Shahbaz for no political, babus’ interference in Daanish management

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said students of Daanish schools will prove to be Pakistanis in the real sense and play an active role in the development of the country and service of the masses.
“Setting up of the Daanish schools in backward and far-flung areas is resulting in promotion of education in these areas which will ultimately spread to as every corner of the province. While these Schools are imparting modern knowledge to the children of deprived segments of the society they have also promoted a feeling in them that they have as much right over national resources as the elite, he said, while presiding over 7th meeting of Daanish Schools Authority here on Thursday. MPAs Zaib Jaffar, Rana Muhammad Afzal and Major (retd) Abdul Rehman, Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretaries of Schools and Finance Departments, Vice Chairman Daanish Schools Authority, Vice Chairman Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and other members of the authority attended the meeting. Managing Director Daanish Schools System Yousaf Kamal gave a detailed briefing regarding the project of Daanish schools.
Shahbaz Sharif mentioned that six Daanish schools were imparting modern education to the students in Bahawalpur Division while eight more schools would be set up in Attock, Mianwali, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan during current year. Giving approval in principle to a special quota for the students of other provinces in Daanish schools, the CM said that it would promote national solidarity and brotherhood in accordance with the policy of Punjab government.
The CM said Pakistan was created for the purpose of ensuring equal rights to all citizens, but while a handful of elite enjoyed all privileges during the last 64 years, the majority of people remained deprived of even basic facilities and the poor were shedding their blood and sweat for national development and progress and it was the responsibility of the society to ensure due returns to them for their labour. “The entire credit for bringing the deprived segments of the society into national mainstream goes to Pakistan Muslim League-N which has diverted resources to the marginalised classes and less-developed areas and laid the foundation of a revolution in education sector by starting the project of Daanish schools,” he asserted, adding that the poorest of the poor students were getting modern education in Daanish schools and the scope of this project would be extended to the whole province.
Issuing instructions for giving a final shape to the financial model of Daanish schools as soon as possible, the CM directed that such individuals should also be inducted in the board of governors of these schools which ha an urge to serve the country and equip the new generation with modern education. He said retired teachers, judges, civil servants and the best individuals from various sectors of life should be selected for this purpose but it should be ensured that bureaucracy and political influence should not have any interference in the management of these schools. He also issued instructions for conducting performance audit of the teachers and students of Daanish schools. He said discipline in students was of vital importance and the students should be trained on proper lines for grooming their personality. “Pakistan is a poor country and government has limited resources; therefore, it cannot afford extravagant expenditure. Six Daanish schools have been set up and in the light of the experience in the construction of Daanish schools, measures should be adopted for curtailing cost of construction of new schools. However, no compromise be made on the quality and standard,” he said, while issuing instructions for taking immediate steps for construction of mosques in Daanish schools and directed that administration of the mosques should be completely free of sectarian prejudices and educate the students in the Quran and Hadith. He directed that starting of second shift in Daanish schools should also be considered and recommendations should be submitted to him in this regard in the next meeting. “Financial assistance is being extended to talented students facing economic problems from the PEEF for pursuing their academic activities and lakhs of students of all the four provinces as well as Azad Kashmir are benefiting from this fund. The fund had been set up with a sum of Rs four billions and an amount of Rs 2 billion is being added every year,” he said, adding that establishment of the PEE Fund was a revolutionary step for the uplift of education sector and helping talented students complete their education; therefore it should continue.
He added that quota for the students of other provinces should also be reserved in Daanish schools for promotion of national solidarity and brotherhood and a policy should soon be evolved for this purpose. He mentioned that five percent quota had already been allocated for students of Cholistan in these schools. “Students of other provinces are also included in the programme of the Punjab government of sending position-holders of the province to the prestigious universities of the world and now a quota should be reserved in the Daanish schools for students of other provinces as well,” he said.
He commended the services of Yousaf Kamal and other members of the authority, and said they were engaged in a noble cause.

Benazir Bhutto... Computer trick?

