Ali Malik's blog

Many of the people around have put forth the idea of returning to the system of hey-days of khilafat as cure to all our ills. For them, reverting back to that era and its ideals is the silver bullet we require for werewolf of our state of insignificance and misery. One can hardly blame the ordinary Muslims for it. For over the centuries, they have been bombarded with a constant and continuous propaganda of "Hail Khilafat", just when at the core of it lie the vested interests of religious clergy and the subsequent monarchies that labeled themselves as Khilafats. And even to this modern age, religious clergy sees it as the most potent tool in its bid to absolute power in the proposed theocratic state they envision. Even today organizations like Islami Tehrik, Hizb-ul-tehrir, Taliban and AlQaeeda declare establishment of a Khilafat as there prime objective. The intensity of the propaganda has been such that in the Sunni World, Khilafat has become as holy as Oneness of Allah or P

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 just look at this and you will realize that it's easier than many of us thought... and yet at the same time, it makes us realize that how important it is to have priority based policy making, fiscal discipline, stronger corporate law infrastructure, corporate regulation and reducing the size and influence of government leading to liberalization of economy.... 26th to top 10, is 500% increase... something that is achievable in 2 decades of sound fiscal planning and economic and political stability.... the experience of china tells us that it's not about per capita as it is about the overall size of economy.. for money attracts money or as the Newton once said about gravity, mass attracts mass.... opportunity await us... it's for us to grab it.... ensuring an economic growth balanced with social responsibility....

Amid growing sectarian violence and an unstoppable drag towards a civil war, from the tone of US administration it can be inferred that Washington has all but conceded Iraq as a misadventure gone wrong. Instead of the steadfast resolve of "stay the course", the buzzword now is "change tactics according to situation on ground". Though the administration will not concede it openly, it is looking for a respectable exit from Iraq. This approach is not confined to Iraq only. Same vibes are imminent in Afghanistan as well where US and NATO have hinted at engaging Taliban and other radical elements. Irrespective of what were US's motives of waging these wars and whether they have been achieved or not, this conflict now is no more a conflict of US but has increasingly become the conflict of liberal, main-stream Muslims. For in case of a US exit from region, it will be termed as a victory for hardliners and radicals will gain a lot of ground in their quest to control Isl

Inter-religious dialogue has become a buzzword these days. After the controversy followed by the controversial remarks of Pope, the Church has adopted the line of an inter-faith dialogue. Not only that, it has also become a hip thing amongst the liberals and peace-quacks. And though I have a very high regard for their statesmanship and scholarship, even President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair have joined in the chorus. But just when everyone talks about the dialogue between the religions and faiths, no one is coming up with the parameters for such dialogue. All they vaguely suggest is a need for debate on role of rationality in faith. Sounds illuminating, but is it practical? I mean, how can you convince a Muslim to accept the rationale of trinity or how can you expect a Christian to accept that Islam is a true religion of the God of Jesus and Moses and it is here that the God completed his religion (both things fundamental to the respective beliefs of Islam and Christianity). Or ho

Inter-religious dialogue has become a buzzword these days. After the controversy followed by the controversial remarks of Pope, the Church has adopted the line of an inter-faith dialogue. Not only that, it has also become a hip thing amongst the liberals and peace-quacks. And though I have a very high regard for their statesmanship and scholarship, even President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair have joined in the chorus. But just when everyone talks about the dialogue between the religions and faiths, no one is coming up with the parameters for such dialogue. All they vaguely suggest is a need for debate on role of rationality in faith. Sounds illuminating, but is it practical? I mean, how can you convince a Muslim to accept the rationale of trinity or how can you expect a Christian to accept that Islam is a true religion of the God of Jesus and Moses and it is here that the God completed his religion (both things fundamental to the respective beliefs of Islam and Christianity). Or ho

Whether it comprises true-lies or false-truths? Whether Mahmood wanted to corner Musharaf and take power or Armitage is lieing? Whether Kargil was a success turned to failure by Nawaz or a loss covered up? These are the questions for the history to answer and trust me, history will. "In the line of fire" is out to narrate tyrants version of history and his grasped the media attention and that of public too. I congratulate Mushahid Hussain for writing a potential best-seller.

