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			<title>Ban on YouTube</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/531507/ban-on-youtube</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/531507/ban-on-youtube#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 13 17:06:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=531507</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Solution is not to block the entire website but to trust that users are mature enough to self-police.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Thus far in its short term, the caretaker government has been content to stay relatively low-key, and even though a peaceful transfer of power to the next democratically-elected government is the main goal of the caretaker set-up, there is another area where it can stamp its mark. The ban on YouTube now stands at 200 days and counting. There have been previous false alarms where we believed the video-sharing website would be unblocked only for a figure in authority to squelch the idea at the last moment. The ban has now been in place for so long that it is likely most people have even forgotten why YouTube was originally blocked.

The effect of the YouTube ban on Pakistan’s cultural history will be stark and severe. By virtue of its immense popularity, YouTube has a virtual monopoly on video-clip sharing. This is where people go to upload choice snippets from the day’s talk shows, historical footage of immense value, educational material such as tutorials, music and other cultural artefacts. We have shut ourselves off from this conversation. YouTube is a curate’s egg of videos on every subject imaginable. Certainly, the very fact of its openness means that people will be able to upload videos that many will find offensive. The solution to this is not to block the entire website but to trust that users are mature enough to self-police. Another option is to work with YouTube and block access to certain material within the region only. YouTube has become the world’s digital library and just as we wouldn’t ban all brick and mortar libraries just because one person has written an offensive book, we shouldn’t be shutting off access to YouTube either.

There are plenty of things on the internet that people may not approve of and yet, banning the internet would be catastrophic. The same applies on a smaller scale to YouTube. This is why it would not run afoul of the caretaker government’s remit if it simply lifted the ban. We have unnecessarily been without YouTube for far too long and should not have to wait for another 200 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Six months and counting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/521867/six-months-and-counting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/521867/six-months-and-counting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 13 20:14:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=521867</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[What has Pakistan gained in the six months of the ongoing ban on YouTube?]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[What has Pakistan gained in the six months of the ongoing ban on YouTube? The ban dates back to September of last year, following the release on the website of a blasphemous video.

Since YouTube’s owners refused to take down the offensive video in Pakistan (but had done so in a few other countries such as Libya, Indonesia and India to name a few) and the government seems inept at placing “filtration mechanisms” to disallow the viewing of blasphemous material on the video-sharing website, Pakistanis have been deprived of an essentially useful resource like YouTube. Therein lies the problem: the government’s inability to recognise that it cannot police the internet and any plans to do so will just plunge the nation into a recess of the dark ages from where there is no way forward. Thankfully, an earlier plan to build a firewall was nixed in March last year but that was before the controversy erupted, and talks between the government and Google seem not to be making much headway either, so it would be foolish if authorities are to look for other nefarious ways to censor the internet.

Access to information is a right that cannot be denied and any attempt to thwart it must be seen as a threat to clamp down on civil liberties. Free expression is never easy in emerging democracies, especially in volatile societies, but it has to be negotiated and so far, the government has handled it in a manner that has made a mockery of Pakistan.

A removal of the ban on YouTube that lasted all of three minutes in December was shameful, as are the now-routine promises to unblock the ban “soon”. Clearly, the answer lies in engaging in meaningful talks with Google to find a mutually agreeable solution to this pitiful mess so that Pakistanis can access YouTube. An agreement with the internet giant needs to be reached as soon as possible. Perhaps, the authorities need to have a look at how some other countries have dealt with similar issues without resorting to such bans.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2013. ]]>
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			<title>How the YouTube ban hits students</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/506852/how-the-youtube-ban-hits-students</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/506852/how-the-youtube-ban-hits-students#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 13 17:42:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[letter.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=506852</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Because of the YouTube ban I am unable to access the MIT course lectures.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The ban on YouTube remains in Pakistan despite several promises by Interior Minister Rehman Malik to have it lifted. Almost five months have passed since the ban went into effect and there seems no end in sight. It is clear that the ban has been in force for so long not because of any religious reasons now but because of the incompetence of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to deal with the technical side of things. One has to say that this is similar to the ban on mobile phones since that also doesn’t seem to serve any real purpose or benefit the ordinary Pakistani.
Furthermore, hate material is not confined only to YouTube and can be found on many other websites as well. However, it is not possible or advisable to shut everything down. Raising awareness against racism, hatred and hate material should be done and, in this regard, the PTA can also set up a hotline for people to call in and register complaints.
The incompetence of our organisations is not something new. A culture of corruption, nepotism and disregard of merit creates an atmosphere of mediocrity and complacency. The end result is that organisations don’t do their job right, or often not at all. Practically speaking, it affects society in a very tangible way, since our key institutions neither have the ability nor the expertise to deal with technical issues. Secondly, and most importantly, it is done at the cost of students who suffer badly for no fault of their own.
The reason for writing this letter is to talk specifically about the second point. I am a student and I have used YouTube for help in my studies many times. Recently I registered for a course at MIT and that started this week. But because of the YouTube ban I am unable to access the course lectures. I know the argument for banning it was based on blasphemous content but the government should understand that thousands of students all over the country are losing out because of the ban. Who knows a day will come when Facebook, Twitter and even Google may be banned in Pakistan.
Top international universities like MIT put their lectures on YouTube and this is a great opportunity for students of developing countries such as Pakistan. Other study-specific content has always been helpful to students as well. Videos put up by the world-famous Khan Academy is one such example.
I request the federal government and especially the PTA to see the bigger picture and lift the ban immediately so that, at least, students don’t get affected in their studies.
Akif Zeb
National University of Science and Technology (NUST),
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Government decides to continue YouTube ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/506765/government-decides-to-continue-youtube-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/506765/government-decides-to-continue-youtube-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 13 14:24:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=506765</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan banned YouTube over clips from a film hosted on the website that sought to ridicule Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Contrary to the wishes and expectations of many among the general public, its representatives in the government have decided to continue a ban on video sharing website YouTube due to lack of cooperation, Geo.tv reported Wednesday.

The decision was made during National Assembly’s standing committee on Information Technology.

During the meeting, Ministries of Law and Information Technology said that complete blocking of anti-Islamic content on the website was impossible. They further added that YouTube was not willing to extend cooperation to the government of Pakistan in the matter.

Pakistan had banned YouTube over clips from a sacrilegious film hosted on the website that sought to ridicule Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) on September 17, 2012.

The amateurishly produced film, Innocence of Muslims, caused furore across the Muslim world precipitating into mass street protests in Egypt, Libya and in Pakistan among other Muslim countries.

The site was recently blocked in Egypt over the video.]]>
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			<title>Egypt court orders YouTube block over anti-Islam film</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/504944/egypt-court-orders-youtube-block-over-anti-islam-film</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/504944/egypt-court-orders-youtube-block-over-anti-islam-film#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 13 12:13:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=504944</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[YouTube, a subsidiary of US internet giant Google, has been blocked in Pakistan since 2012.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A court in Egypt on Saturday ordered that video-sharing website YouTube be blocked for a month for hosting an anti-Islam film that triggered deadly outrage across the Muslim world last year.

The court ruled the authorities must take measures to block access to the site for a month, after a complaint by an Egyptian who accused YouTube of being a "threat to social peace" by putting the US-made film on line.

The crudely made Innocence of Muslims sparked a wave of angry anti-American protests across the Middle East in which more than 30 people were killed.

There was no immediate comment on the ruling on Saturday from the government spokesman in Cairo.

YouTube, a subsidiary of US internet giant Google, has been blocked in Pakistan since 2012 for refusing to heed Islamabad's call to remove the controversial video.

The site simply decided to restrict access to the film for Internet users in several countries, among them Egypt, Libya, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

On January 29, a Cairo court upheld death sentences passed on seven Egyptian Coptic Christians in absentia for their involvement in making the film.

The accused, including the movie's director, are currently living in the United States.]]>
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			<title>Rehman Malik admits defeat in unblocking YouTube</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/498553/rehman-malik-admits-defeat-in-getting-youtube-unblocked</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/498553/rehman-malik-admits-defeat-in-getting-youtube-unblocked#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 13 14:55:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[gibran.ashraf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=498553</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Interior Minister says he had the site unblocked, but the government re-blocked it.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After months of effort, sending out innumerable tweets, setting up a special committee and raising the matter in the cabinet and even enjoying four hours of success in the campaign, Interior Minister Rehman Malik finally admitted defeat in having video sharing website YouTube unblocked in Pakistan.

On Thursday, Malik tweeted from his verified account:
"Dear All; I can only make recommendations to open the UTube and I did so. Accordingly the U tube was unblocked but was re-blocked by the Govt."
It is the same account from which Malik had tweeted almost a month ago that people should expect a notification on YouTube being unblocked.

That joy was short lived as hours after the site was reopened, it was blocked again.

The orders for that block came from the office of the same person who had ordered it shut on September 18, 2012 - Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Background to the ban

Pakistan had banned YouTube over clips from a film hosted on the website that sought to ridicule Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

The amateurishly produced film, Innocence of Muslims, caused furore across the Muslim world precipitating into mass street protests in Egypt, Libya and in Pakistan among other Muslim countries. US embassies in Cairo and Benghazi were stormed. The US Ambassador in Libya was assassinated in a militant attack in the midst of the protests.

To quell public fury which threatened to spill over in Pakistan, the prime minister banned YouTube after the website and its parent company Google refused to pull the video from its server or to block access to the content in the country.

Blocking the website, Pakistan joined Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sudan to block YouTube after it failed to honour requests from the respective governments to restrict access to the content or to pull it off the site.

YouTube though unilaterally blocked access to the clips in Egypt and Libya while it blocked the content in India, Indonesia and Malaysia after requests from their respective governments. It took a threat from the government of Saudi Arabia and a court order in Brazil to get YouTube to block access to the video in those two countries.

The White House twice requested Google to take the film off its sites, but the Internet giant refused on both counts, maintaining that the film did not violate its rules or regulations.]]>
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			<title>Sep 21 riots: Christians demand proper investigation into Mardan church attack</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/492748/sep-21-riots-christians-demand-proper-investigation-into-mardan-church-attack</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/492748/sep-21-riots-christians-demand-proper-investigation-into-mardan-church-attack#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 13 06:28:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=492748</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Around 30 participants held a demonstration outside the Peshawar Press Club on Friday.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Christians in district Mardan demanded that officials reinvestigate the destruction of the Sarhadi Luthern Church.


The Sarhadi Lutheran Church and several Christian residential quarters were set ablaze by a mob on September 21, 2012 when countrywide protests took place against the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’.

Around 30 participants held a demonstration outside the Peshawar Press Club on Friday. Led by Sarhadi Lutheran Church General Secretary Taimur Shahid, they carried placards and chanted slogans demanding action. Shahid addressed the protesters and alleged that some people from their own community were also involved in the incident.

He complained that several months have passed but the police have not made any significant arrests. Demonstrators appealed to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governor, chief minister and police officials to make immediate arrests.

Earlier,K-P Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti had announced Rs30 million for the repair and reconstruction of the church. After the incident, Christian leaders had pardoned the rioters.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Christmas cheer?: YouTube to be unblocked in '24 hours', tweets Rehman Malik</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/485918/christmas-cheer-youtube-to-be-unblocked-in-24-hours-tweets-rehman-malik</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/485918/christmas-cheer-youtube-to-be-unblocked-in-24-hours-tweets-rehman-malik#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 12 16:40:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=485918</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Malik tweets that site is being reopened after PTA put blocks placed on anti-Islam material.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Just as the clock ticked towards the 101st day that video sharing site YouTube was blocked in Pakistan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik tweeted on Friday evening that a decision has been taken to unblock the site in “24 hours”.
“I chaired a high level meeting with all stakeholders on the Youtube. Good job by PTA to block anti iIslamic material! Pl expect Youtube unblocked in 24hrs”
The move comes almost a month after the minister, whose ministry is not linked to either the Ministry of Information Technology, nor the blocking agency Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), formed a committee to look into ways how the video sharing site could be unblocked while not in conflict with court orders on blasphemous material.

Malik has maintained on numerous occasions that any decision to unblock the site would be taken by the Cabinet, where it was decided to block the site in the first place. His tweet indicates that the government, after failing to convince Google, or YouTube, has managed to put in place individual blocks on urls for the video in a work around to reopen the site.

The site had been blocked on September 17, 2012 by the Cabinet in the immediate aftermath of mass riots in Pakistan reacting to a clip from an amateurishly produced sacrilegious film. The film had sparked violent riots across the Muslim world after a translated version was aired on Egyptian television. The violence saw American embassy in Cairo and in Libya attacked.

Following the violence, YouTube had been requested by a number of countries to either block the film in their countries or to completely remove it from YouTube servers. While YouTube, and its parent company Google Inc explicitly refused to comply with the latter of the demands, it did endeavour to block access to the content in India, Malaysia, Indonesia after requests were received from those governments. Google though unilaterally blocked access to the videos in Egypt and Libya.

It took a threat to be blocked and a court order in Brazil for the service to block access to the specific videos. However, Google did not comply with requests from the Pakistan government, which then proceeded to block the website completely. In addition to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sudan blocked access to the video sharing site after it refused to remove the video or block access to it.

Google had also twice refused requests by the White House to remove the video claiming the video did not violate its community rules and thus there was no reason to remove the video.

Malik added that those who had been pressing him to unblock the site should be happy now.
“There was a great demand to unblock Youtube from all sections of society especially fellow tweeps. Expect the notification today! Hope you are all happy now”
Not really a silver lining

However, the news of the video sharing site being unblocked comes with an ominous cloud over it. In a subsequent tweet, Malik let in on a more disturbing trend:
“PTA is finalising negotiations for acquiring a powerful firewall software to totally block pornographic and blasphemous material.”
Rumours have been rife that the PTA has been trying to acquire a firewall which can block websites at a very high rate.]]>
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			<title>US judge refuses to order anti-Muslim film off YouTube</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/473682/us-judge-refuses-to-order-anti-muslim-film-off-youtube</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/473682/us-judge-refuses-to-order-anti-muslim-film-off-youtube#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 12 07:03:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=473682</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actress Cindy Lee Garcia requested for a court order requiring YouTube to remove the crudely made 13-minute clip.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[An actress who said she was duped into appearing in an anti-Islam film that stoked violent protests against the United States across the Muslim world lost on Friday her second legal bid to force the video off YouTube.

Denying a request by actress Cindy Lee Garcia for a court order requiring the popular online video site to remove the crudely made 13-minute clip, a federal judge found she was unlikely to prevail on her claims of copyright infringement.

US District Judge Michael Fitzgerald of Santa Clara, California, also cancelled a December 3 hearing he had previously set for oral arguments over Garcia's request.

Garcia's lawyer, Cris Armenta, told Reuters she planned to appeal the decision.

