Author of the newly launched book, “Creation of Bangladesh: Myths Exploded”, Dr Junaid Ahmad joined Dr. Moeed Pirzada and explained the importance of writing such a book after 45 years of the fall of Dhaka. Dr Junaid said that since 45 years many foreign authors had been writing on the fall of Dhaka and on various Myths, which were not covered by Pakistani writers that what actually happened.
Deprivation of Bengalis started since their demand for making Bengali as national language was not addressed till 1956, many people died during this movement. Till 1971 there was not a single East Pakistani Chief Secretary there, Investments on Jute mills was by West Pakistani investors and all top managerial posts were for West Pakistanis, while Bengalis were appointed as a labor force.
Dr Junaid also shattered the myth of 93000 troops; that is totally false, it was actually 34000 troops and rest were civilians who were from West Pakistan, and they were either non combat, para-medic, civil servants, their families or personal servants. It was good for them to become prisoners of war, otherwise they could have gotten killed. Genocide by Bengalis was actually started in March when Shiekh Mujib ordered for violent protests and many West Pakistanis got killed in that. Mukti bahni was also supported by 50 thousand Indian Army personals.
Dr Pirzada raised the question that whether Indian understanding is better than us in shaping the narrative? Pakistanis also have understanding but working on the understanding to shape the narrative is a separate thing which lacks in Pakistanis. Everyone sacrifices the national interest before their self interests, said Dr Juanid
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada 01: Creation of Bangladesh: Myths Exploded
Tonight With Moeed Pirzada: IMF DEAL WAS BADLY NEGOTIATED: Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan.
PTI leader Asad Umar and economics expert Dr Asfaque Hasan Khan in “Tonight with Moeed Pirzada” refuted the claims of finance minister Ishaq Dar.
Earlier Dar said that Pakistan has achieved fiscal and monetary stability. He said the country has sufficient foreign currency reserves to finance over four months’ import bills, which in 2013 were not enough to even finance few days’ import bills.
Both agreed that after fiscal year 2013, Pakistan was on the verge of declaring default, as it had very low foreign reserves. Ishaq Dar had to go to IMF for a bailout program. Dr Ashfaque said that the deal with IMF was badly negotiated by the government. Priorities were not set by the minister and the funds were hugely invested on nonprofit projects. He further said that the program was primarily an austerity program. There were no Government’s spending in the economy. The government spent most of the funds on keeping only five years as a time frame just for political purposes.
Asad Umar said that FBR is the most corrupt institution. Tax net is limited to the poor and the rich gets tax amnesty schemes. Loans were secured for the mere reason of building foreign reserves, he said.
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada:Fault lines in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy!
Pakistan should have not participated with a high level delegation in the Heart of Asia Conference in India, said former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former Ambassador Senator Sherry Rehman. While participating in ‘’Tonight with Moeed Pirzada’’ program, both criticized Pakistan’s current foreign Policy. Both agreed that Pakistan should have not participated in the conference at Ministerial level. As the Pakistani High commission in India was aware of the fact that, Indian designs were against the diplomatic values. Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said that Pakistan should only negotiate with India, if they are ready to do so, on equal basis. Indian Hegemony will not be tolerated and relations with India at the moment are very complicated. Senator Sherry Rehman said that India is aiming for a more aggressive posture towards its neighbors. Talks with India will be only conducive, if India accepts the fact that it cannot undermine Pakistan. She said that Pakistan should aim for a robust counter foreign Policy to counter Indian narrative. The existing policy cannot be further maintained as new policy needs to be formulated. Commenting on the role of Sartaj Aziz, she said that the advisor is a competitive person and the government should evaluate him to the position of a full pledge foreign Minister.
Tonight With Moeed Pirzada: An Exclusive Interview with Shiekh Rasheed !
In an exclusive interview at Tonight with Moeed Pirzada, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that the prosecutors have already won the case.
“The Prime Minister’s luck is in the doldrums. Nawaz Sharif is clever, not intelligent. The Nawaz family has regarded Saif Ur Rahman as their fourth brother, who has been dealing with the Qataris on their behalf. The Qatari Prince’s letter has played absolutely no role in bailing them out; instead it has damaged the Sharif family’s reputation and their defense in the case.
The Awami League Chief said that Imran Khan and Sheikh Rasheed are the real opposition.
