Day: May 26, 2024

As part of the significant interactive events marking the Africa Day on May 25, the Russian-African Club of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov held an international media competition with the focused theme on Great Personalities in the history of Soviet/Russian-African relations.

The participants, with diverse backgrounds, were from various African countries. Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Ghana, Kenya, Russia, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa and Togo emerged as the final winning countries in the media competition (2024). 

The organizers’ introductory report says “Great Personalities” in the history of Russian-African relations has been redefined as known and unknown personalities in the recent or less recent history of Russian-African interdependent relations. It is a mix of a deep understanding of Russian-African historical relations in all key areas, dating as far back as the pre-Soviet times. 

Soviet Union’s immense contributions to Africa’s liberation struggle and final attainment of statehood, political independence and sovereignty were historical symbolic achievements. Soviet Union further assisted many African states in economic sectors. Today, Africa shows this warm gratitude and sympathy for these.

The organizers explicitly indicated that, at least, between 1950 and 1990, as part of the Soviet Union’s support to the decolonization process in Africa, more than 400,000 African students were trained on state scholarships. Many of them have returned to Africa and still have a productive relation with Russia. Some of them stayed in Russia, occupying various positions in support to the relations with Africa.

The organizers’ report noted the increasing loss of influence of Western countries in Africa, which is primarily due to the perceived structural inefficiency and repetitive dishonesty for decades on the effective benefits of the so-called Western “free” assistance in Africa. 

The theme of the international competition – “Great Personalities in the History of Russian-African Relations” – drew a lot of participants from Africa and Russia. At the end of the celebration, the Club wished all Africans successful, fruitful work and great achievements in strengthening comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Africa! 

The Russian-African Club was established in the summer of 2022 at M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. The president of the Russian-African Club is the rector of Moscow State University V.A. Sadovnichy. The club’s activities are aimed at strengthening friendly relations and comprehensive ties between African countries and Russia. 

In Pakistan, being critical of the country’s omnipotent army is indeed a very dangerous thing as it can invite serious repercussions ranging from being mercilessly belaboured to being abducted and in some cases even losing one’s life. Rawalpindi’s acute intolerance to criticism, even when it’s constructive in nature, is no secret and the military is particularly offended when someone exposes its cavalier ways and abuse of power without any accountability. So, incidents of people who have dared to antagonise those in khakis being roughed up or abducted by unknown persons aren’t uncommon.

However, despite being well-aware about the law and having a fair idea of who the assailants are, seldom do the victims who dared to criticise the Pakistan army disclose the identity of their attackers/ kidnappers and very rarely file police complaints. And leave alone preventing such incidents the police are not even able to  apprehend those brazenly carrying out these illegal acts, even when they take place in the heart of major cities and that too in broad daylight.

Islamabad claims to be having an exceptionally efficient intelligence  and investigative setup with exceptional professional skills. After every major terrorist attack, these agencies come up with a blow by blow account of how these were planned behind closed doors in its neighbouring countries, by not only Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing [RAW] but also the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP] terrorist group.

Yet, Pakistan’s premier intelligence and investigating agencies inexplicably make no headway when it comes to tracking down those who brutalise or abduct critics of the Pakistan army. This is even in cases wherein courageous victims give enough indications that clearly reveals who had whisked them away, and when irrefutable evidence in terms of video recordings of the incident exists. A few incidents that prove this observation:

·  On September 4, 2010, journalist Umar Cheema who had written several articles that were critical of the Pakistan army in The News was abducted in Islamabad. Taken to an undisclosed location in the outskirts, he was physically abused and warned not to write articles that were critical of the government. After being released, Cheema reported this incident and even went on record to say that “I have suspicions, and every journalist has suspicions, that all fingers point to the ISI.” [Emphasis added]. With  Dawn in its editorial of September 7, 2010, maintaining that “This paper’s stand is clear: the government and its intelligence agencies will be considered guilty until they can prove their innocence,” [Emphasis added], there’s no room for any doubts as to who was behind this abduction. Regrettably, despite the journalist’s revelation as well as the then Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani personal assurance to him that this incident would be thoroughly investigated, it remains unsolved till date.

·  On June 5, 2018, Gul Bhukari who is critical of the Pakistan army was abducted when the car in which she was travelling was intercepted by “unknown persons.” As this incident took place on Sherpao Bridge inside Lahore Cantonment, which is a virtual fortress with strictly controlled access and exit points. This incident raises two questions-one, how could the abductors enter the well secured Lahore Cantonment in the first place, and two, how could they manage to get past the security check-post and escape with a kidnapped lady journalist in tow? Though Bhukari was subsequently released by her abductors, this case still remains unsolved.