The lawsuit, filed in September, names YouTube and its parent company Google Inc as defendants, along with the film's producer.

A previous motion by Garcia for a temporary restraining order against YouTube's continued posting of the video was rejected by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.

Garcia's case was the first known civil litigation stemming from the video, billed as a film trailer, which depicts the Prophet Mohammad as a fool and a sexual deviant. The clip sparked a torrent of anti-American unrest in Egypt, Libya and dozens of other Muslim countries.

The outbreak of violence coincided with an attack on US diplomatic facilities in Benghazi in September that killed four Americans, including the US ambassador to Libya.

For many Muslims, any depiction of the prophet is considered blasphemous.

Google has refused to remove the film from YouTube, despite pressure from the White House and others to take it down, though the company has blocked the trailer in Egypt, Libya and other Muslim countries.

Copyright claim

Garcia has accused the purported filmmaker of fraud, libel and unfair business practices.

But her federal lawsuit also asserts a copyright claim to her performance in the video, titled "The Innocence of Muslims," and accuses Google of infringing on that copyright by distributing the video without her approval via YouTube.

But in a three-page ruling, the judge questioned the validity of such a claim. He held that even if she could prove a legitimate copyright interest in her film performance, she effectively relinquished her rights to producers of the film.

Fitzgerald also ruled that Garcia failed to show that she would suffer irreparable harm without an injunction.

Garcia's lawsuit identifies Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, 55, an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian living in the Los Angeles area, as the film's producer. His legal name has since been established to be Mark Basseley Youssef and he served time in federal prison for bank fraud.

According to the lawsuit, Youssef operated under the assumed name of Sam Bacile when he misled Garcia and other performers into appearing in an anti-Muslim film they believed was to be an adventure drama called "Desert Warrior." She claims to have since received death threats.

Despite Friday's ruling against her, "we hope that worldwide the message has been heard that Garcia was not complicit and did not voluntarily participate in this heinous piece of hate speech," her lawyer said in a statement.

Youssef was sent back to jail for a year on November 7 for probation violations stemming from his role in making the video, including his use of an alias in connection with the film.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam video: Govt unlikely to lift YouTube ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/472022/anti-islam-video-govt-unlikely-to-lift-youtube-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/472022/anti-islam-video-govt-unlikely-to-lift-youtube-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 12 22:15:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[umer.nangiana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=472022</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[IT ministry cannot restore website without directives from PM, inter-ministerial panel.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[YouTube users in Pakistan will probably have to wait much longer than they anticipated before they can call up the popular video-sharing website again.


The problem stems from the fact that Pakistan and the United States lack a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), which is what the company usually uses to filter out objectionable videos.

Google, which owns YouTube, has refused to remove the anti-Islam video that triggered widespread protests across the country. As a result, the authorities banned the website indefinitely. Two months have passed since then.

In the absence of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the United States, all that Pakistan can do is use diplomatic channels to request the US government to make the social website accept Pakistan’s demand, according to an information technology ministry official.

“I am sure the US government will respect our request,” said the official. “YouTube has always asked us to use MLAT for requests to remove the video as they are not bound by our local laws,” he added.

The treaty, according to the official, allows and facilitates two governments to enforce public and criminal laws. But Pakistan and the US have no such treaty between them. The IT ministry has already asked the foreign ministry to initiate the treaty. “It is a long process. It will take at least a year to materialise,” said the official.



The assistance under MLAT provides for “immobilisationof the instruments of criminal activity” which can be used to pressure Google for the removal of any objectionable content that violates local public or criminal laws or damages a partner country’s interests, said an official from the IT ministry’s legal department.

“This is the only possible way out at present. YouTube management is not ready to remove the controversial video despite our repeated requests, and we cannot restore the social website until it does so,” the IT ministry official said.

“To block the website, the IT ministry received approval from the prime minister on the condition that YouTube will remain blocked until it removes the video,” he said.  An inter-ministerial committee that includes the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), ministry of religious affairs, the Intelligence Bureau, the Telecom Department, IT ministry and others is the only authorised body to order YouTube’s restoration. “It was blocked on the same committee’s orders,” said the official.

The IT ministry cannot supersede the premier’s orders or the committee’s decision to restore the website on its own. That decision lies with the prime minister. “If he wishes to restore the website as it is, he needs to issue an order to the IT ministry but he cannot risk ignoring the committee’s decision,” the official added.

The government doesn’t want to risk restoring the website with the controversial video still accessible. The alleged blasphemous video triggered violent protests across Pakistan and much of the Muslim world.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>YouTube ban may be lifted soon: Sources</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/466276/youtube-ban-may-be-lifted-soon-sources</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/466276/youtube-ban-may-be-lifted-soon-sources#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 12 15:41:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=466276</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rehman Malik had earlier hinted that the video sharing site could be reopened after appropriate filters were in place.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The YouTube ban, imposed in the wake of the blasphemous movie “Innocence of Muslims”, could be lifted in the near future, Express News reported on Thursday.

According to a source, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) could lift the ban in a couple of days.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik had earlier hinted that the video sharing site could be reopened, but only after access to anti-Islamic content has been restricted.

Pakistan had blocked the video sharing site after a short clip from an amatureishly made film insulting Islam rose to world wide prominence. The PTA acting on orders of the Supreme Court, started blocking links carrying the video. However, innumerable instances of the video being uploaded on YouTube largely nullified PTA’s attempts.

The government then requested Google to block the clip from being accessed from Pakistan, but the internet giant refused to comply saying they did not have localised services in Pakistan, which would allow location based blocking.

The government then finally imposed a blanket block on YouTube on September 17, 2012, to restrict access to the video.]]>
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			<title>YouTube becomes accessible on some mobile networks, as PTA insists ban remains</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/464739/youtube-restored-site-restored-on-some-networks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/464739/youtube-restored-site-restored-on-some-networks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 12 17:59:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[farooq.baloch]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=464739</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Site is accessible on at least three mobile networks though PTA, ISPs insists the ban has not been lifted.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a surprising development, video sharing site YouTube was accessible on Monday on computing and mobile platforms.

First, at least three mobile operators restored access to the website on Monday evening, while access returned on computing platforms later at night.

Though complete access was not restored to YouTube on computing platforms with the site only accessible via secure hypertext transfer protocols (HTTPS).

The cellular subscribers,The Express Tribune contacted, confirmed that they were able to access YouTube through their cellular data service. However the video-sharing website was not accessible on all mobile networks.

No PTA de-notification

PTA has not issued any directives in this regard. PTA’s chairman Farooq Awan confirmed the ban was still in place while responding to a query.

The video-sharing site remains blocked on broadband internet providers such as Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited’s DSL and Wateen. The Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan also confirmed they have not restored the site.

A source from PTA, who requested not to be named, said they received a directive from Ministry of Interior with several instructions regarding unblocking of YouTube, permanent blocking of unregistered SIMs, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and automated web locking.

The ministry, in its directive, instructed PTA to restore the video sharing site and manually block blasphemous content using PTA’s system; the source said – he didn’t mention as to when the directive will become effective.

It is important to mention that PTA doesn’t have any system to manually block thousands of links leading to the anti-Islamic video. It has to be done though ISPs, which is virtually impossible as this will require huge amount of time and effort.

The site has been banned in the country since September 17, after its parent company Google Inc refused to comply with government requests for taking clips of an anti-Islam film off its servers.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had blocked the video sharing website after the anti-Islamic video sparked riots in Pakistan and much of the Muslim world.

Last week, Interior Minister Rehman Malik while maintaining that regardless of the fact that the process of blocking and unblocking of websites fell under the purview of Ministry of Information Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, was forming a committee to review the matter.

In September, the clip from a two hour long amateurishly produced film went viral after a translated version was broadcast in Egypt. The broadcast sparked violent reactions in Egypt where protesters stormed the US embassy. Violence subsequently broke out in other countries and the US embassy in Libya was also attacked.

Among the countries that requested YouTube and Google Inc to block access to the video, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan and Pakistan blocked the site after the internet giant refused to comply with requests. The company though complied with requests from India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It took a threat from the Saudi government and a court order in Brazil to make the site block access to the specific clips in those countries. The website though took unilateral action in blocking access to the clip in Egypt and Libya.

Google, while refusing to honour requests from the White House to block the film, has maintained that the clip and its content do not violate its community policies.

Last week, the producer of the anti-Islam film was sent back to prison for a year after a judge found him guilty of violating his terms for parole.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film bounty: Bilour, wife banned from entering US</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/463290/anti-islam-film-bounty-bilour-wife-banned-from-entering-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/463290/anti-islam-film-bounty-bilour-wife-banned-from-entering-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 12 13:29:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[hassan.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=463290</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Railways minister says he is not worried about his entry into US or UK, ban on Makkah, Medina entry would worry him.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a reaction over the  bounty placed on the head of the producer of the movie ‘Innocence of Muslims’, the US embassy in Islamabad has cancelled the visas of Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and his wife, and banned him from visiting the United States in the future. 

Earlier in September, Bilour had announced a $100,000 bounty and invited members of the Taliban and al Qaeda to take part in the ‘noble deed’, adding that given the chance he would kill the filmmaker with his own hands.

“I have received a call from the embassy today, informing me about the ban and cancellation of visas,” Bilour told the Express Tribune while defending his bounty statement and emphasizing the need of an international law which would make such profane acts a punishable crime across the world.

“I am not worried whether the US or UK restrict my entry into their countries; I would only be worried if I was banned on visiting Makkah and Medina but thanks God this didn't happen” he said.

The Spokesperson of the US Embassy in Islamabad refused to comment on the issue.

“It’s against privacy laws of the United States to disclose such details,” said the spokesperson.

The railways minister said in a press conference last week, “When leaders of religious political parties who do politics in the name of Islam and those who kill people in the name of our religion fail to come up with a firm response against the blasphemous movie; the love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in my heart moves me to place the bounty on the blasphemer’s head.”

The profane film sparked violent protests across the Muslim world including Pakistan, where several people died during protests in addition to vandalism of public and private property.]]>
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			<title>US judge jails anti-Islam filmmaker for a year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/462626/us-judge-jails-anti-islam-filmmaker-for-a-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/462626/us-judge-jails-anti-islam-filmmaker-for-a-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 12 07:54:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=462626</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mark Basseley Youssef to serve sentence in federal prison after he admitted 4 allegations of using false identities.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The man behind the anti-Islam video blamed for sparking deadly protests in the Muslim world was jailed in the US for a year Wednesday for breaching the terms of his probation for a previous offense.

Mark Basseley Youssef, 55, will serve the sentence in a US federal prison after he admitted four allegations of using false identities - a violation of the terms of his probation for a bank fraud conviction in 2010.

He had faced up to two years behind bars, but four other charges were dropped as part of a plea deal.

Youssef was identified as the main man behind Innocence of Muslims, an amateurish film which triggered a wave of violent protests that left dozens dead in September.

The video was also linked to the September 11 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi in which US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.

In February 2009, a federal indictment accused Youssef and others of fraudulently obtaining the identities and Social Security numbers of customers at several Wells Fargo branches in California and withdrawing $860 from them.

He was jailed for 21 months and ordered not to use computers or the Internet for five years without authorization, and also banned from using fictitious names during his supervised release.

Youssef was arrested in September for eight probation violations. At a hearing last month he denied all counts, but on Wednesday he admitted to four, in return for the other four being set aside.

US District Judge Christina A Snyder said Youssef, who has already spent five weeks in custody, must spend 12 months behind bars, followed by four years of supervised release.

Youssef was previously listed as Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, and known as Sam Bacile when the protests about the video emerged.

Assistant US Attorney Robert Dugdale said Youssef had "betrayed" the actors involved in Innocence of Muslims by not telling them he was a "recently released convicted felon."

The Egyptian-born Coptic Christian also deceived them by dubbing anti-Islamic dialogue over their lines after the movie was shot. "He made that choice for other people," the prosecutor said.

Such behavior was part of a "long-standing pattern of deception" by Youssef, he added.

An actress on the film, Cindy Lee Garcia, filed two lawsuits against YouTube demanding that the online video service withdraw a 14-minute clip of the film. Both were rejected, one by a local judge and another in federal court.

Garcia said she thought she signed up for a film called Desert Warrior about life 2,000 years ago, and only realized her lines had been over-dubbed when protests erupted across the Muslim world in September.

US missions, schools and businesses were set ablaze by angry mobs offended by the film.

According to court papers, Youssef wrote and produced the trailer, and uploaded an English-language version of it onto YouTube on July 2, followed by a version dubbed in Arabic on September 11, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

"His deception actually caused real harm to people," Dugdale told the Los Angeles court, adding that at least one actress feared for her life, while others "believe their careers are ruined" by appearing in the video.

But defense lawyer Steve Seiden said Youssef had the right to change dialogue and other things about the film, stating: "The actors signed releases" surrendering rights to the filmmaker.

Dugdale added that Youssef had agreed to discuss his finances in detail as part of the plea deal.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film producer sent back to jail for a year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/462537/anti-islam-film-producer-sent-back-to-jail-for-a-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/462537/anti-islam-film-producer-sent-back-to-jail-for-a-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 12 23:12:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=462537</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nakoula was sent back to jail for violating terms of his probation due to the role he played in making the film.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A California man who served time for bank fraud was sent back to jail on Wednesday for violating his probation by playing a role in making a crude anti-Islam film that stoked protests across the Muslim world against the United States.

The Egyptian-born Coptic Christian, who has been publicly identified as Nakoula Basseley Nakoula but whose legal name is Mark Basseley Youssef, admitted to several probation violations during a hearing in US District Court in Los Angeles.

At least one violation involved his use of an alias, Sam Bacile, a name that several actors from the film said he used in producing the video, which was released under the title "The Innocence of Muslims."

A YouTube user named Sam Bacile had also uploaded clips of the film on to the video sharing website earlier this year. However, it did not gain prominence till September this year when a translated version was aired in Egypt.

Protests in Egypt soon caught world attention, along with it the clip and riots erupted across the Muslim world against the US and YouTube. In the immediate aftermath of the protests, US consulates and embassies in Egypt and Libya were attacked while there were massive violent protests outside consulates and embassies in Yemen and Pakistan.

YouTube restricted access to the clip in Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia and Indonesia while Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sudan completely blocked the website after its parent company, Google, refused to either take the film off the site nor restrict access.]]>
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			<title>Are reprisals justified?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/460279/are-reprisals-justified</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/460279/are-reprisals-justified#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Nov 12 17:59:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[anwer.mooraj]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=460279</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A travesty in any conflict is that aggressor believes knocking off somebody from the other side fulfills the count.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[During the days when Karachi was still the capital of Pakistan, Egyptian diplomats held a film week on the lawns of their embassy. Most of the motion pictures were not very eventful. But two were quite memorable for rather different reasons. Bain el Atlal was an old-fashioned tear-jerker, which starred Imad Hamdi and the beautiful Faten Hamama, who wept so much as her teacher lay dying in his attempt to complete his epistle of love, that there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. But it was the scene in the other film, which somehow or other, I have not been able to erase from my mind. An Egyptian soldier loses six of his comrades in a skirmish with the Israelis. He picks up a discarded machine gun, walks into the gloamin’ and fires into some shadowy figures. The audience hears a few yelps and curses in what sounds remarkably like Yiddish. Turning to the camera, the soldier announces with a note of triumph, “I have avenged the deaths of my comrades. Long live Egypt.”