thou smile was shine to date it brings pine when party was on and your eyes were on mine your hair were straightened and lips were as wine and there i made the mistake of thinking you as mine (A tribute to the spirit and soul of Splendid Splendor)

In the recent times the inaction and lack of direction on part of PPP was a major disappointment for me and people of Pakistan. However, not breaking away from its usual lack of direction the political front, PPP has taken a principled stand on Women Protection Bill and the strategy so far seems perfect. A lot of people will call such thing s sell-out but it should not stop party from standing for the right cause. PPP has long been a supporter of amendments to injust Hadood Laws and the bill approved by Select Committee, though short of party demands, provided relief to women and was a step in the right direction. For this reason, PPP supported it unconditionally despite the continuous victimization of party workers and leaders. In standing for a principled position, either of the two outcomes is a Win-Win for party. If the legislation goes through as per Select Committee recommendations, PPP and women of Pakistan have won a major battle in the long fight for justice and if the Govt. y

United State occupied Iraq but cannot control it. Pakistan Army takes over the state but cannot control it. United States went into Iraq to end dictatorship and bring democracy. Pakistan Army is in Balochistan to end tyranny of Sardari system and bring human rights and prosperity. Iraqis hate US more than they hate anything else. If precedence and commonsense is anything to go by, same could be concluded about Balochistan. Balochistan had always been a troubled province of Pakistan. Balochs have always felt that they have been hard-done by the federation and specially Punjab. They believe that they are deprived of their fair share of pie and there resources are plundered by center and Punjab. The recent military operation and the incidents that preceded and followed it only added fuel to Balochs anger and turned the movement from one for rights to a secessionist movement and now with the killing of Akbar Bugti, it seems we are nearing the end game. An end; where Pakistan existing in th

This morning driving along sunder Das road, watching Pakistani flags raised over the quarters of Aitchison College employees, my mind wandered to the letter written by a character of "aag ka darya" in which he writes his observations about emerging social equation of Karachi and newly found state of Pakistan. I could sense some conflict pinching my heart and soul. In the shadows of the novel, initially I thought as if I am trying to experience the conflict that the migrants had to face in Pakistan but then a series of shocking realizations came to me. I realized that I am not mohajir but a Punjabi and my association is with the land of Punjab which in-turn is part of the nation-state which I consider as my identity. But then I felt detached from the Punjab and Punjabis. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't associate myself with my land, or Punjab, or my Punjabi or Pakistani identity. On a rhetorical level yes, but in reality I couldn't. I realized that I am so dista

It's scary. It looks troublesome....

THUD!!!!! Nothing to write about. Everything seems stuck. lull before the storm or is it the end already. Dead end..... scary it is. worrying. if you want to have your share, be part of it. who wins will ultimately become self-centered (if he is not already). power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. ensure rotation of power for your own safety. ensure checks. while accumulating and exercising power, think not of time when you are on top but of one when you wouldn't be. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes. being all inclusive pays and helps. no union is possible without equality for else it is occupation and occupation is unstable. seek stability for as long as you can. peace flows through the barrel of a gun but depends on whether the one behind the barrel is just or not. for injustice only momentarily stops the unstoppable and makes it more volcanic.

The battle for new world order is being fought on multiple fronts. On one end, the conservative capitalism on one hand is trying to have its way in the West through interest groups, right wing media and powerful lobbies. On the other hand, it is preparing for an alternate bastion in the form of China and are creating an outsourced economy (how naive are the leftists who think the rise of China will mark the death of capitalism). On the other end, the liberal business and political community (specially in West) realizing the threat that the conservative capitalism poses to the ethos and ideals of Western civilization are trying to curtail the traditional capitalism. People like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet (strange strange for they still remain monopolists), few Hollywood celebrities (well not all are show-offs, neither are all genuine) etc. Have realized that if the Western values, ideals and civilization are to survive the route lies in spreading the fruits of wealth and progress to have