·  On July 21, 2020, senior Pakistani journalist and YouTuber Matiullah Jan was abducted in broad daylight from a women’s college in Islamabad just after he had dropped his wife. The college CCTV showed around a dozen men, some dressed in uniforms worn by Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorist Squad [ATS] blocking Jan’s car and ordering him to come out. When he resists, they manhandle him and after forcing him into another vehicle drive away. Despite the fact that at least five of his abductors weren’t wearing masks the police have failed to identify the assailants.  Even the National Database & Registration Authority [NADRA] expressed inability to identify the abductors whose faces are clearly visible, giving the feeble excuse that the images weren’t clear enough. The Pakistan army and police outrightly denied any involvement and this makes things even scarier. Needless to say that the very thought of three vehicles filled with men disguised as ATS commandos moving around unchecked in the national capital and abducting a journalist in broad daylight is indeed very disquieting. In fact, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah’s pointed query that “What impression will the public get that people are roaming around freely in police uniforms,” endorses this matter-of-fact apprehension. Furthermore, Jan’s unconditional release just 12 hours later doesn’t make sense-unless its aim was to “scare others” as mentioned by the IHC chief Justice.

Despite so many incidents of those critical of the Pakistan army being abducted, investigating agencies have failed to identify a single culprit and this in itself gives a clear indication as to who are the perpetrators. This issue has come up before the Islamabad High Court [IHC] in the ongoing case of Kashmiri poet Ahmed Farhad Shah who was abducted soon after he criticised the Pakistan army’s harsh dealing in the recent Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir [PoJK] unrest on social media.

IHC senior puisne judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani hearing this case outrightly rejected ISI’s claim that it had no information regarding the abduction of Farhad and made it clear that the claim made by Pakistan army’s spy agency was “not believable.” He has accordingly summoned the sector commanders of both ISI and Military Intelligence [MI] alongwith others and directed that “Now, the ISI sector commander’s statement will be recorded in the missing person’s case,” adding that “A police officer will record his statement and write it.” 

The puisne judge also highlighted the fact that “In general, IB [Intelligence Bureau], MI and ISI are accused of missing persons and enforced disappearances, which has affected their reputation and governance and created a negative perception of these institutions in the eyes of the public,” and asked “What steps has the state taken so far to eliminate institutional antagonism and the negative public perception of key state institutions and their reputation?” As expected, the Attorney General had no answer!

Most importantly, Justice Kayani has decreed that “Whichever case on missing persons is fixed before this court, its hearing will be live-streamed.” This will draw public attention to the widespread malaise of abductions and enforced disappearances orchestrated by the Pakistan army, and thus act as a deterrent. However, despite being censured on this issue several times, Rawalpindi has shown scant regards for the judiciary.

The reason for such shocking indifference can be best described in the words of senior IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui who in 2018 admitted that  “Today the judiciary and media have come in the control of ‘Bandookwala’ [literal translation ‘gunmen’; here a reference to the army],” and that the  “Judiciary is not independent.” He went on to elaborate by revealing how “In different cases, the ISI forms benches of its choice to get desired results”, adding that the army’s spy agency blatantly indulges in “manipulating judicial proceedings as its officials manage to constitute benches at its will and mark cases to selected judges.” 

Justice Kayani has asked ISI- “Are you going to run the country or follow the law?” While this blunt poser exposes ISI’s complete lack of accountability, but what needs to be seen is how Rawalpindi reacts. Will Pakistan army meekly accept this frontal assault on its extra-constitutional powers and supremacy over other state organs, or as is its wont, will decide to brazen it out. While logic suggests that it would be puerile for Rawalpindi to take-on the judiciary, but then, Pakistan army’s dogged determination to defend its turf at all costs should not be underestimated!   

In a tragic incident of violence against the Christian community, a mob brutally beat a Christian man and set his house and shoe factory ablaze over accusations of desecrating the pages of the Holy Quran in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony. This attack represents yet another instance of escalating violence against Christians in Punjab.

Nazir Gill, is in a critical condition after police rescued him and brought him to the hospital, whre is faighitng for his life. 

The accuser, Jahangir Jamal, a member of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, alleged that Gill had burned Quran pages, prompting the police to register a case under blasphemy laws and the Anti-Terrorism Act. 

The enraged mob stormed Gill’s home and factory, causing extensive property damage and attempting to lynch him. In fear, many Christian residents fled their homes, with some seeking refuge in nearby churches.

A heavy police presence eventually dispersed the mob gathered around the suspects’ home. Despite this, the Christian community in the area remains in fear, with many fleeing to avoid potential attacks from extremist mobs.