“Khurshid Shah and his party are fooling around in the name of opposition. People’s party will regret their decision of not being a part of the Panama case. The four demands made by Bilawal are senseless. Imran Khan is the only sincere leader, he knows how to make his case and he knows how to generate resources”
He said that the Prime Minister has lost his case in the eyes of the public.
“The public is supporting us as we represent their sentiments. We are the voice of the people and I have been termed as 007; that is the extent of the public’s approval of me. I have been Nawaz Sharif’s political mentor. I have defeated him thrice.”
Commenting on the Civil-military relations, he said that these relations have always been shaky.
“There has always been a pattern to this. As the Civil-Military relations start strengthening, Nawaz Sharif finds a way to mess that up. And this will continue with the new chief as well”
The AML Chief also commented on the outgoing Chief Justice and the implications of his retirement on 30th December.
“This retirement is being portrayed to Nawaz Sharif’s advantage, propaganda is being brewed. This is not the case at all; these delaying tactics will bring more shame to Nawaz. Had Nawaz been a true leader, he would have resigned after panama gate scandal”
Will ex-servicemen associations & families of the martyr’s demand justice on Dawn planted story?
Moeed Pirzada |
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has been sacked from his position after a preliminary investigative report indicating his role in the ‘Dawn Planted Story’ of October 6th. It has been reported that an investigation jointly conducted by IB, MI and ISI will continue to expose all others involved in this conspiracy. Minister and the others may then face charges under the Official Secrets Act.
However the sources within government agencies and most in electronic media who talked to their multiple sources were adamant that Information Minister did not resign but was sacked and that he is all set to face charges under the Official Secrets Act.
However Pakistan’s English language papers like Dawn and Express Tribune stories created the impression as if Information Minister, Pervaiz Rashid had ‘resigned’. See Dawn story here: Minister Pervaiz Rashid asked to step down amid Dawn story. Tribune Story was even more unequivocal in using the term ‘resignation’. Information Minister Steps Down after being named in the “Dawn Leak” However the sources within government agencies and most in electronic media who talked to their multiple sources were adamant that Information Minister did not resign but was sacked and that he is all set to face charges under the Official Secrets Act. Prime Minister’s Office however instead that Minister had merely done an error in talking to the reporter who was trying to confirm the story, and will remain suspended till the matter is fully investigated.
Earlier sources close to the Prime Minister were hinting that while the investigative report was submitted by Intelligence Agencies several days ago but PM Nawaz was resistant in sacrificing any of his cabinet members. Speculations remained rife that ‘deliberately planted story’ was fabricated with Prime Minister’s approval and in accordance with his desires so punishing anyone is out of question. The change of heart apparently came in view of the mounting street tensions with PTI on ‘Panama Scandal’ and the meeting of CM Punjab – along with Interior and Finance Ministers – with COAS and DG ISI on 28th October.
Read more: Corps Commanders Conference discussed “Dawn Leaks”: Importance?
Media analysts assume that this is Nawaz government’s attempt to bridge its differences with the military establishment at a time when it faces severe political challenge on streets from PTI and Imran Khan. While Imran Khan and most PTI leadership remain incarcerated in Banigala in a bizarre police operation, PTI crowds are slowly trickling into Islamabad and as of now a show down with government machinery looks inevitable. In a classic ‘under-seige mentality’ government has blocked all roads entering Punjab from the province of KPK.
Read more: Nawaz, Modi, Dawn & Pakistan Army: What Is Happening & Why?
Dr. Tahir ul Qadri, leader of Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) has declared the sacking of Information Minister as a cosmetic measure, designed to fool the Military, media and public. He pointed out that after the Model town massacre in 2014, Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah was made to resign temporarily and he was soon back. Similar was the case of Senator Mushahid Ullah who was made to resign and is now – according to sources close to the PM House – being considered to replace Pervaiz Rashid as the new Information Minister.
They think that ‘Conspiracy against the Army’ and the country’s national security is something far bigger even than the corruption as exposed by Panama Papers. If the ‘Ex-Serviceman Organizations’ and “Martyrs families’ in fact appeared on streets demonstrating for speedy investigation and trials then it will only multiply the political pressures on Nawaz government.