One of the great travesties in any kind of international conflict is that the aggressor believes that when he knocks off somebody from the other side, he is not only satisfying an urge for revenge, but fulfilling the count — irrespective of whether or not the victim is even remotely connected to the initial aggressor. He might forcibly seize an enemy’s goods or subjects, or use political or military force without actually resorting to war. Call it what you like — retaliation, retribution or vengeance. The point is that the people of a country are not homogenous. They don’t think, react or speak with one voice, one political belief and one conscience. By killing one foreigner, you are not necessarily upsetting another compatriot. During military aggression, like the drone operation, the aggressor hardly ever gets the person he is targeting, so long as he polishes off some of his neighbours. Instead, a lot of people, especially women and children, who have absolutely nothing to do with the conflict, get killed or injured. It is not very different in peace time. Take, for example, what happens when some miscreant in the West makes a nasty film about the Holy Prophet (pbuh) or draws cartoons ridiculing Islam. Violence, often of the most extreme kind, is unleashed in all Muslim countries and there are also demonstrations in lands where people of the Islamic faith are in a minority.

In some Muslim countries, the reaction is spontaneous. In Pakistan, however, it is invariably politically motivated. Now I ask you, who is going to compensate the poor entrepreneur whose uninsured car, shop and goods were burnt to a cinder during the recent fierce anti-video riot in Karachi, which witnessed the worst kind of militant vandalism? Who will shed a tear for the poor souls, who had been killed, who had never even heard of film-maker Steve Klein? The frustration might be against the current inept government. But the violence is directed against one’s own people. In fact, the history of hostility in Pakistan is replete with unanswered questions. Like, why did former president Pervez Musharraf take three days to quell the rioting that ensued after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto? And why did the present government stand aloof and let the carnage and bloodshed continue after the protest against the hateful video? What were the Rangers and the police doing? Selling tickets to get a grandstand view of the looting and arson? It is at times like these that the country badly needs a president who thinks of the masses and not his own self-preservation.

Please note: “Gloamin’”, colloquial for gloaming, is a popular love song written by Sir Harry Lauder in 1911.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film: Fiery Bilour stands firm on ‘bounty’ offer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/459614/anti-islam-film-fiery-bilour-stands-firm-on-%e2%80%98bounty%e2%80%99-offer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/459614/anti-islam-film-fiery-bilour-stands-firm-on-%e2%80%98bounty%e2%80%99-offer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 12 05:13:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[hassan.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=459614</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Railways minister rejects UK entry ban reports; says Kalabagh Dam a conspiracy against Pakistan.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Despite widespread criticism, Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour reaffirmed his resolve to stand by a $100,000 bounty he had placed on the head of the producer of an anti-Islam movie.


“No power in the world can force me to take back my words. I am ready to face [any] consequences for the sanctity of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH),” said Bilour while dispelling the impression that the British government had banned his entry into the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Bilour called on his party workers, particularly of his constituency, NA-I, to expedite political activities in view of the upcoming general elections.

The railways minister said: “When leaders of religious political parties who do politics in the name of Islam and those who kill people in the name of our religion fail to come up with a firm response against the blasphemous movie; the love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in my heart moves me to place the bounty on the blasphemer’s head.”

Earlier in September, Bilour had announced a $100,000 bounty and invited members of the Taliban and al Qaeda to take part in the ‘noble deed’, adding that given the chance he would kill the filmmaker with his own hands.

UK entry ban?

Furthermore, the minister said reports claiming that his entry into the UK was banned were mere ‘rumours’ and recounted that the British high commissioner had requested him to visit the high commission.

“I asked him to pay a visit to my office, which he did, and we have discussed the issue in detail,” Bilour added.

During his meeting with the British high commissioner, Bilour said he suggested the commissioner to bring a resolution in the United Nations and legislate laws seeking a ban on blasphemous content.

“Only if they legislate such a law, I would take back my words.”

He added that the chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Awami National Party (ANP) Central President Asfandyar Wali Khan had firmly supported him in the aftermath of his bounty statement.

Kalabagh Dam conspiracy 

The federal minster also announced his plans to visit Multan on November 7 to counter the false propaganda against ANP regarding its opposition to the construction of the Kalabagh Dam — which was previously rejected by the three provincial assemblies, leaving out Punjab.

“Some people in Punjab want to hatch another conspiracy against the integration of Pakistan by taking the dead issue of Kalabagh Dam into court.

“Kalabagh Dam is a public issue not a judicial one,” he added.

Last month, the ANP had announced that it would oppose the construction of the controversial dam to ‘their very last breath’. Many party leaders believe that construction of the dam will be unjust to K-P as it would increase the chances of the province being flooded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Rehman Malik hints YouTube ban may be lifted</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/457562/rehman-malik-hints-youtube-ban-may-be-lifted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/457562/rehman-malik-hints-youtube-ban-may-be-lifted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 12 22:15:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=457562</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Interior Minister tweets YouTube may be reopened after links containing anti-Islam video are blocked.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Just over a month after video sharing website YouTube was blocked for failing to block sacrilegious content in Pakistan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik hinted that the site could be reopened, but only after access to anti-Islamic content has been restricted.

Malik, who during a press briefing on Friday indicated that he was an avid twitter user, despite the public attacks and abuses he had to face on the microblogging site, tweeted from his verified account that he will raise the issue of reopening YouTube in the cabinet meetings.
“U tube [YouTube] is also wealth of knowledge but hurt the feelings of Muslims.I promise to raise in the cabinet to reopen it minus anti-Islam material.”
Pakistan had blocked YouTube after a short clip from an amatureishly made film insulting Islam rose to world wide prominence. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) acting on orders of the Supreme Court, started blocking links carrying the video. However, innumerable instances of the video being uploaded on YouTube largely nullified PTA's attempts. 

The government then requested Google to block the clip from being accessed from Pakistan, but the internet giant refused to comply saying they did not have localised services in Pakistan, which would allow location based blocking.

The government then finally imposed a blanket block on YouTube on September 17, 2012, to restrict access to the video.

By imposing the blanket ban, Pakistan joined countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan and Iran in blocking YouTube for failing to remove anti-Islam videos.

On the other hand, Goolge had acted unilaterally to block the anti-Islam video in Egypt and Libya after public opinion against the video boiled over and diplomatic missions were stormed. In the case of the latter country, the US Ambassador was killed in an attack on the American embassy in Benghazi.

In addition to that, Google proceeded to block access to the video in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India after government's in these countries requested access be restricted. It took a court order in Brazil and a threat to shut down the site by the government in Saudi Arabia to block access to the videos in those countries.]]>
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			<title>Bambino to reopen this Eid: THE SHOW MUST GO ON!</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/456987/bambino-to-reopen-this-eid-the-show-must-go-on</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/456987/bambino-to-reopen-this-eid-the-show-must-go-on#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 12 20:56:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saad.hasan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=456987</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Historic movie theatre was one of six destroyed on September 21’s riots on Ishq-e-Rasool day.]]>
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				<![CDATA[With its charred neon signboard still hanging on to the building as a reminder of that chaotic day, Bambino Cinema will open its doors for the public on Eidul Azha, a month after it was set on fire by a mob during riots against the anti-Islam movie, its owners said on Thursday. 


The decision was made to cater to the needs of people who flood the cinemas in the thousands during the holidays as they cannot afford other expensive entertainment venues, said Adeel Imtiaz, the CEO. “We are trying to stand on our feet again. The public will come. I know they will,” he said, during a press conference to mark the re-launch, which had appeared uncertain a few weeks back. “The government, the authorities and the officials have done nothing for us. We have tried to put back the pieces ourselves.”

The cracking sting of wood varnish hung in the lobby as workers painted the wall and fixed the interior. “Up till now we have spent Rs5 million on the internal fixtures, the sound system and the projector,” Imtiaz said.

The badly damaged exterior requires millions of rupees in investment, something that the owners say they cannot afford.

On September 21, a mob went on a rampage damaging public and private property. At least six cinema theatres were gutted, including Bambino, Nishat, Capri and Prince - all popular with people who don’t frequent the new multiplexes where tickets are Rs350 and above.

Bambino’s place in history is unique. Founded by Hakim Ali Zardari, the father of President Asif Ali Zardari, in 1963, it was inaugurated by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Adeel smiled when the fact was raised during the press conference. “Yes, it is part of his (Zardari’s) history as well. But he did not call us or sent any representative to see how the place was doing.”

The Indian movie ‘Rush’ will be showing during Eid. Lollywood’s Sher Dil is also lined up along with James Bond’s ‘Skyfall’. “There is nothing more I want than to show a Pakistani movie first. However, we have to do what the public wants.”

One would have thought that after such a disaster, Bambino would have reopened with fanfare. But that won’t be the case. Sewerage still clogs the road outside that is choked by traffic almost all the time.

“This place is for the masses. The 900 seats here are filled by people who pay Rs60 at the most to buy a ticket,” Adeel said as he took reporters on a tour of the building. “I wish I could do something about the cleanliness around the building. That is the job of the municipal authority.”

Seats in the hall were burned and over 200 of them are being replaced.

Adeel said the new cinemas, which were offering 3D movies were for a different customer. “All such cinemas are coming up in shopping malls. Our theatre is on the roadside.”

Even before the fire devastated the cinema, Bambino was struggling to woo customers with just a handful of good movies to offer. “That is not exactly correct. We were making a comeback. I showed Raaz 3 and it was success,” said Imtiaz.

On Sir Agha Khan Road, many people stop for a while to take a look at the damaged facade, pointing to the billboard featuring Rush in front of the naked windows.

There is little excitement among the staff. “To be honest, I can only hope for a good response. The law and order situation in this city and so many other problems have changed everything over the year,” said Adeel. “Well, we have taken the risk. Now let’s wait and see!”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Riots over sacrilegious film: Of a man who lost his sole source of income</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/454522/riots-over-sacrilegious-film-of-a-man-who-lost-his-sole-source-of-income</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/454522/riots-over-sacrilegious-film-of-a-man-who-lost-his-sole-source-of-income#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Oct 12 05:54:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[hidayat.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=454522</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[After K-P govt refused to help, a group of affluent people bought Ayaz Khan a new rickshaw.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ayaz Khan’s joy knows no bounds. He got a brand new rickshaw where he was looking at a future filled with hunger and suffering.


His old rickshaw, also his sole source of income, was burnt by rioters in Peshawar during recent protests over a sacrilegious film.

While a humanitarian group got him a brand new rickshaw free of charge, Khan’s happy ending is marked with memories of his old rickshaw being reduced to a frame of soot.

Khan says he will never forget the day he parked the three-wheeler inside the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) building.

“My friend works as a security guard at the CCI, so I parked my rickshaw there as I could not afford to park it elsewhere or take it home daily,” he told The Express Tribune.

The next day he could not get to the office due to the riots. He went to the CCI building as soon as the protests calmed down. “To my utter shock, my rickshaw had turned to ashes. There was nothing left of it,” he said.

Khan, a heart patient and father of two, has been driving a rickshaw in Peshawar for the past five years. Money has always been short. “I lost my eldest daughter to typhoid. I had no money for her treatment,” he said.

And with his rickshaw gone, things could only get worse. He registered an FIR with the police. He tried to get attention of the authorities.

He also tried approaching Bashir Ahmad Bilour, member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) assembly, during his visit to the CCI building, but could not get through.

It was then when a group of retired Pakistan Air Force pilots came forth and bought a new rickshaw for Khan. Agha Saeed Anwar, part of the group that helped Khan said that on the day of the riots, many suffered damages but the ones affected the most were the poor as they were the most vulnerable.

Many lost their only source of income, with no one to compensate them for their losses — The K-P government said it does not have funds to pay people for their losses.

The impending tragedy in his life might have been averted, but Khan is all too well aware of the many people that failed to get help. “What is the fault of the poor, what have we done to have our properties destroyed?”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2012.]]>
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			<title>LHC directs federal govt to block blasphemous material on Google, YouTube</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/453343/lhc-directs-federal-govt-to-block-blasphemous-material-on-google-youtube</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/453343/lhc-directs-federal-govt-to-block-blasphemous-material-on-google-youtube#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 12 12:00:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=453343</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Orders issued during proceeding on petition filed by JI leaders seeking a ban on blasphemous material on the Internet.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lahore High Court has directed the federal government to block all blasphemous material on Google and YouTube. 

Justice Ijazul Ahsan issued this order on Thursday, also directing the federal government to file its reply by November 8.

The judge was conducting proceedings on a petition filed by Jamaat-i-Islami leaders seeking a ban on blasphemous material on the Internet. The petition was filed by Liaqat Baloch and Farid Ahmed Paracha of the JI.

Hafiz Saeed petition

Meanwhile, on a petition filed by Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed for directions to the federal government to move the International Court of Justice against the makers of an anti-Islam movie, the Lahore High Court issued notice to the federal government to reply within three weeks.

Justice Saghir Ahmed Qadri admitted the petition for regular hearing. Advocate AK Dogar, counsel for the petitioners, submitted that US President Barack Obama had in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly condemned the anti-Islam movie, but also defended the US constitutional protection for freedom of expression.

The petitioner said that mere denial of the Holocaust was a crime in many Western countries. For example, German author Ernst Zundel had spent seven years behind bars for expressing contrary views about the Holocaust.

He said that Pakistan’s foreign policy needs to be restructured and in the light of Article 40 of the Constitution, which envisages Pakistan strengthening ties with the Muslim world and promoting international peace.

Saeed said that “the relationship of absolute servility” between Pakistan and the US should be declared contrary to the fundamental right to dignity enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution. He said the government should be directed to initiate proceedings in the International Court of Justice against the makers of the anti-Islam movie for violating Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The film makers should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity, he said.

Correction: An earlier version of this article had incorrectly stated that the LHC had directed the federal government to move the ICJ. The correction has been made.]]>
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			<title>Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri calls for more anti-Islam film protests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/451051/al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-calls-for-more-anti-islam-film-protests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/451051/al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-calls-for-more-anti-islam-film-protests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 12 10:58:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=451051</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Zawahiri says Muslims face a &quot;crusader Zionist war&quot; led by the United States.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri said an anti-Islam film made in the United States showed Washington was waging a "crusader Zionist war" against Muslims and he called for more protests outside American embassies.