The foundations of the present World Order had been laid in Middle East after the First World War. Just when the democracy was establishing itself as an established norm rather than a mere concession and just when the World's economy was hooked to the fossil fuels, the British (the then super power and representative of the capitalism), through a master stroke of polity, imposed the new political order in the oil-rich Middle East. The former Ottoman Empire was chopped into bits and pieces forming new monarchies with full consideration given to the fact that the clans, tribes and ethnicities remain divided in multiple monarchies thus ensure that no coherent, stable political entity could emerge in the region. Another master-stroke of the order is the fact that in each new formed state, it was made sure that the Monarch or the ruler belonged to the tribe or sect that represented the minority. Saudi Arabia or Yemen or Iraq or Bahrain or Shah's Iran with majority Shia population we

I have to make a confession. I was one of the very few supporters of the energy policy being announced by Benazir Bhutto in 1995 (and then I looked a fool). Keeping in view the events that have gone by, I really feel good about me for taking that stand. My stand then was based on the following considerations: 1. Load-sheddings are a killer to economic growth and so energy is required from anywhere at any cost. 2. Hydel power is not a viable and sustainable option because of limited number of hydel power locations. 3. At that moment the quickest of hydel power projects would have took 6-7 years before being operational. The opportunity cost of the delay caused by sticking to only hydel would have been too much to bear (95-98 saw 5%+ GDP growth per annum). 4. Kalabagh and other hydel projects are extremely politicized and should be avoided at the cost of federation till the federating units reach a consensus. 5. There exists a strong mega hydel projects lobby in WAPDA and engineering wor

Anyone who believes that Benazir will strike a deal with General on General's terms, tends to ignore the fact that such deal will take away from her the very premise of strength that forces General to strike a deal with her. She will lose her iconic image of a champion of democracy and masses' rights and a symbol of struggle against establishment. Nawaz League is much more likely to strike a deal with General. Even there, Nawaz himself seems steadfast on not compromising. However, a major split in the ranks of Nawaz league is expected if the existing situation persists.

I personally dislike Irfan Siddiqui (Nawa-i-waqt), and I don't agree with anything that he says.. but yesterday the last line of his article was a literary masterpiece and thought provoking. So here it is ... " the nuclear program of Pakistan is trying to hide itself from planets and starts, for it fears that someone might ask him about his mentors. How will he tell them that one of them turned out to be a murderer (Z.A. Bhutto), the other was a hijacker (Nawaz Sharif) and another was a smuggler (Dr. A.Q. Khan)". I detest the way, we have treated Dr. A. Q. Khan and ZAB and Nawaz and Benazir.

Who actually won in Nepal? The people or the status quo? Ultimatly all around the world it is turning out to be a battle between capitalism and democracy. The battle began after the two knocked communism out together. You could have seen it in India with BJPs India shining campaign, BJPs downfall, Congress's rise, Stock market's crash and then an economist at the helm of affairs. We have seen it in Venezuela. And more recently we saw it in Nepal and UAE. Just when China is becoming the new hub of capitalism, the battle is getting more and more intense. Capitalism with conservatism, neoconservatism, and interest groups is trying to eliminate the hurdles that democracy causes in its way. The battle has divided the West for West's ideals of freedom, democracy, human rights and social responsibility are not letting capitalism its way, the way it wants to. So the capitalism has chosen new hubs. Hubs like India, China and South America. The hubs where economic conditions and lack

For last few weeks, I have been getting more and more details of an inhumane practice being carried out in Pakistan in the name of religion. There is a legend that if the women who can't conceive pray at the shrine of Shah Daula, and pledge to donate their first child to the shrine of Shah Daula, they will have babies. The legend also says that if they wouldn't do this, they will have abnormal babies. Now many people believe in the legend for sheer ignorance and lack of education. Many women come to the shrine and pray and then donate their kids to the shrine. This is where the irony starts. It is said that a mafia at the shrine puts the metallic clad around these kids' heads. This stops the growth of their skull and mental faculties. And they grow up as abnormal adults with small skulls. They are called Dolay shah ke Chohae (Rats of Dolay Shah) and are used for begging all across the country. Now this whole operation is said to be controlled by a powerful mafia and the bri

