held to condemn the Karachi blast after Friday congregation. The rally was taken out from Hazara Imambargah on Prince Road which marched up to Hazara Nichari Imambargah on Alamdar Road.

for more photos click here...

(Posted by Altaf Hussain January 01st, 2010)

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