Like in other messages released by al Qaeda's Yemeni and North African branches last month, Zawahiri praised last month's assault on the US consulate in Benghazi that killed four diplomats but stopped short of claiming responsibility.

In the recording, posted online on Friday, he called on "free and distinguished zealots for Islam" who attacked the consulate and protested outside other American embassies to "continue their opposition to American crusader Zionist aggression against Islam and Muslims".

The recording appeared on the Mujahedin al-Ansar website which carries statements from al Qaeda leaders.

Zawahiri said US authorities "permitted the film in the name of personal freedom and freedom of expression" but failed to practise those values in its treatment of Muslims imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan.

US President Barack Obama's administration condemned the short film, made privately and amateurishly in California, as reprehensible but said it could not be banned without violating the US constitutional right to free speech.

The Guantanamo detention camp was set up after the September 11, 2001 attacks to hold non-American captives suspected of involvement with al Qaeda, the Taliban or other militant groups. Of the 779 men who were held there, 167 remain.

Zawahiri, an Egyptian-born preacher who became al Qaeda's chief after the death of Osama bin Laden last year, also criticised Obama after his Democratic Party pledged at its pre-election convention to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

He said that decision and Obama's prayers at Jerusalem's Western Wall, made during a 2008 visit, showed Muslims faced a "crusader Zionist war" led by the United States.

In September al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the group's North African affiliate, praised the Benghazi attack and urged Muslims to kill more US envoys.

Earlier last month, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), its Yemeni wing, called for more protests and said the Benghazi attackers had been partly motivated by the death of an AQAP leader in a US drone strike.]]>
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			<title>Riots against ‘Innocence of Muslims’: Anti-Terrorism Court releases 21 more suspects</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/450275/riots-against-%e2%80%98innocence-of-muslims%e2%80%99-anti-terrorism-court-releases-21-more-suspects</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/450275/riots-against-%e2%80%98innocence-of-muslims%e2%80%99-anti-terrorism-court-releases-21-more-suspects#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 12 01:08:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=450275</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court rejects charge sheets on grounds that there was no connecting evidence.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A day after the Anti-Terrorism Court III ordered the release of 43 men after finding lack of evidence against them, the charge sheets presented by the Preedy and Nabi Bux police stations against 21 suspects were also rejected.

The men had been arrested for their alleged role in the September 21 riots against the anti-Islam film.

The court rejected the charge sheets on the grounds that there was no connecting evidence against the accused men in custody, the CCTV footage does not have images of the accused and no one had seen the men setting fire to property or throwing stones.

The prosecutor, Abdul Maroof, said that in these circumstances the charge sheets against the accused were unwarranted. The investigating officers were directed to submit a report under section 497 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which was given to the court on Thursday. The court agreed with the findings and released the 21 men in custody, 13 of which had been detained by the Preedy police station and the rest by the Nabi Bux police. They were sent to jail on October 5 after the period of their custody in the police stations expired.

According to section 497 (2), if it appears to an officer or court that there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the accused has committed a non-bailable offence but there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry, then the accused shall be released on bail or at the discretion of an officer or the court.

The law further states that the court or officer releasing a person must submit their reasons in writing.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>UK bars entry of Bilour, anti-Islam filmmaker: Report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/450528/uk-bars-entry-of-bilour-anti-islam-filmmaker-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/450528/uk-bars-entry-of-bilour-anti-islam-filmmaker-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 12 21:19:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=450528</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[UK home secretary says presence of Bilour and Bassey in their country is not 'conducive to public good.']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Weeks after the federal minister for Railways announced a $100,000 bounty for the anti-Islam filmmaker, he has been barred from entry into Britain, Geo News reported on Thursday.

According to details, the decision was apparently taken in a high level meeting with Britain’s home secretary Theresa May who decided that Bilour’s presence in the UK would not be “conducive to the public good.”

Bilour, who has been reportedly informed of Britain’s decision, though can take comfort in the fact that his nemesis, the anti-Islam filmmaker, has also been banned from entering the UK. Both have been declared “undesirable” as their presence in Britain could harm race relations and pose threats to Britain’s national interests.

Days after violent protests broke out across the Muslim world over the anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims", the Railways minister addressed a press conference in his native city of Peshawar and announced a $100,000 reward for anyone who murdered the offensive film's producer. Bilour had urged the rich people of the world to donate so that any prospecting killer could be "loaded with dollars and gold."]]>
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			<title>Ishq-e-Rasool Day: Court releases 43 rioting suspects over lack of proof</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/449866/ishq-e-rasool-day-court-releases-43-rioting-suspects-over-lack-of-proof</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/449866/ishq-e-rasool-day-court-releases-43-rioting-suspects-over-lack-of-proof#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 12 01:26:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=449866</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[43 suspects were detained by the Boat Basin and Kharadar police stations for their alleged role on the September 21.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Anti-Terrorism Court III ordered the release of 43 suspects detained by the Boat Basin and Kharadar police stations for their alleged role in the September 21 riots.


On that day thousands of men swept through downtown Karachi looting and vandalising public property, robbing ATMs and restaurants, and setting fire to six cinemas in the worst case of public outrage the city has seen.

The investigating officer of the Boat Basin police station submitted a charge sheet to the court on Wednesday for the 27 men his force had taken into custody. The charge sheet, however, was rejected on the grounds that there was no evidence against the accused.

Special Public Prosecutor Abdul Maroof directed the investigation officer to submit a report under Section 497 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which paves the way for suspects to be released if there isn’t proof against them.

The report was submitted to the court on Wednesday and after agreeing with its findings, the court ordered the release of the 27 suspects.

Similarly, the investigation officer of the Kharadar police was also ordered to submit a report under section 497 (2) for the 16 men detained by the station. The court ordered the release of the men under section 63 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The court was also informed by the prosecutor that section 497 (2) can be applied even if the suspects are in jail.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Alleged anti-Islam filmmaker back in court, new name</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/449549/alleged-anti-islam-filmmaker-back-in-court-new-name</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/449549/alleged-anti-islam-filmmaker-back-in-court-new-name#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 12 11:27:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=449549</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mark Basseley Youssef formerly Nakoula Basseley Nakoula among other pseudonyms to appear in court amid tight security.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The alleged filmmaker behind the video that sparked violent protests across the Muslim world is due to appear in court again on Wednesday in a separate case, officials said.

They gave an amended name for him. Mark Basseley Youssef – who previously went by the name Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, among other pseudonyms – will appear in court in Los Angeles under tight security.

Amid fears for his safety, media and the public will only be able to watch proceedings via videoconference from a separate building, as was the case when he first appeared in court last month.

The 55-year-old faces charges of breaching the terms of his probation for a 2010 banking fraud conviction, and will face a preliminary probation-revocation hearing before US District Judge Christina Snyder.

Youssef, the alleged filmmaker behind “Innocence of Muslims,” faces eight charges of violating his probation, including making false statements and using at least three aliases.

Probation officers have recommended that Youssef be jailed for two years, according to prosecutors.

Given the protests the film has sparked, he may be safer in prison than out.

Last month Judge Suzanne Segal ruled that the alleged filmmaker, who has been in hiding since protests erupted over his film, should be detained without bond, saying he was a flight risk and a danger to the community.

“The court has a lack of trust in this defendant,” she said at the earlier court hearing on September 27.

Youssef – allegedly the real identity behind the pseudonym Sam Bacile, listed as the director of “Innocence of Muslims” – was briefly taken into custody earlier in September for questioning by his probation officer.

He was traced to a home address in Cerritos, south of Los Angeles, after international protests erupted against the 14-minute trailer video posted online.

The film offended many Muslims, and sparked a wave of anti-American protests that have cost several lives and saw mobs set US missions, schools and businesses ablaze.

In February 2009, a federal indictment accused Nakoula and others of fraudulently obtaining the identities and Social Security numbers of customers at several Wells Fargo branches in California and withdrawing $860 from them.]]>
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			<title>A European take on the movie that incensed Muslims</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448889/a-european-take-on-the-movie-that-incensed-muslims</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448889/a-european-take-on-the-movie-that-incensed-muslims#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 12 05:59:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fazal.khaliq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448889</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Some say they have never seen Muslims blaspheming against other faiths.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[While the anti-Islam film, “Innocence of Muslims” has whipped widespread anger in the Muslim world, Europeans have had mixed feelings towards it.


Some of them see no reason to agitate, but others condemn it as contrary to basic human values. Interestingly, those living in the countryside are clueless about the sacrilegious movie and the uproar it has caused.

“We do not appreciate any religion being treated in a negative way. People should not be allowed to mock any religion. We have to respect all religions and live in harmony,” Alberto, a social activist in Geneva, told The Express Tribune.

Among a crowd of tourists along a picturesque lake in Geneva, Switzerland, some said they had never seen or heard of Muslims committing such blasphemies against other faiths.

“We have never seen Muslims blaspheming against Jesus Christ or any other religious figure. Though we have heard a lot about some extremist groups in Muslim countries, but at least, they too have never mocked other faiths,” Mitzi, a tourist from Brazil, told The Express Tribune.

“Freedom of speech does not mean humiliating others and hurting their feelings. The UN should chalk out clear-cut policies to stop such hate mongering. All civilised people, in my opinion, condemn this act of profanity not only against Islam but against all religions,” Mitzi said.

Angela Stiena, a rights campaigner in Rome, Italy, believes Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, producer of the hate film, had some ulterior motive. “It (the film) might be planned to destabilise the Muslim world and I believe that some secret objectives were to be achieved by this act of profanity,” she told The Express Tribune.

However, a majority of countryside Europeans are unaware of the movie and the furore it has generated.

“I don’t know and even no one here in our area knows about such a movie,” said Antonello Pescosolido, a tourism guide in Teramo, Italy.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Voicing concerns: Senate condemns profane movie</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448911/voicing-concerns-senate-condemns-profane-movie</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448911/voicing-concerns-senate-condemns-profane-movie#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 12 05:20:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448911</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Presidential spokesman criticises election commission in dual nationality case.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the recently-released blasphemous movie and labelled it as a vilification campaign touted by some western elements, lobbies and countries to malign Islam, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Quran.


On the first day of the new session, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Ishaq Dar moved the resolution that said that all this was being done on the pretext and behind the smokescreen of freedom of speech and expression.

“The Senate of Pakistan strongly recommends that the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, should not be allowed to be abused to create inter-faith fissures and to hurt sentiments of followers of a certain faith, which in this case happen to be the largest religious denomination of the world after Christians,” reads the text of the resolution.

Dual nationality issue

Speaking on a point of order Senator Farhatullah Babar, who is also spokesman to President Asif Ai Zardari, took exception to the instructions given by the election commission to sign fresh declarations about their nationality.

He said it was ironic that they had already signed such declarations at the time of filing nomination papers, and were being asked to submit fresh ones.

Babar stated that there is no quarrel with the Constitutional position on nationality and election to parliament. “There is also no quarrel with requiring MPs to submit declarations which they had actually signed at the time of elections.”

“Signing declarations is not the issue but the issue is why fresh declarations are being sought... to paint MPs as liars. What happened to Jehangir Bader last night and the fresh declarations were symptoms of a systematic plan to erode parliament’s authority and show it disrespect? There seems to be a systematic plan to ridicule MPs,” he said.

He argued that the contempt law passed by the elected parliament was annulled by the Supreme Court which itself enacted the law by resurrecting the contempt law given by a military dictator. The Senator said that the entire parliament should not be punished or held in contempt for the wrong affidavits given by some.

“The parliament never criticised the judiciary as an institution just because some of them had taken oath under the PCO. Similarly, the parliament should not be ridiculed for the wrong done by some of it members.” Elaborating he said that the legislators did not raise the question of Dr Arsalan Iftikhar in parliament out of respect for the judiciary.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Riots case: Court orders release of suspected arsonists</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448853/riots-case-court-orders-release-of-suspected-arsonists</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448853/riots-case-court-orders-release-of-suspected-arsonists#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 12 03:17:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448853</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[While cinemas were torched on the day, police failed to gather evidence from the crime scenes.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Nine suspects, including some juveniles, detained by the Civil Lines police for alleged involvement in riots and arson at the PIDC on the Ishq-e-Rasool (pbuh) Day have been ordered to be released.

Acting on orders from Anti-Terrorism Court-III to ensure a fair investigation, the police had to release the suspects due to lack of evidence.

While 7,000 to 8,000 rioters were involved, the police were unable to collect any proof against the suspects arrested from the crime scene. They could not identify the detained men from the CCTV footage obtained from the vandalised buildings.

On Monday, Special Public Prosecutor Abdul Maroof Maher directed the police to release the men based on Section 497(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which deals with freeing the suspects at any stage of investigation if it emerges that they have not committed a non-bailable offence.

The men had been sent to jail last week and had told The Express Tribune that they were not involved in the rioting.

On Monday, 24 men who are also accused of rioting were sent to jail by Anti-Terrorism Court-II judge after their remand expired. The men had been detained by the Jackson police.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Namoos-e-Mustafa (pbuh) rally: JI asks govt to push for international laws against blasphemy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448498/namoos-e-mustafa-pbuh-rally-ji-asks-govt-to-push-for-international-laws-against-blasphemy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448498/namoos-e-mustafa-pbuh-rally-ji-asks-govt-to-push-for-international-laws-against-blasphemy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 22:24:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448498</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The party’s activists, equipped with placards, gathered at Numaish Chowrangi and later marched towards Tibet Centre.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Though Jamaat-e-Islami’s rally on Sunday against the anti-Islam film was devoid of the violence that swept through the city during riots on Ishq-e-Rasool Day, the anger of the party’s activists towards the movie was still evident.


The party’s activists, equipped with placards and banners, gathered at Numaish Chowrangi and later marched towards Tibet Centre. JI’s Sindh chief, Asadullah Bhutto, said, “[The US] has to ban the movie and teach its citizens to respect all religions.” He added that the Pakistan government should push for international laws against blasphemy.

As Bhutto continued, however, a group of young boys with yellow head-bands that read “Allah-o-Akbar” (God is great), made their way to the front. They set on fire an effigy of the US president, before quietly retreating. The JI leader continued his speech as the act took place in front of him.

JI Karachi chief Mohammad Hussain Mehnati said that the world has yet to differentiate between ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘hate speech’.

The party’s social media cell took great pains to provide a live feed of the procession and send updates via text messages, Twitter and Facebook.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Hasan Hammad, a member of the cell, said, “When the electronic and print media fail to depict the real picture, social media acts as an alternative source for conveying our message.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-film rally: ‘Fight US with economic power, not guns’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448442/anti-film-rally-%e2%80%98fight-us-with-economic-power-not-guns%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448442/anti-film-rally-%e2%80%98fight-us-with-economic-power-not-guns%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 20:36:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rana.tanveer]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448442</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Shia leader says Muslims can’t beat US with weapons, boycott its products instead.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Rather than wage a futile and unwinnable jihad against America with guns, the Muslims should boycott products from the United States and hurt its economy, said Shiite leader Allama Jawad Naqvi at a protest against an anti-Islam movie here at Nasser Bagh on Sunday.


