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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
State Aristocracy’s Pakistan – 18: Dr. Qadri enjoys VVIP security at government’s expense
ISLAMABAD:
At least 40 cops including several elite commandoes and two vehicles of the
Punjab police are delegated for round-the-clock security of Pakistan Awami
Tehrik (PAT) Chairman Dr. Tahirul Qadri, who is spending approximately Rs2
million per month from the provincial coffer. His security paraphernalia
consists of a total of one sub-inspector, four head constables, 22 constables,
12 elite force commandoes, two drivers and two vehicles, a senior Punjab
government official told The News.
This
is apart from the personal guards that Dr. Qadri has hired from a private firm
for his security and dozens of his own party men, who perform similar duties
with him. Of the Punjab government security personnel, the official said, one
sub-inspector, three head constables and 18 constables are deployed at the PAT
chief’s Model Town residence. One head constable and four constables are
detailed at the nearby Minhajul Quran Markaz in the same vicinity for Dr. Qadri’s
security.
Besides,
there are 12 elite force commandoes, who are on 24-hour duty having a vehicle
in their use. Another vehicle is in the use of other policemen. Each vehicle
spends approximately Rs.100, 000 per month for this duty. The policemen are
drawing monthly salaries ranging from Rs.30, 000 to Rs.60, 000 per month, the
official said giving the breakup of their pays.
He
said that foolproof security was ensured for Dr. Qadri immediately after his
return to Pakistan in December last. He said the Punjab government has not
bothered about the lethal attack the PAT chief continues to shower on the
provincial administration and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN). As far
as the security cover for Dr. Qadri is concerned, the official said, the
government has made it a point not to give him an opportunity to complain and
he seems to be satisfied with it. Such kind of security, the official said, is
available only to VVIPs, who occupy key government offices. He said that
maximum care has been taken in view of the peculiar security situation. He said
that Dr. Qadri would continue to have this much security cover till the time he
is in Pakistan. For the moment, he has no plan to go back to Canada and will
stay in Pakistan at least till the conclusion of the forthcoming general
elections.
According to the official, it was because of the comprehensive security
consisting of different layers provided to the PAT chairman during his long
march that he had an absolutely smooth passage from Lahore to Rawalpindi. At no
stage, did the provincial administration create any hurdle in his way to
discourage participation of people in his protest, he said.
Ayeeni Istihkaam Aur Siyasi Hejaan
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Monday, February 18, 2013
Who are these “Men of Opinion” – promoting their opinion at the cost of taxpayers’ money! - 2
In
Pakistan, political meanness has thousands of ways to maneuver the things!
[Roznama Express, The News, The Express Tribune, February 14, 2013]
Obviously,
if one doesn't follow moral principles, no rules, no laws could
restrain him from doing what he is intent upon doing!
In
view of the forthcoming general elections in the country, "The ECP
(Election Commission of Pakistan) has slapped a ban on ads carrying pictures of
political leaders on TV channels and newspapers. It also warned of action over
violation of its directives." (The News, January 4, 2013)
However,
among other things, for the last few days, newspapers are publishing the
following ads with pictures of "men of opinion" commending the
"Services of the Government of Sindh."
See
some more instances:
[Roznama Express, The News, The Express Tribune, February 13, 2013]
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Sunday, February 17, 2013
Mafiya Siyasat Ka Kacha Chatha
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State Aristocracy’s Pakistan – 17: Transparency raises questions about Rs.5 billion Bilawal House in Lahore
ISLAMABAD: The newly constructed 200-kanal palace in Bahria Town
Lahore named Bilawal House, said to be worth Rs5 billion and allegedly gifted
to the President of Pakistan, has come under severe criticism from Transparency
International.
“The press reports have not been denied by anyone, and it is therefore assumed that the reports of Rs5 billion house built by Malik Riaz and gifted to President Asif Ali Zardari are correct. Transparency International Pakistan would like to inform the president that according to the Rules and Instructions relating to the Conduct of Government Servants, Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 Section 5 (1) quoted below, gifts shall not be accepted. 5. Gifts: (1) Save as otherwise provided in this rule, no government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the government, accept, or permit any member of his family to accept, from any person any gift the receipt of which will place him under any form of official obligation to the donor. If, however, due to very exceptional reasons, a gift cannot be refused, the same may, under intimation to the Cabinet Division, be kept for official use in the Department or Organisation in which he is working.”
TIP, in a letter to the Supreme Court, NAB and many other organisations,
has asked how the president can receive the ‘gift’, as no government servant
can accept any gift while in service. The spokesman of Bahria Town, Col (retd)
Khalil when contacted said it was not in his knowledge and only Malik Riaz
can
reveal the actual situation. Malik Riaz Hussain could not be contacted for
comments.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan, the chairman National Accountability
Bureau, the chairman Public Accounts Committee and the federal minister of
finance have also been sent letters by the Transparency International regarding
200-kanal palace allegedly gifted to the president just ahead of the general
election.
Transparency International Pakistan has referred to the following
international and national press reports:
1. That after building a Bilawal House in Karachi, now the president of
Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari is going to ceremoniously open a Bilawal House in
Lahore’s Bahria Town as well. And according to the sources the house is worth
Rs5 billion.
2. That it is reported that this house is probably a gift for PPP
president from Malik Riaz, who is the owner of Bahria Town.
3. That with one in Karachi, President Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate
another Bilawal House in Bahria Town Lahore on Saturday.
4. That sources told that the house located in popular Bahria Town
Lahore having worth of Rs5 billion, is a bullet-proof bungalow built on over
200 kanals of land.
5. That the house carries a runway for landing of private jets.
6. That sources quoted as saying that the house will be gift to PPP
president from Malik Riaz, the owner of Bahria Town.”
“The press reports have not been denied by anyone, and it is therefore assumed that the reports of Rs5 billion house built by Malik Riaz and gifted to President Asif Ali Zardari are correct. Transparency International Pakistan would like to inform the president that according to the Rules and Instructions relating to the Conduct of Government Servants, Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 Section 5 (1) quoted below, gifts shall not be accepted. 5. Gifts: (1) Save as otherwise provided in this rule, no government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the government, accept, or permit any member of his family to accept, from any person any gift the receipt of which will place him under any form of official obligation to the donor. If, however, due to very exceptional reasons, a gift cannot be refused, the same may, under intimation to the Cabinet Division, be kept for official use in the Department or Organisation in which he is working.”
Transparency International Pakistan has requested the secretary general
to the president to process the gift of Rs5 Billion House at Bahria Town Lahore
to be transferred to the government of Pakistan if the news reports are
correct.
Link to the news: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-20957-Transparency-raises-questions-about-Rs5-bn-Bilawal-House-in-Lahore
[The News, February 14, 2013]
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Valentine's Day Ke Liye Aik Nazm
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