In view of these concerns, Ex-military officers vocal on social media are now demanding that Ex-servicemen organizations and families of the martyrs must step forward and demonstrate on streets for a fuller inquiry into what they consider was a planned sinister conspiracy against the country and Armed Forces at a time when India and Pakistan were almost in a state of war. India had used the pretext of ‘Uri Attack’ to claim surgical strikes and the actions of all those who conspired to plant a story in Dawn supporting Indian arguments were deliberately ‘aiding the enemy’. They think that ‘Conspiracy against the Army’ and the country’s national security is something far bigger even than the corruption as exposed by Panama Papers. If the ‘Ex-Serviceman Organizations’ and “Martyrs families’ in fact appeared on streets demonstrating for speedy investigation and trials then it will only multiply the political pressures on Nawaz government.
Moeed Pirzada is prominent TV Anchor & commentator; he studied international relations at Columbia Univ, New York and law at London School of Economics. Twitter: MoeedNj. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Global Village Space’s editorial policy.
Pakistani Rupee Will Be At All Time Low In a Decade
Economic prosperity is directly linked with education and Rs. 700 Million budget allocated for the Sindh education sector is a sheer mockery by the incumbent PMLN Government. Sindh education sector is under-performing and 10 years from now it will have an army of illiterates and under-educated people. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of a symposium, titled ‘International Conference on Transforming Economic Development: Policies and Strategies’, organized by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) at the ICCBS, Karachi University on Tuesday, said “Pakistan’s economy is likely to collapse in the next 10 years just like Greece’s”. Unless education sector is given the importance it deserves, a majority of Sindh’s population wouldn’t be able to cope with the future’s challenges.
Moonis Elahi expressed concern over the ill-treatment of education sector in Sindh. “Karachi is the hub of business in Pakistan. If it does not have proper educated people in the next 10 years, the business sector will likely fail and surely our economy will be in ruins”. During the PMLQ tenure, Pakistan on the whole witnessed a huge upsurge in the education sector with a great increase in education budget and through proper training of teachers and introduction of technology in government schools. He further said, Nawaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan, not only Punjab and it is his duty to see that all provinces are equally treated.
Pakistan today faces many challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, corruption, inequity, energy crisis, poor governance and terrorism. The country has been divided in haves and haves-not classes. These issues have given roots to many new problems and have caused a direct negative impact on the economy. Moonis Elahi stated “N League government has failed to manage Pakistan and address its core issues. It has totally failed to accomplish the international Sustainable Development Goals”. They (PMLN) seem much concerned about constructing roads and develop housing societies that are clearly out of common man’s reach. While the nation demands attention on internal policies and good governance, the government is seen busy visiting foreign countries and pleasing Turkey and China.
Imran Khan on the other hand is a prominent leader with the country’s second biggest party but he too does not seem to be concerned about the country’s pressing issues such as education, energy and climatic issues. The 1 Billion tree tsunami is not enough to counter Pakistan’s climatic challenges and KPK must come forth to play an active role in promoting tourism. Moonis Elahi has raised the issue of Kalabagh Dam time and again but due to PMLN’s vindictive policies, anything presented by the opposition must be pushed under the carpet no matter how beneficial it may be for the country. Unless policies aimed for the benefit of Pakistan on the whole are not formed matters are bound to get worse and Pakistan’s economy is already at the precipice and 10 years from now, we will have an economy that would be worthless.
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada: General Qamar Javaid Bajwa takes the top slot
General Qamar Javaid Bajwa takes the top slot: Prime Minister finally announces the new COAS!
General Raheel Sharif’s tenure came to an end with a former 10 corps commander being named the new Chief of Pakistan Army. General Zubair Hayat, former Chief of General Staff was appointed Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. General Bajwa was fourth in seniority of the list of generals considered.
Lt.Gen(r) Amjad Shuaib and defense analyst Imtiaz Gul joined Doctor Moeed Pirzada to comment on the highly anticipated appointments.
Gen. Amjad said that Gen.Bajwa is well suited in the current situation, as there is hostility on the Kashmir front and Kashmir is Gen.Bajwa’s Forte; he’s very well acquainted with the Line of Control and it’s internal matters.
Imtiaz Gul said that the challenges faced by the the new COAS entail political alignment with Afghanistan, internal conflict resolution and subconventional warfare.