Addressing the Tehreek Bedari-i-Ummat Mustafa (Movement to Awaken the Followers of the Chosen One (peace be upon him)) ijtema, Naqvi said it was impossible to defeat America with weapons, as it had more weapons than anyone. He said it also made no sense to wage jihad against the US with US-made weapons.

Naqvi said that Muslims must first recognise that the United States is their main enemy. He said when a country did not do what America wanted it to do, that country faced economic sanctions and boycotts. Similarly, Muslims should boycott products made by American companies.

Naqvi was the last of the speakers at the rally. Later, hundreds of protesters marched from Nasser Bagh to Charing Cross, waving flags and banners and chanting slogans like ‘Down with America’ and ‘Down with Israel’. They dispersed peacefully at Charing Cross.

Security was quite strict, with the rally’s route blocked to traffic. The venue at Nasser Bagh was surrounded by barbed wire and participants were scanned and frisked at each of the five entrances.

In his hour-long speech, Naqvi urged the protesters not to vote for “US-backed candidates” in the upcoming general elections, saying to do so would be a sin. He said that it was sad that narrow-minded people had become the guardians of Islam.

He said the US had created sectarian tensions in Pakistan and the only way to end these tensions was to recognise America as “the real enemy”. He said the US had made a long journey to becoming the country it was today where the blasphemous movie Innocence of Muslims was produced.

First, Western countries handed control of Muslim countries to their stooges. Then they started insulting the countries. Thirdly, he said, they started insulting Muslim, both those in their own countries and those elsewhere. Then the West began insulting Islam by criticising Islamic injunctions. Then they started insulting the Holy Quran, and now they had made a direct attack on the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Naqvi said that the movie had also been made possible by the silence of the Muslim ummah. He said that the movie was pushing the Muslim world and the West towards a war. He said the West wanted to end the Islamic way of life.

Addressing the rally, Allama Sayed Farrukh Hussain of the Tehreek-i-Minhajul Quran said that the punishment for blasphemy was death. He said their leader Tahirul Qadri had pledged to try and persuade the world to introduce the death penalty for blasphemers.

Allama Sajid Taqvi said every Muslim was ready to die to protect the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) honour, whether he be Sunni, Shia, Deobandi, Wahabi or Barelvi.

Prof Muhammad Amin said the West was the enemy and the Muslims should recognise this. He said the country’s political and educational systems had made it a slave of the West. “Even our law and Constitution are influenced by Western culture,” he said.

The Jamaat-i-Islami organised a rally of women and children on Sunday to condemn the making of an anti-Islam movie in the United States.

The protesters rallied near the Punjab University campus at the Canal Bank Road intersection.

They adopted a resolution demanding an apology from the US on incidents of blasphemy in which the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had been insulted or the Holy Quran desecrated.

They said that if the US did not apologise, the Muslim world should implement a complete economic boycott of the West including an oil embargo and a withdrawal of all assets from Western banks.

JI Secretary General Liaqat Baloch, addressing the protesters, said the United States and other Western countries should outlaw blasphemy to prevent future incidents. He urged Muslims rulers to “abandon their indifference” to acts of blasphemy and plan an economic boycott of the West.

Baloch said that the US and European countries had failed to provide peace and prosperity to the world and the people were finding shelter in Islam. In fact, he said, the West was terrified at Islam’s rapid advance and had started using “dirty tactics”. He said the US had chosen a path that would hasten its destruction.

JI Women’s Wing Secretary General Dr Rukhsana Jabeen said that the West had thrown down the gauntlet to the Muslim world. The US was patronising “the sick minds involved in blasphemy” and was “projecting them as heroes”. She condemned “the silence of Muslim rulers” on the issue when the whole ummah was in uproar.

Begum Aisha Munawwar and provincial JI Women’s Wing chief Sakeena Shahid also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film: Afghan cleric offers cash for producer's death</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448302/anit-islam-film-afghan-cleric-offers-cash-for-producers-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448302/anit-islam-film-afghan-cleric-offers-cash-for-producers-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 12:42:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448302</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Husaini joins Pakistan's minister Bilour in announcing bounty for maker of the blasphemous movie.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[An Afghan cleric has offered rewards totalling $400,000 for anyone killing the producer of a US-made anti-Islam film and a French cartoonist who drew caricatures of holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“I have offered $300,000 to anyone who kills the anti-Islam film producer and $100,000 for killing the French cartoonist," Mir Faroq Husaini, a prominent cleric in the western province of Herat, told AFP Sunday.

Husaini said he had first announced the reward during a sermon on Friday in a large mosque in the city.

"I will sell all my properties, including my lands in Herat, to collect the money," he said.

The "Innocence of Muslims", a crudely made film that mocks Islam, triggered violent protests in at least 20 countries including Afghanistan after excerpts were posted online last month.

Immediately after the film gained notoriety, French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published cartoons caricaturing the Muslim prophet.

Pakistan railways minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour last month placed a $100,000 bounty on the head of the maker of the film.

Bilour also called on the Taliban and al Qaeda to join the hunt and help accomplish the "noble deed".]]>
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			<title>Buckets and brooms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446295/buckets-and-brooms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446295/buckets-and-brooms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 06:46:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[taha.kehar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446295</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[To clean up our filthy streets we need more than just one-off clean-up drives.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Twenty-four-year-old Gul Hasan is one of the many sanitary workers who clean the streets of Karachi’s upscale Defence Housing Authority every single day. Clad in an orange uniform, he resembles a detainee at the US-run Guantanamo Bay. That’s fitting, given that he is after all a prisoner to a vicious cycle of poverty and disdain.

“Our profession is held in low esteem by the public,” he complains as he clutches a basket in one hand while holding a dusty jharoo in the other. “We are underpaid and are labelled as bhangis (waste collectors) or jamadars. These labels have become our professional identification and there is no way we can escape the consequences of these cruel typecasts.”

But what really gets Hasan’s goat is the attitude of the people he cleans up after.

“As long as the waste is not inside their houses or scattered across their sprawling lawns, they feel that they have fulfilled their responsibility towards making the environment clean. It never occurs to them that in the process of throwing away their garbage onto empty plots and footpaths, they are polluting the environment even more,” he says.

Indeed, most Pakistanis seem to feel that so long as their own houses are clean, it’s perfectly acceptable for the roads outside to look like garbage dumps. Given our propensity to blame the government for all ills, the concept of civic responsibility or, perish the thought, a citizen-based cleaning initiative never really crosses our minds.

But then, in the aftermath of the Ishq-e-Rasool Day riots, we were treated to an unusual sight: dozens of Pakistanis, shocked and dismayed by the destruction caused by the riots, took to the streets with brooms and buckets in order to clean up after the rioters. ‘Project: clean up Pakistan’ was a sight to warm the most cynical heart but it was, after all, a reaction to a single event. What would it take for such a project to become a permanent part of our lives? And what would it even look like?

In this particular case, looking across the border for inspiration might not be a bad idea. Let’s take the Indian city of Bangalore, where a volunteer organisation that goes by the moniker of ‘Ugly Indians’ has set out to ‘spot-fix’ the streets of Bangalore. As a purely citizen-based crusade to eradicate garbage and filth, it has capitalised on the advantages of social media to generate awareness about its activities and recruit followers. A group of volunteers armed with buckets and brooms and wearing masks and gloves to conceal their identities have actively participated in clean-up drives across Bangalore. In the past ten months, the Ugly Indians have organised over a hundred clean-up drives. By undertaking these community-based projects, ordinary citizens have succeeded in transforming the dirty footpaths and paan-stained streets of Bangalore into dirt-free zones.

Interestingly, the initiative is spearheaded by an anonymous group of dynamic citizens and is not funded or directed by any particular organisation. The only driving force that encourages the Ugly Indians to act responsibly is the desire to see a clean and sanitary India. Using their Facebook presence as a tool for rallying support for its ventures, the organisation aims to develop a positive attitude towards cleanliness and inculcate the need for effective garbage disposal. But don’t be fooled, this goes way beyond just cleaning walls and sweeping streets; the Ugly Indians aim to make a permanent dent in dirt.

Moving beyond mere cleaning and mopping, they placed dustbins labelled as ‘tere bins’ on the grubby streets of Bangalore, streamlining the process of garbage disposal in the city. According to the official website of The Ugly Indians, approximately 150 tere bins are now operating in Bangalore. This strategy is a clear testament to the mission statement of the initiative — Kaam Chaalu, Moonh Band (work more, speak less).

Another technique used to motivate people to properly dispose of waste and keep streets in a sanitary condition is the WonderLoo. These are street urinals which are aimed at preventing people from simply relieving themselves on the walls, a sight Pakistanis are also all too familiar with. Overall, this initiative has proved to be particularly useful in encouraging ordinary citizens to keep their environment clean. But can it be replicated here in Pakistan?

It has been argued that there is very little or no possibility for such citizen-based projects to flourish in Pakistan. This rather pessimistic conclusion has been drawn because of the largely negative connotations held about street sweepers. It is, after all, a task that is primarily the domain of “untouchables” and non-Muslims and thus not something most Pakistanis would consider doing. But despite the lack of enthusiasm shown by most of us, these taboos have been challenged.

Perhaps the most effective attempt to tackle the large heaps of garbage found in the cities of Pakistan was initiated by the Zimmedar Shehri movement. Through this bold initiative, a group of young people took to the streets of Lahore in an attempt to get rid of trash. Zimmedar Shehri is a testimony to the fact that relying on municipal authorities and the government of the day is futile. Positive change must begin from the ordinary citizens and must be fuelled solely by determination.

And yet, one of the major impediments for such citizen-based street cleaning campaigns is that they do not occur as frequently as they should. On rare occasions, teachers have encouraged primary-schoolchildren to pick up litter on the streets by organising street-cleaning drives. While this extra-curricular activity enables young children to understand the importance of collective responsibility, it imparts a lesson that is quite easily forgotten simply because it is not repeated.

Despite these problems, some organisations have worked laboriously to inculcate a desire among the youth for a cleaner and healthier Pakistan. Green Volunteers, a not-for-profit organisation which describes itself as a platform that “covers many aspects of social service,” is one such initiative. It recently organised an Anti-Littering Drive at Sea View, Karachi, to commemorate Independence Day.

But can this clean-up drive be considered a successful attempt to encourage citizens to accept their responsibility or is it merely a one-off initiative triggered by patriotic feelings?

According to Saba Ali, a student who attended the clean-up, it was a bit of both. “Patriotism definitely fuels the desire to improve the community,” she explains.

“The Anti-Littering Drive showed that we, the people, have to play our role in bringing change,” says Muhammad Khurrum Khan, one of the organisers at the event. “Through this platform, we were trying to convey a message to the general public that we can bring about this change if we unite for a special cause. Moreover, we were trying to get the attention of the government so that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure that streets are cleaner and infrastructure is maintained.”

Khurrum, for one, feels the Ugly Indians initiative can work here in Pakistan, but that it will take a lot of work and staying power. “We need focus, determination and active participation from the community to pursue a citizen-based campaign which is akin to The Ugly Indians initiative. The most difficult task is to get people interested. Clean-up drives need to be publicised so that more people are interested in joining the initiative. The more manpower we have for such campaigns, the more effective it will be.”

The turnout at the anti-littering drive mainly consisted of young people who were determined to make a difference. With their gloves, masks and trash-bags, they proved that picking up litter is not the act of a menial worker, but rather the collective responsibility of every citizen.

So what can be done to ensure that such efforts are not just flashes in the pan?

“In order to enhance such citizen-based initiatives, we should be properly equipped to face up to the challenges,” Khurrum says. “This can only be done by building awareness and informing the general public about the harmful effects of pollution. This way we can encourage people to actively participate and play their role as citizens.”

Fatima Siraj, a BBA student who attended the clean-up drive, is already convinced that this is the way to go. “The anti-littering drive gave me hope,” she says. “In the absence of government initiatives, it is entirely up to the citizens of Pakistan to make a positive change. We need to take ownership of our neighbourhood, our streets, our cities and our country and the power of such campaigns is that they force you to take ownership for your responsibilities.”

And yet, I cannot help but wonder if clean-up drives can really reduce the heaps of waste on the streets of cities across Pakistan. After the fibre glass dustbins installed in various locations in Karachi were stolen earlier this year, the idea of introducing dustbins in every nook and corner of the city appears futile. If any attempt to initiate a community-based venture to eradicate waste from the streets is to succeed, it must be with the support and participation of ordinary citizens and, most of all, it must be a sustained initiative. So if anyone out there wants to put their money where their mouth is, it’s about time you drop the bharam and pick up a broom!

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, October 7th, 2012.

Like Express Tribune Magazine on Facebook and follow at @ETribuneMag]]>
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			<title>Keeping it real: How British Muslims responded to the sacrilegious film</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446289/keeping-it-real-how-british-muslims-responded-to-the-sacrilegious-film</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446289/keeping-it-real-how-british-muslims-responded-to-the-sacrilegious-film#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 06:44:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zab.mustefa]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446289</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A group of British Muslims decided to use the opportunity to clear misconceptions about their religion.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It was meant to offend, and offended they were. But, for them, the appropriate response to the amateur anti-Islam film Innocence of Muslims was to spread knowledge, not create chaos.

“We simply reacted to the film in a reasonable and responsible way,” says Walid Kamil, Discover Islam’s public relations manager. “We want to get the message across that we [Muslims] are peaceful people.”

Many Muslims reacted violently in the aftermath of the film; the American ambassador to Libya was killed and as many as 20 people died in rioting across Pakistan. In Britain and Ireland, volunteers of UK-based charity Discover Islam took to the streets as well but only to distribute copies of the Holy Quran and a biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“Islam doesn’t teach us to kill like that and for us the best way to respond is by informing people, not by carrying out violent acts,” says Walid. “We aim to show that Islam isn’t about violence, it’s about compassion and respecting others. So this is the message we are trying to get across through the simple act of distributing the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) biography.”

Launched in 2008, Discover Islam has been advocating for a better understanding of what Muslims represent in response to increasing anti-Islamic sentiment across the UK and Europe. True to their word, when the film was first premiered in the US, they prepared a non-violent protest movement.

Armed with 210,000 copies of the Quran and a biographical account of the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) life, Discover Islam volunteers covered multicultural events, such as the London Olympics and Paralympics, where they set up stalls, approached people and got positive feedback.