Human rights activist Joseph Jansen strongly condemned the brutal attack on Christians in Sargodha and called for an end to vigilante justice. He said that this incident is reminiscent of last year’s devastating mob violence in the Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, where 26 churches in a Christian neighborhood were attacked by an outraged mob over an alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. 

“It’s alarming that people feel compelled to take the law into their own hands, indicating a severe loss of trust in the police and judiciary,” he added.

Jansen highlighted that at least 100 people have been extrajudicially killed and lynched under the guise of blasphemy accusations in the past years.

He stressed the urgent need for the government to implement legal and administrative measures to curb the trend of mob justice and promote a law-abiding, tolerant society.

Human rights activist Ashkinaz Khokhar emphasized that timely action by law enforcement in cases involving blasphemy accusations could help prevent mob violence and save lives. “This is only possible if the police fulfill their responsibility to maintain law and order and protect the accused from extrajudicial killings,” Khokhar stated.

Nadia Stephen added, “The increase in violence in the name of religion is due to the government’s lack of capacity to de-radicalize citizens and a lack of political will to introduce substantial reforms in laws related to defamation of religion. Serious action must be taken against those involved in such violence.”

Activists have urged the government to halt the misuse of blasphemy laws, protect victims from mob violence, and enforce existing laws to punish those who attack police stations, make false accusations, and resort to violence. 

They also called for an end to vigilante justice and stressed the need for measures to reestablish peace and security in Sargodha.

The gruesome murder of Bangladesh MP Md. Anwarul Azim Anar in Kolkata has sent shockwaves across the border in both Bengals .  

The prime murder suspect, Jihad Hawladar, 24, is an illegal immigrant from Khulna in Bangladesh, who lives and works as a butcher in Mumbai ,  according to the West Bengal CID. Hawladar has admitted to his involvement in the murder of the MP before the CID and disclosed he was brought to a flat in Kolkata’s Chinar Park more than two months before to prepare for the murder.

 The CID arrested him from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district on Thursday.

Earlier, the police in Bangladesh arrested three suspects in connection with the death of the MP.

The victim, 56-year-old Anwarul Azim Anar, was a three-time Awami League MP from Jhenaidah-4 in Khulna district of Bangladesh. He had arrived in Kolkata on May 12 for medical treatment. CCTV footage from May 13 showed him entering a housing complex in Kolkata’s New Town area with two men and a woman. Between May 13 and May 15, the three people, who were entered the complex with Anar, were caught on CCTV cameras leaving the premises carrying two big bags.

The woman is believed to be Shilasthi Rahman who was used to honey-trap the MP.

The MP was smothered to death, his body cut into pieces and mixed with turmeric powder before being disposed of. Police are on the lookout to retrieve the body parts.

 The Dhaka Police are suspecting that a U.S.-based businessman, Md. Akhtaruzzaman Shahin, had masterminded the murder and hired the alleged killers, alongwith three other gold smuggling dons on the India-Bangladesh border.

That’s where hangs the story.

Anar also headed a gold smuggling ring which was involved in a fierce turf battle with Shahin and another gold businessman Dilip Agarwala , a central Awami League leader who contested as an independent candidate from Chuadanga after failing to get the Awami League nomination. Agarwala insists he has no connection with gold smuggling or border ganglords like Shahdat who is said to have pulled off Anar’s murder to avenge his brother-in- law Nannu’s killing late last year in Kolkata. But intelligence in both countries think otherwise.

BSF intelligence sources say that most Awami League MPs and aspirants in border constituencies are involved with smuggling of different kinds which leaves them flush with funds to ‘ buy ‘ nominations by bribing Awami League leaders.

A secret report by a leading Indian intelligence agency after the recent Bangladesh parliament polls says 147 of the 222 Awami League MPs elected largely by fraudulent means had criminal records including 43 who have been chargesheeted. 

” That points to a very dangerous level of criminalisation in the Awami League which once enjoyed huge mass connect because it promoted educated middle class leaders like teachers and professionals enjoying social respect ,” said Benu Ghosh, a former Intelligence Bureau officer specialising  in Bangladesh. 

” Corruption at the top echelons of the party has helped the criminslisation of the Awami grassroots because senior leaders including key members of the Prime Minister’s family take fat bribes to sell nominations, ” Ghosh told the Federal.

 ” You can’t expect an incorruptible actress- lawyer politician like Tarana Halim to pay 20-30 crore taka to buy nomination. She is unbelievably popular but her rival in Tangail , Asadul Islam Titu can and has paid  up because he has hush funds in millions. Titu has been a lead figure in serial stockmarket scams and enjoys patronage of PM’s closest adviser Salman Rahman and openly boasts of buying off  a key member of the Hasina family to ensure his ticket for atleast three elections.” 

