Pakeztan: October 2009

Kerry Lugar Bill. What to do?

Pakistan is facing a multidimensional critical situation now-a-days. The American Congress has approved a draft of support bill for Pakistan presented by Senator John Kerry and Senator Luger. There are so many contradictions in Pakistan regarding the contents of this bill and the words used in this bill depicting the conditions/bindings on Pakistan. Let’s have a fair analysis of this issue.

How great is the actual amount?

The total amount of this support bill is about 1.5 Billion US Dollars amounting about 120 Billion Pakistan rupees. It is to help build infrastructure of communications, education and etc. It means that 10 Billion Pakistan rupee per month and thirty three crore per day. Dividing this amount at the population will give the answer of about 2.0 rupees per day. What to do with this amount?

Important Intention of USA behind this Bill

The intentions of USA described in the bill are being discussed but one very important intention is not being felt and discussed. Through this nominal support, they want Pakistan to always be their dependant. When they will keep on funding us like this peanut, we will never go to explore our natural resources.

Eye on our Natural Resources

Pakistan is the most mineral rich country in the region. Before us USA knows that there are huge natural resources located in Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab. USA has hundred times more need and consumption of these resources than us and does not want us to explore these natural resources. Just coal explored in Thar, Sindh, is of about many times more than this aid.

Tax Resources

In a recent interview, the Head of Federal Board of Revenue, Mr. Abdullah Yousaf said that if there is no political influence and tax theft in Pakistan, an amount of about 800 Billion of Pakistan rupees can be collected, While USA is about to give us 600 Billion rupees. Why to go for that.

Shameful attitude of the Government

The government was, initially, claiming that it is a great achievement of the government to have such bill passed/approved by the congress. When it started criticism on it by all stakeholders, government took an immediate turn and said that it is their internal bill which they have passed for themselves. Army was concerned on some content which according to them was included after army has reviewed. So in all this issue, there are many turns by the government which are not acceptable.

What we really need?

We have all the required resources whether human or natural. What we merely need is a loyal, devoted, visionary, honest and committed leadership. Unfortunately, so far, we don’t have. Let’s hope and pray for such leader so that we may also be self sufficient and not dependent on USA who is just an exploiter.

Article Source:Article Buster-Kerry Lugar Bill. What to do?

Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir and is situated near NWFP, Pakistan. River Jehlum and river Neelum flow in its vicinity. The local language spoken here is Hindko.The city is surounded by lofty mountains which provide a fascinating scene to the onlookers. The city is visited frequently by local and foreign tourists.

In ancient times Muzaffarabad was the capital of Shahi dynasty, that ruled most of the Kabul valley and the ancient Gandhara, and was called Udabhanda. The recent name was given to it by its ruler Muzaffar Khan. The city was made the capital of Azad Kashmir after the 1948's war between Pakistan and India. On October 8, 2005 Muzaffarabad was hit by a disastrous and violent earth quake measuring 7.6 on Richter Scale.

Here are some of the beautiful places of Pakistan:

Red Fort:
This glorious fort was built by emperor Muzaffar Khan in 1646. Later on the Dogra rulers reconstructed it. In the Durani and Moughal reign, however, it was neglected. The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by theNeelum River formally known as the Kishenganga River. The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was very well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now.

Shaheed Gali:
Shaheed Gali is situated at the height of 1640 meters above sea level at a distance of about 16 kilometers westward from Muzaffarabad. From Shaheed Gali a trek of 4 Kms leads towards a spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A tourist Rest House is available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali.

Pir Chinassi:
Pir Chinassi is located eastward of Muzaffarabad. Due to its scenic beauty, velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it wins admiration of nature lovers. The view of the summit of the mountain peaks spell bounds a tourist. Devotees of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, take pilgrimage to rejuvenate their adust heart. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the bottom of Pirchinassi are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and camping activities. Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at Saran.

Other Places:
Other places include Patikka, Chehla Bridge, Kundle Shahi and Chikkar.

Buses and minibuses make the scenic journey regularly from Islamabad (4-5 hours). If you're self-driving, the route via Muree is probably the quickest. Kohala is the entry point into Azad Kashmir, where you'll need to get through a checkpoint. On own transport you need 40-50 minutes to reach Murree. Then 2 hours to reach Kohala Bridge and 30 minutes to reach Muzaffarabad. Approximately its 3 and half hours on you own car. You can adopt the route Islamabad - Abbottabad - Mansehra - Gari Habibullah - Muzaffabad as well.