“I’ve had non-Muslims come up to me over the past few weeks, telling me that in the Quran it says to kill and pillage. So I pull out some quotes to help them understand and the reaction is always one of surprise. They always walk away with a better comprehension of what it is we believe in,” says Walid.

Negative perceptions and stereotyping of Muslims as radicals has become a favourite pastime with the rise of far right groups such as the English Defence League and British National Party that deliberately target Islam. Muslims are increasingly ostracised for anything and everything, from hijab to halal meat.

Recently, British market research agency YouGov released alarming poll results, which found that 41% of Conservative voters in the UK believe that the violent attacks carried out as a backlash to the film were supported by all Muslims. The numbers were even worse in the US where 59% of Republicans held the same view.

While Walid cites the media as responsible for sensationalising Islam, he has no truck with those who preach a violent response. “The Prophet (pbuh)  was met with violence on many occasions but he didn’t respond with aggression. He was patient and this is the true meaning of Islam. If someone steals your car, it does not mean you should steal his car. Islam is about peace and patience. Our religion doesn’t urge us to be unjust towards others, it teaches us to be tolerant to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”

The response to their movement has been phenomenal. The charity’s Facebook page rocketed from 1,000 to 15,000 likes in a matter of weeks and, since the film’s release, Walid has received calls from all over the world asking for training, advice and consultancy on how to divert angry reactions into peaceful ones.

“Our phones haven’t stopped ringing with calls from Australia to Morocco on how to deal with the [recent] French cartoons and the film,” Walid says. “It’s not to say that we are happy with how western governments dealt with the film. There definitely wasn’t enough done to condemn it because it’s freedom of speech but if you insult the Queen you can be jailed. So in that respect, there is a lot of hypocrisy.”

But Walid is clear that the organisation’s objectives are not evangelical and their only purpose is to promote better understanding of Muslim beliefs among people from other faiths.

“We’re not here to preach or convert anyone. Everybody has a right to be free and believe in what they want whether that is as an atheist, a Jew or a Hindu,” he says. “We’re happy to meet anyone and invite them to come have coffee with us and find out what Islam is really about. We’re not here to judge and just want everyone to get along with one another and live in peace.”

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, October 7th, 2012.

Like Express Tribune Magazine on Facebook and follow at @ETribuneMag]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film: Malik claims credit for producer’s arrest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448152/anti-islam-film-malik-claims-credit-for-producer%e2%80%99s-arrest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/448152/anti-islam-film-malik-claims-credit-for-producer%e2%80%99s-arrest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 12 05:00:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[huma.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=448152</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Interior Minister says Dr Aafia Siddiqi could serve rest of her jail term in Pakistan.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In yet another bizarre instance, courtesy Rehman Malik, the interior minister appeared on Saturday to claim credit for the arrest of Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the producer of anti-Islam movie “Innocence of Muslims”.


“I don’t claim entire credit, but it is a credit for the Muslim Ummah, the credit goes to my government. In fact, it is our government and the entire world which took up this derogatory documentary film at all international forums,” Malik told a news conference at Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington on Saturday.

When pressed on the point that Nakoula had been arrested for violating terms of his bail in a separate case, Malik said, “I pointed out that he is a fugitive of law, I did have information. And perhaps that voice reached the right quarters, and he was arrested, it is not me who has made the arrest, but I became instrumental in appealing to the United States.”

About his meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department, Malik said he thanked Clinton and President Barack Obama for condemning the anti-Islam film.

Making a case for the extradition of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist jailed in the United States for terror links, Malik said she could serve rest of her jail term in Pakistan.

He said that he had raised the issue of Dr Aafia Siddiqui in his meeting with FBI Director Robert Mueller, who said the suggestion could be considered.

Malik said he had also written to the US attorney general on the matter and would release the contents of his letter soon.

The interior minister said he also raised the issue of enforced disappearances in his meetings with US officials.

“I highlighted how aggression is coming to us from Afghanistan into Balochistan and through Mohmand Agency and Khyber. How arms and ammunition are being shifted to Pakistan in the hands of so-called Azad Baloch and Maulvi Faqirullah and Fazlullah,” he added.

Asked about the Haqqani Network, the interior minister said, “The Haqqanis are not Pakistanis. That is the wrong notion, the Haqqanis are Afghans located in Afghanistan. I have emphasised that while the US is concentrating on the Haqqani Network, what about the other networks? There are so many stakeholders who are against peace in Afghanistan. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan are victims of war.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Business disrupted as 3,000 rally against sacrilegious film</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447637/business-disrupted-as-3000-rally-against-sacrilegious-film</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447637/business-disrupted-as-3000-rally-against-sacrilegious-film#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Oct 12 02:42:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[umer.nangiana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=447637</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People had difficulty accessing Aabpara; rally members remained peaceful.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Five years ago on October 5, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) Chief Maulana Azam Tariq was gunned down by unknown assailants just outside of Islamabad.


In reaction, his followers turned Islamabad upside down. Angry activists destroyed vehicles and markets besides burning down one of the only two cinema houses in the city, killing at least two people trapped inside. The memories of the SSP activists’ rampant violent protests linger on.

Every time they decide to march towards Islamabad, under their new name of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), particularly on the occasion of their leader’s death anniversary, the city life is disrupted as administration makes stringent security arrangements.

This Friday was no different.

It was a pedestrian’s paradise on the roads around Aabpara. The police had placed concrete blocks on Khayaban-e Suharwardy to keep vehicles away from all sides, with the Kashmir Highway access point also closed, while barbed wire near Rehmania Mosque on Municipal Road marked the area for the protest rally up to Melody Chowk.

Over three thousand ASWJ activists, from different parts of the country, poured into Islamabad and gathered at Aabpara Chowk for “Shaheed-e-Islam Conference” to commemorate Maulana Tariq’s death anniversary.

The ASWJ members, mostly students from madrassahs, remained entirely peaceful, but the city administration did not take any risks. More than a thousand police personnel were deployed at different points around Aabpara and the surrounding Red Zone.

Most of Aabpara had become inaccessible for those unfamiliar with the narrow link roads of G-6, with cars and motorcycles trying to reach the bustling market area creating traffic jams all around.

“We anticipated there would be more people and they may also get violent over the anti-Islam movie issue,” said a police officer responsible for the security of Red Zone. However, no ASWJ activist tried violence.

A five-member delegation was selected. They were taken to the entrance of the Diplomatic Enclave where they handed a resolution condemning the film to the chief security officer of the US embassy. The resolution demanded action against the people behind the movie and urged the US to take steps to prevent such incidents in future.

“An international legislation against blasphemy is the need of the hour. [Organisation of Islamic Countries] should move beyond mere words and resolutions,” said Maulana Samiul Haq of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (S) while addressing the gathering.

Addressing thousands of his supporters, ASWJ Chief Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi urged the Supreme Court of Pakistan to reopen a suo motu case of Shia-Sunni conflict, initiated by former chief justice Sajjad Ali Shah. “We will fully cooperate to bring an end to Shia-Sunni conflicts,” said Ludhianvi. The ASWJ chief also announced that his ASWJ will participate in the coming general elections and is open to seat adjustments with other parties.

The ASWJ supporters dispersed peacefully after spending the full day at Aabpara.

Disrupted life

Vans that normally use the Aabpara bus stop had to stop on Kashmir Highway near Aabpara Chowk to pick and drop passengers, since all access to the bus stop was closed.

At a shop in the market, Muhammad Shakil said he had to deliver boxed goods to I-9. “I cannot drive my truck out of the market because of the roadblocks,” Shakil said. “My work has been set back by at least three hours.”

Many living in suburbs such as Chak Shehzad and Bani Gala faced several hurdles as the intersection near Serena Hotel was blocked with large containers, forcing many to detour via Kashmir Highway. Some decided to go via Rawal Chowk and travel via Murree Road and on through sector I-8 in order to enter the city proper.

Raheem , a resident of Bhara Kahu, said, “It is terrible, people should have been informed earlier that the road will be blocked from Thursday evening.”

* With additional input from our correspondents/ photos: muhammad javaid

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2012. ]]>
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			<title>The Putin-Dempsey factors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447472/the-putin-dempsey-factors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447472/the-putin-dempsey-factors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 12 18:40:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[amina.jilani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=447472</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In a week where Putin and Dempsey postponed their visits, Pakistan was left clutching few straws of MoUs.]]>
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				<![CDATA[“Putin visit put off due to lack of progress on economic issue”, read a headline at the end of last month. Well, economic issues did not stand in the way of one Russian delegation that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Islamabad last week. Not that MoUs are any great shakes as they are merely instruments of intent. The intent has to mature and turn into hard facts and that often does not happen — as we know from floods of past, MoUs have been trumpeted triumphantly by our various governments as great achievements. Nevertheless, good for Pakistan should Russia turn up trumps and come to the partial rescue of the white elephant that is the steel mills, the shattered railways and the ubiquitous energy problem that affects all 180 million inhabitants.

Nor was the visit of Sergey Lavrov affected by the alleged Putin cancellation — it came as a sop to the civilian leadership which is in dire need of a bit of good cheer. And then there was General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s visit to Moscow to pow-wow with the Russian military brass, presumably to shore up Pakistani-Russian common interests in the murky future of Afghanistan. Russia is aware, as all are, that it is from General Kayani and his GHQ that all major foreign and internal security issues flow and are regulated.

As for President Vladimir Putin, apparently, reported sources in Moscow have stated that his visit to Pakistan was not really on the cards; it was never announced and the news was Pakistan-generated for whatever reasons. A president is not needed for mundane MoUs and a foreign minister is good enough as a placatory gesture. And, of course, Pakistan must always bear in mind that it is Russia’s national interest that is the prime mover of this latest surge in relations. Pakistan is forever willing to grasp at any straws offered to it, given the precarious condition of its foreign and internal standing.

A second headline read: “General Dempsey puts off visit because of violence”. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey’s statement in response was: “I originally planned to go to Pakistan to meet General Kayani but because of some of the issues related to that film, he and I discussed postponing that visit — mostly so that I would give him time to deal with the issues he was dealing with internally.”

Exactly how General Kayani ‘dealt’ with the issues is not glaringly evident. No one seemed to be dealing with anything related to ‘that film’. If anything, a member of the government, a sitting minister, chose to stoke the temperature rather than lower it. Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, a failure if ever there was one, offered $100,000 (whether it is his money or the government’s is not clear) for the murder of the fourth-rate video producer. This price was boosted some days later by Ikramullah Shahid of the JUI-S at a Difa-e-Pakistan Council rally who put up a $200,000 bounty for the killing of the video-maker. These offers were treated by the international media in the manner they deserve to be treated. Relevant words from William Saletan, posted in Slate on September 14:

“Dear Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews, you’re living in the age of the internet. Your religion will be mocked, and the mockery will find its way to you. Get over it.

“If you don’t, what’s happening this week will happen again and again. A couple of idiots with a video camera and an internet connection will trigger riots across the globe. They’ll bait you into killing one another. Stop it. Stop following their script.

“Today, fury, violence, and bloodshed are consuming the Muslim world. Why? Because a bank fraud artist in California offered people $75 a day to come to his house and act out scenes that ostensibly had nothing to do with Islam. Then he replaced the audio, putting words in the actors’ mouths, and stitched together the scenes to make an absurdly bad movie … ”.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Case against anti-Islam filmmakers: LHC seeks AG’s assistance</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447483/case-against-anti-islam-filmmakers-lhc-seeks-ag%e2%80%99s-assistance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447483/case-against-anti-islam-filmmakers-lhc-seeks-ag%e2%80%99s-assistance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 12 15:51:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=447483</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Petitioner asks court to initiate contempt proceedings against SHO for not registering FIR despite court orders.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Lahore High Court on Friday sought assistance of the deputy attorney general on a petition seeking implementation of a lower court's orders for the police to register a case against the makers of the anti-Islam film, Google Inc., YouTube and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s chairman.

The court was hearing a petition filed by President Khatm-i-Nabuwwat Lawyers Forum Advocate Ghulam Mustafa.

During the hearing on Friday, the petitioner submitted that on September 26, Additional District and Sessions Judge Abdul Sattar Langah directed the SHO Islampura police to record statements of the petitioner against the accused but the SHO neither recorded statements nor registered a case. He claimed that the SHO has committed contempt of court by refusing to act on the court order.

Mustafa submitted before the court that he was shocked to read the news about some people in the US including writer and producer Nakoula Basseley alias Sam Bacile, actor Cindy Lee Garcia, Alian Roberts and others producing a blasphemous movie – Innocence of Muslims – which contained lies about the holy personalities of Islam, particularly Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), admittedly amounting to blasphemy, carrying the death penalty under Section 295/C of PPC.

He added that the most tragic and unforgivable aggravation of this heinous crime is that PTA, the information ministry through their secretary and chairman Pemra had abetted and condoned this offence by allowing the exhibition of the movie in Pakistan on internet. Later, they claimed to have blocked Youtube but its images could still be seen on Google, he maintained.

He prayed the court to direct the SHO to register case against Bacile, Garcia, Roberts and others for making this movie and against chairman PTA and Pemra, information ministry through their secretary for allowing the exhibition of the movie's trailer on Youtube and for not removing images from Google.

He also prayed the court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the SHO for not registering the FIR despite court orders.

The court adjourned the hearing for two weeks.]]>
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			<title>Ishq-e-Rasool day riots: Slap on the wrist jail time for men arrested for violence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447196/ishq-e-rasool-day-riots-slap-on-the-wrist-jail-time-for-men-arrested-for-violence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447196/ishq-e-rasool-day-riots-slap-on-the-wrist-jail-time-for-men-arrested-for-violence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 12 05:56:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=447196</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A thousand men protested that day, but just 27 were caught.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When lawyers burst into the courtyard of the Anti-Terrorism Courts on Thursday afternoon to break the bad news to 27 suspects going to jail for rioting on September 21, one lad burst into tears - only to receive a consolatory hug from the investigating officer prosecuting him.

The lawyers did have some good news to tell their clients though: they are going to jail for only a few days. “You should be thanking the judge,” chided one of the lawyers, “and the investigating officer.”

The 27 men in custody have been accused of going on a rampage on Ishq-e-Rasool Day when the city’s six landmark cinemas were gutted and restaurants and banks were vandalised and robbed. But the men and two children in custody - who made their third court appearance on Thursday - continue to insist that they have been framed.

According to lawyer Naeem Ahmed Aazar, at least one of those men in detention is “insane” and will need a medical evaluation if the case goes to trial, but fellow inmates said that the man only had severe headaches and often burst out crying.

Twenty-five of the suspects have been remanded to judicial custody, and the two juveniles will be kept in a remand home. They are scheduled to appear in court on October 8, when the investigating officer will present a final report.