On December 2, 2007, about 25 days prior to one of the national tragedies of the recent history of Pakistan, I published a picture on http://www.awgc5.blogspot.com/2007/12/benazir-bhuttocomputer-trick.html of a great leader of the Sub-Continent late Benazir Bhutto. To keep a tap on emotions of BB's followers, it was 'maintained' that a computer-tricked picture has been released of the great lady. As per certain pundits, the religious-cum-political parties and politicians wanted to use the image for gaining political mileage out of it for general elections scheduled to be held on January 7 2008 (then delayed to February 18 after her very unfortunate assassination), like they did in 1988.
However, people from different walks of life commented on the above-mentioned picture, from being very nasty to hugely appreciative. However, bad-ones were digested though bitterly.
Recently I stumbled across another picture of Benazir Bhutto, which substantiated

the fact that the ex-premier of Pakistan was a modern lady, but she kept it to her private life, while she never try to be so both socially in and political arena. Those object must question either themselves about their doings in private or of their leaders.

Here are more pictures of the late leader, who contributed immensely, but history is to still to judge her to the maximum extent.

Great leader, mother and person no more in this world, but she continues to live in our minds and hearts, though yet to be seen for how many more years, decades and...
Now the question is: Why are we as a nation more interested in turning our leaders into the biggest of conservatives, and religious-minded? So far we have already done it by disguising the true personalities under multiple covers, and this process is continuing sans any hindrance. Can we just let them be whatever they are and just judge them on the bar of contribution they make to this nation?
To me she is...A liberal leader marginalised in divergent perspectives!
Lets be true!

Present democracy fails to deliver: Nawaz

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said the present form of democracy has given nothing to the nation, but disrespect and disrepute, and vowed to continue his struggle for the prosperity of Pakistan.
In his address at a ceremony held in connection with the Independence Day at Hazoori Bagh on Saturday, the former prime minister said, “We got democracy, but what the present ruling coterie has given to us. Every Pakistani should be concerned at this (state of affairs).”
Speaking to a huge crowd of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and workers, he said no doubt that democracy was essential for the progress of the country, and “we will sacrifice everything for it, but we are sick of sham democracy.” He also said they would not let the sacrifices of the forefathers to go in vain, as he vowed to leave no stone unturned for the development of the country and fight against all the odds with the help of the people, and overcome all the internal and external challenges with the force of the masses.
“I remain concerned about my country and seeing your (workers’) enthusiasm I have a feeling in my heart that Pakistanis still have the same passion and spirit as was demonstrated in 1947. This can take the country forward, and is a must for saving Pakistan,” he hoped, adding that it pained him seeing today’s country. “I want to warn that it would be dangerous for us and if it continued, then what will be the future of Pakistan?” he questioned.
Nawaz Sharif came hard on the present rulers, and said the wrong policies of the present rulers had landed the country in an abyss, defaced it and derailed it from the path of progress, but his party would do whatever it took to realise the dream of a prosperous and progressive Pakistan. He vowed to end corruption, illiteracy, poverty and terrorism “since the PML-N had a track record of actualising its promises.” He substantiated his claim by mentioning 2008 general elections to get the judiciary restored after getting elected, and was done later on. “We struggled against Musharraf, but this democracy did not give us anything. They (implicitly referring to the PPP leaders) blackened their faces, and brought democracy ignominy,” he averred. He said he would not have come to the venue if Pakistan and democracy would have been progressing. “But I am here to change Pakistan’s destiny,” he vowed.
Nawaz Sharif was of the opinion that Pakistan was not created to remain under-developed and stay so, but as a prosperous nation. “We must reverse this trend of negativities. It is difficult but possible provided people are with us,” he said.
On this, he took oath from the present on the occasion, and party-workers across the country. He mentioned that he was seeking pledge for changing the destiny of Pakistan. He read out that he was making the Quaid and all people witness in front the Mazar-e-Iqbal under the shadow of the Badshahi Mosque that securing peace, justice, stability and prosperity was not impossible if impregnable 180 million people of Pakistan decided to unite, work hard, honestly and diligently and bravely. “We can put Pakistan on the road of prosperity, solidarity and self reliance,” he said, while asking the people to pledge on the 65th Independence Day that all would continue their efforts for protecting Pakistan’s ideology, materialise dreams of the martyrs and founders of Pakistan, counter corruption, nepotism, injustice and extremism with determination, ensure supremacy of law and the Constitution at any cost. “We will struggle for the elimination of poverty, ignorance, nepotism and terrorism besides actualising out duties towards defending our integrity. We will ensure equal rights among Pakistanis sans considering their cast, creed and colour. Also, we will not desist from giving sacrifices for protecting Pakistan against military dictators,” he took oath, while praying to the Almighty Allah to provide strength and perseverance.
MNA Khawaja Saad Rafique conducted the proceedings. A large of number parliamentarians and party office bearers including Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Malik Riaz, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Arifa Khalid Pervaiz, Hafiz Noman and Dr Asif Kirmani.
On this occasion, Fateha was offered for the departed souls, who rendered services during the Pakistan movement.