People who have lived in New York for some time and were not there during 9/11 were unanimous in their opinion upon return from NYC visit post 9/11, "it really feels sad to see NYC without twin towers". Mind you these people had no direct connection to the 9/11 tragedy and so their sadness and reaction looked a bit over-board to me. But not any more, for since yesterday, we are witnessing a "Basant" in Lahore without any kite flying and this has made me feel sad much the same way the New Yorkers did on their return to NYC post 9/11. There certainly is no alternative to a human life. But being rational we should think whether there is no other way left except an all out ban on kite-flying or is it just the particular ad hoc approach that bans dual-carriage on motorcycles after any terrorist attack. If it is a failure of public policy (and I believe it is), from problem definition to execution, it better be dealt as one and not through banning a tradition and custom

President Bush has completed his South-Asian visit. And all through out, there has been a growing feeling in Pakistan that we have been wronged. On all issues from terrorism to nuclear energy deal, from Kashmir to trade deal, nothing seems to benefit us. And above all, it seems that the pressure on Gen. Musharaf is increasing on issues ranging from terrorism to democracy. Many draw parallels to the fair-weather friendship of US in the past where US had used Pakistan in her hour of need and then abandoned it. It could be argued in terms of real-politik who was to be blamed for that inconsistent pattern of friendship. But observing Bush's language and body language, it looks anything but abandonment. Let us look at the issues that were the corner stone of this visit. Make no mess about it; the visit was for India only. Pakistan and Afghanistan were mere stopovers for some sort of compensation. The headline of the visit is a civilian nuclear deal signed between US and India. The deal

Almost all of the (pseudo) educated people (not those who could hardly sign but the ones who have good grasp of reading and writing either English or Urdu) in Pakistan are hit by either of the two syndrome (some times even both at the same time). A sizeable are getting euphoric about the religion and turning to religion (branded mind you) as their sole survival, and the remaining are all praises for military rule, considering it the mantra for all the ills. This lack of objectivity and rationale amongst the educated people in Pakistan should be the prime cause of concern for the nation-state. For anyone who is sensible enough, and has not closed his mental faculties to listen to any rationale or logic, how religious euphoria is a killer needs no proof. Similarly, why those who think military rule is the cure to all ills are naive needs no explanation if one digs just a little deep. Still, I will analyze both. This article is for Mushy lovers. And later, I will talk about the "Isla

It's becoming more and more evident that the Mullah Military Alliance was on display during the recent rioting and agitation. However, for all parties concerned, here are a few questions that need to be answered: 1) To military; with his even growing influence, militant power and control, will not mullah start claiming the whole pie sooner? 2) Writ of the state usually is more a myth and perception than an actuality. Have not the Aristotles of corridors of power caused severe blow to this writ through their plan and action on February 14 and 15? 3) Who is running the show, Musharaf (I am more inclined to believe this) or some secret hands? Who is the General of Aftab Sherpao? Above all in the words of Nazir Naji, who is the General of Liaquat Baloch? 4) To the people of Pakistan; why were Qazi and Fazal Ur Rehman absent from the Parliamentarian's procession? and what is behind Qazi sahab's timely and convenient house arrests and releases? 5) How come MMA holds rallies in Pu

Keeping in view the current violence, I believe a change in setup atleast and a martial law at the most is imminent. Now whether the man at top (Musharaf) will be at the helm of affairs or not is still unclear but these riots provide a perfect pretext for a Martial Law or change in setup. Whether those who Perpetrated it did it on Mush's behest or others is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Pakistan will be moving well on its way to become a successful torn state (as per huntington's theory of clash of civilizations). Whether it will actually succeed or not is yet to be seen. And if its others and not Musharaf master-minding this all then it is yet to be seen how successful Musharaf will be in countering their move. As far as the violence and looting goes, the mob mentality is a result of decayed morality in last three decades. Morality, mind you, is not sex and drinking, it is bigger issues like honesty, integrity, fair play and most importantly self-esteem and these