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada: Dr. Mohammad Farogh on 24th Constitutional Amendment
While talking to Dr Moeed Pirzada Barrister Dr. Mohammad Farogh Naseem law experts said that proposed 24th constitution amendment, tabled by the government in the National Assembly, is a well-meaning and directly needed but ill-timed piece of legislation. It grants the aggrieved party the right of appeal against an order passed by a Supreme Court bench under article 184(3) before a larger panel of judges of the same highest judicial forum within thirty days of the passing of the first ruling.
Barrister Dr. Mohammad Farogh Naseem law experts said that parliamentary parties and groups are likely to support the amendment because they feel that the aggrieved party should not be deprived of the right of appeal against the orders of the apex court in suo motu cases.
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada: Appointment of new COAS: Future Challenges
Dr. Moeed Pirzada evaluated the decision of the appointment of new Joint Chief and Army Chief by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Being a political decision by the head of the government Dr. Pirzada evaluated the decision critically in two aspects. The positive aspect of this decision was that neither Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif granted extension to Chief of Army Staff, nor General Raheel Sharif asked for it. Which is good for the institution and the system? While second positive aspect was that the pick was among the top four Generals who were already in consideration. Unlike some of the previous examples when tenth General in seniority list was appointed as Chief of Army Staff during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s era. Superseding the senior Generals in a list caused the gap of thirty years of experienced Generals. The negative aspect of such political decision to pick of the Chief of Army Staff by the Prime Minister is because he is an elected Prime Minister and can take such decision on his discretion as per tradition and constitutional powers he got. This policy should be revisited and selection should be merit based among at least top three Generals. Supreme Court had set the precedent of the appointment of Chief Justice who is the senior most among other judges. This is a political debate which should be initiated to reform the system.
Tonight With Moeed Pirzada: PTI Fawad Ch. Perspective on Lt Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as the new Chief of the Army Staff !
While talking to Dr Moeed Pirzada spokesperson PTI Fawad Ch said that finally PM Nawaz Sharif has appointed Lt Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as the new Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) while elevating Lt General Zubair Hayat as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Both the generals have sterling professional records. Fawad Ch said that Lt General Bajwa has served in key positions and brings with him a wealth of experience to the job that will see him commanding one of the largest armies in the world. He will assume responsibilities at a time when the relative decline in domestic terrorism is being replaced with increasing threats from across the border.
Tonight With Moeed Pirzada: What is India trying to prove ? How Pakistan should respond.
Former Envoy and Ambassador to United Nations Muneer Akram joined Dr Moeed Pirzada, to analyze the weaknesses in Pakistan’s current foreign policy and the incompetence of the incumbent government. He termed Indian recent aggression, on the line of control as a posture to put pressure on Pakistan and to diminish, the projection of atrocities by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.
The government, so far is lacking in formulating coherent strategy to counter the Indian narrative on international diplomatic front.
‘Pakistan should not concede to Indian pressure he said, as some of the Pseudo liberals with in the country are of the view that Pakistan should concede to some of the demands from the Indian establishment. The entire Agenda of the Indian government is to submit Pakistan and build and maintain its hegemony in the region’, he said.
Tonight with Moeed Pirzada: An Exclusive talk with Dr. Tahir ul Qadri !
In an Exclusive interview with Doctor Moeed Pirzada, the Chief of Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Doctor Tahir Ul Qadri said that the Indian government has been trying it’s best to save Nawaz Sharif’s post and his interests. India, he said, has been continually provoking Pakistan at the border because India has been reassured that the Pakistani government will not retaliate.
“Narendra Modi is content with Nawaz Sharif. He knows that Nawaz Sharif’s government will not move or retaliate, however much they are provoke and abused. The state of India has invested a lot in Nawaz Sharif four years prior to the general elections and they have strived a lot for Nawaz Sharif’s survival as Prime Minister”
The Religious Scholar and Politician said that the ruling party will get a clean chit out of this whole affair.
“The PML 👎 might get a clean chit from the Supreme Court on the Panama scandal. With the next general elections so near, the current ruling party might use this to favor them in the next elections as a campaign pointer, declaring themselves free of all charges in front of crowds”
Responding to a question about his relations with Imran khan, Dr. Qadri said that the feud was a mere speculation.
“I don’t know what feud is there. That is a speculation. I condemned the calling off of the 2nd November Dharna , that was all the comment I had to offer. People will realize once the corrupt have been cleansed of their charges. Imran Khan and I have always supported each other’s cause and I don’t know what the problem is”.