” The withering away of the committed middle class leadership in Awami League and the rise of the trader-mafia in the party marked by high level of criminal involvement is the redeeming feature of Awami League since it came to power in 2008,” says Sukharanjan Dasgupta, author on Bangladesh.  

” Corrupt traders hire mafialords to secure their business interests and get them to neutralise business rivals of a similar kind, while mafialords use their muscles to emerge as business leaders . It is criminalisation of both politics and business,” Dasgupta told the Federal.

Like the horrific Anar killing , the  gruesome 2014 murder of seven Awami League’s leaders in Narayanganj had brought to the fore the dangerous levels of criminalisation in Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League. 

On April 27, 2014, the seven people , including Narayanganj mayor Nazrul Islam and lawyer Chandan Sarkar , were first kidnapped and  later found dead in the Shitalakshya River. 

A lower court in Narayanganj in 2017 handed down death penalties to 26 accused, including an expelled Awami leader Nur Hossain, while nine others were sentenced to different jail terms. 

In 2018, the High Court upheld capital punishment for 15 and commuted the capital punishment of the remaining 11 to life imprisonment.  

Those who were sentenced to death by both courts include RAB-11 former commander Lt Col (ret) Tarek Sayeed Mohammad, former RAB company commander Major Arif Hossain, Lt Col (dismissed) M Masud Rana and former Nayaranganj City Corporation (NCC) councillor and expelled Awami League leader Nur Hossain, who got the.RAB officials involved for fat bribes.

From Narayanganj to Newtown in Kolkata hangs the lengthening shadow of Bangladesh’s criminalised politics into neighbouring Indian states like West Bengal.  While Anar was murdered in Newtown, Nur Hossain was hiding not far from that place until repatriated to stand justice.

Throughout my long career, I have traveled by air frequently, often embarking on very long journeys, likely numbering in the hundreds. Out of all these trips, only twice have I flown business class: once with Lufthansa between Ankara and Houston, and once with Turkish Airlines (THY) between Istanbul and London. All my other flights have been in economy class. In recent years, I have been flying more often with Pegasus, a low-cost airline, which does not offer business class, so I always fly economy with them.

Recently, our national women’s volleyball team expressed their frustration on social media about not being given business class tickets for their flight to the United States. Given their average height of 1.80 meters, their expectation to fly business class for such a long journey is understandable. THY, which spends money on numerous other areas, made them fly 13 hours in economy class. It would have been appropriate for our national athletes to fly business class so they could arrive at their destination without undue fatigue before an important match. In this case, it seems THY made a mistake.

Personally, I am accustomed to flying economy class and it doesn’t bother me. However, I believe our national athletes deserve better travel conditions. The success of athletes is directly related to the facilities provided to them, and such details can positively impact their performance.

What do you think? There is an example of Angela Merkel flying on a commercial flight to Brazil when the official aircraft was unavailable. I won’t comment on our own officials in comparison.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills Thursday and Friday, calling them “punishment” after Lai’s inauguration speech on Monday which Beijing called another push for the island’s formal independence.

China has repeatedly lambasted Lai as a “separatist.” Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed.

Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan, Lai called on China to “share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan,” according to comments provided by his party.

Lai, who won election in January, said he also “looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation, creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity.”

He thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the Chinese exercises.

“The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability,” Lai added.

The first group of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taiwan since Lai took office arrived on the island Sunday for a four-day visit, led by Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

McCaul, joined by a bipartisan group of five other lawmakers, will meet Lai on Monday morning to “exchange views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Taiwan’s presidential office said.

“Taiwan is a thriving democracy. The U.S. will continue to stand by our steadfast partner and work to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait,” McCaul said in a statement.

Taiwan’s government has condemned China’s war games.

Over the past four years, China has staged regular military activities around Taiwan as it seeks to pressure the island’s government.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s defense ministry said the garrison on Erdan islet, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands that sit next to China’s Xiamen and Quanzhou cities, had discovered a “crude” cardboard box containing paper with political slogans on it, written in the simplified Chinese characters used in China.

The ministry said the box was suspected of being dropped by a drone outside the line of sight, adding, “It is a typical cognitive operation trick.”

In 2022, Taiwan shot down a drone off Kinmen after complaining of days of harassment.

China’s defense ministry did not answer calls outside of office hours.

China’s military has kept up a barrage of propaganda videos and animations directed at Taiwan since the exercises began.

Its Eastern Theater Command, which ran the drills, showed a video Sunday of rockets firing in what it referred to in English as “cross-strait lethality.”