Nine suspects in custody of the Civil Lines police will learn of their fate on Friday. They were brought to court for their hearing fairly late in the afternoon and were told that they would now have to reappear Friday as it was too late in the working day. The court staff was busy with paperwork.

In their bus, there was much talk among the suspect of which jail they would be going to and how they were detained. A 20-year-old Hafiz-e-Quran, Mohammad Arshad, said he had gone out on Friday after his younger brother, who was playing cricket. “All the seminary boys play cricket on Fridays after prayers,” he said. He was detained along with his father.

Faisal Hameed and Mohammad Taimur, two friends from a neighbourhood in Landhi, have not retained a lawyer yet, in the hope that the police’s final report will exonerate them.

Hameed, a 30-year-old worker at Gul Ahmed textiles, said he and Taimur made the mistake of leaving their motorcycle when they were stopped near Bilawal Chowrangi by the police as the situation in the area was not clear.  They waited it out near Park Lane hospital but when they returned to collect the motorcycle the police detained them for allegedly taking part in the violence.

The men in custody are Abdul Mateen, Mohammad Arif, Saifullah, Gulzar, Noor Mohammad, Mohammad Khan, Mohammad Arshad, Zahid Akber, Waliullah, Mohammad Rehman, Saddam Hussain, Aminullah, Samiullah, Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Faisal, Mohammad Taimur, Zubair, Ghulam Haider, Kaleemullah, Asif Khan, Waheed Gul, Wazeer Khan, Sangar Khan, Naseer Khan and Abdul Raheem, as well as two juveniles.

Also on Thursday, the Kharadar police also brought in two suspects, who were detained this week, much after the action. The suspects, who are in their 20s, will be presented in court after a week and will remain in police custody till then.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam movie: Barelvi parties call for Western boycott</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447058/anti-islam-movie-barelvi-parties-call-for-western-boycott</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/447058/anti-islam-movie-barelvi-parties-call-for-western-boycott#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 12 02:06:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=447058</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All Parties Ahl-i-Sunnat Conference condemns violence during protests.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The All Parties Ahl-i-Sunnat Conference on Thursday urged their supporters to boycott products from Western countries in protest against an anti-Islam movie made in America.


A resolution carried at the end of the conference, which was held at Jamia Naeemia and attended by representatives of 40 Barelvi Sunni parties, also condemned protesters in Pakistan who committed arson and vandalism while protesting against the movie. The resolution termed the making of the anti-Islam movie an act of terrorism and a bid to create conflict between religions.

The resolution also addressed the United Nations, saying the body should amend its charter to make blasphemy an international crime. It also demanded a code of ethics for media whereby it agreed not to air blasphemous material anywhere in the world.

The Barelvi parites demanded that the rulers of Muslim countries record their protest against the film in an effective way and that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference hold a meeting on the subject. They said the matter should be taken up in the International Court of Justice. They demanded that the Pakistan government explain its policy for the defence of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). They said the government must allow peaceful protests and crack down on those using the film as an excuse to riot. Finally, they reminded the government of its responsibility to ensure that all non-Muslims living in Pakistan and their worship places were safe.

‘Govt sheltering terrorists’

Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Haji Fazle Karim, addressing the conference, said that the movie was a Western attempt to portray Muslims as intolerant and that they had done this before. He said banned militant organisations were behind the violence in the protests against the film and they were operating “under the government’s shelter”. He said all the people arrested for violent protests in Lahore had been granted bail, which showed that the government had backed them.

Karim said that the United States was an “international terrorist”. He demanded the government convene a joint session of parliament to discuss its strategy against blasphemy. He asked the participants to educate the people about the movie during their Friday sermons.

He said the Sunni Ittehad Council would set off on a train march from Karachi on October 14. They would arrive in Lahore the next day and then set off for Islamabad. He said that he had changed the name from the ‘Pakistan Bachao March’ to the ‘Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat March’.

Sunni Tehrik head Sarwat Ijaz Qadri accused the media of not giving adequate coverage to their protests. He said the media sold its coverage and the SIC couldn’t afford to buy it. He said that the ST could force the media to mend its ways, but first it would like to hold talks with the owners of media outlets.

He criticised television channels, saying that they invited heads of terrorist groups to their programmes to ask them about their views on how to deal with terrorism. He said blasphemy laws like Pakistan’s should be introduced all over the world.

At the end of his speech, Qadri urged the participants to vote for him in the next general elections. He said if he was elected, he would hang the terrorists in public.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2012. ]]>
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			<title>YouTube ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446837/youtube-ban-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446837/youtube-ban-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 12 17:02:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446837</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[While PTA has said it will not lift the ban till video is removed from YouTube, a solution needs to be worked out.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The blockade of the popular video-sharing website, YouTube, which was shut down on September 17 to prevent access to the blasphemous video, has now entered its third week. Given the violence seen in the country over the derogatory video, the government’s orders, imposed through the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), are not impossible to understand. But with PTA officials quoted as saying that the ban could last indefinitely, the situation perhaps, needs to be reviewed. Beyond providing entertainment, YouTube is also widely used for educational and communication purposes. The lack of access to it affects many, with the clumsy  ‘wall’ put up by the PTA also disrupting Android mobile phone services run by Google.

Despite talks held between Google and the government, the former has reportedly declined to block the offending video in Pakistan, since there is no agreement that could facilitate such an action. The video has been removed from public viewing domains in a host of other countries, including Egypt, India, Libya, Malaysia and Indonesia, with whom Google has agreements. Countries where major Google operation centres are based have also been granted a blockade when requested. Despite the absence of the required agreement with Google, its tough line with Pakistan still seems harsh given the obviously objectionable content of the video. Both sides have locked horns and a deadlock persists.

While the PTA has said it will not lift the ban till the video is removed from the website, a solution needs to be worked out. Right now, discs loaded with software to run proxy servers are selling like the proverbial hotcakes across cities. Others have, of course, downloaded and initiated their own programmes such as proxies and so on. The PTA, then, needs to consider what good is being achieved through the ban and reach a decision keeping this in view, while working out an arrangement for a deal with Google to prevent the repetition of a similar sequence of events at any time in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>The power of apathy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446374/the-power-of-apathy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446374/the-power-of-apathy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 12 18:41:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shahid.mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446374</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Apathy will extinguish the preciousness associated with life if all one feels is the softness of their skin.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[On a recent Air Canada flight, I sat in front of a group of Cenovus oil rig workmen. Before take-off, two of the workmen proceeded to viciously kick me in the back, calling me a raghead. They yelled, ordering me to give the passengers sufficient notice should I decide to bomb the plane. Biting my tongue, I chalked their behaviour up to ignorance. I placed my computer bag between my back and their well-placed kicks and noted that not a single person on my flight spoke up.

The seven original sins are a classification of our collective human vices. But as Eleanor Roosevelt, former US First Lady, so potently put it, “so much attention is paid to the aggressive sins, such as violence and cruelty and greed with all their tragic effects that too little attention is paid to the passive sins, such as apathy ... which in the long run can have a more devastating effect.” Apathy is not one of the original sins. It could be argued that the most dangerous human quality is actually apathy — bereft of conviction, not from an individual’s lack of awareness, but from an utter disdain bred of sheer complacency.

Apathy will extinguish the preciousness associated with life if all one feels is the softness of their skin. Americans endlessly debate whether liberty is a treasured constitutional right or is it something fundamentally different today. Does security edge out the timeless principle of liberty — dispensing with the refrain of the ‘land of the free’ and substituting it with the ‘homeland of the secure’? The recent controversy surrounding a class taught by the US military underlines the pervasiveness of our societal apathy. The class instructor taught students that Islam must change or the United States “will facilitate its self-destruction”, ultimately bombing Islam’s two holy cities of Makkah and Medina, not unlike Hiroshima and Dresden. Only recently was the class terminated when a student objected to the course material. Apathy best epitomises those officers, cycled through this class over two years, who never felt obliged to tell anyone how wrong all this was.

Apathy will also extinguish the significance of faith if all one feels are hands clasped tightly in prayer. There are many Muslims, who have been inculcated — told if all they do is focus on daily prayers, all their problems will disappear. There are also those Muslims who have been led to believe that they should renounce this material world. They will only find happiness in an afterlife amidst frolicking women and rivers of milk. With such conviction, who then, from amongst the Muslim community, will speak for the hundreds of Muslim Shiites who were murdered in recent months in Pakistan? It seems that Muslims are more interested in flogging Uncle Sam than speaking out against banned extremist groups that stop passenger buses to execute all those identified as Shiites.

The word ‘liberty’ is defined as ‘free from compulsion’. Once any government legally empowers itself to compel their citizens, then liberty, as an ideal principle, vanishes — never to return. In our post 9/11 world, having to choose between liberty and security is wrong. Those politicians who sacrifice liberty in the hopes of greater security deserve neither and will get none. Conversely, people of faith need to make some important choices. They need to take full accountability for their religious beliefs. It is difficult to have a moderate position because once faith is ceded to a religious clergy, it will invariably be bandied about at each and every street corner.

Apathy finds itself in our lives intersecting it in surprising ways. The ensuing plot is ultimately tragic, but should every citizen pull his or her own weight, their voice would add a genuine dose of humanity to these most outrageous of stories.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Freedom of speech and defence of values</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446410/freedom-of-speech-and-defence-of-values</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446410/freedom-of-speech-and-defence-of-values#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 12 17:49:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shafqat.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446410</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[I want to ask not why Muslims get offended so easily, but why defenders of free speech are so ready to insult others.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Mata-e-loh-o-qalam chhin gayi tau kya gham hai,

kay khoon-e-dil mein dubo li hain ungliyan mein ne

zuban pe mohar lagi hai tau kya kay rakh di hai,

har ek halqa-e-zanjeer mein zubaan mein ne  — Faiz

 

There has been an overkill of analyses worldwide with regard to Muslims’ reaction to the hateful video disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Western media. These analyses can be divided into two types. The first type focuses on the Muslims’ reaction in terms of the Muslim ‘psychology’, concluding that Muslims are unable to handle difference of opinion and get angry easily and may turn violent. Most of the analyses of this type have focused on violence that this reaction has triggered, which is both wrong and unproductive. This line of analysis maintains that no matter what you do, Muslims will always get angry at something because they are irrational. This analysis maintains that Muslims cannot understand freedom of speech because they have not yet evolved to a higher stage of cultural (or even perhaps, biological), refinement which the European societies have attained, thus there is no point trying to have an honest discourse with Muslims on the issue. This analysis is promoted mainly by the likes of Fox News and adopted by its viewers and the followers of the Tea Party. They argue that Muslims cannot live with difference of opinion and their solution to the whole situation is that we should not pay any heed to these barbarian Muslims and stick to our defence of freedom of speech. They and the news media that they follow maintain that if they don’t stick to the defence of freedom of speech, then the next things Muslims will do is shove Sharia law down their throats. For these people, defence of freedom of speech seems to have become more important than what one actually defends because of it. This is the crux of the matter and I will return to it shortly.

The second type of analysis in the media is intelligent and historic and that is why it is limited to fringe TV channels, newspapers and websites. It looks at the deep-rooted cause of Muslims’ reaction, correctly portraying that reaction as not only about disrespect to the Holy Prophet (pbuh), but also a reaction against the long history of disrespect to peoples’ own sense of dignity and beliefs by the US, directly through wars and aggression and indirectly through installing and supporting puppet dictators to rule them. I like this analysis and agree with it wholeheartedly.

I want to take a third route, however, and build on the analytical thread that is developed in the second type of analysis. Rather than putting the spotlight on Muslims and their reaction to the blasphemous video and the historical reasons behind it, I want to put the spotlight on the reaction of those who are reacting to the Muslims’ reaction, that is, the first group of analysts, those who believe in Fox News and its ideology and forward the defence of the freedom of speech argument. I want to ask not why Muslims get offended so easily, but rather why these people are so ready to insult others. I want to look at what these people understand by freedom of speech, and what I think it should be about. I want to propose that the knee-jerk reaction of this group to defend freedom of speech, and not an idea or a value or any substantive thing using it, is emblematic of something very serious. It is emblematic of the fact that these people have freedom of speech but no voice. In their society, they are free to defend it, but not their values and interests with it. Now, I am sure, even this group will agree that disrespecting other people’s beliefs just for the sake of it, is not one of their cherished cultural values.

Their interests and values are different: they are about jobs, decent education, accountable corporations, honesty in politics and governments, in sum, good life and good governance. On these issues, society at large feels that it has no say and no voice, although it may have freedom of speech. Thus, their hollow defence of the issue in this domain of anti-Muslim sentiment is emblematic of their lack of voice in other domains — of politics, economy, culture; domains that really matter to them. For we know that it is Fox News and others like it that have the voice, because their speech matters, since those who speak through it are powerful people with powerful interests, which do not overlap with those who just follow (and may occasionally comment on the channel’s website or on its Facebook page). These people are like us, like many wretched Pakistanis, who also feel voiceless, unable to change the course of their history. Like us, they also fall into the trap of the powerful, of Fox News and the likes, easily. Like us, they are also unable to see that the interests and values that the channel promotes are not theirs but of the powerful. They have been duped by the powerful media to believe that freedom of speech amounts to leaving a comment in the ‘comments section’ of a news item. This definition of freedom of speech is promoted actively by the powerful media and done in order to divert attention from those interests and values that freedom of speech should defend.

So, the issue is valuable only in the context of what it defends. It becomes valuable only when speech that matters, that changes the course of history, is allowed to flourish — the speech that Martin Luther King gave on the steps of the Lincoln memorial, or the speech that Hazrat Zainab (RA) gave in the court of Yazid, 1,400 years ago — speech that defends the interests and values of the wretched of the earth. We need defence of that speech, which speaks the truth to the powerful. Freedom of speech should not defend the indefensible (such as unprovoked insult to other people’s beliefs) but the undefended. The undefended and the wretched should be defended with the kind of passion for freedom of speech that Faiz talks about in his verse, that I quoted.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Freedom is to be used responsibly</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446414/freedom-is-to-be-used-responsibly</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446414/freedom-is-to-be-used-responsibly#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 12 17:12:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[guido.westerwelle]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446414</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Freedom of opinion must not be hijacked to spread hatred, fanaticism and undermine our peaceful coexistence.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[We have seen a hurtful portrayal of Islam’s Holy Prophet (pbuh), most likely disseminated with the intention of provoking. And on the other side, we have seen enraged crowds gathering outside Western embassies, crowds that have not shrunk from violence or murder. We have been forced to witness what religiously motivated extremism and fanaticism is capable of.

What these images create is a distorted impression of reality. In the Western world, as in the Islamic states of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, it is only a minority that adopts the language of confrontation and provocation that seeks to sow hatred and incite blind violence. The reality is not what these images suggest. The vast majority of people on both sides want democracy and genuine opportunities in life — just as we do. These people, like us, are filled with revulsion by a video that vilifies people of a different faith and offends them with its appalling prejudices. Like us, they object to the hateful wave of violence it has triggered.