I am becoming more and more convinced that the current row over cartoons is being fueled by I)Iran, ii) the autocratic regimes in the Muslim world (these Sauds and Asads and Musharafs), iii) religious extremists. These cartoons to say the least were an idiotic vulgarity but the way the religious right, autocrats and Iran are using them for their own political agenda is shameful to say the least. This folly and lack of understanding on part of West of Muslim sentiment, values and thinking has provided the religious extremists with the best hiring tool they could ever dream of. It has also served well for the autocrats in the Muslim world for they have fueled these demonstrations to prove to the West, that amidst rising fundamentalism in the Muslim world and with masses with mob-mentality, they are West's best bet. Who could dare hold a demonstration in these autocracies. Why was there no police presence anywhere in Lahore just when it was eminent that the things could go out of hand

I am not shocked to see the "mob mentality" that was on display all across the Muslim world in response to the cartoon controversy. Over the years, ignorance, lack of understanding and objective thinking, and immaturity has marked the Muslim world in general. Here are many people in our world (Muslim world) who await such opportunity and then exploit the religious sentiment of ordinary people to further their political influence and agenda. However, what concerns me is the absence of any voice of reason all across the Muslim world that could dare say that this response is wrong. Being categorical, I find the response of the Muslim world to be uncivilized, mob-like and unacceptable. Being followers of a Prophet (P.B.U.H.), who would pray for the guidance and prosperity of people who will stone Him and throw dust and garbage at Him, requires us to be even more tolerant and civilized specially when it comes to something concerning Prophet. Our reaction and response to it should

Well I don't feel like saying anything about marathon, for the stance of MMA and Imran Khan was an utter nonsense. For that matter even PPP and N-League didn't make any sense on this (Timing was wrong, my foot. It was announced a year back). However, I have a question to ask to Qazi sahab and his daughter. The threatening, gangster language that Samia Raheel Qazi used on Geo Tv's "50 minute" - a night before the race. Is this the language that suits a nobel person (forget about a nobel lady for the time being)? abusive, threatening, "haan behan aap kul doraeen apnae risk pur". And man you should have heard the expression. It was Sanjay Dutt style. These shameless people have no morals whatsoever. And by the way this Samia Raheel Qazi is an MNA who sits with men in National Assembly and she isdaughter of Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who was elected from two constituencies and in both of them the women were forcefully disallowed to vote through jirga decisions init

I don't know whether it should be called the ignorance or denial or dishonesty on the part of Western Media but the media in general (including the "truthful" and "honest" BBC) considers Hamas victory to be a protest vote against the corruption of Al Fatah. Though corruption could be one of the reasons but it certainly is not the main reason. The fundamental reason for a Al Fatah's defeat in the elections is that it, by agreeing to hold talks with Israel and accept it, left the populist revolutionary ground. It was a big gamble on the part of Fatah and it could only win if Israel had been reasonable to have a fair peace deal with Palestinians. The revolutionary ground has since been claimed by Hamas and so has been the popular vote. So this victory of Fatah is a result of failure of West to broker a peaceful peace deal for Palestinians. Hats of too Fatah for having the courage to walk on the path of peace, to resist the international pressure for accepting u

A few days back, a friend of mine was talking about he opportunism of Benazir. He said that it was only for Benazir's self-centered vision post 2002 elections that Musharaf got his way. So I decided to have a round up on Benazir. I disagree with Benazir on the way she is running the PPP. I have also been an opponent of her look-Washington approach (not because being ultra Pro-US is bad but because it didn't suit a leftist ideological party like PPP and did't go well with the ranks and files of the party - I consider being Anti US to be unwise and thus I believe being neutral would have been the best option and that is where the party ultimately is heading to). I also believe that her thinking that because of being liberal she will be an acceptable choice for West specially the US over military dictators or an establishment government like Junejo. Her record on party elections and dealing with the corruption of party officials in her second term is also not up to the mark (t