Pakistan can progress despite all hurdles

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said only those nations survive in the world which face all challenges and problems courageously and accept their faults and mistakes and meet success through indiscriminate accountability.
“History is replete with such examples when the ruined nations adopted honesty and hard work and changed their failures and despairs into successes and achieved the goal of national progress and prosperity. In order to put the country on the road to development and prosperity and regain its lost status, there is a need to follow Quran and Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) and show commitment and dedication. He said that all the four provinces will have to move ahead with a national thinking and steer the country out of the quagmire of problems. It is the time to promote national solidarity, remove economic disparities, check plunder of national resources and eliminate corruption,” he said, while addressing flag-hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day at the Hazoori Bagh here on Sunday. Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Ministers, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, diplomats, government officers and a large number of people of various walks of life were present on the occasion.
Felicitating the people on the 64th Independence Day of the country, the CM said it was the day to salute the founders of Pakistan and martyrs of Pakistan Movement on their heroic struggle and supreme sacrifices, and it was the day to pay tributes to those mothers and sisters as well as lakhs of Muslims, who were forced to leave their hearths and homes and migrate with the hopes of a better tomorrow. “The forefathers of the nation rendered sacrifices for such a homeland where there will be justice, equal rights and opportunities of progress and the new country will be a land of love, brotherhood and sacrifice. But, unfortunately despite a lapse of 63 years, Pakistan has not become such a country as had been envisioned by its founders. Though Pakistan met some successes during the last 64 years the biggest of which is its becoming a nuclear power due to the efforts of its scientists and determination of various governments but the list of its failures is very long,” he said, adding that no doubt Pakistan was facing such serious issues as energy crisis, price-hike, lawlessness, terrorism and corruption but history was witness to the fact that some nations faced even worst situation but achieved the pinnacle of progress though honesty and hard work. “The Pakistani nation by adopting Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) can also achieve the goal of progress and development and materialise the dreams of the founders of the country. Begging bowl and nuclear capability cannot go together and in order to achieve respect and move forward it is necessary to get rid of the begging bowl,” he maintained.
Earlier, the CM visited the Mazar of the Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal and laid a floral wreath. He also offered Fateha at the Mazar as well as recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.
A smartly turned-out contingent of scouts presented salute to the CM who also hoisted the national flag at the Hazoori Bagh. Children presented national songs which were highly appreciated by the participants of the ceremony. The CM went to the children who presented national songs, encouraged them and also got photographed with them.

Nawaz Sharif for bold steps against terrorism

President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said we have to make collective efforts for restoring the lost image of the country throughout the world, and we will have to take bold stance for eliminating terrorism by leaving apathy so that the true image of Pakistan could be revived.
Nawaz Sharif pledged that we would play our role for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan sincerely and would not hesitate for rendering any sacrifice. He said Pakistan was the best gift of the Quaid-e-Azam and we had to come forward for changing its destination. “The present government has spared no effort for maligning the image of the country and the outsiders “aghyar” took full benefit of it and imposed wrong policies on Pakistan. Time has come that the dignity of the country could be enhanced. It is only possible if we respect the judiciary, abide by the law, through national unity and the outsiders should not be allowed to become the part our foreign policy,” he said, adding that the country was very beautiful and we had to eliminate the blot of terrorism through the beautiful colours of photographs.

Siree-payee dish not favourite of ex-PM

Former premier Nawaz Sharif has negated much-known impression that he loves eating siree-payee (head-feet of a goat…. though crudely translated).
“My favourites is aalo ghosht (potato-meat). I have never eaten zubaan (tongue) and siree (head),” he mentioned in a lighter vein, while addressing a function where he talked about the eating habits of Pakistanis and Indians.