We are responding in concert, sending a joint message of understanding and tolerance. We speak on behalf of the overwhelming majority. We are most decidedly opposed to the extremists in our countries whose sole goal is to drive a deep wedge between our societies rooted in their Islamic and Christian traditions.

We can understand the outrage felt by many Muslims around the world. We can understand the many people who have protested peacefully against the vilification of their religion. But we also agree that there is no justification for the outbreaks of violence we have seen over the past few days. Violence is not the right response to actions which are themselves iniquitous.

We must use our freedom responsibly. Freedom of opinion is one of the greatest goods in any democracy. And precisely because it is so important, it must not be hijacked to spread hatred and fanaticism and undermine the conditions of our peaceful coexistence.

The Arab Spring swept away authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and several other Arab states. There is now a chance, one that may never come again, to build a new democratic and pluralistic society on the ruins of the old autocratic system but only if that aim is pursued in earnest. And that is why the new freedom, which was so hard won, must not be misused or considered an invitation to attack people who hold different beliefs or to shake the very foundations of public order.

The revolution began in Tunisia and it was from Tunis that it spread like wildfire to other Arab countries. The radical changes set in motion by the Jasmine Revolution are well under way. That success presents us with a historic opportunity to transform and improve relations between the civilisations on both sides of the Mediterranean, building on tolerance and mutual respect.

We stand together before major challenges and tasks. These include finding a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the Middle East, above all, the terrible crisis in Syria. They also include creating real opportunities for people to live in dignity and safety. And they include, continuing the ongoing work on creating a culture of tolerance, dialogue and respect, both for others within our own societies and among our peoples.

We must not permit radical forces to squander the opportunities inherent in our cooperation and our desire to live together peacefully as nations and peoples in partnership with one another.

We all long for a world built on tolerance, integration and mutual respect, far removed from any kind of hatred, violence and fanaticism.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film protests bring boom for Pakistan flag makers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446256/anti-islam-film-protests-bring-boom-for-pakistan-flag-makers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446256/anti-islam-film-protests-bring-boom-for-pakistan-flag-makers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 12 08:11:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446256</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Weeks of protests have killed more than 20 people and caused serious damage, but for flag makers business is booming.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As Pakistan's religious parties railed against a US-made anti-Islam film, Naveed Haider's print works went into overdrive, running off hundreds of US flags for angry protesters to burn at demonstrations.

Weeks of protests in Pakistan over the crudely made "Innocence of Muslims" have killed more than 20 people and caused serious damage to major cities, but for Haider business is booming.

When the mobilisation against the US film began, "I knew the tills would start ringing", said the manager at Panaflex Printers, housed in a dilapidated building in Rawalpindi.

"Whenever we have these demonstrations, I make 10 times as much money as normal," he told AFP in a tiny room that stank of ink, as two huge rollers spat out Stars and Stripes.

Sold for between 120 and 1,500 rupees ($1.25 to $16) depending on size and quality, the flags have been snapped up for demonstrations against the film in recent weeks, and Haider watched in delight as his products went up in smoke day after day on the TV news.

The boom in the flag market has accompanied a surge in anti-American feeling in Pakistan, which has been battered and bruised by Taliban violence and US drone strikes since joining Washington's "war on terror" in late 2001.

So much so that the United States has replaced traditional rival India as enemy number one in public opinion - at least according to the flag-sellers.

"It's been a long time since I sold an Indian flag," said shopkeeper Nadeem Mahmood Shah as people piled into his Rawalpindi store to stock up on American flags, as a few tattered old samples fluttered outside.

In Shah's shop 1,500 rupees will get you a three-square-metre Stars and Stripes in cloth, with a guarantee it will catch light with no problems - a key concern for protesters, particularly with TV cameras around.

For Asim, a waiter in a seafood restaurant, burning the US flag has become a vital part of any protest. He has set four alight in a month.

"It brings me such pleasure," said the rangy 22-year-old. "It's not a crime, but a means of expression like any other."

Pakistan experienced the worst of the violence when nationwide rallies mobilised more than 45,000 in September. At least 21 people were killed and 229 wounded, mainly in clashes with police.

Last month, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour placed a $100,000 bounty on the head of the filmmaker, calling on the Taliban and al Qaeda to join the hunt and help accomplish the "noble deed".

Most young flag-burners are attached to political or religious groups.

Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the country's largest religious parties, actually provides its members with American and Israeli flags "so they can voice their anger", explained Sajjad Abbas, a party official in Islamabad.

"We have arrangements with printers and we supply them with the cloth," he said.

A well-drilled setup like this enables political groups to make their statement as cheaply as possible and to quickly exploit even the smallest spike in tension with the United States.

Jamaatud Dawa, blacklisted by the United Nations and the United States as a front for terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, says it has a "special team" dedicated to making US and Israeli flags for demonstrations.

"They end up costing us 50-60 rupees each," said Asif Khurshid, one of the group's officials in Islamabad.

The Majlis-e-Wahadatul Muslimeen, a Shia Muslim party active in recent protests, utilises its student wing to organise the flags with partner printers.

"We turn out 500 an hour," boasted Mazhar Shigri, group spokesman in Lahore.

The group's "flag cell" is now preparing a major publicity stunt: a US flag 500 metres long and 60 wide, which will be laid out in October in a busy street, for the ultimate Muslim insult of being trodden under foot.

Shigri revels in the plan: "All the cars and pedestrians can defile it as they pass over."

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam movie: Minority lawyers vow to protect Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445885/anti-islam-movie-minority-lawyers-vow-to-protect-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445885/anti-islam-movie-minority-lawyers-vow-to-protect-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 12 01:12:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=445885</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[&quot;Christian community in Pakistan would not recognise Terry Jones as a pastor,&quot; says Christian Lawyers Forum...]]>
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				<![CDATA[Several lawyers belonging to the Christian community said on Tuesday that they would sacrifice the last drop of their blood for the integrity of Pakistan.


They were addressing a press conference to condemn an anti-Islam movie at the LDA Plaza.

They also denounced the burning of a church in Mardan on the Ishq-i-Rasool Day. They said they supported Muslims against the anti-Islam movie and would lay down their lives for the integrity of Pakistan.

Christian Lawyers Forum President Robinson said it was regrettable that some people had set fire to the public property and damaged shops.

He said the Christian community in Pakistan would not recognise Terry Jones as a pastor.

Lahore Bar Association President Zulfiqar Ali said the minorities enjoyed equal rights in Islam. He said Christians living in Pakistan were equal citizens and it was the Muslims’ responsibility to protect them.

Pastors Irshad John and Shahid Miraj and Lahore Bar Association General Secretary Asad Zaidi also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Video controversy: YouTube likely to remain blocked in Pakistan indefinitely</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446121/video-controversy-youtube-likely-to-remain-blocked-in-pakistan-indefinitely</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/446121/video-controversy-youtube-likely-to-remain-blocked-in-pakistan-indefinitely#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 12 23:47:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[farooq.tirmizi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=446121</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Google refuses to block video, govt refuses to unblock YouTube until it does.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistani users of video-sharing website YouTube are caught between an unstoppable force and an immovable object: the government of Pakistan refuses to unblock access to YouTube in the country until Google, which owns the website, restricts access to the video “Innocence of Muslims” in Pakistan, and Google refuses to block access to the video in Pakistan.

Google’s decision not to restrict access to the video in Pakistan, while complying with requests to do so in Indonesia, Egypt, Libya, India, and even Brazil has left many of its users in Pakistan perplexed. The technology blog ProPakistani.pk reports that officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority approached Google about taking down the video or at least blocking it in Pakistan, but did not receive a response.

A spokesperson for YouTube, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Google, explained, however, that the decision not to block access in Pakistan had to do with the way the company serves content to its Pakistani users.

“We offer a localised version of YouTube in 49 countries around the world. In each localised country (e.g. in Indonesia through www.youtube.co.id), we offer local content that is more relevant to users in that country and we also abide by that country’s laws,” explained the YouTube spokesperson in an e-mail to The Express Tribune. “When we are notified that a video is illegal, we will restrict access to it in that country after a thorough review.”

This localisation policy explains why the video was blocked in other countries but not in Pakistan. “In countries where we are not localised, like Pakistan, people access the global version of YouTube on youtube.com,” she added. This global version of YouTube follows US law, which has the broadest definitions of free speech anywhere in the world.

It seems, however, that officials at the PTA find this explanation to be perplexing. Many of the PTA officials interviewed by ProPakistani said that they do not understand why YouTube cannot use geographic identification techniques – which identify the location of the IP address trying to access a website – and simply block that specific video for Pakistani users.

They cite the example of Facebook, which faced a similar controversy over a competition organised by some US-based users of the website to draw cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Facebook responded to the controversy by blocking the page in countries that requested it to be blocked.

It is likely, however, that the difference in Google’s approach and that of Facebook is explained by the fact that Facebook offers one website to its users worldwide, while Google has made an effort almost from the outset to offer as much customisation by geography as possible for many of its products, and YouTube is no exception.

“It is Google’s goal to offer local versions of YouTube to more places worldwide (Malaysia and Indonesia are examples of recent localisations), but it takes time,” said the YouTube spokesperson. “The localisation process can be lengthy as we research laws and build relationships with local content creators.  Eventually, we hope to be localised everywhere.”

Google officials visited Pakistan late last month in what appears to be the beginning of the process Pakistan to deepen its relationship with the country, but in the aftermath of the controversy over the video, that process is likely to be affected according to sources familiar with the matter. The government of Pakistan’s attempts to block YouTube have disrupted several other services as well.

“It is not easy to block Google’s services because of the architecture of the websites. So it is not just YouTube that is being affected. There have been intermittent interruptions in Google Maps, Android Play Store, and Google Drive,” said one source.

Many Pakistani users of Android-based phones, which utilise Google’s software and make extensive use of its services, have been badly affected by the blockage, though others report less disruptions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Russian court bans anti-Islam film</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445590/russian-court-bans-anti-islam-film</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445590/russian-court-bans-anti-islam-film#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 12 05:09:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=445590</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Moscow’s District judge sided with prosecution arguments presented in court that film promotes religious intolerance.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Moscow court on Monday banned as “extremist” the US-made anti-Islamic film that fed deadly protests across the Arab world, but whose showing was backed by human rights supporters in Russia.


Moscow’s Tverskoi District judge sided with prosecution arguments presented in court that the low-budget “Innocence of Muslims” production “promoted the rise of religious intolerance in Russia.”

“The prosecution’s motion has been satisfied,” a court spokeswoman told AFP by telephone.

But liberal activists and some officials urged the authorities to back free expression and not use the controversy to further a clampdown on rights under Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s human rights ombudsman testified at the hearing Monday that he was against the film’s prohibition while a group of artists and liberal media personalities urged Putin not to be swayed by the global militant attacks on US targets.

“The darkest forces of global terrorism are trying to scare our civilisation and force us to accept their will,” reads the open letter to Putin.

“Ban neither this film nor any other works of art that disturb religious extremists,” it urged.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>United in protests: DPC holds peaceful rally against sacrilegious movie</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445542/united-in-protests-dpc-holds-peaceful-rally-against-sacrilegious-movie</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445542/united-in-protests-dpc-holds-peaceful-rally-against-sacrilegious-movie#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 12 02:30:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[manzoor.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=445542</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[No untoward incident was reported and strict security measures were taken amid fears of violence.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Thousands of Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) activists marched in protest against sacrilegious movie ‘Innocence of Muslims’ on Monday.


Ikramullah Shahid, the former deputy speaker of the provincial assembly under the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), announced a bounty of $200,000 for killing the filmmaker.

The rally started from the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) provincial headquarters on GT Road. It passed by the General Bus Stand, Gulbahar, Hashtnagri, Firdous,Rehman Baba Square, Sher Shah Suri Road, Sunehri Masjid Road, Khadim Hussain Road and ended on Shama Chowk on University Road. The rally concluded peacefully at Spin Jumat (White Mosque) near Peshawar University.

No untoward incident was reported and strict security measures were taken amid fears of violence. The rally was not given permission to pass through Khyber Road.

Although negotiations with the district administration were ongoing until Sunday night, government officials did not give in to the DPC’s demands.

Traffic was minimal with public transportation unavailable, while shops and business remained closed. While missionary schools remained shut, most private schools and universities had low attendance.

DPC Chief Maulana Samiul Haq, JI Chief Syed Munawar Hassan, Jamatud Dawa (JuD) leader Hafiz Saeed, Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) Chief Maulana Mohammad Ahmed Ludhianvi, Ansarul Ummah Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil and former ISI Chief General (R) Hamid Gul addressed the crowd.

They blamed the US for the blasphemous movie and said it was an act of war against Muslims, not freedom of speech. Hafiz Saeed reiterated this point and said blasphemy is the worst form of terrorism. He also informed the audience of the recently published caricatures of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in a French magazine.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIS) Chief Maulana Samiul Haq called on the public to stand up and make their voices heard for the enforcement of Islamic rule.

Maulana Khalil criticised the government over the deaths of 19 people on Ishq-e-Rasool (pbuh) day. He highlighted the DPC’s protest as an example of peaceful demonstration.

He said the government cannot bargain over the honour of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), adding that jihad has become obligatory on all Muslims following the recent film clip.

Former intelligence chief, General (retd) Hamid Gul, said that the West is aiding attacks on Muslim sensitivities. Blasphemy has united Muslim all over the world, he said. Gul demanded that the government ask the US to extradite the filmmaker to Pakistan.

He added that Nato supplies and drone attacks must be stopped.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Anti-Islam film: JUI-S leader announces $200,000 bounty for filmmaker</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445227/anti-islam-film-jui-s-leader-announces-200000-bounty-for-filmmaker</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/445227/anti-islam-film-jui-s-leader-announces-200000-bounty-for-filmmaker#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 12 13:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[manzoor.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=445227</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-S General Secretary Ikramullah Shahid announced the offer during a DPC rally in Peshawar on Monday.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A former Pakistani legislator and General Secretary Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), Ikramullah Shahid announced a $200,000 bounty for the maker of the anti-Islam film released in the US.  

Shahid made the offer at a Difa-i-Pakistan Council (DPC) rally on Monday in Peshawar.

“We will award  $200,000 to anyone who kills the filmmaker,” he said.

This offer comes after Federal Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour earlier offer of $100,000 bounty for the filmmaker behind the disrespectful film.

Muslims across the world have held protests, both violent and peaceful, against the film demanding Google to block the video or pull it down from YouTube altogether.

At least 23 people had died during protests in Pakistan against the film.

YouTube has been blocked in Pakistan since almost three weeks because Google refused to block the video in Pakistan.]]>
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